Electricity

There have been many advances in technology worldwide, India herself is quickly becoming a world superpower and celebrates the recent triumph of the lunar module encircling the moon as I write this. There is internet, landed and wireless, in almost every home that can afford it. Cell phones are seen on everyone but us. Despite this edge over our Earthly constraints, Mysore cannot get it together enough to figure out the power issue. The problems stem elsewhere, actually. Bangalore is currently in a bidding war with local power outlets and is reportedly letting the public know on Nov 13th, how screwed it will be on Nov 14th. We have currently been without power for a few hours each day, but it has increased to 12 hours without power in some areas. This us usually no big deal, but for us it means limited enjoyment of internet and other electric amenities. No stereo, no fan, no lights at night...we are running out of candles! Right now I am at Rishi's after having lunch outside at Anu's (where there is light) because the 'net-cafe' part has no backup generator. Two nights ago, I got up to turn down the stereo, when I realized that it wasn't on, that there had been music coming from down the street. At the end of the block was some sort of presentation/celebration being set-up. I took a look at the scene, being a fellow techie, and marveled at the grand scale of their low-budget hi-fi low-down on the throw-down. This roughly translates to "Wow. They sure get away with a lot here." They had set up a 3ft stage about 30 ft square, complete with a panel's table and eight chairs for dignitaries. Always a must for the outdoor ceremony in India: the metal podium. Heavy and hot. I flashed on Quai-Chang-Cain receiving his tiger and dragon scars lifting HIS hot, hot bowl of metal in the ever popular TV series, Kung Fu. Maybe you can also see behind the ice cream vendor the stack of hi-fi units. I think they used CD's and dual cassette action for this party. For five hours they pounded the airwaves with traditional adult contemporary music, and by that I mean the stuff your aunt would play if she were here. It's like Perry Como meets Carol Channing presenting a 50's Dharma Duel to the Death. Once in a while they would toss in a Bollywood hit, but again, it's like from the seventies, or something. A little side note on that ice cream vendor--- he goes around the neighborhood banging on a stick yelling, 'Ice Cream!' If they found out we have musical trucks running around, they would be soooo jealous. Back at the show, the speaker stacks are precariously placed on tables, eight to a set, all plugged in with freshly stripped and taped cables, one power cord running across the road with no cover. I guess the cattle know to lift their hooves. The sound is supplemented down the street for blocks with military surplus style metal speakers, like in M*A*S*H*. The Temple was lit up to match the drive in. Chairs were set for 100, and all this RIGHT ON THE ROAD! Yeah! these people can party! There was some announcing, a few live hits sung by kids, and more music until 11pm. In the morning everything was gone as if it never happened. Speaking of power, Rajini our hostess tells us our time is up. I must share the limited electricity.

--- Aeryk ---