Apologies for the lack of posts. Have been involved in some personal battles which I am happy to say are over.
Some good news…
I watched Jethro Tull perform about 2 years ago in Mumbai and of course, it was a rather surreal experience. The only thing was that it was in a closed hall so that left me a little unsatisfied. And much to my delight, Tull are back in India and will be performing in Bangalore on Feb 3. At the IIM Bangalore grounds. I’m looking forward to the show. And Thermal & A Quarter are opening!
In the blog world, to be launched tomorrow – desicritics.org. Keep watching the space.
Desicritics’ will try to provide fresh and original news and information relevant to South Asia and a leading source of online news and opinion with a South Asian focus. It will create news, provide an open space to opinionate, as well as bring about a powerful online platform for South Asia, demonstrating the strengths and alleviating the weaknesses of the region.
Meanwhile, I’m off today for three days to a place called Pollachi in Tamil Nadu where I hope to catch up with some rest, relaxation and lots of walking around the Annamalai Hills.
The blog will resume transmission when I am back.
A very happy Republic Day to everyone!
On New Year’s Day, along with Usha for company, I headed out to WRRC (WildLife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center) on Banerghatta Road. I had been meaning to visit the centre for a while and decided that the 1st would be a good day to start.
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Tony, a friend, lost his pet dog - a toy poodle called Junior - at Nagarbhavi Layout in Bangalore on 27th December, 2005. He’s been looking for him ever since without much luck.

You can find the details here on this page:
http://www.geocities.com/tpp1000/
The poodle is not a very common dog in Bangalore so it will be pretty easy to spot. If you have friends in that area, please do pass the word around and help Tony find Junior. It’s a really traumatic experience to lose a pet and any help is welcome.

I’m collecting reading material for 2006 and I think I have enough for about half the year. Any suggestions to add to the list are also welcome…
A Suitable Boy: Long pending and I usually avoid such voluminous tomes since I can’t possibly carry it on my bus ride to and fro work, but it’s been highly recommended, so I’m going to make a brave attempt to read it sometime soon. Status: Bought and To Read.
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: I’ve been meaning to read this for a while. A few weeks ago, when browsing around Blossoms, found this complete tome. Status: Bought and To Read.
Almost French: This is the story of an Australian journalist who settles down to the French way of life after meeting a Frenchman! It’s quite an interesting insight into the history, cultural traditions and way of life in France from the eyes of an outsider. Status: Bought and Read.
Ancient Promises: I’ve read one of Jaishree Misra’s books and was quite impressed so I picked up this one. I’m trying to read more Indian authors these days though some of them have left me pretty cold. Status: Bought and To Read.
A Short History of Nearly Everything: A book that I am finding difficult to read at one shot. I have made several attempts without success. I think I am somewhere 1/5th of it and struggling. I keep going back to light reading after finishing a chapter! Status: Borrowed and In Progress.
Long Way Round: An account of a motorcycle trip around the world, which I only bought because it’s written by one of my favourite actors, Ewan McGregor. I am halfway through and should finish it soon! Status: Bought and In Progress.
The Brahmaputra: A book I definitely should read since it’s about the river that flows through my home state of Assam. Status: Gift and To Read.
Pecked to Death by Ducks: Continuing my travelogue reads, this one has been on my list for a while. Status: Gift and To Read.
The Kite Runner: Supposedly a really good book and highly recommended too. Status: Bought and To Read.
The Mistress of Spices: I figured I should finish this before the movie releases. Status: Bought and To Read.
A Guide to Adoption in India: A topic that has held my interest for a long time. It’s a must read for anyone who is interested in knowing more about adoption, especially in the Indian context. I haven’t come across to many books on the topic in this country. Status: Bought and To Read.
Neem Dreams: I’ve had this book for more than a year now but somehow haven’t been motivated enough to read it. 2006 I have decided is the year that I will finally do it! Status: Gift and To Read.
Dave Barry is Not Making This Up! A hilarious compilations of some his earlier columns. I literally had tears running down my cheeks while reading some of his stories. If you’re looking for some serious DB, this one is a must! Status: Bought and Read.
What does your list look like?