Monday, February 28, 2005

March 4,5,6,7

Info from Vaishnavi:
-----------------------------------
Friday 4 - SALIL V. Bhatt (son of Vishwa Mohan Bhatt)... details below
Saturday 5 - Ghulam Ali & Jagjit Singh
Sunday 6 - Ek Taal - Ustad Amjad Ali Khan & Ayan & Amaan Ali
Bangesh... details below
Monday 7 - Mark Knopfler

------------------------------------
Sunday March 6, 6.30pm
Trinity Hall, Taj Residency
In Aid of
The Fishing Village,
Project of Pondicherry Rotary Club, Auro City
Ek Taal - The Event - An evening with the Maestro and Sons
Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan and Amaan Ali Bangesh
The Offering - Music, Art and Cuisine
- Soul Stirring Sarod classical and fusion - from the Maestro and his
sons
- Art by Amaan Ali Bangesh - an exclusive exhibition of Ganesha
Paintings
- Ek Taal Cuisine - an unusual Menu with original recipes from the
Ustaad's Kitchen & drinks on the house (drink as much as you can !!!!)

Donor Invitations Rs.1500 per head
Contact smita_agrawal@infosys.com

------------------------------------
SALIL V. Bhatt
March 4, Canara Union, Malleswaram

to mark the inauguration of a new organisation, "Sangeet Sankalp."
Salil has created a new version of the traditional veena and named it
"Satvik Veena.

Thanks, Vaish!

Suchitra film festival - 02 March -13 March

For details of the Suchitra Film Festival of Indian Films, mail suchitrafilms@rediffmail.com or collectivechaosblr@yahoo.co.in

23 Indian films are being screened, and there are also discussions and seminars.

Festival pass is Rs. 250. For any further details please call: 2671 1785

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Music Concert on 26th Feb

Vaishnavi sent us this -

Greetings from FAME India,

The Foundation for Action, Motivation and Empowerment (F.A.M.E India) is a registered non-profit, non-governmental organization working towards the rehabilitation and empowerment of differently-abled children. Our focus is on children with neuro-muscular and Developmental Disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Down’s Syndrome and Muscular Dystrophy.

We currently have 42 special children in our school, which we operate out of a rented house in JP Nagar. However, this is a small building and the rental is a burden financially on the organization. We are therefore currently working towards constructing our own school to carry out the necessary training for our special children in a more conducive environment.

Towards this end, we are having an exclusive fusion music concert from the famous music group Shraddha, formed by Shankar Mahadevan, Sivamani, Mandolin Srinivas and Loy Mendonsa who will perform live at 6.30pm at Palace Grounds on 26th February 2005 for the specific purpose of raising funds for F.A.M.E. India.

The proceeds of the concert will go to F.A.M.E India for the construction of a school building where 120 differently-abled children of disadvantaged backgrounds will have access to special education and therapy services.In the band’s biggest public performance to date, the harmonies of the mandolin, drums, keyboard and vocals will be brought together in a must-see display of musical genius.

Please do support us by attending the concert.
The tickets are priced at Rs.250, Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 and are available at F.A.M.E India and Cafe'Coffee Day outlets: Rajajinagar, Katreguppe, Gandhi Bazaar, Palace Orchard, Jeevan Bhima Nagar;
K.C.DAS outlets: Indiranagar, Church Street, Wheelers Road, BTM Layout, and Jayanagar;
All Planet M outlets, and tickets bazaar ph:23440336.

You can also call Raksha Sriram at 98455-97688 for tickets or any further information. Thank you, and looking forward to meeting you there.

Thanks, Vaish!

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Islands Ahoy!

Want to stay on a hilly island, see dolphins, swim and snorkel in a beautiful bay, have great home-cooked meals, play volleyball, live in a tent/wooden hut, watch sunsets flaming across other islands, take a boat to a lighthouse, just lie down and listen to waves lapping at the boat jetty, take afternoon naps under mango trees, watch tides cover and uncover rock formations, dance around bonfires under great starlit skies, get oil massages, do banana boat rides and parasailing, go for long walks with breathtaking sea-views at every turn of the path?

Try the Great Outdoors resort on Kurumgod island! The island is just off Karwar, near the well-known Devbag Resort island (that one is owned by Jungle Lodges).

Karwar is an overnight journey by bus, around 11 hours. The resort people will pick you up by boat. The sea is fabulous here! If you haven’t been to Devbag, you could try that too – that is on flat land, not hilly like this one. Lovely cottages on stilts, absolutely cut-off from everything. The Jungle Lodges site (http://www.junglelodges.com/) has all contact info.

Since the site loads slow, here are the contact details of the Great Outdoors:

THE GREAT OUTDOORS,
ISLAND RESORT OFFICE,
Adjacent to Marine Engineers Office,
NH 17, BAUTTAKATTA, BAITHKOL,KARWAR - 581302

Karwar Office Tel No: 08382-220265
Enquiries & Reservations:0-98440-421520, 0-94483-64152
e-mail: thegreatoutdoors2000@yahoo.com
Site: http://www.angelfire.com/trek/resort/theplace.htm

P.S: It can get really hot on the island once summer begins! Be prepared with caps/hats, sunscreens etc.

Monday, February 21, 2005

Authentic Parsi Food!

For authentic Parsi food, try Daddy's Deli! Home-like ambience, friendly service, small dance floor upstairs with old music.

12/3, Alexandra Street, Richmond Town, Bangalore - 25. (Just ahead of Richmond Park, when you come up from the Hockey Stadium - you'll see a board on the right side, in one of the side-roads leading to a block of flats)

Ph: 222-94594/51144937
Tue to Sat: 12 Noon - 11 PM
Sunday: 12 Noon - 3 PM
Monday Closed

Film Screening: Kurosawa's Ikiru

Collective Chaos presents 'Directors on Directors'. In this series, they ask filmmakers to introduce films that inspired him/her the most.

First screening in the series is:

Ikiru

a masterpiece by the Japanese master director
akira KUROSAWA


Introduced by well known film director and theatre person
prakash BELAWADI



On 26th February '05 Saturday, 6.30 pm

At Center for Film and Drama (CFD)
5th Floor, Sona Towers, Opp. Police Superintends' Office, Millers road.
(Asha: The entrance is on the side of the huge Bank building - Central Bank of India. This is just after the empty compound and a brown building. Lots of signboards at entrance - turn in there. When you come up from Cunningham Road (it's a one-way), the bank will be on your left. Keep an eye out, because the whole place is full of one-ways, if you miss it, you'll have to do a lot of driving in circles!)

SYNOPSIS:
IKIRU is a compelling humanist fable that provokes audiences to profoundly contemplate their own mortality, and indeed their own sense of morality. Mr. Watanabe, a middle-aged government worker, suddenly finds that he has very little life left when diagnosed with terminal cancer. Moving from drunken despair to quiet resolve, he vows to make his final days meaningful. At first he throws himself into the city's nightlife, but this does not help. His attempts to communicate his anguish to his son and daughter-in-law lead only to heartbreak. Finally, inspired by an unselfish co-worker, he turns his efforts to bringing happiness to others by building a playground in a dreary slum neighbourhood. When the park is finally completed, he is able to face death with peaceful acceptance. Told from both Watanabe's perspective and that of his co-workers after Watanabe's death, IKURU is a masterful and inspiring tale of redemption.

1952 / 143 min / Japan / B&W

Director : Akira Kurosawa
Screenwriter : Shinobu Hashimoto
Composer : Fumio Hayasaka
Cast: Takashi Shimura

For more details call: 2520 3932

Feb 26-27: Treks and adventure activities!

SPRING SPECIAL OFFER @ unbeliveable prices!

One-day treks @ Rs 299/-* only.......
Savandurga - 26 Feb 05
Depature at 7.0 a.m and return by 7.30 p.m
Activities: Hill climbing, cave exploration.

Rangaswamy Betta - 27 Feb 05
Departure at 7.0 a.m and return by 7.30 p.m.
Activities; hill climbing.
Tariff: Rs 349/- Per head: Special offer is offered only for registrations with the payment on or before 23rd Feb 05. Groups above 5 - Rs 329/-; Groups above 10- Rs 299/-

Two-day trekking @ Rs 999/-
"Tadiyendamol"; Coorg. - 26, 27 Feb 05.

Departure on friday night and return on sunday night.
"Bandipur"- 26, 27 Feb 05.
Departure on Saturday morning and return on Sunday night.
Tariff: Rs 1499/-

Parasailing @ Rs 249/-*
Destination: Hosakote Lake.

Tariff: Rs 299/- for solo (Rs 249/- applies for registration on or before 23rd; For groups above 10; For our previous clients)

Please feel free to contact us for any further details at : 080-23340065, 51280989, 9845079414 or email us back.
Thanks,
Nature Admire Team.

French Film Festival starting today!

Bangalore Film societyNo. 33/1-9, Thyagaraj Layout, Jaibharath Nagar, Maruthisevanagar P.O., Bangalore - 560 033.Ph : 25492774, 25492779 e-mail : bfs@bgl.vsnl.net.in


Bangalore Film Society in Collaboration with Alliance Francaise

invites you for
French Film Festival: France sous I'occupation(France during the Occupation)

at Badami House, N.R. Square, Opp. Corporation, Bangalore.
21-27 February 2005 at 6.45 p.m.


Date Film Director

21.02.05 Laissez-passer Bertrand Tavernier (Safe Conduct)

22.02.05 Goupi Mains Rouges Jacques Becker (It Happened at the Inn)

23.02.05 Remorques Jean Gremillion (Stormy Waters)

24.02.05 Dounce Claude Autant - Lara

25.02.05 Le Corbeau Henri-Georges Clouzot (The Raven)

26.02.05 La nuit fantastique De Marcel L'Herbier (Fantastic Night)

27.02.05 Le Mariage de Chiffon Claude Autant-Lara (Marriage of Chiffon)


Yours Sincerely
Georgekutty A.L. Secretary

* Films may not be screened in the same order as it is subject to the arrival.

Friday, February 18, 2005

River Tern Baby!

News from a friend:

A River Tern baby has hatched 4 days back at Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary at Srirangapatinam! In another 2 days it will start flying, so bird enthusiasts are all rushing there to see this rare sight.

Places: Melkote

If you are interested in visiting a quiet, away-from-it-all non-tourist-infested little hilly town, try Melkote. This is a small temple town located 30 kms from Mandya (around 100 kms down Mysore Road). It is a nice place to sit and watch the countrytside from atop a hill, feel the breeze, and take long walks along quaint streets, gentle slopes, and pleasant countryside.

Melkote is known for its ancient historic temples and quiet beauty - there's one on top of a small hill (not steep at all) - and its 101 tanks with steps and beautiful carved mandapas. Also known for its Iyengars - it is a holy place for them, and they have a major festival there every year.
At times, there are film shootings happening - there was one when we went.

Note: The place is so laid back, there are no restaurants there - only Iyengar Mess kind of places - but we ate at one of those places, and the food was so good, and so just-like-home that we had many helpings! Beats restaurants any day. There are no hotels to stay either, other than chathrams. Mandya is the nearest place where you get hotel lodging.

How to reach there:
Go down Mysore road, take a right turn immediately after Mandya town - ask someone as you may miss the road - it is a small country road surrounded by fields and ponds and small villages in between. When the KSRTC bus we went in turned into the road, I actually thought that the driver was just taking a small diversion to pick up his lunch box from home!
Road is quite okay, and the scenery is very nice. Nice places to stop and enjoy the peace and quiet.
You could even drive down to Mandya, stay overnight and go to Melkote next morning. Decent hotels right on the main road at Mandya.

Caution: Don't remember seeing any petrol pumps/repair shops after turning in from Mandya.

Request: Please keep the place as quiet and neat as you see it!

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Comedy Double Bill - Ranga Shankara- 10-13 march

Info from Vaishnavi

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT RANGA SHANKARA

After hit shows of "Creeps", we are back in Bangalore with a Comedy Double Bill

The Company Theatre's Cinematograph's

THE BLUE MUG

Dir: Atul Kumar

10-11 March


And

C for CLOWN
Dir: Rajat Kapoor
12-13 March
RANGA SHANKARA

7:30 pm

STARRING: Sheeba Chadha, Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Joy Fernandez, Niloufer, Atul Kumar

Basant Bahar: Old Hindi Songs!

Vaishnavi sent us this:

‘Basant Bahar’

‘Remembering the Black and White Era of Hindi Film Music’


For
Karnataka Kayastha Sabha (KKS)

An evening adorned by the golden notes of much loved music from vintage Indian cinema. This night of nostalgia would take us, music lovers, back to a time of musical legends such as Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Geeta Dutt, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar and so on, all presented to us in the mellifluous voice of the well known artiste, Chandrika Gururaj, accompanied by her troupe SaReGaMaPa.

The aesthetically designed amphitheatre behind St. John’s auditorium would be the setting for the event and the 500 strong elite audience would be treated to an unforgettable evening under the stars.
G.P. Mathur, President, KKS

PROGRAMME DETAILS:


THE EVENING “BASANT BAHAR” – MUSIC FROM CLASSIC HINDI CINEMA.

DATE 19TH FEBRUARY, 2005

VENUE ST. JOHNS AMPHITHEATER, KORAMANGALA

SHOW DURATION 2 HOURS – 8:00PM – 10:00PM

ARTIST CHANDRIKA GURURAJ & TROUPE

AMBIENCE BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED BACKDROP, PROFESSIONAL MC WITH INFORMATION ABOUT VINTAGE FILM SONGS AND MUSIC, AN UPPER CRUST TARGET CROWD AND A WELL-MANAGED SNACK BAR.

FOR TICKETS CONTACT:
MR. PRABHAT ARGAL (PH: 93418 32243)
MR. SUMEET ARGAL (PH: 98451 93505)
MR. ANUBHAV ARGAL (PH: 98453 15741)
OR
PHONE: 51154008

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. G.P. Mathur, President, KKS
(Ph: 25586486/98453 23263)
Mr. N.K. Shrivastava, Secretary, KKS (Ph:23456954/28094546)Mr. Bharat Raj Mathur, Joint Secretary, KKS (Ph: 23235519)

DONOR TICKETS at Rs 99/- are available at the above contacts from 6th Feb. 2005. Members are requested to contact Mr. Prabhat Argal/Mr. Sumeet Argal/Mr. Anubhav Argal, to book/get their required number of tickets delivered from a convenient location. You can also book the tickets by Email (nks@istrac.org)

Thanks, Vaish!

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Marathi Play Samudra on 20th Feb 05!

Vaishnavi sent us this:

Name of the play : SAMUDRA
Starring : Atul Kulkarni, Ketaki thatte( abhalmaya fame )
WRITER /Director : Paresh Mokashi
Date : 20th Feb 2005 sunday
Venue : Ravindra Kalakshetra, Bangalore
Time : two shows one at 1030 hrs and the other at 1230hrs
Tickets : Rs75 /Rs100 /Rs 150 per

Tickets are availiable at the foll counters:
MM bangalore 22910461/ ISRO layout 26660344/JP nagar 26646158/Indira nagar 25213935/KC DAS BTM-26684278/rajvardhan foods jayanagar -26540132

Thanks, Vaish!

Friday, February 11, 2005

Reminder!

2 film festivals this weekend! German films by Max Mueller Bhavan and 4 classic films by Collective Chaos! Scroll down for details.

Film Screening: Waarish

Vaishnavi sent us this info:

WAARISH . for tomorrow..... with English Sub-titles
A film by Kaushik Ganguly
Not just a film

Kaushik Ganguly's WAARISH, was an ambitious film that needed a committed producer who would leave no stone unturned in bringing the director's dream to the screen and would back the youngest creative team to the fullest. Siddharta Bhattacharya did exactly what was needed. The debut film has been an exercise of patience and dedication, by the entire group of young soldiers, who volunteered to work for this film in order to bring the Master of Telefilm, Kaushik Ganguly to the big screen. The result, WAARISH, a film which makes you think through tears...

Synopsis
Modern world has produced complex, untitled relationships, and unwanted human lives! Babies left unloved in the hands of destiny!
WAARISH is a tender protest against this imbalance of human existence.
The childless Preeti and Subhankar, decided to go for an adoption after prolonged mental adjustments.
Medha, a distant cousin of Subhankar's, suddenly arrives with a little boy, Megh. Medha has come to Kolkata for the treatment of a terminal disease. Being a kind hearted women, Preeti forces Medha to stay at their place for the period of treatment. This takes Subhankar's peace of mind away, since Medha is actually not his cousin!
Faded memories of Darjeeling suddenly come alive, to shake all existing relationships.
But what happens to Megh? What does he do without his mother? Where does he go?
....A story of a child's uncertain future, caused by the games adult play.

Cast:
Preeti - Debasree Roy
Subhankar - Sabyasachi Chakraborty
Medha - Churni
Megh - Aniket
Others - Nirmal Kumar, Santu Mukherjee, Mamata Shankar, etc.
Duration: 144 mins.
Year of Production 2003

Dates of Screening: Sat. 19th. Feb. & Sun. 20th. Feb. 2005
Timings: 4pm & 6.30pm on both the days.
Venue: Suchitra Film Society, 9th. Main, BSK II Stage. Bangalore.
Donation Pass: Rs. 100/- each.


For Booking, please send your chq. favouring 'Music Circle' to below mentioned address by courier. Kindly mention the postal address to which your Passes will have to be couried. Also don't forget to mention your your email id and contact/cell numbers.

Contact Arundhati @ 98454-47130

Thanks, Vaish!

Get outdoors - again!

Nature Admire Activities: 12, 13 Feb

Trek to Makalidurga.
Kolar dist

Terrain: moderate
Distance: 60kms
Trek Kms: 15kms .
Begins at 7.0 a.m. and
endsup at 5.30 p.m.
Date: 12 Feb 05 (Sat)
TARIFF: RS 349/-


Walk besides the River Cauvery.
Bhimeshwari - Muttati, Malavalli taluk.

Terrain: Novice
Distance: 120kms
Trek Kms: 12kms.
Begins at 7.0 a.m. and
ends up at 5.30 p.m.
Date: 13 Feb 05 (Sun)
TARIFF: RS 349/-

BRAHAMAGIRI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Terrain: moderate Distance: 480kms.
Trek Kms: 30kms.
Departure on 11 fri and return on 13th (sun)
night.
Tariff: Rs 1799/-
Includes; Food, transport, accommodation in
forest rest house, instructor charges, forest entry fees.
Places of Visit: Irupu falls, Munikal Caves, Brahamagiri peak.

KODAIKANAL, PALANI HILLS

Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 480kms.
Trek Kms: 30kms.
D eparture on 11 fri and return on 14th (mon) morning
Tariff: Rs 2499/- per person, 5% off on
INcludes: food, transport, accommodation in tents, instructor charges,
forest entry fees, group camping gears, mountain bikes.

Activities: mountain biking, trekking, camping, back country cooking.

ROCK CLIMBING @ Ramnagram on 13 Feb 05

Children below 16yrs- Rs 349/-; others- Rs 399/-

Artificial Wall climbing training @ Bangalore on 12 Feb 05

Children below 12yrs - Rs 99/-; others- Rs 149/-

Daily rock climbing courses begins from 9th Feb 05 at "Kanteerava stadium" batches- 6.30 a.m.- 8.0 a.m.


PARA GLIDING -13 Feb 05
Destination: Ramnagram.
Per Jump: Rs 799/- Joy ride- 10minutes. (Tandem)

PARASAILING- 13 Feb 05

Destination: Jakkur Air field
Per launch: Solo- Rs 299/- Second timers- Rs 249/- Group of 5 - Rs 249/- Children below 10yrs- Rs 199/- begins- 8.30 a.m.- Depending upon weather condition.

RAFTING - 19 Feb 05
Destination: Sita river, Udipi
Per ride: Rs 999/-+ 10.2% service tax for 20kms, medium- 2+ rapids.
time: 4hrs

WILDERNESS CAMP AT BANDIPUR - 12,13 Feb 05
Departure on 12th morning, return on 13th evening.
Group strength: 7pax only.
Tariff: Rs 1799/-+ 10.2% service tax Per head.
Trek for 20kms inside the jungle, night stay in forest rest house.
No talking, no noise, no alchol, no smoking-only nature lovers and wildife enthusiasts is allowed.

For further information, please contact us at: 080-23340065, 51280989, 9845079414.
email: info@natureadmire.com or visit us at: www.natureadmire.com
Nature Admire,
#107, 8cross, 6 main,
Malleswaram,
Bangalore- 03.


Asha: Mail info@natureadmire.com and ask to be included in their mailing list.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Screenings and forum: Digital Media Works


SAE
College of digital filmmaking
And
Oxford Bookstore

Cordially invite you to

'Digital Media Works'

A premiere screening of documentaries, short films and animation works.
Followed by a forum on filmmaking.

On

Thursday, 10th February 2005 from 5-7 pm
At

Leela Galleria, The Leela Palace
Shop B4 to B8,
23 Airport Road, Bangalore 560 008

RSVP: Ashwini Raghupathy at 51155222

WWF: Programmes for Feb 2005

Another piece of info from Vaishnavi -

WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE – INDIA

Karnataka State Office, 143, Infantry Road, Bangalore – 560 001

Ph : 22863206; Fax : 22866685; E-mail : wwfkso@vsnl.com

February 01, 2005

PROGRAMMES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2005

We are glad to announce the following programmes scheduled for February 2005.

Programme : Popular Talk
Speaker : Dr. Eric Lott ; Topic : Birds of Indian Hills ;
Date : 10.02.2005; Time : 6. 30 p.m.
Venue : Auditorium, Raman Research Instt., C.V.Raman Avenue,
Sadashivanagar, Bangalore.

Programme : Film Show
Title : "Life of Mammals – Return to water" Date : 24.02.2005 Time : 6.30 p.m.
Venue : Auditorium, Raman Research Instt., C.V.Raman Avenue,
Sadashivanagar, Bangalore.
]
Programme : Film Show
Title : "Super Sense - II" Date : 28.02.2005 ; Time : 6.00 p.m.
Venue : Auditorium, Indian Instt. of Astrophysics, II Block
Koramangala (Hosur Road), Bangalore.

You are cordially invited to attend the above programmes.

Regards,
Sue

Thanks, Vaish!

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Photography Exibition - February 19, 2005

Vaishnavi sends us this information

India Foundation for the Arts

takes pleasure in inviting you to
presentations to be made by two of our grantees – photographer Sandesh
Bhandare from Pune, and filmmaker Nishtha Jain from Mumbai – on
February 19, 2005.

Sandesh Bhandare will present a slide show of his photographic journey
with Tamasha artists at 7.00 pm, to be followed by a screening of
Nishtha Jain's recent film City of Photos at 8.00 pm. The
presentations will be held at The Park Hotel, 14/7, M.G Road,
Bangalore.

Sandesh Bhandare has been on the road for the past couple of years,
accompanying Tamasha troupes on tour in the villages of Konkan,
Marathwada and Vidarbha. The IFA grant enabled him to capture the
lifestyles, world-views and performances of Tamasha artists in over
7000 photographs – resulting in a fascinating and comprehensive record
of the entire repertoire of the form. His photographs have been
exhibited throughout Western India.

Nishtha Jain's film City of Photos is a personal journey into
neighbourhood photo studios in Indian cities. The city itself forms a
backdrop to her explorations of the fantasy world of photo studios.
Juxtaposed with the dreamscape of the portrait photograph is the urban
visual landscape, and the film considers the demands this makes on and
contrasts it offers to the private world of studio photography.

We look forward to your presence on this occasion. Please be seated by
6.45 pm. Please also confirm your attendance as soon as possible.

Warm regards,

Arundhati Ghosh
Consultant

India Foundation for the Arts
L1, Tharangini, 12th Cross,
Raj Mahal Vilas Extension,
Bangalore - 560080,
India.

arundhatighosh@indiaifa.org
www.indiaifa.org

tel: 91-80-23610583/4
fax: 91-80-23610583
mobile: 9845033197

Monday, February 07, 2005

Cycling Trip to Ramgiri!

My friend Rahul Ghugre sent me this. (Just came back from giving him birthday bumps!)

Pedal off for a day of exciting adventure!

Manhattan invites you to join a Cycling Trip to Ramgiri!

Travel down a pleasant, scenic trail from Thippagondanahalli past Savandurga.
Hit Ramgiri Village, and rappel up Ramgiribetta - a 50 ft rock face.
Whew! Take in the spectacular view... a fitting end to a perfect day!

You can't miss this unique experience of cross country cycling!!!
Special Manhattan Rate: Rs. 800 (includes bicycles, transporting cycles, transport for participants, rappelling gear, food and guide charges)

Limited numbers! Call 1600 333 969 / 3030 1969 (Asha: Please call and get all information - I don''t know anything about this other than this forward)

Bookings open from Saturday, 5th February - 10.00 a.m. onwards
Date: Sunday, 13th February, 2005
Reporting: 7.30 am, Food World, MG Road


Pack up your backpack with:
* Sunhat
* Warm clothing / raincoat
* Chocolates / dry fruits as snacks
* Water bottle
* Toilet paper
* Optional: camera with film roll and battery
Please bear in mind...
* Wear comfortable full cotton casual tops & trousers and rubber soled shoes / sneakers.
* This trip is for learning, self-growth and enjoying nature. Not for those who want to stop and shop.
* Be eco-friendly. Plastics and littering are strictly banned.
* Weather conditions, your physical condition, possible health problems and other factors can have an important influence on the way you experience the trip. Inform the organizers if you have any history of serious illness, injury or are on medication.

Hit the brakes! Remember conditions apply.

Music from the Indian Diaspora!

Usha sent us this very interesting info!

The American Institute of Indian Studies Archives and Research Centre for Ethnomusicology

Invites you to

Remembered Rhythms


a festival of diaspora and the music of India with performances by three music groups accompanied by a scholar who will introduce the music and the performers. A question answer session with the scholar and performers will follow the performance.

The Sidi Goma – a group of the African Indian Sidi community of Gujarat performing their ritual music and dance, accompanied by the malunga, mugarman and musindo – instruments they retain from their African origins.
Introductory lecture by Dr. Amy Catlin Jairazbhoy.
Bangalore: A.D.A. Ranga Mandira February 8th 6:30 pm (Sigh!)


D’Bhuyaa Saaj is a Chutney group based in Trinidad, "Bhuyaa Saaj"is a Bhojpuri word meaning "Sitting on the ground and entertaining/singing" but they say "we will stand, sit, dance and entertain! D’Bhuyaa Saaj performs in a mix of Bhojpuri and English, accompanied by the Harmonium, the Dholak , the Dhantaal ( the trademark of Chutney), the Tassa and Steel pan.
D’Bhuyaa Saaj will be introduced by Dr. Helen Myers.
Bangalore: A.D.A. Ranga Mandira February 14th 6:30 pm


The Rivers of Babylon – a London based group of Indian Baghdadi Jews - sing hymns and folksongs for festivals and life cycle events of the Baghdadi and Bene Israeli community. The songs are accompanied by instruments such as the Oud, Dumbuk, violin and various kinds of flutes.
Introductory lecture by Dr. Sara Manasseh..
Bangalore: A.D.A. Ranga Mandira February 17th 6:30 pm

Local hosts and partners: Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology.
Tara Kini 080-28560238, 080-28560420


The concerts are open to all and free of charge.

For further information, audio clips, schedules in all cities visit
www.musicdiaspora.org

Asha: A.D.A Rangamandira is right opposite Rabindra Kalakshetra on J.C Road. Since J.C Road is one-way, you can come down from Hudson circle, pass Mission Road, Unity building and Townhall on your left, and then take the small road immediately on the left of Town Hall to enter the Rabindra Kalakshetra compound and park in there, and cross the road to enter A.D.A Rangamandira.

Thanks, Usha!

Saturday, February 05, 2005

Ever tried Ragi Mudde?

On the Double Road leading to Lal Bagh Main gate (I mean the gate where you have the Kempegowda rock with the small tower on top, and the Nursery), on the left side, almost under the flyover, you have a small restaurant called Nagashree which serves Ragi mudde and Natti Chicken curry, along with various mutton dishes, green pallya, biriyani, and other local stuff. Great food, almost home-made-like in quality! Yes, there are a few vegetarian items too.

There will be a big banner right outside saying " Ragi Balls and Natti Chicken Curry", or whatever is the speciality of the day. Small place, gets crowded by 1.30 at lunch time. Quite inexpensive too.
Try it out! ( We tried the traditional swallowing method for the mudde, but ended up eating the normal way, needed more eductaion!! By the way, this is nice and filling food, without that heavy oiliness that makes you sleep in all the afternoon team meetings! - you just won't feel hungry for quite some time afterwards - no junk-craving at tea-time again after 3 or 4 ragi balls!)

P.S: If you know of any such nice not-so-well-known places, please write to us - will post here, acknowledge you, and link to your blog if you have one. Thanks!

Astronomy, anyone?

On the first Sunday of every month, they have a Skywatching session at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium at 6 PM. Inside the dome, they project the changing night sky with the positions of the various constellations, and someone will explain how to identify each constellation and planet at various times during the night. They also explain the stories behind the constellations in Greek and Indian mythology. This is followed by a Telescope viewing outside if the sky is clear. Pretty nice experience, lasts for an hour.

The Association of Amateur Astronomers also meets at 6 every Sunday in the room in the basement where they help people make telescopes, and sometimes have skywatching outings. Ask for the Astronomy Club. People, sometimes as young as 16, come and spend hours to grind the lens every weekend - amazing passion and dedication!!

This link has a list of observatories published by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala. http://www.iiap.res.in/centres.html

Directions: When you go up from M.G Road, Chinnaswamy stadium, GPO, Raj Bhavan, towards Hotel Chalukya junction, the Planetarium which you will see on your right, has a small gate on the right side, where you can enter and park - the Astronomy club is right there. Go up the stairs to the main building.
You can also go around Chalukya circle, and take a right at High grounds police station to enter by the main gate of the planetarium.

Feb 2nd Weekend: Films by 4 Fantastic Directors!

Collective Chaos presents a package of 4 outstanding films by 4 masters. (Asha: All films will have English subtitles)

Fitzcarraldo Dir: Werner Herzog

157 min / Germany / 1982
3.30 pm Saturday 12th Feb 05


Ivan's Childhood Dir: Andrei Tarkovsky

1962 / 97 min / Russia
6.30 PM Saturday 12th Feb 05



Moment of Innocence Dir: Mohsen Makhmalbaf

1996 / 78 min / Iran
3.30 PM Sunday 13th Feb 05


Dogville Dir: Lars Von Trier

2003 / 177 min / Denmark
6.30 PM Sunday 13th Feb 05


Venue: CFD, 5th Floor, Sona Towers, Millers Road. (Asha: The entrance is on the side of the huge Bank building - Central Bank of India. This is just after the empty compound and a brown building. Lots of signboards at entrance - turn in there. When you come up from Cunningham Road (it's a one-way), the bank will be on your left. Keep an eye out, because the whole place is full of one-ways, if you miss it, you'll have to do a lot of driving in circles!)

For more details log on to: http://www.collectivechaos.org/current_schedule.html
(and don't forget to click on links to see synopses and more info of each film).

Or call 25203932

Entry by membership only. Kindly renew annual memberships at Rs. 500 and students Rs. 250. (Asha: Believe me, great value for money! Membership well worth it. You get to see films that change the way you look at life.)

http://www.collectivechaos.org

Friday, February 04, 2005

German Comedy Films next week!

Greetings from Max Mueller Bhavan Bangalore!
Film buffs in Bangalore are in for a special treat, this Valentine’s weekend. The great German comedian Karl Valentin, who made his first film even before Charlie Chaplin, and excelled in cinematic burlesque, will have you holding your sides with his avant-garde mixture of film and cabaret.

We cordially invite you to a Film Retrospective: Karl Valentin - Film Pioneer and Media Craftsman with 14 short films over four entertaining evenings.

Date : February 11 to 14, 2005
Time : 6.30 p.m.
Venue : 2nd Floor, Max Mueller Bhavan


All are welcome. Seating on first-come, first-served basis. Please pick up
your passes at MMB.

We look forward to a side-splitting weekend on the silver screen. Do make it a point to be there!

With best wishes,
Maureen Gonsalves
Programme Coordinator
Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan
3, Lavelle Road
Bangalore 560 001

Tel: +91 80 2221 9772/2221 4964
Fax: +91 80 2221 5255
progr@bangalore.goethe.org
www.goethe.de/bangalore

Thursday, February 03, 2005

Get outdoors this weekend!

Get your fill of fresh air! Make the most of the remaining cool weather!
Try out Nature Admire treks and other adventure activities - have trekked with them - their guides are good.

"Dear Adventurers,

Nature Admire reintroduces one-day treks(hikes), Hill climbing and Cave explorations.

TREKKING - 1 day

Antharagange 5 Feb 05
departure at 7.0 a.m from Cubbon park, return by 8.0 p.m.
tariff: Rs 349/- Per head- Includes: comfortable transportation, Instructor charges,
activity: Hill climbing, Cave exploration.

Deverabetta - 6 Feb 05
departure from Cubbon park at 7.0 a.m.; return by 8.0 p.m.
tariff: Rs 349/- per head- Includes: comfortable transportation, Instructor charges,
activity: Jungle trek for 20kms- Moderate terrain.

ROCK CLIMBING 6 February 2005

Destination: Sholay Rockclimbing centre- Ramanagram.
Begins at 8.0 a.m. ends at 5.30 p.m. Course fees: Rs 399/-+ 10.2% service tax ncludes;Includes: Instructor charges, equipments. activity: Introduction to Rock climbing techniques, equipments, Bouldering, Rappelling, Chimney climbing, Face climbing.

PARA GLIDING -5, 6 Feb 05
Destination: Ramnagram.
Per Jump: Rs 799/- Joy ride- 10minutes. (Tandem)

PARASAILING - 6 Feb 05
Destination: Hosakote Lake.
Per launch: Solo- Rs 299/- Second timers- Rs 249/- Group of 5 - Rs 249/- Children below 10yrs- Rs 199/-
begins- 8.30 a.m.- Depending upon weather condition.

RAFTING - 5, 6 Feb 05
Destination: Sita river, Udipi
Per ride: Rs 999/-+ 10.2% service tax for 20kms,
medium- 2+ rapids.
time: 4hrs.

WILDERNESS CAMP AT BANDIPUR - 5,6 Feb 05
Departure on 5th morning, return on 6th evening.Group strength: 7pax only.
Tariff: Rs 1799/-+ 10.2% service tax Per head.
Trek for 20kms inside the jungle, night stay in forest rest house.
No talking, no noise, no alcohol, no smoking-only nature lovers and wildife enthusiasts is allowed.

TREKKING - 5,6 Feb 05
Strenuous trek- KUMARAPARVATH
tariff: Rs 999/- + 10.2% service tax.
Total trekking distance: 20kms. group strength: 20 pax.
Departure on friday (4th night) and return on (7th Morning)

For Novices - BISLE
tariff: Rs 999/- + 10.2% service tax.
Total trekking distance: 35kms.
group strength: 20pax.
Departure on friday (4th night) and return on (7th Morning)

Please feel free to contact us at: 080-51280989, 9845079414 or e- info@natureadmire.com or visit us at: www.natureadmire.com "

Nature Admire Team

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Watch Birds!

Interested in birdwatching? (Of the feathered kind!) You could join the Bangalore Birdwatchers Association - they have regular outings and trips, and discussions on the yahoo group.

Have been on one of their trips - they are very serious about their interest, and the range of their knowledge is astounding! Also learnt so much about butterflies and ants and termites that day because there were people who were specialized in those fields!
I am talking about working people who are doing this for a hobby - but are real subject matter experts! Impressive group with a nice mixture of people of varied ages, from varied professions - and they are very willing to teach new people who have no knowledge of the field.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bngbirds/

Photography

A friend of mine, Kiran, did this very interesting photography course with this German photographer, Hellmuth Conz.

Even if you do not want to do a course, but just want to learn some tricks and effects, you can call him and he'll spend time with you to answer your questions (he stays near R.T Nagar) - Kiran says he is very friendly and approachable, and knows his subject very well (he's almost 60).

Hellmuth Conz: 98456-42172

East Coast Rally!

This guy Shree Kumar cycled from Chennai to Kolkata in 15 days!!

Read all about it and get inspired! http://shreekumar.blogspot.com/

Got the link from Recycle Bin , a blog that Swapnil found - Thanks, Veera!

Tuesday, February 01, 2005

Homestay cottages in Kodagu

Info sent by Vijayalaxmi:


"The link below is an article in Saturday's DH about homestay cottages in Kodagu:

http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jan272005/metro6.asp"

Note this line in it: "For a change, try homestay cottages in ‘coffee country’ Kodagu, where you can find time to bird watch, bathe elephants, take long walks and enjoy great hospitality." !!!!

Thank you, Vijayalaxmi!

Want to learn Odissi?

Try:

Kalatheera School of Odissi Dance
#22, 1st Floor, 2nd Cross
Swimming Pool Extn.
Kondondaramapura
Malleswaram

Contact: Udaya Kr.Shetty
Tel: 23463643

Info sent by a friend, not been there.

Poetry + Art, Music, Movement, Drama

A fusion of Poetry with Art, Music, Movement and Drama is planned for February 2005

at

Chyrsallis Performance Arts Centre
113, Koramangala Club Road,
6th Block, Koramangala
Phone 98861 12230 / 25506170


New Poets are invited to write in and send one entry - of which 24 poems will be selected to be presented across 4 weekends - in the following events:

Poetry and Art
Poetry and Music
Poetry and Movement
Poetic Drama


Mail your entries to chrysallisartscentre@yahoo.com before February 12, 2005

Its been 4 months since our last event and there have been many enquiries since that time.

Just to remind you that Chrysallis works for the cause of the deprived and the disabled and raises funds at Koramangala to feed 30 school children with an ambition to raise that number. All entrance collected will be donations towards the Chrysallis School Mid-Day Meal Project which has been in operation for a year now.

My thanks to all of you who have supported the cause through your participation in the various events - you have provided that little something that has changed the course of a child's life.

With warmest wishes always,

Diana Tholoor
Founder

Diana Tholoor
Training Consultant
Phone:5470687
Believe in yourself and you can move mountains