I am not a senior citizen yet. But how come I am a member in a Senior Citizens’ Forum !
Thanks to ISCF, for honouring me ( I am still very young , you know !) with a membership in ISCF.
Oh .. let me tell you about ISCF.. It’s a Forum of Senior Citizens, retired from ISRO.
Yesterday, in its regular monthly meeting, about 40 persons attended. I too did attend.
The main attraction of attending this meeting is that one can meet their seniors (by age) and colleagues – otherwise no one takes effort to go and meet - and renew their relationships.
What I am now telling you is about my meeting yesterday with some OLD friends. I met many of my senior colleagues, Mr. N Velappan Nair, Mr. K V. Mathew, Mr. M K Bhaskaran Nair, among many others. Mr. P Radhjakrishnan, Dr. Manoranjan Rao, and many more .
Mr. NV Nair, my senior colleague, retired over 10 years ago, was a specialist in Russian Electronic and MET payload systems. He lives at Karamana, with his family. Quite happy life, I understand.
Mr. NV Nair is an important personality to me; because he has been the key person in realizing my cottage by Sri. Laurie Baker. For the first instance, when I approached Mr. Baker, he declined to take up my request. Later, Sri. NV Nair intervened, and with his influence, Sri. Baker was kind enough to take up my requirement of building a unique cottage, my dream home.
Mr. KV Mathew , an Electronics Engineer, specialist in Payload Electronics systems, is a very interesting and clever personality. He owes me some money ! He did not pay the full agreed amount of money, when he bought my scooter. That’s about 20 years ago ! One cannot forget KVM's smiling (laughing) face.
Mr. M K Bhaskaran Nair, now 75, is a very dynamic, positive and interesting personality. A very positive person, I remember I met him on 4 March, 1972, at his integration Lab ( of the erstwhile “STR” Division of SSTC). He is a spiritual person , with spirits in and out. I like him, I respect him. MKB is always happy; he cannot be unhappy anytime.
And there were many veterans.. the list is long.
May I wish all these good men , the best of health, wealth, peace, and HAPPINESS for ever.
April 17, 2008
Beggars are choosers
Beggars are not choosers.
That’s the saying. But, a news in the paper says it otherwise. Beggars are choosers.
That’s about coin shortage in a Chinese city. Shop keepers get change from the beggars, on 5% premium.
But this is not a news in Trivandrum. Here, the beggars – all from Tamilnadu and Andhra- do the same thing as in China. They give 95 rupee coins and take 100 rupee note. Shop keepers regularly buy the coins from them. I heard this is in other cities in the state too.
However, now that begging is prohibited in the city, shop keepers find it difficult to manage change.
That’s the saying. But, a news in the paper says it otherwise. Beggars are choosers.
That’s about coin shortage in a Chinese city. Shop keepers get change from the beggars, on 5% premium.
But this is not a news in Trivandrum. Here, the beggars – all from Tamilnadu and Andhra- do the same thing as in China. They give 95 rupee coins and take 100 rupee note. Shop keepers regularly buy the coins from them. I heard this is in other cities in the state too.
However, now that begging is prohibited in the city, shop keepers find it difficult to manage change.
April 8, 2008
Soaring and Roaring prices Vs Customer satisfaction
Price list at the thattu-kada.Prices of everything is soaring.. Our local thattu kada (tea-shop) fellow also increased the price of all his items, last day. A ‘sada chai’ (just about 120 millilitre sandal coloured sweet-like tasting, just hot water, served in a dirty glass, …that’s what it is !) is 3 ½ rupees ! A thallipoli coffee is 6 rupees !! My god…. What’s this ? Look at his latest price list above.
Why have they increased the prices ? I asked the kada-man. He says “Everything has gone up. So, I too increased the prices. No one complained so far.” He looked at me in the ‘Trivendrum” style and asked: “Have you not read the papers ? Then, what’s your problem ?” .
Yeah, what’s my problem ? I am addicted to take one or two cups of coffee a day ! That’s my problem !!
So what ? Pay it and take it ! ( Not take it and pay it !!).
Almost 40 % increase in prices, in a single shot !! How can I pay ? I can’t afford that. No one pays me 40 % extra; not even 1 % extra; But my customers pay me mostly 50% less !! ( I am selling knowledge and skills ! It seems that’s the cheapest here).
And now on Customer Satisfaction .
And at the great broadband provider and telephone company.
There’s a large display, with eye catching graphics, right at their reception. It says : Customer addition is as important as customer retention”.
I spent a few minutes searching for the line – “Customer satisfaction is equally (or more) important”. But I could not see any !
I didn’t ask anyone to locate that display. I am not inclined to hear “go to hell..”
April 7, 2008
"Y" town
In our city, at the end of it, is the very small town (let me call this corner place so) called "vattiYoorkavu". A nice place to live in ! Many nice persons live here.
( Or, should I modify this to : All persons living here are nice ! ?).
All roads in this town makes a "Y" junction. I just counted ... there are seven Y junctions here.
That's interesting ! I shall show you all Y junction visuals, shortly.
( Or, should I modify this to : All persons living here are nice ! ?).
All roads in this town makes a "Y" junction. I just counted ... there are seven Y junctions here.
That's interesting ! I shall show you all Y junction visuals, shortly.
Water - Recycling
Recycling water.
We depend on Kerala Water Authority for our ‘daily water’. We draw water from KWA water line, for all our ‘water needs’.{KWA, the authority on water, says, its all their properties- the water lines, the water meter ( for which you paid), and the water itself !). For drinking, bathing, washing, gardening, ..and for everything.
Water management experts suggest that we should save water, by recycling (because it seems there’s not enough water!). Water, used for washing, bath, etc. can be used again for other purposes like gardening. OK, That’s very fine. But how ?
Presently, all the waste water is sunk into pits. I don’t like water from my bathroom or kitchen ( and certainly not from toilets ) to be used directly in the garden or for car wash. My problem is how do I manage this ; how to clean /recycle / reprocess / purify for further use ? I am not inclined to install special filters or other plants ( I can’t invest any money or space ). Then, how do I ?
I request all to suggest me a simple method(s), without investing any money ( may be a couple of 100 rupees is OK ! ). Can someone ?
We depend on Kerala Water Authority for our ‘daily water’. We draw water from KWA water line, for all our ‘water needs’.{KWA, the authority on water, says, its all their properties- the water lines, the water meter ( for which you paid), and the water itself !). For drinking, bathing, washing, gardening, ..and for everything.
Water management experts suggest that we should save water, by recycling (because it seems there’s not enough water!). Water, used for washing, bath, etc. can be used again for other purposes like gardening. OK, That’s very fine. But how ?
Presently, all the waste water is sunk into pits. I don’t like water from my bathroom or kitchen ( and certainly not from toilets ) to be used directly in the garden or for car wash. My problem is how do I manage this ; how to clean /recycle / reprocess / purify for further use ? I am not inclined to install special filters or other plants ( I can’t invest any money or space ). Then, how do I ?
I request all to suggest me a simple method(s), without investing any money ( may be a couple of 100 rupees is OK ! ). Can someone ?
Madhavikutty Vs Kamala Das Vs Kamala Surayya
Where is our dear Madhavikutty ? At Pune/Bombay ?
No news about her these days ! ?
No news about her these days ! ?
Engine On, Mobile OFF; Engine On, Player OFF
Use of Mobile phones, while driving a vehicle, is banned (by law). But, the law is on paper only, it seems. "Do not mix alcohol with driving" (or is it the other way ?) - goes a slogan by the traffic authorities. But many mix that even now. The rules stay there.
Now, many people, while driving the vehicle, uses the Mobilephone. The younger ones, who are with two wheelers are very particular to use the mobile while driving, it looks. One hand on the bike handle, and a mobilephone in the other.
Now I find another element permanently plugged to these youngsters. It's the music player {cheap chinese version Ipod lookalikes }. These guys play music and listen, while driving. Both ears plugged. What, I think, lacks is "chooral kashayam". You may not agree with me.
No rule can make these guys stick to rules. So, follow what a Police Officer did at Kottaym town, a few years back. He served the same prescription I mentioned above.
However, may be a stronger message "Engine On, Mobile off" and "Engine ON, player OFF" may do some good. May God save them, but God cannot save them unless they save themselves.
Now, many people, while driving the vehicle, uses the Mobilephone. The younger ones, who are with two wheelers are very particular to use the mobile while driving, it looks. One hand on the bike handle, and a mobilephone in the other.
Now I find another element permanently plugged to these youngsters. It's the music player {cheap chinese version Ipod lookalikes }. These guys play music and listen, while driving. Both ears plugged. What, I think, lacks is "chooral kashayam". You may not agree with me.
No rule can make these guys stick to rules. So, follow what a Police Officer did at Kottaym town, a few years back. He served the same prescription I mentioned above.
However, may be a stronger message "Engine On, Mobile off" and "Engine ON, player OFF" may do some good. May God save them, but God cannot save them unless they save themselves.
April 6, 2008
Save Power - the cenematic way
What is Suresh Gopi to do with Electricity ? What do Dileep do with KSEB ?
And what is Mohanlal saying about Electricity ?
All the super stars say : Switch off ! Switch off ! Switch off !
Switch off lights, fans and irons !
Did any of these stars tell you to switch off the TV (in which all these guys are performing ! and in which these ads themselves appear) ?
They tell you to switch off your electrical gadgets; to avoid power-cuts. That's in good taste. Yes, But .... These superstars had to come to tell you to save power !
I wish KSEB think better and more realistic. I wish they redesign the advertisement campaigns..!
Our people ( I mean Keralites ) are self-oriented ( aka selfish). Don't tell them that power saving is in the common interest. Tell them specific that "YOU can save lot of money ! " This message will do better, to save power.
I (common man !) don't care what Suesh Gopi or Mohanlal says ....
Oh...Oh... don't call me a fool..... I know the great value of superstars !....And what they say.. Still I think it must be different !
KSEB had already announced that the super stars have reduced the peak loads ! Then that's it !! However, say that differently dear!!
What KSEB should immediately do :
1. Make right all the power distribution lines. Distibution losses are very heavy.
2. Make available CFL lamps at reasonable and affordable prices to the public.
These will bring down the loads by atleast 40% (aka a lot !).
And what is Mohanlal saying about Electricity ?
All the super stars say : Switch off ! Switch off ! Switch off !
Switch off lights, fans and irons !
Did any of these stars tell you to switch off the TV (in which all these guys are performing ! and in which these ads themselves appear) ?
They tell you to switch off your electrical gadgets; to avoid power-cuts. That's in good taste. Yes, But .... These superstars had to come to tell you to save power !
I wish KSEB think better and more realistic. I wish they redesign the advertisement campaigns..!
Our people ( I mean Keralites ) are self-oriented ( aka selfish). Don't tell them that power saving is in the common interest. Tell them specific that "YOU can save lot of money ! " This message will do better, to save power.
I (common man !) don't care what Suesh Gopi or Mohanlal says ....
Oh...Oh... don't call me a fool..... I know the great value of superstars !....And what they say.. Still I think it must be different !
KSEB had already announced that the super stars have reduced the peak loads ! Then that's it !! However, say that differently dear!!
What KSEB should immediately do :
1. Make right all the power distribution lines. Distibution losses are very heavy.
2. Make available CFL lamps at reasonable and affordable prices to the public.
These will bring down the loads by atleast 40% (aka a lot !).
April 2, 2008
Remembering Laurie Baker
Baker. He built my heaven, the place where I live. I am proud , its Baker's creation.
Today, is the first anniversary of "Baker"less world.
Let me get some quotations :
"Perunthachan of the poor"
"Even in his time, Baker could have amassed great wealth. But he said no to wealth."
"Baker is synonymous to low cost housing'
"Baker model means unique and low cost"
Baker is an idol among architects. Its true, he could have made crores. But he did not want it.
I am fortunate to own a cottage created by Baker. 28 years ago, he made me a 980 sqft(in 2 floors) in a 2.6 cent plot, for 75,000 Rupees. But the cost alone is not the point. The design is very beautiful, and of high utility. Above all, I have a unique cottage designed and built by the best in the world. Noone can claim this any more.
I think the most important factors of Baker's creations are :
Unique - no two buildings are alike. They never share anything in common.
Simple - Looks simple, but elegant.
Affordable - It is more than just economical or low cost; he makes the building to match your pocket size.
Utility - Nothing is a waste. Full utilisation of space and other resources.
I've seen him working. At home, making designs; At work sites, doing masonry, or carpentry. He knows well what he practices.
He used simple proven technologies. Nothing sophisticated.
He was too good in decision making. He makes instant suggestions, changes, and hence solves many issues at ease.
He loved nature. He could find use for anything that comes to him. He could convert any waste material (that's what we think) into an object of art and desire.
He did not like maoney. He didnot take even a Rupee as his professional charges from me. I was surprised, inspite of my requesting him to take some money as his charges, he did not ! He said " You live here, We'll see that (about money)later". That later became never.
Baker was a true simple person. I've never seen him wearing a costly or synthetic dress.
He always had a smile. I can never forget his smile.
He was a man of good humour.
While the foundation work for my cottage was in progress, I took a few days' leave and was with it. When Baker came to the site, he saw me and immediately commented "Oh.. you started living here !? "
His workers used to call him "Daddy". These workers ( and most of the people) used to refer him as "Saayipp".
Dear sir, we always have YOU in our memories.
YOU live in our memories, while WE live in your homes, for ever !
Today, is the first anniversary of "Baker"less world.
Let me get some quotations :
"Perunthachan of the poor"
"Even in his time, Baker could have amassed great wealth. But he said no to wealth."
"Baker is synonymous to low cost housing'
"Baker model means unique and low cost"
Baker is an idol among architects. Its true, he could have made crores. But he did not want it.
I am fortunate to own a cottage created by Baker. 28 years ago, he made me a 980 sqft(in 2 floors) in a 2.6 cent plot, for 75,000 Rupees. But the cost alone is not the point. The design is very beautiful, and of high utility. Above all, I have a unique cottage designed and built by the best in the world. Noone can claim this any more.
I think the most important factors of Baker's creations are :
Unique - no two buildings are alike. They never share anything in common.
Simple - Looks simple, but elegant.
Affordable - It is more than just economical or low cost; he makes the building to match your pocket size.
Utility - Nothing is a waste. Full utilisation of space and other resources.
I've seen him working. At home, making designs; At work sites, doing masonry, or carpentry. He knows well what he practices.
He used simple proven technologies. Nothing sophisticated.
He was too good in decision making. He makes instant suggestions, changes, and hence solves many issues at ease.
He loved nature. He could find use for anything that comes to him. He could convert any waste material (that's what we think) into an object of art and desire.
He did not like maoney. He didnot take even a Rupee as his professional charges from me. I was surprised, inspite of my requesting him to take some money as his charges, he did not ! He said " You live here, We'll see that (about money)later". That later became never.
Baker was a true simple person. I've never seen him wearing a costly or synthetic dress.
He always had a smile. I can never forget his smile.
He was a man of good humour.
While the foundation work for my cottage was in progress, I took a few days' leave and was with it. When Baker came to the site, he saw me and immediately commented "Oh.. you started living here !? "
His workers used to call him "Daddy". These workers ( and most of the people) used to refer him as "Saayipp".
Dear sir, we always have YOU in our memories.
YOU live in our memories, while WE live in your homes, for ever !
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