Do check out the following links for photos of my Sri Lanka tour. Ensoi.
http://www.flickr.com/gp/50378337@N00/1w956J
http://www.flickr.com/gp/50378337@N00/115Pmw
http://www.flickr.com/gp/50378337@N00/2YRMF7
I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year !!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Back to Work
26th December 07
We are back to serious work after a tour. I forgot to bring the USB for my camera. So, pls visit in first week of Jan 08 for link to srilankan tour photos. Would also have a post of credit for people who took us around. Pls bear with me until then and enjoy the fist test match between India & Australia.
We are back to serious work after a tour. I forgot to bring the USB for my camera. So, pls visit in first week of Jan 08 for link to srilankan tour photos. Would also have a post of credit for people who took us around. Pls bear with me until then and enjoy the fist test match between India & Australia.
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo Part 7
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo Part 7
25th December 2007
We started our day around 7am to a hill station called Nuwara Eliya. We drove out of Kandy and realised that the Kandy river encircles the town on one side and the town is covered by mountain on the other three side. We drove through a well maintained hill road and all the way and reached the hill town by 9:30am.
The town Nuwara Eliya means the city of lighting and the lighting is supposed to have caused by Hanuman when he burnt the parts of Lanka during the rescue operation of Sita. Lot of sri lankan tamilians work in plantations. I saw them with Viboodhi or Sandhu Pottu (Sindoor), sighted some small temples, VEL tamil movie poster etc.
I bought dust tea packet, had some Ulundu vada, tea in Niwara Eliya and transacted in tamil throughout. This small hill town also has one golf course, horse race ground.
We circled the lake once before leaving the town to a place called Hatton. Our interest was mainly to see the place called "Kitulgala" where the classic movie Bridge on the River Kwai was shot.
The road to Hatton was not great but motorable comfortably. When we came down to Hatton around noon, we also a construction site for Hydro Power plant near a huge waterfall. We realised that we climbed one site of mountain through Kandy and came down through another side !!!
We had lunch at a rest house at Hatton and drove down to Kitulgala. We sighted a board guiding the place where the movie was shot before the real town of Kitulgala. We stopped the car and entered the jungles. Only one person can walk and others have to follow through the path and sighted some houses. One boy came and showed us the place.
We were bit surprised by the site and tried to recollect the move and chatting sometime. Water level was quite low during our visit so we could co-relate briefly. We left from there after taking some photos around 2:45pm and saw some river shafting being promoted on our way to plains.
The drivers were quite patient on the hill roads and does not make many horns and give side regularly for vehicles which tries to speed up without battling an eyelid.
We reached Colombo through Avissawella and Highlevel road (A4) by around 5pm or so.
Our romance with rain lasted for some 500Kms of our travel out of total 900 Kms and our trip came to end peacefully.
25th December 2007
We started our day around 7am to a hill station called Nuwara Eliya. We drove out of Kandy and realised that the Kandy river encircles the town on one side and the town is covered by mountain on the other three side. We drove through a well maintained hill road and all the way and reached the hill town by 9:30am.
The town Nuwara Eliya means the city of lighting and the lighting is supposed to have caused by Hanuman when he burnt the parts of Lanka during the rescue operation of Sita. Lot of sri lankan tamilians work in plantations. I saw them with Viboodhi or Sandhu Pottu (Sindoor), sighted some small temples, VEL tamil movie poster etc.
I bought dust tea packet, had some Ulundu vada, tea in Niwara Eliya and transacted in tamil throughout. This small hill town also has one golf course, horse race ground.
We circled the lake once before leaving the town to a place called Hatton. Our interest was mainly to see the place called "Kitulgala" where the classic movie Bridge on the River Kwai was shot.
The road to Hatton was not great but motorable comfortably. When we came down to Hatton around noon, we also a construction site for Hydro Power plant near a huge waterfall. We realised that we climbed one site of mountain through Kandy and came down through another side !!!
We had lunch at a rest house at Hatton and drove down to Kitulgala. We sighted a board guiding the place where the movie was shot before the real town of Kitulgala. We stopped the car and entered the jungles. Only one person can walk and others have to follow through the path and sighted some houses. One boy came and showed us the place.
We were bit surprised by the site and tried to recollect the move and chatting sometime. Water level was quite low during our visit so we could co-relate briefly. We left from there after taking some photos around 2:45pm and saw some river shafting being promoted on our way to plains.
The drivers were quite patient on the hill roads and does not make many horns and give side regularly for vehicles which tries to speed up without battling an eyelid.
We reached Colombo through Avissawella and Highlevel road (A4) by around 5pm or so.
Our romance with rain lasted for some 500Kms of our travel out of total 900 Kms and our trip came to end peacefully.
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo Part 6
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo Part 6
24th December 2007
It was a cold night and we found difficult to sleep. Some how we managed to wake up to chirping of birds, wake up call of crow and found misty sky everywhere. It completely changed by 9am and sun light was out on full swing.
We started our day with Buddha Temple in Kandy where the relic of Buddha was kept. Good crowd and we took a walk around the temple. The structure was very good with indian pillars and kerala roof on the top of it and kind of tibetian finish to it. We liked the temple very much.
There is also a Museum attached with the temple which showcases the history. The entrance fee is LKR 250 + 150 for camera (around 4 USD).
We again went to the small hill above lake which we visited on 23rd night and had a good view of Kandy town. We came down and went on with official work by 9:30 or so and came out around noon.
The sun was shining bright and town was bustling with activity. It was like any other indian town. Platform shops, traffic jams, narrow road. It was funny to see one road cutting the railway track in the heart of city and the gate was manually operated !!! We walked fully to get some lunch and did some shopping at Laksala (government owned craftmaker like Poompuhar or Cauvery) for Souveneirs. Clothing shopping was not that impressive in kandy. We had buffet lunch at Diwan Hotel.
We finally drove down to see the University of Peradeniya which was like one huge IIT campus. The difference was landscapes, widely placed departments. The best part was kandy river runs through the campus and it has one rail way station too connective Colombo. Very spacious campus and it has green look and the terrain was hill. The campus also had one church, mosque and hindu kovil !!!
We sipped tender coconut on our way back and it was not having much of sweet taste. Bit disappointing when compared to our expectation :)
24th December 2007
It was a cold night and we found difficult to sleep. Some how we managed to wake up to chirping of birds, wake up call of crow and found misty sky everywhere. It completely changed by 9am and sun light was out on full swing.
We started our day with Buddha Temple in Kandy where the relic of Buddha was kept. Good crowd and we took a walk around the temple. The structure was very good with indian pillars and kerala roof on the top of it and kind of tibetian finish to it. We liked the temple very much.
There is also a Museum attached with the temple which showcases the history. The entrance fee is LKR 250 + 150 for camera (around 4 USD).
We again went to the small hill above lake which we visited on 23rd night and had a good view of Kandy town. We came down and went on with official work by 9:30 or so and came out around noon.
The sun was shining bright and town was bustling with activity. It was like any other indian town. Platform shops, traffic jams, narrow road. It was funny to see one road cutting the railway track in the heart of city and the gate was manually operated !!! We walked fully to get some lunch and did some shopping at Laksala (government owned craftmaker like Poompuhar or Cauvery) for Souveneirs. Clothing shopping was not that impressive in kandy. We had buffet lunch at Diwan Hotel.
We finally drove down to see the University of Peradeniya which was like one huge IIT campus. The difference was landscapes, widely placed departments. The best part was kandy river runs through the campus and it has one rail way station too connective Colombo. Very spacious campus and it has green look and the terrain was hill. The campus also had one church, mosque and hindu kovil !!!
We sipped tender coconut on our way back and it was not having much of sweet taste. Bit disappointing when compared to our expectation :)
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo - Part 5
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo - Part 5
22 Dec & 23 Dec
We started our journey from Colombo on 22nd Dec around 7:15am. Our first target to go Anuradhapura through Kurunegala. The traffic was less and we drove at comfortable 60Km speed throughout. The highway is named such as A1, A2... A9. We took A1 highway.The roads were not broad and traffic was thick on our way compared to vehicle movement towards Colombo. We stopped our car on the way to take herbal porridge with Vellam. We shopped for cashew on our way alongside the road (Bataleeya) and found the taste was very good.
On our way, we visited Bandaranayake's memorial near Nittambuwa. Sirimovo Bandaranayake was the first women prime minister and she had a towering personality and important person in Non Aligned Movement (NAM). I do not know much about Mr Bandaranayake although.
We looked around for breakfast and Lankans have tendency to eat early. So some hotels were running out of stock and we found one place to eat Warakapola . Lankans have bread with Dhal in the morning whereas we take the same with jam. Some kind of Idiyappam is also widely available provided you reach for breakfast as early as 7:15am.
The rain started from this place and we stopped at Kurunegala for bit of official work. The office was like one resort or bangalow and was amazingly neat and organised. We proceeded from there and took a circle in Kurunegala lake. Kurunegala had a medium sized hill and it has one towering Buddha Statue to greet the public.
We took road back to Anuradhapura. We saw one huge textile manufacturing facility of MAS.
We kept travelling and stopped near Galewala for our Lunch. We found one restaurent called AUR and it was one 1970s look and feel party hall. The lunch was served immediately and the buffet was like Rice, Dhall, Aloo gravy, Chicken gravy, keerai. The food was okay but nothing was hot other than Rice.
We reached a place called Galewala and took our diversion thru pass road there by avoiding Dambulla. But it was raining fully and the water level hitting the ground. We went some 12KMs inside and we could not go further as the water was overflowing. We took U-turn and came back fully.
We saw one lake near Dambulla stadium on our way back in a place called Ibbankatuwa. It was so big and water was fully muddy. The shutter was open and excessive water was getting divered into river. It was raining heavily and we observed the same with holding umbrella. We further went and touched Dambulla town and bought some water and enquired about road blockade. We didn't get much of quality information and we proceeded to Kalawewa.
Kalawewa had one huge lake and we travelled above the Bund in a decent road. One can see the lake on the left side whereas full landscape was visible on right side. The road was heightened and one can realise the height is as high as to match 1 1/2 cocunut tree's height. It was so picture perfect and we went on and on over some 4-5Kms of length. We crossed the shutter of this lake and it was so low and the water was going below the road and people were standing and watching the fun.
We went further to see Buddha's statue in a place called Aukana. It was very old temple overlooking the gushing water of Kalawewa water and forest. The stone work was so natural and it had the waves or folding of traditional dhoti. I was told by my guide that the water falling on the nose of Buddha designed to fell on the feet of statue.
We went down and took the main highway to Anuradhapura through a link road. We saw lot of bird chirping, cow (first time in this Lankan trip), Banana plantains. The highway linking sign board showed Anuradhapura and Jaffna in one direction from here. We were probing our guide about Jaffna a lot (due to LTTE factor, how sri lankan government governs the place etc).
Finally, we reached Anuradhapura and there was no rain when we joined this road from Awukana. We were just miles away from Dambulla. The entire road to Anuradhapura is full of paddy fields. We sighted one military tank on our way and the soldiers were beaming and waving. The security check was happening on high-ways and but we were never stopped and always observed partially.
We finally reached Anuradhapura around evening. It is a quiet place and we entered the town and started finding a place to stay. Our guide had a tie-up with local hotel but it was fully booked. We went around to find a suitable place. Lot of old mansions were converted as guest houses and hence they were mosquito prone. We didnt take chance and we stayed in one hotel called "Miridiya Hotel".
Galway's Miridiya hotel / Lodge had huge lawn and scenic backdrop of Nuawavewa lake. It was raining so we stayed put here. Had a good buffet dinner for LKR 800 (7.5 USD) per head. Hotel was fully booked and had lot of pilgrims were piling up for Poya Day (Full moon day) and due to this we had to pay around 70 USD. The food taste was definitely different compared to Colombo food and the salt, spicy was moderated.
The room facility was very basic and had no TV, paper etc. The hotel officials dressed traditionally. We woke up next day morning and found the crowd was starting early to Queue up for breakfast and the Lankans were dressed up in traditional wear very early in the morning. We had our quota, vacated the room and left around 9am to work on 23rd Dec,07.
Our official work got over around 12noon and we were taken care nicely during our work. We left to sacred city and We walked through the ruins of very old structures. The town was had three divisions and it is spread over huge land back drop. We combed through many structures and realised the scope of town which was set up some 1800 years ago.
The tourists were supposed to be charged around LKR 4500 (42 USD) to take a look at the entire Anuradhapura. We saw only one place and we just drove through without buying the ticket.
We saw a Jetavana Stupa which was built during the reign of King Mahasena (273 - 303 A.D). We first stighted the tower and generally walking towards that. We could not get the full picture as the ruins had lot of trees and small structures.
We were simply overawed by the structure when we got a full view. It is a marvel of work and can be compared with any great Indian temple. They used bricks a of Stupa and had big circle and they build a "handle of bell" above the circle. Too good to believe that there is nothing inside the structure. The archaelogical team is maintaining the structure. We took a circle and it took almost 10-12m to complete the circle. Too impressive indeed.
We left there and went driving around the area and reached the town for lunch. We finished and took road to Dambulla on our way to Kandy. We left around 2pm and reached Dabmulla around 3:15pm. The rain was lashing all over Dambulla locality and we were joking that epic center of rain is Dambulla. It was water, water everywhere.
We crossed Dambulla and came near Kekirawa in different route than what we took earlier to reach Dambulla one day before. The water was flowing all through the road and the paddy lands were brimming with water at ground level. We felt something is wrong and rain is chasing where ever we go and proceeded.
Dambulla is a nice commercial center and remains as important linking of all towns. It had a huge commodity market or economic zone. Dambulla has also a huge Buddha temple with golden tower. It has also a rock climbing kind of temple to Buddha. We did not venture to both these places due to rain.
We saw towns like Nalanda, Matale on our way. It was raining all through until we reached Kandy. But the town Matale is very impressive and had lot of activity. Matale also had a nice Hindu Temple. The route had lot of herbal gardens and they attract lot of visitors.
The hill station route to Kandy started after Matale. Kandy is similar to Yercaud but had a different look and feel. The chillness was far better than what one gets in Yercaud (probably due to heavy rains near our visit) The great cricketers like Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakara hails from Katugastota before Kandy town. We saw mountain on both sides and could not see much of land. My boss was joking that is why Murali had become a spin bowler rather than a fast bowler.
We checked into a hotel called Riverdale and it was quite homely hotel. We checked out news in the TV and Dambulla flood was the headline attraction. The news also claimed that the rain is never before rain for around 20 years and the badly affected areas were Dambulla, Mathale, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura and Pollannaruwa & Jaffna. We saw the lashing of rain and travelled right through with it without realising it !!!
We had dinner at Sriram Indian Restaurent. The sambar was more of Dhal but the taste was decent and the price was moderate. We had a look at the night view of from a small hill and came back to rest.
22 Dec & 23 Dec
We started our journey from Colombo on 22nd Dec around 7:15am. Our first target to go Anuradhapura through Kurunegala. The traffic was less and we drove at comfortable 60Km speed throughout. The highway is named such as A1, A2... A9. We took A1 highway.The roads were not broad and traffic was thick on our way compared to vehicle movement towards Colombo. We stopped our car on the way to take herbal porridge with Vellam. We shopped for cashew on our way alongside the road (Bataleeya) and found the taste was very good.
On our way, we visited Bandaranayake's memorial near Nittambuwa. Sirimovo Bandaranayake was the first women prime minister and she had a towering personality and important person in Non Aligned Movement (NAM). I do not know much about Mr Bandaranayake although.
We looked around for breakfast and Lankans have tendency to eat early. So some hotels were running out of stock and we found one place to eat Warakapola . Lankans have bread with Dhal in the morning whereas we take the same with jam. Some kind of Idiyappam is also widely available provided you reach for breakfast as early as 7:15am.
The rain started from this place and we stopped at Kurunegala for bit of official work. The office was like one resort or bangalow and was amazingly neat and organised. We proceeded from there and took a circle in Kurunegala lake. Kurunegala had a medium sized hill and it has one towering Buddha Statue to greet the public.
We took road back to Anuradhapura. We saw one huge textile manufacturing facility of MAS.
We kept travelling and stopped near Galewala for our Lunch. We found one restaurent called AUR and it was one 1970s look and feel party hall. The lunch was served immediately and the buffet was like Rice, Dhall, Aloo gravy, Chicken gravy, keerai. The food was okay but nothing was hot other than Rice.
We reached a place called Galewala and took our diversion thru pass road there by avoiding Dambulla. But it was raining fully and the water level hitting the ground. We went some 12KMs inside and we could not go further as the water was overflowing. We took U-turn and came back fully.
We saw one lake near Dambulla stadium on our way back in a place called Ibbankatuwa. It was so big and water was fully muddy. The shutter was open and excessive water was getting divered into river. It was raining heavily and we observed the same with holding umbrella. We further went and touched Dambulla town and bought some water and enquired about road blockade. We didn't get much of quality information and we proceeded to Kalawewa.
Kalawewa had one huge lake and we travelled above the Bund in a decent road. One can see the lake on the left side whereas full landscape was visible on right side. The road was heightened and one can realise the height is as high as to match 1 1/2 cocunut tree's height. It was so picture perfect and we went on and on over some 4-5Kms of length. We crossed the shutter of this lake and it was so low and the water was going below the road and people were standing and watching the fun.
We went further to see Buddha's statue in a place called Aukana. It was very old temple overlooking the gushing water of Kalawewa water and forest. The stone work was so natural and it had the waves or folding of traditional dhoti. I was told by my guide that the water falling on the nose of Buddha designed to fell on the feet of statue.
We went down and took the main highway to Anuradhapura through a link road. We saw lot of bird chirping, cow (first time in this Lankan trip), Banana plantains. The highway linking sign board showed Anuradhapura and Jaffna in one direction from here. We were probing our guide about Jaffna a lot (due to LTTE factor, how sri lankan government governs the place etc).
Finally, we reached Anuradhapura and there was no rain when we joined this road from Awukana. We were just miles away from Dambulla. The entire road to Anuradhapura is full of paddy fields. We sighted one military tank on our way and the soldiers were beaming and waving. The security check was happening on high-ways and but we were never stopped and always observed partially.
We finally reached Anuradhapura around evening. It is a quiet place and we entered the town and started finding a place to stay. Our guide had a tie-up with local hotel but it was fully booked. We went around to find a suitable place. Lot of old mansions were converted as guest houses and hence they were mosquito prone. We didnt take chance and we stayed in one hotel called "Miridiya Hotel".
Galway's Miridiya hotel / Lodge had huge lawn and scenic backdrop of Nuawavewa lake. It was raining so we stayed put here. Had a good buffet dinner for LKR 800 (7.5 USD) per head. Hotel was fully booked and had lot of pilgrims were piling up for Poya Day (Full moon day) and due to this we had to pay around 70 USD. The food taste was definitely different compared to Colombo food and the salt, spicy was moderated.
The room facility was very basic and had no TV, paper etc. The hotel officials dressed traditionally. We woke up next day morning and found the crowd was starting early to Queue up for breakfast and the Lankans were dressed up in traditional wear very early in the morning. We had our quota, vacated the room and left around 9am to work on 23rd Dec,07.
Our official work got over around 12noon and we were taken care nicely during our work. We left to sacred city and We walked through the ruins of very old structures. The town was had three divisions and it is spread over huge land back drop. We combed through many structures and realised the scope of town which was set up some 1800 years ago.
The tourists were supposed to be charged around LKR 4500 (42 USD) to take a look at the entire Anuradhapura. We saw only one place and we just drove through without buying the ticket.
We saw a Jetavana Stupa which was built during the reign of King Mahasena (273 - 303 A.D). We first stighted the tower and generally walking towards that. We could not get the full picture as the ruins had lot of trees and small structures.
We were simply overawed by the structure when we got a full view. It is a marvel of work and can be compared with any great Indian temple. They used bricks a of Stupa and had big circle and they build a "handle of bell" above the circle. Too good to believe that there is nothing inside the structure. The archaelogical team is maintaining the structure. We took a circle and it took almost 10-12m to complete the circle. Too impressive indeed.
We left there and went driving around the area and reached the town for lunch. We finished and took road to Dambulla on our way to Kandy. We left around 2pm and reached Dabmulla around 3:15pm. The rain was lashing all over Dambulla locality and we were joking that epic center of rain is Dambulla. It was water, water everywhere.
We crossed Dambulla and came near Kekirawa in different route than what we took earlier to reach Dambulla one day before. The water was flowing all through the road and the paddy lands were brimming with water at ground level. We felt something is wrong and rain is chasing where ever we go and proceeded.
Dambulla is a nice commercial center and remains as important linking of all towns. It had a huge commodity market or economic zone. Dambulla has also a huge Buddha temple with golden tower. It has also a rock climbing kind of temple to Buddha. We did not venture to both these places due to rain.
We saw towns like Nalanda, Matale on our way. It was raining all through until we reached Kandy. But the town Matale is very impressive and had lot of activity. Matale also had a nice Hindu Temple. The route had lot of herbal gardens and they attract lot of visitors.
The hill station route to Kandy started after Matale. Kandy is similar to Yercaud but had a different look and feel. The chillness was far better than what one gets in Yercaud (probably due to heavy rains near our visit) The great cricketers like Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakara hails from Katugastota before Kandy town. We saw mountain on both sides and could not see much of land. My boss was joking that is why Murali had become a spin bowler rather than a fast bowler.
We checked into a hotel called Riverdale and it was quite homely hotel. We checked out news in the TV and Dambulla flood was the headline attraction. The news also claimed that the rain is never before rain for around 20 years and the badly affected areas were Dambulla, Mathale, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura and Pollannaruwa & Jaffna. We saw the lashing of rain and travelled right through with it without realising it !!!
We had dinner at Sriram Indian Restaurent. The sambar was more of Dhal but the taste was decent and the price was moderate. We had a look at the night view of from a small hill and came back to rest.
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo - Part 4
Part 4 - 19th Dec 2007 to 21st Dec 2007
No rain here on 19th Dec. Feeling better bcoz there were rains in Chennai. CCH tried some new menu for us like spicy jack fruit curry, paratha, some kind of idiyappam.
Climate here is very funny and we felt really humid on 20th morning. Climate oscillates between rain and warm very fast and it gives some irritation of body adjustment. I have learnt to drink black coffee, black tea.
We had a good session with customer on 20th Dec and we went through work smoothly on 20th. Our travel plan to Anuradhapura, Kandy (semi-official trip) was finalised by customer. So we started planning out for that.
We had some indication that we will not be able to book the lodging in Anuradhapura and we need to go out to look for it. We made up our mind for some adventure.
On 21st, we went to House of Fashion and bought some clothing material. I didnt like Boy's dress whereas others were reasonably good. The sizes for shirting above 43 were bit of issue and white shirts were in shortage. We entered the shop by 10am and realised the crowd starts in full mode by 11am or so. We had some time to breathe and we picked our stuff. The prices were quite reasonable. Shirts were priced from LKR 500 (5 USD) to LKR 1450 (14 USD) approximately.
We came back to room after eating our lunch in Amaravati. We went out to buy a trolley bag (from China) and we bought in Pettah market area near our hotel. Initially he quoted LKR 2300 (22 USD) and we closed it out for LKR 1800 (17 USD). CCH tried their hand in Indian food so we got Chapathi, Dhall Fry for dinner on 21st Dec.
No rain here on 19th Dec. Feeling better bcoz there were rains in Chennai. CCH tried some new menu for us like spicy jack fruit curry, paratha, some kind of idiyappam.
Climate here is very funny and we felt really humid on 20th morning. Climate oscillates between rain and warm very fast and it gives some irritation of body adjustment. I have learnt to drink black coffee, black tea.
We had a good session with customer on 20th Dec and we went through work smoothly on 20th. Our travel plan to Anuradhapura, Kandy (semi-official trip) was finalised by customer. So we started planning out for that.
We had some indication that we will not be able to book the lodging in Anuradhapura and we need to go out to look for it. We made up our mind for some adventure.
On 21st, we went to House of Fashion and bought some clothing material. I didnt like Boy's dress whereas others were reasonably good. The sizes for shirting above 43 were bit of issue and white shirts were in shortage. We entered the shop by 10am and realised the crowd starts in full mode by 11am or so. We had some time to breathe and we picked our stuff. The prices were quite reasonable. Shirts were priced from LKR 500 (5 USD) to LKR 1450 (14 USD) approximately.
We came back to room after eating our lunch in Amaravati. We went out to buy a trolley bag (from China) and we bought in Pettah market area near our hotel. Initially he quoted LKR 2300 (22 USD) and we closed it out for LKR 1800 (17 USD). CCH tried their hand in Indian food so we got Chapathi, Dhall Fry for dinner on 21st Dec.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
That's not my job
This is a story about four people named
EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY AND NOBODY.
There was an important job to be done and EVERYBODY was sure that
SOMEBODY would do it.
ANYBODY could have done it, but NOBODY did it.
SOMEBODY got angry about that, because it was EVERYBODY’S job.
EVERYBODY thought ANYBODY could do it.
But NOBODY realized that EVERYBODY wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that EVERYBODY blamed
SOMEBODY when NOBODY did what ANYBODY could have.
EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY AND NOBODY.
There was an important job to be done and EVERYBODY was sure that
SOMEBODY would do it.
ANYBODY could have done it, but NOBODY did it.
SOMEBODY got angry about that, because it was EVERYBODY’S job.
EVERYBODY thought ANYBODY could do it.
But NOBODY realized that EVERYBODY wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that EVERYBODY blamed
SOMEBODY when NOBODY did what ANYBODY could have.
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo - Part 3
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo Part 3
17th Dec 2007 to 18th Dec 2007
Meeting with customer is going on full swing. Mostly they were Sinhalese and bit of srilankan tamil mix. The officials were nice, forthcoming, smiling, time conscious. They were looking forward to share the information to experts (stupid - its me and my boss ofcourse).
Officials were quiet humble, un-assuming of what they have achieved so far and I should admit they had come a long way in their professional life.
The Fort area where we are staying is buzzling with activity, traffic and people. Men dress nicely and asst.Vice president above wear tie to office. Females dress sarees, skirts, trouser - shirt and most of the girls look good. The way the lankan women wear sarees can be said as very precise, elegant. It has a statement and increases their personality. There are two different types of wearing the saree one indian type and the other lankan type.
Office goers of Colombo start the day early by 8:30am or so and wind up their day by 4:45pm. People feel proud when they say that they from places like Kandy or Anuradhapura.
We ate lunch in office canteen for couple of days. Rice, Dhal, Curry are main items of lunch. But the taste is completely different due to some "black spice". Even though the food looks like Indian food, but the taste is totally different. Non-Vegetarian is fully prevalant over Island and offers full comfort. Rice available in two types - white color and brown color.
I forgot to tell you twist of security. Actually, we stay very close to WTC. So security frisk is very high. I am always checked by guards When i step out of hotel to main road. The best part was when we took a stroll to WTC on sunday evening. We realised that some 3-5 guards with machine guns are just above our hotel watching the roads. Actually, they were one floor above the roof top of our hotel.
It was fun to observe that we are taken care so well !!!
SX4 is sold in Lanka for around 13Lakh sri lanka rupees. Pls convert into your currency and check your affordability. 1USD is approximately can get 106 Sri Lankan Rupees.
Sri Lankan Newspapers cover events of India and Tamil Nadu in particular very well.
17th Dec 2007 to 18th Dec 2007
Meeting with customer is going on full swing. Mostly they were Sinhalese and bit of srilankan tamil mix. The officials were nice, forthcoming, smiling, time conscious. They were looking forward to share the information to experts (stupid - its me and my boss ofcourse).
Officials were quiet humble, un-assuming of what they have achieved so far and I should admit they had come a long way in their professional life.
The Fort area where we are staying is buzzling with activity, traffic and people. Men dress nicely and asst.Vice president above wear tie to office. Females dress sarees, skirts, trouser - shirt and most of the girls look good. The way the lankan women wear sarees can be said as very precise, elegant. It has a statement and increases their personality. There are two different types of wearing the saree one indian type and the other lankan type.
Office goers of Colombo start the day early by 8:30am or so and wind up their day by 4:45pm. People feel proud when they say that they from places like Kandy or Anuradhapura.
We ate lunch in office canteen for couple of days. Rice, Dhal, Curry are main items of lunch. But the taste is completely different due to some "black spice". Even though the food looks like Indian food, but the taste is totally different. Non-Vegetarian is fully prevalant over Island and offers full comfort. Rice available in two types - white color and brown color.
I forgot to tell you twist of security. Actually, we stay very close to WTC. So security frisk is very high. I am always checked by guards When i step out of hotel to main road. The best part was when we took a stroll to WTC on sunday evening. We realised that some 3-5 guards with machine guns are just above our hotel watching the roads. Actually, they were one floor above the roof top of our hotel.
It was fun to observe that we are taken care so well !!!
SX4 is sold in Lanka for around 13Lakh sri lanka rupees. Pls convert into your currency and check your affordability. 1USD is approximately can get 106 Sri Lankan Rupees.
Sri Lankan Newspapers cover events of India and Tamil Nadu in particular very well.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Travelogue - Chennai to - Part 2
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo - Part 2
15th Dec, 2007
We went to Amaravati restaurent for sunday lunch and we walked to House of fashions. That was mistake as it was really far. Some of the passerby misguided it as "1/2 KM" but it is not so. Now we realise that take a auto if lankans say near by and take a taxi if they say go in auto !!! But one comforting factor was the place looked more british style and quiet and had some nice buildings.
We went to House of fashions (ala New Saravana Stores) and the place is fully choking with people mostly locals. Hectic shopping was going on and every inch of sq.ft was occupied. We somehow glanced through the stocks, prices and returned without buying due to paucity of time.
From there we went to a place called Deliwala and I should admit the neighbourhood or suburb had lot of shops, people and traffic. People were moving around normally and one can see normal life. Police guarding was relatively very less. We took a round and took a bus to return and got down near WTC.
The realisation was we stay in fortified area so filled with police whereas others lead normal life. We thought of drinking tea in WTC food court and found all the shops were closed due to sunday factor. One can imagine the business activity then.
15th Dec, 2007
We went to Amaravati restaurent for sunday lunch and we walked to House of fashions. That was mistake as it was really far. Some of the passerby misguided it as "1/2 KM" but it is not so. Now we realise that take a auto if lankans say near by and take a taxi if they say go in auto !!! But one comforting factor was the place looked more british style and quiet and had some nice buildings.
We went to House of fashions (ala New Saravana Stores) and the place is fully choking with people mostly locals. Hectic shopping was going on and every inch of sq.ft was occupied. We somehow glanced through the stocks, prices and returned without buying due to paucity of time.
From there we went to a place called Deliwala and I should admit the neighbourhood or suburb had lot of shops, people and traffic. People were moving around normally and one can see normal life. Police guarding was relatively very less. We took a round and took a bus to return and got down near WTC.
The realisation was we stay in fortified area so filled with police whereas others lead normal life. We thought of drinking tea in WTC food court and found all the shops were closed due to sunday factor. One can imagine the business activity then.
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo - Part 1
Travelogue - Chennai to Colombo - Part 1
13th & 14th Dec, 07
I came to Chennai airport and tried to find baggage screening of Jet. I saw huge cue of baggages waiting to be screened. Looked like clothes being exported. I am not exaggerating some hundreds of "bale"s. Finally spoke to some guys and realised that they are garments and going to Lanka for stitching.
We found our way and boarded the plane. Some 70% of the crowd were these small, un-organised sector business people and 30% of others looked little more polished.
We landed in Colombo in 1h:15m or so. Sri Lanka looked beautiful from aerial view and filled with green trees. The airport looked very big and super neat. We cleared immigration and collected our bags. It is bit of waiting due to the garments bags.
Airport is well lit, broad and natural lights coming inside cleanly so it was a good feeling and i should admit, i was deeply impressed.
By this time the rain started and it continued for another 1 1/2 days or so (and washed away the second test match between England and Sri Lanka). The roads were good and the median was more of road separator. No high grills i mean.
The driver was easily doing 60km per hour and i could see all kind of cars Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Hyundai and our own Maruti. Driver looked well built like a pub bouncer and spoke decent english. Buses were of Ashok Leyland and they looked more of Bangalore buses than Chennai buses.
We crossed a nice Galle (pronounced as GALL) River and entered Colombo city. We started seeing lot of people, police, check-posts. Lankans were kind of cross between Tamils and Malayalees !!! The accent of their tamil or sinhala is more of malayalee and their script was bit similar to Kannada (strictly by look and feel !).
We entered fort area and entered Galadari hotel and checked into our room. We had view of beach bit indirectly. Window had a sticker prohibiting the usage of Binoculars, camera. I stuck to the instruction due to heavy guarding around the hotel.
The hotel staff were always smiling and had a eye on customer service only when you directly interact with them. Service was bad when one interacts on phone. The food was decent and priced moderately. Lot of variety of food Italian, Lankan, Indian, Continent etc. I tried one Lankan dish called Kirabaath (rice and more kozhambu types) and found it nice.
I went to office for project kick-off next day and once again went through complete security checking before entering premises. The visitor pass was issued against handing over of passport. The people from customer side were friendly and most Sinhalese. The listened to our kick-off presentation keenly and reserved their questions to the last.
We went out to have our dinner on that day braving good rain. We commuted in Auto mostly for nearby distances and some times the security stops and enquires about where one is going and whether the drive has valid papers.
We ate in Amaravati restaurent and found the food tasty and spicy.
We shifted our hotel on Saturday to Colombo City Hotel. This hotel is for price sensitive people but the facilities were quite decent. Roof top restaurant served food and one can view WTC clearly from here. We took a walk on saturday evening around 5:30pm in neighbourhood but found the roads were deserted mostly. Shops and offices were closed (due to week end) and thin vehicle movement was there. We walked into Kraft supermarket and bought water bottle and came back.
On Saturday, the rain gods went away and we had bit of sunshine. It was really humid and we started sweating. The overall feeling the first 3-4 days is bit of confusion as it looks like people go into some packets of hotel or pubs for time pass rather than stroll in roads. The malls were missing in fort area.
We ate in CCH dinner twice. We realised the lankan food is bit spicy and no pickle concept over here. Side dish quantity is very less compared to what we see in India and the lankan rice served mostly not fully or completely cooked.
13th & 14th Dec, 07
I came to Chennai airport and tried to find baggage screening of Jet. I saw huge cue of baggages waiting to be screened. Looked like clothes being exported. I am not exaggerating some hundreds of "bale"s. Finally spoke to some guys and realised that they are garments and going to Lanka for stitching.
We found our way and boarded the plane. Some 70% of the crowd were these small, un-organised sector business people and 30% of others looked little more polished.
We landed in Colombo in 1h:15m or so. Sri Lanka looked beautiful from aerial view and filled with green trees. The airport looked very big and super neat. We cleared immigration and collected our bags. It is bit of waiting due to the garments bags.
Airport is well lit, broad and natural lights coming inside cleanly so it was a good feeling and i should admit, i was deeply impressed.
By this time the rain started and it continued for another 1 1/2 days or so (and washed away the second test match between England and Sri Lanka). The roads were good and the median was more of road separator. No high grills i mean.
The driver was easily doing 60km per hour and i could see all kind of cars Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Honda, Hyundai and our own Maruti. Driver looked well built like a pub bouncer and spoke decent english. Buses were of Ashok Leyland and they looked more of Bangalore buses than Chennai buses.
We crossed a nice Galle (pronounced as GALL) River and entered Colombo city. We started seeing lot of people, police, check-posts. Lankans were kind of cross between Tamils and Malayalees !!! The accent of their tamil or sinhala is more of malayalee and their script was bit similar to Kannada (strictly by look and feel !).
We entered fort area and entered Galadari hotel and checked into our room. We had view of beach bit indirectly. Window had a sticker prohibiting the usage of Binoculars, camera. I stuck to the instruction due to heavy guarding around the hotel.
The hotel staff were always smiling and had a eye on customer service only when you directly interact with them. Service was bad when one interacts on phone. The food was decent and priced moderately. Lot of variety of food Italian, Lankan, Indian, Continent etc. I tried one Lankan dish called Kirabaath (rice and more kozhambu types) and found it nice.
I went to office for project kick-off next day and once again went through complete security checking before entering premises. The visitor pass was issued against handing over of passport. The people from customer side were friendly and most Sinhalese. The listened to our kick-off presentation keenly and reserved their questions to the last.
We went out to have our dinner on that day braving good rain. We commuted in Auto mostly for nearby distances and some times the security stops and enquires about where one is going and whether the drive has valid papers.
We ate in Amaravati restaurent and found the food tasty and spicy.
We shifted our hotel on Saturday to Colombo City Hotel. This hotel is for price sensitive people but the facilities were quite decent. Roof top restaurant served food and one can view WTC clearly from here. We took a walk on saturday evening around 5:30pm in neighbourhood but found the roads were deserted mostly. Shops and offices were closed (due to week end) and thin vehicle movement was there. We walked into Kraft supermarket and bought water bottle and came back.
On Saturday, the rain gods went away and we had bit of sunshine. It was really humid and we started sweating. The overall feeling the first 3-4 days is bit of confusion as it looks like people go into some packets of hotel or pubs for time pass rather than stroll in roads. The malls were missing in fort area.
We ate in CCH dinner twice. We realised the lankan food is bit spicy and no pickle concept over here. Side dish quantity is very less compared to what we see in India and the lankan rice served mostly not fully or completely cooked.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Next posting from Colombo
I am all set to travel to Colombo. Next update would be from the Buddha's land.
Gujarat Polls
Gujarat Assembly Poll - Phase I got over yesterday. Election commission banned publishing of polling details for the reasons best known to them.
Media all out to see Modi falling down. I personally feel, Modi would scrap through.
If at all Modi loses, congress would gain strength and coalition partners might go slow on pressure tactics on issues like Sethu, Nuclear deal. Otherwise, we will certainly see a most populist budget. That would be a worst ever show of P.Chidambaram as FM.
Media all out to see Modi falling down. I personally feel, Modi would scrap through.
If at all Modi loses, congress would gain strength and coalition partners might go slow on pressure tactics on issues like Sethu, Nuclear deal. Otherwise, we will certainly see a most populist budget. That would be a worst ever show of P.Chidambaram as FM.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Indian Cricket Pitches
We have heard enough stories about re-laying of pitches, getting international help to improve pitches, BCCI allocated some funds etc...
But, one cant find any improvement when we watch cricket.
If one takes the argument of spin bowling, we could not get the opposition out consistently. Pak series didnt have any great exciting moment for bowlers.
Why ICC is not taking any action on BCCI can be understood. They want money from continent and does not care of quality of cricket being played.
But, one cant find any improvement when we watch cricket.
If one takes the argument of spin bowling, we could not get the opposition out consistently. Pak series didnt have any great exciting moment for bowlers.
Why ICC is not taking any action on BCCI can be understood. They want money from continent and does not care of quality of cricket being played.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Rally in US Stocks
US Stocks rallied strongly from 12800 levels to 13600 levels in the last 10 trading sessions. Citibank's stake sale, Expectation of holiday sales, government's consideration in ARM helped this strong rally.
But caution is the buzz world. Stock market normally reacts very fast to expectations but economy would take time its sweet time to react. For DJIA 14000 would act as strong resistance and 13000 would act as strong support. The trend would be very clearer by end January 08.
But caution is the buzz world. Stock market normally reacts very fast to expectations but economy would take time its sweet time to react. For DJIA 14000 would act as strong resistance and 13000 would act as strong support. The trend would be very clearer by end January 08.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Raining Here
It is raining heavily in Chennai. I am enjoying the rain view from my cabin with potato chips :)
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Indian cricket's new coach
BCCI seems adopted contrarian approach when it selected Kirsten.
why contrarian?
Whatmore was selected for NCA. But he was well known for his coaching skills.
Kirsten is just a former player who had no previous experience of coach. But he was appointed as coach without any major competition.
Are you puzzled with approach. Never mind. Probably, BCCI is different.
why contrarian?
Whatmore was selected for NCA. But he was well known for his coaching skills.
Kirsten is just a former player who had no previous experience of coach. But he was appointed as coach without any major competition.
Are you puzzled with approach. Never mind. Probably, BCCI is different.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Outlook for Stocks - Dec 07
Markets would be relatively less volatile and stable this December.
Select Mid-cap and small cap stocks would outperform normal market. DLF & Reliance would be stocks to watch out for in Dec 07 for uptrend. Amararaja, IVRCL Infra could surprise.
Tata Motor might do well due to acquisition talks.
Select Mid-cap and small cap stocks would outperform normal market. DLF & Reliance would be stocks to watch out for in Dec 07 for uptrend. Amararaja, IVRCL Infra could surprise.
Tata Motor might do well due to acquisition talks.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Music Academy - Chennai
I was in Music Academy on Nov 30, 2007. I last went there on Dec 31, 2006.
I didnt like it one bit. The digital clock was not running properly and could not make out digits. A/c was low.
The seats are highly uncomfortable. No space to lean back or stretch the legs.
It might have got constructed long back. But the present administrators should do little to improve things. It clearly looks like they lost interest in providing good facilities for people who walk into their auditorium.
Sad to see the iconic status of that place losing sheen and scores of people who would visit in December would feel the pinch.
I didnt like it one bit. The digital clock was not running properly and could not make out digits. A/c was low.
The seats are highly uncomfortable. No space to lean back or stretch the legs.
It might have got constructed long back. But the present administrators should do little to improve things. It clearly looks like they lost interest in providing good facilities for people who walk into their auditorium.
Sad to see the iconic status of that place losing sheen and scores of people who would visit in December would feel the pinch.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer played outstanding innings of double century !!! Kudos to him.
Caught up with his innings in highlights. Wow... I was reminded of Azhar while Jaffer busy flicking... Such a fluent innings.
Caught up with his innings in highlights. Wow... I was reminded of Azhar while Jaffer busy flicking... Such a fluent innings.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Indo-Pak cricket
Indo-Pak cricket is losing sheen as lot of players are having fitness issues.
But Pak is worst affected. I am losing interest in the test series as no tough fight is happening. Hope atleast SL and Eng would fight it out.
R.Quiney is one batsman from Australia to watch out for. If he is inducted into the Aussie team during our tour, we will have enough trouble.
But Pak is worst affected. I am losing interest in the test series as no tough fight is happening. Hope atleast SL and Eng would fight it out.
R.Quiney is one batsman from Australia to watch out for. If he is inducted into the Aussie team during our tour, we will have enough trouble.
Billa - Trailor
Billa Trailor is interesting.
Of the current heroes, Ajit is best suited for Suit. He looks damn interesting.
Nayantara impresses with her costumes and her hour-glass figure. Looking forward to listen to Yuvan's version of golden song "My Name is Billa"
Of the current heroes, Ajit is best suited for Suit. He looks damn interesting.
Nayantara impresses with her costumes and her hour-glass figure. Looking forward to listen to Yuvan's version of golden song "My Name is Billa"
November - stock market summary
Folks
The performance for stock markets were mixed in November. Struggling to find its feet, one can say. Dow went below 13000 and pulled back. Chila and Taiwan are clearly underperforming. Singapore and India is trying to stabilise at current levels.
Commodities were mixed - Oil holding steady and gold down from 28 year high levels, copper, zinc underperforming mostly.
P-Note issue impacted FIIs from carrying out short term trades and their Nifty trading bit slowed down. Midcaps were merrily going up and up away. So it is mixed so far.
The performance for stock markets were mixed in November. Struggling to find its feet, one can say. Dow went below 13000 and pulled back. Chila and Taiwan are clearly underperforming. Singapore and India is trying to stabilise at current levels.
Commodities were mixed - Oil holding steady and gold down from 28 year high levels, copper, zinc underperforming mostly.
P-Note issue impacted FIIs from carrying out short term trades and their Nifty trading bit slowed down. Midcaps were merrily going up and up away. So it is mixed so far.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Week end pass time
I saw the entire Bourne series over week end in Home theatre. I simply loved the 3 part movie and found it very interesting. Narration, photography, acting were too good.
Matt Damon was out and out cool and engaging. Better than the current set of Bond series.
Matt Damon was out and out cool and engaging. Better than the current set of Bond series.
Friday, November 23, 2007
School Syllabus
I feel our Indian metriculation & CBSE schools are overloading the students with heavy content especially in science & maths.
One consolation is, good i was born before otherwise, i would have definitely failed in this portion !!!!!!!!
One consolation is, good i was born before otherwise, i would have definitely failed in this portion !!!!!!!!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Chennai design - on rain
Lack of rain in Chennai this year and season is seeking skitting away. Depression has gone to Bangaladesh and lashing heavily. Sun is shining relentlessly in Chennai.
Some how, the low pressure always moves to lash Andhra coast often and moves on to Orissa if it is really strong and it has a strong dis-liking for Chennai.
The funny side of chennai placement resulting in lack of rain can be imagined:
a. It is a design issue (Placement & vaasthu impact)
b. Bad people ruling or living in the state
c. Kannagi Statue in beach
d. Oru velai... Is there any "No Entry" board in Bay of Bengal near chennai coast
e. finally whether the low pressure is scared of Pongal when it travels in Bay of Bengal !!!
Do cast your vote.
Some how, the low pressure always moves to lash Andhra coast often and moves on to Orissa if it is really strong and it has a strong dis-liking for Chennai.
The funny side of chennai placement resulting in lack of rain can be imagined:
a. It is a design issue (Placement & vaasthu impact)
b. Bad people ruling or living in the state
c. Kannagi Statue in beach
d. Oru velai... Is there any "No Entry" board in Bay of Bengal near chennai coast
e. finally whether the low pressure is scared of Pongal when it travels in Bay of Bengal !!!
Do cast your vote.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Analogy
A Toilet is like committee meeting!
People come with lot of pressure,
Sit,
Create lot of noise,
&
Ultimately DROP THE MATTER
hey.. folks... Just fun and definitely i am not comparing with yesterday's CPM announcement on nuclear deal operationalisation.
People come with lot of pressure,
Sit,
Create lot of noise,
&
Ultimately DROP THE MATTER
hey.. folks... Just fun and definitely i am not comparing with yesterday's CPM announcement on nuclear deal operationalisation.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Bad Songs - of two new movies
I listened to two new movie songs with lot of anticipation and felt let down in a big way.
Khoya Khoya Chand
The title track was too good and then free fall after that. Shantanu Moitra took some sample old songs and tried to put it back all over again. Could not believe that the same Shantanu Moitra composed Parineeta.
Taare Zameen Par
The quality of SEL is off-late going down. That is the known story. In this movie also, the three minds could not produce three good songs. Only the title track stands out in quality and others are below average.
Worth ignoring albums... I am running all the way back to ATM... that is a safe heaven for sure !!!
Khoya Khoya Chand
The title track was too good and then free fall after that. Shantanu Moitra took some sample old songs and tried to put it back all over again. Could not believe that the same Shantanu Moitra composed Parineeta.
Taare Zameen Par
The quality of SEL is off-late going down. That is the known story. In this movie also, the three minds could not produce three good songs. Only the title track stands out in quality and others are below average.
Worth ignoring albums... I am running all the way back to ATM... that is a safe heaven for sure !!!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Stocks to watch out for
Market had a brief correction from 20k to 19k levels. Indian stock market continue to outperform other global markets. Some good investment picks herewith:
1. Ranbaxy (Rs. 430)
2. Biocon (Rs. 575)
3. Power Trading Corp (Rs.150)
4. IDBI - short term rally expected and the stock could touch Rs.190.
5. Bharti telecom- Rs. (880)
Outlook
5. Senxex - would touch 21k level by budget
6. US & Nasdaq would continue to underperform
7. China stocks expected to resume upward rally from 5325 levels
Status of my old recommendation made on Sep 27, 07:
1. Gujarat NRE Coke (Rs.86) - Hold - CMP Rs.111
2. NTPC (Rs.192) - Hold - CMP - Rs.230
3. LIC Housing Finance (Rs.215) - Hold CMP - Rs.335
4. HCL Tech (Rs.295) - Hold - CMP Rs. 300
5. D-Link (Rs.74) - Sell - CMP Rs.75
6. Siemens (Rs.1375) - Hold - Rs.1800
7. Vishal Retail (Rs.685) - Buy & Hold - Rs. 710
8. Tata Motors (Rs.740) - Hold - Rs. 710
9. Ashok Leyland (Rs.42) - Buy & Hold -Rs. 38
10. Hindustan Oil Exploration (Rs.112) - Buy & Hold - Rs.125
1. Ranbaxy (Rs. 430)
2. Biocon (Rs. 575)
3. Power Trading Corp (Rs.150)
4. IDBI - short term rally expected and the stock could touch Rs.190.
5. Bharti telecom- Rs. (880)
Outlook
5. Senxex - would touch 21k level by budget
6. US & Nasdaq would continue to underperform
7. China stocks expected to resume upward rally from 5325 levels
Status of my old recommendation made on Sep 27, 07:
1. Gujarat NRE Coke (Rs.86) - Hold - CMP Rs.111
2. NTPC (Rs.192) - Hold - CMP - Rs.230
3. LIC Housing Finance (Rs.215) - Hold CMP - Rs.335
4. HCL Tech (Rs.295) - Hold - CMP Rs. 300
5. D-Link (Rs.74) - Sell - CMP Rs.75
6. Siemens (Rs.1375) - Hold - Rs.1800
7. Vishal Retail (Rs.685) - Buy & Hold - Rs. 710
8. Tata Motors (Rs.740) - Hold - Rs. 710
9. Ashok Leyland (Rs.42) - Buy & Hold -Rs. 38
10. Hindustan Oil Exploration (Rs.112) - Buy & Hold - Rs.125
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Happy Diwali...
Happy Diwali folks...
This is the best of all festivals and enjoy in full mood with new clothes, mouth watering dishes and high flying crackers, new movies...
Have fun and be merry.
This is the best of all festivals and enjoy in full mood with new clothes, mouth watering dishes and high flying crackers, new movies...
Have fun and be merry.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Problem of plenty around India
India's neighbourhood is in bad state. Srilanka has got issues for the last two decades. Nepal and Mao are in a mess for over 8 years now. Nothing new in Pakistan and it continues under military rule for so long now and no clarity in sight. The less is said is better on Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afganistan etc.
Only stable countries around us are China & Russia.
India is doing well and it faces its biggest test in creating infrastructure for propelling the industrial growth and the current situation should be strongly challenged in the next 10 years.
With our coalition politics strongly in force, we might flatter to deceive in the end !!!
Only stable countries around us are China & Russia.
India is doing well and it faces its biggest test in creating infrastructure for propelling the industrial growth and the current situation should be strongly challenged in the next 10 years.
With our coalition politics strongly in force, we might flatter to deceive in the end !!!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Movie - Trailers
I love watching movie trailers. They are supposed to indicate what is in store for us when we watch movie. Some of the recent ones i liked
1. Jab We Met (Waiting to find time to see this movie)
2. Kannamoochi Yenada (Looks like Satyaraj's movie all the way)
3. Oram Po
Oram Po trailer was a big surprise and it was a damn interesting one. One chennai tamil voice introduces characters in this movie and bit of story. Damn good idea and catchy indeed. In very simple language with some scenes insight to characters also given. Looks like a take it easy movie.
1. Jab We Met (Waiting to find time to see this movie)
2. Kannamoochi Yenada (Looks like Satyaraj's movie all the way)
3. Oram Po
Oram Po trailer was a big surprise and it was a damn interesting one. One chennai tamil voice introduces characters in this movie and bit of story. Damn good idea and catchy indeed. In very simple language with some scenes insight to characters also given. Looks like a take it easy movie.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sensex at 20k - outlook
Sensex touched 20k. Smiles all around faces who are reading the news in TV. But i found many of the traders lost out the rally and they have not made any big money in the 18 to 20k rally during my normal interaction.
The point of mislead are many of the TV anchors are baby bulls and they mostly have not seen any bear market. Hence, they tend to over hype the upward rally.
Outlook: Caution is the buzz word and focus on stock picking carefully. Buy the performing stocks like capital goods, power, realty, banks and fin serv companies during correction. Avoid IT stocks, Pharma stocks, export companies in near future.
US markets are running with a double edged sword. If they cut interest rates tomorrow, oil prices would go up, dollar would fall and thus creating some imbalance in overall economic scenario.
If they leave the interest rate unchanged, only stock market would be affected. Housing Loan borrowers who are squeezed in credit crunch would anyway are in process of re-negotiation of their loans and some 2m homes are waiting to be grabbed in USA already.
I feel this could be the near time peak for the markets and strongly advise caution on herd mentality of buying stocks. Stocks are not going to fall drastically but might not go up much also from this level. Correction is good for everyone at this level.
The point of mislead are many of the TV anchors are baby bulls and they mostly have not seen any bear market. Hence, they tend to over hype the upward rally.
Outlook: Caution is the buzz word and focus on stock picking carefully. Buy the performing stocks like capital goods, power, realty, banks and fin serv companies during correction. Avoid IT stocks, Pharma stocks, export companies in near future.
US markets are running with a double edged sword. If they cut interest rates tomorrow, oil prices would go up, dollar would fall and thus creating some imbalance in overall economic scenario.
If they leave the interest rate unchanged, only stock market would be affected. Housing Loan borrowers who are squeezed in credit crunch would anyway are in process of re-negotiation of their loans and some 2m homes are waiting to be grabbed in USA already.
I feel this could be the near time peak for the markets and strongly advise caution on herd mentality of buying stocks. Stocks are not going to fall drastically but might not go up much also from this level. Correction is good for everyone at this level.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Bhagavaneyyyy
Oh Lord... kadavule... Konjam Nalla Budhi Kodu....
1. Kumarasamy - Ex-CM - karnataka... He is back again to support BJP
2. Gujarat Riot - Sting Operation participant folks - how bravely they open up like this.... looks like they are sure that law would take its own course.
3. Karan Thapar - some time he should listen to what other person answers
4. MTV Mia - How creatively she dresses !!!
5. Sun TV, KTV, CM tv - for their creative movie based programs and serials especially during festival holidays
1. Kumarasamy - Ex-CM - karnataka... He is back again to support BJP
2. Gujarat Riot - Sting Operation participant folks - how bravely they open up like this.... looks like they are sure that law would take its own course.
3. Karan Thapar - some time he should listen to what other person answers
4. MTV Mia - How creatively she dresses !!!
5. Sun TV, KTV, CM tv - for their creative movie based programs and serials especially during festival holidays
Friday, October 26, 2007
Sixer Sidhu & T20
Comparing the various forms of cricket with music, Sidhu said, "Test cricket is like classical music which has survived since ancient ages. One-dayers are like film music that leaves people enthralled and T20 cricket is like disco and rap which provides occasional pleasure in short bursts."
Interesting indeed !!!
Interesting indeed !!!
Reading books regularly
I like reading books. I started this during my college days (british council member then) and continued till date. I read adventures, mysteries, biographical and character building books.
I sincerely believe it is a good habit and I definitely make it a point to spend around 15m of reading before sleeping.
As of now, i am reading the biography of Virgin's chief Sir Richard Bronson.
I sincerely believe it is a good habit and I definitely make it a point to spend around 15m of reading before sleeping.
As of now, i am reading the biography of Virgin's chief Sir Richard Bronson.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Azhagiya Thamizh Magan - Audio - my views
Azhagiya Thamizh Magan audio released yesterday. It has Rahman's music and it comes after the super hit Sivaji. Other recent releases were Sillunu Oru Kadhal & Guru.
Vijay is the hero of this movie and I was expecting some good mass numbers. I didnt have any expectation on the quality of tracks when i bought the CD. And actually, my reaction is mixed and no sense of deja vu for now.
The album contans 6 songs with one old song re-mixed. Lot of singers but no Shankar mahadevan for Vijay for a change !!!
I simply didnt like “Ella pugazum” song at all. I feel still Rahman's song in "Ah Aah" was lot better when compared to this. But the lyrics are good to suit Vijay's image.
My favourites songs are ponmagal and marlyn manroe. Remix of Pongal is fresh and sounds really well. Marlyn Manroe song is very well sung and it has catchy tune and sound. Can be very well compared with Style song of Sivaji. Both are most exciting tracks of this album.
Valayappati and Madhuraiku are little above average but not outstanding. Lyrics are very decent in these tracks. Some how, Rahman is trying to use "melam" for tamil mass numbers and it works here too. Valayappati has got some valuable carnatic raaga mix too.
Kaelaamal kaiyile track is melody and it is definitely little different and the interlude music is definitely good and catchy. Very decent number.
Overall 6 out of 10. I am happy for one thing, no koothu pattu and predictable sound. Singers have done a damn good job.
Mysore Trip
Do visit the following link to check out my mysore trip photos.
http://picasaweb.google.com/svijayganesh/MysoreTrip
http://picasaweb.google.com/svijayganesh/MysoreTrip
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Brindavan Gardens - Mysore
Hats off to officials who maintain Brindavan Gardens, Mysore.
I visited the garden earlier some ten 10 years back and visited this week. It is still beautiful and lot of new facilities have been created. Illumination in the evening is irresistible.
Officials are due for this pat as they are consistently doing this for over 30 years.
More on my trip later next week.
I visited the garden earlier some ten 10 years back and visited this week. It is still beautiful and lot of new facilities have been created. Illumination in the evening is irresistible.
Officials are due for this pat as they are consistently doing this for over 30 years.
More on my trip later next week.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tamil comedy scenes
I love tamil comedians and their comedy scenes.
Best of vadivelu (in my view) are listed below:
1. Nallavannu Sollitamma....
2. Checking varuvanle varunvanle....
3. Sirikarathu MGR mathiri aana panradhu ellam nambiar mathiri thane irukku
4. U mean wasteland
5. Nee Aaniye pudunga venam
6. Venaam valikuthu...
7. Tea shop - Kidney theft scene
8. Tea shop - white dress - kal mel kal - sakkadai scene
9. Namma tea raasi anney
10. Bus stand - Pandiarajan - vadivelu - car pickup and fight - pattasu scene
Best of vivek are listed below:
1. 750 spare parts-la odatha vandi
2. Indha elai sizum onga payya sizum patha
3. Naama mattum color color-a chutney
4. Lord labakku das
5. Enakkule evvalovo theramaigal olinchu-rukku
6. Minor kunju
7. okkarum oye... okkarum...
8. ivlo packet....
9. vivek - satya raj - thiruvilayadal type q & a
10. Orey mathirai ella vyadhium poyidum
Did i miss out anything?
Best of vadivelu (in my view) are listed below:
1. Nallavannu Sollitamma....
2. Checking varuvanle varunvanle....
3. Sirikarathu MGR mathiri aana panradhu ellam nambiar mathiri thane irukku
4. U mean wasteland
5. Nee Aaniye pudunga venam
6. Venaam valikuthu...
7. Tea shop - Kidney theft scene
8. Tea shop - white dress - kal mel kal - sakkadai scene
9. Namma tea raasi anney
10. Bus stand - Pandiarajan - vadivelu - car pickup and fight - pattasu scene
Best of vivek are listed below:
1. 750 spare parts-la odatha vandi
2. Indha elai sizum onga payya sizum patha
3. Naama mattum color color-a chutney
4. Lord labakku das
5. Enakkule evvalovo theramaigal olinchu-rukku
6. Minor kunju
7. okkarum oye... okkarum...
8. ivlo packet....
9. vivek - satya raj - thiruvilayadal type q & a
10. Orey mathirai ella vyadhium poyidum
Did i miss out anything?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Current US Economy - an analysis
US economy is not doing that well. US is struggling to cope with mortgage related issues like high interest rates, falling real estate prices which indirectly resulting in pre-closure or credit related issues. Added to that, increasing energy prices, not so comfortable job market resulted in slowing down of economy and high inflation.
What lies ahead for future?
1. Consumer behaviour - I do not think consumers would stop spending. They can either keep on borrowing until they go completely broke or manage within their limits. American consumers lived out of credit in the past and it is difficult to change their behaviour. They can bit slow down but cannot be halted. I think, the credit card outstanding is some where hovering around 800billion dollars or so.
2. USA Economy - Yes, it has slowed down but it still remains the largest export market in international trade.
3. USA viewed in geo-political arena - USA is most cursed and most loved at the same time. Politically, US is not loved but USA "culture" is loved by most people. (Let us not get into right or wrong here). Junk foods, consumer brands, jobs, music, movies to name few.
4. Immigration laws of USA - USA immigration laws are most friendly when compared to many developed countries, US still remains in demand.
5. USA in Arms trade, Space - US is in complete control of arms trade for most of the world and they continue to thrive on weak and non-united middle east, Asia, erst while Russia, Africa. USA continue to flourish in space technology.
6. Housing Market - considering all this, i think, signs of economic weakness could be short-lived as immigrants and foreign nationals could buy properties in USA and maintain or even improve demand and supply over the next 10 years.
7. USA would continue to remain the vital force for another 15-25 years. And the only situation which can bring the economic downfall of USA is united Asia (which includes China, Korea), Middle East, Russia and to some extent Euro Zone. This would take a real long term to materialise.
8. Hence, to summarise, in my understanding, slowdown in USA could be short-lived and USA Economy (and not stock market alone) would come back with vengeance if one would view of 2-7 years.
What lies ahead for future?
1. Consumer behaviour - I do not think consumers would stop spending. They can either keep on borrowing until they go completely broke or manage within their limits. American consumers lived out of credit in the past and it is difficult to change their behaviour. They can bit slow down but cannot be halted. I think, the credit card outstanding is some where hovering around 800billion dollars or so.
2. USA Economy - Yes, it has slowed down but it still remains the largest export market in international trade.
3. USA viewed in geo-political arena - USA is most cursed and most loved at the same time. Politically, US is not loved but USA "culture" is loved by most people. (Let us not get into right or wrong here). Junk foods, consumer brands, jobs, music, movies to name few.
4. Immigration laws of USA - USA immigration laws are most friendly when compared to many developed countries, US still remains in demand.
5. USA in Arms trade, Space - US is in complete control of arms trade for most of the world and they continue to thrive on weak and non-united middle east, Asia, erst while Russia, Africa. USA continue to flourish in space technology.
6. Housing Market - considering all this, i think, signs of economic weakness could be short-lived as immigrants and foreign nationals could buy properties in USA and maintain or even improve demand and supply over the next 10 years.
7. USA would continue to remain the vital force for another 15-25 years. And the only situation which can bring the economic downfall of USA is united Asia (which includes China, Korea), Middle East, Russia and to some extent Euro Zone. This would take a real long term to materialise.
8. Hence, to summarise, in my understanding, slowdown in USA could be short-lived and USA Economy (and not stock market alone) would come back with vengeance if one would view of 2-7 years.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
New flavours of stock market
Every market rise or fall would result in some sectors or stocks are favoured to rise more or less compared to others. This 15k to 18k sensex rise resulted in some great appreciation or non-participation of stocks and some of which are listed below for basic understanding of which sector moving:
1. Reliance Communication
2. Reliance Energy
3. RIIL
4. Adlabs
5. IDFC
6. IDEA
7. HDIL
8. DLF
9. ICICI Bank
10. Maruti
11. Tata Steel
12. L & T
13. J P Associates
14. Suzlon
15. Punj Lloyd
16. Jindal steel
17. VSNL
18. Mercatar Lines (MLL)
19. Reliance Industries
20. GMDC
21. Reliance Capital
22. Sterlite
23. Infosys
24. Tata Power
25. Rajesh Exports
Laggards
1. Aurobindo Pharma
2. M & M
3. Indian Bank
4. PNB
5. Sun Pharma
6. Dr. Reddy
7. Cipla
8. Hindalco
9. BPCL & HPCL
10. TVS Motor
11. i-flex
12. Tech Mahindra
13. Mphasis BFL
1. Reliance Communication
2. Reliance Energy
3. RIIL
4. Adlabs
5. IDFC
6. IDEA
7. HDIL
8. DLF
9. ICICI Bank
10. Maruti
11. Tata Steel
12. L & T
13. J P Associates
14. Suzlon
15. Punj Lloyd
16. Jindal steel
17. VSNL
18. Mercatar Lines (MLL)
19. Reliance Industries
20. GMDC
21. Reliance Capital
22. Sterlite
23. Infosys
24. Tata Power
25. Rajesh Exports
Laggards
1. Aurobindo Pharma
2. M & M
3. Indian Bank
4. PNB
5. Sun Pharma
6. Dr. Reddy
7. Cipla
8. Hindalco
9. BPCL & HPCL
10. TVS Motor
11. i-flex
12. Tech Mahindra
13. Mphasis BFL
Disclaimer
I am very passionate about stock market and economics and follow that closely. I am an investor and my stock recommendations are made in good faith and most of it are my own interpretation or analysis. Hence, the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer
Stock Recommendation Service, is a general recommendation service and is not to be construed as an individual investor specific Portfolio Management and Advisory Service.
The User warrants that he/she/it shall obtain independent investment advice before making any Investment based on such recommendation. Investors are strictly advised to adher to implement stop loss method to avoid losses related to trading.
The Service should not be construed to be an advertisement for solicitation for buying or selling of any securities.
Self or accessstreet.blogspot.com shall not be responsible for any loss or liability incurred to the user as a consequence of his or any other person on his behalf taking any investment decisions based on the information, recommendations, research reports, analysis, quotes, etc. provided on the web site.
Self or accessstreet.blogspot.com shall also not be liable for errors, omissions or typographical errors, disruption delay, interruption, failure, deletion or defect of/in the Service provided by it.
Disclaimer
Stock Recommendation Service, is a general recommendation service and is not to be construed as an individual investor specific Portfolio Management and Advisory Service.
The User warrants that he/she/it shall obtain independent investment advice before making any Investment based on such recommendation. Investors are strictly advised to adher to implement stop loss method to avoid losses related to trading.
The Service should not be construed to be an advertisement for solicitation for buying or selling of any securities.
Self or accessstreet.blogspot.com shall not be responsible for any loss or liability incurred to the user as a consequence of his or any other person on his behalf taking any investment decisions based on the information, recommendations, research reports, analysis, quotes, etc. provided on the web site.
Self or accessstreet.blogspot.com shall also not be liable for errors, omissions or typographical errors, disruption delay, interruption, failure, deletion or defect of/in the Service provided by it.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Breaking News - Sensex 18k
It is official... Finally sensex touched 18k just a while ago. It is a great achievement considering 9% growth with obstacles like PSU disinvestment, Nuclear Deal imbroglio, Communinist's speed breaker in reforms etc...
Monday, October 8, 2007
Indian Stock Markets
New theory or syllabus in vogue for the last fortnight in Indian stock markets.
The index is going up but Advances - Declines ratio is having -ve bias for most of the last fortnight.
What does it mean
a. Portfolio re-shuffling is going on full swing.
b. People are selling stocks of some industries and shifting the money to some other industry. Example from IT stocks to Power stocks.
c. Dont always look at sensex or nifty to execute your trades. Tread carefully and look for patterns.
d. Always look for Charm (industries or stocks which has a charm of most of players). Like Reliance has been darling of stock markets for over 20 years. There is no point in betting underperforming stocks which does not have market charm.
e. Example for the above - look the return given by Patni when compared to Hexaware. Both are second rung stocks but their charm is totally different.
Happy investing !!!
The index is going up but Advances - Declines ratio is having -ve bias for most of the last fortnight.
What does it mean
a. Portfolio re-shuffling is going on full swing.
b. People are selling stocks of some industries and shifting the money to some other industry. Example from IT stocks to Power stocks.
c. Dont always look at sensex or nifty to execute your trades. Tread carefully and look for patterns.
d. Always look for Charm (industries or stocks which has a charm of most of players). Like Reliance has been darling of stock markets for over 20 years. There is no point in betting underperforming stocks which does not have market charm.
e. Example for the above - look the return given by Patni when compared to Hexaware. Both are second rung stocks but their charm is totally different.
Happy investing !!!
Financial Biggies
Financial Biggies like Meryll, Goldman, UBS, Morgan, JP Morgan announced their results in the last fortnight. Citi's results are still to come.
One thing for sure from them are, money making is a damn serious business. Proprietary trading is here to stay. Banks are making money in multiple ways like lending through various loans, investing in companies, proprietary trading, FX etc... Looks like most of the banks are betting huge through trading as the credit growth is sluggish in the last 6 months or so.
Fascinating days ahead until March 08 for sure for the serious players.
One thing for sure from them are, money making is a damn serious business. Proprietary trading is here to stay. Banks are making money in multiple ways like lending through various loans, investing in companies, proprietary trading, FX etc... Looks like most of the banks are betting huge through trading as the credit growth is sluggish in the last 6 months or so.
Fascinating days ahead until March 08 for sure for the serious players.
Friday, October 5, 2007
On the Move - Honda
Honda cars on the move all over the world. The beat their rivals Toyota sales in US last month. Toyota sales consistently coming down over last 3 months.
The success story attributed to new, highly refined Accord, Civic.
Congrats Honda. Happy to see some manufacturer pushing sales through new design, techno improvement which brings out better mileage, comfortable manoeuvring compared to 10 years old highly rehashed Toyota Corolla.
The success story attributed to new, highly refined Accord, Civic.
Congrats Honda. Happy to see some manufacturer pushing sales through new design, techno improvement which brings out better mileage, comfortable manoeuvring compared to 10 years old highly rehashed Toyota Corolla.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Hindu - Highly Biased editorial
Background - SC's comments on DMK's bandh sorry strike -
Karunanidhi said it was only a hunger strike by the ruling party. However, only 61 buses of the state government's 16 thousand buses were running because of the strike.As its orders were flouted, an angry Supreme Court said the state could be put under President's Rule. But the allies of the DMK were quick to come to the chief ministers defence.''If this is the attitude of the DMK Government, the UPA Government should not feel shy of dismissing it and impose President's Rule,'' the court observed. It paralysed the people's movement, business on Oct 1.
The Hindu published Editorial on Wednesday's Newspaper - It went on blaming excessive activism by Judiciary.
But the point needs to be taken is:
1. Bandh is viewed as Unconstitutional by Supreme Court
2. People were held to ransom
3. Economic loss could be as high as Rs.750crore per bandh in Tamil Nadu
4. More over, there is no meaning for bandh as DMK is part of both state and central government and they cant do bandh against themselves. It is a total mockery.
5. Worse, the matter is sub-judice. Law minister had already submitted to court asking 3 months time.
But The Hindu didnt bother to take note on all the above. They went on abusing judiciary and didnt care to look at the basics.
Sorry State of affairs and they matched or even beat Murasoli (party organ of DMK).
Karunanidhi said it was only a hunger strike by the ruling party. However, only 61 buses of the state government's 16 thousand buses were running because of the strike.As its orders were flouted, an angry Supreme Court said the state could be put under President's Rule. But the allies of the DMK were quick to come to the chief ministers defence.''If this is the attitude of the DMK Government, the UPA Government should not feel shy of dismissing it and impose President's Rule,'' the court observed. It paralysed the people's movement, business on Oct 1.
The Hindu published Editorial on Wednesday's Newspaper - It went on blaming excessive activism by Judiciary.
But the point needs to be taken is:
1. Bandh is viewed as Unconstitutional by Supreme Court
2. People were held to ransom
3. Economic loss could be as high as Rs.750crore per bandh in Tamil Nadu
4. More over, there is no meaning for bandh as DMK is part of both state and central government and they cant do bandh against themselves. It is a total mockery.
5. Worse, the matter is sub-judice. Law minister had already submitted to court asking 3 months time.
But The Hindu didnt bother to take note on all the above. They went on abusing judiciary and didnt care to look at the basics.
Sorry State of affairs and they matched or even beat Murasoli (party organ of DMK).
Pariharam - Ram Setu
Guys... we call it workaround in IT industry... They call it "pariharam" in religious sentiment.
Why cant we build something like "Vivekanandar Rocks of Kanyakumari" in Rameswaram and make every ship to pay Rs.25,000.
Why cant we create identity for Ram Setu and make money and tourism out of it so that the memory of Ram Setu remains for long?
We are wasting enough time in something which no one can prove whether it existed or not.
Why cant we build something like "Vivekanandar Rocks of Kanyakumari" in Rameswaram and make every ship to pay Rs.25,000.
Why cant we create identity for Ram Setu and make money and tourism out of it so that the memory of Ram Setu remains for long?
We are wasting enough time in something which no one can prove whether it existed or not.
on New Tamil Movie Songs
I am sick and tired of new tamil movie songs. Some 75 tamil movies come every year and most of the songs are meaningless, kuthu pattu etc...
Most of them have predictable sounds, pattern and not leading anywhere after couple of listenings.
Very few songs are good which comes from Rahman, Harris & Yuvan. I think, we deserve better songs, tunes instead of ear damaging Kuthu Pattu.
Most of them have predictable sounds, pattern and not leading anywhere after couple of listenings.
Very few songs are good which comes from Rahman, Harris & Yuvan. I think, we deserve better songs, tunes instead of ear damaging Kuthu Pattu.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
On Ram Setu Project
Who ever keen to understand the real issues behind the Sethusamudram project, pls visit this page - Nice Unbiased analysis with Data by Mr. Balakrishnan.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/oct/01inter.htm
No punch dialogues, shady strike etc - only clear points on the topic. Thanks to Mr Balakrishnan for enlightening us.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/oct/01inter.htm
No punch dialogues, shady strike etc - only clear points on the topic. Thanks to Mr Balakrishnan for enlightening us.
Good Rest
I took a good rest in the past 3-4 days due to long holiday here.
Eat, Sleep and DVDs are mantra for long break.
Eat, Sleep and DVDs are mantra for long break.
Outlook on DOW record close
DOW closed to record high and NASDAQ scaled new peak in 6 1/2 years.
But caution is the key word now as the markets reacting too fast on expectations of further cut in interest rates. Economic improvement is some time away. Banks had done a good thing of writing-off mortgage related bad debts and thus cushioning the next quarter results.
My feeling is beware of this rally and this could fizzle out sometime in near future before december.
But caution is the key word now as the markets reacting too fast on expectations of further cut in interest rates. Economic improvement is some time away. Banks had done a good thing of writing-off mortgage related bad debts and thus cushioning the next quarter results.
My feeling is beware of this rally and this could fizzle out sometime in near future before december.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Breaking News - Hailstorm in Chennai
Folks
We just had a hailstorm in Chennai (in and around Nungambakkam) just a while ago.
It lasted for 10-15 minutes. High winds, heavy rain with ICE katties all around....
Super show by nature !!!
We just had a hailstorm in Chennai (in and around Nungambakkam) just a while ago.
It lasted for 10-15 minutes. High winds, heavy rain with ICE katties all around....
Super show by nature !!!
Stocks to watch out
Some stocks to watch out for buying:
1. Gujarat NRE Coke (Rs.86)
2. NTPC (Rs.192)
3. LIC Housing Finance (Rs.215)
4. HCL Tech (Rs.295)
5. D-Link (Rs.74)
6. Siemens (Rs.1375)
7. Vishal Retail (Rs.685)
8. Tata Motors (Rs.740)
9. Ashok Leyland (Rs.42)
10. Hindustan Oil Exploration (Rs.112)
Happy investing folks !!!
1. Gujarat NRE Coke (Rs.86)
2. NTPC (Rs.192)
3. LIC Housing Finance (Rs.215)
4. HCL Tech (Rs.295)
5. D-Link (Rs.74)
6. Siemens (Rs.1375)
7. Vishal Retail (Rs.685)
8. Tata Motors (Rs.740)
9. Ashok Leyland (Rs.42)
10. Hindustan Oil Exploration (Rs.112)
Happy investing folks !!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Bandh - Oct 1
Good to know that ruling party is sponsoring a bandh on Oct 1 for speedy implementation of sethusamudram project.
1. Personally I am happy as it gives me 4 days break.
2. More over, life is tamil nadu has become really predictable without any intervention from nature like 100cm rain, earthquake or terrorist attacks. So I welcome bandh. Traffic Jam is the highest uncertainty with a common man's life in tamil nadu. Not even power cut !!!
3. Sadly, i cant make out with whom the DMK is trying to fight. They rule State and Center. Hence, it is a mockery.
4. Best joke was the CM's statement yesterday that communal forces are creating law and order problem in Tamil Nadu. It is a late realisation for me as i could not make out when DMK cadres converted to Hindutva :)
1. Personally I am happy as it gives me 4 days break.
2. More over, life is tamil nadu has become really predictable without any intervention from nature like 100cm rain, earthquake or terrorist attacks. So I welcome bandh. Traffic Jam is the highest uncertainty with a common man's life in tamil nadu. Not even power cut !!!
3. Sadly, i cant make out with whom the DMK is trying to fight. They rule State and Center. Hence, it is a mockery.
4. Best joke was the CM's statement yesterday that communal forces are creating law and order problem in Tamil Nadu. It is a late realisation for me as i could not make out when DMK cadres converted to Hindutva :)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Indian Stock Market - outlook
Markets have gone up like mad in the last fortnight.
I recommended DLF(630), Maruti (875) three weeks ago and it is time to exit these two.
I think, the upside would be capped for a while and the markets would struggle for some time and Q3 numbers needs to be seen before deciding the next major movement of market.
I recommended DLF(630), Maruti (875) three weeks ago and it is time to exit these two.
I think, the upside would be capped for a while and the markets would struggle for some time and Q3 numbers needs to be seen before deciding the next major movement of market.
T20 World Cup - WIN WIN WIN
Oh !!! What a match... & finally it was the result that we all wished to happen.
Great contest and kudos to Indian Team...
Some unwanted questions:
1. What would be running in senior players mind?
2. We need two atleast two good all-rounders
2. Is Shah Rukh hungry for popularity?
Once again, Congratulations to the team....
Great contest and kudos to Indian Team...
Some unwanted questions:
1. What would be running in senior players mind?
2. We need two atleast two good all-rounders
2. Is Shah Rukh hungry for popularity?
Once again, Congratulations to the team....
Monday, September 24, 2007
Indo - Pak T20 Final
I am keenly looking forward for this match. For the first time, i think the sides are evenly poised. Difficult to predict the outcome.
Traidtionally, Pak used to have clear advantage in terms of Imran, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis & the one and only Javed Miandad.
My prediction of people who can make a difference in today's match: Asif, Gul, Shoaib malik, Yuvi, RP Singh and Uthappa.
Traidtionally, Pak used to have clear advantage in terms of Imran, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis & the one and only Javed Miandad.
My prediction of people who can make a difference in today's match: Asif, Gul, Shoaib malik, Yuvi, RP Singh and Uthappa.
Week End - Play List
I enjoy listening to these music tracks on the week end.... Awesome songs...I usually pick up some tracks and keep listening for some 2o times or so... These were best out of that in my playlist and kept me going on Sat & Sun...
Self with family tried to make portrait this week. Hence, we were in nostalgic mood.
This week's credit goes to Sudha Raghunathan's Marriage Songs... Lovely collection, traditional sound and soothing music.
Self with family tried to make portrait this week. Hence, we were in nostalgic mood.
This week's credit goes to Sudha Raghunathan's Marriage Songs... Lovely collection, traditional sound and soothing music.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Yuvraj - 6 sixers
Lovely to see and congrats Yuvi.... It is never easy to score hit sixer in an over.
It was fulfilling to see that against good bowler instead of some minnows.
It was fulfilling to see that against good bowler instead of some minnows.
Sensex @ 16k
Folks...
It is great feeling that sensex crossed 16000 level yesterday. It touched 14000 levels in August during the sub-prime crisis. It has been a great rally and bulls returned with a vengeance.
My learning from this fall and the rally thereafter is as follows:
1. Governing bodies like FED, BoE are making sure that calm returns to the financial markets. The way they pumped cash or the way FED cut the bank rate, interest rate meant
Providing timely excess liquidity,
Aggressive decision making,
Provide calm and cool to the markets at the earliest
"The big boss is always there" attitude
2. I would like to see "the big boss watching you" attitude by conducting tough audits and some punishment to the big banks for violating basic credit norms in future.
3. Bear Market would prevail only for a short term due to excessive cash flow. And, bear market would haunt only when we go for severe recession. In other words, for example, if bear market cycle comes once in 5 years, in future it would come only once in 20 years or so.
4. I dont think, US consumers would shy away from taking credit as they are already addicted to it and infact credit culture is showing signs of only spreading across the world.
Let us enjoy the bull market as of now !!!
It is great feeling that sensex crossed 16000 level yesterday. It touched 14000 levels in August during the sub-prime crisis. It has been a great rally and bulls returned with a vengeance.
My learning from this fall and the rally thereafter is as follows:
1. Governing bodies like FED, BoE are making sure that calm returns to the financial markets. The way they pumped cash or the way FED cut the bank rate, interest rate meant
Providing timely excess liquidity,
Aggressive decision making,
Provide calm and cool to the markets at the earliest
"The big boss is always there" attitude
2. I would like to see "the big boss watching you" attitude by conducting tough audits and some punishment to the big banks for violating basic credit norms in future.
3. Bear Market would prevail only for a short term due to excessive cash flow. And, bear market would haunt only when we go for severe recession. In other words, for example, if bear market cycle comes once in 5 years, in future it would come only once in 20 years or so.
4. I dont think, US consumers would shy away from taking credit as they are already addicted to it and infact credit culture is showing signs of only spreading across the world.
Let us enjoy the bull market as of now !!!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Indian political tamasha
Well.. Well... interesting days or months ahead in indian political scene... It all started with our Nuclear Deal with USA and promptly communists opposed it. So, all hell broke lose and our PM Manmohan Singh ended up forming yet another "committee" to "exmaine" the issues.
1. Communists of india always opposed USA. How will they ever agree to this deal even if PM changes his mind? Not possible at all as the core existence of Communists would be threatened for any "support USA identity"
2. Congress dont have any other way other than pursuing the interest of this Nuclear Bill. If they withdraw now, they would be called as "Chokers"; Also India wants UN Security Council Seat. How would India would get into it without the support of USA?
4. More over, Congress didnt do any great things for commons (read as aam aadmi). Prices shot up, real estate hit the roof, gas, petrol prices are bad. They want to show something +ve to go to voters at this stage
5. So, one of them has to call "Quit" first. Who is going to be that is not yet clear. I dont think, Congress would ever dissolve the Parliament on their own without really some one pushing for it. Otherwise, how will they ever get "Sympathy"? Definitely, they dont want to be seen as "arrogant" and "non co-operation with other political parties".
6. So, can we expect election some time next year? I think so... positively...
1. Communists of india always opposed USA. How will they ever agree to this deal even if PM changes his mind? Not possible at all as the core existence of Communists would be threatened for any "support USA identity"
2. Congress dont have any other way other than pursuing the interest of this Nuclear Bill. If they withdraw now, they would be called as "Chokers"; Also India wants UN Security Council Seat. How would India would get into it without the support of USA?
4. More over, Congress didnt do any great things for commons (read as aam aadmi). Prices shot up, real estate hit the roof, gas, petrol prices are bad. They want to show something +ve to go to voters at this stage
5. So, one of them has to call "Quit" first. Who is going to be that is not yet clear. I dont think, Congress would ever dissolve the Parliament on their own without really some one pushing for it. Otherwise, how will they ever get "Sympathy"? Definitely, they dont want to be seen as "arrogant" and "non co-operation with other political parties".
6. So, can we expect election some time next year? I think so... positively...
Week End - Play List
I enjoyed listening to the tracks on the week end.... Awesome songs...I usually pick up some tracks and keep listening for some 2o times or so... These were best out of that in my playlist and kept me going on Sat & Sun...
1. Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
2. A R Rahman - Dile Se
3. Varsham - Mellaga (Telugu)
4. Meat Loaf - I wud do anything for Love
1. Tracy Chapman - Fast Car
2. A R Rahman - Dile Se
3. Varsham - Mellaga (Telugu)
4. Meat Loaf - I wud do anything for Love
Twenty20 - bowlers rule
It is called as "Slam Bang" cricket. 6s and 4s galore and shots are played all over the park.
What an irony... half way thru the tournament we realise, it is still bowlers game. The way Vettori took the match from us or Brett Lee's hat-trick happened ...
Unfortunately, Indian team lacks quality bowlers to make an impact although.
What an irony... half way thru the tournament we realise, it is still bowlers game. The way Vettori took the match from us or Brett Lee's hat-trick happened ...
Unfortunately, Indian team lacks quality bowlers to make an impact although.
Friday, September 14, 2007
F1 - McLaren Punished
What a news.... sounds good... But drivers left unfinished becoz
"FIA said it did not penalize McLaren's drivers "due to exceptional circumstances"
because they provided evidence in exchange for immunity."
So., should we doubt the Alonso's credibility or not... is still lingering in my mind.
Whatever happens, i will skip watching this remaining races to punish myself of wasting time through the year :(
"FIA said it did not penalize McLaren's drivers "due to exceptional circumstances"
because they provided evidence in exchange for immunity."
So., should we doubt the Alonso's credibility or not... is still lingering in my mind.
Whatever happens, i will skip watching this remaining races to punish myself of wasting time through the year :(
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Road Digging in Chennai
Road Digging started all over again in Chennai. Main road, side road doesnt matter.
It appears, that Corporation is trying to put all sort of cable into one tunnel, hence this operation.
Nothing much, it results in more jam than normal as of now.
It appears, that Corporation is trying to put all sort of cable into one tunnel, hence this operation.
Nothing much, it results in more jam than normal as of now.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My love affair with Potato
I love potato or aloo. I love any dish which is made out of it. Onion adds hell lot of value to the curry.
Be it French fries, aloo curry, masala which comes with poori or simple aloo jeera; or the aloo masala fry which is made in pubs....
Somehow the love for aloo lingers in the mind... forever... I am not for any comparison games with other items or fish or chicken. Simply... I am fond of Potatoes.........
The great thing with aloo is no cook can spoil the dish... Hehehehehe...
Be it French fries, aloo curry, masala which comes with poori or simple aloo jeera; or the aloo masala fry which is made in pubs....
Somehow the love for aloo lingers in the mind... forever... I am not for any comparison games with other items or fish or chicken. Simply... I am fond of Potatoes.........
The great thing with aloo is no cook can spoil the dish... Hehehehehe...
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Prestige - Movie
I happened to see this movie in Chennai cinemas some time back... could not stop appreciating this movie...
The movie is about competion between two magicians and how it eats both their minds and who triumps in the self destructive fight....
Damn good movie, acting, lot of twists and turns until the very end of the movie keeps your mood in tact...
Weakness of themovie is its length 2h:15m and Scarlett Johansson is wasted in a brief role whereas the acting was top notch from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman & Michael Kane impresses you most.
Worth Watching and would be on your mind for sure.
The movie is about competion between two magicians and how it eats both their minds and who triumps in the self destructive fight....
Damn good movie, acting, lot of twists and turns until the very end of the movie keeps your mood in tact...
Weakness of themovie is its length 2h:15m and Scarlett Johansson is wasted in a brief role whereas the acting was top notch from Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman & Michael Kane impresses you most.
Worth Watching and would be on your mind for sure.
Week End - Playlist
I enjoyed listening to the tracks on the week end.... Awesome songs...
I usually pick up some tracks and keep listening for some 2o times or so... These were best out of that in my playlist and kept me going on Sat & Sun...
1. Marc Antony - You Sang to Me
2. A R Rahman - Munbe Vaa Anbe Vaa
3. Julie - Dil Kya Kare
I usually pick up some tracks and keep listening for some 2o times or so... These were best out of that in my playlist and kept me going on Sat & Sun...
1. Marc Antony - You Sang to Me
2. A R Rahman - Munbe Vaa Anbe Vaa
3. Julie - Dil Kya Kare
Friday, September 7, 2007
Why I love Music
I love listening to Music... I can listen to any kind of music with ease.. Be it carnatic, rock, pop, filmy or rap....
Why i love music is because
Why i love music is because
- It gives relief
- Makes mind fresh
- takes away tension
- Imagine myself as singer or actors :)
- Variety and versatality of music
- Imagination of composers to captivate us
- Archestration
- Finally, musicians who make the music to come alive in your ears
Indian Stock Market - outlook
I think our markets along with china and taiwan is better placed for upward rally compared to US and Europle for rest of the year.
I will not be surprised if the sensex touches 18k by mar 08. We are in for good times and DLF
(630), Maruti (875) looks extremely attractive at current levels. Dabur, Cipla could be slow but would reward handsomely.
Enjoy investing.
I will not be surprised if the sensex touches 18k by mar 08. We are in for good times and DLF
(630), Maruti (875) looks extremely attractive at current levels. Dabur, Cipla could be slow but would reward handsomely.
Enjoy investing.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Ooh La La La
Nice program and good to see such talents are available around us.
Lovely performance on instruments, composing ability, fusion etc...
Watch Sun TV every Sunday morning 9am or Night 10pm IST
Lovely performance on instruments, composing ability, fusion etc...
Watch Sun TV every Sunday morning 9am or Night 10pm IST
You are Welcome
Finally... i am planning to create regular posting on my blog.
Topics could be of the following:
a. About Indian Stock market
b. Chennai Musings
c. About Music i listen to
d. About Books i read
Look forward to your readership !!! Would try to keep things interesting for sure.
Topics could be of the following:
a. About Indian Stock market
b. Chennai Musings
c. About Music i listen to
d. About Books i read
Look forward to your readership !!! Would try to keep things interesting for sure.
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