Blogs

 A common sight on the streets of Bangalore. The humble corn is roasted or boiled as a whole or often presented in small servings with various flavours under the overused brand name "American Corn".Pic by Ravi Kaushik. ⊕

Bird watching at Puttenahalli Lake today was a huge success. At least 30 people attended. One family came from Jayanagar 4th Block because their little daughter is fascinated with birds and someone had told them about our outing! The very first people to come though were TV9 cameramen and reporter! We asked how they got to know about the bird watching and they said simply that "they have their sources." From 7 am to about 8.30 am, they filmed the lake, the birds, the bird watchers and wanted to know how PNLIT ever thought of organizing a bird watch in…

  Anju Sudarshan, who runs the Ranga Shankara Cafe very successfully, is serving Onam Sadhya on Sunday, the 11th of September, 2011, at the Cafe.Anju is well-known for serving dishes that often resonate with the theme of the play being staged at Ranga Shankara. The lunch is priced at Rs. 185, and will be served from 11.30am onwards.Happy Onam to all of you! ⊕

Have you or someone you know filed an RTI application in public interest or are eager to do so? Or do you want to learn about applying the RTI Act for the greater common good? If yes, you could approach the Karnataka RTI Federation, a recently formed network of seasoned and emerging RTI users from all over the state. "It is a forum for RTI users from Karnataka who want to get organized and strengthen their association", said Vikram Simha, an experienced RTI user and campaigner based in Bangalore. He is one of the persons who conceptualized the Karnataka RTI…

BBMP has banned plastic whose thickness is less than 40 microns. The public and businesses have been informed about this. In spite of this, some of the businesses are using plastic bags whose thickness is less than 40 microns. In this regard, BBMP officials raided shops in and around Cottonpet area and seized about 320 kgs of plastic bags (below 40 microns) and slapped them with a fine of Rs 37,000.BBMP Press Release dated 6-9-2011   ⊕

BBMP’s Public Health Committee President, K N Geeta Shashikumar visited hotels and Kalyana Mantapas in Sheshadripuram, Shivananda Circle and Kumara Krupa areas and inspected them. She gave orders to issue notices to Kamat Yatri Nivas Hotel and Lakshmipadmanabha Kalyana Mantapa owners on the grounds of not maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. She said that it was very important for hotels and marriage halls to maintain good hygiene and to provide customers with hot water, especially in the rainy season as it is prone to contagious diseases. She cautioned the owners that strict disciplinary measures would be undertaken for failure to do…

"Nearly 110 species of birds, fully or partially dependent on water have been recorded utilizing the tanks in Bangalore. This diversity of birds belongs to 6 avian orders and 25 bird families." - Dr S. Subramanya, an authority on lakes At Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar we have positively identified 15 species of the 110 (with the help of close-up photographs; otherwise most of the birds were always too far off or reclusive). These include those that belong to the families of coots, cormorants, ducks, herons, jacanas, kingfishers, kites, lapwigs, wagtails. There are some that we are yet to photograph/identify and…

On 6-9-2011, BBMP officials seized an Innova Car (KA04 MC5400) which was parked on the road and had advertisements on all the sides. It was being used to display advertisements.High Court has prohibited display of advertisements in that manner and it can be done so only if permitted by the Regional Transport Authority.If private vehicles violate the advertising policies and rules, the owners will be fined Rs. 5000 and further legal action will be undertaken. BBMP Press Release dated 6-9-2011  ⊕

Objections from the Public called for to the 'Naming/Renaming' of various areas It has been decided to name the 33rd MainRoad in 4th Cross of Vysya Bank Colony, J.P.Nagar I Phase (comes under Ward No 179, Shakambarinagar area) as "Shri Rama Temple Road" as per the BBMP meeting held on 28-7-2011. The Park in Ward No 125, 2nd Main, Marenahalli, Binny Layout 1st phase is going to be called as "Binny Park" as per the same meeting. The 2nd Main Road in Narasimharaj Colony of Ward No 154 will be called as "Dr. C Ashwath Road" as per BBMP meeting…

Parents always compare their children's accomplishments with other children. I know my mom does! It is funny how she seems to always say, "look how your friend studies! She gets A+ in everything and you are sitting in front of me with what is equal to a fail mark? Why can't you be more like her?" My usual reply is, "she is my friend, not yours so I know how much she gets!" "I have spoken to her parents! I know she does very well. At least much better than you!" "Ma, you stretch the truth about how well I…