Dad 80 Today !!

Today Dad, Dr TMB as he is known in #CECRI, Karaikudi, is entering 80 today!! Interesting times for a man born before India got its freedom. A life that is being well lived with a great wife to take care as well as good Kids(???) to charter his course since retirement in 1999. 

Dad 60th Birthday 1998, Here with his and Mom Sibling Family!!! (Few have departed since) 

We plan a formal celebrations with family and friends late summer when other family members can gather at Karaikudi. 

I was wondering what could be 5 thing that we would have in common and 5 things that we stand out poles apart!!

5 Things in common!!!!

1) Both have birthdates official and Personal which are very different. Those were days that if you manage to touch your left ear with right hand, you are assumed aged 6 and date is back calculated!! (Try this to a 4-5 yr kid, he can't)!

2) We both Began our career at Bombay Dad at 1960 at Fort, me too at Kalwa 1985 with Corporate HQ at Fort.

3) We both admirers of West Indies team as only team to follow and loathe Indian Cricket worse than ISIS/Al Qaeda.

4) Both Breathe through Explicit, ofcoure me more in English and Dad in Tamil. For, Mom and Lalitha, a horrible cultural shock but got used to it!!(Hahhah! My Son makes me school kid!!!hehhehe).

5) Both have always believed in Marry and Love and kept a very healthy distance from women around. In fact Dad is like Donald Trump in his words to bash even his women colleagues, equal opportunity scolder with explicit laced in!! I am little more circumspect, of course, me being in manufacturing, far far less fairer sex engagement......

Of course, we both a great sibling to grow with; Dad with 3 (Chama, Vichu, late Naagu) me (Anand, Gayathri, Veni) !! 

5 Things we differ:-

1) Dad and I never agree on anything. If Dad says East, I would say West.

2) Dad a High "S" very people focused with empathy to tasks, me High "D" task focused with I dont Mind, You don't matter.

3) Dad empowerment to manage home to mom 0,(ofcourse, mom accepted to play II fiddle) Me to Lalitha 100!  (the joke in Family is the best help Karthik can do is to do no help!!hahahahh).

4) Dad vigorous follow up on issues wont rest until done. Me more, if you didn't get me, it is your bad luck!!

5) U need to believe this, as of 11th May 2017, Dad has not seen or touched a computer screen, smart phone or used a key pad to type even his name!! (போங்கடா, முட்டா *** )would be his typical response!! ahhaahhahahh! 

His acid test to pass came when in 1990, half way in to his Ph.D, when Mom was diagnosed for breast cancer, 8 months down the line, managed to conquer both and arranged my marriage in between!!( I was 1000 miles away then) I am yet to face such acid test!! In such a tense situation, only dad can go to my then Fiancee Lalitha,and tell her,கார்த்திக் ஒரு லூசு பய; கிராக்!!! (For that alone, I should marry only Lalitha in next 10 rebirths!!

With my In (Out) Laws!! ahhahahahahh!!

53rd wedding day, 31/1/2016

Deepavali 2015???? Cant remember!! 

Whatsapp msg to MOM !!!! 

Dad regret, He never watched Ramadin Valentine bowl here! His favorite players along Walcott,Worrel, Weekes, Kanahi, Sobers !!!! 

Lalitha and Dad -------> Gooja Jaalraa for each other!!! heheheheheh! 

Hahahahh!! I arranged T20 final recording 4*6s!!! (I loathe T20, consider worse than PORN) 

Dad Mom 1981 Grandfather 80th Birthday (Sathabisekham) KKDI 

Dad Kidney cancer surgery, 2015!! He was back to normal in days 

ahhahahahahhhahahahhahah) That's dad for you...... 

I wish him the very best!! May be 90 perhaps! His parents both hit mid 90s!!! 

Karthik.

Leadership Cliches!!! Vulnerability!! Amul Rasna Girl!!!

#257

Housekeeping:- 

1) My Android Nexus Phone once again fell and crashed!! (Laltiha doesn't know how, thankfully she wont read my blog!!) Morning walk, I swung it like centrifugal giant wheel, holding the ear phone chord connected to it while listening to Business daily podcast!!! It just flew a projectile and crashed!! I sensed immediately, it is gone!! Looks like now it restarted!! I haven't checked yet if it is working mode!!! ahhaahhahahh!!! 1230pm it is working!! 

2) Lalitha's parents were here last week. So a picture!!!! I guess, I have relented a lot in 27 years to be atleast neutral( From being very indifferent) when in laws visit me!! I am still not wired fully, In laws are still out laws!!! ahhahahhah!!! Lalitha's one heart burn would remain forever,about me!!!! Any relations beyond blood, (be it even a future son in law????) is still incomprehendable to me????!! Daughter- in-law??? I havent thought about it? We will see when we cross one!! hahahhhah!!! 

Ofcourse, My father in law is one of the very very very rare people (< 5) to whom I give respect without expecting any reciprocity! A gesture which doesn't come easily from me, ( I am High"D" Naturally; so don't blame me!hahahah) 

I totally agree with Lucy on too much jargon being used in conversations as well as business!! Too many cliche which means nothing as she says in this podcast! I am sick tiered of such statements as I go around only to find the Knowing-Doing gap in both leadership and technical aspects is as wide as River Mississippi in miles as I had seen while flying over it! (Widest river I have ever seen) 

I am halfway in to Adam Grant, Sheryl Sandberg's book "OPTION-B"! I have decided to order a print version for Lalitha to read! Sheryl exposes so many vulnerability, fallibility that may come despite we feel we have everything covered!! Again, many of the facts she touches up on is nothing new to Indian way of life,

but the way it is expressed is what that makes the difference. I have just ordered it for Lalitha! hahahah!

Nice video came on the 50th Birthday of AMUL Girl!! Having lived in Gujarat and been to Anand there, I know the impact operation Flood!! Verghese Kurien, what a man, Salute!! Also I recollect the Rasna Girl of 80s!! What a drink it was!! 

Continuing with food received tons from MOM, this Mixture a mix of various savouries at Madurai is my favourite!! Mom brought this along with Nei Seeval (Crushed betal nuts) last night!! hahahah! Happy Hunting.

Neeiseeval- Crushed Betal nuts flaked and soaked in rose scented sugary syrup and crushed cashew thrown in! A must munch after a very very heavy South Indian meal!!! 

Ok, Take care, stay Safe

Karthik

7/5/17 1300 Hrs. 

Greed is Good! 3000 !!! Death sentence & Judge Karnan, Macron!

#256
Housekeeping:-
1) Looks like time to change my phone, 3 yrs is a lot for Android, proximity sensor gone as well as auto shut down and restart takes 135 apps update!! 

2) I had a great business trip in Vadodara/Gujarat. Great to catch up with folks. 

With Hitul Joshi Site EHS Manager. 

My visit to Gujarat this week, I get the sense that BJP would be back in power in 2017. The seats could be between 95-105 in 182 assembly. Opposition is missing so people have no option to choose an alternative. What is also shocking is level of ineptness, corruption, delay that have plagued in to the system over last 3 years so it is back to the 1990s days which I have witnessed (85-96). License renewal takes ages, new permissions are in tray. Any amount of bribe paid also is not delivering results. Gestation period is 3 years as was case in a client site, signing MOU on day Anandiben took office and facility commissioned in May 2017. I was also astonished to hear from business friends over dinner that Private sector corruption is rampant with as much as 40% going as kick backs to officers/exec in corporate HQ be in Amdavad or Bombay. While this is nothing new in other parts especially in IT/Telecom sector where one need to know travel agents, Pimps who can deliver Prostitutes to corp exec to get job done or give 3paise per cup or Km car driven, the kickbacks in manufacturing sector which makes products that can differentiate life and death in all aspects is just a shocker and goes to show how much greed has crept in! 

Greed has overtaken everything!

I have touched the milestone of 3000 connections in LINKEDIN this week over 118 months of being registered with the portal. I must tell you over past couple of years Linkedin is a big let down become glorified Facebook with Coat Suit !! I have practically stopped messaging or use its interface except to connect with folks whom I meet in Blood and flesh. The job portal search, discussion forms all look hoax with no tangible results seen from folks I know across the spectrum. So sad to see such degradation! I would be happy to hear feedback to change my views!! 

Looks like of the 100s of people I have spoken to including folks at home and family, I am the one who is feeling that DEATH sentence in Delhi Rape muder case is NOT RIGHT!! While I am a strong conservative, I am no fan of death penalty as it serves no purpose. More so as person who is carrying out Behavioural change process for employee engagement, a Behaviour modification can happen only when other requisites like culture, feeling wanted, etc exist. Punishment can never work as a deter! While I can empathise with the family of victim and they may feel that one death sentence each may be even lighter, I am firm view only BARBARIC NATIONS send its people to Gallows. So I still feel the sentence may under go many reviews and may get reduced to life with No release.... I am not sure this crime is any more than killing of Rajiv Gandhi Killing......  

On judicial front, I am very happy to see Justice Karnan taking the Supreme Court by scruff off the neck and calling the SC Judges practically deranged and ordering examination.

However, I am disappointed with the judge's stance that he is being harassed by the system because he is DALIT (Untouchable for my western readers). I think he has reached the top position of judiciary due to his legal acumen and effort and now to take shelter in the name of caste would do him no good. As I tweeted, in my life, I always considered me a good human being, a man, a good husband and a great father!!I never even allowed myself to think that I am a South Indian or even an Indian!!! How such shades matter? I wonder!!

Je vous laisse penser qu'il semble signé, scellé et livré que "Emmanuel Macron" serait le prochain président de la France !!!

LePen the Evil with Macron the Gentleman!! hahahahhaah!!!! 

Barring any miracle!! He leads by good 24% points!! I think his victory would bring stability to world reeling under the hate, venom, divisive ways of Modi, Trump etc. Let's hope France sets the path for UK (??) Germany to follow!! I am sure today's leak are desperate effort to derail his campaign! I guess too little too late unlike Hillary. She was secretive, no great image and Clinton name Baggage! Macron the unknown in a larger sense carrys no such baggage!! 

I leave you with the news on bunch off lay off across Indian sectors! Read this from Cognizant! so massive lay off in Auto, Telecom sectors!! India Shining?? My ASS!!! 

Good luck,take care, god bless

Karthik.

6/5/17 11am. 

23 Tactics, 100 days! Meet some1 > Stupid than MODI!, Mario Monti 2017 ????????

#255
Housekeeping:- I am away to Baroda, Monday -Friday (1-5th May) for a Process Safety Management Audit. If you are in and around Baroda, looking forward to meeting folks. Pl Ping me in any form. Thanks.

I have read few of Robin Sharma's books, while I am not an avid follower of him as most of his ideas resonate with other Authors, I have read before, what I like about his work is the ability to kind of give a one stop shop to link and correlate /Calibrate. I received an email this morning on 23 tactics which I reproduce below. All tactics are very useful and I have been following them for some time and find very useful.

#1. Don't check emails or your social feeds first thing in the morning. Exploit your most pristine hours for your most valuable projects. That's what the Titans do. 

#2. Create your "victory move". This is a physical pose you do at certain times of the day to kickstart your mental concentration and unleash your physical energy. Doing so often is a strong ritual supported by some very good science. 

#3. Forgive anyone you haven't forgiven. It's a gift you'll give yourself. [Hard to climb a mountain carrying someone on your back]. 

#4. Remember that the bigger your dream, the more important your team. You can't get to world-class with a low-performing support circle. 

#5. Read "Peak" by Anders Ericsson. 

#6. Get out into nature at least once a day. Tremendous benefits for your mindset, heartset, healthset + soulset. 

#7. Stop being so hard on yourself. You're human. We each have our gifts and our flaws. Our hopes and our fears. You and I are works in progress. Celebrate who you've become. And honor the progress you've made [instead of demanding perfection]. 

#8. Plan your week in intimate detail every Sunday morning. This removes the need to make multiple decisions each day [because you now have a beautiful blueprint in place]. And that frees up your focus + energy to dial into the few priorities that are most vital to your A-game. 

#9. Let go of the relationships in your inner-circle that steal your joy. Your highest life depends on this one winning move. 

#10. Travel more. You'll receive your most genius ideas and experience your happiest moments running through the streets of Paris, swimming with the dolphins in Mauritius and watching the sun set over the Taj Mahal in Agra. 

#11. Have good judgment. Yes, I know I'm old-school on this. But I think we're living in a culture of oversharing. People show up in their pajamas on Instagram, reveal their intimate details on YouTube and have no boundaries on the internet. Go contrarian. 

#12. Breathe more deeply. Regularly. All elite producers do. 

#13. Drink more water. And ginger tea with fresh lemon in it. 

#14. Run my "Daily 5 Ritual". It helped millions of people do amazing things in business + their personal lives. Five small goals done with perfect execution every day makes 150 accomplished goals a month and 1850 in a year. Life changer. Truly. 

#15. Read "What Doesn't Kill Us" by Scott Carney. Fascinating. 

#16. Read "Into The Magic Shop" by James Doty. Moving. 

#17. Get enough sleep. Yes I made The 5 AM Club famous but I've never evangelized sleep deprivation. You absolutely need excellent sleep to perform at otherworldly levels. And to be happy, healthy and strong. [And yes--I'm in year 3 of writing my new book The 5 AM Club. Yikes!] 

#18. Remember that your pain has served your growth. Your setbacks have strengthened your character. And your heartbreaks have helped your heroism. [Let resentments go. And trust life has your back]. 

#19. Find your Dream Room. This is a place you go where you have zero devices to distract you. Schedule chunks of time in here at least 3x a week. To produce Michelangelo-level work. That wows the world. 

#20. Run my "2 Massage Protocol". Getting two 90-minute massages a week isn't an expense. It's an investment in your peak mindset, massive levels of daily energy [you can't inspire the world if you're exhausted], battleproofing against stress + extending your life [a great key to legendary is longevity]. 

#21. Respect time. Learning how to leverage your time like a pro is mission-critical to leading an epic life. So many people want gorgeous results but aren't doing the things required to have those rewards. You can't own your game without installing the core mentalities, routines, operating systems and life structures that the best use every day. 

#22. Protect your willpower. One of the most valuable of your performance assets is self-discipline. You can have a brilliant ambition, a sensational mission, exceptional talents and great products. But without the ability to execute on these--and translate your grand intentions into daily results, nothing happens. So understand that elite performance without regular recovery leads to depletion. 

#23. Be alone a lot. Solitude is where you get to remember your greatness. World-class performers spend a lot of time alone. Envisioning. Planning. Scripting. Practising. Studying. Iterating. You should too. 

Today (Still in USA) marks 100 days of Trump Presidency. I am republican supporter all life but never a Trump supporter. I would admit he has done a good job in 100 days then any one expected/given credit. I would give so far a rating of 7/10. I would give 10/10 for the team of Cabinet which I rate the best since JFK, (Forget White House team which is a disaster)

 as well as 10/10 on Neil Gorsuch selection which has tilted #SCOTUS to a conservative Majority which I am one(Very very ultra conservative). I am confident he would learn on his job and would do course corrections as required. (Amazing all 9 judges are Catholic or a Jew unthinkable 80 yrs back even for one!!! I recollect reading JFK disadvantage was he a Catholic!!!) First Jewish President cum Female one in Sheryl Sandberg in 2028??? 

I read that he is spending he is burning midnight oil on reading Presidential Biography". Also remember, he is a businessmen so sees everything with what is in it for him with no fixed opinion.

hahahhahahhahah!! In my discussions with Anthony on everything under the sun of 5 days travel, I was not surprised why he has reconciled to #BREXIT, despite voting to be in Remain. I have always heard few of Brits expressing rage and frustration over EU Norms (Not surprising I always find EU Norms and way of their ownership of business, very loose with no sense of liability and accountability---> see next paragraph)  and how it hinders things as seen from their perspective. I was always thinking that Narendra Modi is the most inept, incompetent, incapable, inefficient, irrational, irritating, irresponsible, idiotic Prime Minister we ever had or will ever have, but his views and scathing attack on Jean Claude Juncker, the LAX Politician who heads European Commission makes my description of Modi a flattery!!! 

I am not surprised that Bayer-Monsanto merger is facing lot of headwinds in Europe and more so amongst its shareholders!! I wonder,where is the Mario Monti of 2017, to spike the deal is going to spring from?? Personally I would be very surprised if there would be a synergy if any also work culture are Chalk and Cheese to say the least!! Let's see how Right I am!!! I have always felt the USA way of 1) work culture- one company- one law- one geography, 2)accountability, 3) ruthlessness, 4)You are Guilty until proved innocent 5) You have work or life not Work and life; is the way to go!! The US work culture gives you the 3 ingredients that keeps you motivated as indicated by Dan Pink in his book Drive 1) Autonomy 2) Mastery 3) Purpose!! I am aghast at European entities and folks ( Leave the English, they are never considered Europeans by me!!)  lacking a lot in these aspects and leave it local management who are mostly crooks who circumvent compliance more so in so called III world otherwise known euphemistically as  an EMERGING REGIONS !! hahhaahhahahhahahahh!!!!! 

OK, Take it easy, take care, stay safe God Bless.
Karthik.
30/4/17. 0900 Hrs. 

Business Travel, Breaking Wind & Email about it, மோ(ச)டி, Option-B& FIX

Housekeeping:-
1) I am using an OLD I pad version to read my EPUB during night time.(So No lights on and Lalitha not disturbed) so kind of intrigued when GOOGLE Stopped access to my OLD IPAD as software version was old and outdated. I could manually override it. Good in a sense such protection exist.

2) As I make call on my Android phone, as soon as I hit number, screen goes blank? Any Remedies?? Thanks in advance.

I had a great business trip to Chennai and Himachal. It was also good to catch up with Anthony Wareham, my Honeywell Boss who has since moved out of Honeywell. I met Anthony after Two and Half years. Time goes very fast. This was my III visit to Himachal Pradesh and every time I visit I am amazed at the warmth, hospitality of people there. It was also a great opportunity to plant a sapling at locations which is my small contribution to environment for having looted so much....... 

Of course the Mayhem at Madras airport at Morning time is horror!! 100 in queue to get in!! (Very less bay) security check through one zone where 500 stand in queue and security posts closed!! Madras Airport one of the worst I have seen in my Global Travel. I agree in USA it can take ages, but then it is a different animal, threats, rules of engagement there!! 

Traditional Welcome at HP site Near Chandigarh 

Punjabi Lunch near Mohali.

I know workplace discipline has hit rock bottom with this generation as well as taking things easy!! But nothing prepared me for the email below. Where is common sense, etiquette!! What kind of norms, values companies teach in employee for personal discipline as well as email ethics!! I just shudder!!( I am told this email is genuine and Linkedin has the employee profile) 

I have no respect what so ever for MODI and his Govt. While he did a good job as Chief Minister of Gujarat and still earns my respect. As a Prime Minister of this country, he is a big let down, a conman in MGR mold, A trickster and above all -NATO------> NO ACTION TALK ONLY hijacked by Hindu goons with saffron scoundrels tinge !! So I was horrified when I watched this video. Aadhar linked to school midday meal? Man u must be a greatest dumb guy, god has ever created!! I know BJP Buggers have no brain between ears or legs, but this is way beyond Galactical Stupidity!!! 

Modi's Aadhar card link to midday meal school! HORROR 

I stumbled up on TOM WOOD, fiction writer in the mold of Colin Forbes, Frederick Forsyth and Jeffry Archer combined and a tinge of Joseph Finder! VICTOR the assassin is a mix of Jack Reacher and Nick Heller. I have gone thro 3 of the series of books and all are very good. I am now reading "THE FIX" by David Baldacci. I also plan to read "OPTION B" by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant. It must have been a traumatic experience for her, I am sure her experience with Adam Grant's psychological touch should give folks the experience to be ready when the jolt hits in. Hopefully never, but prepare for worst as they say!!

Ok World, Take it easy, take care, stay safe. God Bless

Karthik

29/4/17,0920am.

When Idiots Govern us?, Science Tech is Scarry?? Anxiety?? Emmanuel Macron!

Housekeeping:-
1) I would be on Business Travel, Sunday-Thursday, in Madras and Chandigarh. I hope to catch up with Social Media folks, time permitting.

I am aware that we are governed by Idiots of Ministers and ably supported by inept bureaucrats, IAS IPS officers! How else can you explain Rs. 10lacs (25,000$) being spent to cover river with thermocol sheets to prevent evaporation in summer!!! Don't believe me? Read this! (TAMIL) 

Minister inaugurating Thermocol sheets to cover River @ Madurai! 

I am amazed to read that Israel which has a hostile environment, has been working on Genetically modified bacteria system to detect mines and explosives. Looks too much unbelievable stuff! On the science front, next to fake news, be ready for fake voice appears real to leave hoax messages which can cause disaster in your voice mail etc!! Wonder where tech deception will end? 

It was intriguing to see this data on Score vs Anxiety matrix!! India is missing? I was joking that our kids would give anxiety to others as well as marks would be NEGATIVE for malpractices!! 

Competition score vs Anxiety 

With the French election1st round less than 24 hours away, the most unpredictable one in recent times,it is make or break for France/Europe. With 11 contenders in the fray, choosing the top 2 to go to Round 2 on May 8th is a hazardous guess. However, I am hopeful, that centrist Emmanuel Macron the 39 year old former civil servant and banker would be one of the two to make the cut. It was interesting to read Macron has married Bridgette,a woman 24 years elder to him. She was his teacher !!! Can't think of any popular figure doing that globally!!! 

Macron with his wife, 24 yrs older than him!!

Take it easy take care, Stay Safe.

Karthik

22/4/17,1330 Hrs.

118, Elevator, Turkey, 8 yr boy!!!!

#252
Housekeeping:-
1) When you are really hungry and look out for lot of good food, no better place than "RAJDHANI" Awesome dinner last night!! Boy wasn't I hungry, it was a loooooong day!! 

I wrote about the 117 year old woman yesterday in my blog! Today, the world's oldest person born in the 19th century died in the 21st century! Emmar Morano of Italy born 1899, died this week. What a life!! What a blessing?? 

I was listening during the morning walk on 50 Things that changed the world and made the modern economy as what it is! Today the topic was on elevators!! What a change it has brought about! Intriguing to hear China requires 360,000 Elevators every year!!! Here is the man who made all sky scrappers possible 1845 through safety catch device for elevators thus making it safe!

Elisha Otis

Today is referendum on constitutional change in Turkey. A crucial vote is taking place now with results expected by late night. Like, Modi, Orban, Putin, Recep Tyyap Erdogan, who started governance of AKP few years back, on a lot of promise is now marching Turkey towards Dictatorial and Islamic regime which can give sweeping power to the president and destroy the 97 year old secular Republic AttaTurk built! I hope Turks many of whom I have interacted in my business days, vote sensibly and defeat his ideas. Would they? 

I leave you with an awesome news of 8 yr boy driving car for 4 yr old sister to MacD!! No Traffic rules broken! Guy learnt driving from youtube!!  ahahha!!

Take care, stay safe, God bless
Karthik
16/4/17 1145am.