My daughter has been practicing or rather we are getting her acquainted with alphabets from the last one year. However, yesterday she picked up a crayon and wrote "A" on her own. I was immensely overjoyed at that moment and made her write multiple times....These appear like ordinary moments for any one but for parents, this is a significant milestone!
She has been identifying the alphabets for sometime now and it is funny sometimes when she reads the alphabets off some one's T shirt!.
Dec 25, 2008
Dec 7, 2008
Instruction manuals
Instruction manuals are part of the package when we buy any electronics, toys or other items that require some assembly or set of instructions to be followed in order to make the product working.
Let me confess that I've never read any product instruction manual completely or referred to them on a continuous basis to improve the product usage ( like exploring all the camera features, etc). This is mostly because either the products are too user friendly or intuitive that you don't 100% instructions or the lack of patience in reading the complete documentation. I have seen the instruction manuals getting thinner by the day - may be they heard people like me complaining or giving feedback. IKEA goes a way further by providing a one page doc with some funny cartoons... one exception being the "MALMA" mirrors that look easy to assemble but requires significant thinking!
I really try hard to maintain these product manuals/instructions because they are the first source for exploring additional features, warranty and other information. But over a period of years and lots of traveling - I don't find them when I need them most. So what I do then? Google or look up the product writeup in the respective company website...Given the push to reduce operational cost, even the camcorder/camera manufacturers might come up with a one page simple instruction manual and provide links to the Internet documentation!
Bottomline: I implemented a new rule that I will start using the product only after reading the documentation....There was a feeling of triumph and some satisfaction....I am not sure how long will this practice continue :)
Let me confess that I've never read any product instruction manual completely or referred to them on a continuous basis to improve the product usage ( like exploring all the camera features, etc). This is mostly because either the products are too user friendly or intuitive that you don't 100% instructions or the lack of patience in reading the complete documentation. I have seen the instruction manuals getting thinner by the day - may be they heard people like me complaining or giving feedback. IKEA goes a way further by providing a one page doc with some funny cartoons... one exception being the "MALMA" mirrors that look easy to assemble but requires significant thinking!
I really try hard to maintain these product manuals/instructions because they are the first source for exploring additional features, warranty and other information. But over a period of years and lots of traveling - I don't find them when I need them most. So what I do then? Google or look up the product writeup in the respective company website...Given the push to reduce operational cost, even the camcorder/camera manufacturers might come up with a one page simple instruction manual and provide links to the Internet documentation!
Bottomline: I implemented a new rule that I will start using the product only after reading the documentation....There was a feeling of triumph and some satisfaction....I am not sure how long will this practice continue :)
Majestic Mount Rainier
Check out the link;http://www.katu.com/blogs/weather/35631614.html
Mount Rainier continues to be one of my fav places!
Mount Rainier continues to be one of my fav places!
Nov 23, 2008
"Bear" in Mind
Teddy bears are extremely popular with kids, starting from infants to teenagers. Well, my first present to my daughter was a small teddy bear, which I picked from the hospital gift center. Subsequently, she did not develop a deep love for stuffed toys. One of our friends brought a big bear from their New York trip. Rather than cuddling and playing with it, my daughter was initially afraid or not so comfortable with the big one. She instead developed a lot of interest in the kiddies rhymes that are broadcast in the baby boast channel. Some of the rhymes involve playing and kuddling the bears and my little one picked cue and we've seen enjoy playing with the bear for a significant time. At my place, we have a unique way of naming the bears, difference - they all carry typical indian names. Following is the list of daughter's bears or stuffed toys or animals, they are listed in the order of their arrival
1. Vimala
2. Sangeetha - Gifted by my friend, whose name
3. Vikram ( 1,2, 3 are all US born bears now settled in India, also they are not in the picture)
4. Nirmala Bear - Biggest and most popular with my little one and the guests - for its unique name
(first one from left)
1. Vimala
2. Sangeetha - Gifted by my friend, whose name
3. Vikram ( 1,2, 3 are all US born bears now settled in India, also they are not in the picture)
4. Nirmala Bear - Biggest and most popular with my little one and the guests - for its unique name
(first one from left)
5. Kausalya - Kausalya is a ABCD singing toy (second from left)
6. Anurag - The tiger toy, which was christened a day ago...but I forgot to include in the earlier post)
7. Minni - The cute "costco" girl who came home 2 weeks back. The package had many skirts, tops, 2 pairs of shoes, purse, etc.
8. Sasha - the latest addition on 11/22. ( extreme right in the picture)
Caution: While naming bears, we exercise caution or discretion by not selecting the names of the people that we know ( offcourse in the immediate circle of friends and relatives!)
Sasha's coming was quite unique. We bought her in a unique store called http://www.buildabear.com/. The kid gets to choose from various stuffed animals, followed with the custom filling to suit the little one's needs, dress material, shoes and a birth certificate!. Yes a birth certificate - the bear comes home with a birth certificate carrying details like height, weight, date of birth!, belongs to..... I liked the innovative idea of the person(s) who started this store. I could see the kids buying the bears were really engaged in selecting the bear and selectin the accessories. The store has gone a long way in establishing a USP - they even host parties if you want!
Caution: While naming bears, we exercise caution or discretion by not selecting the names of the people that we know ( offcourse in the immediate circle of friends and relatives!)
Sasha's coming was quite unique. We bought her in a unique store called http://www.buildabear.com/. The kid gets to choose from various stuffed animals, followed with the custom filling to suit the little one's needs, dress material, shoes and a birth certificate!. Yes a birth certificate - the bear comes home with a birth certificate carrying details like height, weight, date of birth!, belongs to..... I liked the innovative idea of the person(s) who started this store. I could see the kids buying the bears were really engaged in selecting the bear and selectin the accessories. The store has gone a long way in establishing a USP - they even host parties if you want!
Oct 1, 2008
Harishchandra coffee!
Unique and catchy names are the key to consumer products, especially groceries and food products. I am always curious how they name such products. Example: MTR, Parle-G,Vajradanti,Centerfresh, etc...
Couple of days back, I came across "Harishchandra Coffee" at one of the indian grocers in Portland. I was so amused with the name because that name has some mythological connection. Harishchandra, the mythological charecter stood by truth all his life, even while facing acute difficulties....
I was guessing what would be the value proposition of this brand? You will develop some truthfulness by drinking this coffee everyday? drink this coffee everyday and land up in the job at the cemetry like the mythological charecter???
Or is that the name of the person who founded this coffee company? This reminds me some of the one time local coffee brands in bangalore; Annapoorna Coffee, Panduranga, etc. Well known brands:Bru, Nescafe, Coffeeday
Couple of days back, I came across "Harishchandra Coffee" at one of the indian grocers in Portland. I was so amused with the name because that name has some mythological connection. Harishchandra, the mythological charecter stood by truth all his life, even while facing acute difficulties....
I was guessing what would be the value proposition of this brand? You will develop some truthfulness by drinking this coffee everyday? drink this coffee everyday and land up in the job at the cemetry like the mythological charecter???
Or is that the name of the person who founded this coffee company? This reminds me some of the one time local coffee brands in bangalore; Annapoorna Coffee, Panduranga, etc. Well known brands:Bru, Nescafe, Coffeeday
Jun 9, 2008
Where did the mouse go?
One of the days, I reached office in the morning, setup my laptop. Something was missing!, yes the mouse!. For a moment, there was a feeling of guilt - missing something very basic and thoughts about how to manage the day without one. This incident made me think of the all the stuff that I have been carrying daily to work / school. We don't want to miss carrying the critical stuff everyday. However, given the human nature, there is a tendency to have some occasional forgetfulness.
Out of the current list of stuff that I carry, laptop and the accessories are the key to perform daily work. The rest of the items get added based on priority and importance. During my early days in the software industry, I did not have a laptop but still carried a similar office bag. However, the bag was not lightweight and there were all kinds of other stuff like stationary, some personal papers like bank statements and other important docs. Only time I did not carry any bag for work was during tenure in the manufacturing shop floor. Those were the days of glory when I would go empty handed. Off course carrying the ID card was very important.
School days( read in India), especially up to grade 7 required carrying most of my text books and the respective notebook to take notes. Commuting in the city buses with the heavy bag was always a challenge. However, the weight of the bag reduced gradually as I passed thru my high school and college. During my engineering days, it was common to find guys carrying just one notepad or a file with lots of sheets...
Out of the current list of stuff that I carry, laptop and the accessories are the key to perform daily work. The rest of the items get added based on priority and importance. During my early days in the software industry, I did not have a laptop but still carried a similar office bag. However, the bag was not lightweight and there were all kinds of other stuff like stationary, some personal papers like bank statements and other important docs. Only time I did not carry any bag for work was during tenure in the manufacturing shop floor. Those were the days of glory when I would go empty handed. Off course carrying the ID card was very important.
School days( read in India), especially up to grade 7 required carrying most of my text books and the respective notebook to take notes. Commuting in the city buses with the heavy bag was always a challenge. However, the weight of the bag reduced gradually as I passed thru my high school and college. During my engineering days, it was common to find guys carrying just one notepad or a file with lots of sheets...
May 31, 2008
SSLC & PUC Results
SSLC: This is how people refer to grade 10 in the karnataka schools. Grade 10 or SSLC is again a keystone in a person's life.
PUC: Explained in previous post, means grade 12 / 2 pre-university course.
There is so much pressure on students when the above results are announced. Teen suicides are on the rise as some unsuccesful students attempt the extreme step. Garudachar, the ex-police commissioner was once a chief-guest at my college and shared this funny anecdote about how a normal policeman goes about in blindly executing the assigned task.
Background: SSLC & PUC results have been announced couple of weeks ago and policemen have been instructed to keep vigil at popular suicide points with strict instruction to stop students who failed SSLC in undertaking the extreme step.
A policeman is keeping vigil at Sankey Tank, the lake situated at Sadashivanagar, Bangalore. He just in time saves a teen, who is just to take a deep dive in to the lake and the dialogue follows;
Cop: Hey, why do you want to take your life? SSLC is not the end of life and by dying you are putting me in trouble.
teen: Who said SSLC? I have failed PUC and want to end my life...
Cop: Is it? Okay...I thought SSLC...that's fine ...you may go ahead and jump if you want...we have been asked to stop only those who failed in SSLC...!!!
PUC: Explained in previous post, means grade 12 / 2 pre-university course.
There is so much pressure on students when the above results are announced. Teen suicides are on the rise as some unsuccesful students attempt the extreme step. Garudachar, the ex-police commissioner was once a chief-guest at my college and shared this funny anecdote about how a normal policeman goes about in blindly executing the assigned task.
Background: SSLC & PUC results have been announced couple of weeks ago and policemen have been instructed to keep vigil at popular suicide points with strict instruction to stop students who failed SSLC in undertaking the extreme step.
A policeman is keeping vigil at Sankey Tank, the lake situated at Sadashivanagar, Bangalore. He just in time saves a teen, who is just to take a deep dive in to the lake and the dialogue follows;
Cop: Hey, why do you want to take your life? SSLC is not the end of life and by dying you are putting me in trouble.
teen: Who said SSLC? I have failed PUC and want to end my life...
Cop: Is it? Okay...I thought SSLC...that's fine ...you may go ahead and jump if you want...we have been asked to stop only those who failed in SSLC...!!!
May 30, 2008
Apply, Apply, PUC time
PUC - Means the Pre-University Course in India. This is the 2 year pre-university course which is pursued in the college after the 10th grade. PUC is the stepping stone to pursue bachelor education in arts, commerce, science, engineering, medicine and other fields.
PUC education is taken very seriously by academically inclined students and their families as it shapes their career path.There is lot of competition in getting in to famous colleges in Bangalore. Some of the famous colleges include MES College, National College, Vijaya College, St.Joseph's college, Mahavir Jain College, Mount Carmel, others. The marks secured in the tenth grade is the main selection criteria in most colleges. Students usually play safe by applying in more than 3-4 or even 5 colleges just to make sure they have a fair chance in the competition.
This reminds my college admission at St.Joseph's College of Arts & Science, the only college at that time which conducted the entrance exam for selecting the students. When the results were published, my 2 close friends had passed the test and decided to join the college. I did not make it and focused on other colleges. During this time, some how I remembered St.Joseph's had a practice of filling the unclaimed seats in the order of merit. I immediately pedaled my way to the college which is about 6 miles from my house. On enquiry at the office counter, I was asked to meet the vice-principal Father Ambrose Pinto. I was not very confident of speaking directly to a vice-principal of a well known college. I stood in the queue and when my turn came, he asked for my roll number and name. He checked in the document in front of him, smiled and wrote a note on a pre-printed form and gave to me. I did not understand asked what is it. He coolly told me I have been offered a seat and asked to come on the date mentioned in the form and complete joining formalities. I thanked him, walked out and was thrilled!. I quickly pedaled my way back, not forgetting to stop at MICO Bosch Factory, Adugodi - where my dad worked. I called him from the factory gate, he was extremely happy and did not believe the news at first. We both went to the college again to get the final confirmation. What followed was very interesting - Me and my 2 close friends ended up in the same section and had a great time for the next 2 years.
Getting application form from St.Joseph's college was also a memorable experience. I and my cousin went by bus and alighted at SBI bus stop. Only mistake I made was to walk in the opposite direction of the college!. After 20 mins of walking, we reached the Queen's Statue, Cubbon Park. My cousin, who was still very young (may be in 4th grade) soon realized the mistake and he also recognized cubbon park. Since he was new to Bangalore, I tried to convince him we are on the right track but he knew the truth. We found our way back via MGRoad, Brigade Road and Residency Road!. I felt really sorry for walking him for such a long walk. Back home, I was taken to task for taking a small kid out for a long walk!. I and my cousin would later recollect this story number of times and laugh at ourselves!.
PUC education is taken very seriously by academically inclined students and their families as it shapes their career path.There is lot of competition in getting in to famous colleges in Bangalore. Some of the famous colleges include MES College, National College, Vijaya College, St.Joseph's college, Mahavir Jain College, Mount Carmel, others. The marks secured in the tenth grade is the main selection criteria in most colleges. Students usually play safe by applying in more than 3-4 or even 5 colleges just to make sure they have a fair chance in the competition.
This reminds my college admission at St.Joseph's College of Arts & Science, the only college at that time which conducted the entrance exam for selecting the students. When the results were published, my 2 close friends had passed the test and decided to join the college. I did not make it and focused on other colleges. During this time, some how I remembered St.Joseph's had a practice of filling the unclaimed seats in the order of merit. I immediately pedaled my way to the college which is about 6 miles from my house. On enquiry at the office counter, I was asked to meet the vice-principal Father Ambrose Pinto. I was not very confident of speaking directly to a vice-principal of a well known college. I stood in the queue and when my turn came, he asked for my roll number and name. He checked in the document in front of him, smiled and wrote a note on a pre-printed form and gave to me. I did not understand asked what is it. He coolly told me I have been offered a seat and asked to come on the date mentioned in the form and complete joining formalities. I thanked him, walked out and was thrilled!. I quickly pedaled my way back, not forgetting to stop at MICO Bosch Factory, Adugodi - where my dad worked. I called him from the factory gate, he was extremely happy and did not believe the news at first. We both went to the college again to get the final confirmation. What followed was very interesting - Me and my 2 close friends ended up in the same section and had a great time for the next 2 years.
Getting application form from St.Joseph's college was also a memorable experience. I and my cousin went by bus and alighted at SBI bus stop. Only mistake I made was to walk in the opposite direction of the college!. After 20 mins of walking, we reached the Queen's Statue, Cubbon Park. My cousin, who was still very young (may be in 4th grade) soon realized the mistake and he also recognized cubbon park. Since he was new to Bangalore, I tried to convince him we are on the right track but he knew the truth. We found our way back via MGRoad, Brigade Road and Residency Road!. I felt really sorry for walking him for such a long walk. Back home, I was taken to task for taking a small kid out for a long walk!. I and my cousin would later recollect this story number of times and laugh at ourselves!.
May 27, 2008
Daam....Khreeem.....Booom....Bu...s...h..
Well, it's not about George Bush!. This phrase and its numerous variations are quite common in the old Indian mythological movies.
In the typical movie scene, the sage needs to be extremely disturbed by the person and is unhappy with the proceedings. Sage then picks up a fist full of water and says seriously "daam...khreem....krroom...booom...bush......Jai Maha Kali.... " The cursed water is sprinked on the person who is causing the disturbance. At this, the subject turns in to whatever form the sage or the rishi wishes ...most popular choice is dog...!. That means the sage / rishi turns a human being in to a dog!. Other popular forms are transforming human to snake, goat, elephant, etc. The movie industry has picked up this theme and made funny elaborations in some movies. In one of the kannada movies, the comedian is turned in to a dog and it is so funny to see the entire episode where the dog goes around talking and asking for food. In order to get back to human shape, the subject has following popular options;
a) Do penance and offer prayers to the god.
b)Bound by time limit. Remain a dog / snake / Rock for 10-14 years.
c)Perform some good deeds
d)Divine intervention - Supreme gods step in and cut short the curse
I and my brother used to sometimes enact the above scene and made up one similar phrase like above but instead ended with "Jai Maha Koli...". This became very popular with cousins and friends and finally only "Jai Koli" was retained...so our modified phrase would go like "Daam...Kleem.....Kloom...Jai Maha Kali.....Jai Koli....". Unfortunately we could not transform each other's form ...but ended up with water splashing fights!
AaraMitra - The popular Kannada writer narrated his own funny creation of a serious mythological incident -
Ahalya, a beautiful woman is cursed and turned in to a rock. Lord Rama with his magical touch transforms the rock to back to its original human form. Then Lord Rama asks her following question...
L.Rama: Oh Lady, you must be very happy in getting back to your human form? What is the first thing you want to do now?
Ahalya: That's true Rama. I am very happy, but first I want to have a refreshing bath and...
L.Rama: Then?
Ahalya: Then I want to get rid of all the dogs in this area. They have been peeing on me all these years!
P.S: I had forgotten the name of the woman mentioned in the above conversation. Thanks Roshan - for letting me know her name.
In the typical movie scene, the sage needs to be extremely disturbed by the person and is unhappy with the proceedings. Sage then picks up a fist full of water and says seriously "daam...khreem....krroom...booom...bush......Jai Maha Kali.... " The cursed water is sprinked on the person who is causing the disturbance. At this, the subject turns in to whatever form the sage or the rishi wishes ...most popular choice is dog...!. That means the sage / rishi turns a human being in to a dog!. Other popular forms are transforming human to snake, goat, elephant, etc. The movie industry has picked up this theme and made funny elaborations in some movies. In one of the kannada movies, the comedian is turned in to a dog and it is so funny to see the entire episode where the dog goes around talking and asking for food. In order to get back to human shape, the subject has following popular options;
a) Do penance and offer prayers to the god.
b)Bound by time limit. Remain a dog / snake / Rock for 10-14 years.
c)Perform some good deeds
d)Divine intervention - Supreme gods step in and cut short the curse
I and my brother used to sometimes enact the above scene and made up one similar phrase like above but instead ended with "Jai Maha Koli...". This became very popular with cousins and friends and finally only "Jai Koli" was retained...so our modified phrase would go like "Daam...Kleem.....Kloom...Jai Maha Kali.....Jai Koli....". Unfortunately we could not transform each other's form ...but ended up with water splashing fights!
AaraMitra - The popular Kannada writer narrated his own funny creation of a serious mythological incident -
Ahalya, a beautiful woman is cursed and turned in to a rock. Lord Rama with his magical touch transforms the rock to back to its original human form. Then Lord Rama asks her following question...
L.Rama: Oh Lady, you must be very happy in getting back to your human form? What is the first thing you want to do now?
Ahalya: That's true Rama. I am very happy, but first I want to have a refreshing bath and...
L.Rama: Then?
Ahalya: Then I want to get rid of all the dogs in this area. They have been peeing on me all these years!
P.S: I had forgotten the name of the woman mentioned in the above conversation. Thanks Roshan - for letting me know her name.
Apr 24, 2008
Queue...Queue..Waiting in the line
Queue - or the waiting in the line - Well, i am not trying to explain the Operations Research queuing theory here. Instead touching upon the the few lighter moments, experiences and some thoughts
Well, it's a fast world and no one like waiting in a queue. They would rather be doing something else and be productive. Earlier days, it was common to find people catching up on books & newspapers while waiting in the line. Now cell phone has caught up so much that many service counters want you to turn off / hang up cell phone conversations while they help you!
Early during my career, I used to spend time waiting for my appointment in the reception lounges at my supplier/customer locations. Browsing thru job advertisements in newspapers/business / IT magazines was my favorite time pass. I would quickly write down any interesting posts and then apply for it. One such post took me to a quick interview trip to Chennai. Who said waiting is boring, I've had some good friends while waiting for my job interviews. Those 10-15 mins conversations with the fellow interviewees have given me so many leads. I suppose waiting in the line comes with the culture, to some extent.
In the USA, people have abundant patience to wait forever in the line and don't always show their frustation. Welcome to India, the sheer population will inevitably lead to long queues wherever the services are in great demand. This is true mostly with the utilities payment, railway/ bus ticket booking. Thanks to e-ticketing and ebills - things have improved drastically and reduced the waiting time in the queues. Unlike USA, In India it is usual to find people watching(staring) at others, while waiting. While too much of staring may be objectionable, occasional glances are okay!
I would say waiting in the line is more easy and entertaining in India than the USA. I've categorized queues in to following categories:
a) Serpentine - like a snake originating from the counter and all the way to the road!: This happens mostly in places where the waiting is not foreseen/seasonal / occasional.
b)Box type - This one's present in the US too - especially airports. Here the waiting is foreseen and organized in the orderly way. There is a temporary / fixed barricade so there is no confusion and jumping ahead.
c)"Magnet" Queue: This is very popular in India. The queue runs along the wall of the building and there are queue masters stationed to counter any gatecrushing or jumping ahead. This makes it more orderely and worthy for those who came in early. This is quite common in utility payments and some movie theaters
d)"Multiplication" Queues: Simply means one person in the queue is suddenly joined by his family / friends!. This irritates the people behind but they cannot complain unless there is scarcity of services like limited tickets or whatever - Very common in stadiums, movie theaters.
e)Phantom type: Or proxy waiting - Yes sometimes it's possible to pay someone to wait on your behalf and later take their place. This is valid in events / services where there is high interest or huge demand like important cricket matches.
f)Premium queue: Adding this one after seeing comments from my friend Mahesh. This is like an advance booking for a slot in the queue - like booking visa appointment at US Consulates in India. Tirupathi temple - Which assigns serial numbers to people who opt for free darshan, so the people can go off the queue and spend time else where and rejoin at the allotted time. Then
the temple also offers less wait time options on the paid tickets.
g)Special Entry: Very much valid in India - VIP, VVIPs and influential folks never spend time waiting in the line!. Doors open automatically for such people!
The list goes on and on...how do you spend your time waiting in line?
Well, it's a fast world and no one like waiting in a queue. They would rather be doing something else and be productive. Earlier days, it was common to find people catching up on books & newspapers while waiting in the line. Now cell phone has caught up so much that many service counters want you to turn off / hang up cell phone conversations while they help you!
Early during my career, I used to spend time waiting for my appointment in the reception lounges at my supplier/customer locations. Browsing thru job advertisements in newspapers/business / IT magazines was my favorite time pass. I would quickly write down any interesting posts and then apply for it. One such post took me to a quick interview trip to Chennai. Who said waiting is boring, I've had some good friends while waiting for my job interviews. Those 10-15 mins conversations with the fellow interviewees have given me so many leads. I suppose waiting in the line comes with the culture, to some extent.
In the USA, people have abundant patience to wait forever in the line and don't always show their frustation. Welcome to India, the sheer population will inevitably lead to long queues wherever the services are in great demand. This is true mostly with the utilities payment, railway/ bus ticket booking. Thanks to e-ticketing and ebills - things have improved drastically and reduced the waiting time in the queues. Unlike USA, In India it is usual to find people watching(staring) at others, while waiting. While too much of staring may be objectionable, occasional glances are okay!
I would say waiting in the line is more easy and entertaining in India than the USA. I've categorized queues in to following categories:
a) Serpentine - like a snake originating from the counter and all the way to the road!: This happens mostly in places where the waiting is not foreseen/seasonal / occasional.
b)Box type - This one's present in the US too - especially airports. Here the waiting is foreseen and organized in the orderly way. There is a temporary / fixed barricade so there is no confusion and jumping ahead.
c)"Magnet" Queue: This is very popular in India. The queue runs along the wall of the building and there are queue masters stationed to counter any gatecrushing or jumping ahead. This makes it more orderely and worthy for those who came in early. This is quite common in utility payments and some movie theaters
d)"Multiplication" Queues: Simply means one person in the queue is suddenly joined by his family / friends!. This irritates the people behind but they cannot complain unless there is scarcity of services like limited tickets or whatever - Very common in stadiums, movie theaters.
e)Phantom type: Or proxy waiting - Yes sometimes it's possible to pay someone to wait on your behalf and later take their place. This is valid in events / services where there is high interest or huge demand like important cricket matches.
f)Premium queue: Adding this one after seeing comments from my friend Mahesh. This is like an advance booking for a slot in the queue - like booking visa appointment at US Consulates in India. Tirupathi temple - Which assigns serial numbers to people who opt for free darshan, so the people can go off the queue and spend time else where and rejoin at the allotted time. Then
the temple also offers less wait time options on the paid tickets.
g)Special Entry: Very much valid in India - VIP, VVIPs and influential folks never spend time waiting in the line!. Doors open automatically for such people!
The list goes on and on...how do you spend your time waiting in line?
Mar 27, 2008
And he flew…………………..This post contributed by Mahesh
I collected the travel details and before I could confirm the booking I called Satish to share the details. We both were working together with a company in Hyderabad and we were about to join another company in Mumbai (together). Between the jobs we had couple of weeks to spend in our home town namma Bengaluru (Bangalore).
During those days INR 5000 + tax was the air ticket cost to Mumbai. And there were only three airlines India Airlines, Sahara and Jet. There were some Air India late night flights which were bit cheaper by 40% to 50%. Since that was my only second and Satish’s first visit to Mumbai, I preferred the day flight.
Looking at the cost, Satish had a different opinion about travel plans. In stead he proposed the travel by train. He also spent about 30 min on phone to give gyan on the importance of Money. Being impatient and being used to new lifestyle, I was NOT ready to travel by train and back in my mind I was thinking of flying alone. After 30 min of phone conversation, Satish was able to convince me to go with him by Kurla Express which starts from Bangalore everyday at noon and reaches Mumbai the next day by noon. And finally we booked two tickets to Mumbai and I guess Satish’s father only booked the tickets.
Then there was a big twist in the story. A week before the travel date, Satish called me from a travel agent’s office to inform that due to sudden developments at a work front in the new company, he has to fly immediate….. and he flew………………….
Now after almost 10 years, I really got an opportunity to express my Anger in his own blogspot :-)
During those days INR 5000 + tax was the air ticket cost to Mumbai. And there were only three airlines India Airlines, Sahara and Jet. There were some Air India late night flights which were bit cheaper by 40% to 50%. Since that was my only second and Satish’s first visit to Mumbai, I preferred the day flight.
Looking at the cost, Satish had a different opinion about travel plans. In stead he proposed the travel by train. He also spent about 30 min on phone to give gyan on the importance of Money. Being impatient and being used to new lifestyle, I was NOT ready to travel by train and back in my mind I was thinking of flying alone. After 30 min of phone conversation, Satish was able to convince me to go with him by Kurla Express which starts from Bangalore everyday at noon and reaches Mumbai the next day by noon. And finally we booked two tickets to Mumbai and I guess Satish’s father only booked the tickets.
Then there was a big twist in the story. A week before the travel date, Satish called me from a travel agent’s office to inform that due to sudden developments at a work front in the new company, he has to fly immediate….. and he flew………………….
Now after almost 10 years, I really got an opportunity to express my Anger in his own blogspot :-)
Mar 26, 2008
ಕನ್ನಡ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್
ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್ ಬರೆಯೋದು ಇದೇ ಮೊದಲ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ. ಇದು ಸಫಲ ವಾದರೆ ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್ ಬರೆಯುವ ಪ್ಲಾನ್ ಇದೆ.
Mar 25, 2008
Get More for lesser price
The way current economy is heading, that must be what customers are telling themselves as they enter the retail stores
Background: Watched an hour long program regarding WalMart in CNBC and was quite impressed by its history and the legendary Sam Walton. Sam Walton, I believe got to work very early in the morning and so the execs who worked with him. The same legacy is being followed and current day execs also make it quite early to work. Some of the things I liked: The vision of Sam Walton and and his approach to problem solving by involving his colleagues, which also included hourly employees.
Last weekend when I visited WalMart, CNBC story was still fresh in my memory and started comparing the retail industry (in general) and its unique challenges compared to the conventional industries;
a)Retail : Open to the general public -regulars and non-regulars. The challenge is to have an attractive / cost-effective setup. The other industries, example: Manufacturing has a regular set of workers who come in daily and don't expect lot of changes.
b) Merchandise: Retailers should stock seasonal stuff, offer discounts during the major festivals, events, etc. Placement and availability of the merchandise is one of the key factors.
c)Competition: The store is wide open for competitors to walk-in and evaluate the premises and the prices. Manufacturing companies have fewer visitors (except employees) and many processes are confidential
d)Operational excellence: This is the key to achieve higher sales. Some stores are highly efficient in addressing customer questions, providing help and answering questions. One such example: BabiesRUs -
There will be definitely a lot more comparisons ..but will conclude here to qualify for a short blog!
Background: Watched an hour long program regarding WalMart in CNBC and was quite impressed by its history and the legendary Sam Walton. Sam Walton, I believe got to work very early in the morning and so the execs who worked with him. The same legacy is being followed and current day execs also make it quite early to work. Some of the things I liked: The vision of Sam Walton and and his approach to problem solving by involving his colleagues, which also included hourly employees.
Last weekend when I visited WalMart, CNBC story was still fresh in my memory and started comparing the retail industry (in general) and its unique challenges compared to the conventional industries;
a)Retail : Open to the general public -regulars and non-regulars. The challenge is to have an attractive / cost-effective setup. The other industries, example: Manufacturing has a regular set of workers who come in daily and don't expect lot of changes.
b) Merchandise: Retailers should stock seasonal stuff, offer discounts during the major festivals, events, etc. Placement and availability of the merchandise is one of the key factors.
c)Competition: The store is wide open for competitors to walk-in and evaluate the premises and the prices. Manufacturing companies have fewer visitors (except employees) and many processes are confidential
d)Operational excellence: This is the key to achieve higher sales. Some stores are highly efficient in addressing customer questions, providing help and answering questions. One such example: BabiesRUs -
There will be definitely a lot more comparisons ..but will conclude here to qualify for a short blog!
Mar 6, 2008
Kaadu Kudure
That's a kannada word, literally translates to forest horse! or wild horse. Well, here is the LINK to watch the song in Youtube. The movie, Kaadukudare was released when we were children and I vaguely remember watching this in the movie theatre. This song especially was a superhit during those days. It was quite a popular dance number too and the one of the most sought after songs in any orchestra those days. The song is shot with very little amount of light ....may be this is a art movie as per my own interpretation. I was always curious about Indian "Art Movies"....Doordarshan (the state owned television channel) played a lot of such movies. Many things common with the art movies;
a) Very limited use of lights ...may be cost cutting measure
b) Few songs or none
c) Strong on the theme, story and no masala ...or commercial frills like flashy dresses
d) Usually cast unpopular or upcoming actors than the existing ones
e) Very poor financial returns. I think there was even a subsidy available from the state to make such movies.
f) Not much fan following and does not reside in public memory for a long time.
Offcourse there are exceptions to the above and these are my own interpretations. I know of famous movie makers and directors who have excelled in art movies and later made classic movies in their lives.
Whatever, thanks to Youtube and the person who uploaded this song. I was tired looking for it in the kannada music portals... Neevu Haadu Keli, Enjoy Madi... ( Hear the song and Enjoy)
a) Very limited use of lights ...may be cost cutting measure
b) Few songs or none
c) Strong on the theme, story and no masala ...or commercial frills like flashy dresses
d) Usually cast unpopular or upcoming actors than the existing ones
e) Very poor financial returns. I think there was even a subsidy available from the state to make such movies.
f) Not much fan following and does not reside in public memory for a long time.
Offcourse there are exceptions to the above and these are my own interpretations. I know of famous movie makers and directors who have excelled in art movies and later made classic movies in their lives.
Whatever, thanks to Youtube and the person who uploaded this song. I was tired looking for it in the kannada music portals... Neevu Haadu Keli, Enjoy Madi... ( Hear the song and Enjoy)
Feb 12, 2008
Visit India
The long awaited India trip went like a whirlwind and before I could realize, the 3 weeks were over. Account for 3 weeks; The onward and return journey -4 days, US Visa interview at chennai: 2 days. Sick: About 1.5 weeks - both me and my daughter together had health issues, 1 day to my office to collect visa papers, 2 days to fix my apartment door lock! - There you go: very few days left. In that majority of the day time would go away in the traffic jam or the commute between the places. But in all, it was a hectic trip. One satisfaction is that of spending some quality time with family and few friends. There were numerous unfulfilled visits to friends and family, unreturned phone calls.
Bangalore in my eyes:
1. Many services are now available at a phone call . You can order food, groceries, mineral water, cab, ironing, plumbing and electrician services, value added services like telemedicine(call your family doctor). Almost everyone has a cell phone and the "missed calls" are the most effective way of communicating with the known people..
2. The prices of consumer goods and eating at restaurants has become very expensive since the last 2.5 years. In one of the Andhra restaurants, carrier meals ( take out lunch or dinner) for 4 people costs Rs.89 while an appetizer like Gobi Manchurian costs Rs.69!
3. Lots of new hospitals and educational institutions. Number of engineering colleges in Bangalore might exceed number of schools in some of the states in the US!
4. Retail revolution: This was predicted back in 2000, that India will witness a major revolution in the retail segment. Malls are there in almost all the upscale residential and commercial areas. I was surprised to see many stores in the fresh produce segment. Though small in size compared to their US counterparts, malls and department chain stores are attracting the current young generation. Most of the malls have huge floating population and the food courts are jampacked with people.
5. Commute: No doubt, commute time has increased multi fold, thanks to the short sightedness of the successive governments. The improved bus service is just inadequate to catch up with the growing human and vehicular population. However some of the major highways like the Bangalore-Mysore road have been turned around and one can reach Mysore in about couple of hours. I will not be surprised if some one starts off a helicopter service for commuting within Bangalore.
6. Airports: The existing Bangalore airport looks more like a typical bus terminal in any Indian city. Thanks to the booming (or now slowing?) IT market, emergence of new airliners - According to a report there are about 150 take offs and landings in one day!... I remember in the early 1980s, there used to be hardly 10 or 15 flights a days - 4 flights to Mumbai(2 outbound and 2 inbound), 2 to Delhi, 2 to Chennai and few more...The visitors also contribute majorly to the chaos. From what I have seen in my own eyes, a local bangalorean set to fly overseas will be seen off by at least 2-3 visitors and there is no upper limit! - I have seen groups of over 30 people sometimes!. I think it is time the government must intervene and stop visitors to the airport :) ( to reduce the proportinate amount of traffic)... Or they can even think of converting the major bus terminals in to airport pickup points!
7. Cars..
Till few years back, one had to go overseas to see the internationally renowned cars. Now all these cars have set strong foot in India and there is no looking back. Expensive cars are now visible almost everywhere. Maruti 800, Santro, Zen are considered to be entry level cars.
There are some more..keeping them for the next post..
Bangalore in my eyes:
1. Many services are now available at a phone call . You can order food, groceries, mineral water, cab, ironing, plumbing and electrician services, value added services like telemedicine(call your family doctor). Almost everyone has a cell phone and the "missed calls" are the most effective way of communicating with the known people..
2. The prices of consumer goods and eating at restaurants has become very expensive since the last 2.5 years. In one of the Andhra restaurants, carrier meals ( take out lunch or dinner) for 4 people costs Rs.89 while an appetizer like Gobi Manchurian costs Rs.69!
3. Lots of new hospitals and educational institutions. Number of engineering colleges in Bangalore might exceed number of schools in some of the states in the US!
4. Retail revolution: This was predicted back in 2000, that India will witness a major revolution in the retail segment. Malls are there in almost all the upscale residential and commercial areas. I was surprised to see many stores in the fresh produce segment. Though small in size compared to their US counterparts, malls and department chain stores are attracting the current young generation. Most of the malls have huge floating population and the food courts are jampacked with people.
5. Commute: No doubt, commute time has increased multi fold, thanks to the short sightedness of the successive governments. The improved bus service is just inadequate to catch up with the growing human and vehicular population. However some of the major highways like the Bangalore-Mysore road have been turned around and one can reach Mysore in about couple of hours. I will not be surprised if some one starts off a helicopter service for commuting within Bangalore.
6. Airports: The existing Bangalore airport looks more like a typical bus terminal in any Indian city. Thanks to the booming (or now slowing?) IT market, emergence of new airliners - According to a report there are about 150 take offs and landings in one day!... I remember in the early 1980s, there used to be hardly 10 or 15 flights a days - 4 flights to Mumbai(2 outbound and 2 inbound), 2 to Delhi, 2 to Chennai and few more...The visitors also contribute majorly to the chaos. From what I have seen in my own eyes, a local bangalorean set to fly overseas will be seen off by at least 2-3 visitors and there is no upper limit! - I have seen groups of over 30 people sometimes!. I think it is time the government must intervene and stop visitors to the airport :) ( to reduce the proportinate amount of traffic)... Or they can even think of converting the major bus terminals in to airport pickup points!
7. Cars..
Till few years back, one had to go overseas to see the internationally renowned cars. Now all these cars have set strong foot in India and there is no looking back. Expensive cars are now visible almost everywhere. Maruti 800, Santro, Zen are considered to be entry level cars.
There are some more..keeping them for the next post..
Jan 7, 2008
A unique Store
One store caught my attention while I was walking around in the near by mall. The name was very unique, "Art of Shaving". This instantly reminded me of Sri Sri Ravishankar's Art of Living....
Curious, I peeped in and could tell it's an upmarket store with lots of shaving products and accessories stacked in the shelves. Also interesting is their services offered. The Royal Shave comes at $55 only!.There were other services priced lesser than that. What I appreciate is the innovative thinking of the person(s) who started this kind of business. I really wonder what a royal shave would be.... After coming home I found out from their website that it's quite a big chain and they are present in quite a few locations across USA. They also offer lot of reading stuff on their website.
Curious, I peeped in and could tell it's an upmarket store with lots of shaving products and accessories stacked in the shelves. Also interesting is their services offered. The Royal Shave comes at $55 only!.There were other services priced lesser than that. What I appreciate is the innovative thinking of the person(s) who started this kind of business. I really wonder what a royal shave would be.... After coming home I found out from their website that it's quite a big chain and they are present in quite a few locations across USA. They also offer lot of reading stuff on their website.
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