La day annuel
She got the pipes
Interesting music today at Baba Au Rhum. I actually worked and finished writing a technical document in this environment.
This is a developing situation. I'll keep you guys posted.
(Updated with videos. The music is beautiful.)
(We are not moving from Goa. I may have suggested it because other people were moving to Bangalore. That idea is dead in the water.)
(Updated with videos. The music is beautiful.)
(We are not moving from Goa. I may have suggested it because other people were moving to Bangalore. That idea is dead in the water.)
सामने यह कौन आया...
The obsessive father in me: oh yeah my kid is also learning the piano; it is only a matter of time before...
@rochelledsilvapoet doing @rochelledsilvapoet things. Waxing eloquently about her love for Goa.
It you've heard of the stereotype "Goans just need an excuse to party", I assure you that it's entirely true. I think we're just celebrating that Easter is over and all the bleeding tourists should have left by now.
The lady in the pics in Lorna. I have been properly chastised today for not knowing that in Goa, Lorna isn't just a singer or entertainer. She is an institution.
The lady in the pics in Lorna. I have been properly chastised today for not knowing that in Goa, Lorna isn't just a singer or entertainer. She is an institution.
आज गोवा में हिंदी नाटक देखने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ। जामुन का पेड़, कलाकार मंदार जोग। शानदार प्रदर्शन।
Music in Goa is the gift that keeps on giving. Today we are at the Institute Menezes, as the famous pianist Karl Lutchmayer lectures and performs.
There were two things that I realised during the concert. The first was that composers are handicapped by the mechanical limitations of the piano hardware. They are also limited by the ten fingers, two feet, and dexterity of the human form. All fingers are not equal, and the two hands have trouble doing completely independent things. Orchestras have there limitations too, and two pianists in tandem do not make twenty fingers.
So it was today that I truly realised the importance of synthesisers. I always thought that synthesizers are about sounds that natural instruments cannot produce. But a simple MIDI file can produce music that a human pianist never can.
The second thing I realised was the importance of buying local. The younger one, who accompanied me today, was in the market for a (digital) piano last month. He cycled down to Furtados, Goa's go-to musical instruments store, and figured out what he needed. Thereafter, me being the miser that I am, proceeded to hunt all over the Internet and Gurgaon for a cheaper source. While deferring the decision to me, Kavin patiently pointed out that a local store means immediate delivery, checking the piece before purchase, and local support and warranty. We did eventually buy from Furtados, but only because the price difference outside was <5%.
What I hadn't factored in is that buying from a local store is like investing in the local music scene. Furtados sponsored this piano and the performance today. Kavin is there practically every week to buy Trinity papers and other things. And it has perhaps helped build quite a bit of the local music scene that we so enjoy.
There were two things that I realised during the concert. The first was that composers are handicapped by the mechanical limitations of the piano hardware. They are also limited by the ten fingers, two feet, and dexterity of the human form. All fingers are not equal, and the two hands have trouble doing completely independent things. Orchestras have there limitations too, and two pianists in tandem do not make twenty fingers.
So it was today that I truly realised the importance of synthesisers. I always thought that synthesizers are about sounds that natural instruments cannot produce. But a simple MIDI file can produce music that a human pianist never can.
The second thing I realised was the importance of buying local. The younger one, who accompanied me today, was in the market for a (digital) piano last month. He cycled down to Furtados, Goa's go-to musical instruments store, and figured out what he needed. Thereafter, me being the miser that I am, proceeded to hunt all over the Internet and Gurgaon for a cheaper source. While deferring the decision to me, Kavin patiently pointed out that a local store means immediate delivery, checking the piece before purchase, and local support and warranty. We did eventually buy from Furtados, but only because the price difference outside was <5%.
What I hadn't factored in is that buying from a local store is like investing in the local music scene. Furtados sponsored this piano and the performance today. Kavin is there practically every week to buy Trinity papers and other things. And it has perhaps helped build quite a bit of the local music scene that we so enjoy.
Last night I encountered these two at a bar. They were having the time of their life. Both of them was so happy doing their thing, that it didn't really matter what music they were performing.
आज दूसरों के बच्चों को झाड़ पर चढ़ाया
Last night I heard Gaudi, an Italian DJ who performs dub and reggae, play the theremin and many other instruments. I've never heard the theremin performed live. It was something else.
Goa has been hosting such amazing concerts and I've been sitting at home 🤦🏽♂️
Goa has been hosting such amazing concerts and I've been sitting at home 🤦🏽♂️
Is this normal - playing two different instruments with two hands on two keys - or are we witnessing something freakishly awesome?
Oh, and we're at Mojigao for some time, if you'd care to join us.
Oh, and we're at Mojigao for some time, if you'd care to join us.
गए तो थे हम सुबह सुबह बत्तख देखने। मगर बत्तख हमें देख कर भाग गईं तो हम भी कमल देखकर लौट आए।
https://www.jta.org/2023/04/05/united-states/florida-high-school-pulls-graphic-novel-adaptation-of-anne-franks-diary-saying-it-is-not-age-appropriate
I think liberal folks might have gone just a little bit crazy fighting conservatives all the time.
Nilay wanted to buy Anne Frank's Diary when he was a kid. I flatly refused. Don't know where he'd heard of it. Said it's written by a kid. I told him I don't care.
Then he turned 13 and insisted again. I said fine. You're a teenager. How long can I hold you back. He buys it. Reads like three pages. Gets all sad. The guy legit moped around for like a week.
The age appropriateness of literature cannot be decided merely on the basis of sexual content in it. Stuff that can make you really sad is not required in the lives of teenagers. It's a stupid hill to die on, but I'll die on it. I know people read Sophie's Choice, but I'm 43 and I don't have the gumption. Like whyyyy would I introduce that level of sadness into my life?
Nilay read Munnu and in hindsight it was a bad idea. Bhimyana is about where I draw the line. Yes it's important to create awareness among youth. But not every harsh reality must be driven into you in the most realistic way possible. Childhood is childhood and people have all their lives to deal with the reality of this world we've made.
I think liberal folks might have gone just a little bit crazy fighting conservatives all the time.
Nilay wanted to buy Anne Frank's Diary when he was a kid. I flatly refused. Don't know where he'd heard of it. Said it's written by a kid. I told him I don't care.
Then he turned 13 and insisted again. I said fine. You're a teenager. How long can I hold you back. He buys it. Reads like three pages. Gets all sad. The guy legit moped around for like a week.
The age appropriateness of literature cannot be decided merely on the basis of sexual content in it. Stuff that can make you really sad is not required in the lives of teenagers. It's a stupid hill to die on, but I'll die on it. I know people read Sophie's Choice, but I'm 43 and I don't have the gumption. Like whyyyy would I introduce that level of sadness into my life?
Nilay read Munnu and in hindsight it was a bad idea. Bhimyana is about where I draw the line. Yes it's important to create awareness among youth. But not every harsh reality must be driven into you in the most realistic way possible. Childhood is childhood and people have all their lives to deal with the reality of this world we've made.
An orange moon rises over a red tiled roof.
So, umm, I've never had any use for my actual, original degree. I'd left it with someone years ago and forgot all about it.
But degrees have become important these days. So on a recent trip to Delhi, I took it back, and now it is safe in my almirah in Goa.
Anyone wanna see it? Won't send pics - you have to come see the original.
But degrees have become important these days. So on a recent trip to Delhi, I took it back, and now it is safe in my almirah in Goa.
Anyone wanna see it? Won't send pics - you have to come see the original.
M2 slept in late. M1 sat in a boat and looked fashionable while studying. Sephi cooked. The kids played games. I chased birds.
Everyone did their thing on a beautiful Sunday morning.
Everyone did their thing on a beautiful Sunday morning.
@sephibergerson 's lovely family invited us over and fed us yummy fresh cooked #food.
I finally found people in India who have more camping gear than me. My tribe 😁
I finally found people in India who have more camping gear than me. My tribe 😁
Over the weekend we went #camping in #Maharashtra, by the #Terekhol river.
I wish I'd taken a nicer picture of the beautiful river and the fresh, cool water.
I wish I'd taken a nicer picture of the beautiful river and the fresh, cool water.
#Zwigato has a brief scene where the heroine walks a few feet behind her husband, the hero.
Four years ago, a friend visiting India from the US for the first time, went on and on about how women trail their husbands in India. And how outright despicable that is. And I thought I got it. But I didn't, really, because it is all so normalised for us.
Zwigato is full of subtle imagery like this. Where something happens in the background which, if you relate to it, the message that the maker is trying to get across just sears into you.
Four years ago, a friend visiting India from the US for the first time, went on and on about how women trail their husbands in India. And how outright despicable that is. And I thought I got it. But I didn't, really, because it is all so normalised for us.
Zwigato is full of subtle imagery like this. Where something happens in the background which, if you relate to it, the message that the maker is trying to get across just sears into you.
Zwigato. Inox Panjim. 3pm today. Would you like to go with us?
I have now visited all three IKEA's in India.
Eaten their food. Shopped their stuff.
Apna apna shauk hai. Took me long enough 😅
Eaten their food. Shopped their stuff.
Apna apna shauk hai. Took me long enough 😅
Reminds me of the time tractors would roll around Bhopal at harvest time, selling wheat.
What if we eliminated the fat capitalist middleman worldwide, and bought directly from farmers.
What if we eliminated the fat capitalist middleman worldwide, and bought directly from farmers.
Is it job creation? Is it exploitation?
How does it feel to be at the mercy of an algorithm for your every task; for the very survival of yourself and your family.
How does it feel to be at the mercy of an algorithm for your every task; for the very survival of yourself and your family.
We leave you tonight, with what seems like the depiction of a tourist photographing a Goenkar who has had too much urak and is now have a siesta on their Balcao. There can be nothing more Goan than this.
The dragon fellow was there too
When at the carnival, do as the locals do.
It was at this point, that Nilay decided to leave us, and be one with the Talegaon Boys' Club and their float
There were entertainers of all hues
Groot was there, for some reason
Some scantily clad men were seen promoting the virtues of coconut oil. Women were having a field day photographing this guy's naked butt.
I really liked this float promoting vocational education at the school level
This Gomes is a goner. He had a Mardi Gra-esque party going on outside his bar, with drunk ladies attracting a lot of attention... till the cops got attracted too.
Some intense octopus sea life murder thing guy
So was the fresh produce guy
The junk food guy was there.
The random things that make a parade fun
Popularity is guaranteed if you're gonna chuck free onions and dried fish at people.
The flower girls look happier in person
King Momo surrounded by beauties
And so begins the Goa Carnival 2023
Once in a while we all need some validation. This was mine, after meeting someone for coffee earlier in the day and telling them "sometimes I'm not even sure what I'm doing".
Being over caffeinated, I could not get my Sunday nap. Killing time on LinkedIn, I came across the profile of this guy who worked in manufacturing at Thinvent till 2015. And when I read the About Me, it wasn't about him at all. It was about us. Nobody even asked him to do this.
Just last week, I was telling folks across both offices that it's easy to lose sight of our mission in a flurry of targets, numbers and deadlines. 90% of our time we are chasing those. By why do we even exist? We exist to:
1. Create meaningful electronics manufacturing jobs in India.
2. Sell a durable, sub ₹5000 computer to people who cannot otherwise afford to bridge the digital divide for their children.
3. Design and build world class products profitably in India. And not just niche products. Mass market products where we compete head on with global brands.
Being over caffeinated, I could not get my Sunday nap. Killing time on LinkedIn, I came across the profile of this guy who worked in manufacturing at Thinvent till 2015. And when I read the About Me, it wasn't about him at all. It was about us. Nobody even asked him to do this.
Just last week, I was telling folks across both offices that it's easy to lose sight of our mission in a flurry of targets, numbers and deadlines. 90% of our time we are chasing those. By why do we even exist? We exist to:
1. Create meaningful electronics manufacturing jobs in India.
2. Sell a durable, sub ₹5000 computer to people who cannot otherwise afford to bridge the digital divide for their children.
3. Design and build world class products profitably in India. And not just niche products. Mass market products where we compete head on with global brands.
Once in a while we all need some validation. This was mine, after meeting someone coffee earlier in the day and telling them "sometimes I'm not even sure what I'm doing".
Just last week, I was telling folks across both offices that it's easy to lose sight of our mission in a flurry of targets, numbers and deadlines. 90% of our time we are chasing those. By why do we even exist? We exist to:
1. Create meamingful electronics manufacturing jobs in India.
2. Build a durable, sub ₹5000 computer for people who cannot otherwise afford to bridge the digital divide for their children.
3. Design and build world class products profitably in India. And not just niche products. Mass market products where we compete head on with global brands.
Just last week, I was telling folks across both offices that it's easy to lose sight of our mission in a flurry of targets, numbers and deadlines. 90% of our time we are chasing those. By why do we even exist? We exist to:
1. Create meamingful electronics manufacturing jobs in India.
2. Build a durable, sub ₹5000 computer for people who cannot otherwise afford to bridge the digital divide for their children.
3. Design and build world class products profitably in India. And not just niche products. Mass market products where we compete head on with global brands.
Hear hear
It's been a long time since I saw someone shitting in the street. Or had to hop over a turd while walking. Did we ... did we really solve that? Wow. It would be quite the achievement.
The customs guys being the little shits that they are, they've put this board up at the entrance of Betul Fort, which is the only fort built by Shivaji in Goa. When the Portugese clawed this fort from the Marathas, they turned it into a customs office. When India clawed Goa from the 'gese, we merrily handed over the fort to our customs department instead of the ASI. Now this fantastic piece of heritage is literally crumbling, and has no functional office or any customs presence beyond this board. Why oh why do the military, customs and what not continue to squat over our cultural heritage instead of handing them to the public or the ASI. Infuriating.
The view from Betul Fort is hard to describe. Something else altogether. Must go back there soon.
M2 contemplates the lake one last time before we leave. Good times were had. Memories were made.
The elder one dialed things up a couple of notches and took the dinghy out into the sea. The island was too rocky and he couldn't find a place to tether his boat, so he came back. He saw lots of big red and yellow crabs on the island.
#boat #sea #island #rowing #karwar #karnataka
#boat #sea #island #rowing #karwar #karnataka
Absolutely fabulous custom vehicle made in Bhilwara, Rajasthan and operating in Karwar, Karnataka. It isn't a modification of an existing vehicle; it's completely built from scratch. It has leaf spring suspensions, rear differential, and a gear box. The motive force is also used to operate the sugarcane crusher. Lots of carefully designed storage space. The owner keeps it very clean and is very proud of it too.
#custom #customs #travel #innovation
#custom #customs #travel #innovation
This pic turned out rather nice
#boating #boat #lagoon #karwar #karnataka
#boating #boat #lagoon #karwar #karnataka
More boating. This time with towing.
#boat #boating #karwar #karnataka #camping
#boat #boating #karwar #karnataka #camping
Camping under trees and the stars.
The campsite came with a swing and a hammock.
#camping #swing #hammock #trees
The campsite came with a swing and a hammock.
#camping #swing #hammock #trees
Boaty time
M1. Boating. With a headlight. On an inflatable boat we picked up five years ago and never got to use. Till today. Big day ha ha.
#boating #boat #karwar #majali #karnataka
#boating #boat #karwar #majali #karnataka
There is a bird sitting on top of that tree. It's been there for a long time. I wonder if it is fishing, or just contemplating life.
#caboderama #goa #tree #sea #bird #nature
#caboderama #goa #tree #sea #bird #nature