Curious Connections

Fresh Underwear To People   I liked the concept of Second Chances and wish someone here brings similar concept to life. I remember the time I had to live with few underwear. Meaning, I have to be careful to check if I'm getting fresh ones to wear on a daily basis. Well, it was not very less, though. Still, the cycle of washing the used underwear, drying it and then getting it back to my closet (cupboard) will take its own time. So, I didn't have much reserve undies in hand. However, Covid changed everything. I had the money to buy a dozen more to the collection. From that time on, I hardly ever run out of fresh ones, even on days when I change around 3 underwear in a day!  Blessing of Having choices  When we have a certain blessing, why don't we think of the people around who are not so fortunate of having such choices. It could be underwear or basic clothes, or a shelter, or a job or an income for studies or holiday or to buy fresh bed sheet or a space...whate...

Navara fish - Pink Perch Price List at a fish store in Trivandrum   Two days back I went to this store to buy fish for our daily use. One thing, I often feel when I look at the price list is this - where is the price of the fish I want. As the names are scattered around, I have to look all around to spot it.  So, today I was thikning of another way to record the list. What if they do some basic caterory so that the regular folks like me can easily find the price without looking all around. For example, they can group pricy ones on the top. Fishes like neymeen ( king fish), Moda (coiba) , Pomfret and Choora ( tuna), etc.  Next they can have a list of prawns, crabs etc ( Group these in another segment - Add a bit of humour too - blistering barnacles...)   And a third list, which has all the low budget ones to mid range ones - mathi, ayila and other varieties.  At least by making three or four groups, we can instantly reach the information without scanning fro...

 Prisoners in countries like the United States, Japan, and several European nations are often engaged in creating various crafts and goods, emphasizing eco-friendliness and utility. Here are examples of items they produce and their distribution channels: Items Produced Eco-Friendly Goods: Inmates craft items like reusable bags, wooden furniture, and hand-sewn quilts​ PRISON FELLOWSHIP .Artisan Products: Products include leather goods, crocheted blankets, knitted caps, and intricate paintings​ .Specialized Items: In the U.S., inmates manufacture Braille textbooks, military uniforms, and even fiberglass canoes​ Food and Beverages: Programs like the "Second Chance Coffee" in Illinois train former inmates to roast specialty coffee​ Distribution Channels Direct Sales: Some programs sell items through prison-operated websites or gift shops. Partnerships: Organizations partner with nonprofits or local businesses to market products. For example, Japan's correctional facilities ...

 Dotspace Business Centre Location: Cloud 9, 9th Cross Rd, above Starbucks, Avenue Road, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Kerala 682036 Contact: +91 94473 25886 GreenNest Coworking Space Location: Giringar Housing Colony, Giri Nagar, Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala 682020 Contact: +91 95449 06301 Wbb Office Location: JC Chamber, Building No V8, 60/49, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, Kerala 682036 Contact: +91 85898 80002 BEYOND COWORKING Location: 90 A, Canal Road South, Giri Nagar, Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala 682020 Contact: +91 83300 59544 KUBZ KOCHI Location: Jos Annex, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Jos Junction, Marine Drive, Kochi, Kerala 682015 Contact: +91 99611 28688 La Finest Spaces Location: Parakottu Towers, Club Rd Girinagar, Giringar Housing Colony, Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala 682020 Contact: +91 85474 06151 Wee Spaces Location: Palal Tower, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Ravipuram, Perumanoor, Kochi, Kerala 682016 Contact: +91 92071 89111 Cove Workspaces Location: Kakkanad, Kochi Contact:  Kssia Technocity ...

 This is from his blog - https://seths.blog/ . Today's post is a practical suggestion about things to do before owning a biz, or choosing an house, or planning to start marketing. Well, it applies to anything from taking a job, working in a company, or about getting a life partner, etc.  I extended this concept with the help of gen AI. Check what it looks like: The Value of "Trying Before Committing": Learning by Doing in Five Life Scenarios Seth Godin emphasizes the importance of understanding a choice deeply before committing. By immersing yourself in the relevant experience, you gain insight, avoid regrets, and make better decisions. Here’s how this approach applies to five different life scenarios: 1. Before Buying an Apartment: Spend Time Living in the Area Why? Buying an apartment is a significant investment. Spending time in the neighborhood—living there temporarily if possible—helps you understand its daily rhythm, conveniences, and drawbacks. Practical Step Rent ...

 This is now trending. A video shows a TTR doing CPR on a man who suffered heart attack. So, now there are many discussion online about the way it's done, etc.  So, what's the lessons we can take on the positive light: 1. Train all Village Officers and the staff on how to do CPR. This also applies to Police Constables, Fire Force, Ambulance Drivers       ( Conduct regular retraining so that they get to retrain and get the process to memory) 2. Train all TTR's and other key railway officials on how to do CRP.      Also at every railway station, all key people should learn to CPR.  3. Give training to high school students on how CPR ( Practical training using dummy)     Each school should be given couple of dummy to practice it! Also, video should be shown how to do CPR correctly. More input from ChatGPT: High School Students: United States: CPR training is mandatory for high school graduation in 38 states and Washington, D.C. St...

 This post was written based on what I read from this article -  How to Improve Customer Experience with AI: 3 Strategies for Success So, here's what the whole idea mesh up together for improving public service through the use of AI chatbox in e-district portal! Current Challenge Reena, a resident of Kochi, wants to apply for a Marriage Certificate through the eDistrict portal. However, she faces several issues: She doesn't know the exact list of documents required. She is confused about the application process timeline. Her application is delayed because her uploaded document was rejected for being in the wrong format. Without 24x7 support, Reena has to wait for office hours to call the helpline or visit the local government office to resolve these issues. Solution with AI-Powered 24x7x365 Chatbot Step 1: Routine Query Resolution At 9:30 PM, Reena visits the eDistrict portal and clicks on the chatbot icon. She types: "What documents do I need to apply for a marriage certi...

 The eDistrict Kerala portal is a vital platform for citizens to apply for government services like birth, death, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate, Nativity Certificate, One and the Same Certificate, Location Certificate, Community Certificate, Residence Certificate, Relationship Certificate, Family Membership Certificate, Non-ReMarriage Certificate, and many more. ( Source : ) . However, many users face challenges such as rules, language barriers, difficulty understanding procedures, and delays in obtaining information.  Integrating an AI chatbot into the portal can revolutionize the user experience, enhancing efficiency and productivity for both citizens and government staff. ( I had earlier written a post about smart e-district with automation) Scenario: User Interaction with the eDistrict AI Chatbot Step 1: User Query Ramesh, a resident of Trivandrum, wants to apply for a Caste Certificate. He visits the eDistrict portal but is unsure of the steps involved. Clicking o...

 Libraries in Trivandrum, like the Public Library at Palayam and University Library, are treasure troves of knowledge hubs but are often underutilized due to modern distractions. I remember going through regularly to Public Library at Palayam, when I was in school. I was happy browsing through comic books, sitting on those little stools and chairs. After I completed my schooling, I tried to set foot inside that section. But, once a staff said, it's meant for kids. And, that stopped my visits to that sweet heaven spot! Also, I fondly remember the time I used to visit British Library when it was functioning at YMCA compound!  Libraries Need to Evolve with the Times! I wonder if a young person in their 20's living in Trivandrum now has been to Public Library! With the rise of mobile phone, young people have more distraction and knowledge in their fingertips! Why all the hassles of going to a library to browse!  This is when we need to plan a new process!   By evolv...

 This post is based on similar other post which I saw elsewhere! I've added few points to make it more localized and practical to Kearla people. Why Copy Habits from Korea? Korean culture is often admired for its discipline, community spirit, and healthy lifestyle choices. Here are seven habits from Korea that people in Kerala can incorporate into their public and personal lives for better living and societal growth. 1. Respect for Elders Description: Koreans place a strong emphasis on respecting elders, which is deeply rooted in their Confucian traditions. Bowing, addressing elders formally, and prioritizing their comfort are everyday practices. Practical Use in Kerala: Start addressing elders with respect in social and family settings. Encourage younger generations to engage with grandparents, learning from their wisdom. In public spaces, create separate spaces and convenient seating for elders, or parks for elders with pathways, signage about exercises suitable for them, provide...

 This is another KSRTC plan! This time, it's too crazy, maniacal plan! Or, let's say it's just a daydream!  So, what prompted me to write this!  Every time I pass by or see these buses, I feel overwhelmed with many emotions. Primarily, I feel, it as a white elephant! Any doubts about it!  There are the trigger points for me! 1. VENAD buses - Bulky buses, with uneven body 2 MARCOPOLO - These are huge! Wonder how much diesel it drinks in every trip! 3. KSRTC bus depots - Broken down, shabby, smelly urinal, vendors taking over extra space, conductors and drivers with meager facility for taking rest! Wish it changes for the better!  What did I think?  Well, I thought If I was a millionaire, or a billionaire, I would take dath ( adopt) this corporation. And then do a massive revamping.  Firstly - I will discard all or at least ninety percent of buses and replace it with electric ones. Next, I would demolish most bus depots and construct modern, functioning...

 Well, I think I'm kind of a noticer. I notice the right things, the wrong things, and everthing around. One thing for sure, I notice too many things, esp when I step inside a stationery shop or a shop which I feel there can be something unique to buy or find.  Talking about buying stuffs, I remember going to a stationery shop called Continetal Books which was near Over Bridge Junction. So, every month when I get my salary, I make it a point to visit this shop to buy something or the other. Probably, I end up buying a pen, a book mark, or stapler or stapler pins, etc. As I write this now, I get the vivid memories of this big shop with lines of books and in one corner on the left side was the stationery shelf.  Somewhere behind, there were couple of hardbound books on sexuality, kamasutra and similar topics. And, I would spend time broswing through those books.  Next shopping stop would be Piaco near GPO junction. Here I mostly used to buy Cassettes. Just one cassette...

Suggest two recipes for a beginner baker. I had asked copiolt for a recipe and in an AI style, I got it in a jiffy.  That's awesome! Welcome to the world of baking. Here are two beginner-friendly recipes that are both fun and delicious : Btw, I was planning to do banana bread recipe and now, I gotta try this recipe.  1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons hot water 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Instructions: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and add to the batter along with salt. Stir in flour and chocolate chips. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are ni...

  Magic Spoon- Cafe Plamoodu Magic Spoon - Cafe for Beef Cutlets This cafe near Plamoodu, sells tasty beef cutlets. Also, the price is moderate - just Rs 25 only. Try it out! Apart from the short-eats, they have monthly food packages at Rs 3,900 for a month, fish curry lunch meals at Rs 1,950 and lunch and dinner at Rs 2860. For more details, pls contact Magic Spoon, at ph# 963325 50717. Location: On the road from Plamoodu to Nanthencode.  near to Baker's Walk, baking store

This is another post which is inspired from Chris Borgan's newsletter! I'm just making a poster out of it, so that I can revisit it on the click of button!   Share Ideas! Build a Tribe

Coconut Based Products - Catalogue  I'm just wondering about our attitude towards marketing! I mean the people in general from the land of coconuts- Kerala. From my interaction with the people, close ones and the general public, there's an inherent tendency of self pride in every thing!  What makes me think of this: Here are two things: 1. when it comes to promoting a product or service, we pretend as if the biz is on a high pedestal.  2. Our usual customer service attitude is this - let them come to me! I'm not going to chase customers. I'm also not going to change the way I'm doing. This attitude is seen mostly in Govt enterprises, even small biz too.  Is it that we mallus are too proud in their land? And, when we go elsewhere, we shove our pride up ups ar#se! We just become like meek mouse - when we work outside Kerala!  Outside of Kerala - we have No Prashnam! No lofty bourgeois dialogues! No slogans to show our communist routings! We are just another obedie...

Railway Enquiry Booth with TV Screens ( Co-Pilot) image  Objective: To streamline passenger assistance at railway stations and make the enquiry process efficient and accessible for all. Current Situation: Enquiry counters (Sahyog Centers) answer passenger queries, such as train timings, platform details, and connecting trains. Often during peak times in the morning and evening, people huddle together near the inquiry counter to get information.  However, the information provided is not collected, reused, or collated for any study or to understand common trends, common questions. Nor the answer given by the counter staff is not displayed for the benefit of others. Proposed Plan: Digital Display System: Install large screens at enquiry counters to display questions and answers in real time. One staff member ( unpaid or paid Intern) types the queries and responses, while the main person at the help-desk answers the passenger questions via microphone.  People who approach the...

  Coffee Time Wish there were places in trivandrum, where I can go and sit with a filter coffee for hours on end. Or what about a house, which uses the front yard space to provide coffee and tea?  Would this be a small biz idea for households to make a small income? Probably, add sandwich too?  Btw, when I wrote this post, I was thinking of a song by  Standing on a corner watching all the girls go by. ( My dad used to play this song... and now I'm humming this tune)

  Smart Enquiry System in Indian Railways For some reason, I'm writing more about topics around railway station, passenger friendly policies, etc. And, while thinking of this, I thought of another wonderful idea!  I think, this plan could be suitable for govt offices like ( Corporation Office, Railway Station Enquiry booth, Secretariat, Medical College, etc) Here's the plan based on helping customers who ask queries in a railway station information desk! 1. In a typical railway station, there is an enquiry counter ( sahyog center) where passengers can ask all questions related to information about train service. The most common questions would be about the time of arrival of train, or related to the questions about the platform, or doubts about connecting train, etc) 2. Next thought is this - where does all these questions or answers go? It goes nowhere. There's no collection of data. So, each question from another person behind the queue is answered by the information offi...

 This is just a note to self about online purchase of stuffs, which are not commonly available in stores. For us, we usually have to scout couple of shops to buy stuffs like celery, spring onion, kaima ric ( double horse), coconut milk ( pouch), sweet potato, etc.  Hopefully, this list will help someone looking to save time and order online: 1. Kunnil Super Market ( Near Medical College, Trivandrum)  Whatsapp # 85900 22226 Spring Onion  Kunnil Margin Free ( Whatsapp 85900 22226)

 While writing another post about railway station usability and accessibility, I thought of this plan. This is a collaborative plan which can be beneficial for service providers near a railway station. So, let's imagine if a Bed and Breakfast place (BnB), a food take away centre by a home chef, and a taxi owner comes together to start a blog. Basically, this blog will include all topics related to train travel and services around Thampanoor railway station.  So, if these three service providers come together to write informative content on a blog, then what do you think the content will be? 1. Hotels around Thampanoor station ( Price wise list) 2. How to get North Indian take away food near the station? Can I book a food parcel? 3. Where can I stay for cheap near to Thampanoor station ( Hotels less than 1k) or even better would be less than 500 Rs a day rent place. A lodge setup, where a person can stay for 3k a month or so). Each such post should include the picture of the ro...

 A year ago, a friend's brother was working as a station master at Kochu Veli railway station. He was a fellow with good ideas to improve passenger experience, providing more facilities for train commuters with useful information.  Once he called me to the station and took me around. We showed the development projects of Kochu Veli station ( now Trivandrum South). He asked if I could give some suggestion which can help train commuters with get more information.  I don't remember what all things I told him. However looking back I feel I could have given more useful information if I had been to other railway station across the world.  So, here's a fantastical offer or proposal to Govt India Railways department. You can take me as a consultant for Railway Improvement Service Committee, and provide me with travel allowence or FREE First class ticket to travel all around India, Singapore, China, Europe.  So, what will I do?  Well, I will take tons of pictures of...

School Trip I asked ChatGPT specifically if there are school where they take kids to a affluent person's house ( someone who came from a poor background and made it big)   and help the kids experience the possibility of life transformation beyond their existing and limiting life! Here's the answer from ChatGPT There are schools and programs globally that engage students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in experiences designed to inspire hope and broaden their horizons. While the specific idea of taking children to a wealthy person’s house is not widely documented, several programs aim to achieve similar goals through alternative methods. Experiential Learning for Hope: Programs like Kids at Hope focus on fostering hope through goal-setting and connections with successful role models. They emphasize that every child can succeed with the right support and exposure, and they integrate goal-setting in multiple areas of life, including career and education. This a...

  AI Generated Image based on the prompt Today, I was watching a petty fight between two, three ladies who collect waste from houses. It was not a cat fight kinds, but on a small issue. There was not much raised voices. However, in this group one relatively young lady was saying this repeatedly - I won't get fooled easily. I'm a 10th pass! I'm a 10 pass and studied in a school till 10th, and I can read and write!  After some time, I left the argument zone, and they slowly retreated back to their job.  After sometime I was thinking of this - where did she study? How many students in her school batch are working on similar type of jobs? How many went on to lead successful house - having an independent job or earning good without doing hard labor work?  I'm not sure if I can get any answer to these questions. But I was wondering of a proposition which came to my mind! Let me get my AI assistant to elaborate on this idea and the practicability of it!  Breaking the ...