CHUCKLE THINKING

    Picture is as of November 11, 2017 Nevada border thoughts Americans are renowned for their creative marketing tactics. A prime example is the Montego Bay Hotel's massive billboard in West Wendover, strategically located at the Nevada-Utah border.  The eye-catching ad promotes a tantalizing dish priced at just $8.95. However, the hotel's clever ploy is to lure customers in with affordable food, only to entice them into spending significantly more at the casino. India's advertising industry has produced numerous iconic campaigns that have resonated with audiences worldwide. From memorable slogans to creative storytelling, Indian ads have consistently showcased the country's rich cultural heritage and diversity. The advertisements in India are also noteworthy. The advertising wing of companies in India/Bharat rivals that of any other nation in terms of innovation.  Enjoy watching some classic examples: first mobile ad in early 1990s Hindi Ads 2024 actors need not be...

  college mates meeting for the first time after 47 years  thoughts Reconnecting with Old Friends: A Reality Check  A popular adage suggests that friends from our school days are a treasure to cherish, especially during retirement. After settling in Mysore, I had the opportunity to reconnect with a few schoolmates. While they were friendly and cordial when we met, I couldn't help but feel that the intimacy we once shared as students was missing. Despite my invitations, a couple of friends never reciprocated by inviting me to their homes, even after I welcomed them to visit me with their spouses. They didn't visit my home, despite my follow-ups. Another classmate would deliberately avoid picking up my calls or say he is busy with some work. Then there is a classmate who lives just a few yards away; he would speak warmly when we met or when I visited his home. I invited him and his wife to my home on several occasions, but he never reciprocated, subtly hinting that I should...

  what is self praise? 👆 thoughts A person with a genuinely good heart is a rare gem, radiating warmth and kindness that touches the lives of those around them. Free from the toxic grip of jealousy, they celebrate others' successes with unbridled enthusiasm, their own sense of self-worth never threatened by someone else's triumphs. Their generosity of spirit and willingness to lift others up create a ripple effect of positivity, inspiring a sense of community and connection that is both beautiful and uplifting. With a heart full of love and a mind free from envy, they embody the very essence of compassion and kindness. To be honest, I don't identify with the group of people whose character is described above. Our hearts can be clear and good even when we don't always celebrate others' successes or actively work to uplift the poor. This realisation has led me to reflect on what truly matters in life. How can we still cultivate a good heart in our own unique ways? Th...

    thoughts ನನಗೆ ಚಂದಮಾಮದ  ಎರಡು ಕತೆಗಳು ನೆನಪಾದವು. ಒಂದು ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಪದವಿಗೆ ಇಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ಒಂದೊಂದು 100 ಚಕ್ಕುಲಿ ಇರುವ ಡಬ್ಬ ದೂರದ ಊರಿಗೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಬರಬೇಕು. 2 ದಿನದ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ. ಬುತ್ತಿ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುವ ಹಾಗಿಲ್ಲ, ಯಾರನ್ನೂ ಮಾತನಾಡಿಸುವ ಹಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಊಟ ಬೇಡುವ ಹಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಒಬ್ಬ ಊಟ ಇಲ್ಲದೇ ಹಸಿವಿನಿಂದ ಬಳಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಚಕ್ಕುಲಿಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಂದು ಊರು ತಲುಪುತ್ತಾನೆ.  ಇನ್ನೊಬ್ಬ ಎಲ್ಲ 100 ಚಕ್ಕುಲಿಗಳ ತುದಿಯನ್ನು ಒಂದೇ ತರಹದ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ತುಂಡು ಮಾಡಿ ಹಸಿವನ್ನು ನೀಗಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಇ ವನೇ ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಅಂಥ ತೀರ್ಮಾನವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಎರಡು ಇದೇ ತರಹ ಇಬ್ಬರು ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ರಾಜ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಬೂದಿಯನ್ನು ರಾಜನಿಗೆ ಕಾಣಿಕೆ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ ಕೊಟ್ಟು  ಬರಬೇಕು. ಒಬ್ಬ ಬೂದಿ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದಾಗ ರಾಜನಿಗೆ ಕೋಪ ಬಂದು ಶಿಕ್ಷೆ ಕೊಡುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅಲ್ಲೇ ಜೈಲು ವಾಸ ಆಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಇನ್ನೊಬ್ಬ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ರಾಜ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಿ, ದೇವರ ಭಸ್ಮ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಉಡುಗೊರೆಯಿಂದ ವಾಪಸ್ಸು ಬರುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಪದವಿ ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ. 1970 ರ ದಶಕದ ಕಥೆ. ಯಾರಿಗಾದರೂ ನೆನಪಿದೆಯೇ ? *** I remembered two stories from Chandamama (a popular Indian children's magazine). One: For the post of Minister, two individuals were each required to take a box containing 100 chakkulis (a type of savory snack...

    thoughts Why not consider a different perspective? In my view, every parent should prioritise their own health and well-being. This means taking personal responsibility for their own care and making necessary arrangements. As caregivers, parents have a responsibility to raise their children, but once children reach adulthood, parents should grant them complete autonomy to make decisions, intervening only when explicitly asked for guidance. By treating grown children as friends, parents can foster a strong, crack-free bond built on mutual respect. This role is crucial, but it should also have a natural endpoint.  It's misguided for parents to assume that their children are obligated to care for them in old age. Instead of relying on their children, parents should be practical and proactive, letting go of dependencies and making their own arrangements for their golden years. Parents should not assume that their children will reciprocate the care they received in th...

  Pic: at Dubai, on our way to the USA on August 8, 2016 recllections US and European authorities indeed prioritise respectful communication with senior citizens. This approach is rooted in the recognition of the rights and dignity of older adults. In the European Union, for instance, the Charter of Fundamental Rights ensures the rights of the elderly are respected, including their right to lead a life of dignity and independence. The authorities in the US when interacting with senior citizens, tend to be more polite, acknowledging their concerns and validating their experiences. This doesn't necessarily mean they'll change their decisions, but rather that they'll communicate those decisions in a clear, respectful, and compassionate manner. I recall a personal experience at Dallas International Airport in August 8, 2016. My daughter, her two children, and I were traveling to the US when we were briefly detained. What caught the attention of the authorities was my three-year...

    thoughts My daughter, Chaitra Rao wasn't working as she was mainly taking care of the kids. But her passion for teaching and music led her to conduct classes at home twice a week for children, coaching them in music and Devaranama. She graciously shared her earnings with me from time to time, which I've prudently saved as fixed deposits in the bank. As a 'swabhimani' myself, I've ensured that her earnings remain intact. I look forward to returning her earnings with interest in the future as a gesture of appreciation and love. As her children grew, she felt bored at home. In 2021, she embarked on a new challenge, pursuing a two-year certificate course in cardiovascular sonography at a Dallas college. She specialized in 'Ecotech' and leveraged her master's degree in Biotechnology from the University of Mysore to secure exemptions in some papers. Apart from theory, the course required nearly 800 hours of practical experience, which she completed alongsi...