My first shot at Mashups + Google Chrome

I installed Google Chrome, the open source browser from Google - found it cool and comparable to Mozilla Firefox. I liked the "New Incognito Window (Ctrl + Shift + N)" feature.

Also got a chance to create my first mashup using Google Maps.

India Post - Stamps in 2008

Out of the set of stamps released in 2008 (India Post - Stamps 2008), my favorites have been: Shri Shirdi Sai Baba, Civil Services and Jasmine. The Jasmine stamps are perfumed and I love it.

By the way, India Post redesigned their logo.

Obituary - Shri Bindurao A Desai

We deeply mourn the passing away of our beloved ajja yesterday evening at his Desai Cross residence. His simple virtues, we shall cherish; his vision will light the way for our actions.

Buying a car

I called Mr. Omprakash, the Loan guy at State bank of India this afternoon and got the good news that my car loan has been approved. Thought this deserved a post at my blog. It has been close to 6 weeks since we embarked on this journey to own a car - a middle class indian dream. I knocked on doors of various banks - HDFC, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Corporation Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of Patiala. I was very close to getting a loan from State Bank of Patiala - but the Saturday morning spent 3 weeks back at their City office will always be remembered - for a Mr. Harish who made me wait for 2 hours and was too busy and heavy handed to see the business he let go.

We decided to buy a non metallic Maruti Alto after deliberating on Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Spark.



All in all, it was a learning on how to deal with various car dealers, bankers and how to collect the documentation needed. Hope this helps me in my next dream - owning a house in Bangalore.

Nokia 3110 Classic

We bought the Nokia 3110 Classic with Yahoo! Go and were very excited about listening to the FM stations in Bangalore. It has been more than a year since we stopped listening to Radio after we moved from #51, Koramangala.

Bangalore Metro Route Map

Weekend getaway to Puducherry

We are planning a weekend getaway for the long weekend (15-17 Aug, 2008) and the popular choice is Puducherry - The French Riviera of the East. Have read a few reviews on Mouthshut and Lonely Planet and concluded that it would cost about Rs. 3000/day. I'm having a tough time figuring out what trains go from Bangalore. Found this Indian Railways Time Table website and downloaded the Route Map with table numbers Adobe document. Looks like the closest town via rail is CUDDALORE JN(COT) or VILLUPARAM JN(VM). KSRTC runs two Volvo bus services - one in the night and one during day and costs Rs. 380/- per ticket. Found this travelbyvolvo blog informative.

Attempted to book the Volvo tickets via AWATAR Online Booking System but it only allows ICICI credit cards and SBI cards.