Z-Blogs

You've cribbed, you've ranted, you've tolerated, you've praised (even if rarely) aspects of our city, Bengaluru. Here's an opportunity to let everyone hear what you think about the way our city is changing. PNLIT and Saaphalya Pramukha Trust are organizing an open discussion on how the city echoes with the many sweeping changes brought about by time and people.    Leading the discussion will be Ms Bhargavi S. Rao, Trustee, Environment Support Group (ESG), Bengaluru and Mr G.V. Dasarathi who promotes sustainable transport (cycling, walking, using a bus).    Venue: Gazebo, Puttenahalli Lake, Near MLR Convention Centre, JP Nagar 7th…

You might think that gardening is a lot of hard work, and I won’t disagree with that but there can be so many pleasant surprises and unexpected results that it more than makes up for the work that we put in. Here’s one that I experienced recently: I have grown cherry tomatoes from crushed up store bought tomatoes many a time, and usually got slightly elongated looking tomatoes as a result. This is because the store bought ones were probably a hybrid variety, and so would not give rise to the identical ones in the next generation. For the first…

Bohidar Subankar writes: KA 57 F 1099 Volvo (500c) on 1st aug 2013My wife was trying cross the road amid traffic to catch the bus, the driver saw her screaming to wait for few seconds but he left the bus stop.I followed the bus, overtook and waived my hand and stopped at the next bus stop and by the time my wife can come out of the car he left the bus stop without stopping.I followed it again and the same was repeated.I was sure now that he is doing it intentionally.I overtook and stopped the bus but he didn't…

Hope all of you had a lovely Independence day weekend. Mine was full of dogs, just the way I would like it to be. I started out with a few families that had trouble communicating with their dogs. We worked on breaking down the 'language barriers.' Then I visited a rather troubled dog that has been rescued from a breeder. I wrapped up the weekend with a visit to my friend and her dog Sahana. Here is a very special picture that I’d like to share with all of you to start out this week on a great note -…

If you find pigeons that have been injured or otherwise in distress,  please call Harsha on 9844396701 He lives in Basavanagudi. He is unable to come and pick up the birds himself, but if contacted, he will be able to give advice on what can be done.

I like August. The weather is fine and the patriotic fervor is high in the air. I see people around me proudly sporting tri-colour pins. A far cry from the days when we were told to study hard, so that we can go “abroad” and chase certain coloured cards. Today we carry our Indian passports with pride. The “Made in India” label is cool and coveted. We support local art, local produce, local cuisine – just about anything local and native is ecofriendly and is in vogue. So, I think that a blog on “local native dogs” is would be…

Being a parent these days is tough. Kids today are so opinionated or pampered that they not only choose what c­­lothes to buy/wear, but also invariably decide what is cooked at home! And you’re not alone. When you talk to other parents at school, park or playground, the topic inevitably turns to foods and vegetables that kids will not eat. That means slowly but surely they are missing from the parents’ plate too — eventually. After all, which parent wants to spend more time making another dish?  The tendency is to eat what the kids eat, and the dishes that…

My journey with gardening started about three years ago, when I brought home the Kambha from Daily Dump and started composting my kitchen waste. The feeling of empowerment that I got from doing my bit soon translated to a conscious decision to move towards organic foods. This then led to starting my own kitchen garden that first began with five containers of tomato and brinjal plants. Brinjal grown in kitchen garden I cannot quite describe the feeling of joy from a first harvest, but I can assure you that once you experience it you will be hooked to growing your…

Having exact change is the best way to avoid clashes with conductors. Pic: Shree D N She steps into a BMTC bus in some part of Bangalore; asks for ticket, paying Rs.100; conductor says he doesn't have change. Argument over change turns ugly, as she doesn't understand what the conductor is speaking in Kannada. Not able to control her anger, she slaps him. Result: She ends up in judicial custody, for assaulting the conductor. (Src: Bangalore Mirror) What Swati faced is a historical problem in buses everywhere in India - not just Bangalore. Bus conductors usually don't have change; some…

Ramzan or Ramadan is the holy month of blessings which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. This is believed to be the month that the Koran was first revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad. During this, the followers of Islamic religion fast from sunrise to sunset. The purpose of fasting is to teach self-discipline, patience and spirituality and encourage charitable works. This year Ramzan will be observed till 7 August 2013, followed by Eid-al-Fitr on 8 August. The meals consumed after or before the fast or ‘roza’ is basically categorised into the pre-dawn meal, known as ‘Suhoor/Suhur’ and…