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Holly Molly Hole is the latest offering from the quirky Spinmatic developing house. It also brings an interesting design and a range of pretty unique features. Free spins and respins are the order of the day here, with a win-builder that allows more elaborate ways to win the more successful at the game you become. Nice in theory, but kind of slows the game and can make things a bit confusing.
The presentation here is a little odd, and is essentially a 5 x 5 setup, however, to start with you only get 13 positions available, with 12 being hidden until the get more wins that reveal more positions across the board.
So the design is the key here, and what seems to be the trump card for the slot. Set underground with the mole-like miner characters, the basic graphics don't seem to let the game down as one might think. The quirky mechanics make it stand out, and with the ability to open up those paylines being directly linked to respin wins, it really adds to the slot's addictive quality.
So, how's it looking?
Looking good, with a range of symbols like these, who needs bonuses. Oh, there ARE bonuses? Wow. We'll go there later, but first those symbols in order of their value. The low value symbols come in the form of a pump, a chest, the Statue of Liberty, an axe and a wheel. High value symbols are headed up by a golden stone, followed in ascending order by a white stone, a blue stone, a red stone, a show and a skeleton.
The wild in the game is the strange looking pink worm, an oddly unattractive symbol choice, but effective all the same. Appearing over reels 2, 3, 4 and 5, during the base game as well as the free spins bonus round. The wild will substitute all other symbols to form a win.
Bonuses and features that stand out
Get a winning combination of any symbol during the base game for a repsins feature to trigger. These kinds of bonuses are a favourite of many, and often rescue an ailing slot. That's not to say this lots needs rescuing at this point though. If the respins are triggered a second or subsequent time, you'll be awarded another respin (up to a maximum of 5 respins). The number of ways to win also increases with every respin, as we mentioned before. The first respin brings 135 ways to win, up to an insane 1975 ways to win for the fifth.
Following on from this feature, the free spins bonus offers some hope for what happens after the ceiling of five respins is hit. Get a winning combination after the 5th respin and trigger a bonus offering 8 free spins and an eye-watering 3125 ways to win. This however, is you lot. There are no further spins or bonuses available.
Bitcasino overview
Its odd layout gives you a strange sense of anticipation, which unfortunately comes to nothing much. However, those respins and the extended ways to wins that come with them pretty much rescue this slot. The problem here is that Holly Molly Hole over-promises and under-delivers, and for us that leaves a bitter taste. The variance is low, the wins come along ta steady rate, but we just can't get over feeling slightly cheated, especially as wins are only decent if the right symbols come up.
Words: David Bailey-Lauring
Images: Bitcasino
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08 Aug Project Spotlight: Signode
Signode is "the leading worldwide manufacturer and distributor of protective packaging systems." In simplistic terms, Signode takes a bunch of small things and turns them into one unit in order to make packing and shipping easier. They accomplish this in part with their own custom equipment called a Unitizer. Since the Unitizer is custom equipment, it needed a custom solution to work in conjunction with it.
Working out of the Indianapolis Public Library, the original Inverse-Square two-man team of Bob and Joe took on the assignment. In order to see the Unitizer in action, Bob traveled to Texas (where he ate a taco so delicious, that four years later he's still going on about it) and Joe went to Ohio to work hands on with Signode engineers at their manufacturing plants.
After observing how the Unitizer worked, Bob and Joe were able to build a custom web application to audit its efficiency, manage maintenance, and monitor users. They built it so well, Signode took a patent out on it!
With the proactive monitoring of the custom software in place, Signode experienced less downtime, and reduced over and under run problems.
Does your business use customized machinery or have customized processes that could benefit from custom business software? Contact us today and discover what custom software development can do for you!Request a Consultation

subset: commoncrawl


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Are You Looking For A Removalist In Cremorne Point?
Get a friendly, tailor-made interstate removals service to and from Cremorne Point to any place in the nation. Quick & Easy removals is available round the clock and all-round the year. If you want to book a removal service even in midnight, you can give us a call.
Our men at Quick & Easy Removals in Cremorne Point are available all the time. If you want house removalists at any hour in the day, just give us a call. Our men will come along with their trucks and cartons, inspect all your items for packing and give you a quote. You can start moving your stuff right away or take your time if you need.
Our rates for furniture removals and property cleaning are usually fixed. However, since most of our services are tailor-made, you can give us details about the items you want to be removed and get a negotiable rate for the same. If you are in Cremorne Point, you can call us for removals.
Relocating to this peninsula harbour called Cremorne Point is damage-free with Quick & Easy Removals. Don't worry about the size or nature of removal as our men will take care of it! If you are thinking about office removals, we are just the right service to call.
For house and office removals to any place in the nation, call 1300 883 117.
Call Quick & Easy Removals Today!
1300 883 117


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Malabar Calling
……..Ah, Kerala.
Just the thought of traveling through this South Indian State conjures up images of stunning backwaters, epic roads, coconut palms, fabulous food, mind blowing beaches and well, tropical beauty at its best!
Photographer Nipun Srivastava took a week-long motorcycle ride with the Kawasaki Versys 650, riding through Goa, Karnataka and finally spending some time among the lagoons of Northern Kerala.
Feast your eyes !
Malabar Calling – A stunning Kettuvalam Houseboat at cruise on a typical lagoon.
"These refreshing vistas are what greeted me as I took a stop at Bekal, in Northern Kerala. After having ridden my steed (the Kawasaki Versys 650) through Goa, then Mangalore (Karnataka) and finally into Kerala, I was happy to have covered over a thousand kilometers. What's more is that I was now well and truly in Malabar Country. A place known for its food, culture, temples, forts, beaches, resort hotels and of course – the serene backwaters of the Arabian Sea.
Backwater Sunset!
A sunset cruise over the (yet) noncommercial backwaters of Nileshwar is so nourishing for the soul, one needs to experience it to believe it. A two day drive or ride from Mumbai or Pune or a day's hop from Bangalore, Nileshwar is your surest way of sampling the Kettuvalam houseboats and Kerala Culture whilst being spared the madness of usual Kerala hot spots which are known to be overflowing with tourists at most times.
As one rides up to the backwaters over idyllic little bridges and through lush coconut groves, you come across a dozen or so houseboat operators dotted along the inner waters of Nileshwar and around.
Queen of the water!
Take your pick, most these boats are similar in look and feel, however we suggest you pick Lotus Houseboats or Bekal Ripples as your cruise of choice. Their vessels are good and make for a better nautical experience.
The boats have onboard kitchens, bedrooms with air-conditioning and open dining spaces fit for a family, couples or even a group of friends. Prices range from $50 to $1000 depending on the length of your cruise.
Cruise choices range from six-hour day cruises to short two-hour sunset cruises and you can even stay aboard these vessels overnight as they make their way, at leisure, from Nileshwar to Valliaparamba.
Sunset Hues – Serene waters of the Kerala Lagoons.
When you ride hard, you must eat well. In this part of India, food is sublime. From seafood to the choicest meats, even vegetarian selections, prepared with tongue tingling spices fit for royalty – it's a real treat here!
Pardon my lack of Instagram professionalism as I conveniently excused myself from shooting images of my food. In the moment, I preferred pouncing on the plates over pulling out the lenses 😀
Instead, here's a look at where we stayed.
Taj Bekal Resort and Spa – epic accommodation!
Kerala is home to some of the most idyllic Hotel Resorts and Spa Retreats in India. Taj Bekal, our anchor-point on this motorcycle ride, was the perfect home away from home.
Genuinely, what a place to spend the better part of a week. Taking a stroll under lush coconut palms, spending an afternoon at Asia's largest Spa (really!), taking a moonlit raft ride on the (in-premises) river, sampling food at all four restaurants, spending time at the beach and in the fabulously put together rooms – we did everything this place had to offer.
Taj Bekal Beachfront!
At Taj Bekal, I've stumbled upon my new stress-buster getaway itinerary: Take a flight to Mangalore, get the hotel to drive me to Bekal, spend three blissful nights here and then take a flight back to the grind!
Just being at Bekal eases the senses, surrounds you with soothing shades of green and blue as the sea breeze and brown sand take turns tickling you head to toe. It really is my go-to beach holiday now!
Bekal – Stress buster of sorts!
Now then, with the Arabian Sea and the leisurely Lagoons of Bekal behind me, I was in the mood for some good motorcycling. I now set my target as Chikmagalur, in Karnataka.
After what I had just experienced in Kerala, I didn't expect too much to see on my way inland. Boy was I wrong, motorcycling in India is truly something to write home about!
Riding away from the coast and into the Western Ghat Mountain range in South Western India, I was left dumbfounded by what I saw on my way.
Zipping through the Western Ghats on the Kawasaki Versys 650!
Kudremukh National Park, this is a protected part of the Western Ghat Mountain range in the state of Karnataka, India.
With just a single, exquisitely laid, super smooth and curvaceous road cutting through, Kudremukh has to be one of the most heavenly roads to ride on in India.
Kudremukh Peak & National Park visible in the distance, as seen from Mullayangiri.
Crossing over the Western Ghat Mountains, the roads now cut through lush Tea Gardens and Coffee plantations. The weather was now noticeably cooler and the roads were empty as can be!
The smooth hum of my motorcycle was the perfect companion as we took turn after turn into the overwhelming green surrounds of District Chikmagalur.
Lush Plantations of Chikmagalur!
Chikmagalur is the birthplace of coffee in India. Legend has it that a Sufi Saint on his way back from pilgrimage to Mecca, carried a few raw coffee beans as he transited through Yemen.
Those few beans are what started it all, as far as Coffee plantation in this region goes. Fascinating!
Approaching Chikmagalur!
As you climb down from the Western Ghat Mountains, you hit Chikmagalur Town in the foothills. It's almost as if Chikmagalur is cradled by the mighty Ghats, sitting pretty at a height of 3500 ft.
I made my way through the town, on one side was the semi-urban hustle and on the other, the mammoth mountain of Mullayangiri – the highest mountain peak in the state of Karnataka (6000 ft).
Riding to the top of Mullayangiri was my next target. It had been a while since I had ridden a motorcycle above 5000 ft in Nepal and Ladakh. I wondered how far up the mountain one could reach with the Versys 650.
On top of the world!! (Well, just Karnataka really.)
The Kawasaki Versys 650 – Atop Mullayanagiri – The Highest Mountain Peak of Karnataka, India.
Getting to the top of this mountain was relatively easy. Although the extremely narrow road with tight hairpins and vehicles moving in both directions really got the blood flowing!
Just a couple clicks short of the top, the road vanishes completely. Hereon only 4×4 jeeps hired by tourist groups take on the last little bit of the climb as it is completely off-road. Well, Jeeps and motorcycles 😉
There should be a paved road all the way soon enough but for now, it was a two kilometer long off road track with steep fall-offs on one side and the mountain on the other! Like I said, it got the blood flowing 😛
Road to Mullayanagiri!
From the thick sea breeze at Bekal to the thin air atop Karnataka's highest peak, this had been a journey of sorts. The number of different terrains I had seen on this short 2000 kilometer ride was really something.
As I rode back towards Chikmagalur town, I loaded up on the famed filter coffee and bought myself a couple kilos of beans. You need to try the blends from here, you'll forget about the crap we drink in our cities!
I really do mean that. At the Estate run shops in Chikmagalur, you can get customized coffee blends as per your preferences. Might I add, buying freshly blended Coffee here is extremely affordable.
Homeward Bound!
Charged up on coffee, it was time to head home.
What a journey it had been – seven days, over two thousand kilometers, great food, stunning scenery, fabulous roads and so much coffee. This trip ended up being everything I'd imagined it would be and more.
Safe to say, I'm already planning another trip down South. There's just so much more to see and experience in South India!
Until next time, I'm Nipun Srivastava, Vrooming off!"
Wow, we at The Nirvana Team can't wait to see where Nipun head's next and which vehicle he chooses!
We thank Taj Hotels for their exceptional support and impeccable service along the way, their Hotels and Resorts make the perfect pit stops for motorcycle touring in South India.
The Kawasaki India Versys 650 performed like a total champ on this journey, as expected. Great performance on and off the road, fully loaded and even two-up. An absolute value for money motorcycle for India!
Do tell us what you think of this photo-story by Photographer Nipun Srivastava, would you like to see more stories like this in the future? Comment down below!
Follow @Thenirvanateam on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
Sport Tourer for the Soul!
Kawasaki, Ducati, BMW, MV Agusta, Benelli, Triumph and even Royal Enfield have upped their motorcycle game in India (or have had too!).
We're the next big market for motorcycle makers in the world. We've got the money and we've got the trails too! Most of all, we're buying new motorcycles like there's no tomorrow! The markets have been going crazy over the past year, so much so that the Motorcycle we're bringing to you today already has a refreshed version out there!
So, which motorcycle should you get if you want to see the country on two wheels?
Let's say you're a practical rider, someone who's not stingy but you're one who likes to be smart about your passionate decisions too, what bike to buy? 😉
Take a keen look at the Kawasaki Versys 650. A perfectly priced sports touring motorcycle for the Indian market.
An 800,000 Rupee ticket to premium motorcycling freedom. Buy it and you join the big league, kit it out well and you can ride the length and breadth of India, Nepal and Bhutan – all without a passport and over all sorts of terrain, roads and climate!
The 649cc engine on the Versys is all but battle tested, rock solid and super smooth over the rev range, gives a sweet straight power delivery up to a healthy 69 BHP. It can do 120 kmph all day long, comfortably, getting you where you need to be easily. The torque (64Nm @ 7000 rpm) too is tweaked in favour of the rider travelling with a little load – whether that be your luggage over a long weekend, significant other or both.
It has an ABS and an adjustable suspension setup too! Pretty freakin' cool at this price point, we can tell you that.
Nipun Srivastava, our resident adventurer, has been painstakingly kitting out a Versys 650, using it on his photography missions and weekend rides alike.
How the Kawasaki Versys 650 is the perfect beginner premium motorcycle to take on the Indian road, we'll let him break it down for you.
He'll take you through everything, from what accessories go well with this motorcycle to what one must watch out for when on the Versys 650. Enjoy 🙂 .
""You'll be mistaken if you think the Versys 650 is a small motorcycle."
This Kawasaki is meaty enough to keep you full for a lifetime of comfortable riding, customized to your specific style.
Me, I'm more a sucker for exploration and seeing the country on tour. Piece by piece, I like to pick up areas which look promising on the map and then head out to check if my research was any good. Often times the research goes out of the window when on a major ride, so what I need then is a reliable machine which can get me through some serious stuff.
The 650cc parallel twin on the Versys is known to be a bullet proof engine. It has been used by Kawasaki on a number of its top-selling motorcycles like the Ninja 650 and the ER6N. Right there one knows that if maintained well, this engine will go a long long way. The gearbox is a tad notchy for my liking but one soon gets used to it.
Take the Versys 650 almost anywhere!
Height-wise, the Versys 650 sits right in the middle. If you are too tall or too short, give it a proper test ride before you consider buying it. Lowering kits are available for this Versys but they are almost always underwhelming in performance and often lead to ground clearance issues, especially while riding two – up. For those who hover around 6ft or just under, the seating on the Versys is just right. The seat, well that's relatively comfortable too.
All fueled up, she weighs in at just under 215 kgs.
Good suspension, that's what makes the Versys an absolute game changer at this price point. The Versys boasts of Showa's Separate Function front forks which are manually adjustable for Rebound and Pre-load. The rear mono-shock can be adjusted with just the twist of a knob, while seated even! Although I find the front a little soft for my liking, I am yet to fully explore all the possibilities these front forks offer. I'm pretty sure there's a setting somewhere which will work perfectly – I just need to find it.
So then, on paper, the Versys 650 makes a very healthy case for itself in India. What more can one ask for then? Read on 🙂 .
In this Sport-Touring motorcycle segment, one major factor is the accessories one can mount on one's steed. It is here that the Versys really excels. There are just so many options from reputed brands like SW Motech, Hepco Becker, Givi, Evotech and even Kawasaki themselves that one is truly spoilt for choice.
Each Versys then is sort of a blank canvas. A very capable and smart blank canvas.
One can take the Versys from being an intercity shuttle to a relatively tough machine, able to head out on to the road and even off it to a great extent. All one needs is the right set of accessories mounted and you can push the Versys 650 trail-side. On the trails, the 650 is a little top heavy if you're running a full tank of gas but if you know what you're doing, the motorcycle does well to get you across a dusty, gravel topped trail without any difficulty. One sore point, the ABS can't be turned off. You'd think Kawasaki could have thrown in a switch for that just for good measure. Alas.
Trail-side with the Versys 650!
The accessories you choose for your motorcycle need to be on point, always. They must be geared towards the kind of riding you intend to do.
Here's a list, a brief description and a final GO or NO on the accessories we chose for the Versys 650.
Our accessories line-up:
Radiator Guard: By far the most necessary accessory for your Versys is the Radiator Guard that you mount. It must be light yet strong and be ready to take a subtle thrashing every time you hit a rough patch. On the Versys, this is important as the front tire tends to send small stones flying into the radiator as a routine. We chose the Evotech Performance Radiator Guard as it is extremely light (aluminium), an absolute breeze to mount and covers the full front of the Radiator assembly and not just the fins. An absolute GO from us.
Guard that Radiator Baby!
Also seen are the SW Motech Sump Guard, The Hepco-Becker Crash Bars and the SW Motech Fork & Swing-arm Sliders.
Engine/Sump Guard: Very important if you ride long distances on Indian roads. This guard protects the engine sump, the bottom of your exhaust system and more importantly, the vulnerable O2 sensor located just next to the engine sump. We chose the SW Motech Engine Guard as design wise this thing is a masterpiece. It presents an absolutely smooth surface to the ground so as not to catch on anything and cause damage. It's made of aluminium, hence is lightweight and the rubber mounting bushes save you from any vibration/resonance on higher revs. GO for this.
Crash Bars: These cover the lower part of your front fairings and the sides of your engine heads. We chose the Hepco Becker Engine Guard for the Versys 650 as it provides very good coverage, has perfect clearances with the fairings and fits in seamlessly with the design language on the Versys 650. It is also very easy to bolt on. It is rock solid once bolted on correctly. An absolute GO from us!
Front Axle & Rear Swing-arm Sliders: We went with the SW Motech sliders as they seem to be the most polished and easily available sliders in India. Once on, you almost forget they're there. GO.
Chain Lubrication: No one will tell you this before you buy a premium motorcycle but your chain is the key to a good ride. It is also a part which demands constant attention when riding religiously. We've gone ahead and mounted a Versys Edition Scottoiler V-System on the bike so as to keep our chain lubricated at all times. Giving us the peace of mind to carry on riding regardless of conditions. This is a GO if you don't want the hassle of manually lubing your chain.
Note: The single sided lubricator, included with the Scottoiler, does an OK job. We suggest you use the dual sided lubricator for consistent lubrication.
Barkbusters hand-guards. As purposeful as they come!
Hand Guards: This is a requirement only if you tend to test your skills every now and then, which obviously increases your chances of taking a tumble or having your brake/clutch lever smacked out of shape. We got the Barkbusters mounted on our Versys with the VPS guard cover. Moreover we added the Barkbuster DRLs atop the cover to increase the visual footprint of the vehicle and add style to the overall look. The Hand Guards are a GO from us, the cover and DRLs you can do without.
Dazzle Baby! The Denali D4 Auxiliary lamps.
Auxiliary Lighting: We think this is important. Also, it is one of the most confusing and cost intensive investments you can make on your vehicle. Important because in our riding conditions, one needs to be visible. Confusing because of the sheer number of choices out there – Baja, Denali, SW Motech and even Chinese knock-offs – it's a tough call to take. We went with the trusted Denali D4s for our Versys and give it a healthy 7/10 on its daylight and night time performance. GO for the Denali D4s as they are simple, hardy and get the job done effortlessly. Just look at them dazzle!
Tank Pads: We've mounted the Tech Spec Snakeskin for the Versys 650. Industry leading, very good performance and absolute value for money. GO.
Tank Bag(s): We looked at them all and then settled for SW Motech. We got two – The Yukon 90 for when it gets wet and the Micro for short intercity bursts. Both mount to the same tank ring and can handle rough riding. The Yukon is ugly and a pain to use but is waterproof, the Micro is a breeze to use but is a tad small, even for something called a micro. SW Motech, Givi, Hepco Becker or even Giant loop, the choices are endless out there! GO.
Travel light, travel right! The SW Motech Aero Semi Rigid Panniers.
Luggage: We've mounted the SW Motech (Quick Lock EVO) Aero ABS Semi Rigid Panniers. These are cost effective, let you carry more weight (8 kgs per side) and look bloody amazing on the Versys 650. We give these a 10/10 for looks and an 8/10 for functionality. GO for it!
Side Stand Foot Enlarger: This is probably the most underrated accessory for your bike. Our SW Motech side stand foot enlarger helps keep the bike steady on soft terrain, like a boss. Be it on a beach or a mushy trail, the motorcycle stands steady.
OEM Accessories: The Kawasaki Gear Indicator and the DC Output Socket. The DC Socket is an absolute GO. You can live without the Gear Indicator, moreover it comes console integrated in the 2017 Versys 650.
That takes care of the accessories list on our Versys 650! Phew!
Why didn't we go with OEM Kawasaki Accessories? Two reasons, one – they are freakishly expensive and two – they do not inspire confidence when on the road.
Every machine has its quirks and the Kawasaki Versys 650 is known to have a few too.
- For starters, Kawasaki India has recently gone solo and split its operations with Bajaj Auto Ltd. This boils down to a smaller service network and in places service that's not so great. Moreover, basic spares have become slightly tougher to come by.
- On the road, some riders claim to have bent their rims while riding over large pot holes at speed. We faced no such issues, yet.
- The stock tires (Dunlops) are geared towards delivering high mileage only. They perform badly on dry roads, wet roads, good roads and bad roads alike. We exchanged ours for Metzeler Sportec M7 RRs after the first thousand clicks.
- The stock headlamps are weak. You NEED an auxiliary light setup. Alternatively, we hear, Cyclops make good replacement LED Bulbs for the Versys.
- Versys 650's jerky gearbox takes getting used to but becomes smoother after the second/third service.
- Typical parallel-twin behaviour – the handlebar vibrates when getting off the mark, can make a novice question his/her intuition when new to the motorcycle.
- The Horn is puny, in India, one needs to get something with more punch.
- Lack of a healthy exhaust note. The Versys 650 sounds like a refrigerator. Sorry.
If you notice, I'm picking nits here. In the end, the Versys 650 is a damn fine proposition for Indian roads. 😉
- An absolutely bulletproof engine and a suspension setup which is sublime.
- It comes touring ready. If you had to, you could take the Versys 650 out of the box and hit the road straight away. It would do well.
- Short running in period of 1000 kilometers. After that, get new oil and kiss 9000 rpm all you want.
- Comfortable service intervals of 5000 kilometers. This will irk the mile-munchers but most riders will be fine.
- Acceptable cost of maintenance. It's not a super expensive vehicle to keep in ride-ready condition.
Overall the Versys 650 is damn easy to live with.
This motorcycle provides the perfect mix of reliability, mechanical prowess and is very accessory friendly.
The Versys 650 delivers decent power, nothing crazy or too intimidating, so as to get your soul the sport tourer it needs!""
Happy riding!
We hope you've enjoyed our story on the Versys 650 from Kawasaki. Tell us what you feel about this motorcycle and whether you would consider buying it.
If you already own one, let us know how it's going for you and how far you've travelled on your steed!
Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let's start a conversation!
Versys 650 ABS – 2017 Update
There's a new kid on the block and it's more or less the same as the old kid.
The New 2017 Kawasaki Versys 650 is now green in colour, has a console integrated gear indicator, sports a giant Versys decal on the fairing and that's about it. The Engine (now BS IV compliant), Gearbox and Suspension remain the same on the new Versys as well.
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Views represented are personal opinions of the rider based on his experience with the vehicle showcased.
Vehicle: The Versys 650 ABS (2016)
Photography for this piece has been delivered by our Lead Photographer – Nipun Srivastava and assistant photographer Kaustubh Khare.
Model: Our resident adventurer – Nipun Srivastava.
With the Toucan, You can!
In this article, we'll briefly talk (and walk) you through the Alpinestars Toucan Motorcycling Boots in India.
Our review will help you understand whether this is the pair of adventure boots you should go for!
The Alpinestars Toucan Motorcycle Boots!
Adventure motorcycling in India is fast catching up. Manufacturers are rushing to our shores with their machines, trying to bank any spare penny that the Indian tourer may have to invest in their products. Well, motorcycles aside, what often gets talked about is quality riding gear to go with these adventure machines.
A good helmet, a great riding jacket, good pair of gloves and a functional yet hardy pair of boots which will get you through thick and thin – that's what's on any true rider's gear list. Well at least that's the idea, anyway.
Here in India, buying quality riding gear takes a little doing. Very few places to test out the big brands, check the look and feel etc. If premium gear is what one is after, in all probability one will have to wing the sizing and bet ones money on a leap of faith while ordering these pieces.
This time, we bring to you the Alpinestars Toucan Adventure Touring Boot.
A boot we've lusted after for a while. A boot that's almost mystical in its concept and a boot we've got our hands on recently! They say it can take anything any tourer worth their salt can throw at it. So does this thing really match expectations in India? Read on.
The Toucan is a premium motorcycle touring boot and costs a hair under INR 30000/-, which includes a 41% import duty. The boots aim to incorporate features of Alpinestars' top of the line dirt-riding boots and safety aspects from the years worth of research and experience they have gained in creating riding gear for all types of motorcycling.
All that means little if these boots don't keep a rider's feet cool, dry and most importantly – safe while out on the Indian road (or off it!).
Studio images for the Alpinestars Toucan Boots, shot at our in-house studio at TheNirvanaTeam HQ!
Over to our lead Photographer and resident adventurer, Nipun Srivastava, who is actually using the Alpinestars Toucan Adventure Boot currently:-
""Damn, this thing feels stiff."
When you first put on the Toucan Boots, you're gonna panic. They feel extremely stiff, offer limited movement and make your heart sink. Putting these boots on for the first time made me feel like it was a waste of 30 grand. I probably wouldn't be able to ride the bike with the foot freedom I was used to anymore. I even considered not riding with these boots at all, yes!
Once I calmed my disappointment however, I read the owner's manual. There it was, the manual clearly states that the boot will be quite stiff when you first start using it and will loosen to fit aptly in due time. Alpinestars even advises one not to size up if the boot fits snug when new.
Walk in the boots. Keep walking and flexing the boots to get used to them and let the boots adjust to your feet. The Toucan is a big boot and may be a tad overwhelming initially but bear with it. After a while of walking the boot, I got on to the motorcycle and took it for a ride.
Leaving town with the Toucans!
The gear shifts were tougher to make now. Braking no longer remained a casual flick of the foot, it now had to be a more conscious effort. Riding with this boot takes some getting used to.
Here are the usage aspects broken down for you:
Was I comfortable? – Yes.
Was the fit right? – Yes
Were my feet hot? – No
Were my feet sweating? – Very slightly.
Were the gearshifts easy? – No, especially at the start, since the boot is new and stiff it takes quite an effort to get the gears to shift when you need them. It does become easy as one keeps riding though.
Was rear braking easy? – No, I had to alter my braking style and be conscious of the amount of weight I put on the brake pedal. Since the boot is heavier than the ones I was used to (SMXs), usual force applied seemed too much. I got used to it eventually.
Are the boots easy to wear? – Absolutely, the boots are a breeze to wear and take off. The aluminum arrowhead buckles make the boot very easy to use.
Can I walk with the boots on? – Yes, it gets easier with every step.
Can I hike/trek with the boots on? – Hell no.
Are the Toucans waterproof? – Yes, you'll be amazed. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps all water out 100%!
Are the boots prone to slipping on wet surfaces? – It is possible to slip in these boots. Do not take a chance.
Waterproof baby!
Are the boots easy to live with?
Big boots seldom are but the Toucans do the job they were meant to do very well. So taking that into consideration, yes, the Toucan is easy to live with.
Nipun's Gear Setup:
Alpinestars Toucan Boots, SX-1 Knee Guards, Apex all-weather gloves and the Air Jacket – a perfect harmony!
You will buy this boot only if you're in search for the best that's out there for your feet. It cost us just under INR 30,000/- to import it to India from Germany, with a 41% import duty included. So, it does cost a pretty penny. If you're still interested, you probably intend on doing some great travel with your motorcycle. After getting into these boots, you're going to want to ride far and ride hard.
With the Toucans on and adapted to your feet, you can ride far and long. Comfortable cruising on the highway is a pleasure as there is lesser need for rider inputs. On the trails too the boot manages to support ones feet very well. Should you have a brush with the dirt, rest assured that the Toucan will perform well. Adventure riding is where the toucan shines beautifully.
Trail trials!
I spent long, hot and sweaty days riding with the Toucan here in India and I have no negatives to report. It performed very well on the road. When I took it off-road and onto some tricky trails, the Toucan supported my feet and calves as I stood up to negotiate ruts and mounds. They have a solid feel when you put your feet down next to the motorcycle and make you feel well protected. The Alpinestars Toucan Adventure boot is value for your money despite the premium price tag."
Give it dirt, give it dust, give it mud or splashes of water while you tease your comfort zone exploring new horizons – the Toucan will thrive.
Then, just clean up and head out again!
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All views represented are personal opinions of the writer based on his experience with the product showcased.
Product: Alpinestars Toucan Motorcycling Boots.
Photography for this piece has been delivered by our Lead Photographer – Nipun Srivastava and assistant photographer Kaustubh Khare.
Model: Our resident adventurer, Nipun Srivastava.
Vehicle: The Versys 650 ABS.
Touring with the GLA!
One thing we love about our job is that it always feels like a vacation. Recently, our resident photographer landed up at a destination so beautiful, in a car so cool, he had to bring out the big guns!
Check out the view!
Nashik, in Maharashtra, is an Indian city tuned mostly towards religious tourism and the occasional trek. In recent years though, this city has taken on a unique personality. One, that has truly intrigued and amazed the entire country and the world!
Nashik is home to India's most popular Winery – Sula Vineyards. Just outside the city limits stand the stately Vineyards. An expanse ripe with enthusiasm, technique and a unique taste for the good life – that's the Sula vibe. Right then, we struck a chord with the place.
Arriving in style!
We drove from Pune to Nashik in the striking Mercedes Benz GLA. A car we chose for its unique form and laudable capability. Right from the get-go, the GLA 200 CDI took on the challenge of the Indian road with solid gusto. Traditionally, Mercedes Benz cars occupy a luxury oriented placement in the Indian market. Touring in the GLA however, we felt brand Mercedes Benz was now venturing into territory not just for the chauffeur driven CEO but also for the one who likes to take charge of the wheel and steer into the good life, head-on.
Head into the Indian countryside and one is greeted with boundless beauty albeit coupled tastefully with the occasional bad road. A place not ideal for soft, sexy and luxurious cars, surely. It is here that the Mercedes Benz GLA, with its rugged disposition, throws down the gauntlet in the face of this fact. Roads, good or bad, are easily traveled by this mid sized GLAdiator of sorts. The GLA also excels in quenching the thirst for trailblazing across the countryside. All this while keeping the driver cocooned in familiar luxury. It is by far the best suited Benz for the aspirational Indian.
All about the GLAm!
Talking aspirations, the Sula winery was born out of sheer passion and a great attitude. CEO Rajeev Samant took what little he had, poured his heart into his work and gave rise to a truly global wine brand. The creation of Sula has brought about a wine revolution in India. Growing at a healthy pace and gaining popularity by the minute, Sula's Wines have captured the attention of most curious travelers and wine connoisseurs alike.
Taste the Sula Life!
Attention is something the GLA grabs by the ton as well. The GLA's road presence is something which needs to be felt to be believed. This luxury SUV gives India the pomp of a three pointed star, the elegance of a luxury tourer and the go-almost-anywhere attitude! The GLA rivals the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 when we look at price points. The Mercedes Benz GLA looks stunning from every angle, something that its rivals struggle to do even on the best of days.
The GLA is big enough to command the road and small enough to even be called compact! On the motorway, the GLA drove flawlessly across hundreds of kilometers that we threw at it. Eventually the roads ran out and we were doing trails towards Nashik and this is where the GLA came into its own. We weren't worried about ground clearance, we knew there was enough power and all doubts about the GLA's capabilities evaporated as we circumvented traffic jams on the Pune – Nashik Highway by driving through tricky village paths & broken roads!
tasting trails
We did not push the GLA beyond the broken road however. When driving a luxury car of this form, it isn't always the best course of action trying to do high articulation maneuvers. That's simply not what the GLA is about. A 7 speed dual clutch gearbox mated to a 4-pot diesel motor churning out 135 bhp provides effortless on-road performance on the new GLA 200 CDI. The diesel engine does create some noise outside and on the inside as well but it's not something which affects the overall drive experience. Space is tight on the inside, making the GLA in essence a two person tourer.
Two of us, with our luggage and camera equipment traveled very comfortably in the GLA. We fell in love with the fantastic driver and spotter seats in the car, these seats make long drives an absolute dream! The unmissable sport mode makes easy pickings of sharp mountain curves and the suspension which is specially tuned for India (owing to the increased ride height) does well to keep the GLA centered and the occupants charged up ;).
Ideal for India!
On a drive which ends at a location as stunning as the Sula Vineyards, we had to go all-in. We reached Sula and were greeted by their brand managers, Nirvana was given a one-on-one tour of the Vineyard and the manufacturing facility. Not to forget the tasting of 10 most popular wines from Sula!
Sunset at Sula!
A visit to Sula can be an all encompassing experience. Soléil, the restaurant, serves Indo-French Cuisine at the vineyard and 'Beyond' is a luxury hotel managed by Sula for its patrons. They also undertake tours of the winery for a small fee which includes a quick wine tasting as well. If chilling out is all you plan to do, you can head to the cafe overlooking the Vineyard for some amazing sunsets and snacks.
The Nirvana Favorite – Chenin Blanc Reserve.
We're no wine boffins but we do have our favorites! On our scales, the Chenin Blanc Reserve and the Late Harvest Chenin Blanc take the top spots! Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Shiraz and Merlot are a few more among the varieties produced at Sula. If you are someone with a genuine thirst for travel and love a unique experience, a visit to these Vineyards is a must-do. It is one of the most unique weekend experiences one can undertake.
In it to win it!
Pushing the realms of possibility and chasing perfection relentlessly are traits both Sula & Mercedes Benz embody. Our boy Nipun Srivastava cut short his vacation and took on the task of showcasing both the car and the destination, single-handedly. This, because we value true originality, class and quality. Any such endeavour inspires us to do more and way better than ever before. We thank Sula Vineyards for their exemplary hospitality.
Motoring and alcohol do not mix, let's be clear.
Here at Nirvana we practice the highest norms of motoring safety. We adore the vehicles we drive and use, behooving us to do our job responsibly.
Do share our Sula story if you liked it! In our bid to encourage motoring conversations further, we'd like you to comment below and tell us what you think.
We'd love to know how our readers satisfy their cravings for the road! Cheers!
More pictures form our Sula Vineyards road-trip!
Mahindra Xylo Mad Dash!
Road trips, to us, are the best way to break the ice between a vehicle and the people who use it. Much like it is for strangers travelling together. Here at Nirvana, we like to believe that vehicles, regardless of the number of wheels, have personalities too. With the Mahindra Xylo, we were on the verge of finding out what motoring could mean if one let go of stereotypes and just put pedal to the metal.
The day before our trip, as the Mahindra Xylo arrived, we were a tad surprised with the space inside. The initial drive made us feel like everything was where it needed to be in the vehicle. Power, space, air conditioning, stability and that all important 3rd row of seats. We would be putting the Xylo to the 'Nirvana Travel Test' so obviously we had no back up vehicle to lug our stuff separately.
Let's go that way!
Five boys, seven days and loads of camera things, we set out to conquer the Indian countryside in our Xylo. We must be honest, an 'MUV' is probably not the first choice of vehicle for a bunch of young boys who'd want to have a bit of fun on a road trip. Through our photography, that was the very mindset we were out to change!
There were two major aims of our week long trip. We were to photograph the vehicle and also experience life with the Mahindra Xylo H9. H9 being the most well equipped 'top end' version.
Our first destination was the beach town of Murud Janjira. A 170 kilometer drive saw us there well in time for the sunset and a quick bite. On the short drive here, the Xylo behaved like a silent companion, nonchalantly going about its business of turning wheels and getting us to the town.
Shooting big vehicles such as the Xylo can be a tricky proposition. We had to think and shoot, constantly reworking frames to get shots worthy of the Nirvana name. We wrapped up our first sunset shoot. Taking some time to relax and absorb the beauty that was Murud Janjira, with the Xylo by our side. The vehicle had performed well on her first day. We were now excited to see the rest of the trip unfold!
Spontaneity equals fun, always!
The whole premise of this road trip was spontaneity. Everything would be decided on the go. Be it the next destination, the next photographic angle or even what/where the team would eat, we were flying freestyle all the way!
Early next morning, we forgot to wake up.
It happens, too much prep and no relaxation before hitting the road can lead to this. Good sleep is most important on any road trip. Good sleep leads to good fun, we think.
Finally, around 10 AM and with everyone on the breakfast table, we bounced ideas off each other. It was important we did that, 5 heads and no calibration can lead to a lot of chaos with the lens. Having decided we would let our quest for exploration guide our shoot, we hit the road destination unknown! Driving through interiors of the Konkan Coast, it was inevitable that we hit the famous National Highway 17. The smooth and bendy roads of this highway were a good test run for the Xylo. Not to forget the five boys inside!
We drove about 200 kilometers on this day, finally finding ourselves in a quaint and almost completely secluded beach village, Hedvi.
If you haven't guessed it yet, the Nirvana team loves beaches. We believe some of the greatest driving roads in the world run along the coasts and it's no different in India. Another reason maybe that we love shooting images in those dreamy golden hours :). We had timed our arrival perfectly. Hedvi welcomed us with the perfect sunset vistas, not to forget the perfect beach driving opportunity. Until now we had driven the Xylo on good roads, bad roads, straight roads and bendy roads but now it was time to have some fun on the beach!
The New Mahindra Xylo: Practically Brilliant!
The stereotype of boring MUVs does not apply to this vehicle. The New Xylo is a very amusing car. Right from the voice enabled commands to the mind bending amount of space inside, the Xylo surpasses all expectations. To delve deeper, lugging all our camera equipment along with the team that makes it all work is no easy task but the Xylo was toe for toe with every challenge we could throw at it. We're not shy of acknowledging the elephant in the room either, a car this big has to have monumental body roll right? Wrong!
The new Xylo with its comfort spec suspension once again had us snoozing in our seats as we munched those curvy coastal miles. Trust us when we say this, a hard working team loves a vehicle that takes care of its passengers over long distances regardless of the road conditions. Rumbling under the hood was the Mahindra's flagship M-Hawk engine. We really enjoyed putting the 120 horses to work on the Indian highways, taking turns to drive the vehicle all throughout the Mahindra Xylo Mad Dash. We were impressed.
Boys will be boys and who doesn't like making a splash in water?! As the Sun set over the Arabian Sea, we pulled up our socks and washed the behemoth off of the salt water from all that driving and splashing in the sea (basics!).
It is imperative that we mention more about the Hedvi village. Hedvi is something else, it is solace, freedom and fun all rolled into one exquisite ballad of beauty. We've always been in love with the simple and rustic charm of this place. The beach here is absolutely untouched by civilization and the village brings the same 'middle of nowhere' feeling into any stay at this place. Especially since there is no cellphone network here, time spent here is exclusively private. Which is something that helped us get in touch with the vehicle we were shooting even more.
Evening under the stars!
At Hedvi, the Nirvana Team had spent all its time interacting one-on-one with the Xylo. The climate here was so humid that we spent an entire afternoon napping inside the Xylo, you know, taking advantage of that exceptional air conditioning system. Night fell and we were out again, we realized that it's the perfect vehicle to go camping with buddies. Oodles of space for camping gear and everything else one might need!
Bonfire brothers!
We hit the road early next morning. Initially deciding to stick to the coast as long as we could, in the Xylo, we explored a little bit of the Konkan (coast) one usually misses out on. We even took a short ferry ride (with the Xylo!) to get ourselves across a river. As the day progressed, we took turns suggesting our next possible destination. In the end, we needed the map to figure out where it is we could actually go in the time we had. As soon as the road map of India unfolded, Lead Photographer Nipun Srivastava exclaimed – Hampi!
decisions decisions
The moment Hampi was mentioned, we took off! Hitting the National Highway Number 4 a little after lunch and then soon getting off it to head towards the prehistoric temple town that is Hampi, we were on a roll with our Xylo! We reached Hampi late in the night, a drive that was not just beautiful but also equally intense. We had spent an entire day travelling in the Xylo. To be honest, none of us were too tired so we treated ourselves to some well deserved pints of beer :D.
Hampi is a village about 850 kilometers from Mumbai, close to the town of Hospet in the South Indian state of Karnataka. This place is a true wonder of nature. Views of the landscape here are full of boulder hills in various sizes and shapes. Hampi is a site located within the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire. It is older than the medieval city of Vijayanagara and is still of much religious importance. Hampi is home to the Virupaksha Temple – the main center of pilgrimage here and dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the banks of The Tungabhadra river which flows through Karnataka into Andhra Pradesh, Hampi is not just a religious stop for the Indian traveler but is also a place of wonder and amazement to the foreign tourist. Hampi to us was the perfect opportunity to photograph the Xylo in truly unique surroundings.
The Mad Dash team at Hampi!
Amidst the ruins our team of photographers had a ball shooting the new Xylo! We drove from one ruin to another and explored the unique architecture and rock–cut structures and boy did we have the 'time of our lives'! On one hand, temples of the Vijayanagar Empire poke ones spiritual inner self and on the other the awesome expanse of ruins spread as far as the eyes can see make one wonder, how on earth did they manage to build this wonderland!
Explore everything!
The Nirvana Team spent two days amidst the striking structures of Hampi. Six amazing days of travel, motoring and unparalleled fun were to be followed by one last Mad Dash across the states of Karnataka and Maharashtra to get us back home to Pune. Pack up – load up – rev up – kind of a theme now for us and the kind of work we do around here.
The Xylo MUV is regarded by most as just a people carrier and nothing more. Understandable, as it feels like one's private cave on the road – it's that huge. When Mahindra & Mahindra called us though, we were forced to look at the whole idea of the Xylo differently. As is the case with every vehicle we shoot/test, the can of worms opens first. Once that's been dealt with, we head out with the vehicle to see if we were right.
Take a trip with the brand new Xylo!
The mood inside the Xylo on our drive back was surreal. Each doubt we had about the super-MUV had been quashed by the intense trip we'd taken in this car. So much so, we were even talking about getting one for the Nirvana Garage. Yes, the Xylo is that good! Turns out that our preconceived notions about the Xylo were exactly that, preconceived. Talking about personalities again, we think the Xylo knows where it stands in the 'looks' department. Like most underdogs though, it outperforms expectations and delivers on platter a lot more than one might imagine!
The Mahindra Xylo Mad Dash was conceptualized and executed by Nirvana exclusively for Mahindra & Mahindra.
We Thank:
Mumbai: (Client) Mahindra & Mahindra (Brand Xylo), for flying with us and for providing the vehicle.
Hedvi: Abhay Bhatkar, for the extremely personalized service to Team Nirvana.
Hampi: KSTDC Mayura Bhuwaneswari, for the best hotel deal in town!
Team Nirvana: Yogesh Shinde, Henry Fernandes, Vishal Kankonkar and Jitendra Singh for their support on shoot.
Videos from the Mahindra Xylo Mad Dash!
India in an AMG!
Mercedes Benz and www.theroadtonirvana.com share a motoring relationship of sorts.
'The Best or Nothing' says it all. The statement resonates so fiercely with our passion for creating experiential motoring images, that we push ourselves to the absolute limit every time. The moment we got the message from Germany, our planning began.
We were to deliver images that were clearly rooted in India. Routine as that may sound, fitting a car/vehicle into that bracket was always going to be a challenge. The list of possible destinations was endless. Right from the backwaters of Kerala to the mountain passes of Ladakh and even the seven sisters of the North east, we considered everything. After all, this was a unique opportunity. Through our photography, the world would lay its eyes on India.
Something still eluded us. It was the peak of the Indian Monsoon. Everywhere, the skies were grey and the earth a wet green. Then it struck us, we would have to outrun the Indian monsoon! We would head to Rajasthan!
The Desert State of India is home to the Thar Desert. A place we are very familiar with and if you know our work, it is a place we love to shoot at. The sound of the wind in the Desert carries with it stories of times past and as the sun beats down relentlessly each day, the sheer tenacity of the desert people comes to the fore. The odds were stacked against us though. The Desert was 1200 kilometers away, the rain was heavy and we had just enough time to make it all happen. Along the way, we were also to shoot at Vadodara for a separate brief.
Then came the question of the car itself. We were to shoot the new CLS and also the GL 63 AMG both and we had just about a week to make it all happen. Even though the weather was an obvious risk, The Nirvana Team was ready and we slotted ourselves into gear. We flew out to Vadodara where we were to collaborate with a local artist for 2 days. For Mercedes Benz, of course. This shoot was part of the 'Homestory' and artist profile for the St Moritz Art Masters, Switzerland.
Making a presence in Vadodara!
The Laxmi Vilas Palace at Baroda is an eternal icon of the city. In every mention of the City, the Palace features at the top. The question was – How do we get in?
We exercised all our contacts and then some more to at least get a word through to the palace authorities. The people at the palace were superbly kind to us and let us shoot on the grounds solely on our merit. The palace gates opened and we drove the mighty GL 63 AMG onto its August grounds! Rani ji, the reigning Queen of Vadodara also graced our shoot and met with us. We were truly honoured! On this day, even the Sun came out for a short while and we got a few shots worthy of the Mercedes Benz Badge.
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara.
As soon as the adrenaline of shooting at the Palace wore off, the realization of the start of the road trip set in. Experiential road trips are our forte but even then, each road trip shoot brings with it unique challenges. The Indian monsoon was still unrelenting. We were very low on sleep too, an average of just three hours a day. Then again, if the car you're driving is more luxurious than a 5 Star hotel, who needs sleep? This is where the GL 63 AMG really came on song.
"Enough power to move the earth, while keeping one cocooned in luxury." were lead photographer Nipun Srivastava's actual words just after they hit the highways leading into Rajasthan.
GL 63 AMG – Grunt Central!
Whoa!! That's the first thought one's brain will have when you ram the pedal into the GL. You will be punched into your seat and then your world will change. As you hurtle forward, your ears will tingle to sounds of the V8 sitting under the hood. As the needle hits red, one pull of the paddle will usher in another delivery of power as if it was something the gods arranged for you to have. Crisp steering response and a not so heavy steering wheel make controlling the GL 63 AMG a pleasure.
By now, you're in a trance. Eyes on the road, pedal to the metal and going hell for leather – that is the AMG experience. The handcrafted engine will follow your every command, in the GL 63 AMG, you are the Maharaja of the Indian road. When you're coming, they will hear you and when you're going they WILL look. That's the reaction one gets on the roads.
The Indian Road:
Indian highways are notorious. Bad roads were the least of our concerns.
The Blue Hulk, as we had begun to call the mighty GL, was powered by a V8 Petrol Bi-Turbo engine. A high performance engine like that needs to be fed appropriately. Only a high octane diet would adequately satiate The Hulk's appetite. Sadly though, out near the Desert, just finding a fuel station which sold petrol was a luxury. The fuel economy of just over 4 kilometers to a litre of fuel (when Nipun aka lead foot was at the wheel) was not helping things. On the secluded desert roads, we fueled up every opportunity we got!
Leaving the weather behind!
We covered the distance of 650 Kilometers from Baroda to Jaisalmer in record time. Stopping over at Barmer and at a few other places along the road as well. Driving across the landscape was such a rush that we forgot lunch! Improvisation was the answer – Bananas! We reached Jaisalmer as the moon rose over a now clear sky. Team Nirvana had finally outrun the Indian Monsoon. We love it when a plan comes together!
The Desert, The City: Jaisalmer.
This city and Nirvana go back a long way. One of our pet projects; Rooh – e – Rajasthan meaning 'Spirit of the Desert' has featured this superlative city. To us, Jaisalmer is like home.
Golden City
To twist things a little, this time, we were not staying at the city per say. Team Nirvana and the mighty GL 63 AMG would be put up at a special place a little outside Jaisalmer. Super car – super hotel, you know. The luxurious surrounds of Hotel Suryagarh out in the Desert was to be our new playground and also our home base for the remainder of the shoot. As soon as we were in the city, we tanked up the Hulk and then our tummies as well. Shooting photographs on an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster ;).
With full stomachs, we marched onto the Desert, knowing exactly where and how we were to shoot. This shoot started at 11pm and we shot in the dunes for a couple of hours. Not a soul around for miles, the only lighting we had for this mini shoot was the Moon and the GL 63 AMG itself.
Shooting in the moonlight!
After our initial fill of playing around in the sand under moonlight, we drove back to our (not so) humble abode.
A word about the hotel we stayed at: Suryagarh is a hotel which has little in common with the other places we've stayed at. In the middle of the arid desert life is difficult to say the least but if you're at this hotel, everything is literally taken care of. We had spoken to them about our "plans" beforehand and they were most happy to oblige. Even before we reached, they knew what we needed and had it ready for us, customized to our liking. Amazing. It helps to have things sorted when on a photo shoot such as this. Kudos to Suryagarh!
The Suryagarh Courtyard
Nothing ever goes to plan. We were up early for the sunrise but the eastern skies over Jaisalmer were overcast with mist and remnants of the monsoon. It felt as if the skies themselves were telling us to take a break. For the first time in 6 days, the Nirvana team sat down for a proper breakfast. Breakfast is a luxury few can afford in the bets we make to shoot in the golden hours. One look at our work and the sun and its shades will tell you how much we love using just natural sunlight.
As the Sun rose, the skies cleared. We began our final recce and chalked out a rough plan of action. Over the next two days, we shot in the desert, at our hotel and of course the city of Jaisalmer itself.
For us, the two most important things are motoring and travel. These words continue to define our style of photography. Jaisalmer and its surroundings gives photographers like us the perfect play ground to make our mistakes, learn and then deliver – every time.
Big toys!
Not to forget, another word which defines our work is adventure. We love taking a risk or two with everything we do. Whether it is shooting without camera straps altogether or dangling out of an open top jeep to get that perfect rolling shot, we're always pushing limits.
We wanted to explore the roads that turn off of the main highways here in the extreme western parts of India. These small and almost inconsequential roads are sometimes gateways into photo opportunities which one would never imagine out on the highways. Going 'off the beaten track' as they harp every time ;).
As we drove further into the desert on one of these inner roads we saw the real temperament of the elements here. The landscape in this part of Rajasthan is unpredictable, from hills to sand dunes to sand dunes the size of hills – one never knows what will pop out of the horizon. In the Thar Desert, sand has the unquestionable right of way.
Hell for leather – always!
Another side to Rajasthan's beauty is the music here. This desert region is known for its folk and regional music and musicians. No evening is complete without a song or two from the repertoire of these tenured musicians. The tunes are mesmerizing and take one into bygone times when kings and queens reigned over this part of the world. It was a simple shot that popped up into our heads. Musicians + car + local architecture, simple.
Music & Motoring
As it happened, on that particular evening, the Super Moon had come out in all its glory. The moonlight and the clouds added just the right amount of drama into the frame, we think. This was also the last night of our week long shoot. Before the Sun rose again, we would be on our way back to Pune.
The Beginning
The journey is eternal.
The shoot had ended but the journey was a long way from being over. Not only did we have to drive our way back but like most journeys this was an experience which would continue in our minds for quite a while. The GL 63 AMG was the first super car we had ever shot, here in India and the way we do things, that was a big deal. We can hardly take credit for this shoot though. Yes, we shot the images but without the special support of our friends, acquaintances and team members none of this was possible. It was the people that we met who made it possible, we just made it happen :).
We thank:
Germany: (Client) Mercedes Benz for their awesomeness.
Pune: Mercedes Benz India for the vehicle.
Vadodara: Benchmark Cars – local Mercedes Benz Dealer. Miss Vishwamohini Priyalak Bhatt, Miss Malvika Singh and her highness The Queen of Vadodara.
Jaisalmer: The Suryagarh Boys: Siddharth, Sunny, Rajesh, Asif and Kunal for taking every effort to make sure our shoot and stay goes smoothly!
Team Nirvana: Niranjan Tarphe for his support on shoot.
Princess CLS
That probably isn't the best way to address a car but when the car is this beautiful, chic and so very elegant, that's what comes to mind. On a recent shoot, we shot the 2015 CLS for Mercedes Benz, right here in our hometown, Pune.
Even before the CLS hit the Indian roads we were out there pointing our cameras at it! Hence we were limited to shooting the CLS inside the Mercedes Benz plant premises (closed roads). We didn't get a chance to really drive the vehicle and put it through its paces but our deep penchant for shooting vehicles was enough to help us look past the minor displeasure.
The 2015 CLS is an upgrade (facelift) from the older CLS which, to be honest, was pretty neat too. On the outside, the new one has swanky 'Multibeam' LED headlamps, a more aggressive grille and front bumper which gives it a bold/in your face look. Having said that, the new avatar still retains the super elegant look and sleek lines, side on. We spent our day with the CLS 250 CDI version of the vehicle.
Here are some shots from our day in the rain with the new CLS:
Super crisp!
She makes the camera sweat!
CLS splash!
The 2015 CLS: A masterclass in motoring art!
Thankfully, TeamNirvana got complete access to the Mercedes Benz Center of Excellence. That gave us super drenched souls some much needed respite from the incessant rain and also a chance to get up close and personal with the new CLS. Something we're still absolutely in love with is the contour hugging/wrap around tail lamp cluster and the overall look of the CLS' back end. It's no wonder the designers didn't fiddle with it – you don't mess with perfection!
The dynamic and almost seductive rear end of the CLS four door coupe 😉
This was a quick wrap of our CLS shoot, coming soon is more Mercedes Benz motoring action. Stay tuned as we break geographical shackles and head out into the country with (wait for it) a supercar. Cheers!
We Thank:
Germany: (Client) Mercedes Benz.
Pune: Mercedes Benz India for the vehicle and premises.
Team Nirvana: Yogesh Shinde and Vishal Kankonkar for their support on shoot.
Shooting Cars
Well, the title should really be Shooting Car, since we're gonna talk about just one motor. Mercedes Benz and theroadtonirvana.com have, through downright amazing photography, created a relationship unlike anything else we've been a part of. Continuing the same, we shot the C-Class earlier this year in all its glory, right here in Pune, India. Our Home!
We LOVE our motoring. What we love even more than that are vehicles which make magic happen. Both on the road and in front of the lens, there are some cars which truly take the cake. The 2013 Mercedes Benz C-Class is one such epic motor. Here we go!
Gift wrapped in a package of precise and confident design, the 250 CDI was delivered to us and we were told, it is your way or the highway. You know what though, "our way is the highway!". You see, it's all about analogies when it comes to motoring. Magic – is one such one-word analogy.
What is absolutely imperative for us before shooting any vehicle is the fact that there must be a connection between the photographer and the ride. That is, we need to take these beauties for a spin – a good old fashioned drive through the country. More often than not, triple digits and then some on the speedometer builds a connection of sorts between the vehicle and its driver. "I begin to trust the vehicle and that helps me feel right at home shooting these cars and bikes" says our lead Photog Nipun Srivastava. We agree!
Making that connection
We're a little selfish in most our endeavors here at Nirvana. What we mean is, "motoring" is great but what use is motoring if one doesn't travel?
You don't just simply head out looking for shots, no. You head out looking for an experience, photography, just happens. That's what we believe and that's what helps us grow as photographers, travellers AND motoring enthusiasts!
Head out, chase the Sun.
Nipun drove the C-Class onto back roads which surround Pune city amidst the Western Ghaat hills of India. "How can you not have a sunset shot?" we thought just as we roared off on one of our signature short drives onto unknown roads.
Sunset hues.
Lights play!
Pune, incidentally is also the home of Mercedes Benz in India. The assembly plant for these cars is just a 30 minute drive away. It was mandatory for us to showcase the C – Class on the roads of our city. We made our way to Pune's shopping street, the Mahatma Gandhi Road!
Like a boss.
Driving this C-Class Mercedes is a pleasure. The handling is damn crisp at high speeds which inspires confidence on the road. Then comes the interior which was pretty chic and gave us all the luxury we asked for with every touch. For a car of its class, in India the C-Class is slightly overpriced according to our experience. Still, no harm in dishing out dough for quality.
One shortcoming the C-Class shares with most its counterparts is the lack of adequate ground clearance for Indian roads, there's just no way around that one. She drives smooth with a ten-on-ten automatic transmission but you do get flappy-paddle mode which takes a little getting used to. On the whole though, we would buy this baby. No grille or combination rings can outclass the three pointed star on Indian roads! Wink!
THE SPORT MODE: Yes, we did press that pretty button. The C-Class revs higher in Sport and other boring things change to give back a sharper, more fun ride.
After our mandatory road-tests were done, it was time for us to do what we do best – have fun with our cameras! We put in close to three hours scouting for and setting up a single shot and then we shot the star among stars! You won't believe how awesome peanuts and diet coke taste out in the cold sitting beside self clicking cameras and a beautiful car. And then when the final shot comes out of processing, it just makes us swoooooooon!
Star among stars!
Shooting this car over three days was a fantastic experience for us. There are few things we value more than good vehicles, good places and good people. This shoot was right up there with some of our best over the past three years. Having said that, ladies and gentlemen, this is just the start. There's a BIG Nirvana surprise coming soon! Hint: It loves flying!
A Masterclass in Quality, Mercedes Benz.
For all their awesomeness, we would like to thank Mercedes Benz Stuttgart, Mercedes Benz India for blessing us with the car and a BIG thank you to the master drivers who helped us navigate through each step of our insane shoot!
Until next time,
Motoring 2013!
Motoring enthusiasts like ourselves are defined by the thrill of travel. On wheels powered by engines, we traverse every kilometer we can afford. We ride and we drive, it's who we are.
The Firelords have literally scorched the roads for over four years and here we are celebrating our power-slide into the fifth! Join us!
As an ode to our dedication for motorcycling and our ever-revving spirit, Ladies and Gentleman, we bring to you the Firelords Motoring Video 2013! Enjoy.
Do leave your comments below!
Big Toys Small Joys
Driving in India and off-roading are synonymous. Seriously! How we manage to drive our little hatchbacks and sedans is a mystery. Which makes the case for brute, no nonsense off-road vehicles.
We're at the peak of the monsoon here, the roads are more interesting these days and so are the weekends. On one such interesting weekend, we drove ourselves to a tourist spot near Pune. Read on and find out what happened. No, not Lonavala.
There is something to be said for not caring about potholes while driving. Take it from us, that luxury is priceless. Not worrying about the underbelly of ones vehicle is a whole new level of nirvana, especially when one enjoys adventurous road trips.
Our choice of vehicle, the Mahindra Thar CRDe, is a 4×4 jeep made for the young and tough or rough or whatever defines men and women who don't mind a little fun in the mud.
Some ask, is it comfortable? No, kind people, it's a jeep.
Our particular version had a thick cloth roof which didn't leak, too much. AND we had an air con which worked! The epic simplicity of a jeep is what is beautiful to us. It takes use, abuse, reuse and still keeps going like nothing else on the road.
We figure, as long as a person can deal with less than average driving comfort and above average maintenance interactions, this jeep is perfect. The Thar has a good engine for over-taking on the highways and doing your average off the road antic. Give the CRDe a smooth road and it will touch 140 km/h. Yes!
It's planted too, more so than other jeeps which lack front independent suspension. Pardon the jargon. What we're saying is, the ride is bumpy but you won't hit your head on the roof. The Thar is a pleasure to drive on smooth and curvy hill roads as long as you keep it under 70 and have some rpm in your pocket.
It rolls just enough for you to get a cozy moment with you know who. 😉
Mahabaleshwar, surprisingly, turned out to be the perfect test run for this little doer. We drove through pouring rain in the day and as soon as the sun set, we found ourselves doing 10km/h in completely fogged out driving conditions.
For those who don't know, jeep headlamps are some of the worst that were ever invented. Somethings that are well invented are roadside reflectors and footpaths! Literally tracing our path with the help of these aids, we reached our destination. Beer, food, sleep and back in the jeep.
We, being awesome, chanced upon an open table top mountain on our way back and stopped for a quick photo-session. Remember the joy of jumping in rain water puddles as a kid? We did that and a little more.
Lets splash that!
Tourist spot shmoorist spot. Thanks to the constant rain there was hardly anyone here, making our pictures look like they were taken in the middle of nowhere. That's the thing about jeeps, rain/slush/snow only excites the driver. There were no damp spirits here!
Okay, I'll play alone.
Hard core off-roaders would probably not like this turbo version of the jeep too much. The ECU controlled engine dynamics can sometimes make a tricky situation trickier. But, that's not to say that the CRDe Thar is bad at off-roading. It can handle pretty much anything that the average enthusiast can throw at it.
I can go anywhere!
So, we think this jeep is a perfect all rounder. All this when it's completely stock with no modifications. We know, what's a jeep without modifications right? There you have it, even when stock, the Thar is a damn fine vehicle. We've had our eye on it for a while now, who knows, you might see the nirvana brand jeep rolling alongside soon!
Also, in our bid to encourage motoring conversations further, we'd like you to comment below and tell us what you think. We'd love to know how our readers satisfy their cravings for the road! Cheers!
Special mention:
Vishal Kankonkar: His jeep!


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The Ship 'Duncairn' - Collezione Privata Mini Print
25cm x 30cm Mini Print
Ships in 24-48 hours
Product ID: 157286
Price: £1.00
Mini Art Print: This mini print is of the ship called Duncairn, painted with it's glorious sails capturing the wind as it ventures across choppy sea's to it journeys end. It is from a private art collections and it depicts the tempestuous skies above which are alive with character and emotion, as the Duncarin battles it's way across the sea. If you appreciate elaborate marine art which captures the journey of these outstanding seafaring ships from across the globe.
We only sell top quality products, no rejects, no returns, no seconds — guaranteed!
Our products are so cheap because we only stock end-of-line and clearance items. Once they're gone, they're gone!


text: President Obama traveled to Cuba on Sunday, becoming the first sitting U.S. President in almost 90 years to visit the island republic. As Air Force One approached José Martí International Airport, an as-yet-unnamed Reuters photographer snapped the following photo, which is sure to become one of the defining visuals of the historic visit. Have a look.


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Plantains are not something I grew up eating, but they have quickly become a favorite of mine. The first time I had the pleasure of trying plantains was when I was in middle school. My best friend at the time was Latino and her family would prepare a variety of things that were so simple, homemade and really spectacular. One of the meals that always stands out to me included tostones. These crispy, twice fried plantains were served with braised chicken, black beans and sweet coconut rice. Of course I was really impressed by all of the rich soulful meal, I was especially amazed by the weird fried bananas. (that tasted nothing like banana)
These chips are baked in coconut oil and they can be seasoned with cinnamon, chili powder, citrus zest, curry powder, cajun seasoning, cumin, garlic powder or any variation of seasonings you enjoy. I prefer them with just celtic sea salt and coconut oil because you can really appreciate the subtle and unique flavor this way.
These chips are a perfectly satisfying, crunchy and salty snack that can be packed in lunches or served with any variety of things. Serve with your favorite guacamole and salsa, scoop up almond butter with them or even use them for fancy appetizer platters in place of a cracker or toast. ( I have even seen plantain chip crumbs used to coat chicken and shrimp)
Crispy Baked Plantain Chips
This recipe is wicked, super easy. You can use this general method to make as much as you need. One large cookie sheet will hold about two plantains so that is what I make at a time. Preparing these at home is well worth the little bit of effort and it is a whole lot cheaper than the plantain chips I was buying for sure!
- 2 plantains, Green
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, Ghee or Lard, Melted
- 1/2 Teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Melt coconut oil. (ghee or lard)
- Slice plantains very thinly, approximately 1/8″ with your mandoline or if you are using a knife as thin as you can get them.
- Toss the plantain slices in a medium sized bowl with the melted coconut oil and salt.
- Toss the slices around to coat them with the oil and seasonings.
- Place coated, sliced plantains onto a baking sheet. Be sure to grease them and lay them in a single layer as best as possible.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them about half way.
- Once they are golden and crispy, they are ready.


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INDI Library v1.8.4 Released
Minor bugfix release with some highlights:
ScopeDome dome controller driver
Things that are missing (in semi-random order):
- initial dome calibration (steps per revolution, inertia table generation), need to use the Windows setup utility for that
- firmware update support, also need to use Windows software for that
- support for controller versions prior to 2.1
- roll-of-roof support, currently the driver probably has assumptions that it's driving a dome, though might work to some extent
- support for second shutter
- explicit support for 3M+ domes' requirement for shutter control only at home sensor position, normal parking and unparking should work if parking position is at the home sensor position, otherwise needs manually moving to home first
- support for negative home sensor signaling
- support for automatic closing of shutter directly via the controller, there is some preliminary UI elements for it, but they don't do anything yet, can be done with INDI's autopark mechanism for weather warnings
- support for adjusting heater parameters
- simulator support, there is a stub for that but it doesn't really do anything yet
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I am writing in response to Danuvium , who had inquired about INDI implementation of the ScopeDome drivers late last year . I am happy to announce, that thanks to your work we have been able to connect our ScopeDome module to our Linux PC with little effort. Thank you very much for your work.
While we can not report on all the functionalities the box provides, all the necessary functions (e.g. dome movement and abort) are well implemented.
There are however still some problems we encounter. Most notably, the dome oftentimes overshoots its target and tries to correct for this by going back and forth until reasonably close, even with the use of an inertia table. But as the improvement is usually minimal for our dome, we would much prefer it, if the ScopeDome module would not try to correct for the overshoot. Do you happen to know, if it is possible to turn this functionality off, or to increase the threshold for the acceptable discrepancy?
With best regards,
Kai R.
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I haven't had issues with overshoot, probably my 2M dome is light enough that there isn't much variance in inertia so the table works well. It's usually almost spot on after first move and maybe does a small nudge back, but not back and forth. I have to check but it might be that currently it tries to move to exact encoder value which is overkill and could use either the same tolerance as slaving with scope does or I could add a separate value too, maybe that would be better. I'll let you know.
Any other issues you have encountered? One thing I'm not sure if I documented is due to the controller having two encoder counters, one 16 bit and one 32 bit. The 16 bit value resets after passing home sensor and is used for azimuth calculation, but there is also a separate counter that does not reset and limits the dome rotation after a few revolutions. With my dome this later counter can go from -14000 to +14000 and one revolution is around 3400 steps. The dome just doesn't move past that counter value so I added the derotate function which moves the dome back to around value 0. So on case you encounter the situation that the dome doesn't want to rotate more to one direction, this might be the case.
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I can also confirm the limits you spoke of, though I can not give specific numbers. Yours do definitely seem plausible, but the results I found are somewhat mixed. I could throw some numbers around but that would probably not be of much help to anyone else. The main issue here, I believe, is again that our dome slips and needs regular recalibration, depending on weather (or rather temperature) fluctuations.
There was one odd thing we found while testing. We used the INDI starter program to communicate with the module. What we found was that the "Dome CW" and "Dome CCW" buttons seem to crash the program so that one must disconnect the and reconnect in order to regain control over the client. If it helps, the terminal output can be found in the attached file. If I read the documentation correctly, I assume that is because the "DOME_CW" and "DOME_CCW" attributes are not implemented?
And I was also surprised that the dome move in CW direction if you set "DOME_RELATIVE_POSITION" to a value less than -180 deg and in CCW direction for values greater than +180 deg even though the documentation says
I assume that this is something the ScopeDome module does by itself?
Positive degree is clock-wise direction. Negative degrees is counter clock-wise direction.
I would also be very interested in an implementation of the calibration routine, since it would be a lot of work if we always had to use a Windows machine. Do you think this would be feasible?
Best regards, Kai R.
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Dome calibration and inertia table generation is definitely doable and I have source code for the Windows driver (though Visual Basic with comments in Polish , but my own dome doesn't slip at all (it uses gear and rack to drive the rotation) and I have only calibrated it once during the two years I've used it so that hasn't been very high on my priority list But as there seems to be need for it, I'll have a look at that again.
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The over 180 / under -180 relative motion weirdness is a side effect of the driver actually implementing relative move as (current_position + relative_motion) absolute move and that part does an optimization to go through the shorter route. I could change that to actually issue a relative move if really needed, but that would duplicate some code which I tried to avoid in the first place.
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Just to clarify, the dome we are using is several decades old, if not a century. We only use the ScopeDome USB Card to control our dome motor from the PC. It is therefore not a big surprise that our dome slips. I will discuss adressing this issue with my colleagues on Monday, but my guess is that regular recalibrations will still be required. I will keep you up to date on that if you are interested. Otherwise, I will come back to you if I find some more bugs or inconsistencies.
Again, thank you so much for all the help you have provided.
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I discussed the issues with my colleagues and it was agreed that recalibration before every observation night was not a feasible strategy. We are going to concentrate on optimising the dome and motor mechanics so that it will (hopefully) not slip anymore. Though I believe that it cannot be avoided to recalibrate once in a while, so your implementation to INDI is greatly appreciated.
My supervisor said that they updated INDI just today, so I hope that we can test that and the new functions for relative motion in the coming days. I, for one, am looking forward to it
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Plan would combine MAC, Tacoma museum
Merger intended to shave costs
Fri., Jan. 23, 2009
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire wants to cover a small piece of the state's projected shortfall by combining the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture with the State History Museum in Tacoma, and merging the historical societies that oversee them.
But executives at both museums question whether the merger would save as much money as the budget watchers suggest, and could cost the MAC support from its donors.
Dennis Hession, interim chief executive officer for the MAC, worries that some longtime supporters of the Spokane museum could cut back on donations if they thought their money was going to programs or expenses controlled elsewhere.
"We don't believe that our efforts to promote an operation … that was organized and run out of Tacoma would have the same appeal," Hession said.
Savings of $500,000 annually
The proposed changes to the museums and the historical societies are contained in Gregoire's overall plan to cut some $5.7 billion in state spending and balance the biennial budget. Her proposal, released in mid-December, would merge the Eastern Washington State Historical Society with the Washington State Historical Society, creating a single board where two boards now exist. It would also cut state funds to the museums run by the societies by 10 percent, a cut similar to what many other state agencies are facing.
"It's part of this larger proposal. We're looking for ways to try to shrink government," said Glenn Kuper of the state's Office of Financial Management.
OFM budget analysts project that combining the two historical societies would save about $500,000 a year, mainly through staff reductions. The merged operation could consolidate staff involved in administration, bookkeeping, information technology and exhibit preparation, Kuper said. There would also be some savings, albeit minimal, in taking two boards that currently have about 30 members each and creating a single board with 30 or fewer members.
Historical society board members do not receive a salary, but do receive a per diem payment when they attend meetings. Each board oversees a museum – the MAC in the case of the Eastern Washington society; the state History Museum in the case of the Washington society – and appoints a top executive to run its operations.
In Spokane, that's currently Hession, who is serving as interim CEO while the society conducts a search for a permanent executive. In Tacoma, David Nicandri carries the title of state historical society director, with roughly the same duties as Hession.
Nicandri is quick to say the plan to merge the two societies and their museum operations did not come from the Tacoma-based organization.
"This is not an assignment we sought," he said in a phone interview this week. "We have some significant concerns about this proposed legislation as well."
Local donors could flee
Hession, the former mayor of Spokane, said he understands that the governor has a big task in trying to balance the state budget. But he thinks the savings Gregoire's budget writers project won't necessarily materialize. For example, even if the merged museums have a single chief executive in Tacoma, the MAC will still need a qualified manager, he said. The Spokane facility will still need people who answer the phones, schedule tours and maintain exhibits and the building.
The budget proposal cuts some $3.8 million from the money the two historical societies and their museums received in state funding in the current two-year budget. The Washington society and the State History Museum received $10.2 million in appropriated and nonappropriated funds in this cycle; the Eastern Washington society and the MAC received about $7.4 million. Next year the total operating budget for the combined historical society and the two facilities would be $13.8 million.
The proposed level of cuts could leave both museums "mortally wounded," Hession said. The museums may have even less money if donors, who provide about half the funding for the MAC, reduce contributions because of concerns over how the money would be spent by a board and administration based elsewhere, he added.
Nicandri is also concerned about the effects of the budget cuts, which would come on top of any savings from merging the staffs. And with the economy continuing to slide, the budget cuts may grow. He also understands the MAC's concern about losing local donor support.
"The issue of community support is of considerable consequence," he said, particularly since the governor's proposal gives the appearance that "they're being merged into our (operation) rather than vice versa."
Kuper said the governor envisions the merged historical society board would have equal representation from both sides of the state to ease concerns about loss of control.
"We would hope the (merged) board would be able to reach a consensus and a compromise" on how state money would be spent, he said. The board would have to respect the restrictions of any private donation that comes with "strings attached."
The legislation to set up the merged board hasn't been drafted yet, but whatever is proposed will be subject to legislative hearings where local concerns can be aired, he said.
Cultural council not consulted
One other stumbling block could be the different character of the two museums, Hession said. The Tacoma museum concentrates on history. The MAC, by its charter, combines history, art and an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, many of them culturally sensitive for the local tribes.
To help oversee that collection, the Eastern Washington society set up an American Indian Cultural Council, with representatives from each of the Columbia Plateau tribes.
"They are the stewards of our collection," Hession said. "These relationships take time. We've spent 10 years developing them."
The cultural council, which wasn't consulted by the state about plans to merge the societies and museums, is sending a letter to the Legislature objecting to the proposal, he said.
While it's too soon to speculate how a merged operation would handle things, Nicandri said it's clear to him that there would be no wholesale shifting of artifacts and other pieces from the MAC to Tacoma.
"I can't envision how things could, would or should be moved from Spokane," he said. "We're rather cramped. We might propose moving some material to Spokane."
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text:
Case Study: "Delighting customers is now critical"
We respect your privacy, by submitting this form you agree to having your details passed onto the sponsor who may promote similar products and services related to your area of interest subject to their privacy policy. For further information on how we process and monitor your personal data, and information about your privacy and opt-out rights click here. By clicking the "Download button" you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy.
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This case study explores the several challenges Market America faced on the way to delighting customers and increasing revenue.
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text:
Staff Reporter
Award comes with Rs. 30,000 cash prize, a citation and a memento
HYDERABAD: People of eminence conferred with "Kalaratna" awards can now use it as a prefix to their names, on the lines of `Padma Bhushan' and `Padma Sri', said Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Tuesday.
He was addressing a gathering at the Ravindra Bharati here after giving away the Kalaratna-2006 awards that were earlier called `Hamsa'.
The award comes with a Rs. 30,000 cash prize, a citation and a memento.
The eminent awardees include Dasarathi Rangacharya and Gorati Venkanna for literature, Yella Venkateswara Rao and Vittal Rao for music, Swati Somnath and G. Padmaja Reddy for dance, Bapu for painting, C.S.N. Patnaik for sculpture and Katta Suryanarayana and S. Prabhakar for folk arts.
Except Dr. Dasarathi, others received the awards from the Chief Minister.
Dr. Reddy said his Government was doing everything to recognise and encourage art and artists. It was only with the specific intent to add value to the title `Hamsa' that the name of the award was changed to `Kalaratna,' he said.
Others who spoke included Minister for Sports and Culture M. Satyanarayana Rao, Anjan Kumar Yadav, MP, Krishna Rao, MLA, Dharmavarapu Subrahmanyam, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh State Cultural Council and Arja Srikanth, Director, Culture.


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Chief Editor of Kosovo 2.0
@BesaLuci // @kosovo2point0
https://www.facebook.com/besa.luci // https://www.facebook.com/Kosovo2.0/
Articles: https://kosovotwopointzero.com/en/author/besa/
Besa Luci is the chief editor of Kosovo 2.0, an independent media that engages society in insightful debate through its multimedia website, print magazine, and public events. Besa co-founded Kosovo 2.0 in 2010, and it has created a space for a different and necessary discussion full of political, social and cultural commentary and reportage. As the only media project in the region working in three languages (Albanian, Serbian and English), Kosovo 2.0 brings together politically and socially aware, and active people, and provides different and new perspectives to contemporary narratives regarding politics, governance, justice, human rights, culture, arts, people and society overall.
Besa is also a Teaching Assistant at the Journalism Department, University of Prishtina. She holds a BA in political science/international relations and journalism/mass communications from the American University in Bulgaria, and an MA in journalism/magazine writing from the Graduate School of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia.
Besa has also worked as senior researcher for various local, non-governmental organizations in Kosovo, on issues pertaining to media freedoms and human rights; as well as a number of print and online publications in Missouri and New York, during her studies.


text:
While California and Mayor Garcetti have pledged to eliminate fossil fuels, the city is still considering repowering gas plants despite the threat to the planet and the immediate harm that these gas plants have on the communities in which they reside. Join Sunrise Movement LA at the LA Department of Water and Power Board Meeting to speak up against these gas plants and invest in sustainable energy instead.
- January 02, 2019 at 6pm to 9pm
111 N Hope St
Board Room 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
United States
View on Google Maps
Climate Justice


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"I'm making plans like I have an expiration date but I don't know when it is. I wish I had lived like this for longer."
"Sydney Wright on Comedians Interviewing Musicians Vodcast/Podcast by Music Firsthand."
"Whether she's developing complex beats through loop pedals or crooning to a soulful funk ballad, [Sydney Wright] will rock the house like no other."
"19) Sydney Wright, Seiche (Kiva Music)"
— Kevin Curtin, Top 100 Austin Records of 2018, Austin Chronicle, Dec 2018
"Austin is my home base... The community does their best to support musicians and that isn't the case everywhere. I feel loved and supported here."


text:
Bubble Atlantis
Category: Games-For-Girls
Instructions: Description: In a beautiful kingdom hidden deep beneath the ocean waves, Coral, a young mermaid, was living a life of lazy luxury. That is until Zeus became jealous of the glorious underwater kingdom and attacked it in a fit of rage! Now, Poseidon and all of the sea creatures are trapped in tightly sealed bubbles. In an attempt to save Atlantis from the Sky King, Coral must brave the watery depths armed only with her super powerful bubble cannon and her bubbly disposition! Instructions: Use your mouse to click on and through the floating hair, clothing, and accessory options for this marvelous mermaid.