Words are Weapons

Got this forward from a close friend, "Words are Weapons' by Michael Josephson. A google search ( thanks to Google !) on him threw up his website, 'CharacterCounts!' That got me hooked and then I read thru the mail fully.

Pl check out : http://charactercounts.org/michael/2008/01/words_are_weapons_5513.html

Indeed, words are weapons. In today's high pressure lifestyle that the world is increasingly moving into, all types of weapons, including pen and word, just got more destructive. I am sure it is affecting many people across all types of relations (professional, social and personal). Professional forget elementary lessons of communication such as be a active listener, responsibility of communication lies with communicator, etc. In social & personal situation, we forget the words leave lasting impact on others, at times straining relationship beyond repair. On a spiritual level, we forget the concept of ahimsa extends to not only physical violence, but also thought & word (not just 'deed'). The Master goes a step ahead. He advises, 'talk to someone as you would talk to Him and listen to someone as you would listen to Him' . How beautiful !

I have consciously penned my comments under heading 'happiness' and not 'be inspired' !
BE HAPPY

You are invited to give your comments

customer service

Just read 'Robins Blog -- Chicken Wraps at Gas Stations' , forwarded by a friend. He is a delighted customer impressed by not only the taste of chicken wrap, but also the cleanliness and above all, the service.

I was looking for 'brown' kuppoos at the local mall. This mall is definitely not one of my favourite, but then wife loves it for the proximity, the range of stuffs available there & value for money. Son loves it for their bakery's croissant, mini-pizzas, samosas, etc. For me the only silver lining is the small book shop by the side where I pick up my copy of Gulf News and other magazines ( of late, malayalam newspaer for mother in law )!

Coming back to the local version of bread, the salesman indicated me the 'brown version' is available on the other side. I went there and was unable to find it. I came back and asked the elderly salesman once again... He was perhaps having a 'bad day at office' as he said, aap to peeche pad gaye ! I was in no mood to give the old man a piece of mind or a gyaan on customer service. I would rather walk out, and try not to return.

At Shoppers Stop, Andheri, when I protested to at the cash counter for their poor service, the cashier said I could give my feedback in their feedback book. (I am one of their privilege customer and I was flashing same at the counter !) I told him, 'I would rather walk out and not return' than take the trouble of trying to lodge a complaint/pen a feedback !

Customer service . . . !

Bhajji episode

An indian abuse ( gaali) has gone international, thanks to Bhajji. This lingo used to be prominently used in northern part of india. Thanks to this episode, this will become part of cricket's 'own terms' and will go beyond the game. 'Chakh de' has competetion ! People not familiar with this gaali and other related gaalis will be curions. This may go on to become one of prominent terms with more google searches, etc.

Indian cricket establishment stood by him to fight the racial abuse. This punjab da puttar has got off the hook on racial abuse, but needs to be punished for using such foul language on the cricket field. Cricket used to be a gentle man's game. How can he get away with a 'maa ki' gaali ? 'Mathru devo bhava' ( mother is equivalent to God) is one of our core values.

Bhajji and all those who stood by him, have done disservice to Indian cricket and brought disrepute to our country

how to extend 14 years to your life

According to a Reuteurs Report, People who

1. drink moderately,
2. exercise,
3. quit smoking and
4. eat five servings of fruit and vegetables each day

live on average 14 years longer than people who adopt none of these behaviors.

No surprises here... but how many of us do it actually ? Of course, I would add PRAYER AND MEDITATION, as my wife adds and I concur

Prioritize

"You could do great things if you weren’t so busy doing little things."- Anon

ON a day to day basis, we are very busy... at home, at work and at social networks. But very often we are bogged down by small and insignificant things which take away our valuable time. On a very busy day at office, and on the eve of my vacation-planning, got this quote. It hit me ! How true ! Cutting wood vs sharpening saw or the important/urgent grid of Stephen Covery are very useful tools. Indeed, while small things will continue to bog me down, but let me not lose sight of the more important & critical things...

Japan's bloggers

Blogging is an art... It continue to fascinate me.

As I have received several queries on blogging, here I am sharing what I read on the way Japanese blog.

• They have not only gone wild, but do it differently !
• Though English speakers outnumber their japanese counterparts by 5-1, more blog postings are written in Japanese
• 40 % blogging by Japs estimated to be on mobile phone
• Unlike their English counterparts, who use abrasiveself-promotion, Japs have embraced this techonogy and refashioned it as a soothingly nonconfrontational medium.
• They don't blog to stand out, but to fit in. They would write about small joys in life such as cats, flowers, bicycles, gadgets, movies, food, etc.
• Also they write short, anonymously and more often.
• They consciously avoid criticism. They would rather sympathise a restaurant, rather than take out the anger for bad food/poor service on a blog.

While Japanese style of management has inspired us for decades now, the way they blog is also so much like their culture. In Japan, it is socially not acceptable to pursue fame. They believe rather in team effort.

How beautiful !

Source - press reports, Technorati ( internet search engine that monitors the blogosphere)

India's series win over Pakistan

I fully endorse the views express by Sunil Gavaskar in his column (Sunny Side) in Times of India. Kumble did not go for the kill, either for sake of Karthik's 50, or anything else. Indeed, that is the difference between Australian approach to the game and our own team's. One of the reasons for this approach may be our first class cricket rules ( as mentioned by Sunny). But I feel the key factor is the ATTITUDE. Kumble should be given this feedback in clear terms by the selectors so that he handle such situations in future with killer instict. Leadership comes with loads of responsibility

Galaxy of Great Men & Women in a single picture

Thanks to a friend, the photograph being uploaded onto this blog. . .

A single photograph of great people, who reached highest points of success in their respective fields. BE inspired!

vegatarian food

"One of the keys to happiness is bad memory" - Rita Mae Brown

But another way is to be physically healthy.
In 1988, I moved from a 'strict' non-vegetarian to a vegetarian. But I remain a small time 'foodie', primarily due to my very preferences. It gets difficult while travelling on work. Moreso, outside India. Yes, the options limited. But at the same time, food generally becomes less important in life, which I feel is good on a spiritual sense. It is important to ensure we eat the right food...

Hence, sharing what I found in Alva Carpenter's Slimline column:
Vegetarians should aim to eat:
5 servings of fruit and vegetables
6 servings of cereals and grains, e.g. rice, pasta, muffin, breakfast cereal
2 serving of legumes nuts and seed- good sources of protein e.g. chickpeas, kidney beans, tofu, quorn, lentils, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds
2-3 servings of milk and milk products or alternatives e.g. cow’s milk, soy milk, cheese, yoghurt
6-8 glasses of water

Indian Political Leaderhip

Men & Ideas - Dirty Hands by Gurcharan Das (TOI)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Gurcharan_Das_Dirty_hands/articleshow/2477484.cms

Mr Gurcharan Das, in his column, forcefully brings out the lack of integrity among our so-called leaders. Indeed, Bertrand Russell was right, 'politics' as the last option for a certain 'category' of people. The responsible voters in Karnataka should interospect: is this the kind of leadership they deserve. If Bangalore (not Bengaluru !!)is the Knowledge Capital of the country, do they want to be led by 'leaders' of this calibre ? We get what we deserve.

Manmohan Singh will be tested for his leadership in the nuclear deal issue... How he keeps India's interests ahead of all political matters and take forward with the conviction of a strong leader of a great country such as India.

Spirituality in Daily Life

Thursday sessions are definitely elevating...

With the buzz around moon-Darshan, I was looking forward to today's session. While the talented singers raised their rendition to the next level, the budding singers also seemed to be at their best. Was it due to their preparations, or the higher level of spiritual-being of the gathering, or just His Grace ... ?

I kept looking for a clue of Sai's presence... after all, He has assured His presence, where His Glory is sung... Years ago He had playfully pulled me up for my 'doubts' ! Today, it is not the doubt, but a yearning to see & feel His presence... I kept looking at the seat of the Throne, at the garland...There was no 'evidence' visible to my eyes... But then, no complaint. After all, the Joy of the Journey is as wonderful as the joy of reaching the goal. Moon-darshan after the session, was beautiful too.... :)

Let us BE HAPPY, ALWAYS

AXE TVC

I am surprised to see the new AXE TVC appearing in prominent channels such as NDTV. I appreciate it is their ( the company behind the brand) prerogative to decide the marketing idea. As a student of marketing, I feel it is a good idea, brilliantly executed... But, they need to be more selective in the selection of media vehicles. Defintely, we expect the TV channels to be more responsible

Dravid 'Dropped'

Did Dravid dig his one-day grave when he opted out of captaincy ? Was it sheer politics of Indian cricket ? Or is it beyond petty politics ? The world loves only winners. If not, at least fighters. Dravid is a great fighter, 'The Wall' a proof by itself. The world is still clueless why he quit. It would have been for valid reasons for sure. But, whatever the provocation of the selectors to drop him, I feel it has been unfair. Yet again, we fail in handling successful sportsmen of our country

MS Dhoni wants some trucks: While talking to NDTV, the leader Dhoni has asked for 14 volunteers who are prepared to stand in front of a truck... Bhaaji can help, as he belongs to a transporter family. Cool dude, Yuvi, can manage from his hometown. Else, there are many of us, who currently or earlier belonged to truck-transport fraternity in India, who could organise too... :) Wonder how would some of the senior players react to same ! Neverthless, Dhoni brings a fresh approach to cricket-leadership, similar to Dada... Best wishes to this new leader for success


Rahul Dravid dropped from ODI team : The former captain, one of most consistent cricketers of this generation, has been dropped. He has been replaced by a younger, dashing batsman. Is it beginning of the end of his one day career or will he bounce back like Dada ? Hats off to Sachin Tendulkar the way he has performed consistently.

I feel Sreesanth got more into drama and less into cricket !

Picasso's "disturbing" genius !

16 Oct 08
It is almost a year since I posted the note on the 'disturbing genius' of Picasso. ( Time flies... !)
Glad to share some more insight into the genius.

• Born in October 1881.
• His first exhibit was at the age of 13
• He was a modern artist. He paved the way for innovative and illustrative styles in painting
• 'Inspiration exists, but it has to find YOU working'. . . let us convert our inspiration to hard work
• But his last words were, "Drink to me, drink to my health, you know I can't drink anymore" (this, not very inspiring :)! )

14 Oct 07
It is four days since this quote hit my mail box... Indeed, it 'hit' me ! Rarely a quote or a message remains in my mind for such a long time... Hence, felt like sharing. TRULY INSPIRING !

Robins Blog -- Disturb When I was in Barcelona (coolest city on Earth?) this summer I hung out at the Picasso museum. Adored the place. In one room I read a sign that said simply: "People were disturbed by his genius."

Makes me wonder - what must you do and how excellent must you become for people to be "disturbed by your genius." Why not devote to being so staggeringly great in your work that people are stunned / alarmed / taken aback. No, much better: awed.

London Mayor wants Gandhiji statue

London Mayor's few words on Gandhiji was indeed very relevant.
( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7004087.stm)

Gandhiji will continue to be relevant for centuries to come.... will inspire people across the world. It is our duty to give world a glimpse of what he stood for and lived for. He "lived" his life as a proof of his own values.

It got more relevant now as Ram and Ramsetu ( Bridge ) are back in limelight in India's political spectrum...

dhoni new indian cricket captain

a village lad reaches the summit ... ! After Kapil Dev we have one more cricket captain from 'bharath'. Yuvaraj is seemingly avoided as he is more flamboyant.. ! It defies all logic to see Saurav not even considered for the slot, while he is obviously the best option. Perhaps the wise men ( selectors ) have ego problems ?

Siddhu and Jadeja gave a good analysis of the whole captaincy issue in ndtv, last night. Jadeja raised an old management thought, 'leaders are born' while siddhu took the opposite stand, 'leaders are groomed' ! As a management student, that was an interesting debate.

It would have been ideal to make saurav the captain and dhoni vice captain. That would have given enough training to dhoni and helped him grow into the captaincy role. Indeed, mysterious are the ways of indian cricket administrators ! That would have been the ideal way to handle the leadership in a professional way

Rahul Dravid resigns from cricket captaincy

BCCI ( second C stands for 'Control', perhaps the only area they excel !) has one more challenge to face. If IPCL not enough, they now have to handle the resignation of the captain. The resignation throws up more questions yet again about cricket administration in our country. Administrators owe an explanation to cricket crazy country... while the passionate fans will speculate the reasons, I feel one key reason could be the fact he was overlooked by the selectors for Twenty20 world cup ! They preferred Dhoni over Dravid, a young cricketer though explosive and future prospect against one of the best among contemperory cricketers and one of greatest from India.

CHAK DE MOVIE

For some of Indians, movie is like an obsession. Some superstars like Rajnikanth have a fan-following which could rival the most popular stars of filmworld/sports/politics. It is almost an obsession to watch a new movie of such superstars on first-day, first-show. Of course, do not belong to this minority. I always prefer to get some reliable feedback on a movie from a dependable source, before I go out watch or even watch at home. So, to land for this new film on first day ( not for first show, but late afternoon show), was courtesy the pressure from family. So, I walked into the theatre with lot of apprehension.

The film’s story is spun around a game other than cricket, but hockey. Not even men’s hockey, but women’s hockey. It talks about our mentality to doubt the patriotism of a Muslim player. It stresses the importance of hard-work, planning, team-work and to put country above everything. Also, how people give importance to cricket, our thoughts on a girl-sport, how our associations work etc. I have never been a fan of Shahrukh, but I am beginning to see his brilliance… The way he handled his Swades, compeering at film fare awards, coffee with Karan, KBC 2, etc… Of course, his sense of humor and the way he has handled his stardom are two things I admire him for.

Of course, you can always count on Yash Raj Film to pick up such a theme and come out with a good final product ( and also market effectively thereafterJ)

Hats off to YRF and SRK for this fantastic effort…

Green House Effect=NIL

Zero Emission :)

Shambo - sacred bullock faces imminent death

Thanks to BBC, a bullock is getting lot of visibility ! Sadly, Shambo is sick and facing an imminent slaughter. My thoughts though…

Overall welfare of society is far more important. Indeed, ‘Loka samastha, sukhino bhavanthu…’ ( may the entire cosmos be in peace)
But is not a bullock part of God’s creation? Is life of an animal less important than us, human beings ( with loads of animal tendencies)
If mercy killing is not allowed on man, crown of God’s creations, how can it be allowed on a bullock?