MBS, Lakshmi, Leadership crisis Why?? Never go out naked not even for a second!

#292

Housekeeping:-

1) Mom's Angiogram scheduled for tomorrow. I am thankful for all the messages that are coming in expressing support and comfort. I shall keep you updated. Thank you so much.

2) Amazing, my son got my mom an awesome new cell phone. Not that mom's phone was shipwreck,but son said it had lived its life change of time change of mobile!! hahah!! I recollect getting Silk Saree's for my Grandmother in 80s with my salary. So mobiles are new Silkuu what பாட்டி want!! 

MBS????? What's that? 

If you have been reading the Economist, you would have got it!! like MMS here who worked the reforms in PVNR in 1991 to make India what it is! MBS is Mohammad-Bin-Salman, the crown prince who is set to become King of Saudi Arabia within next 12 months or so. At the very young age of 32, he has good 50 years to work his plans. MBS over past 20+ months has been quietly leading reforms. Yes, it is uphill struggle even for a man of his calibre with Wahhabi clerics, 1500 Cousins etc who may want to sit in the throne! I think, slowly he is sidelining and quietening all his detractors. As long as Saudi people have no discontent with his action, I see smooth sail for him. Many people to whom I speak across world agree that Saudi Arabia would go back to its 1970s Moderate Islam ism under MBS say by 2032 or so!! I would bet for that happening! If MBS fails, then it is bloody civil war with Iran getting emboldened. 

I hardly watch any Tamil content in videos or movies other than some Comedy snippets. I think I have seen few clips of Madras Central which has made me laugh out loud..... So I was curious when there was a twitter outrage on short film, Called "LAKSHMI" in which a middle class working housewife in an attempt to take out her frustration on her husband's extra marital affair,flirts with a guy. I have watched the film. I am firmly with the lady,she did no wrong. The sacrosanct relationship of marriage is terms of equal with both taking vow to fulfil their part faithfully. If one strays off, the relationship is then null and void and no point in blaming the other person to do what they do! Gone are days when Men can do what they like and women have to put up with it. "MEN WIRED FOR SEX WOMEN FOR LOVE" can't work as excuse for men to do what they want to do! With women becoming more educated, independent, stronger in social upliftment, they would hit back with vengence. Also,I am astonished at the outrage, that such ideas propogated, would push middle class women to try out relations out of marriage?? Seriously?? Give me a break!!! 

Like Italian city bus,that come to bus stop, I also quickly watched another Tamil Short movie clip!! It was just awesome!! When you have to die, you will die! no matter how much respite you have been given by St.Peter/Chiragupta!! ahhahah! Watch it, it is funny I tell you! As movie has English sub title any one can watch! I did so with my kids! Another matter, did they see it??? 

One of the biggest crisis we see across world across spectrum is the lack of leadership to guide people be it country or corporate. Leadership is pathetic, timid, inept, inefficient, incompetent, irrational, idiotic, insulting at all levels. I keep saying to my son that Indian shit hit the fan in 1988 to land in a mess we are in!! I would any day go back to India of 1988,it means no wife,no kids,no Internet,no flights to fly at moment's notice etc. (I would have always found them)... But it would have given back the days, people who care for each other,empathy,developing people, organisations which put values first, leaders who show actions with visible felt leadership at workplace etc. I think as for the world, it is in shitty state ever since 2008 crisis when lack of leadership, Greed is good took deep routes. I was triggered of this thought when I watched this awesome clip of Al Pacino in Scent of a woman, in which he shreds to peices the school board for lack of courage, integrity, the cradle of leadership that is broken and is pathetic. This act won him the Oscar and it will be 25 years of his achievement. 

Ok Enough of serious stuff, I would leave it with some funny stuff which I enjoyed!! Never go out Naked, not even for a second, no one would see!! hehehehhe!!!! Don't beleive me, watch this footage!

Some funny memes to chill maadi!! 

Innocent heart never sleeps, Krishna said so good folks wont get sleep, dont get scared if insomonia 

Take it easy, take care,stay safe, God bless
Regards
Karthik
13/11/17 1830 Hrs. 

Obituary, Tribute, Hoodwink, அடிங்கொ !!

#291

Housekeeping:- 

1) It has been good 3 months since I posted here. Dad's passing away, the following protocols of 45 days mourning as elder son as well as my work committment of 20+ days in Hyderabad rural has left me no time to post my thoughts here. I am now at #Bangalore on a 10 day break.(Today Dad's 3rd Month rituals,all done!) I would like to post some thoughts over next few days when I am here.

2) I have finished reading "What Went Wrong"by Hillary Clinton" an amazing one from her on the analysis of her failure to win the 2016 Elections. A must read for people to learn from failure. With so many fiction to read for me, the fact that I managed to complete the book shows how gripping it has been.

I received this short 7minute video this week from a friend. I am just amazed at people who rush through their life and then gone in a flash without realising how much they missed the people dear and near to them.I know of few cases of people whose life is taken away in their 30s, 40s without having spent quality time with their family and those whom they left behind feeling so helpless about everything or not having moments to cherish. For me personally, I was very lucky that I listened to Jack Welch, a good 2 decades back. Jack and  Suzy always maintained that it is never Work-Life balance, but Work-Life CHOICE. When you have one,you don't have the other! Of course, family always comes first and so the choice has to be managed sensibly with an agreed plan to share time with dear and near on a Monthly, Quarterly, Annual, Decade plan. Only a stupid would say that I should have worked more in his death bed. In these stressed out, rated out, corporate world of last decade or so, it is very easy to miss out long term loses for short term gains. I am glad I never got sucked in to this post year 2000 mad rush and bailed out just in time. 

This was an advertisement for family and freedom in Singapore, but a very powerful message on little imperfections of men! The wife gives an Eulogy at the funeral of her husband. It reminded me of Dad, Me!! (Hhahah! Last night 2am, Lalitha awaken by my Snoring!! hehehe she was sleeping good 10 feet away!) 

I laughed out so much!! Folks never get hoodwinked by pretty looking sales girls who would drown you by their sweet talk and flattery! No one is immune to this disease,even men in their 40s who want to look 20s!It is your hard earned money!! Be prudent, live the life you want, and always learn to say "NO"!! 

I am not convinced by all the outrage that idiots in Social Media are generating over "INDIGO" incident. This looks an outlier of a couple of rogue staff you would encounter anywhere in service sector. In my travel over last 24 years      (Since 1993 which would have now touched nearly 1000 Flights over 4 continents) I have not come across a single cabin crew,or support staff or agents who had been rude to me despite my pushing my point through argument. Of course,they push their policy,and if u do not like it do not fly the airlines. Indigo of this new boarding process in non aerobridge in to bus is an absolute rubbish or Emirates hell bent on 1peice cabin bag!Give me a break, I stopped flying Emirates!  However, the Meme are earth shattering!!

Take it easy, take care, stay safe, God bless

Karthik.

12/11/17 1420 Hrs. 

Grieving & Counselling! Once More Indian system shit hits the fan!

#290
There are only two things in this world that are certain. One is Death and the other is Taxes!!!

While there are good mechanism, people with capability exist to manage Taxes, I am not sure in our Indian Eco system there are good measures available to handle DEATH!

Even a strong minded, emotionally stable person like me is beginning to feel the strain of losing my father, a good 100 hours after lighting his funeral pyre.  In my case,Father's passing away was  more or less anticipated with a question of "When" rather than "IF" ever since my Urologist clearly told me he had just weeks in his account once secondaries surfaced. I cant help wonder in situations,where a dear /near ones depart a world in a more tragic situation like young age, accidents, body not traceable or murder which leads to its own trauma and mental shock what kind of solace, support, counselling, grieving exist for people to recover and lead a normal life in say weeks/ months????

This is where a system need to exist for managing stress/strain through professional counselling and offering comfort and solace. I am not sure I could have reached out to any one through a professional network and seek a remedy. More, I see the system, more I feel and proved right that asking for help is assumed as a symbol of weakness in our environment rather than seen assumed as a symbol of strength. 

I am glad that I had worked my Emotional / Spiritual / Social / Physical energy and intelligence through my western way of wiring my mind to face such eventualities.  This is now fully coming handy. I am positive that I shall overcome this situation with my way and thought process I have built in. Things will be all right in a few days. ( This blog post is an expression to seek solace, vent) Once again, this goes to prove my point of view that anything INDIAN other than Indian wife is not trustworthy dependable when push comes to shove or nothing exist to which you can reach out! 

Dad's departure also now exposes me to a new world out there which calls for different sets of rules and protocols. Restricted food items, times and types of meals a day, fasting etc, aligning to solar/lunar calendar, have now become norms to which I never bothered adhering to as long as he was around.

We are proceeding with the rituals, we have done 7 days so far. I must say time flies, tomorrow this time (735pm) would have been a week since Dad departed this world. Lalitha, Uma, Mom are doing their best to meet the needs of the departed aathma until it finds its resting place in heaven on the 11th/12th day.

Finally, I am just amazed/stunned by the phone calls, personal visits, email, whats app, Twitter, Face book on people who have expressed their condolences, support, consolation to us. Dad's departure had opened an opportunity to  build bridge with relatives in the second and third circle, which were practically defunct/ frozen for whatever reasons. I am also touched with people travelling 4-5 hours by flight/road to reach Karaikudi and spend 30 minutes with us, shows their love and affection for Dad.

Take it easy, take care, Stay Safe.
Regards
Karthik
21/8/17 1945 Hrs.

Dad 10th Day Dasaasthu Intimation!

10th Day Ceremony Announcement:- (Dasaasthu) 
We like to announce with grief, the passing away of our Beloved Father, Dr TM Balasubramaniam , aged 80, Retired Deputy Director, #CECRI, Karaikudi, on Tuesday, 15th August 2017 at 1930 Hrs at our residence in Karaikudi. TN.

The Dasaasthu, 10th day ceremony and onwards for Athmaa Shanti shall be conducted at his residence, “GAYATHRI Niwas, 4, Pillayar Koil Street, Sekkalai, Karaikudi, 630002, (Opp Mena Hall) on Thursday 24th August 2017, from 1030am Onwards. 

Kannan Vadhiyaar who is our family priest for 15 years ( His late grandfather was too, 1973-2002) would lead the rituals. 

The 13th day subha karyam shall be performed on Sunday 27th August from 11am onwards. 

We seek your participation.

Regards
Karthik and Lalitha
Anand and Uma.
Phone 04565 224517 (Land Line)
9443685391.
Karaikudi
18th Aug 2017
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அன்புடையீர் 

எங்களது அன்பு தகப்பனார் Dr  TM பாலசுப்ரமணியம், வயது 80, retired #CECRI காரைக்குடி, அவர்கள் 15/8/17 செவ்வாய் அன்று இரவு 730 மணி அளவில் சிவலோக பிராப்தி அடையந்தார்.

10ம் நாள் தசாஸ்து காரியங்கள் 24.8.17 வியாழன் காலை  1030 மணி  முதல் காரைக்குடி செக்காலை , பிள்ளையார் கோயில் தெரு ,மேனா ஹால் எதிரில் உள்ள எமது இல்லத்தில் (காயத்ரி நிவாஸ்) நடை பெறும்.

13ம் நாள் சுப காரியம் கிரேக்கியாம் 27.8.11 ஞாயிறு நடை பெறும்  

தாங்கள் கலந்து கொண்டால் நன்று 

கார்த்திக் & லலிதா 
ஆனந்த் & உமா 
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Update:- 19/8/17 930am
We completed the 5th Day ceremony. Made up pouring holy water, food ,honey,milk, curd and covered Day 1,2,3,4 as well. This was same place where grandfather's ceremony was done 1995. The same room, all 3, GF,GM and dad's soul departed.

Karthik
19/8/17
Karaikudi, 945am. 

It is sinking in.... Dad is no more!

#289

As I posted on my Facebook page, Father, Dr TM BALASUBRAMANIAN, passed away on 15th AUG 2017. Coincidentally his father, my grandfather passed away on 25.1.95 and was cremated on Republic day the day after. The end was painless and swift. I saw inner peace in his face. While I was strong and composed while pouring the "AGNI" on his chest and fire engulfing his body in minutes, 8 hours later that night, when I was going through old pictures of his life, something gave in and I cried a lot a good 24 hours post his departure.  Anand and I immersed his ashes at Cauvery river at Trichy.  I posted the announcement of his departure in today HINDU (TN Edition)

The 10th to 13th day ceremonies are being held as indicated above to complete the Athmaa get its blissful resting. 

I am already beginning to feel the change that I need to adapt and wonder how being a son with father around absolves /relieves you of many types of ritual you need to undertake to fulfil human obligations, more so if you are the eldest.

I am amazed at the support we as family got from our relatives, friends, CECRI colleagues, well wishers for all logistics support for his last journey as well as consolation and emotional support that has been pouring in. Touching to hear people/relatives who have marriages in their family in coming days, putting aside preparation for a joyous event and participating in the grieving. Some folks even ready to accompany on Dad's last journey only to be firmly refused to participate by our family priest. in view of health/oncoming marriage a happy event soon. Goes to show if you want to see how popular a man was, watch his funeral procession. Thank you everyone. 

The family deeply thanks the medical services of Doctors who treated him as well as the Nurse whom we hired to take care of his needs over the last 6 weeks. The girl did a superb job in meeting the medical needs and make his last days a bit more comfortable than normally possible for a terminal illness patient.

Dad a life well lived! Mother may have some tough time to be all alone after 55 years of living her life adapting to father's needs and now has to charter her own path. I / we the children, have given her the choice to work her path as she sees fit and would support all the decisions she takes. 

Regards

Karthik

18/7/17 1145am. 

DUNKIRK ! Plastic!!! Sir Curtly et all!

#288 13/8/17 1945 hrs

Housekeeping:-

1) Dad Update:- Doctors at Karaikudi have advised us that Dad is not in a medically fit position to be shifted to Bangalore! The Respiratory monitoring and physical fatigue of transfer even with doctor's care in an ICU on wheels are of Moderate risk. Lalitha and I would wok a plan to be there at Karaikudi at regular frequency to work support systems to Mom. Please keep him in your prayers as they work wonders! Thanks. 

2) Today after watching #DUNKIRK at IMAX @Mantri Mall, we ( Shravan and I) took the metro on the home journey. My first visit on Bangalore metro. I was very impressed with cleanliness as well as it gave me different bird view of Bangalore city skyline. Awesome work!!

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So It was movie time, after 6 movies in 27 years, I have now decided that with grown up Kids (!!!) around, I need to accept invite to watch movies with them. Yes, English movies are only exception and so it will be one great movie a year!! 2016 was JACK REACHER-2 ( I didnt watch 1) and 2017 today was #DUNKIRK. An awesome movie on British courage, Resilience to evacuate 330,000 allied soldiers from shores of Dunkirk from German onslaught. Christopher Nolan was worked wonders. More so the movie is magic in an INOX environment with amazing visual effect and surround sound around you. My bet is that the movie will bag a couple of Academy awards. I also posted my thoughts on the movie and how it connects to my safety profession yesterday. 

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I was listening to the BBC Podcast on 50 things that changed the modern economy and today it was about Plastic. 110 years since Bakelite ( Phenol + Formaldehyde) resin was synthesises and plastic plays a huge role in our life! I cant think of an item where there is no plastic!! Wonder how far ahead it would go?? 
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I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Sir Richie Richardson as Match referee in India Vs Sri Lanka Score card. (Rarely follow game check score once in 2 days or so, I dont know today's state of match now) So I Googled as usual and it was delight to see Richie, Curtly and Andy Roberts are knighted for their services to Cricket. 11 West Indian players have received the Honor! I wonder how I missed this news in 2014! Great effort by them! Ambrose for me is always remembered by 7/1 spell! Roberts in his Fiery Perth 1975 Spell!!

OK World take it easy, take care, stay safe, GOD BLESS
Karthik.

Et Tu Google! Babubhai prevailed! What a son??!!! Images!!!

#287 12th Aug 2017 08am
Housekeeping:-
1) Hyderabad airport has introduced kerbside Express Security check in the first of its kind, in the country. I had experience it yesterday. Just get out of car walk through two scan for boarding pass ( airline staff) in to sec check at gate. You dont even get to see airline counters. All over in 45 seconds. Yes, you should have done web check in and no check in baggage. The challenge is with many business travellers this fast line can become slow. Also pathetic are the display boards and electric plug points. I didnt find my gate to board even 40 min to departure so walked around to find gate as well as without any electric devices charging point in 4000 SQ FT of space. Makes me more feel,nothing like Bangalore airport......
2) Dunkirk is getting awesome review, I might work a plan to Sunday with Son to watch it. I might relax my norms to watch a movie to one a year. (It is 6 in 28 years so far hahah) Jack Reacher, never go back was last year. Lot of my Twitter followers suggested watching it in IMAX so we might make it to Mantri Mall and keep it post lunch event Sunday perhaps! (While Radhu Lalitha do shopping hopping!!) 

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I always believed that Man and Woman are created different by god and comparing them is sheer nonsense. So I am not amused when the Google Engineer, James Damore, said what he said and stupidly Google fired him. As I tweeted, Ask a Woman pee from 30 feet on to a wall, she can't!! Similarly ask a man to hold a litre of coke in to his Dick, he can't. The diverse ability they bring in is  what makes world a pleasurable place to live. Comparing and matching one to other to skill sets is sheer nonsense. I believe Google lost the free opinion work space and succumbed to political correctness platform that is beginning to kill the world. If world ends,it will be definitely due to the stupid political correctness stand that it is taking rather foolishly!!
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While I am a Die hard, Anti BJP, Anti Hindu Thugs and Anti Saffron Scoundrels Brigade, I am not a Congress, AAP supporter as people assume I am to be! ( Of course, Mrs Gandhi Influenced my thinking a lot). I am extremely happy that Babubhai (Ahmed Patel as is known in Bharuch where I lived 85-96) won the Rajya Sabha elections. As Hindu editorial and Cartoon portrayed, BJP has excreta on its face in its attempt to bully harass Congress MPs. DK Shivakumar role in this to come to party's rescue despire personal harassment can't be ignored. But would BJP Pigs learn their lesson?? I doubt? Brainless Bastards they are!!!! Also crucial is the role played by Appuchi with election commission in nullifying the Congoon thugs votes!! hahahh!!!! BJP can't have one at its ranks to work such magic!! 

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It was heart wrenching to read a news item that Son came back from USA to Bombay, finds mother a skeleton and has not contacted her for 15 months.! Mom has been dead for weeks in a locked in House!! Where is world getting in to?? What /where are emotional bonds? Is the current generation focused so much on success, I, ME, Myself?? I agree that these are Outliers of an event that gets attention ( News is more about what goes wrong rather than what gets done right,!!) still?????

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I leave you with some of images that caught my imagination this week that came from my whatsapp group!! hahahah!!!

Take it easy, take care, stay safe, God bless
Karthik.

Vengayaam Bugger, God needs Recommendation !! Indigo 11 years ,அடப்பாவி கூகுளே

#286Housekeeping:-1) I was away to Karaikudi last week. Dad is kind of on and off! The good news is we found a great medically trained nurse to serve him, hopefully the girl stays! With Anand, his wife, Kids, Mom all falling sick (Dengue etc) the decision to shift him or not to Bangalore has been pushed back for some time. What worries me is the absolute lack of medical, test facilities, or Doctor on call to attend such situation at Karaikudi. I would keep you posted. I am amazed at power of prayers.

2) Amazing, the resort I stay in outskirts of Hyderabad, has a wonderful Ayaapaa Temple. As a guy who is not wired to follow the strict norms to go Sabarimala, I am amazed the temple is stone throw distance, shows If thing has to happen, it will happen! I visit the temple twice a day..... With less than 10 people visiting temple, it is all serene, calm, quiet!!

3) Hahahhahhah! Radhu on my video whatsapp call with her yesterday, says I look like a Tamil film VILLAN!! Why? because of Kumkum on my forehead??? Wonder where she got impression I am sure she has seen 0 Tamil movies !! ehhehehehehheh

hahhahahah!!! We are a banana republic proved, VENGAYAAM (Onion in Tamil) the most corrupt, scandalous politician has been voted to office of VP. I have met his name sake from his village during my travel in  Gujarat who knows him for 30 years and was reeling off stunning episodes of this screwball. But then India has been going to dogs in the last 3 years so no big surprise that the shit has hit the fan!! Our consolation is we are better of Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan!!!! I am sure end game is near!!! This news that South Asia will be uninhabitable by 2100 confirms it!! With the kind of sins, greed, loot and not thinking of next generations after us, I think INDIA deserves the end!!
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Even God requires help push from the powers be!! During my visit to Karaikudi, I visited the Vaidyanatha Swamy, Thayaal Nayaki, Sivan temple. This temple is situated next to Ganesh temple which is 115 years old. I recollect the construction began in late 1960s and stopped for unknown reason for next 20+ years. We use to play cricket there!! When, R Venkatraman, became president, the  Nagarathars/ Chettiars approached him for resolution and he intervened and temple was completed in 1991 and now in to its 26th year !! Strange is it not that god needs recommendation in India, what is hope for common man like you and me????????? 

I was flying INDIGO Wednesday, AUG 4th marks 11 years of launching of INDIGO Airlines,!!! It has come a long way and is now my most preferred airline for my business travels. I recollect out of 100+ flights of mine, only a couple have been delayed by > 30 minutes that too at Bombay runway closure etc. I wish them great success. Of course, the caution in India is JET AIRWAYS was going great until 10+ years and then strike happened and things went downhill never to recover the top notch performance. 

ஹஹஹஹஹஹ டேய் பாவி பய கூகிள் !!!! The CEO is a TAMIL Guy! and this!! ehhehehehehhehehheheh! 

Until next week, take it easy, take care stay safe.

Karthik

6/8/17, 0820am, Bonthapally! 

Dad Update 28/7 Back home!

Thanks to all the prayers, After 12 days in Hospital ICU, Dad is back home Thursday evening. He is in much better shape and is conscious /aware  of things happening around most of the time. Lalitha and Children visited Karaikudi last week to take stock. I am off to Karaikudi, Sunday for three days, with Lalitha to take final decision on shifting him to Bangalore or way forward after consulting Anand, Veni, Gayathri who all would be assembling to work a plan.

The critical aspect is to prevent infection,bed soar which can prove deadly than cancer spreading. We are doing everything possible on that front. Anand and others did a great job over last 10 days. A Nurse is around 24*7 at home, to support him for all the support/care. 

Thanks once again all. I am sure prayers do wonder!! 

Regards
Karthik.
28/7/17 1700 Hrs
Bonthapally, HYD Rural. 

Dad Health update!

After 2 years remaining quiet, Secondaries have come back on Dad. The not so good news is spreading rather thick and fast for Dad over last 6 weeks. Anand who was back in Karaikudi for annual holidays felt something not right when dad not able to sit, move and talking a bit incoherent. He admitted him ICU at Karikudi hospital.

Our Urologist, who did the surgery for left kidney removal in 2015, has informed me, Monday, based on reports that Anand sent across that spread was always expected and he is too old to undertake chemotherapy. We would have to ensure clean living space and style and there are no bed soar or infections. Those would be hasten the end. As long as cancer spread is not in to liver, there are no quick end game. Of Course, pain is for him to bear and emotional trauma for people who serve him. 

Lalitha and kids may work a visit this weekend to see and judge for themselves my decision to move him here as facilities are better for good treatment and care. This would also be of emotional support to Mom as Anand would fly back in a couple of weeks. We may explore alternate medicine if it helps. I am open as always in life to anything. 

Please keep him in your prayers. I know it does wonders. Phone at Karaikudi is ringing non stop from relatives who have known the update. It is good to know that.

I will keep you updated. 

Karthik.
21/7/17
0730am, Bonthapally, Medak Dt. 

Kumbakonam school Fire, Macron3-0,ATM menace, World If!!!

#285
Housekeeping:-
1) Anand reached Karaikudi, Dad admitted in intensive care at local hospital this afternoon. While his vital signs /tests are all normal. We feel he needs attention and care which only a hospital can provide. Would keep folks updated. 
2) Radhu has formally taken over all Income Tax returns for the family, Aigaa, She makes all tax payable disappear like a magic!! If at my level she could do, imagine Millionaires etc how CA goons make tax disappear!! hhehehehheheh!!

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I saw a twitter post today on the Kumbakonam fire tragedy that happened this date (16th July 2004) in which 94 children were killed. I had covered the same in my BLOG POST in 2008 ( I write blog from 2005) Such Incident must never repeat anywhere!! If Jayalalitha should rot in hell (not that she might not for other sins) it is for this reason alone, for school was run without any license approvals and no one bothered. I reproduce the heart wrenching poem written by then President APJ Kalam on the tragedy.

Prayer for departed children of Kumbakonam

Oh dear little ones! Oh dear little ones!
For you, parents had glorious dreams !
And you were all immersed in your own dreams
Yet, Agni engulfed you and all of those dreams
Taking you to Almighty's divine presence
Usually, departed old parents are buried by sons
Whereas, Kumbakonam, saw a sad scene!
Crying parents burying their little ones!!
Oh Almighty! show Your grace on those little ones
And keep them all in Thy Holiest Presence!!
Oh Almighty! bless those parents wilting in grief
To have the strength to bear this great loss
May Thy compassion and grace pervade all souls
And bring down the pain and wipe away the tears
Oh Almighty! show Your grace on those little ones.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

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Once again, Emmanuel Macron has outsmarted Trump 3-0 now, game set and match! All 3 times over last 2 months when Macron met Trump, he has just towered over Trump! hahahh! I am pretty sure Macron has better plans for France and with a super majority in parliamentary elections, he would be able to work his way. I am optimistic. 

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If you go in to ATM to take cash,watch out, go with your cellphone, the man in Texas, was stuck inside for 3 hrs, no one took his note to rescue him seriously until a cop did!! !!! 

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Economist has come with a superb collection of articles this week on "WORLD IF" I would spend time going thro that!!

Ok world, take care

Regards

Karthik

16/7/17 1740 hrs. 

Take it easy!

#284

Housekeeping:-
1) I am back from Hyderabad for 3 days here,travelling back Tuesday. As last two weeks were hectic, I have not read or come across interesting articles. So today's thoughts are more freewheeling.....

2) Anand landed in India this morning, should work a plan to Karaikudi to meet him, he would be here about 4 weeks..... As indicated in my blog post last week, Lalitha had organised an awesome Dinner for them at Radison Blu, SOHAR for their 25th wedding anniversary. 
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Lalitha using this calculator for her XI grade, international board student coaching!! My head spins looking at it! Using, Forget it!! hahah!!

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Today (15/7) is birth anniversary of Kamaraj. I am glad I have lived in his time and seen some of his good deeds in my school days in 70s. He was a man of action. The midday meal scheme at schools was his grand scheme of things. I cant imagine leaders who are so down to earth in generations to come!! 

**
Cousin was on east coast travel, he shared pictures of Balcony where Lincoln was assassinated and Holocaust museum pictures! So much world allowed things to happen!

Holocaust museum Shoes as last witness to saw the slaughter!!! 

Balcony (Lights on) Where Licoln was assassinated at Ford Theater!! 

**Never text and drive this video is awesome! But I see mobile (mis)use is going mad even while driving! As a fellow passenger, I have to put my foot down a few times!!

This video captures MODI Govt Governance.... hahahahah!!

I would come with some serious stuff Sunday!! Take it easy, take care

Karthik.
15/7/17 1515 Hrs.

25th Wedding Anniversary Anand & UMA! 20 Yr Financial crisis, Margrethe Vestager; Bradley Lowrey!!

#283

Housekeeping:-
1) Had an awesome beard trimming, this evening, done by a 13 year school kid here at Annavaram, Medak Dt, my camp for few days. This kid is in 9th grade and helping his father after school hours for the II Chair out there! He has profession at hand to go cool!! This place has a huge Indian Air force Academy!! 

2) Tomorrow 9th JULY, marks 25th Wedding Anniversary for Anand and Uma ( Uma is also My cousin). Time flies!! Wishing them the very best. I am sure Lalitha and kids (!!) would have worked some surprise.  Anand's marriage was first time I had seen live Masala DOSA counter! JAI MAAHEE caterers took catering to next level even back then!! 

******
This week marks the 20th Anniversary of ASIAN Financial crisis!! The Asian economy was shaken to the core, I distinctly recollect!! It gave so many lessons to the financial folks! but like drunkards they never learn! All repeat in 2008 across the world in USA! Indonesia was in mess and riots all around, I am glad they learnt lessons and moved on!! I am sure ASIA is better prepared for next crisis if and when it hits!!
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Google has been hit hard by EU up to 2.7Bn $! The largest fine! I am reading that Android violations could be even more!! Makes Microsoft penalty for IE Windows bundle looks loose change which was considered humongous in those times. The EU ANTI TRUST Trade commissioner, Ms.Vestager, Who took up this case  is an awesome lady! 
***********
Grief pouring in for the Youngest football fan Bradley Lowrey, 6 year old kid who died this week from cancer!! He was a Sunderland fan! Some events just makes you wonder about life as well as God's plans!! This one such!! I am told he scored a penalty kick in, beating Sunderland keeper! Well Done KID!!! RIP Bradley Lowrey!

OK, take it easy, take care stay Safe, God bless!
Karthik.
8th July 2017
2045 Hrs

ASP, Canada & Hong Kong, Women Sports, Al Jazeera

#282
Camp: Hyderabad.
Housekeeping:-
1) Twitter and Face book bombarded with GST Bill copy of food. So I post mine today at Bangalore Airport. Last night we had awesome dinner for Lalitha's birthday but I didn't pay out!! So this is my first pay for GST!! 

2) I am very happy to note that the Indian safety degree for our professional qualification as Safety Engineer is now recognised as an equivalent to USA Safety certification known as ASP.( Associate Safety Professional) Of course USA offers a higher qualification called CSP (Certified Safety professional) which has no equivalent so far in India for folks to attempt. I always held a view even 20 years back in my global travel, that the Indian curriculum in this is of top notch. I am glad I am proved right although good 10-15 years late. Better late then never

***
1st July marks 150th year of formation of Canada as well as 20th year of Hong Kong hand over to China from Britain. Canada has always held its own identity despite the overwhelming presence of its neighbour down South. The liberal values, the open society, heterogeneity and diversity have always stood out. I recollect my Uncle choosing to do his higher studies in 1960s for the very reason as well as it Canada has some reputed academic institutions. Hong Kong is facing a unique challenge with powers be in a kind of Dammed if they do, doomed if they don't!! In a larger sense, Deng Xiaoping vision of one country, two systems, can be fully entrenched in HongKong should Chinese leaders push the agenda. Hong Kong is at cross roads, Let's see where it goes from here!!
***
With Wimbledon on, Women's Cricket world cup ongoing, I am astonished at the comparisons made between male and female players. I  roll my eyes in disbeleif!! Really??, each brings its own beauty, standards, performance criteria. Comparing them is absurd. Borg is Borg, Martina, Evert, Mary Decker Slaney etc are unique to themselves. Comparing to their male counterpart is great injustice to their talent!! It sound bizarre to me!!
***
Press, TV, Social Media need to exist in its own! However good, bad, ugly or propagating false news, as long as they are not posing security threat or blatantly supporting terrorist/anti national activities, they have a right to exist however unpalatable be it. That is why while I don't watch any Indian TV news channel and I dont support the witch hunt on NDTV ( it is good 4 years now since I saw Indian tv news) I am totally opposed to the stupid move by Saudi and allies putting pressure on Qatar to ban Al Jazeera just because it doesn't sing the tune the Saudi masters want. 

Right time to hit bed coming to 2300 Hrs, long week ahead here in Hyderabad Rural.
Regards
Karthik
2/7/17
2300 Hrs.