Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The secret behind secrets
“You do not know how to keep a secret,” chided a close friend.
“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead,” I replied quoting Benjamin Franklin.
“Why did you tell William that Khan is visiting Dubai? Khan had specifically told me that his was a secret visit,” she fumed.
“I did not know that, sorry,” I pleaded.
“The other day I had told you not to tell anyone that I had bought a new car. But when I entered the office everyone asked about it. Now I will stop telling you anything meant to be a secret,” she went on.
Her argument went on like this: Secrets at times drag us to prosperity – we can decide, can open our heart to our own, without getting derailed by others’ comments. You never know where you are placed in one’s heart – friend or foe!!!!!
I am of the firm opinion that secrets kill debates. It is better to share views and exchange ideas.
Anyway, I was amazed by her ability to hold on to secrets.
“I wish I could keep secrets like you,” I replied.
She fell silent for a minute.
“I cannot keep secrets either,” she suddenly yelled.
Why?
“If I could have, I would not have uttered them to you.”
RR/Sept.30, 2008
“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead,” I replied quoting Benjamin Franklin.
“Why did you tell William that Khan is visiting Dubai? Khan had specifically told me that his was a secret visit,” she fumed.
“I did not know that, sorry,” I pleaded.
“The other day I had told you not to tell anyone that I had bought a new car. But when I entered the office everyone asked about it. Now I will stop telling you anything meant to be a secret,” she went on.
Her argument went on like this: Secrets at times drag us to prosperity – we can decide, can open our heart to our own, without getting derailed by others’ comments. You never know where you are placed in one’s heart – friend or foe!!!!!
I am of the firm opinion that secrets kill debates. It is better to share views and exchange ideas.
Anyway, I was amazed by her ability to hold on to secrets.
“I wish I could keep secrets like you,” I replied.
She fell silent for a minute.
“I cannot keep secrets either,” she suddenly yelled.
Why?
“If I could have, I would not have uttered them to you.”
RR/Sept.30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Quote of the day
This is one of the best quotations if you ask me;
****
If you want to be happy, be.
- Leo Tolstoy
****
If you want to be happy, be.
- Leo Tolstoy
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Two decades, sea change (TOI scene)
The Fourth Estate has witnessed a sea change in less than three decades. How? Well, I can speak about my experience with The Times of India (TOI), Mumbai, where I joined as a sub-editor in the early eighties. Noisy teleprinters, dusty files, torn newsprints, fuming chief-subs, ruffled reporters were the order of the day. Editors made VIP appearance. The chief-subs carried pencils, erasers and scales to measure the size of photographs and prepare dummies for page-making. No computers. Four typed lines made an inch as per our calculation.
The ground floor of the six-storey TOI building stood like a museum where passers by peeped through windows to have a glimpse of giant printing machines.
A little past midnight, at the printing press (2nd floor), chief subs hurling four-letter invectives at innocent and scared subs, was a common sight.
At those times, two veteran page-makers, Miranda and Anton, were a great source of consolation for the juniors. “Come on, take it easy, let’s make an “English page,” they would say, smiling. Until today, I haven’t been able to comprehend what they meant by “English page.”
And, I never realized then that those abuses from seniors were actually blessings.
After night duty, when the newspaper had been safely “put to bed,” (The GenNext may not know this term), some subs would be lucky to catch the last train from VT station and head back home. In my case, Mr Murphy, whose law is famous, saw to it that the train invariably puffed out of the station the moment I dashed in… panting.
And so was it that a group of subs will settle for a cup of tea (sold at 50 paise) at the 24-hour VT canteen or a “Pav baaji” from the roadside vendors, and return to office for a short sleep until the first train rolled out. And where did we sleep? Just clear the tables where we worked, put a few old newspapers or newsprints, and bingo, the bed’s ready. The teleprinter and fan noise would try to disrupt sleep, but fail miserably as the subs would have been so exhausted by that time. While chief sub CSPP had a splendid knack of dozing off in seconds, good-spirited chief sub SS could never get sleep before finding a listener for his sermon.
Telegram delivery guys used to wake us up in the wee hours but I mischievously redirected them towards other subs. In the morning, I would pick up my bag to move on, only to see a telegram or two strewn on the face of one colleague or the other.
I have actually seen bandicoots, not rats, crawling above the bundles of newspapers strewn around.
BTW, do I sound like an elderly man? Mind you, I am just in my forties. Does not life begin at 40? Quite a few pretty girls wink at me and I return the gesture (But let’s keep it a secret, buddy).
Pranks? Wow, do not remind me about them. TOI editorial staff in the eighties had a great sense of humour. Will talk about it in the next posting.
R.Ramesh/ Sept 27, 2008
The ground floor of the six-storey TOI building stood like a museum where passers by peeped through windows to have a glimpse of giant printing machines.
A little past midnight, at the printing press (2nd floor), chief subs hurling four-letter invectives at innocent and scared subs, was a common sight.
At those times, two veteran page-makers, Miranda and Anton, were a great source of consolation for the juniors. “Come on, take it easy, let’s make an “English page,” they would say, smiling. Until today, I haven’t been able to comprehend what they meant by “English page.”
And, I never realized then that those abuses from seniors were actually blessings.
After night duty, when the newspaper had been safely “put to bed,” (The GenNext may not know this term), some subs would be lucky to catch the last train from VT station and head back home. In my case, Mr Murphy, whose law is famous, saw to it that the train invariably puffed out of the station the moment I dashed in… panting.
And so was it that a group of subs will settle for a cup of tea (sold at 50 paise) at the 24-hour VT canteen or a “Pav baaji” from the roadside vendors, and return to office for a short sleep until the first train rolled out. And where did we sleep? Just clear the tables where we worked, put a few old newspapers or newsprints, and bingo, the bed’s ready. The teleprinter and fan noise would try to disrupt sleep, but fail miserably as the subs would have been so exhausted by that time. While chief sub CSPP had a splendid knack of dozing off in seconds, good-spirited chief sub SS could never get sleep before finding a listener for his sermon.
Telegram delivery guys used to wake us up in the wee hours but I mischievously redirected them towards other subs. In the morning, I would pick up my bag to move on, only to see a telegram or two strewn on the face of one colleague or the other.
I have actually seen bandicoots, not rats, crawling above the bundles of newspapers strewn around.
BTW, do I sound like an elderly man? Mind you, I am just in my forties. Does not life begin at 40? Quite a few pretty girls wink at me and I return the gesture (But let’s keep it a secret, buddy).
Pranks? Wow, do not remind me about them. TOI editorial staff in the eighties had a great sense of humour. Will talk about it in the next posting.
R.Ramesh/ Sept 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Better to zip lip
A masters in English literature, my friend never tires of using idioms at the drop of a hat.
After a heated debate last week, he hit back at me saying: “You are bent on creating a storm in a teacup.”
“I am not,” I replied.
“Fine words butter no parsnips,” he replied. I had to check out from Google that it actually meant talking is easy, but talking is not action.
“Why are you angry? In a debate, you have to listen to the other person’s point of view,” I tried to pacify him.
“Don’t judge a book by the cover. Look deeper,” he said.
Fed up of his idiomatic jargon, I bid adieu promising to meet him in a day or two. And meet I did. Only this time, I saw a punch mark on his face.
What happened?
“It’s that stupid Joe,” he replied. “During an argument I told him ‘beggars cannot be choosers,’ and he assaulted me.”
Why?
“He thought I was calling him a beggar.”
RR/Sept.24, 2008
After a heated debate last week, he hit back at me saying: “You are bent on creating a storm in a teacup.”
“I am not,” I replied.
“Fine words butter no parsnips,” he replied. I had to check out from Google that it actually meant talking is easy, but talking is not action.
“Why are you angry? In a debate, you have to listen to the other person’s point of view,” I tried to pacify him.
“Don’t judge a book by the cover. Look deeper,” he said.
Fed up of his idiomatic jargon, I bid adieu promising to meet him in a day or two. And meet I did. Only this time, I saw a punch mark on his face.
What happened?
“It’s that stupid Joe,” he replied. “During an argument I told him ‘beggars cannot be choosers,’ and he assaulted me.”
Why?
“He thought I was calling him a beggar.”
RR/Sept.24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Wow, she made it again
Good Britney is bouncing back.. You are indeed "stronger than yesterday." Keep it up, Britney..
Whisper and thunder
There are some who talk too loudly almost bursting the ear drums of the listener, while there others who speak too softly to be audible.
The other day, a close friend of mine wanted to share a secret. She “whispered” in my ears. Some other colleagues sitting nearby laughed as they could hear her.
It is just that when she whispers, it looks like a normal chat, and when she talks, it sounds like she’s shouting. When she actually shouts, often people misunderstand it as thunder. No wonder, colleagues find the silence killing when this sportive person is not around.
More tormenting than those with a loud voice are the ones who keep their volumes too low. I picked up the phone last week to hear someone murmuring a few words.
What’s your name please?
“Zzz….”
I thought a bee was interrupting the line. After repeated attempts and effective execution of my journalistic skills, I managed to find out that she was a PR executive wanting to send some press release.
But is it not true that variety is what shapes the beauty of the world?
RR/ Sept.22, 2008
The other day, a close friend of mine wanted to share a secret. She “whispered” in my ears. Some other colleagues sitting nearby laughed as they could hear her.
It is just that when she whispers, it looks like a normal chat, and when she talks, it sounds like she’s shouting. When she actually shouts, often people misunderstand it as thunder. No wonder, colleagues find the silence killing when this sportive person is not around.
More tormenting than those with a loud voice are the ones who keep their volumes too low. I picked up the phone last week to hear someone murmuring a few words.
What’s your name please?
“Zzz….”
I thought a bee was interrupting the line. After repeated attempts and effective execution of my journalistic skills, I managed to find out that she was a PR executive wanting to send some press release.
But is it not true that variety is what shapes the beauty of the world?
RR/ Sept.22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I went, I bought, I cried
Customer is the king/queen, they often say. Is it true?
There are quite a few occasions when I felt more like a victim than a king.
Just a few samples: I bought a branded T-shirt at an international airport, wore it for a day and found that the pocket was almost peeling off thanks to poor stitching. I took it to a roadside tailor and suggested he sew it up. Sew it up he did, but he also did something he could have easily avoided. He tried to iron the shirt and in the process burnt it, leaving a big hole. As if the rising prices have not left enough hole in the pocket already…
During a recent visit to the Meena Bazaar area of Dubai, I bought an expensive (no, I am not joking) branded cellphone. Within weeks, the display went off. “It must be a virus. We cannot do anything,” declared the shopkeeper. I approached another shopkeeper who blamed it on “LCD problem.” Needless to say, I shelled out quite a few bucks on getting the LCD replaced.
Recently at a shopping mall, I chided my wife for picking up tomatoes at random. “Go for the packed one. See how inexpensive it is,” I suggested. She protested initially, but fell for the bait. When we went home, her face went red as the tomatoes, as we found that almost half of them were damaged ones.
RR/ Sept20, 2008.
There are quite a few occasions when I felt more like a victim than a king.
Just a few samples: I bought a branded T-shirt at an international airport, wore it for a day and found that the pocket was almost peeling off thanks to poor stitching. I took it to a roadside tailor and suggested he sew it up. Sew it up he did, but he also did something he could have easily avoided. He tried to iron the shirt and in the process burnt it, leaving a big hole. As if the rising prices have not left enough hole in the pocket already…
During a recent visit to the Meena Bazaar area of Dubai, I bought an expensive (no, I am not joking) branded cellphone. Within weeks, the display went off. “It must be a virus. We cannot do anything,” declared the shopkeeper. I approached another shopkeeper who blamed it on “LCD problem.” Needless to say, I shelled out quite a few bucks on getting the LCD replaced.
Recently at a shopping mall, I chided my wife for picking up tomatoes at random. “Go for the packed one. See how inexpensive it is,” I suggested. She protested initially, but fell for the bait. When we went home, her face went red as the tomatoes, as we found that almost half of them were damaged ones.
RR/ Sept20, 2008.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Five minutes please!
“Will you care for a cup of tea?” I invited my Filipana friend.
“Just give me five minutes, I will be back,” she said and disappeared.
When she returned, she was all decked up and looked five years younger.
“How did you manage to look so different in a matter of a few minutes?” I asked amazed at her new look.
“Well, my hand bag is a beauty parlour in itself,” she declared.
“No wonder, the consumption of cosmetics and perfumes in the region is ranked among the highest per capita worldwide. The average purchase per head is around Dhs1,226 annually,” I told her.
“The GenNext is appearance-conscious and you must accept that,” she argued.
“What about men?” I countered.
“Male or female, personality matters now more than ever,” she said.
“Could you give me five minutes?” I disappeared now.
RR/ Sept.20,2008
“Just give me five minutes, I will be back,” she said and disappeared.
When she returned, she was all decked up and looked five years younger.
“How did you manage to look so different in a matter of a few minutes?” I asked amazed at her new look.
“Well, my hand bag is a beauty parlour in itself,” she declared.
“No wonder, the consumption of cosmetics and perfumes in the region is ranked among the highest per capita worldwide. The average purchase per head is around Dhs1,226 annually,” I told her.
“The GenNext is appearance-conscious and you must accept that,” she argued.
“What about men?” I countered.
“Male or female, personality matters now more than ever,” she said.
“Could you give me five minutes?” I disappeared now.
RR/ Sept.20,2008
Memory game
“You were supposed to meet me at the coffee shop and did not make it. I wasted over an hour
waiting for you,” I screamed at the top of my voice.
“I forgot, believe me,” my friend pleaded.
“What forgot? You took the best novel I had last month, but never bothered to return...,” I was in a ferocious mood.
“Listen. I had planned to return it today, but...,”
“But forgot, right?” I shouted.
“Hmmm…”
“Studies have revealed that stress makes you activate an enzyme in the brain called Kinase C. It is a protein which undermines your short term memory, plus some other brain functions in the prefrontal cortex,” I spoke like a doctor.
“No, no. Please do not start all that. I am perfectly normal,” he said.
“I have an idea. An iPod may be of help to people like you. Even if you had forgotten where you parked your car, the electronic marvel would help you. Park your car and tap "Park Me" to take a GPS reading; on the way back, hit "Where Did I Park" for turn-by-turn directions back to the whip. It'll work for iPod touch users via Wi-Fi and cell-tower positioning,” I said recollecting what I had read in a magazine.
“Exactly, I am coming to that. Could you lend me some money. I was just planning to buy one set,” he managed to retain his innocent look.
RR, Sept 20, 2008
waiting for you,” I screamed at the top of my voice.
“I forgot, believe me,” my friend pleaded.
“What forgot? You took the best novel I had last month, but never bothered to return...,” I was in a ferocious mood.
“Listen. I had planned to return it today, but...,”
“But forgot, right?” I shouted.
“Hmmm…”
“Studies have revealed that stress makes you activate an enzyme in the brain called Kinase C. It is a protein which undermines your short term memory, plus some other brain functions in the prefrontal cortex,” I spoke like a doctor.
“No, no. Please do not start all that. I am perfectly normal,” he said.
“I have an idea. An iPod may be of help to people like you. Even if you had forgotten where you parked your car, the electronic marvel would help you. Park your car and tap "Park Me" to take a GPS reading; on the way back, hit "Where Did I Park" for turn-by-turn directions back to the whip. It'll work for iPod touch users via Wi-Fi and cell-tower positioning,” I said recollecting what I had read in a magazine.
“Exactly, I am coming to that. Could you lend me some money. I was just planning to buy one set,” he managed to retain his innocent look.
RR, Sept 20, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Quote of the day
Quieten your mind and close your eyes. Be still. Feel the sun upon your face. Hear the shrill of bird song. Rejoice in your senses. Rejoice in life.
Pam Brown
Pam Brown
A prick of conscience
Millions across the globe go to bed without food, lamented a friend.
“You have a good heart. At least you think about them,” I praised him.
“Many people fail to understand what is right charity. A rich man in America reached a place where a group of roofless people had taken shelter. He picked up his purse and started distributing $100 notes and before anybody could ask him who he was, he had gone. Somehow, a tabloid reporter tracked him later and asked him about his background. The man replied: “I was one among them earlier.”
Hmm.., I listened intently.
“About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations,” he reeled out statistics.
“Oh God,” I exclaimed.
“The good news is when it comes to charity many UAE residents score over others,” he continued. “There are several cases where people in distress have received financial help from anonymous donors.”
Suddenly I woke up. “Why are you giving me a lecture on charity?”
“Here’s a Dhs40 bill. Please donate,” he thrust a receipt into my hands.
“You are the kind of volunteer that charity campaigns need,” I patted him before heeding his request.
“You have a good heart. At least you think about them,” I praised him.
“Many people fail to understand what is right charity. A rich man in America reached a place where a group of roofless people had taken shelter. He picked up his purse and started distributing $100 notes and before anybody could ask him who he was, he had gone. Somehow, a tabloid reporter tracked him later and asked him about his background. The man replied: “I was one among them earlier.”
Hmm.., I listened intently.
“About 25,000 people die every day of hunger or hunger-related causes, according to the United Nations,” he reeled out statistics.
“Oh God,” I exclaimed.
“The good news is when it comes to charity many UAE residents score over others,” he continued. “There are several cases where people in distress have received financial help from anonymous donors.”
Suddenly I woke up. “Why are you giving me a lecture on charity?”
“Here’s a Dhs40 bill. Please donate,” he thrust a receipt into my hands.
“You are the kind of volunteer that charity campaigns need,” I patted him before heeding his request.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fury of a philosopher
She is a close friend and cares for her looks.
“Personality is important. You should never give up exercise if you want to be happy in life,” she adviced while applying a new facial cream.
“You are young and single. You have a bright future. I am not sure where I am placed,” I embarked on sweet-talking. That she’s in her late forties is another matter.
And do you know the worst enemy for all of us?
“Who?” I asked innocently.
“Anger. That destroys our soul and shatters our peace.”
“I have never seen you angry,” I again cajoled her.
“OK. Come to the point. You said you will get me a treadmill from your friend at half the price. What happened?”
“He has sold it off for a higher price. I am very sorry.”
“Buzz off,” she screamed, her face turning red with fury.
RR/ Sept17, 2008
“Personality is important. You should never give up exercise if you want to be happy in life,” she adviced while applying a new facial cream.
“You are young and single. You have a bright future. I am not sure where I am placed,” I embarked on sweet-talking. That she’s in her late forties is another matter.
And do you know the worst enemy for all of us?
“Who?” I asked innocently.
“Anger. That destroys our soul and shatters our peace.”
“I have never seen you angry,” I again cajoled her.
“OK. Come to the point. You said you will get me a treadmill from your friend at half the price. What happened?”
“He has sold it off for a higher price. I am very sorry.”
“Buzz off,” she screamed, her face turning red with fury.
RR/ Sept17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Does money matter?
"Indeed, it does," was the strong argument put forward by Sharjah Toastmasters Club member Singarajan during the 200th meeting of the club at Sharjah recently.
"Can one travel in business class in any airline without money?" he questioned.
Well, if that's asking for luxury, Singarajan's argument is that money is also sought for charitable purposes and hence it cannot be termed "evil."
He humourously cited how his boss asked him to pay off Dhs40 taxi fare as he did not have "small change." The boss then completely forgot about it.
"During a future meeting, the boss gave a speech on rising fuel costs. I raised a question on rising taxi fares, but he did not get the hint. On a later occasion, my boss gave a lecture on the massive debts of African countries. I purposely raised a question on debt, but he either pretended or had completely forgotten about the taxi fare," Singarajan went on. "For the boss Dhs40 may be negligible, but not for an ordinary employee like me."
On an emotional note, Singarajan highlighted how he decided that money was a crucial factor in anyone's life.
"After my dad passed away my mom suggested that I seek the help of my estranged uncle who was my dad's brother. We were in desperate need of financial help and had no choice. I was reluctant in the beginning, but decided to follow my mom's advice. But when I approached my uncle, his words were: 'Let my money solve my problems, your money yours.' That changed my life and view about money."
The Gulf Today
"Can one travel in business class in any airline without money?" he questioned.
Well, if that's asking for luxury, Singarajan's argument is that money is also sought for charitable purposes and hence it cannot be termed "evil."
He humourously cited how his boss asked him to pay off Dhs40 taxi fare as he did not have "small change." The boss then completely forgot about it.
"During a future meeting, the boss gave a speech on rising fuel costs. I raised a question on rising taxi fares, but he did not get the hint. On a later occasion, my boss gave a lecture on the massive debts of African countries. I purposely raised a question on debt, but he either pretended or had completely forgotten about the taxi fare," Singarajan went on. "For the boss Dhs40 may be negligible, but not for an ordinary employee like me."
On an emotional note, Singarajan highlighted how he decided that money was a crucial factor in anyone's life.
"After my dad passed away my mom suggested that I seek the help of my estranged uncle who was my dad's brother. We were in desperate need of financial help and had no choice. I was reluctant in the beginning, but decided to follow my mom's advice. But when I approached my uncle, his words were: 'Let my money solve my problems, your money yours.' That changed my life and view about money."
The Gulf Today
Monday, September 15, 2008
Early morning gossip
Taking a brisk morning walk around the Sharjah Corniche is indeed a pleasure. Adding to the fun is the variety of international, joyful faces that one comes across.
With the summer heat subsiding, one cannot ask for better weather. And so I took off on my morning walk last week. And they were all there; an elderly man jogging, a woman in traditional dress and contemplative mood, a middle-aged man flexing his hands so vigourously that I could have almost got hit.. and the yoga freaks.
Wonderful feeling, I told myself, when the words “She’s an idiot” intruded into my ears.
Turning around I saw two women deeply engrossed in gossip as they walked along.
I looked at them and they looked at me. But the conversation continued.
“She cribs about everything and her husband is worse. She does not even dress up properly,” the first one went on.
We moved a little further, when the second woman almost screamed to the first to “shut up.”
Before I could surmise what happened, a third person joined them.
And then the first one said: “Oh, just now we were praising you. Is it a new dress you are wearing?”
rr
With the summer heat subsiding, one cannot ask for better weather. And so I took off on my morning walk last week. And they were all there; an elderly man jogging, a woman in traditional dress and contemplative mood, a middle-aged man flexing his hands so vigourously that I could have almost got hit.. and the yoga freaks.
Wonderful feeling, I told myself, when the words “She’s an idiot” intruded into my ears.
Turning around I saw two women deeply engrossed in gossip as they walked along.
I looked at them and they looked at me. But the conversation continued.
“She cribs about everything and her husband is worse. She does not even dress up properly,” the first one went on.
We moved a little further, when the second woman almost screamed to the first to “shut up.”
Before I could surmise what happened, a third person joined them.
And then the first one said: “Oh, just now we were praising you. Is it a new dress you are wearing?”
rr
Friday, September 12, 2008
A cook who cut his finger
Acchhooo…
I have this nasty habit of looking at the sun and sneezing loudly whenever I leave my building to walk towards my office. Many in the neighbourhood adjust their timings based on this “noise” and I can boast of good marks in punctuality.
A cook at a Pakistani restaurant in our building had an experience last week which he would not forget easily. He was busy cutting onions when I walked past and in a matter of seconds, let go a rather louder-than-usual “acchhooo…”
I opened my eyes to see a black cat running for its life and the cook staring angrily at me. “It’s you. I thought it was some sort of thunder or an earthquake and have cut my fingers.”
I offered to get an ointment but he smilingly turned down the offer.
Now everyday he flashes a smile and alerts me in case I forget my routine. I never knew that a simple habit like sneezing could rope in a good pal.
RR
I have this nasty habit of looking at the sun and sneezing loudly whenever I leave my building to walk towards my office. Many in the neighbourhood adjust their timings based on this “noise” and I can boast of good marks in punctuality.
A cook at a Pakistani restaurant in our building had an experience last week which he would not forget easily. He was busy cutting onions when I walked past and in a matter of seconds, let go a rather louder-than-usual “acchhooo…”
I opened my eyes to see a black cat running for its life and the cook staring angrily at me. “It’s you. I thought it was some sort of thunder or an earthquake and have cut my fingers.”
I offered to get an ointment but he smilingly turned down the offer.
Now everyday he flashes a smile and alerts me in case I forget my routine. I never knew that a simple habit like sneezing could rope in a good pal.
RR
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Pretty woman
It was a small roadside shop at Al Wahda Street and I picked up a brown shoe.
The price tag mentioned “Dhs70” as the rate and I turned to ask my wife her opinion, when I noticed she had moved on to the next shop as usual and was busy bargaining over a sleek handbag.
Black or brown? Is it too expensive? My dilemma began.
And then came along a young lady.
“How much?” she asked me.
“Dhs 70,” I replied.
“Show me,” she grabbed it from my hand.
“Should fit in well for my hubby. But you are quoting too much?”
Stunned, I answered: “I am not quoting too much. It is the shopkeeper.”
Now it was her turn to get shocked. “Oh, I am sorry... Mistook you for the salesperson,” she said, embarrassed and blushing.
“Never mind,” I said.
“I warned you not to wear that yellow T-shirt,” my wife cursed me. I just swallowed the words I wanted to tell her: “The woman was indeed pretty.”
R. Ramesh
Posted Sept.9/2008
The price tag mentioned “Dhs70” as the rate and I turned to ask my wife her opinion, when I noticed she had moved on to the next shop as usual and was busy bargaining over a sleek handbag.
Black or brown? Is it too expensive? My dilemma began.
And then came along a young lady.
“How much?” she asked me.
“Dhs 70,” I replied.
“Show me,” she grabbed it from my hand.
“Should fit in well for my hubby. But you are quoting too much?”
Stunned, I answered: “I am not quoting too much. It is the shopkeeper.”
Now it was her turn to get shocked. “Oh, I am sorry... Mistook you for the salesperson,” she said, embarrassed and blushing.
“Never mind,” I said.
“I warned you not to wear that yellow T-shirt,” my wife cursed me. I just swallowed the words I wanted to tell her: “The woman was indeed pretty.”
R. Ramesh
Posted Sept.9/2008
Crushed under the wheels
It was a three-minute edgy drama on Al Wahda Street around 10am on Monday.
A chick that had ostensibly fallen from a moving truck got trapped at the middle of the road. With vehicles moving at rapid speed, it stuck to the yellow line for a couple of minutes.
Touched by its plight, Sharjah Municipality worker Mohammed Nijam, who was busy watering the trees, ran along the footpath wondering how to save the little creature.
A crowd had gathered but could do nothing. One person could be seen trying to capture the plight of the bird on his mobile camera.
And in a few seconds, a woman mildly let out a scream, “Oh God.”
“Sad sir, it is such a tiny bird,” lamented Nijam, only to correct himself instantly. “It was.”
By R. Ramesh, The Gulf Today, Jan22, 2008
Posted Sept.9, 2008
A chick that had ostensibly fallen from a moving truck got trapped at the middle of the road. With vehicles moving at rapid speed, it stuck to the yellow line for a couple of minutes.
Touched by its plight, Sharjah Municipality worker Mohammed Nijam, who was busy watering the trees, ran along the footpath wondering how to save the little creature.
A crowd had gathered but could do nothing. One person could be seen trying to capture the plight of the bird on his mobile camera.
And in a few seconds, a woman mildly let out a scream, “Oh God.”
“Sad sir, it is such a tiny bird,” lamented Nijam, only to correct himself instantly. “It was.”
By R. Ramesh, The Gulf Today, Jan22, 2008
Posted Sept.9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Catch him if you can
That unwanted guest – rather pest – was back in my house last week. And this time he was hiding behind the washing machine at the wash room.
The moment I switched on the light, the mouse dashed at lightening speed towards the bed room. The immediate impulse was to pick up the nearest stick and give a chase and that’s precisely what I tried to do. Unfortunately, I did not notice the washing machine wires creeping along the way. And there I was, down with a bang and on all fours.
By the time I composed myself and got ready for the next phase of action, the heartless creature had moved into the kitchen. Not the one to give up that easily, I followed
the four-legged nuisance. We were face-to-face for a split second and then he was gone. Almost two hours of search proved futile. I ignored advices to approach the municipality for a pest control tablet thinking he was gone for good. Lo and behold! I spotted him again the next day. And the same chase drama and the vanishing trick continued.
“You grumble that you are living alone after your family moved back to your home country. Allow the guest to stay for a while. Good company,” joked a colleague.
“Well, he can stay at least until I spot him next time.”
R. Ramesh
Sept.7, 2008
The moment I switched on the light, the mouse dashed at lightening speed towards the bed room. The immediate impulse was to pick up the nearest stick and give a chase and that’s precisely what I tried to do. Unfortunately, I did not notice the washing machine wires creeping along the way. And there I was, down with a bang and on all fours.
By the time I composed myself and got ready for the next phase of action, the heartless creature had moved into the kitchen. Not the one to give up that easily, I followed
the four-legged nuisance. We were face-to-face for a split second and then he was gone. Almost two hours of search proved futile. I ignored advices to approach the municipality for a pest control tablet thinking he was gone for good. Lo and behold! I spotted him again the next day. And the same chase drama and the vanishing trick continued.
“You grumble that you are living alone after your family moved back to your home country. Allow the guest to stay for a while. Good company,” joked a colleague.
“Well, he can stay at least until I spot him next time.”
R. Ramesh
Sept.7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Ask what India has done for you, and...
Sixty years after freedom, India is growing younger by the day. Former president APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision of turning India into a developed country by 2020 cannot be shrugged off as a mere fading dream of a well-wisher; statistics prove that the world’s largest democracy is leaping forward, despite minor scars it has obtained in the form of unrestrained population growth and communalism/casteism.
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.,” John F. Kennedy had asked Americans. When my daughter read this quotation aloud, it switched on my own thought process.
What has my country done for me?
Well, a country and its citizens share a give-and-take relation. A citizen cannot exist without a state and vice-versa. A typical example is a bomb blast that kills several people. While individuals die, the scarred society mirrors the wounds. As everything is in a system, as long as people and the state follow a procedure, things function smoothly.
The first and foremost thing that a country gives to its people is an identity. In a foreign land a person is known by the nationality he holds. The basic needs of a person are fulfilled by the state he/she lives in. Food, shelter and clothing are facilities bestowed to us by the place we belong to.
Our great nation not only provides us with these basic necessities of a human. But it also has given us grand traditions, culture and a glorious heritage. We co-exist in a country which is fifth largest in the world and makes us residents of a truly cosmopolitan and diverse state. We belong to a beautiful mechanism called democracy wherein an individual possesses the right to choose his own representatives. Thus, we are allowed to choose who rules us irrespective of caste, creed or sex.
In a way, India’s progress is my progress. When India shines, I shine. When India marches ahead in various fields, I can see that myself, my children and all citizens have a bright prospect. The progress is clearly mutual and the figures are indeed encouraging. Just consider this:
In 2000, India had about 30 million telephone connections. That is now up to 225 million and rising by over 7 million a month. India is the world’s fastest growing telecom market and has left China behind. The traditional Indian bazaars are giving way to luxurious malls and supermarkets. At the dawn of the century, India attracted pitiful levels of foreign investment with about $2 billion trickling in. That zoomed to a record $17 billion by March 2007. Literacy rate has improved from 16% in 1951 to 63% in 2005. The list can go on.
Have I contributed to India? Well, let me tell you a story. A number of starfish were washed ashore and struggling for life. A man was seen picking up and putting them one by one back into the sea. “You fool, it will take a lifetime for you to put them all back,” commented a friend. “Well, at least I have made a difference for the few I have put back,” replied the great soul.
I feel each citizen contributes in his/her own small way. But what in my estimation we all must do is that we should enshrine the principles stated in the glorious constitution of our country. As per the constitution a citizen has fundamental duties to fulfill. We as Indians should all deliver the responsibilities like respecting the national flag, preserving monuments of historical importance and so on. We must follow the various rules and regulations like timely payment of taxes. We should all be law abiding citizens and go by the book. We can thus serve our motherland in professional and personal capacities as well.
For instance, a teacher can teach the students with honesty and dedication and his/her part of the job is done. As a humble contribution to the society, I also recently decided to offer free coaching to those who want to enter journalism. With 26 years’ experience in the line (The Times of India Mumbai, 17 years in senior editorial positions) and The Gulf Today Sharjah (8 years) I prefer to help those who are economically disadvantaged. It may be like saving a single starfish, but at the end of the day, I can go to bed with a smile.
Are you surprised why a guy who claims to be a global citizen and a fan of Socrates wields an Indian tag? Well, Vasudeva Kudumbakam (All humans are linked like beads on a thread). Charity begins at home. Let's make India the springboard for globalisation of virtue.
R. Ramesh
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.,” John F. Kennedy had asked Americans. When my daughter read this quotation aloud, it switched on my own thought process.
What has my country done for me?
Well, a country and its citizens share a give-and-take relation. A citizen cannot exist without a state and vice-versa. A typical example is a bomb blast that kills several people. While individuals die, the scarred society mirrors the wounds. As everything is in a system, as long as people and the state follow a procedure, things function smoothly.
The first and foremost thing that a country gives to its people is an identity. In a foreign land a person is known by the nationality he holds. The basic needs of a person are fulfilled by the state he/she lives in. Food, shelter and clothing are facilities bestowed to us by the place we belong to.
Our great nation not only provides us with these basic necessities of a human. But it also has given us grand traditions, culture and a glorious heritage. We co-exist in a country which is fifth largest in the world and makes us residents of a truly cosmopolitan and diverse state. We belong to a beautiful mechanism called democracy wherein an individual possesses the right to choose his own representatives. Thus, we are allowed to choose who rules us irrespective of caste, creed or sex.
In a way, India’s progress is my progress. When India shines, I shine. When India marches ahead in various fields, I can see that myself, my children and all citizens have a bright prospect. The progress is clearly mutual and the figures are indeed encouraging. Just consider this:
In 2000, India had about 30 million telephone connections. That is now up to 225 million and rising by over 7 million a month. India is the world’s fastest growing telecom market and has left China behind. The traditional Indian bazaars are giving way to luxurious malls and supermarkets. At the dawn of the century, India attracted pitiful levels of foreign investment with about $2 billion trickling in. That zoomed to a record $17 billion by March 2007. Literacy rate has improved from 16% in 1951 to 63% in 2005. The list can go on.
Have I contributed to India? Well, let me tell you a story. A number of starfish were washed ashore and struggling for life. A man was seen picking up and putting them one by one back into the sea. “You fool, it will take a lifetime for you to put them all back,” commented a friend. “Well, at least I have made a difference for the few I have put back,” replied the great soul.
I feel each citizen contributes in his/her own small way. But what in my estimation we all must do is that we should enshrine the principles stated in the glorious constitution of our country. As per the constitution a citizen has fundamental duties to fulfill. We as Indians should all deliver the responsibilities like respecting the national flag, preserving monuments of historical importance and so on. We must follow the various rules and regulations like timely payment of taxes. We should all be law abiding citizens and go by the book. We can thus serve our motherland in professional and personal capacities as well.
For instance, a teacher can teach the students with honesty and dedication and his/her part of the job is done. As a humble contribution to the society, I also recently decided to offer free coaching to those who want to enter journalism. With 26 years’ experience in the line (The Times of India Mumbai, 17 years in senior editorial positions) and The Gulf Today Sharjah (8 years) I prefer to help those who are economically disadvantaged. It may be like saving a single starfish, but at the end of the day, I can go to bed with a smile.
Are you surprised why a guy who claims to be a global citizen and a fan of Socrates wields an Indian tag? Well, Vasudeva Kudumbakam (All humans are linked like beads on a thread). Charity begins at home. Let's make India the springboard for globalisation of virtue.
R. Ramesh
Where is the cashier?
“Tough times don’t last, tough people do,” consoled my colleague quoting Robert Schuller when I was a bit down last week.
“Thanks,” I replied.
“You know what? I just laugh away problems. Someone banged against my car and I am forced to travel by taxi for the last couple of days. Did I complain?”
“No,” I replied.
“My caterer has cautioned that from next month the food bill will go up. Did I tell you a word about it?”
“No.”
“My family has to come on visit visa and I am yet to raise the necessary funds. Did I ask you for money?”
“No.”
“I do not have to tell you that they have hiked my rent. Did I ever complain about that?”
“Nooo,” I almost screamed, and muttered: “I heard that you won’t be paid overtime as per a new rule.”
“Where is the cashierrr?” he yelled and disappeared.
The Gulf Today-Aug8, 2008
“Thanks,” I replied.
“You know what? I just laugh away problems. Someone banged against my car and I am forced to travel by taxi for the last couple of days. Did I complain?”
“No,” I replied.
“My caterer has cautioned that from next month the food bill will go up. Did I tell you a word about it?”
“No.”
“My family has to come on visit visa and I am yet to raise the necessary funds. Did I ask you for money?”
“No.”
“I do not have to tell you that they have hiked my rent. Did I ever complain about that?”
“Nooo,” I almost screamed, and muttered: “I heard that you won’t be paid overtime as per a new rule.”
“Where is the cashierrr?” he yelled and disappeared.
The Gulf Today-Aug8, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Positively negative
"Think positive. Everyday say to yourself 'today is going to be a great day,'" my friend went on with his unsolicited discourse.
"I will try," I promised.
"No. You look dreary. What's the matter?" he pressed on.
"This month I will almost have to do without my salary. The same old rent problem," I grumbled.
"Come on. That's not a big deal at all. Any other hassle?"
"Well. I have reach Dubai tomorrow morning. Wonder whether I would get a bus quickly from Sharjah's Fish Market area, if I manage to hire a taxi to reach there."
"These are daily tasks. Keep telling yourself it is not good to be down. Cheer up," he continued.
"Thanks, what about William? I have to repay his Dhs1,000 within a week or he will pounce on me."
"What! Did you borrow from William?" my friend almost screamed. "Is that why he took Dhs2,000 from me last month?"
R. Ramesh
"I will try," I promised.
"No. You look dreary. What's the matter?" he pressed on.
"This month I will almost have to do without my salary. The same old rent problem," I grumbled.
"Come on. That's not a big deal at all. Any other hassle?"
"Well. I have reach Dubai tomorrow morning. Wonder whether I would get a bus quickly from Sharjah's Fish Market area, if I manage to hire a taxi to reach there."
"These are daily tasks. Keep telling yourself it is not good to be down. Cheer up," he continued.
"Thanks, what about William? I have to repay his Dhs1,000 within a week or he will pounce on me."
"What! Did you borrow from William?" my friend almost screamed. "Is that why he took Dhs2,000 from me last month?"
R. Ramesh
Strange dish
"Let's go and have snakes," said my friend.
"Not me," I screamed.
"What is wrong with you? You just said you are hungry!" he protested.
"But why snakes?" I asked, and in a moment's time realised what he meant was "snacks."
Known for using a strange village dialect, this friend had often landed in trouble.
"Let's go," I said.
Have you got 'many'? he asked.
I replied: "It's your treat."
"I don't have 'many,' but I can use my 'kradeet kard,'" he declared.
We reached a restaurant.
"Bring 'mainu curd, (menu card, obviously)'" he ordered the server.
"We do not have such a dish," came the reply.
"You do not even have 'mainu curd.' What stupid restaurant," my angry friend grabbed my hand and walked out in a jiffy.
R. Ramesh
"Not me," I screamed.
"What is wrong with you? You just said you are hungry!" he protested.
"But why snakes?" I asked, and in a moment's time realised what he meant was "snacks."
Known for using a strange village dialect, this friend had often landed in trouble.
"Let's go," I said.
Have you got 'many'? he asked.
I replied: "It's your treat."
"I don't have 'many,' but I can use my 'kradeet kard,'" he declared.
We reached a restaurant.
"Bring 'mainu curd, (menu card, obviously)'" he ordered the server.
"We do not have such a dish," came the reply.
"You do not even have 'mainu curd.' What stupid restaurant," my angry friend grabbed my hand and walked out in a jiffy.
R. Ramesh
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Eye on safety
R. PRIYADARSHINI
(17 August 2008- The City Times)
WATER BOTTLES, hats, umbrellas, sun screens, icecreams, melons. With summer, they are all out. And they do offer safe defence when it comes to beating the heat. This safety aspect, however, is highly debatable when it comes to inexpensive sunglasses. Cheaper sunglasses have flooded the market.
They come in different shades and are flimsy but easily repurchasable thanks to the throw-away prices. Besides, they look trendy.
A cursory glance at some outlets in Dubai and Sharjah has revealed that the demand for low-priced sunglasses is shooting up along with the temperature. Some salesmen at counters revealed that the sale of sunglasses has been witnessing a sharp increase.
“Maybe because of inflation, more and more people prefer cheaper sunglasses. I cannot reveal the exact number of pieces that we sell everyday, but can tell you that the demand is indeed high,” said a salesman of a popular outlet selling the sunglasses for Dh5 in Sharjah. “It is the variety in terms of colours that attract children.
As the products are cheap, parents do not mind buying sunglasses for their wards. But I had expected higher sales during this season and hope sales will pick up in the coming weeks,” said a shopkeeper in Rolla.
“The prices of our sunglasses range from Dh200 to Dh900. We also offer discounts during summer. I have not witnessed any major change in the sales pattern as yet,” revealed an executive of a popular outlet in Al Wahda Street of Sharjah.
His is not the only store offering discounts during summer. Several optical centres across the country are offering concessions to boost sales.
No qualms about cheap brands
“Brand products are ruled out for me, simply because I cannot afford them. Anyway, I use a photochromatic power glass.
So there is no need for a separate sunglass. I have bought an umbrella and am convinced that umbrellas and sunglasses have a complementary role,” insists Faiyaz Hardwarevala, who works for a Bahrain-based media company in Dubai.
Grade XII student Radhika Kapoor says that she has no qualms when it comes to using cheaper variety sunglasses. “As long as it makes me feel good and look good, what’s the hassle?” she questioned. But is she not worried about the safety aspect?
“Let me tell you that I have used such glasses since childhood. So far so good,” she argued. Her undergraduate sister, who requested not to print her name, concurred.
“Even I have been using such glasses that come for as cheap as Dh5 for years without any problem. But now my parents have offered me money to buy a slightly expensive one. So I may opt for a product in the range of Dh100 to Dh200,” she said. “The beauty of cheaper varieties is that you can use and throw them as and when you feel so.”
Poor quality is ‘dangerous’
Doctors may not necessarily be pleased with such arguments. “It is dangerous to use poor quality sunglasses.
They do not offer enough protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They can affect vision, cause headaches and even cataract, besides other related ailments. The best solution is to consult a doctor and go for an eye checkup before selecting a sunglass,” advises Dr Ajayakumar, who works for a Dubai-based polyclinic.
Brand wars
Meanwhile, the brand wars are on. While a leading group has unveiled what it calls “vintage and classic designs in a glamourous array of contemporary sun and optical models,” another claims that its sunglasses are “infused with elements to surprise.”
With various brands attempting to make hay while the sun shines, it’s the customers that are turning out to be kings, thanks to the variety offered. But the war between branded ones and cheaper varieties may continue depending on the dirhams in customers’ pockets.
(17 August 2008- The City Times)
WATER BOTTLES, hats, umbrellas, sun screens, icecreams, melons. With summer, they are all out. And they do offer safe defence when it comes to beating the heat. This safety aspect, however, is highly debatable when it comes to inexpensive sunglasses. Cheaper sunglasses have flooded the market.
They come in different shades and are flimsy but easily repurchasable thanks to the throw-away prices. Besides, they look trendy.
A cursory glance at some outlets in Dubai and Sharjah has revealed that the demand for low-priced sunglasses is shooting up along with the temperature. Some salesmen at counters revealed that the sale of sunglasses has been witnessing a sharp increase.
“Maybe because of inflation, more and more people prefer cheaper sunglasses. I cannot reveal the exact number of pieces that we sell everyday, but can tell you that the demand is indeed high,” said a salesman of a popular outlet selling the sunglasses for Dh5 in Sharjah. “It is the variety in terms of colours that attract children.
As the products are cheap, parents do not mind buying sunglasses for their wards. But I had expected higher sales during this season and hope sales will pick up in the coming weeks,” said a shopkeeper in Rolla.
“The prices of our sunglasses range from Dh200 to Dh900. We also offer discounts during summer. I have not witnessed any major change in the sales pattern as yet,” revealed an executive of a popular outlet in Al Wahda Street of Sharjah.
His is not the only store offering discounts during summer. Several optical centres across the country are offering concessions to boost sales.
No qualms about cheap brands
“Brand products are ruled out for me, simply because I cannot afford them. Anyway, I use a photochromatic power glass.
So there is no need for a separate sunglass. I have bought an umbrella and am convinced that umbrellas and sunglasses have a complementary role,” insists Faiyaz Hardwarevala, who works for a Bahrain-based media company in Dubai.
Grade XII student Radhika Kapoor says that she has no qualms when it comes to using cheaper variety sunglasses. “As long as it makes me feel good and look good, what’s the hassle?” she questioned. But is she not worried about the safety aspect?
“Let me tell you that I have used such glasses since childhood. So far so good,” she argued. Her undergraduate sister, who requested not to print her name, concurred.
“Even I have been using such glasses that come for as cheap as Dh5 for years without any problem. But now my parents have offered me money to buy a slightly expensive one. So I may opt for a product in the range of Dh100 to Dh200,” she said. “The beauty of cheaper varieties is that you can use and throw them as and when you feel so.”
Poor quality is ‘dangerous’
Doctors may not necessarily be pleased with such arguments. “It is dangerous to use poor quality sunglasses.
They do not offer enough protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They can affect vision, cause headaches and even cataract, besides other related ailments. The best solution is to consult a doctor and go for an eye checkup before selecting a sunglass,” advises Dr Ajayakumar, who works for a Dubai-based polyclinic.
Brand wars
Meanwhile, the brand wars are on. While a leading group has unveiled what it calls “vintage and classic designs in a glamourous array of contemporary sun and optical models,” another claims that its sunglasses are “infused with elements to surprise.”
With various brands attempting to make hay while the sun shines, it’s the customers that are turning out to be kings, thanks to the variety offered. But the war between branded ones and cheaper varieties may continue depending on the dirhams in customers’ pockets.
Between sunrise and sunset
The sun rose,
One prayed in church, another in mosque, the third in a temple.
On the streets, violence quenched thirst with red-coloured blood of multi-coloured people..
Away went a truck flashing a bumper sticker: "God, please save me from your followers!"
The sun stepped ahead,
One drew his knife..oh, don’t panic, this surgeon meant to save a life,
Another lay on hospital bed, unsure whether he would stay alive or dead,
“I have done my job, leave the rest to Him,” the physician packed up…
The sun would not stop,
The plate was full but not the palate...the five-star hotel was bustling and one refused to give up eating
Another tried to lick the dripping drops of tap water on a Third World roadside,
He was among 852 million going to bed without food worldwide
The sun took pity
Here’re two mantras: Globalization and green movement; one will end poverty, another will save your planet.
The cash-rich West lured East with globalization, the cash-strapped East dubbed it victimization
The communists saw red over the first mantra; the capitalists turned green with envy over the second.
The sun slided
Time to pack up, said the sun, hiding behind the clouds and mountains.
“Good bye today, see you tomorrow,” said the humans…
Advised the sun: “Look not for problem, but solution.”
Replied the humans: “Don’t worry. Here’s the nuclear weapon.”
R. Ramesh
One prayed in church, another in mosque, the third in a temple.
On the streets, violence quenched thirst with red-coloured blood of multi-coloured people..
Away went a truck flashing a bumper sticker: "God, please save me from your followers!"
The sun stepped ahead,
One drew his knife..oh, don’t panic, this surgeon meant to save a life,
Another lay on hospital bed, unsure whether he would stay alive or dead,
“I have done my job, leave the rest to Him,” the physician packed up…
The sun would not stop,
The plate was full but not the palate...the five-star hotel was bustling and one refused to give up eating
Another tried to lick the dripping drops of tap water on a Third World roadside,
He was among 852 million going to bed without food worldwide
The sun took pity
Here’re two mantras: Globalization and green movement; one will end poverty, another will save your planet.
The cash-rich West lured East with globalization, the cash-strapped East dubbed it victimization
The communists saw red over the first mantra; the capitalists turned green with envy over the second.
The sun slided
Time to pack up, said the sun, hiding behind the clouds and mountains.
“Good bye today, see you tomorrow,” said the humans…
Advised the sun: “Look not for problem, but solution.”
Replied the humans: “Don’t worry. Here’s the nuclear weapon.”
R. Ramesh
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