Category: Uncategorized

Public Toilet Needs Urgent Care – Bangalore Central

~ bjcharles ~ 2 Comments
Have you noticed the public toilet situated opposite to Bangalore Central? One time, it used to be a neat and clean one which were used by many men and women. Now, it’s in shambles. Recently while waiting for a bus, I noticed one person preparing his bed on top of this loo. He otected his living quarters with shreds of plastic sheets, flex banners, etc. It was a rainy day, and I saw him working his way to plug the water leaks.

Question is about the loo – How can we built and maintain clean, hygenic public toilets in Bangalore? Why are the public toilets in a very unkept state? Is it the lack of funds?

Probably, corp orates or businesses who are earning profits should take tender to maintain these loos. In return, they should get space to publicize their product or service.

For instance, company which makes toilet cleaners or real estate companies or ceramic tile companies, or bathroom accessory firms can pitch for such a project. These companies can start one as a model project. If it’s a success then, they can slowly spread the CSR activity to more public lavatories.

To make this happen, Bangalore BBMP, should publcize or reach out to potential prospects ( companies) and ask them to sponsor a toilet.

Meetup in Bangalore – Let’s Connect

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
Connect – Share – Thrive

Despite all the hoopla over social networking , most individuals esp those mortals living in cities like Bangalore are like isolated islands. Only a few lucky sociable ones lead a balanced social life. Those lucky ones could be ones with a born habit of socializing, or that they are in the right group which gives them access to bigger network.

The lonely lot are cringing in isolated pools lacking in  friends, and many of them face severe shortage of time to build new relationship or maintain old ties, or no time to pursue a hobby or pastime.

Is it ironic? At a age, we have all the connectivity, from phone, Whatsapp, Facebook, or apps like Tinder. But, there is a big chunk who are living outside the social connectivity circles. What is this becoming a common sight?

So, can you make a dent to this reality? Will you take the first step to smile at a stranger, or speak to a person to break the ice?

Well, after quitting my day job, it’s my intend to meet more people, share my thoughts and become more human. I hope my blog post will do the job to kindle that human connection.

Thanks,

Charles 

Whiteboard Quote

Working Malayalee in Bangalore

~ bjcharles ~ 2 Comments
From the time I stepped in Bangalore, I had encountered many mallus in public spaces. In pubs, jostling down Brigade Road, in bars, in shops, at interviews, in trains, etc.

When we look at the Malayalee working in Bangalore, we wonder the jobs they do here. In my little experience I have found them in these professions.

1) Nurses and budding up nurses ( We can instantly find them as they talk in Malayalam. And in between they will have some talk related to their practice, etc) In hospitals, our mallu sisters are easily identifiable. they mostly talk in malayalam. I don’t see this as a professional behavior.
2) Supermarkets ( There are many supermarkets owned by mallus Eg, Top In Town, at Cambridge Layout) These places also employ many Keralites, especially in delivery services. Most of these shops are owned by people from Malapuram side
3) Bakeries ( These fellows have taken over most of the bakeries, except for few Iyengar bakeries
4) Mobile shops ( This is the latest trend. Many small both sized shops are owned by these fellas).
5) Hotels ( How can we forget the wide spread hotel chains, such as Empire, Imperial, Paramount, etc)
6) Ayurvedic Centers ( Around Indira Nagar locality there are more than a dozen of Ayurvedic treatment and massage centers.
7) IT and ITES factories: Take any office or IT or content development office, and you’ll see mallus in all  hierarchy.
8) Garment Factories:- I’m not sure of how many Malayalee ladies are working in these factories. An acquitance of mine once said there are many working in these garment production houses. I know one thing for sure, the working time is tone, tedious and pay is minimal. 

Down the memory lane

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Walking Towards My Home

How often do you chance upon a thing, sight, smell which takes you back in time? If happens quite frequently for me. This time it was this mosanda plant. At one time, this was a popular plan in every house and I badly wanted one

Now, the mere sight of this plant transported me to that era of my life, which now appears so distant.

Felling Lost & Nostalgic! 

Weekend Options in Bangalore

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
I, Me and My Beer – Soul Searching at Jimi’s 

What all can you do on a weekend?
What if you’re in this part of the world – Indira Nagar?
What if you’re a teetotaler?
How can you make your weekend more interesting, engaging and different?

I had these questions running in my head, when I sat alone nursing the glass beer at Jimi’s pub. Despite exploring all possible options, I still didn’t get any solid idea to make my weekend interesting. I hope you’ll have better answers as to how people can connect, especially those who are new to this city, or those who are living like islands in Bangalore.

Waiting for your suggestions!

Weekend Blues

Sunday Visits

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Chai Time at Koshy’s 

Koshy’s insignia 

After the mass at St Patricks Church

My typical Sunday evening is like this – First stop is at St Patrick’s Church and after the mass the stop over is at Koshy’s for a tea and some snacks. 

Shaping the Virtual Porn – Horny Avatars

~ bjcharles ~ 1 Comment
Virtual Porn – Growing Space

Mango Season Bangalore
Mango Time – Gift from a Neighbor 

So, what’s the growing business hub? Is it everything around virtual space? How good are Indians and Indian companies ready to tap the virtual space? Is tech companies doing any research in it? What about geeks in your locality aware of the potential of virtual technology?

Well, I haven’t experienced or used virtual technology, but I wouldn’t mind exploring virtual world. But, I guess the devices are bit too expensive now. I hope the price will come down soon and we’ll all be touting a virtual headset on the backseat of our car. 

Start a Customer Friendly Baking Accessory Shop in Kerala

~ bjcharles ~ 1 Comment
Shopping experience is never great in Trivandrum. Especially, when it comes to buying baking ingredients in Trivandrum. These shop owners and sales people act as if their shop is the only one in this planet. I wonder, why they find it difficult to give a proper answer to customers. All they know to with a sadistic smirks is – NO STOCK. What the f#$%!!

  • Why, why, why! Don’t these fellas know that they are pissing off the customers? 
  • Do they think they are the only shop available to the customers? 
  • Why don’t they learn to politely speak to customers? If no stock, they should be able to say when the stock will be available.
  • How can we train these idiots – A crash course on how to deal with customers, how to smile, how to please and make a customer for life? 

Well, I can’t change their outlook. And, if they change then dooms day is coming near. The big demon is just spreading it’s tentacles and soon they will be crying for customers. Yes, I’m talking about the popularity of eCommerce stores which are offering faster, cheaper and happy buying experience. If any of the shop keepers are reading this, then don’t blame that you didn’t get sufficient WARNING.

Anybody listening? 

What I feel is that eventually many buyers will choose online stores but if these shop keepers are giving sufficient reason for customers to come to their store, then they will. For example, here are few stores in Trivandrum who are going an extra mile to make shopping a happy experience. One is Rema Textiles near Uloor, next is Scylon footwear at Statue. 
Business Opportunity – Open a Baking Store in Trivandrum. 

Well, more and more people are learning baking, getting into home made cakes, there is a growing demand for baking ingredients. While most shops are near East Fort side, you can start one near Nathancode, or Kowdiar or Vellayambalam side.

What do you say? If you have a spare room in your house, or you own an unused garage, then deck it with basic baking ingredients and you’ll have a steady income coming. 

If you’re looking for a whole seller who can provide you with baking ingredients, then you can contact Arife Lamoulde – For Baking Supplies which is located in Bombay
The phone number is 9833706896. The shop address is:
Shop No. 556, Crawford Market, Mumbai – 400001.
This shop is run by a smart dude and I bet he has a Facebook page also. Get in touch with him and get your consignment and start your home venture without much hassles. Apart from him, there are few other sellers. If you require, I can give their number. 
This baking ingredient business can work in Kollam, Calicult, Cochin, Kottayam, Thiruvala, or any place which has sufficient customer base. 
BTW, when you start any shop, don’t forget to smile at your customers and deliver added value such as providing additional information about the product or how to use the equipment or tool!
Baking for Business

Good Luck!

Medical College Trivandrum

~ bjcharles ~ 3 Comments
Driving Past Medical College on a Sunny Day

It’s the tall concrete entrance at the Medical College, Trivandrum. A thought just crossed my mind, does this arch add any value to this government hospital. Probably, they should have constructed a watch man’s cabin at the base of the pillar. At lest, he would keep an eye on this campus and he could answer thousands of queries from people seeking treatment in this hospital.

Here is another suggestion to Medical College Authorities. Probably, a layout board beside or at the entrance will guide visitors to various departments and treatment facilities inside this vast campus. Apart from a metal or concrete layout pic, a digital screen could serve more. In all the probability, government won’t have funds. So, funding could be done by the current students, or alumini or even public funding could be called for.

I have one more suggestion. It’s about keeping a help desk. So, what’s a help desk. 

It means a person should be recruited to answer all the queries about Medical College Trivandrum. A person can be a big blessing for those who doesn’t have a clue about the facilities and places in this hospital.

What kind of questions will this help desk answer?

  • Where is the mortuary? How can I book a wreath? 
  • Where should I go to get the blood report, or sample, or scan?
  • Is there a place for me to stay, under 100 rs a day?
  • Will someone sponsor my treatment?
  • How will I approach the Govt to reimburse my medical bills? Where do I get the medical reimbursement forms? How do I get the medical bills attested by a govt doctor? Is there an easy way to get it attested?
  • Where is RCC ( Regional Cancer Centre)?
  • I wan to be a doctor, nurse? Where can I get the application form?
  • How much does it cost to take a — treatment? 
  • How can I find a bystander or nursing assistant to take care of a patient admitted in the hospital?
  • Can I get coconut water delivered to ward # 3 or room No 203? 
  • How can I complain about bad service?
  • How can I donate money or donate a stretcher to Medical College?
  • Can I donate money to paint a general ward? I need it to be done in a day. Is it possible?
  • I want to donate food. How and where can I provide free food? 
  • How to donate blood? Will I get it back when I require?
  • How to get admission to Sree Chithra? What are the PG courses offered? 
  • I’m depressed, I want to cry, I want to share my grief – Whom to seek? Will someone console me? Is there free counselling service? What about phone counselling?
  • I’m tired after walking around the various labs in medical college…who will help me? 
  • Whom do I approach to do voluntary work in Medical College? 
  • How do I apply for a tender in medical college?
  • I’m a Maldivian – Can I get an escort in Trivandrum. I’m not fluent in English?
  • Where should I stand to get a bus to Kottayam or Kasargod?
  • Will someone host my stay in Trivandrum?
  • Which is the best doctor for (this) surgery? 
  • I don’t have money and I’m a daily worker. I’m willing to work for 6 hrs in return for a day’s wages? I need that money to my daughter’s, wife’s medical bill? Can you connect?
  • And thousand other questions…

    Who will Bear the Cost of Providing this Service

I bet there are thousands of successful doctors who have passed out this prestigious medical college. Probably, they could take this up as a project. Or the big medical labs, medical stores in this vicinity? Or someone who is retired and who can assemble few others and start this imitative.Or a graduate or MBA student should take a part of this activity as a project. Plan, Promote, Raise Funds! Voluntary work will be great for your resume. You can update it on LinkedIn too.

Apart from having a person here, all the queries should be listed on a blog. It will help others to visit the blog and get answers to it. Probably, when the blog gets popular you can do affiliate marketing on it.

Just my opinion!

Keep the good work!

Broken in Seconds…from the Scratch

~ bjcharles ~ 1 Comment
End of My Dream Run

Why did I act on an impulse?
Why did I threw all caution in the air?.

What’s the use of crying now, when all my effort, search results is gone.

You probably don’t know what I’m grieving about. Well, it all about changing my blog name from “Twowaythought” to “playingbytherulebook”. And, when I changed, all the name, fame, search engine ranking, all was lost.

Today, this blog is like an orphan, desolate like our Thar dessert. No one visits anymore. Before it happened, this blog used to have around 200 to 300 visits per day.

Now, I would be lucky if I had one visitor in a day. It’s like an all new blog. And, now I’ve to wait for Google’s search robots to find, and acknowledge this blog. And, I’m not sure when it will  happen. But when?

So, what happened….

I was watching a Hollywood movie ( Noting Hill) in Romedy Channel. I heard someone say in the movie “playing by the rule book”. And, this phrase triggered me to change my blog to this. And when I was changing the Blogger name, I was surprised that Blogger didn’t warn me. It just went ahead changing the entire history in few clicks.

What lessons did I learn?

I think nothing much. I feel I’ve done something stupid like this many times before and I’m sure it won’t the end of it.

What is the lesson for you?

Think twice, ask opinion to your friend who could help you. If you don’t have anyone to ask, you can just google it for answers.

Amen!
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