Curious Connections

  Beer at a Place in Tvm Last week a friend came and three of us went to have beer! It was a bar close to our house as it was the obvious choice. This place is known for good food. So, before further ado, let me thank the chef and the cooking staff for the good food! ( Btw, a side point here. Is there a quick way to hire or connect with the cooks or chefs in a restaurant. If another restaurateur visits a hotel and falls in love with the food, is there a way he or she can reach out to the chef and give an offer to move to a new place? )  Why Customer Service in Bars in Trivandrum Sucks! I have been to few bars in Trivandrum and most times I never felt nothing great about the serve dolled out. After each service, I ask myself this - why is it so difficult to provide a decent service, even when these buggers get tips from customers like me.  Why Most Waiters Here Suck at their Job This time at this bar, the experience was quite below par. We were sitting in one corner in thi...

  Meme ( Source Vibesxwriting) 🔹 What do you feel about your friends circle? 🔹 Do you have a fairly good network of friends from different walks of life? 🔹 Are you feeling lonely as friends has drifted apart?  🔹 What does it take to build friends in your 30's, 40's, 50's or 60's. What do you do to share your thoughts when you have less people in your life to share your subtle life lessons, failures, hacks and joys? Like to Share Your Ideas about this topic! 📩 Message me! I'm available on this 📞+91 7406989233 or Whatsapp!

Bloom by the Bay  This is what I felt after I spoke during my last day in my office. So, after my unscripted talk about my life in the office, I felt that I could have called the names of people who helped in different aspects of my office thing!  Well, mistakes happens, and lessons has to be learned! That's what I feel and I too have felt when people address a meeting. Sometimes, we wait to hear our names being called on how we contributed or helped in the mission! Amen to this!

  TV Grab of YouTube Channel  All Out Chaos - Hope things settle fast! As I write, scandal that has erupted in Mollywood is taking big names, bringing them down from the high pedestal. It's a bloody twisted issue involving power, sex, casting couch, and eroticism of mallu men. With the scandal, all types of news media, from the  traditional newspaper , the TV, the new age YouTube , and the meme factory, are having a field game ripping about the stories and people apart! Along with the media, public too is lapping up the drama, twists with all its eagerness. Ofcourse, their perverted imagination is played! Mollywood Victims ( Deeds, Misfortune, Guilt) This post is not taking a stand for the real victims, as the law of the land will take it's normal course. I'm interested in the story of men, how they got carried away and how these men are facing the blunt of their own moves. For now, the they are the victims of their own game. I'm thinking of the actors as victim (me...

  Lemon Tea at a Tea Stall Where do you get biz ideas, pickup lines, clickbait headlines or project ideas?  Some say idea spark moments happens while taking shower , some get it while having an experience ( good and bad) or just during juxtaposition of various things. For me, I get random ideas from everyday events of my life. At one time, I used  to frequently get ideas while having shower, something when I see or experience something or while watching video on YouTube, and so on.  The pic above is one such moment. I went to a near by tea shop and  ordered lime tea and when it was over I done with one cup, I went to the counter to order one more. And, then this happened - Brownie Points! Brownie Points Trivandrum ( Check this FB Page ) What's this thing about. It's the plan, just a plant to teach people how to make brownies. I can teach them at my place, or at customer's house, or as an activity in a club, or as a team building activity. Also, I can sell browni...

 Another day of sorting, and removing unused stuffs from the storeroom and shelving it in the car shed. This is the day two of such an activity. Today, I removed an old wet grinder which was kept below the second kitchen counter. When I took off the lid and cover of this unused bulky wet grinder, a group of cockroaches scurried out it.  With all these dumping of junk inside the car shed, it's becoming messy inside. However, I keep telling this - Out of Sight, Out of Mind! Btw, are you an arkri kada browser? I love to visit old stores, looking for some knickknacks, or any vintage items. Through such scrap (arkri) shop visits, have found good stuffs from such places - an big pattayam key, which I use as a paper weight, a white copa tray used in hospitals, which I use for my terrarium class, an old cycle kerosene light which was bought from a waste paper shop. In Trivanndrum, Marakada road is the hotbed of akiri kadas. One time, long ago, I saw a guy selling handcuffs. The o...

 Today is a holiday on account of Ayyankali Jayanthi, 2024. While I wanted to go to Kannakakunnu in the morning for a refreshing walk, I got delayed in getting up. So, I ended up doing the next thing on my morning agenda. First task was to water the petunias in the terrace. Second was the task cleaning things, putting in a different place ( Odukalum and  Parakalum) . We have an outside toilet which is not used and now that has become a storage space for all unused stuffs. Because of this, the room in the toilet has become a junkyard attracting rats. So, my first job was to take all things outsdide. Next, I swept the floor of dirty.. Later, I carried all these stuffs which was not used to the empty car shed. Already this car shed has become a repository of empty bottles in sacks, tables, broken chairs, etc. So, it's more becoming another dump-yard hidden from the normal view. When all the lifting and disposing of stuff was done, I felt immense satisfaction in the morning. ...

  Deb Chachra I came across a good article by Deb Chachra from the blog -  A Learning a Day ! Thanks again to such blogs that we come across many men and women who are doing remarkable work.  Next, I wish to buy her book, “How infrastructure works”! I was thinking how many lecturers, planners, politicians, academicians, engineering college faculty read such books.  Imagine now if a engineering college in Bangalore or Kerala has a forum where they share information about latest books related to their field and also ask every student to read such books and publish their learning on a blog or an a LinkedIn post. Don't you think it will make our students more aware of the world around, than just learning from textbooks.  Or the UGC, should make it a mandate that college lecturers and professors to read such books and share their learning on a blog, or write about it in newspaper or make a podcast material with relevant examples. Btw, I think there are such proc...

Source: Unitree Website Robots are coming in sooner than we all expected. I was thinking the clumsy looking and bulky ones which finds itself walking precariously will take many more iterations before it becomes a usable one. But, that's way wrong! Now, what! When can see these robots with silicon attached to the body, even with body hair and smooth or rough skin having human features working on many odd jobs in you home. Now imagine such a robot, doing household jobs, cleaning the drains, sweeping our roads, working as security guards, as a janitor, or patrolling our borders, going for a search and rescue mission, building houses like masons,  giving people a companionship, working on off shore drills, teaching students, editing videos, playing tennis or chess, reading out stories, making new stories, planting garden, fixing roofs and making love to lonely people,! Ha! All these thoughts makes our entire workforce redundant! WTF! Btw, this robot is not from USA or Europe...

I have seen couple of interviews by Raj Shamani and it's refreshing to see how he sprinkles the interview with interesting questions. And, he has the look that he is eager to know the stories and he does it well.  Good job! I this interview with Sabeer Bhatia, what there are many points which I liked.  1. Why Indians and Indian authorities shun the idea of disruption. He says, unlike in India the west is more receptive to ideas that are novel and disruptive.  2. Life has become full circle 3. Just like Sabeer Bhatia's experience, it would be good that each one of us acquires money and then understand that it's not the money alone. Well, getting rich is important, and after getting rich there are other things that makes sense. 

 Right now the flow of students and professionals from India to other countries in on a all time high! One segment that's growing in double digits is the foreign education sector. If you look around the number of foreign education consultant in Trivandrum, that will speak about the demand for foreign education among young people.   At times I wonder what's driving so many young people and professionals to go in advanced countries.! Is it that India lack opportunity or is it the lure of living in a Western society, the high value of their currencies or they want a less hassle life or to focus on better education for kids, etc! I have few suggestions for those who are living a good life in other world cities.  1. India too has big opportunities of growth if you're ready to fix it. We have many broken system and if you can find a solution for it, then you can live a king's life here. 2. We have a growing population which is aging. Again, we need proper care facilities, ...

  Domlur Side Road - Near Sagar Super Bazar Places of Interest in and Around Domlur. 1. Lavonee       2. BDA Complex  3. Water Tank 4. 

 I love each place I visit for some unique reason. On the same lines, Bangalore for me is flooded with memories and moments, which are big and small in nature.  So, what makes Bangalore special for many folks like me?  Is it the fast time, money and opportunity? Is it the fun life, music, pubs, spas, gardens, cafes and eateries?  For each person the answer to the question about Bangalore life may be different. As of me, I am still seeking new experiences, relationships, meetups and biz opportunity.  Here are few photos of Bangalore life and everyday scenes from my mobile cam: 1. Domlur Road View 2. Bob's bar  3. Indira Nagar 100 ft Road 4. Koramangala 80ft Road 5. 

 This is today's epiphany! Its's based on one of my weak spot, out of many. It's my loose talk, trivial talk, or you can say the small talk.  This small talk or unplanned talk or answer often leads to unpleant reactions! So, off-late I've been cutting down on reactionary answer or talk. And, I feel so relived with it!  Now I need to Raise the Pep Talk to Myself! Today I was feeling overwhelmed with many things. I had masons who had come to work on the house ceiling, money to be raised to pay off a gold loan kept for auction, and as usual I was thinking of telling my spouse to get ready early to start her day. All these thoughts was making me feel a bit depressed! And, in this junction, I was thinking of how a organized person will manage the day's activities.  After all, this day too pass and we will find a way out! And, I was thinking of Dhoni, the Mr  cool of India cricket on how he reacts, speaks with finesse and fires on the field. I want to be more like him...

  Nanma - Kerala Branding Nanma - Kerala’s Seal of Trust and Superior Quality in Product and Service.   GO Order ( Nanma) -  https://industry.kerala.gov.in/images/Schemes/Kerala_Brand_Govt_order_-_GO__MS_No37_2023_ID_-_2023-24.pdf  I first saw the news about the new Kerala branding initiative - namely, Nanma from a LikedIn post by a Kerala minister  It all sounded good with the hype, slogans and the promise. But, beyond the naming, if you look at the attempt, it looks like any other committee driven initiative, which is likely to have less or minimal impact.  One thing I found in the Government GO is the list committee members. And, when we look at the members in this committee, it's freaking absurd. All these bureaucrats, and officials listed must be there in another hundred other committees.  So, how on earth will they ever have the time, energy or namna to give something of value to the "NANMA' project. Btw,  is there any cap/limit on the numbe...

 Recently, I noticed a Canara Bank board by the side of the road near Technopark area. It was the typical blue color board with the logo of Canara Bank in  the background. This board by the side of lane had the arrow mark to show the location of the Technopark branch. This board is visible to anyone who waits at the traffic light near to Infosys boat shaped building at Trivandrum . And, while I waited here, I thought of this random connection, which could be a publicity stunt for Canara bank!  Before getting to the heart of the matter, let me take you on a flight over Trivandrum. For those who have landed in Trivandrumt must have seen this!  One of the first sight of Trivandrum from an aircraft, is the scores of coconut trees, the view of roof tops of houses,and the pale blue ocean. And as it descends further down for the final approach, the houses become more visible - no just houses, it's the numerous blue roof of the houses.  What's the Blue Roof Doing with t...

For some time I've been thinking of mom's as a biz setup in Trivandrum. Well, I've been talking about it, but no action so far. So, today, I took print of momo recipe from AI.  Let me start doing, and not just taking.  Momo Food Momo - Screen Grab

  Blue Sky and Coconut Trees Where have you been in Trivandrum? Which all places do you like, repulsed or fallen in love? I have lived most of my life in this city and that makes a ton of memory associated with each place. So, here are the list of my visits and pieces of memory associated with each place.  Population of Trivandrum is 2,984,154 as per the latest census. This makes Trivandrum the most populated city in Kerala. I feel the surge in population in Trivandrum is due to the growth of opportunities in many areas such as technology sector, VSSC, healthcare, airport, horticulture, education, retail biz, etc. Places of interest in Trivandrum 1 Kovalam Beach in Trivandrum 2. Varkala Cliff views 3. Kapil 4 Punjakari 5. East Fort  6. West Fort Area 7. Brahmin Street  8. Medical College  9. Chalai area  10. Kanakakunnu Palace  11. Amma Veedu  12. 

Connect  I'm a self proclaimed god-man - not in the holy way, but in a slightly different form. I call myself as a conceptual innovator or idea generator. This means, ideas come seemingly easy for me. I'm not boasting about this as this is my only strength, and only chance to do something about it. This is one reason, I started this blog to shell out all that comes on my mind - good and bad and rotten stuff.  However, all the so called ideation, or brainstorming skills have little value by itself in the marketplace. We have AI to do the idea generation, comparison of different plans, and even distilling different concepts and finding new tracts. I sometimes feel that I should have started this blog some five years back and then it would have help me to earn some money. What you say?  NOW WHAT? So, what other skills can be compliment the skill of making ideas and connections happen! How can I use other skills to make something out of it?  That's what I have to figure ...

Professionals do great work even when they don't feel like it" (12:20) Dont' be authentic"... show up as a professional consistently. What are you seeking to serve?  What is the change you Hope to Make? And these people you are serving what is the they need and want from you  it's not about you and it's now what you worked so hard to make! It's about ___   if you spread out to lot of things.. How can I make a difference to your audience 

  Pruning and Triming  Daily Scrub Recently, I started on daily scrub of a terrace where I have few petunias in pots. So, after watering the plants I usually scrub the floor, which makes me feel good and eventually the place has become cleaner.  Wish I have more tasks like this aligned to this objective. 

I just head this while returning from a one day trip to Varkala. There are quite few interesting points which are good in every day events! Here're some interesting replies to the YouTube video and very valid points from this video. Check it out! Listening attentively to a person you’re talking to is SO powerful. Being Non reactive and being calm means everything. He gave some super simple yet practical tips. My favorite was, "let your breath be your first word." I'll be bookmarking this so I can refer back. He’s so calm with his demeanor.   His wife is a lucky person.  With all due respect, more than winning the lottery I’d rather win this kind of a man. Love this.  You don’t have to attend every argument you are invited to. "You don't have to stop and throw rocks at every dog that barks."||| You have nothing to prove” a good thing to remember  Where there is space for kindness, I will use it.” || Man!  I needed this 30 years ago...but I'll take it ...

 Recently on a trip to the bus stop, we selected a route which was promoted on the app. As we knew the route, I opted for another way to reach the destination.Here in Trivandrum,there are many roads which are narrow for a sedan type car. If it was the mini segment, it would be easy to navigate these small roads.  So, the question to Google Map is this - Can we select the size of the vehicle (car). They can give us an option, small cars, sedans, SUVs and big belly cars ( just kidding). A person like me would prefer to ride in an open road, rather than a congested quick route! Is there any time comparison available for different route suggestions.  Distance A to B (Via this route will take 15min in this size of vechile) Distance A to B ( Via a longer, wider road will take ( 19 min) Curious Konnections

  Muthoot App Muthoot FinCorp Whatsapp On this day, I was desperate for funds. When I went to the local bank with bites n pieces of gold, they did not allow few bits saying they can't keep such ones. Damn it! Whatever said and done, I was feeling low - one was that I had to have the loser posture, second, the funds was not sufficient.  In this state of mind, I saw a Whatsapp message from Muthoot FinCorp. It had an enticing bit of message which read like this - Your're eligible for additional funds of us pt 29153. Wow! I like anyone in my shoes, got carried away with the message and I proceeded to download the app to avail additional funds.  And, in 1 minute, the app was up and running. And, then comes the reality!  It looked I owed them more in dues that what I was eligible! Damn again!  I should blame myself for jumping at a msg, which I knew was not right! It was just a bait! So, what do I think of the whole process: 1. From the point of Muthoot, it was a tact...

 One thing that's for sure to happen in newspaper business is the slow decline in readership, circulation and ad revenue. I guess, it was the Covid years that shifted a trend towards online consumption of news and online transaction. In the book Zero to One, Peter Thiel mentions about newspaper biz as the old economy biz. He was referring to market capitalization of New York Times in comparison to Twitter!  I grew up in a time when most people had the habit of starting a day by reading newspaper. So, I too like reading newspaper and on Sunday's I loved to read Times of India and Sunday times supplement. However, if you look at the trend around now ( in 2025), the consumption of news is shifting to online channels. It's partly the ease of picking news from online sites, and the changing attitude of new gen which includes millennial, gen z and other band of people.  Along side the changing method of news consumption, the newspaper industry too has degraded in value, in auth...

Another late night beer time. When I reached Molava BEVCO unit, I was surprised to see a dude sweeping the compound and cleaning paper bills which are lying on the floor. Good to see some sort of cleaning being done!  Now, as I stepped inside the premium counter, I found myself and two other customers. They all picked the bottles and went to the billing table - a totally inept space to keep bottles before billing.  I had to ask the impatient lady at the counter for the rate of KF and Heiniken. Why the heck can't they put couple of print out of price on the wall and on the front of the fridge!  So, as I carried the sweaty bottles, the side gate was closed and hardly there were any other customers! And, me heaving the bag with beer bottles, I placed it on the footrest area to take it home. Isn't 9:PM Too Early for a Booze Outlet to Close? I head in Telengana the timing is more convenient for buyers! If so, why can't the buggers here do something about it. Are they preaching...

  Found this poster on a site called Nextdoor and wondered how many small biz and independent workers ( plumbers  or electricians or Yoga trainers,etc) in Kerala can make such posters to promote their services. It's said picture is worth thousand words. On the same lines, a picture (before and after) or an illustration about the service, or a poster on Canva or any AI tool can make a good first impression with a potential customer. However, there's a problem! Almost 95% of labourers or cleaners or maids, and even small biz owners haven't got a clue on how to take a picture of their work and how to share it to a Facebook group or share it to their Whatsapp contacts for getting leads. Most biz depend on word-of-mouth marketing to get clients.  That's the Problem:👆 What's the possible solution? 👇 Here's is a Fantastic Idea  on how to empower small biz owners and independent workers, blue collar workers with the tools to reach customers or share their work. For t...

 If you're running a small biz or if you're a homemaker or a retired person, or a student, there's everyday experience from mundane to unique experiences in your life. Isn't so. And, now the question is - do you have a friend/s to share, a partner who can listen to these thoughts without judgement, or someone who can listen these with empathy?  What if there's no one around to listen to your daily trials? What if you're separated and you're just a loner in a new city or your acquaintances are not interested in your story? What if you're partner passed away and you're in that vacant home? What if you have a spouse who's not interested in any of the mundane story of yours?  In such cases, what's the remedy? What's the outlet to share all your thoughts and to tell what you found today? Is talking aloud to oneself a good way of letting it out? Talking to the flowers in your garden, the picture on the wall?  Do you seek solace in religious or ...