Category: Extras

some interesting links

Posted in Extras

What must a boss be like?

Posted on by veeskitchen

I am sorry I have to blog too much from the past, digging up from my memories that are over a quarter century old now. But can’t help sharing this. These couple of stories in recent past are too personal. I just thought its okay to share them now in public space.

I got orphaned before I got married. Right before my marriage, I was the only one female working in an otherwise all-male department of 31 guys including managers, officers and clerks. Of course, I was the youngest. Nobody had a clue about me, but news somehow leaked about my family situation in the department.

My manager when I got engaged, was Mr. Sanan from north. I am using actual names here. One day my would-be hubby came to my office for the first time by evening to pick me up. Our marriage was scheduled in 3 months’time. The guys in my dept got curious. They even went and reported the matter to my manager who called me aside. Told me, I was a good girl and he was concerned about me going out with a guy given my family situation! Was he safe to be with?! It was the first time he showed me that he cared. I assured him I was officially engaged.

I invited both my DGM Mr Markandeyan and my AGM Mr Ganapathy to my wedding. Both were on the verge of retirement. Mr Ganapathy would be very tenderly to me, often stopping at my table to have a word. He would laugh and tell me not to get married too soon and that I had a great future in the bank. He said I had a great potential and that I should not opt for domesticity like so many other women did. To this day this man who expressed his open liking for me forgetting his hierarchy has a special place in my heart. He is no more now. My working career, as after all a clerk of lowest rank, was very brief.

My DGM Mr Markandeyan surprised me saying that his own daughter was getting married the very same day as me. Like mine, her wedding reception was to be the previous evening. But he assured me that he would come. I had no hope.

Both these elderly gentlemen used to be very kind to me. I think they knew about me from the start.

On the evening previous to my wedding day, I was surprised and enormously happy to see my DGM and AGM walking in together for my wedding reception. My entire department of 31 guys were present for the girl who had no parents. My DGM who was a very high ranking official, missed his own daughter’s wedding reception for a few important hours that evening to attend mine. He stayed for a very long time like over one hour. He had dinner with the staff. Until today his kindness is something I can never forget. These are the kind of people who have finetuned me lifelong. I am gifted to have had these gems in my life. The next morning my department staff attended his daughter’s wedding which was a very grand event.

We see how people hire and fire so easily without a second thought in modern scenario. But the bosses I had for such a short time of my life in my very brief career were superhuman by today’s standards. My department guys too were very respectful. Normally talkative, I however used to maintain my distance with them at work not mixing at all with the crowd. But they showed their care and affection for me when all of them turned up for me to be by my side like my parents’ side relative. My only direct blood relative was/is my younger sister. Very few close relatives. The short span of my career therefore is still unforgettable for me. I cleared CAIIB part 1 & 2 exams in that short time as per my AGM’s wish. He wanted me to write the officers’ exams on completing my 26th year when I would get eligibility. I said a polite no to him telling him that I wanted a family that I did not have. He reluctantly agreed.

Men like my DGM and AGM were old school. They don’t come like that any more. Even my manager Mr Sanan. Like a fatherly figure to me.

I left my job in 1996. Long, long back. So I have NO idea of work culture from the millennia, or even from before that. In those days in our working atmosphere, we were like a family. IT revolution changed everything. My friends/ex colleagues say I can never fit into present working environs.

Posted in Extras

This made my day!

Posted on by veeskitchen

Social media congratulating India’s finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman and the Income tax department for coolly winning 50% of the match earnings of D Gukesh, the latest and world’s youngest chess champion, calling them ‘grandmasters’ really made my day! Gukesh won in Indian rupees some 11 crores half of which will have to be paid towards taxes and surcharges. This was running at the back of my mind as well. But never expected netizens to troll our government so brazenly !

Posted in Extras

Cartnarc and now the Parknarc !

Posted on by veeskitchen

Since the basics and essentials are good and well taken care of in wealthy nations, they seem to invent reasons to complicate lives as otherwise it can be very boring and uninteresting, lacking the kind of excitement that can pump up your blood and give you the unbeatable adrenaline rush. These yankies yearn for social issues and have it in them to crusade for ‘just causes’ like for instance, returning the shopping cart to its proper place in the supermarket/shopping malls! Or parking proper within the slot! A battalion of secret service agents who call themselves ‘cart narcs’ seem to take themselves too seriously in the US. (I am told its actually a one man army that tries to take many avatars!) They take it upon themselves to approach the offending shoppers who fail to return the shopping cart and leaves it untethered wherever it suits them, leading to chaos in the traffic in the parking lot. Oh the parking lot! Whoever parks haphazard or wouldn’t park proper their car within the parking slot and parks where there is a ‘no parking’ sign may be taken care of by the Parknarcs just the way the erratic shoppers leaving their carts unattended get taken care of by the cartnarc! Some shoppers may leave their carts in the pavements alongside freeways/highways, irresponsibility at its peak. Our cartnarc appears like apparitions in front of these lazy shoppers and lecture them on the importance of returning carts to their slots in the malls. To the rude or insolent shoppers, he may try to sneak and stick the sticker that reads, ‘I don’t have the habit of returning my shopping cart to where it belongs!’ on the trucks/cars the shoppers drive. A parknarc does something similar with wayward (!) parkers! Funny. A mock exercise, still I marvel at the excuses conjured up in one’s imagination to ‘see problems’ and the rebellion in some (!) to quell the trouble before it gets out of hand! Yeah big issues : the unattended shopping cart and careless parking! Sometimes I do wish we have matters as trivial as this occupying our minds in India. For us the days start wondering whether we shall have power interruptions in scorching summers, whether the corporation would turn off the water supply, whether busfare/trainfare is to be hiked, etc. We belong in two separate worlds really. Long live the Cartnarc and the Parknarc ! I do love them really! Watched a few videos that were interesting! Google to find out more on them.

Posted in Extras

Jaw-dropped !

Posted on by veeskitchen

Literally!

For the first time in my life, I am having dental procedure. Regret neglecting oral care all these years. Anyway, surprised to learn that our bite determined how we looked, whether aged or younger. This is of particular significance to us the middle-aged. A drop in our bite can let our chin drop and make us look older for our age. In matter of minutes we can add years or cut years! An improved bite level lifts up our chin and we look younger just like magic! The dentist who measured me for crowning my rootcanals virtually demonstrated to me the effects of bite levels. Handing me a small handmirror he asked me to check for my altered look everytime he readjusted my bite to see how comfortable I felt with my mouth closing (or lips pursing). With a lowered bite my jaw literally dropped and it looked as though I had aged by ten more years! Some of are already chinny! Then to my relief, he got me back to my exact or present level. This is news to me even if its rudimentary lesson in dentistry. Never gave credit to our molars and canines for gifting us with our aesthetic looks! I could see why and how with gum recession as we age we lose our teeth so that our jaw or chin drops (or perhaps droops?!) and we get the befitting septuagenarian or octogenarian look consistent with our advanced years! A learning experience for me. Life is full of opportunities to glean in information. I was shown a diamond edged blade that could chip in human teeth which was strongest to the extent that only diamond could crack it. I was reminded of the tusks of the elephants. It is because the ivory does not crumble that it made for incredible art pieces in the first place. An integral and vital part of our face, our identity contributing to how the world views us, the reason for our confidence level, most of us still neglect the dental health. I learnt my lesson the hard way, a bit late. But better late than never. Every profession is noble and specialized and takes years of training and expertise to master. In dentistry, precision counts. Our root nerves in gums also connect to our heart so our dentals must be handled with extreme care. How easily the dental flap is lifted and our teeth are reached and later put back right in place is astonishing. Almost like ART. May be that’s why its called dentistry. And finally I could see why dentistry and cosmetology go hand in hand. Dentistry is one area where our general health insurance does not cover us. There is a separate dental health policy to cover dental care expenses. And dentistry is not just about vanity. Our dental health tells on the functional health of our internal organs and our general health conditions.

Posted in Extras

44th Chess Olympiad, Chennai, August 2022

Posted on by veeskitchen

World Chess Championships, Chennai, 2022

Never knew Chennai is the Mecca of Indian Chess! Oh my! Not without a reason. The city with 17 grandmasters the natural favourite to win the bid to host the championships yet again, Chennai has been gripped by chess fever last few weeks. There are chess mascot and chessboard rangolis and kolams adorning our doorsteps. There are theme songs composed for the olympiad. City streets are painted like the chess board. And then there have always been the chess board saris! The championships are underway since last thursday, inaugurated by PM Shri Narendra Modi and CM of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin.

Obligatory post. Blogging for the only reason that I wouldn’t want to miss out on this one even if I play lousy chess without a strategy. Disappointing that local hero Vishwanathan Anand, two times (or more?) world No.1 has bowed out (or stayed out rather) of the olympiad but kudos to him for getting the venue to Chennai. From Koneru Hampi (women’s) to Praggnanandhaa, India has been churning out world grandmasters in steady stream. Chess is everyone’s favourite game not only in Chennai but entire south India. Why not, the Chaturang or Chess originated in India after all. With about 180 participating nations, the current chess olympiad is a big event for Chennai. Magnus Carlson, renowned world chess champion, is the star of the show. He has announced this could be his last, China and Russia not playing seems to have no effect on Chess enthusiasts. Pakistan players pulled out of the olympiad without playing a single tournament. The US are primed to win the championships even if India B pipped India A as both maintain a stead stream of wins.

When scuba divers play chess under Chennai sea:

Chess is clearly a sensation! Happy chessing! Ping me for a game of online chess (just kidding)!

Posted in Extras

Hand me my thorthu not the bathrobe!

Posted on by veeskitchen

Inspired to write this 😀

We in India mostly prefer cotton towels not the fluffy turkish towels given our tropical climate. The turkish towels do not absorb moisture and are heavy but they probably keep you warm after a shower.

The southern state of Kerala, also neighbouring one to my home state Tamil Nadu is famous for its ‘Thorthu’ or handwoven cotton towels that are richly absorbent. Kerala is a monsoon country. Entire India is known for seasonal rains but Kerala is too very popular even with foreign tourists who visit the state especially for its monsoon season (although in last two years the monsoons have wrecked havoc in the state triggering landslides and flooding). Tamil Nadu too has its share of woven white towels from Cooptex, Erotex and such handloom boards, yet the Kerala quality is unbeatable!

I have dozens of these thin weaves at home. I got a couple for my American daughter-in-law when she lived in India and asked her not to use a hairdryer but this towel. First hesitant, later on seeing its absorbent quality and quick drying nature with 100% cotton thread weave, she fell in love with this textile. I packed her over half a dozen when she left for US, urgently asking my Mallu friend to courier thorthus to me even in Covid conditions! When I visited US recently I had taken a few with me and my daughter wanted them. I have few more in Chennai. I must remember to courier her more when I visit India next. And I have to order online another batch straight from Kerala again!

Why do we need bathrobes or fluffy towels when we have our desi thorthu. It has to be experienced to be believed! And we can have a dozen and more to use at ease. Finally they come cheapest – from Rs. 60 for smallest size to max Rs.200 or 300 for those with widest dimensions. That is from under US$1 to 5 maximum.

So now I have decided to make our local thorthu world famous! For women, it can be as good as wraparound or sarong after our time in pool. A thorthu can be quite long and wide enough to go around us and cover our entire torso. For men too it can hang nicely on waist. So easy to maintain. For new born babies and young children who you want to wipe clean of moisture for fear of catching cold, nothing like thorthu to come to your aid. Especially for wrapping your head after a shower. There is hardly any work left for the hairdryer to do after you dry your hair with thorthu. You can rinse thorthu in the washbasin, as simple as that. Takes under an hour to dry in open air or just over an arm chair in our living! Space saving as well. You can stack two dozens in little space! Easy to pack and carry like hankie. Pristine white.

Economic and functionally best thorthu! Most authentic original Indian produce are this but then who wants anything ours? They all go for synthetic and toxic China stuff only 😦

Posted in Extras

PCR Test, American Style !

Posted on by veeskitchen
  • Drive-in PCR test for Covid 19 in the US for least contact
  • PCR test FREE in the US, not chargeable. Result in one day.
  • Rapid test (for antibody) for covid 19 gives result in one hour ) (not acceptable in some airlines and in some countries)
  • NO DOCUMENTARY PROOF requirement for the test

Had to undergo a PCR test to fly QA from America. This is now mandated by most countries these days as we know, even if we are fully vaccinated against Covid 19. For a fact, i had taken both my Covishield (Astrazeneca) doses in India. We googled and found the nearest lab testing for covid in Chantilly, Virginia where we were staying a few days before flying. CVS pharmacy did it and we had to book a prior appointment for the test which was a drive-in one. When booking the appointment, we were asked for personal details such as names and addresses, contact no and date of birth. We immediately got an email confirming appointment and giving us a registration number. At the appointed time when we drove through the single window serving the PCR test purpose in the pharmacy, we were cross-checked for details. When things tallied, we were handed down a transparent envelop with two compartments for a self-test to our surprise. I was half-expecting a lab tech to extend a hand from the window with a cotton swab to insert into my nostril! One compartment in the envelope contained a printed leaf with our personal details. It also had another sheet of instructions as to how to do the PCR self-test with illustrations. Thirdly there was a small single slim and long paper pouch of about 10 cms perhaps containing a cotton swab stick for insertion in our nostrils. Fourth, there was a small square of a paper towel to wipe nose on finishing. The second compartment merely had a small test-tube with a stopper. It contained fluid one quarter or perhaps one half.

As per the illustration, I verified the personal details first and ensured that the entries were correct along with registration number. I wanted mine to be spelt exactly like in my passport as i had to carry the certificate for my international travel purposes. Secondly, i studied carefully the self-test method and made sure i got it exactly. Thirdly i tore open the paper pouch and took out the swab stick with one inch or so of cotton at the other end. I took care to tear the pouch where it was mentioned, which was not the cotton end. I carefully placed the swab stick into my left nostril and saw to that the cotton part was fully within my nose as instructed. I rotated the stick (which can be compared to match stick for instance, only a little longer, say about 10-12 cm approx.) clockwise and anticlockwise thrice as it was directed, touching all the inner walls. For 45 seconds i retained the swab within my nostril and then pulled out. I repeated the procedure for my right nostril next with the same cotton swab. Then I carefully opened the test tube in the envelop and deposited the stick with the swab dipping into the liquid in there. The break-off point was clearly marked in the stick so it was easy for me to break the stick nicely for the swab portion to snug-fit into the test tube. I sealed the lid tightly and returned the tube to the second compartment of the envelope. I sealed next this inner compartment first.

I sealed the envelope with both the compartments next totally. There was a drop box for us to deposit the samples. We did just that. In the information sheet and in the email was listed the lab test results website. We only had to enter our registration number to check for updates. We could download the results after twenty four hours. It was stated that the results could arrive anytime from 24 hours to 76 hours but we got ours online in 48 hours as orally indicated by the pharmacist.

For the PCR test, the pharmacy did not bill us. PCR TEST IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is FREE! yayyy In India, it costs nothing less than 2k to my knowledge.

In last six months i have given four PCR tests already for my travels. I found the one in the US most user-friendly and hassle-free. It is a great service rendered by the US government, not charging a single penny for the test. Frequent travelers have to undergo PCR every now and then. Further, the working class people may benefit immensely because of waiving of the cost/charge for the test. Truly a wonderful humanitarian service. I wish Indian government could replicate this selfless service. India citizens spend heavily on PCR tests and our labour class especially have come to bear the brunt. Even for moving from state to state, India has necessitated PCR tests. It will go a long way in helping the lower middle class if PCR tests are available free of costs at least in government hospitals in India. I am well aware of the overhead cost run, just a thought. Any free service also must not dilute the quality of our PCR tests.

Thank you America, truly a big hearted and mature nation! How many refugees find a home with you even if you are derided and misquoted on immigrants. How many from around the world come to you to realize the great American dream. I find the US most user-friendly nation in my limited experience, with everything very well streamlined and hassle-free. Life just gets that much simpler and easier.

Posted in Extras

The Five Cleanliness & Personal Hygiene Indicators We Cannot Miss.

Posted on by veeskitchen

Typically i have devised that the following are checks or indicators of the cleanliness standards of our home as well as our personal hygiene. You may think i am too fussy, but not at all. It’s pretty regular standards, but there are those who think this is big deal.

  1. Kitchen cleanliness. Especially the sink area and the oil cans. Mixer jars and the blender. Hob (cooking stove top) and chimney. Indian kitchens hold more gadgets than western ones: with our wetgrinders (for idli batter), blender, traditional coffee filter of coffee maker, OTG/Microoven, at least mini stone chakkis for pouding, fruit/vegetable juicer, sandwich maker, toaster, chappathi maker, etc. Our kitchen is also essentially a wet kitchen as we grind wet, blend wet, deepfry in oil, toast in shallow pan etc., at highest temperatures. We use hundreds of spices literally and our cooking methods are elaborate. Yet, it is imperative for us to maintain kitchen cleanliness at any cost. Wiping with wet cloth on cleaning with soap every few hours is a must.
  2. Bathroom cleanliness: the water closets of course, the wash stand, the bathtub (if you have), the tooth brushes and the drain holes especially. Even the regular Indian bathrooms (in)famous for their water usage can afford to remain dry most of the day once we are done with our bathroom chores. There is no reason for the bathroom floor to remain wet. Pails and mugs and faucets also need a regular clean-up.
  3. Comb in your dresser is a dead give away. If that is accumulating grime, it means personal hygiene is lacking. The clean comb ensures a cleaner bedroom. Organizers in wardrobes optional. W
  4. Towels and undies. They can be old and very many times washed, but they have to be clean one hundred percent. Dry.
  5. Foot of course! It is the general indicator of one’s hygiene perception in my opinion. If someone cares for foot, it means she is doing well in all other fronts.

Not all of us live in swanky marbled homes, some of us live in very compact apartments almost like hole in the wall, yet I think it is well within our means to be able to maintain the minimum general standards of cleanliness and hygiene which is basic decency.

I decided to embark on such short crisp lifestyle posts inspired by a page on Minimalism.

Posted in Extras

Treat yourself to a good home pedicure :D

Posted on by veeskitchen

I thought i would break monotony and relieve myself of stress with a much deserved and relaxing home pedicure. Salons are closed, and even if open, may not be having upto-date beauty products. I suspect stocks with expiry dates fast approaching. So it is better to get things done at home.

Why Pedicure:

  • because to some like me, foot is a measure of our general hygiene level
  • some husbands have foot fetish when it comes to their wives, and therefore it is best to keep our foot nice and clean, and groomed always
  • a good foot is a healthy foot of a healthy man/woman 😀
  • to avoid foot cracks, nail breaks etc and promote good blood circulation
  • if there is one thing i may visit salon for, it is always pedicure first and foremost. i luv the one i get (mechanized massage) (although it is 2 years since i got it done here) here and in chennai, it is vlcc

So let me post here how we can pamper ourselves with home spa for our foot. Remember, we can do this pedicure watching tv leisurely!

I am not an expert on anything and least of all on beauty routine. I don’t wear make-up but for a light lipstick when i go out (only here in middle east) apart from an eyebrow touch and a moisturizer (or SPF face cream). However i do good maintenance behind the scene. This is something i put together myself. It works for me. The investment cost: the bath salt scrub can last you 4 years, the moisturizer 3 years, the foot scraper is lifetime buy. Not really expensive that way.

  • file your toe nails first of all neat and nice, shape if you want and use a nailpolish remover to remove old polish with a tissue or cotton. I use an acetone free one.
  • then soak in coconut oil for 30 min both your feet. i use a mixture of coconut oil, olive oil and almond oil
  • with foot scraper gently scrape the dead cells. absolutely no rough treatment please. as gentle as a feather. first the top of your foot, then the underfoot. the dead cells and dry scales will fall out and fresh unbroken skin will emerge. regular foot scraping will prevent foot cracks
  • then squeeze a lemon into hot water in a bucket and soak your foot for 15 to 20 min. clean in between the toes with pubis stone very very gently. this is a bath stone. however i don’t use this. the lemon bleaches the hard tanned skin on upper foot and foreleg. this is the best detan i can think of. if you think that lemon is astringent, you can balance it with mixing honey.
  • use good bath salt or body scrub salt to scrub the foot upper, foreleg and down foot. do this gently. no rash strokes.
  • rinse your foot thoroughly in fresh warm water and towel gently
  • slather some moisturizer or foot cream (available for men) on both feet. and smoothen. or use liquid paraffin if you want with no aroma (if you are a fussy man)
  • you are ready now to apply nail enamel to your toe nails (optional 😀 ) apply one coat neat, wait for it to dry and then apply the second coat and then top it up with quick drier application.
  • you are now the owner of dazzling clean foot that you can show off now proudly!
  • gently down your amazing feet in sexy kohlapuri, don a fabindia kurta and strut and preen!

Benefits:

  • boosts your self confidence
  • relaxing and stress relieving
  • can give self massage if you do know massaging. this to be done when scrubbing with body salt on the foot. this massage i do miss at home
  • feel cleanest and on top of the world 😀

Do this home pedicure once in 15 days and notice visible results in under 3 months 😀 post pix 😀

Posted in Extras

Trespassers don’t now acquit yourselves of your crime of invading others privacy.

Posted on by veeskitchen

This is my last and final piece on online privacy. I won’t be doing it again.

What is this nonsense you see online advising others to take social media with a pinch of salt. And undercutting the (kneejerk) reaction or importance allegedly imparted by some of us to social media observances.

Let me make it clear who I consider eligible to save cookies or to study others’ browsing habits. These exemptions are the necessary ones in this digital age.

  • Mainstream media in social media platform
  • Apps such as You tube and those that have our explicit consent
  • Social media news and pages of recreational interests such as holiday homes, restaurants, theatres, public places, historical and architectural wonders, tourist spots, adventure tour companies etc., and other pursuers of hobbies like knitting, bathik for instance.
  • Anyone who sells their wares online
  • Commercial houses like banks, insurance etc.
  • Small and medium size business such as handicrafts, cookery, crockery, textiles and garments etc.
  • Large business houses such a clothing line or label, shoes, furniturewala etc.
  • Performing artistes including actors, singers, dancers, instrumentalists etc who may use social media for furthering their career
  • Visual artists who promote their art via social media such as painters etc.
  • Online games pages such as scrabble, etc.,
  • Authors of books, magazines, journals, consistent bloggers
  • Professionals selling their service via social media such as consultant physicians, astrologists, beauticians, chefs etc.
  • Sports persons and fitness enthusiasts with fan following
  • Institutions such as universities and schools
  • Those in active public life including in politics, social service
  • Genuine causes such as for wildlife, etc., and surveys and polls
  • The retired from all these categories.

In short, anyone making a living or benefiting economically furthering their career or profession or business or trade using social media platform earns the moral and legal right to seek internet traffic stats. NONE OTHER.

Anyone out of this list who is trying to justify prying on others’ privacy in the garb of ‘ethical hacking’ is committing not just a crime, but a horrendous sin. I only hope Karma will take care of you! Who knows in your next janam you will be born a pole dancer in a strip club who sleazy men may vie with each other to finger!!

I shall leave things here.

I am trying not to take social media seriously, who says I am. Its not my fragile sensibility. It is your violation of friends’ privacy. It is shocking realization discovering what social media has reduced some of us to.

*****************************

I will cite an instance how this so called ethical hacking can hurt friendship and ruin relationships.

I am vociferous when it comes to expressing my critical views on the Abrahmics here in my BLOG ONLY AND NOWHERE ELSE. I don’t have charitable views on them. My friends groups in India are totally anti-christian and anti-islamic who keep sharing attacking posts in private. Yeah, all this we do behind closed doors only. As much as possible I refrain from posting anti-views even in whatsapp. However I am a defender of Hindu dharma and I am opposed to conversion mafia and terrorism openly and mince no words when it comes to condemning these. All of us friends including me retain respect for non-hindus and we are friendly with them in the real world. We recognize the need for peaceful co-existence and we are aware of our own pitfalls. We never fail to appreciate the good work of non Hindus either and we consider them our friends. This is how I am, we are in the public, in reality. The personality I present to the outside world only must count whereas, any intruder who may chance upon our exchange of views on religion perhaps may end up disliking us. Our friendship can never be the same again. We girls may get judged for what we share in privacy where we bare our hearts. What we stand for in public ceases to exist.

Honestly it reminds me of Vivek’s joke in a Tamil flick where he can hear the ‘mind voice!’