Richman North of Richmond!

 This song is taking America by storm..! Sad state to be in for the great nation.....! 45 Million views (155,000 comments) in 2 weeks. Megyn discussed this song 2 weeks back when it had 2 Million views! RICHMAN NORTH OF RICHMOND. 

4 more years of Joe Biden, You can forget Shower heads, Gasoline cars, and Gas Stove, Air conditioners to use.... Already plans are in place to ban them...  Legislation is in the draft stage for 2 bottles of beer consumption a week to tackle Climate change and global warming..! Thank god there are people like Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and republican controlled congress(men) who are there to call climate change and global warming Bluff and hopefully become the power be to stop this madness !!! 

Wonder where this will all end up, Come November 2024. Remember, where America leads the world follows, with no option but to!! (China, others are pony toys, BRICS is a joke !! Look How much American sanctions /muzzling are hurting China!)..... 

Take care.

Karthik. 

27th Aug 23.

Lyrics:-

I've been sellin' my soul, workin' all day
Overtime hours for bullshit pay
So I can sit out here and waste my life away
Drag back home and drown my troubles away

[Pre-Chorus]
It's a damn shame what the world's gotten to
For people like me and people like you
Wish I could just wake up and it not be true
But it is, oh, it is
[Chorus]
Livin' in the new world
With an old soul
These rich men north of Richmond
Lord knows they all just wanna have total control
Wanna know what you think, wanna know what you do
And they don't think you know, but I know that you do
'Cause your dollar ain't shit and it's taxed to no end
'Cause of rich men north of Richmond

[Verse 2]
I wish politicians would look out for miners
And not just minors on an island somewhere
Lord, we got folks in the street, ain't got nothin' to eat
And the obese milkin' welfare
Well, God, if you're five-foot-three and you're three-hundred pounds
Taxes ought not to pay for your bags of Fudge Rounds
Young men are puttin' themselves six feet in the ground
'Cause all this damn country does is keep on kickin' them down

[Pre-Chorus]
Lord, it's a damn shame what the world's gotten to
For people like me and people like you
Wish I could just wake up and it not be true
But it is, oh, it is

Remembering Laura Branigan:

 Today 26th August marks the 19th death Anniversary of Laura Branigan. She will always be missed!!! 

A Voice That Captivated: Laura Branigan's voice was a force of nature that could convey a range of emotions with unparalleled intensity. From her energetic and upbeat songs to the soulful ballads that showcased her vocal prowess, her voice resonated deeply with listeners, leaving an everlasting impression.

Her discography is adorned with hits that became anthems of the '80s and continue to enchant listeners of all ages. Songs like "Gloria," "Self Control," and "Solitaire" are not just catchy tunes, but snapshots of a vibrant era in music history. These tracks have a timeless quality that keeps them relevant even decades later.

Karthik

26th August 2023.

2 Must Listen to Megyn Kelly Podcasts. (Sexual Health- Men and Women)!!!

 As usual, Megyn is at her Brilliant best!! She goes where no one dares!!  As she says in Tagline, Honest, thoughtful, provocative conversation. (No BS, NO Agenda, No Fear! is how she ends her podcast)....! 

Keep aside 4 hrs.... to listen,  It is worth it....! The best part was questions from the other spouse on the issues of significant other!!! 

The Megyn slot for me is 6 to 630 am Tuesday to Saturday. (I listen at 3X, so 90 min is = 30 Min!)...! 

Take care.! 

Karthik.

Podcast 1 Last week:- Megyn Kelly brings listeners and viewers a deep dive on men's sexual health, with Dr. Mohit Khera, a professor of urology and expert on the issue. They discuss how men don't focus on their sexual health in the same way women do, the causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), ways men can prevent EDs, the decline of testosterone levels and sperm count worldwide, the causes of male infertility, discuss whether there is a cure for erectile dysfunction, what stem cell therapy is, how “shockwave therapy" works, the differences between Viagra and Cialis, other more substantial treatments of ED, the connection between testosterone and libido, how antidepressants can affect libido, the different ways to take testosterone, the reality of Peyronie's disease that men suffer from silently, testicular cancer risk factors, what parents should think about for their young boys, the balance with porn, new drugs that help increase women's libido, and more.

LINK. 

LINK TODAY

Podcast 2: Today: Megyn Kelly brings listeners and viewers a deep dive on women's sexual health, with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, OBGYN and clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine, and expert on the issue. They discuss women's libido issues, the difference between desire and arousal, how medical conditions could affect sexual drive, how relationships could affect a woman's libido, why women don't talk about their sexual health enough, the medical options to increase women's libido, how testosterone works for women, how various medications could decrease libido in women and men, the effect of antidepressants on women’s sexual desire, how age affects libido, how the birth control pill can affect women's libido, causes of pain during sex, challenges related to orgasm, HPV vaccine, sexual health after vaginal births, the benefits of kegel exercises and "pelvic floor physical therapy," when to know when you are in menopause and notable treatments for symptoms, the “erratic period” and how to regulate it, and more.

Taking Exam after 20 years!!

 Today after 22 years, I took an exam. (Last one was in 2001 for my MBA entrance which I completed in 2003 in HR). Today is for the Insurance Advisor as approved by the Government of India under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India institution which is the governing body for all Insurance activities in India. 

I took the exam for Life and Non-Life insurance advisory aspects. This will give me a chance to advise folks on the need for insurance. (I was motivated a lot by DAN PINK's BOOK- TO SELL IS HUMAN). 

I was able to complete the Online exam (50 questions of Multiple choice) in half of 1 hr duration. I secured 74%. Oh yes, the last 30 min before entering the exam hall at 330pm, was the same as a 20-year-old with a bit of nervousness and walking to the washroom one last time !!! hahahhah!!! (The intensity to do well triggers the Bladder, I guess!!!)

I look forward to stepping on this path come 2024 as a diversified career opportunity. 

Coincidentally, today 14th August 1985, was the day I passed out my Master's degree. The telegram came from my Professor that I passed and requested me to come and collect my mark sheets!. Also, the fun fact is I never got an official Master's Degree from University as I had a job in the next few weeks and landed in Bombay as an Environmental Operating chemist, to set up labs and move on, and no one cared about my master's degree those days. My subject knowledge and provisional certificate which came by post was good enough for companies. (Unthinkable now!)....

Regards

Karthik.

REST IN PEACE (EAGLES) RANDY MEISNER

 One of the Eagles' Founders Dead!! (26th July) He was 77. I missed his death due to business travel on the 26-28th of last month. (Heavy rains in Bombay kept me away from any news too!)...Meisner left the group in 1977 due to irrevocable differences with the group's Glenn Frey and Don Henley! He was a soft guy, never wanting fame but Eagles monstrous success never allowed him to keep the low light!! His wife's accidental gunshot death in 2016 took him to extremely poor health!

Meisner's memorable song is "TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT!! Give a listen!! Soul-stirring Ballard!!! 

Regards

Karthik.

The Eagles are sad to report that founding member, bassist, and vocalist, Randy Meisner, passed away last night (July 26) in Los Angeles at age 77, due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD).

As the original bass player for the pioneering country-rock group, Poco, Randy was at the forefront of the musical revolution that began in Los Angeles, in the late 1960s. 

In 1971, Randy, along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, formed the Eagles and contributed to the band's albums, Eagles, Desperado, On The Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel California. He was inducted with the Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit,’” said the Eagles.

Prior to Poco, he was bassist and vocalist with Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band.

Randy was born on March 8, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

++++++++

In 2018, with 38 million copies sold, “The Eagles: Their Greatest Hits” (1976) surpassed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to become the best-selling album of all time, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. At that point, “Hotel California” (1976), with sales of 26 million, was third on the list.

Father's 6th Annual Rituals.

Tomorrow, 9th August 2023 marks the 6th Annual ritual (Devasam)as per Hindu Calendar, for my departed father, Dr TM. BALASUBRAMANIYAM. (CECRI, Karaikudi). Time flies fast.. Father passed away on 15th August 2017, after a brief fight with Kidney Cancer. He was aged 80. I plan to follow all the rituals I do every year. Shall keep you updated on this post in a few days. 

Regards

Karthik

Update 12th Aug. Father's rituals done as per tradition. We also arranged to garland his picture at Gayathri Niwas Karaikudi. (The house he built in 1971 and named after my sister Gayathri). 

Bad bosses are evolving not disappearing!!!

 So true!! Most of the bosses these days camouflage their contempt through Indifference/ silence etc as this article rightly points out! They would deny that they behave in such a way.! (The Silent Assassin like Diabetes)!!! 

Poor souls in High Power distance countries like India can not even reach out and question why the boss behaves the way (s)he does! I feel pity for them... This leads to performance decay and the poor guy becomes a rut... Only when he is pushed to a corner up on humiliation after the humiliation he works an exit strategy. The sad aspect of work life these days!!..... 

I feel how lucky we were, 30 years ago, (I would say even 15 years ago!)  to work with great bosses as well as Bosses who had care/ empathy as well as intelligence to guide their team. We owe our success to such bosses in both personal and professional life thanks to their guidance. 

Also 30 years back there was a direct confrontation with a go-to-hell attitude on both sides with you giving back as good as you get !! Those days are gone! (I was one of such shouting/ screaming- Insulting words back then with only one boss, He was a Horror!! my only unlucky one for 6 months in the previous century!!! ahhahahahhhahhahh! I wonder if he is still alive!!!! )... 

Regards

Karthik. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Gordon Gekko types are long Gone!!!! 

Bad bosses are evolving not disappearing
Scrutiny has made it harder to be an overt bully but subtler forms of harassment can be as destructive  Grace Lordan  JULY 31 2023

When people imagine a bully boss in the workplace, they conjure up images of tantrums, mockery, shouting and intimidating behaviour. They visualise sexism, racism, homophobia and cultures of fear. They recall stories of workplaces that have at times been reported as having bullying cultures, such as Westminster, Goldman Sachs, the Metropolitan Police or Uber.

But this type of old-fashioned bully is thankfully finding it increasingly hard to survive at the top levels of organisations. When they do, it is usually in the form of a high-income generator in a company with a poor HR department, or a senior leader in public service where it is harder to get fired.

The old-fashioned bully boss is being made extinct by market forces that demand managers are “high empathy”. High empathy managers empower their team, enable equal opportunities for progression and create psychologically safe environments that allow for challenge and dissent. They can navigate their organisations through times of great uncertainty by consistently delivering on the promises they make, and explaining the reasons on occasions they cannot. High empathy managers will never attract media headlines for cronyism, misogyny or threatening colleagues.

But as scrutiny has made it harder to be an overt bully, a new type of negative persona has evolved who can convincingly mimic the traits of the empathetic leader. Like the high empathy leader, the modern-day bully boss is eloquent. But unlike the high empathy leader, they do not walk the talk.

The new type of bully boss keeps their emotions in check and does not fly off the handle. But they use more subtle and insidious forms of mistreatment: they ignore and isolate colleagues they do not rate.

The modern-day bully boss sidelines rather than shouts. They “forget” to invite colleagues to meetings, rather than humiliate them when they speak up with ideas. They ignore their promotion rather than overtly argue against it. They avoid hard conversations about their behaviour rather than engage in self-reflection.

They are a particular threat as subtler forms of harassment are less likely to be taken seriously by HR. This can result in affected colleagues being unsure of their footing in the organisation and suffering deteriorating wellbeing.

The modern-day bully boss is high ego. They want to feel good about themselves and be around people who agree with them. They have the tendency to hire their friends and people who share their perspectives so they can avoid challenge. Such a “mirror-tocracy” is bad news for under-represented but talented staff, who will find themselves with fewer opportunities to develop or be promoted.

A mirror-tocratic approach makes the modern-day bully more secure in their position. It is less likely that a friend they hire will attempt to keep their isolating behaviour in check like an outsider might.

If you approach a modern day bully to question their behaviour, they will probably be defensive and deny it is happening. This gaslighting contrasts to a time poor leader who excludes you unconsciously and will address the issue when you raise it. It also contrasts to a high empathy leader who will slow down and have the necessary hard conversation.

My behavioural science research at the London School of Economics has identified other archetypes of bad bosses. The egotist is a self-absorbed and insecure manager who cannot cope with being challenged and will not let employees succeed to a level that is equal or higher to their own achievements. The mediocre manager is borderline incompetent with their core tasks, but perfectly adept at playing company politics. They often thrive because they pander to senior egotists and will probably blame subordinates for their mistakes. And the overly nice boss puts smiles ahead of productivity and avoids hard discussions and challenges.

Navigating a problematic boss is difficult as they are the gatekeeper to progression, promotion and pay within your organisation. Your boss has a significant role in your financial security and personal wellbeing. A bad boss is the most common reason anyone leaves a job. It is particularly difficult when quitting is not an attractive option.

But there are some ways to manage a tricky relationship.

First, enter compliance mode: make every detail regarding your pay and career progression as transparent as possible.

Take your focus off your boss and pay more attention to opportunities in the wider organisation. Expand your networks and seek out external opportunities. Don’t let risk aversion keep you stuck with a boss who will not enable you to reach your full potential.

Get some physical distance: secure a desk that is not in your boss’s line of vision, or work remotely.

And finally, establish boundaries between your work and home life that allow you to switch off and improve your wellbeing.

If the relationship does not improve it might be time to set a strict deadline to get yourself a new boss doing the same job elsewhere.

Vandae Bharat Express

 I was on a business trip to Pondicherry Friday, and with direct flights being suspended by SpiceJet, the next option was to go to Madras (350 Km) and take a cab for 3 1/2 Hr journey. (Luckily the Mfg site is 25 km ahead of Pondy City en route, so you don't have city traffic hassle both ways). 

I tried the option of taking the train to Madras and the newly Introduced Vande Bharat Express to Madras. The train is an upgraded Shatabdi Express (4 1/4 hrs vs 5 1/2 for Shatabdi) but with a greater metal finish of coach,Silver white engine/coaches, similar to Shinkansen. It has better quality seats, Nice footrests, and Power supply at each seat.  First time in an Indian train, the doors close automatically so the thrill of leaning out of the train at 120Km/hr is gone. The internal doors also open and close automatically sensing passengers' movement. Also, the biggest improvement is the Toilets and looks like it is up there at last without the smell and dirt. Of course, there are a couple of support staff to clean the floor, and toilets constantly and I was bemused when dirt, and thrash kept appearing on floor. Are Indians so bad?? I expected a Paid WIFI and it was not there. Snacks are also sold for a price besides free 1 time snacks and that is a big improvement from Shatabdi. The snack was of good quality. 

Oh yes! As for Journey, the train's true Indian tradition was 110 min late at one time and ended up at Madras Central being 70 min late at 830pm. The consolation was seeing Kilometers still to go to Madras, as well as current speed, some memory of seeing the same at Shanghai Maglev.  (At one stage the driver hit speed of 135 Km/ hr) !!! Vandae Bhart is a good one to try one time for the experience! As the fare is close to the Airline fare (Rs1800 Exec Class vs Rs 2100 Airfare!). Yes, you have to put up with Narendra Modi appearing every 5 min flagging of the train!! hahahah!!! True to the train journey of the old days of the 80s I carried a Printed Book, and could do 50%!! 

India is way way behind for Bullet Trains or Eurostar but this is a very good beginning.! Oh Yes I won't mind paying another 50% more for a mobile free coach. The conversation jibber/  noise is just sickening one reason I would any day prefer air travel and stick to it! Oh yes, My First Shatabdi journey will linger more, as it was a game changer from 40 Km /hr to 80 Km/hr. (2000, I think, Bombay- Vapi). 

I took the Airway back home last night, and that flight too was an hour late reaching home at 1 am!! The biggest shock was the last 6km to Madras Airport, which took 70 min giving me anxious moments. My Driver Anbu told me he had never seen such a traffic jam in his 15 years of life driving Madras. The mystery was unraveled this morning as it was due to the arrival of the President of India Ms. Draupadi Murmu into the city.. (No Wonder!). 

Golden Gate rereading after 42 years! 

My policy of no food between 2 to 7pm made me carry it home!! it is lying now at kitchen! hahhah! I had the perishables at 10 pm with Dinner as starters! 

Enroute to South TN, try this Restaurant 99Km from Madras, it is an Amazingly, very different type of food (millet, Red Rice etc in breakfast items!). This is being run by an Airforce veteran. 

Regards

Karthik

6th Aug 2023. 

Podcast I listen to

I have been listening to Podcasts since 2007 January. (I got an 80Gb Ipod at Bangkok Airport) I used to download and sync podcasts to the device back in those days. 

People were curious about what Podcasts I listen to keep myself current. 

Here are the list as of August 2023. I listen to about 3 hrs of podcasts. (@3X Speed thro OVERCAST) podcast app. 

Happy listening.

Karthik. 

PS: Uploads are the MP3 file I personally upload to listen like Audio Books, Youtube videos -Audio converted...(Especially Interviews etc.). 

My Ashes Moments down the lane..! (1975-2023).

 Ashes Moments down the lane.. The only cricket matches I follow; rest all given up! 

What an incredible finish, England like last time in 2019, tied 2-2. Australia like last time won toss, lost the match chasing! 2-2 is a fair result. (England should have won 3-2, but that is cricket)
My no electronic devices after 7pm policy, prevented me from watching live this ashes series, and I catch up on highlights at 430am post cup of coffee.! I watch few balls on the internet (Sky Sports UK)  with no Ad nonsense stuff from Indian broadcasters! This must have been my lowest following of the Ashes cricket series with less than 100 balls watched/ tracked.. Shows how much things take less priority as you age. (1981 we use to wake up 5am for 530am Ashes start or awake till 12 Midnight in England for 85, 2005 Ashes). 

It was also a great pleasure listening to John Arlott, Alan McGilvaray, Brian Johnston, Christopher Martin- Jenkins, and Jim Maxwell.. What commentators, They through their voice, brought cricket to your eyes. 

Let me know your Ashes Memory, the famous one!!???

Have a good day

Regards

Karthik. 

Ashes being the greatest cricket event, may be the top 5 sporting events. I thought I would go through my memory (NO Google) on key Ashes moments from 1975……!

1975 Sydney Test Aussies regained Ashes, Greg Chappal caught Arnold off Mallet. 3-0, 2 to play.

1977 Geoff Boycott Series 100s, Batted 5 days in a test,  England regain Ashes 3-0. Alan Knott epic rescues. Bob Woolmer too class act. 

1978-> Enter Alan Border / Rodney Hogg… Nothing could be done, England pound Aussies 5-1. Lambs to Slaughter.

1979 3 tests between West Indies vs Aussies matches. Aussies won 3-0, Geoff Boycott 99 Not out, carried his bat too.. 1st player to be left stranded on 99.

1981- Bothm Ashes. Enough said…! Personally, disappointing even radio commentary stopped. I watched Bob Willis spell first time yesterday boy what an Angry man! (Leeds!) 

1983- Enter Geoff Lawson, destroyer..! Aussies Regained Ashes 2-1. Miller famous rebound catch of Tavare to end Thomson Border resistance!!!

1985 England pounded Aussies…. 4-1 I think after 1-0 trailing, Wayne Philips out, conterversial catch of Gower Boot. Gower/ Gooch 300 runs in a day..

1986-> Enter Steve Waugh… England Retain Ashes. Mike Gatting said No hope for Australian Cricket.

1989 Border Win Ashes… Big Merv Knocks the stumps down… Terry Alderman like 1981 had lot of fun but on winning side this time.  Fastest Regain of Ashes..! Boon and Marsh 304/0 end day 1..! First ashes I didn't even have a radio to listen or track scores, as I moved to a new place/ new job. (Ratlam Madhya Pradesh!)

1992- Aussies dominance continues home, Darren Gough heroics for a consolation win.

1993- Shane Warne ball of century…. Aussies win easily. England out of depth. Graham Thorpe the hope star for England.

1995 I don’t remember this series… Wonder why??? Aussies won 3-1 or so….

1997---Aussies dominance continues in England, they come back after first test loss to win 3-1.
1999- Ashes stay in Australia. 3-1 I cant even remember this series as England were in worst performance so not much followed up. Also I was busy in chaning jobs and so cricket was last thing on mind.

2001- Ashes 3-1 Another fastest win… Waugh, Warne, McGrath pound England.

2003- 4-1 Australia, England Cricket at its lowest.

2005 The greatest Ashes Ever 2-1 with Petersen century.. England Regained Ashes after 1985, I was in Thailand listening over Internet. First time crowd came to watch cricket match praying all 5 days of rain… (England up 2-1 and rains would do!).

2007 Australia Regained Ashes. Pounding poor games by England after dominating many times.

2009, 13, 15, 19, 2023--- England Didn’t lose Ashes series in England. Australia have not won Ashes in England since 2001…! England won 9,13,15 and draw 2-2. 19 and 2023. England bowling was too good!!

2010- England Regained Ashes and won in Australia 3-1 after 1-0 down. 400 for 1 was common score for England and as was Australia’s 39/5… Showed gulf in class..!

2014,18,22-- England had no answer to Aussies on slaught! Series was lost even before it began! Only Question now is My favorite crickter Joe Root, would ever win an Ashes or score 100s in Australia!