Saturday, November 14, 2020

Agraharam Tour

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJEbwQ0hkdU


Unfortunately, it's in Tamil. No subtitles.

Agraharam is a brahmin locality in a village in Tamil Nadu.

This is a tour of such a house, about 70 years old, in my cousin's village.


These house are long (look like a train with many compartments) They are row houses, adjacent houses have the same length and share their walls. They differ in their widths.

Monday, October 5, 2020

Byju's And Advanced Learning

 An interesting fwd I received, worth a read👇🏻


Many years ago - there was a Gentleman called Arindam Chaudhari. He wore a pony tail, ranted a lot of nonsense, valued businesses worth Rs. 10 Lakhs for Rs. 100 Crore and mocked at India for being old fashioned.


He started an Institute - promising this and that and this and that. He charged exorbitant fees and in return gave a Laptop and some highly dubious course material and promised you - you would be in Wall Street in 3 years time.


Today - 22000 Students at least have filed over 1700 Petitions, Complaints against him in wild fury and anger - all over India especially in Bangalore. I am one of the 219 Lawyers who have filed petitions in both Karnataka (Through Associate Counsel) and Madras High Courts. He has been accused of a variety of charges from fraud to tax evasion.


Every generation has its own Arindam Chaudhari.


They target the Average and Below Average students - and promise them the sun and the moon. These poor kids - get baited hook line and sinker. Aware of their shortcomings and realizing that they will never get into IIMs or get a perfect GRE Score or an attractive engineering college - they are convinced that their life will change.


In my opinion:-


Byjus is the Arindam Chaudhari 2.0


The Same Arindam Chaudhari brand of baiting the Average and Below Average by promising them the sun, the moon and the stars.


First off are the exhorbitant charges. Like Chaudhari - they too give you a Laptop and charge you almost Rs. 1.5 Lakhs for Classes I - Class III. Thats 50,000/- for a year but like a Vegetable Market if you choose the three year package - you get it for Rs. 90,000/-.


Likewise as you go to a higher class- you pay a higher sum. For taking their package upto Class X - you pay Rs. 2 Lakhs flat. (From 4th to 10th).


And you have different combinations for 11th and 12th - beginning from Rs. 70,000/- to Rs. 1,80,000/- plus horrendous fees for English and Hindi alone (Around 80,000/-)


Plus Rs. 5000/- for a Test Series


Plus Rs. 45,000/- for Crash Courses.


So the charges are huge. Almost equivalent to school fees and in many cases higher than what schools charge - at least in Tamilnadu.


Now are there any serious benefits?


Unless Byjus has a direct line to the Goddess Kaali and can give divine blessings to the students - the answer is NO


Average Students will continue to be Average. Below Average students will continue to be below Average.


Most of the IIT Toppers are Toppers for two reasons - One reason of course if that they work hard but the other reason is THEY ARE INTELLIGENT.


You cannot bring an Average guy and make him an IIT Topper just by offering a glitzy course with glossy pamphlets.


I speak with examples of course.


A Neighbor of mine - enrolled her kid who scored 63% marks in Class X to the 11th and 12th plan of Byjus. Apparently the woman assured her that the Kid was intelligent and should go to the Science group and that their system would take care of any chinks. She spoke so well that this woman literally handed over her child to Byjus like you did in the old days - handing your child to a guru in a gurukul.


The Kids marks did not improve. He worked hard but to no avail. Supposedly there was a counsellor but he was a half baked fellow himself - who kept telling the kid to mutter this shloka and that.


The Woman shelled out Rs. 1.90 Lakhs to Byjus (Her SBI Credit or Debit Card was used every time) and each time she came to pay the money - there would be promises -


‘He just has to overcome his tension’ ; ‘He just has to concentrate’;’He is a very bright student but…’


Meanwhile the Kids Maths Teacher literally told the mother “Your son is very average. He simply cannot study in the Science Group. Please place him somewhere - where he can relax and do well”


Eventually the Kid secured 68% in Class XII with 59 marks in Mathematics. The Mother was distraught and requested my wife to ask me to come with her to Byjus. Apparently Byjus had promised the mother that if the Kid did not get less than 75% , they would give him 12th coaching again free of cost or would refund some money or a lot of money (Not sure how much).


So we went and immediately the woman got some other schmuck wearing a shirt and tie who gave a card to us - and began his slick lies. He brought up some report card and said the kid was this and that (Which the mother had never heard of before that day) and reluctantly refused to repeat the 12th Coaching again or give a refund.


The mother was in tears - and I realized there was nothing in writing. Just as we left - the Schmuck - came to us and told us “Sir! I can help you out. I can get the Kid a second chance at 40% discount and i can give you a one on one coaching”


Slowly more and more mothers - more and more of the same story.


    They target the Average and Below Average Students

    They charge exorbitant fees

    Their teachers are selected from Schools and they get huge cuts and commissions for referrals. So a Teacher intentionally gives lower and lower marks to the student and “advises” the mother to send the child to a Tuition like Byjus

    They promise the sun, the moon and the stars

    Eventually unless you leak the paper - the Average Student and Below Average Student will continue to remain average and below average or if they do we'll, it would be their own hard work not Byjus

    When you go back angry - they will make excuses and send you home


Then i heard they are now valued at 88000 Crores !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am Ashamed.


Why am i Ashamed?


Because our Country is a target for these so called “Educational Institutions” - to come and offer the world to the mediocre and suck their money and leave them dry and reeling.


In China - the Average is told he is average and is given an Average Job. He is happy.


In Singapore - the Average also gets an Average Job and is happy


In USA and India - the Average is promised that he is extraordinary and offered a course for huge fees promising the sun, the moon and the stars and after everything is finished - he gets ZILCH except a big loss of money or worse - a Loan from a private lender.


It is one of the Biggest Cons in the HIstory of Indian Education


You want to do well :-


    Assess your Intelligence

    Find out your Range

    Do the best that you can for your Range

    However work as hard as possible to achieve the best in your range


Remember the homily of Senathypathy in Indian “If you can get a job with your own talent and education - good - otherwise settle down and do any honorable job you can do your best at”


P.S:- The NEET and IIT courses of Byjus are not included. I dont have enough data to conclude if they are dubious or not.


So Byjus is not a slap on Indias Education System but a Slap on India and every Average Indian out there.

Sunday, October 4, 2020

RV Medicines

 Celong:

Composition of Celong Tablet:

VITAMIN C + VITAMIN D3 + CURCUMIN + ZINC



Nicerbium

Nicerbium Tablet may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. You should finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. In case you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. You should continue to take this medicine for as long as the doctor advises and do not stop taking it suddenly as it may result in worsening of headaches.


Side effects associated with the use of this medicine include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, taste changes, agitation, muscle pain, and restlessness. However, these are usually temporary and usually resolve on their own. Please consult your doctor if these do not subside or worry you. It may also cause dizziness, so do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.


Macalvit syrup

Macalvit syrup is a combination of Calcium carbonate and Vitamin D3(cholecalciferol) which is used as bone joint supplement. Calcium carbonate is a mineral that is required for the formation of bones and maintaining them. Calcium carbonate is required to prevent breakage of bones, Calcium is used to prevent or treat low blood calcium levels in people who do not get enough calcium from their diets.


Vitamin D3(cholecalciferol) that is used in the absorption of calcium in the blood. Vitamin D3 helps in processing of essential minerals in the body like Calcium and Phosphorus. Lack of Vitamin D3 results in bone weakening, bone pain, and skin diseases.


Mentat

The natural ingredients in Mentat improve mental quotient, memory span and concentration ability. Mentat reduces the level of tribulin, an endogenous monoamine oxidase inhibitor that is elevated during anxiety. The calming effects of Mentat are beneficial in treating insomnia and convulsions.


COQ

Coenzyme Q10 has been used for heart problems (e.g., heart failure, angina), high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, gum disease, and certain diseases passed down through families (Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy). It has also been used for reducing the number of migraine headaches and for reducing cell damage that may occur after surgery or treatment with certain anti-cancer drugs.


Clonil

Clonil 10 MG Tablet is a tricyclic antidepressant medicine, used for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobia. It is also used in the treatment of muscle weakness associated with the sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Take this medicine at the same time regularly. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without informing your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.


Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Clonil 10 MG Tablet

Dizziness

Blurred vision

Dry mouth

Nausea or Vomiting

Swelling of face and feet

Acid or sour stomach

Constipation

Shaking of hands or feet

Mouth ulcers

Irregular menstrual periods


Synaptol

Uses of Synaptol 150 mg Tablet

What is it prescribed for?

This medicine is used in the treatment of muscle spasm/spasticity, a condition where certain muscles are contracted constantly, associated with various muscular, neurological, or vascular disorders.


Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Synaptol 150 mg Tablet

Excessive sweating

Itching and skin rash

Abdominal pain

Nausea

Diarrhea

Dryness of mouth

Headache

Constipation

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Flatulence (Passing of gas)



Syndopa

Syndopa 110 Tablet is a combination of two medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is one of the most effective medications to relives symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as tremor, muscle stiffness and difficulty moving.


Syndopa 110 Tablet can be taken without food but it is better to avoid high protein diet and dairy products while taking this medicine. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. You should never skip any doses and try to finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not stop taking medicine until told by your doctor as it can cause harmful effects.


This medicine may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, dryness in mouth, constipation, and headache. Initially, this medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, so it's better to rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. It causes a sudden onset of dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.


Take caution while taking medicine if you are suffering from liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.


Pacitane

Pacitane Tablet is used with other medicines to treat Parkinson’s disease. It’s also used to treat severe movement side effects caused by certain drugs (drug-induced movemnet disorder).


Pacitane Tablet should be taken empty stomach as it reduces the side effects of this medicine. It should be taken at the same time each day, this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to the doctor as it may result in a worsening of symptoms.


Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and blurred vision. It even causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Dry mouth may occur commonly while using this medicine so, try to do frequent mouth rinses, maintain good oral hygiene, and increase water intake. Avoid wearing contact lenses as it may cause dry eyes as well. It is important to inform your doctor if you suffer from glaucoma or have trouble in passing urine.


Before using Pacitane Tablet, you should tell your doctor if you've ever had heart problems, problems with passing urine, liver or kidney disease. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other drugs you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before starting treatment with this medicine.


Saturday, September 26, 2020

EQ: Emotional Intelligence - Misuse

  1. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/01/the-dark-side-of-emotional-intelligence/282720/ 
  2. https://www.qicpl.com/2018/11/01/manipulators-who-misuse-emotional-intelligence-and-eq-the-darker-side/
  3. https://bigthink.com/ideafeed/having-emotional-intelligence-tempts-us-to-misuse-it
  4. https://hbr.org/2018/05/is-your-emotional-intelligence-authentic-or-self-serving
  5. https://time.com/5300642/dark-side-emotional-intelligence/
  6. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/good-thinking/201408/the-dark-side-emotional-intelligence

"In a comprehensive review of the dark side of emotional intelligence, Martin Kildare, Chair of Organizational Behavior at University College London, noted that emotionally intelligent people “intentionally shape their emotions to fabricate favorable impressions of themselves…The strategic disguise of one’s own emotions and the manipulation of others’ emotions for strategic ends are behaviors evident not only on Shakespeare’s stage but also in the offices and corridors where power and influence are traded.” "


Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se

Sambhy, Sudha Malhotra, Sahir Ludhiyanvi, Amrita Pritam




Thursday, September 17, 2020

Saturday, August 15, 2020

Palliative Health Care - Hospice in Chennai

https://chennai.citizenmatters.in/chennai-palliative-care-terminally-ill-patients-4538


Contacts of a few centres in Chennai

Ashirwadh care homes – 9152194222

Soul Palliative Care Foundation -9841313433

Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust – 044 2532 2684

RMD Pain and Palliative Care Trust – 044 2815 7373

Pain and Palliative Care Clinic – 098410 23540

Turiya Health Care – 04445550256

Dean Foundation – 8220499992

Saturday, July 25, 2020

High Heart Pulse Rate

"Usually, though, a high heart beat is not due to heart disease, because a wide variety of noncardiac factors can speed the heart rate. These include fever, a low red blood cell count (anemia), an overactive thyroid, or overuse of caffeine or stimulants like some over-the-counter decongestants. The list goes on, and includes anxiety and poor physical conditioning."

Corona Virus Symptoms

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-symptoms-study-six-different-types/

Sibling Rivalry And Toxic Parenting

  1. Psychology Today: Toxic Parenting and Sibling Warfare. 
  2. https://www.regain.us/advice/family/toxic-family-dynamics-the-signs-and-how-to-cope-with-them/
  3. https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3551-toxic-parents-overcoming-their-hurtful-legacy-and-reclaiming-your-life - "Enmeshment creates almost total dependence on approval and validation from outside yourself. Lovers, bosses, friends, even strangers become the stand-in for parents. Adults like Kim who were raised in families where there was no permission to be an individual frequently become approval junkies, constantly seeking their next fix."

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Corona Positive Experience

Hi, I am sharing my some experiences on battling the Corona Virus.

I was tested positive for Covid-19 on 6th of June. After a 14 days of home quarantine, I recovered and came out of it. Big thanks to our family Doctor who was a Godsend and treated from home due to lack of availability of beds in the hospitals. 

Symptoms of the virus are Fever, Loss of Taste and Smell, Cough, Joint pain, Fatigueness, Weakness and FEAR which affect you more than anything. 
But if you are diagnosed and treated with proper medications, precautions and you could come out of it, Depending on your immune system. 

Below I am sharing a list of things which are helpful and must for battling this Virus, and also I would like to thank those who helped me in these difficult times. 

THINGS TO BE KEPT AT HOME
1) Thermos Bottle warm water intake.
2) Thermometer to check body temperature.
3) Pulse Oximeter (Very Important) to measure oxygen levels, It shouldn't go below 90.
4) Steamer (Very Important) For cleansing of cough and cold and also the virus. Followed by Warm Water Gargles. 

FOODS AND NUTRITION TO BE CONSUMED
Home cooked Meals, Khichdi, Dal-Rice, Pulses. Zinc Based Foods, Eggs, Hot Milk with turmeric, Chyawanprash, Raw Garlic and Clove, Electral powder,  Glucon-D & Tang drink. Search online for zinc and immune based foods. 

And Above All "WILL POWER"

P.S. Have not written about the medicines here. They vary according to the body and age. In case of any need direct message me personally, will send it. 

-VIVEK MANDREKAR

Kaun Hai Jo Sapnon Mein Aaya - Elvis And Rafi

https://youtu.be/46aqboQfKak

Monday, July 13, 2020

How Does One Get Infected

How Exactly Do You Catch Covid-19? There Is a Growing Consensus https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-exactly-do-you-catch-covid-19-there-is-a-growing-consensus-11592317650

It’s not common to contract Covid-19 from a contaminated surface, scientists say. And fleeting encounters with people outdoors are unlikely to spread the coronavirus. 

Instead, the major culprit is close-up, person-to-person interactions for extended periods. Crowded events, poorly ventilated areas and places where people are talking loudly—or singing, in one famous case—maximize the risk.

"Another factor is prolonged exposure. That’s generally defined as 15 minutes or more of unprotected contact with someone less than 6 feet away, said John Brooks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s chief medical officer for the Covid-19 response. But that is only a rule of thumb, he cautioned. It could take much less time with a sneeze in the face or other intimate contact where a lot of respiratory droplets are emitted, he said."
about what causes corona infection.

An estimated 10% of people with Covid-19 are responsible for about 80% of transmissions, according to a study published recently in Wellcome Open Research.

Mutual Fund Transmission

Livemint: What happens to mutual fund units after the death of the investor.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

White Lives Matter: Amy Cooper

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/06/amy-cooper-charged-false-report/

Ideal Dating Profile

Medical Xpress: Do we know what we want in a romantic partner? No more than a random stranger would, study says.

Economic Losses Due To Pandemic

If you have a job & your company is still operating, be very grateful

WHY?

1. Victoria's Secret declared bankruptcy.
2. Zara closed 1,200 stores.
3. La Chapelle withdrew 4391 stores.
4. Chanel is discontinued.
5. Hermes is discontinued.
6. Patek Philippe discontinued production.
7. Rolex discontinued production.
8. The world's luxury industry has crumpled.
9. Nike has a total of $23 billion US dollars preparing for the second stage of layoffs.
10. Gold's gym filed for bankruptcy
11. The founder of AirBnb said that because of pandemic, 12 years of efforts were destroyed in 6 weeks.
12. Even Starbucks also announced to permanently close their 400 stores.
13. WeWork isn't in a great spot either

The list goes on & on

See the US economy landscape :

Nissan Motor Co. may close down in USA

1. Biggest Car Rental company (Hertz) filed for bankruptcy - they also own Thrifty and Dollar
2. Biggest Trucking company (Comcar) filed for bankruptcy - they have 4000 trucks
3. Oldest retail company (JC Penny) filed for bankruptcy - to be acquired by Amazon for pennies
4. Biggest investor in the world (Warren Buffet) lost $50B in the last 2 months
5. Biggest investment company in the world (BlackRock) is signalling disaster in the world economy - they manage over $7 Trillion
6. Biggest mall in America (Mall of America) stopped paying mortgage payments
7. Most reputable airline in the world (Emirates) laying off 30% of its employees
8. US Treasury printing trillions to try to keep the economy on life support
9. Estimated no. of retail stores closing in 2020 - 12,000 to 15,000. The following are big retailers that have announced closing:

- J. Crew
- Gap
- Victoria's Secret
- Bath & Body Works
- Forever 21
- Sears
- Walgreens
- GameStop
- Pier 1 Imports
- Nordstrom
- Papyrus
- Chico's
- Destination Maternity
- Modell's
- A.C. Moore
- Macy's
- Bose
- Art Van Furniture
- Olympia Sports
- K Mart
- Specialty Cafe & Bakery
and many many more

Unemployment claims reached an all-time high of 38+ million - unemployment is over 25% (out of 160 million of work force, close to 40 million are jobless). With no income, consumer demand is falling drastically and the economy will go into a free fall. This is just USA...

Under the weight of the new crown pandemic, many giants are facing the crisis of failure. 5 months of pandemic created a LOT of debt, and tens of thousands of companies went bankrupt. If you have business & your company is still there, and there are no pay cuts or layoffs, pl treat your company & customer well. Humans are facing the pandemic that cannot be controlled. The second half of 2020, is the challenge of corporate strength & relationship

2020 is about survival. Take care of yourself & your loved ones. Be happy with what you have!

Friday, June 26, 2020

Dihydrogen Monoxide

"*Zohnerism : Twisting of simple facts to confuse people*. 

In 1997, 14 year old Nathan Zohner presented his science fair project to his classmates, seeking to ban a highly toxic chemical from it’s everyday use.

The chemical in question? *Dihydrogen monoxide*.


Throughout his presentation, Zohner provided his audience scientifically correct evidence as to why this chemical should be banned.

He explained that dihydrogen monoxide:

Causes severe burns while it’s in gaseous form.

Corrodes and rusts metals.

Kills countless amounts of people annually.

Is commonly found in tumors, acid rain etc.

Causes excessive urination and bloating if consumed.

Zohner also noted that the chemical is able to kill you if you depend on it and then experience an extended withdrawal.

*He then asked his classmates if they actually wanted to ban dihydrogen monoxide*.

And so *43 out of the 50 children* present voted to ban this clearly toxic chemical.

However…this chemical isn’t typically considered toxic at all.

*In fact, dihydrogen monoxide is simply an unconventional name for water*.

Nathan Zohner’s experiment wasn’t a legitimate attempt to ban water, but instead *an experiment to get a representation of how gullible people can really be*.

Also, all of the points that Zohner used to convey his point were 100% factually correct; he just skewed all of the information in his favor by omitting certain facts.

One journalist eventually dubbed this event as *Zohnerism*, where *true facts are misled towards false conclusions*.

*And this occurs a lot more often than you think, especially when politicians, conspiracy theorists, etc., use proven facts to persuade people into believing false claims*.

*The fact that people can mislead, and be misled so easily, is highly unsettling*.
"

Sunday, March 15, 2020

How Much Is Coronavirus Costing Us?

Coronavirus Live Stats

Autism In Babies / Children / Kids

Debt Fund NAV

Most Expensive Homes In India

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Prostate Gland

Chennai Corporation Property Tax

"Dear all

Good news for those who are having own property :

Corp of chennai revert back to old tax.

All of us would have paid new tax for the past 18 months.

Now they have udated till 31/3/2020 with old rates in the system.

What ever excess paid has bern kept as advance  credit in our corp tax account.

Request all of you pkease go to Chennai corp site under property tax status,. By entering your number and yoy can see the credit reflecting your account as " advance payment made by us"

I suggest all of you please take a print out if the payment details with the credit amount as in 1/4/20 and keep it on your file .

Friday, January 24, 2020

What Yasmin Needs

  1. I don't need your fucking approval of me as a human being
  2. I will not remain in a place that's unfair to me
  3. I will focus on what makes me happy

Monday, January 6, 2020

Maneka Gandhi On Bugs Bunny And Tom and Jerry

"By laughing when they pull up grass, or squash snails and ants, or by making them watch animal based cartoons like Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry where guns are fun, is sending your children on the path to destruction." From https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/8thday/cruelty-animals-influence-behaviour-children-1502839066.html

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