Manager Tools 12 years, Drugs, CRISPER, Charles KOCH Why people hate him!

#280
As today is a holiday, I thought I would spend time to write a post! My Eid greetings to my dear Muslim friends /ex-colleagues in India and other parts of the world.


Housekeeping:-1) I usually go to ORION MALL for shopping& Come back, yesterday, i rarely sat for few minutes, the water fountain kind of impressed. I never notice these things!!! Looks like I am changing!!

2) You would be surprised that in the modern jet fast age still alteration folks exist that too in the middle of busy busy area in Malleswaram. With me loosing 3" Inch waist,8Kg over past few months, Lalitha was hell bent on altering the trousers (Less than 1 year old, so she has a point, despite me not agreeing) So we gave for alteration....... 

This week, Mike and Mark of Manager Tools (MT) completes 12 years of Podcast! Their First episode "Solution to a Stalled Technical Career" came in 2005. I stumbled on MT during 2007, (My first podcast was How to Write a Thank you note) and I have not missed a single episode! I must have written about its game changer in my personal/professional life many times but mentioning one more time is worth it. Career Tools their other podcast is a must listen for folks in their 20s who stepping in to work! 

Mark (L) Mike 

*****
Last week, I was travelling along with a Punjabi friend, he was telling me about the Drug menace that has wrecked Punjab and how it has ruined financial, social, infrastructure as well as value systems as well as how BJP-SAD has decimated the society there. The Pakistan border area is practically porous and folks across border, using catapults to swing packets of drug across.

I am not surprised this morning to listen that IRAN is facing immense problem with double the drug addicts in 6 years and struggling to come to terms. Looks like remaining clean is tough tall order these days for folks. While I smoked in my 20s, I stayed well clear of Alcohol and Drugs despite they being arms length. They cause irreversible havoc to you and folks around you......... 
*****
I was intrigued by so much happening in Gene Slicing technology,( Remember I am ex-Monsanto, so Gene Modification was tool to bread and butter) CRISPER is just beginning to wonder magic that is going to set Bio Technology in Agriculture, health on fire!! I am all for bio tech and I care a hoot about these Stupid NGO, Greenpeace buggers who crib without offering any solutions. Kill me after you give a solution to a problem is my take!!!

****
As Die hard Republican, any one whom Democrats loathe is a guy you need to follow close despite their political affiliation. Charles Koch of Koch brothers which is II largest Pvt entity after Cargill ( at 100Bn$) is one such. Some of his entities are my client for EHS services ...... Koch entities takes pride in 100% compliance in 100% area at 100% time and work ways to execute the same. In his interview on Freakonomics Podcast, Charles Koch talks about his leadership, entities, how he fights the crony capitalism. (He never endorsed Trump) 

I leave with these videos watch out!!

Regards
Karthik.
26/6/17 0930am

Education systems! Hindi OZIGAA, Airport 77!, GUJARAT MODEL !!!

#279
Housekeeping:- 
1) People ask me how I remember my engagement date 24th June 1990. Simple, usually the boy goes to see the girl to get engaged. In my case, as I was tied up with work schedule,I made clear that girl's family if they interested to proceed further,(I had sent out detailed profile about me, likes, dislikes, expectations a 2 pager) should come to GUJARAT to meet me. (Some would have considered I am nuts, so be it)! Lalitha and her parents took the gamble. So I remember the date, she was the first girl I saw. (I was very clear,not more than a girl to see any way& marriage is lottery and I left the protocol of choosing that possible girl to grandparents and parents) hahahahha!!

2) While Bangalore may be cool, shady, pleasant in temperature, the UV factor plays tricks! I gave up walking now 230pm, 20 min in to it as discomfort due to UV radiation intense! Strange!!
**
It was shocking to see CBSE valuation of papers, revaluation mess, delays in declaring results, moderation of marks etc. Looks like education system is in mess. This morning over coffee at 530am, Lalitha was explaining the new system planned for 10th final exam with 3 exams with best of 2 and they would have weightage of 20%! My head just spin and thank god I was having cup of coffee to hold me! The least said about NEET medical entrance exam, the better!! A Tamil friend of mine whose kid scored 1180++ /1200 and topped as top 10 in state board, has managed only 360 out of 720 in NEET showing the Gulf in education systems? Who is to blame, who takes name? Who cares?? Is private schools, coaching remedy! I was also floored, when Lalitha said Schools charge Rs. 15 Lacs for XI, XII for dishing out top notch performance. (Hostel other expenses separate). Also on the rise in Boarding school, where kids right from Grade 3rd onwards study away from parents so that parents are not perturbed?? Is this real where is this all going ?? I wonder!!

**
While I speak Hindi and see it is a good thing to know,(My Pakistan visits started because I was fluent with Urdu /Hindi to make HSE Impact at work there) I am against all HINDI imposition. As a Staunch ANTI BJP/ANTI MODI my dislike for HINDI has grown immensely as I see HINDI back door entry their motto. I have began the unlearning of Hindi in my personal sphere of influence ( Like the French do, I would understand Hindi conversation, but would reply in English, Tamil, Gujarati as I see fit) I read this excellent blog post by Sarvanan Karthikeyan in TAMIL this morning which traces history Hindi back door entry. Also HINDI is not national language as made out to be! Personally I get furious especially in COW BELT people ridicule we south Indians for not knowing HINDI and think not knowing Hindi amounts to treachery!! I have now stopped my work visit to such places!!! 

***

Arthur Hailey is a master story teller! His in depth coverage of operational, people issues in Hotel, Hospital, Banks, Automobile is just breathtaking with fiction mixed with facts. The issues in Airport Industry was well captured in Novel AIRPORT, which was adapted in to movies. (Runway ZERO 08, as Airport 75, and subsequent as Airport 77) I recollect watching the 77 version about 40 years back which was breath taking and etched in you forever.....  

I cant help laughing out loud at GUJARAT Model that is ooed and awed and how MODI used it to become PM! I have posted 100s of tweets but never covered it in my blog!So here I go. MODI became PM as there was no alternate and III term to CONGOONS was a recipe for a disaster in 2014.(Another matter 3 years of MODI is all NATO-->NO ACTION,TALK ONLY & worst Team in Indian governance history) Gujaratis are nice blokes,warm hospitality, god fearing people. But beyond that, in terms of education, health care, child mortality, woman miscarriage during pregnancy, openness to adapt, generic educational Intelligence, (IQ,EQ ecosystems) it has some long way to go before reaching satisfactory level of performance even for Indian average and light years back in terms of performance matching South India.Yes, in terms of Industrialisation, revenue generation it is up there but when was last time that these items brought quality life!! Also our personal experiences were nothing great on these front to write home,about the 12 years, I (5 for Lalitha) spent. As I said at beginning, great people to socialise, but life is beyond socialising. I am not even going on the social security with curfew etc etc!!! 

Ok, take it easy, take care,stay safe,god bless

Karthik.

25/6/17

1710Hrs. 

3 Wasted Years, MBS, Ich Bin Ein Berliner,Joseph Finder!!! ABCD! Kaviarasu Muthaiah do you know him??

#278
Housekeeping:-
1) Today 24th June, Lalitha and I enter our 28th year of association,having got engaged this day in 1990 at Bharuch. The marriage followed 7 months later. In the then days of Hindu Muslim riots, Anti reservation mess that preceded the decade, GUJ was still a very dangerous place for a South Indian Girl to venture out and get married to a guy settled there. Still wonder, how many lies I told, like Thangavelu??(ஒரே ஒரு பொய் சொல்லி, ஒரே ஒரு, கல்யாணம் பண்ணிக்கிட்டேன், இன்டெலிஜெண்ட்ன்னு அடிச்சு வீட்டேன்; நம்பிட்டா,மக்கு பொண்ணு !!) hahahah!

2) This week, I was at Madurai for a CII Safety program. On the way to the city from airport, I was not amused at huge size banners for every 1/2Km for a child's ear piercing event! God Give me break? Are there no better ways to waste money? 

If the congress govt was Governance by inaction/ineptness, Modi Govt since 16/5/14 is Governance by Deception! No program has taken off, matters have gone worse in terms of Harmony, peace, cost of living, employment and more importantly in fiance aspects. No wonder The Economist covers in its cover story ripping this government. I totally agree with the articles. I was stunned paralysed beyond belief to hear from a 45 year Pharmacy veteran, that this government is debating to make soft gelatin capsule vegetarian as Gelatin making involves bone treatment!! what misplaced priorities!! 

Every since 30 year old, Mhd-Bin-Salman (MBS)

Mhd Bin Salman. 

ascend in to scene in Saudi Arabia, I have been tweeting and posting thoughts that this man means business and is going to be a game changer in Middle east history. I am glad, I am proved right, with his proclamation as Crown prince with next ascendant to Throne. MBS means business, clear thinking, tough stance on Iran, Closer cooperation with USA, besides planning to take extreme religious Wahabis head on as well as Women empowerment. I am sure Saudi Arabia needs him like Oxygen in a confined space. I see a positive Saudi and middle east in 20-30 years time with current state of affairs long forgotten and people moved on for good! Macron in his 30s, MBS too 32, goes to show young are taking world by storm and good for the world!!

This week marks 55 years of  the famous speech of JFK at Berlin as well as Dismantling of Check point Charlie. What an inspiring speech, that stands for everything freedom offers. I am glad I had set my foot at the historic foot to feel what it is like. I wish Selfie had come then! (1994)! 

Check Point Charlie, East-West Berlin entry point! 1994 my visit 

Joseph Finder dished out awesome fiction. "The Switch" is a master tale of an innocuous event of mix up of laptop of US Congresswomen with a Coffee chain owner @ LA Airport. While plot is fiction, the concept is fact and makes you scary that you are no longer entitled to privacy. I am reminded of Eric Schmidt saying!!!

Just finished an awesome book(let) on Trust!! Ken Blanchard delivers super,snap, so practical aspects. ABCD Model !! Trust that works!! 

Today is 90th Birth Anniversary of Kannadasan master Lyricist!! Songs flowed like water downhill! So unlucky we lost him in his 50s!!

Take it easy, take care, stay safe, god bless
Karthik
24/6/17. 1230pm.

Gory, Sloppy & Tricky!(GST) , Every day is HOLOCAUST day ;Alexa?? Kohl!

#277
Housekeeping:-
1) While I am tech savoy and keep myself up to date on the same from Desktop perspective, I am still not accepting mobile platform. For me mobile phone is still a device to make calls, (Not even receive I ignore 90% if # is not known) and should be break proof from 10 feet fall! So I was thrilled Radhu arranged Cab thro mobile app UBER for my 2 way visit Saturday! I dont know what she did (Nor I care) the Cab drivers picked and dropped me all at 0 cost to me!!!

2) After ages I find a book Gripping, Joseph Finder's "THE SWITCH" is gripping. I should finish soon at a much much faster pace than I usually do for fiction these days ! 

I am not a financial expert, but feel that GST is a shit waiting to make demonisation just a pat on the bum where as GST will whack your ass! She said" GST is DOG and Pony show of Excise +VAT" with no visible changes or benefit to consumer. I agree that this just makes life of Govt Stupid assholes easy! Knowing way our systems work, I cant help agree 100%! 

This 92 year old man goes to every school and speaks to kids, about the Horror of Holocaust and How it never should be repeated. I agree with him, that while it is easy for others to say get on and move on, it would be very difficult for people who were affected. I concur when he says, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...... are all Holocaust day and Kids now should tell their grandchildren! 

As I wake up to hear Amazon take over Wholefoods and  Alexa jokes that go on it,

as well as Passing away of Helmut Kohl, 4 term German Chancellor! Would Merkal repeat that this year??? My guess she would!! What a leader?? I distinctly I was in Freiberg when he won the II of IV term in 1994.

 Mitterand

 Maggie

 Regan, Berlin Wall in background

Garbachov 

Take it easy,take care.
Karthik.
17/6/17 915am.

RIP!! Ramesh Narayan!!

#276

I am sad and shocked to hear from Anand who called from Oman last night about passing away of  Shri. "RAMESH NARAYAN" at Bangalore last week. Stunning was my first reaction.

Ramesh has been our family friend over the last 37 years from our Karaikudi days. He landed for schooling during 1979 and was Anand's classmate during his school and college days. The 6 years, 1979-1985, that I had interacted ( I moved to Bombay 1985) Ramesh didnt manage to utter a single word in Tamil and got on with life with English conversations (No one knew Hindi then) A jovial, happy go lucky guy was he back then. 

Ramesh leaves behind his family, besides his Mother and an Elder brother and an Elder sister who are very well known to me from those days. Ofcourse, as with time, you tend to drift away, and 30 years is a long time to let people adrift. Lalitha last met him in 2008 or so during our house construction time here at Malleswaram. 

May his Soul rest in peace,God bless his soul and pray for the family to bear this sudden irrepairable loss. 

Karthik
13/6/17 0840am. 

Change meetings? Beware! Luggage Audit, நாரதர் வேலை! Romp at Airplane seat !!

#275

Housekeeping:-

1) Weekend sale tents at ORION MALL! Good to see this. Gives folks good opportunity to eat some different kind of snacks as well as swing good discounts at sale. I stay away from such events as crowd (seeing more than 10 people is an irritant /allergy to me)!

2) ahahahahhahahh!! Radhu renewed Economist subscription for my access. Economist, HBR, WSJ every person must read to keep themselves up to speed on current affairs! If you ask me one regret(!!) is never to have had access to these until 15 years back when I was in to my 30s!!! I would add "THE HINDU" to that list from local perspective. Rest of anything Indian is just pure JUNK! 

One thing I was very lucky in my corporate career 27 years except for the last shitty job of 5 months was to engage in awesome meetings, on agenda, focus and ending on time. I can't recollect meetings ran over time, purposeless rants or rescheduled without very valid reasons (boy that 5 months hahahah awful is an understatement)  I wrote a blog on my HSE site on Meeting without eating is nothing but cheating! I am glad WSJ's Sue Shellenbarger touches on this in her column on repeated changing of meeting schedule. Infact in my 5 years consulting, so far this is only one aspect irks me and blows my top !! 

As a Global traveller who was always fussy about checked baggage!(I can say with pride, I never checked bags,except 2006-2008 one bag policy by British Airways & I blacklisted Emirates,as Buggers forced me check baggage at Geneva! (UK Visa expired and was in renewal) never travelled again and of course stupid #Indigo staff at B-C City airports make nuisance of themselves, saying policy) this topic of Luggage Audit resonates a lot. I could have been even a better traveller,if I had known this!! 

hahahhahhahah! Wonder how many women have all the Saree's! If not,let them start pestering their husbands to get all!! hahahh!!! சாவுங்கடா!! நாட்டுல ஒரு புருஷனும் நிம்மதியாக இருக்க கூடாது! நம்மால ஆனா நாரதர் வேலை! hahhahah! I sent this to Lalitha, she laughs and lists 2-3 names of ladies in her circle, who would start the hunt!! அடிப்பாவி பொம்பளைகளா !!!

சில்க் புடவை இந்தியா முழுவதும் 

I received Whatsapp video yesterday of Couple at Ryan Air flight Manchester to Ibiza engaged in Romp and fellow passenger videograph it! I wonder where passenger behaviour going? Off late passenger behaviour across the world going bersek crossing all limits of civility, common sense! The dress down is also pathetic to say the least!! hmmm! I hope Nude walk to airplane seat does not happen, at least not when I am alive! Who cares What the F*** happens to world after I am gone!! As my late grandfather famous phrase "நாசமா போங்கடா" is what I would also wish! 

Take it easy and take care, god bless

Karthik

11/6/17 0845am. 

Museum of Failure, Exoplanet 4500C Day temp, 6day war! Hiding in plain Sight!!!!

#274
Housekeeping:-
1) Lalitha and I were just stunned,A student who was scoring GPA 6 in math,approached Lalitha for coaching sessions and she took up the challenge to turn around.(usually she never takes for coaching below 8!!) The student travelled 90 min one way everyday without missing sessions in shitty Bangalore traffic. Indeed the student scored GPA a perfect 10th in CBSE exam. We were stunned  when the parents came home with the Silver portrait of Goddess Saraswathi (the knowledge wisdom custodian) as a parting memento.

2) hhhahhahahh!!HAHAHHAH! Lalitha and I coming back from our morning walk, were discussing about UK Politics, Corbyn and May etc. Lalitha was not aware that Theresa is forming minority coalition Govt with support of DUP which is northern Ireland party. When I mentioned that, her first reaction was "I hope there are No INDIAN MP (10#) buggers in that party,who would set bad example loot,plunder or our Indian folks go and corrupt their mind" as is case in every F*** (My insert ahhhahah) Indian coalitions !! While I have very poor opinion of anything Indian as a process and systems and especially very filthy and unprintable views on politicians. It was music to my ears  to hear Lalitha too having similar views!! hahahahhah!!! 

I am of the firm view that you learn much more from failure than things go well and won't know if it is due to fluke or your effort. The planning for potential failure before hand helps you to steer things when enemy is at the doorstep. So I am very happy to find that  museum of failure inaugurated at Stockholm this week. I must thank my managers even 25 years back who allowed to experiment the " F**** Try a lot and FAIL FAST" which helped to work with intelligent risk taking a trait which is getting extinct...... 

Exoplanet with a day side temperature of 4500 C found on Jupiter arena !! hahahahahhahhahhahahahhahahh!!! 
டேய் பொம்பளை கோபம் வந்தா, சூடு லச்சம் டிகிரி டா! நம்ம பொசிங்கிடுவோம் !!! இது என்ன பிஸ்கோத்து !!!! (This is nothing compared to an ANGRY WOMAN!)

This week marks 50th anniversary of Israeli 6 day war, which Israelis just decimated their Arab neighbours like swatting mosquito! While I was too young to remember the event, the legacy was still spoken around as I beginning to get to know things around. Israel was even then in awe and they sealed the Arab's fate in 1973 Yom Kippur, which I distinctly remember! 2 Women leader (Meir, Mrs Gandhi) fought 2 war and won massive win within 2 years of each other!!! Astonishing. Also Thatcher in 81 Falklands annihlated Argentina! Boy those were times!! 

While I don't remember 67 war, I distinctly remember the event the next year, where and when I heard it who told me ( I was then 4 year kid), That was the assassination of Robert F Kennedy this week 1968!! Shows how popular Kennedy's were half world away!! Interesting that Sirhan Bishara Sirhan (who was 23 then) is still denied parole even after 50 years and wont get a hearing until 2021!!!

 I recollect a joke, a guy was passing thro daily on a bike,international border and suspicious custom authorities checked and found nothing.They had inkling that guy is doing mischievous /illegal and cant figure out. So the officers when retired from service,asked him to be upfront, he admitted, I was daily smuggling a new BIKE and sold for profit across border. ahhahah! I am reminded of that!! READ THIS! I will keep you in suspense!! ehhehehehehhehehehhehehehehhehehehh!!!! 

I see list of 100 Rich Sportsmen fee, winning, endorsements etc, released this week. Not a single women! hmmmmm!! Also only one Cricketer at #89!!! Lot of catch up to do!!!

Take it easy, take care, stay safe.

Karthik.

10/6/17

PS: NBA Final Game #4, is NBA fixed always for 7 game climax!!! Wonder!! 

Shocker from UK Theresa May (NOT)!!

#273!!

Never take voters for granted! That is a big message from UK elections! Talk of swing of 140 seats majority beating Thatcher and Blair have been dashed in UK! It now appears even a simple majority may elude. The body language of Theresa May in her victory speech was that of a loser and voice breaking and her statements incoherent! Theresa joins Hillary Clinton in spectacularly letting slip a golden opportunity to establish their own authority! 

So how did things go so wrong??

1) She took voters for granted thinking BREXIT is the only issue, issues on education, welfare, Housing were forgotten and never even brought to forefront.

2) As my UK friends told me, too much austerity, cutting police force by 20,000, health care spending etc, more so when UK was at his wealthiest time, My friends said that they cant remember ever UK doing so well and wealthy like present in the last 30 years.

3) Theresa May like MODI was a stupid Micro manager, never open and keeps her cabinet, Bureaucrats guessing. Her team like MODI is one of the most stupid. Many are now facing the route!!

4) People wanted course correction on BREXIT, They may want a softer Brexit which she never understood. 

5) If Thatcher lost ground due to Poll Tax in 90, Theresa's waterloo was Dementia Tax! Madness! Shows she is more stupid than Dumb Idiot Modi! 

This election also shows, Youth would swing elections and by god they did. They have voted massively coming out with vengeance in Support of Labor/Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn is personally a nice man, good guy, but poor leadership skills. The general opinion is that he would make a horrible Prime Minister!! But He said the right things on Health care, housing, education loan write off, free schooling, Mid day meal etc which resonated with voters. Some times being nice is a good way and you may finish ahead. See my tweets of NOV 2016. 

The election results also clearly indicate that any mid term /early elections are disaster as happened in 70s, no wonder Thatcher never attempted despite pressure to do so!! hahahah! I recollect Even Hajpayee got royally screwed!! 

Theresa May being the leader of Largest party may yet form a coallition and govern! But the authority is undermined or nothing exist! She is an emperor with no cothes! PERIOD! 

So this election shows people want governance, welfare, health care. Would stupid Modi and his brainless bastardoric goons focus to deliver employment, quality education, Health, Infrastructure, wealth creation or worry how to make cow Dung as food to be had or How much Circumcision length does the Muslim dick has!! 

I only hope free thinking folks with the youth power like France, can bring change to this country and drive out extreme Hindu radicals and saffron scoundrels of BJP etc etc who divide people in the name of religion much against the Indian values of inclusiveness, accommodating. But then we are Indians and 90% folks are stupid buggers only interested in 5Cs that ruin this country for last 35 years viz Cricket, Cinema, Card, Charaayam (Alcohol) and C**T (Actress) so no hope!! 

Take it easy, take care

Karthik.

9/6/17 0830am 

Parmacharya! 123 Today!!

#272

Today வைகாசி அனுஷம் Birth star of Kanchi Paramacharya. He was born 1894 and departed in 1994. I count myself very very lucky to have seen him plenty of times between 1968 and 1991. My last darshan of him was 26th January 1991 exactly week after my marriage to seek his blessings with Lalitha. My son family name is after his pre Sanyas name "SWAMINATHAN". He was the last living sage to whom I bowed my head and prostrated. I once travelled 100s of Kilometre to Karnool,AP, to have his darshan during 1983. I have long since moved from so called sages and keep Light years away from them,ever since his departure. I would be visiting Sankar Mutt here in Malleswaram for the event organised this morning. 

In the days of Saffron Scoundrels, Crook buggers, Bastordic Ass holes who are plundering, looting, leading people to deceit in the name of stupid God and Hindu Religion (supported openly by a pathetic Hindu fanatic central government which has only clay between ears/ legs (possibly a fanatic Hindu land similar to muslim Pakistan in say 50 years!!) and brainless Hindu Indians mindlessly following such goons, I cant even imagine such a sage existed who was ordinary and did no miracles and promised nothing and still people thronged to get his blessings in 1000s. I cant even recollect, in my visits, I asked for anything, other than worldly peace and prosperity! 

It is worth mentioning,( I have posted before) this portrait completes 35 years at our home at Karaikudi today. Interesting that this was painted by a Muslim, Framed to hang at home by a Muslim and brought home in Cycle Rixa by a Muslim. All 3 gentlemen didn't take a Rupee for the service rendered. Mr Basha the guy who painted him has never seen him in person. (Islam prohibits Idol connect so I even wonder how he thought about him)

In fact this portrait is the only reason, I am unable to wind down Karaikudi house and move parents from the god forsaken place/state which I quit for good 30 years back. Mom insists that her last breath should be at this place. I have now given up all attempts to relocate them.... (Hhahah Dad has different views, he loathes that place like me, but then, when a Husband prevailed hehehheh)

I am looking for an audio cassette which was released for his Centenary in 1994 sung by SP Balasubramanyam. The Songs were mesmerising. As with Audio cassette the tape got worn out (This was before mp3 era)! I am looking for digital version and all my efforts are futile. I have posted many requests over past 10 years, so far no success. If any one has it and can share I would be much obliged.

I leave with some of pictures of Paramacharya which I find fascinating. I collected years back!!! 

Take it easy, take care, stay safe, god bless
Karthik.
8/6/17 9am.