Source: The Week
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Choice @ Amore
Speak of choice and you need to see this ice cream shop. What I observed was strange some people walked away when they couldn't get a particular flavor. What does this tell you?You need to know what to fill your shelves. Mere choice is not OK!
Pic: Amore @ Prasad Imax, Hyderabad
Indian newspapers fall for baroque Nazi war criminal hoax
The Pen Pricks, who run a blog skewering the Goan press, promised readers on Sunday they were about to break a “big, Big, BIg, BIG” story. It looks like they succeeded. Still, it should not take pranksters to remind us that gullibility is a dangerous flaw in journalism.
It takes Google only 0.13 seconds to establish that the Marsha Tikash Whanaab concentration camp at which Bach was apparently posted does not exist. The Express reporter, at least, telephoned the German embassy and Indian police for comment. The fact they had no idea what the reporter was talking about did not deter publication. Only the Times of India gave even a hint that it smelt something fishy, but ran a story all the same.
Read more.
It takes Google only 0.13 seconds to establish that the Marsha Tikash Whanaab concentration camp at which Bach was apparently posted does not exist. The Express reporter, at least, telephoned the German embassy and Indian police for comment. The fact they had no idea what the reporter was talking about did not deter publication. Only the Times of India gave even a hint that it smelt something fishy, but ran a story all the same.
Read more.
Citi plans to overhaul bonus system
Citi, which has incurred losses of about $15 billion in the past two quarters, is expected to witness further billions of dollars of write-downs, related to the subprime crisis.
Recent media reports said that Citi would slash 10 per cent of its 65,000-strong investment banking workforce globally. Currently, bonuses at Citi are largely dependent on the results of a manager's division and individual performance.
"People familiar with the matter said the ultimate goal was to link bonuses of senior managers and junior employees to Citis over all performance. However, they added that the first stage was likely to involve skewing bonuses to take into account how much shared business each manager generated," the Financial Times said in an article published in its online edition on Sunday.
Citi employees already get paid for referrals, when, for example, a wealth management adviser helps a client open a credit card or a checking account. However, Citi insiders say those sums are modest, the report said.
Read more.
Recent media reports said that Citi would slash 10 per cent of its 65,000-strong investment banking workforce globally. Currently, bonuses at Citi are largely dependent on the results of a manager's division and individual performance.
"People familiar with the matter said the ultimate goal was to link bonuses of senior managers and junior employees to Citis over all performance. However, they added that the first stage was likely to involve skewing bonuses to take into account how much shared business each manager generated," the Financial Times said in an article published in its online edition on Sunday.
Citi employees already get paid for referrals, when, for example, a wealth management adviser helps a client open a credit card or a checking account. However, Citi insiders say those sums are modest, the report said.
Read more.
Be Sure or Sore
In a highly secret operation, German intelligence teamed up with Indian intelligence to arrest 88-year-old Johaan Bach from the jungles of Khanapur on the Karnataka-Goa border. A man supposedly wanted for his role in the Holocaust and who's name surprisingly bore resemblance to the 18th century composer and even had an 18th century piano for sale.
The news was delivered to the inboxes of media houses on Friday by a group called Perus Narkp and soon went into print. Some even quoted an intelligence official in Karnataka, who insisted Bach had not just been arrested but even moved to Germany. Others had a map of how Bach had evaded arrest elsewhere and landed in Goa.You would think a press release from an unknown group about a war criminal sharing a name with a famous composer being caught in the jungles of Goa trying to sell a stolen 18th-century piano would be worth double-checking. Well apparently not.
Perus Narkp, the agency that sent out the press release does not exist. Rework Perus Narkp and you get 'Super Prank' and its possible source is the Goan blog, allegeldy run by former journalist of the Goan Herald.
So how did the story make it to the papers? How did editors not smell a rat? Were the checks and balances missing?
Source
The news was delivered to the inboxes of media houses on Friday by a group called Perus Narkp and soon went into print. Some even quoted an intelligence official in Karnataka, who insisted Bach had not just been arrested but even moved to Germany. Others had a map of how Bach had evaded arrest elsewhere and landed in Goa.You would think a press release from an unknown group about a war criminal sharing a name with a famous composer being caught in the jungles of Goa trying to sell a stolen 18th-century piano would be worth double-checking. Well apparently not.
Perus Narkp, the agency that sent out the press release does not exist. Rework Perus Narkp and you get 'Super Prank' and its possible source is the Goan blog, allegeldy run by former journalist of the Goan Herald.
So how did the story make it to the papers? How did editors not smell a rat? Were the checks and balances missing?
When you are using some data you need to be doubly sure about the content and the source or else you are courting trouble. Too bad many well known media houses fell for this.
Source
Monday, June 30, 2008
ICICI Bank wins. Again.
When ICICI Bank announced in April that it would skip annual rituals like promotions or large-scale bonus payouts this year, there was a general sense of disbelief.
After all, India's largest private sector bank was going against the conventional wisdom that the Great Indian Salary Boom will continue despite the slowdown signals. The general consensus was that ICICI Bank was being foolish as the talent shortage and emergence of new job opportunities will ensure an exodus from the bank.
ICICI Bank, however, went ahead and gave a moderate 8 per cent increase in salaries (11 per cent last year), skipped promotions and slashed bonus payouts. Three months later, Ram Kumar, ICICI's group head of human resources, says the bank's attrition rate hasn't gone up -- even marginally.
In short, the Great Indian Salary Boom story will have to take a pause for at least some time to come. The economic boom in the last four to five years meant companies had to go in for premium pricing of manpower and sometimes 'overskill' themselves, as no one wanted to miss out on the opportunity the economic growth could provide.
ICICI Bank also did just that.
Read more.
After all, India's largest private sector bank was going against the conventional wisdom that the Great Indian Salary Boom will continue despite the slowdown signals. The general consensus was that ICICI Bank was being foolish as the talent shortage and emergence of new job opportunities will ensure an exodus from the bank.
ICICI Bank, however, went ahead and gave a moderate 8 per cent increase in salaries (11 per cent last year), skipped promotions and slashed bonus payouts. Three months later, Ram Kumar, ICICI's group head of human resources, says the bank's attrition rate hasn't gone up -- even marginally.
In short, the Great Indian Salary Boom story will have to take a pause for at least some time to come. The economic boom in the last four to five years meant companies had to go in for premium pricing of manpower and sometimes 'overskill' themselves, as no one wanted to miss out on the opportunity the economic growth could provide.
ICICI Bank also did just that.
Read more.
Brand DHL
Singapore will soon be home to a new $2 million attraction. Considered the world's largest tethered balloon, it will be inflated on Wednesday night. It may seem like a strange sight - 40 grown men and women fussing over layers of what looks like plastic. But more than 12 hours of hard work later, it will morph into what's called "The DHL Balloon."
Cleared by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to fly 40 storeys high, the balloon will start taking passengers. At $23 for a 10-minute ride for adults, and $13 for children, passengers will be sent floating up into the air on a balcony. They will have a 360-degree panoramic view of the Singapore skyline. Some 250,000 people are expected to take to the skies in its first year, generating some $3 million in tourist receipts.
Manufactured in France, this balloon system is the only one of its kind approved and certified as an aircraft.
Cleared by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to fly 40 storeys high, the balloon will start taking passengers. At $23 for a 10-minute ride for adults, and $13 for children, passengers will be sent floating up into the air on a balcony. They will have a 360-degree panoramic view of the Singapore skyline. Some 250,000 people are expected to take to the skies in its first year, generating some $3 million in tourist receipts.
Manufactured in France, this balloon system is the only one of its kind approved and certified as an aircraft.
Source: DHL
The Need For Choice
Everyone knows you can’t have all. But the point is how much you are offered. The retailers should keep this in mind. Look at this pic from Candy Bar at Ohri's Banjara. So many chocolates and so many flavors. Kids have a tough time deciding what to take.
In a retail format the decoration, style, look and feel, the options and variety you provide differentiate your store from others. You need to meet the customer’s expectations, choices, whims and fancies. The more the choice the more chance for the customers to walk in.
Brand Conflict?
If the brand is not famous then you need to concentrate on the use or benefit to the viewer. But if the brand is famous then you can sell the brand. The one on the left has bigger brand name and smaller letters. The right ad shows the reverse. Initially you may need to use a combination or need to right concoction.
Remember Shobhaa De's book cover where the font of her name was larger than the title of the book?
Pics of these billboards taken were on Mint road, Hyderabad
Truly Inspirational
Next Time You Think Life is Hard...Think Again!....
My name is Nick Vujicic and I was born without limbs and doctors have no medical explanation for this birth 'defect'. As you can imagine, I was faced with many challenges and obstacles. Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it... The doctors were shocked and had no answers at all! There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a Brother and Sister who were born just like any other baby. I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence that these 'bad' things happen in our life. I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless God has a good purpose for it all.
I am now twenty-three years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planningand Accounting. I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. I am also a speaker in the corporate sector. I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow. Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called 'No Arms, No Legs, and No Worries!'
I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all!
My name is Nick Vujicic and I was born without limbs and doctors have no medical explanation for this birth 'defect'. As you can imagine, I was faced with many challenges and obstacles. Their firstborn son had been born without limbs! There were no warnings or time to prepare themselves for it... The doctors were shocked and had no answers at all! There is still no medical reason why this had happened and Nick now has a Brother and Sister who were born just like any other baby. I know that there is no such thing as luck, chance or coincidence that these 'bad' things happen in our life. I had complete peace knowing that God won't let anything happen to us in our life unless God has a good purpose for it all.
I am now twenty-three years old and have completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planningand Accounting. I am also a motivational speaker and love to go out and share my story and testimony wherever opportunities become available. I have developed talks to relate to and encourage students through topics that challenge today's teenagers. I am also a speaker in the corporate sector. I have a passion for reaching out to youth and keep myself available for whatever God wants me to do, and wherever He leads, I follow. Writing several best-selling books has been one of my dreams and I hope to finish writing my first by the end of the year. It will be called 'No Arms, No Legs, and No Worries!'
I believe that if you have the desire and passion to do something, and if it's God's will, you will achieve it in good time. As humans, we continually put limits on ourselves for no reason at all!
Break the barrier and stay hungry!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Half-Right to Full-Right
What happens to the Half-Right Process?
People look to use them for their own good. Doing it wrong everytime spoils the process. Unfair means, loopholes become part of the process. People will see you as a second rate company, providing second rate service and employing second rate people. Credibility is lost, talent is lost and standards are comprimised. This effect will spill over from one process to another and everything would go down in a spiral.
So start by stopping the first instance of being half right.
People look to use them for their own good. Doing it wrong everytime spoils the process. Unfair means, loopholes become part of the process. People will see you as a second rate company, providing second rate service and employing second rate people. Credibility is lost, talent is lost and standards are comprimised. This effect will spill over from one process to another and everything would go down in a spiral.
So start by stopping the first instance of being half right.
Scared of Inflation? Think Again!
The Indian people and the government are both quaking with fear with inflation hovering at around 8%. The people can barely make two ends meet with prices soaring, and the government knows that if prices don't fall, the government will.
But India is not the only nation grappling with rising inflation. The entire world is.
Worlds worst hit:
But India is not the only nation grappling with rising inflation. The entire world is.
Worlds worst hit:
- Zimbabwe: 355,000%
- Iraq: 53.2%
- Guinea: 30.9%
- San Tome and Principe: 23.1%
- Yemen: 20.8%
- Myanmar: 20%
- Uzbekistan: 19.8%
- Democratic Republic of Congo: 18.2%
- Afghanistan: 17%
- Serbia: 15.5%
Read more.
The inspiring rags-to-riches tale of Sarathbabu
When 27-year old Sarathbabu graduated from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, he created quite a stir by refusing a job that offered him a huge salary. He preferred to start his own enterprise -- Foodking Catering Service -- in Ahmedabad.
He was inspired by his mother who once sold idlis on the pavements of Chennai, to educate him and his siblings. It was a dream come true, when Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy lit the traditional lamp and inaugurated Sarathbabu's enterprise.
Sarathbabu was in Chennai, his hometown, a few days ago, to explore the possibility of starting a Foodking unit in the city and also to distribute the Ullas Trust Scholarships instituted by the IT firm Polaris to 2,000 poor students in corporation schools.
In this interview with rediff.com, Sarathbabu describes his rise from a Chennai slum to his journey to the nation's premier management institute to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Read more.
He was inspired by his mother who once sold idlis on the pavements of Chennai, to educate him and his siblings. It was a dream come true, when Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy lit the traditional lamp and inaugurated Sarathbabu's enterprise.
Sarathbabu was in Chennai, his hometown, a few days ago, to explore the possibility of starting a Foodking unit in the city and also to distribute the Ullas Trust Scholarships instituted by the IT firm Polaris to 2,000 poor students in corporation schools.
In this interview with rediff.com, Sarathbabu describes his rise from a Chennai slum to his journey to the nation's premier management institute to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Read more.
India to be No. 1 in Manufacturing
India is likely to see the largest growth in its share of foreign investment overall, and should become the world leader for investment in manufacturing, says a recent KPMG survey. The results showed a move away from investments in the United States, Japan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, and a big increase in flows to Brazil, Russia, China and India (BRIC).
A global survey of corporate investment plans was carried out by KPMG International. Corporate investment strategists from over 300 of the largest multinational companies in 15 major economies were asked where they plan to invest in the next 12 months and in five years' time.
This trend-setting survey suggests a major shift of capital flows from the USA, Japan and other European countries to the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries, in the next five years. Significantly, while 10 per cent of the companies surveyed expect to invest in India currently, that number will go up to 18 per cent in five years -- the biggest gain amongst all other BRIC countries.
Further an increasing proportion of investments will flow into industrial products and manufacturing in India. Interestingly, 64 per cent of the investment into India is expected to come from new entrants to the country.
India, according to the survey, has the potential to play an even more influential role in flow of capital and it's a great opportunity for India to further improve the economic and fiscal climate and attract and retain investments in its growing economy.
Read more.
A global survey of corporate investment plans was carried out by KPMG International. Corporate investment strategists from over 300 of the largest multinational companies in 15 major economies were asked where they plan to invest in the next 12 months and in five years' time.
This trend-setting survey suggests a major shift of capital flows from the USA, Japan and other European countries to the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries, in the next five years. Significantly, while 10 per cent of the companies surveyed expect to invest in India currently, that number will go up to 18 per cent in five years -- the biggest gain amongst all other BRIC countries.
Further an increasing proportion of investments will flow into industrial products and manufacturing in India. Interestingly, 64 per cent of the investment into India is expected to come from new entrants to the country.
India, according to the survey, has the potential to play an even more influential role in flow of capital and it's a great opportunity for India to further improve the economic and fiscal climate and attract and retain investments in its growing economy.
Read more.
World's 10 biggest shopping malls
From Mumbai to Shanghai to California, shopping malls are sprouting up by the dozens every year. And with the retail sector booming, more such swanky shopping plazas are waiting to be built. But all is not as bright as it is projected to be.
While footfalls in most malls are increasing by the day, the volume of actual sale remains more or less static, barring the festive seasons, when sales shoot up. But this too is restricted to select outlets. However, there is no denying that shopping malls have become an indispensable part of our lives, today.
World's 10 biggest shopping malls
While footfalls in most malls are increasing by the day, the volume of actual sale remains more or less static, barring the festive seasons, when sales shoot up. But this too is restricted to select outlets. However, there is no denying that shopping malls have become an indispensable part of our lives, today.
World's 10 biggest shopping malls
- South China Mall, China
- Golden Resources Shopping Mall, China
- Central World, Bangkok
- The SM Mall of Asia, Philippines
- Dream Mall, Taiwan
- West Edmonton Mall, Canada
- Cevahir Shopping Centre, Turkey (Largest in Europe)
- SM City North EDSA, Philippines
- SM Megamall, Philippines
- Berjaya Times Square Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall, Malaysia
Listed here.
Motivation?
Man Builds Car From 956,000 Matchsticks
Man Builds Full Scale F1 Car From 956,000 Matchsticks. Michael Arndt is a man of matchsticks.Over the course of six years, using 956,000 matchsticks, 1686 tubes of glue, and at least three different varieties of mustache, he built a full-scale replica of a McLaren 4/14 F1 car at a cost of around 6000 Euros ($8,725). The giant model takes up Arndt's entire kitchen and probably his social life. It can be broken down into 45 parts for easy transport to various matchstick-builders conventions.
And you say Change is hard to do? Is motivation hard to find?
All greats were self-starters!
Source: FFO
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Half-Right to Full-Right
Shaukhat points out that there may be a difference in the time taken for moving towards Full-Right.
So this version is also possible. Sometimes itmay take a lot of time in correcting the errors. This may happen because of the huge work force, time taken, lack of certain established processes, inefficient or non-performing HR, disorientation and so on. In such cases it takes a lot of time to change and adjust.
As I have pointed out earlier its the effort that is counted. The passion with which you try to be completely correct matters.
Move over Nano, Tiny is here
The Tata Nano is no longer the world's cheapest car! Jostling along with Tata Nano, this July, will be Tara Tiny and Tara Titu. These are zero emission, electric cars and cost only Rs 99,000! And they come from the Tara International stable.
Each of the cars can be recharged daily at 220 volts through 15 amp sockets, whereas the bikes can be recharged through 5 amp sockets.
A daily 6-hour charge enables bikes to travel 80 to 100 km, whereas the cars (all variants) need 8 hours of charging to cover the same distance.
A daily 6-hour charge enables bikes to travel 80 to 100 km, whereas the cars (all variants) need 8 hours of charging to cover the same distance.
Obama Againist Outsourcing?
Taking a tough stand against outsourcing, the presumptive Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama said that the choice is between giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas or give benefit to those corporations that keep jobs domestically."We can keep giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, or we can give tax benefits to companies that invest right here in New Hampshire," Senator Obama said at a joint appearance with Senator Hillary Clinton in Unity, New Hampshire."We can have a tax code that rewards wealth and hands out billions of dollars more to big corporations and multimillionaires. Or we can provide a USD 1,000 tax cut to 95 per cent of families in America, start rewarding work and not just wealth, and eliminate income taxes for seniors making USD 50,000 a year or less," Obama said, adding that's an agenda for change that we can believe in. That's the choice that we can make in this election."We can allow millions of Americans to work full-time but still not make enough to support their families, or we can raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation, and ensure that hard work pays off in America," the Illinois Senator said.
Source.
Source.
World's most expensive Pen
A joint creation between Mont blanc and Van Cleef & Arpels, this is the most expensive writing pen ever created. It costs $730,000!
Each pen has 840 diamonds and more than 20 carats of gemstones set in a Van Cleef & Arpels patented 'Mystery Setting' that conceals the stone settings. There are three variations of the pen, set either with rubies, sapphires or emeralds, and accented by diamonds. Artisans took over 18 months to create this pen.
Indian Pharma Business
M. Shankar writes in...
Ranbaxy was one of those majors in Indian pharmaceuticals industry, actually shaping up well and nicely positioned to be really global in its operations. In fact, it reflected as an icon of pride in an average Indian's psyche. I am not sure any Indian would be jubilant about Ranbaxy being sold out to foreign interests. It is not about Ranbaxy going MNC now. In the context of India's huge population,health concerns and needs for quality health care and medicare, availability of a range of medicines and drugs is a critical issue. Ranbaxy, with an Indian identity, would have met that need fully. Would have even led medical research in a meaningful way relevant to the Indian masses. Commercial priorities being what they are, especially in international business, it is doubtful that Ranbaxy's role, seen in this context, will be as maintenable any more. Promoters anywhere decide their own priorities.
The only good thing is yet another Indian name goes among the richest. But,in a way, it is a dampener on India's growth aspirations! Take overs, mergers, acquisitions etc. of Indian companies, of any sector, by other globally rich and powerful corporate entities make good news on business pages, but they also rob the corporate's root-country's people of opportunities they might have otherwise had. Such activities may be normal in the corporate world, but commitment to one's own society could also prevail over lucrative deals. This pattern of globalization does not do us good.
Brand value helps you to get more investments and pool them to fund more research, distribution network, downsize costs and reduce prices. All this is possible only if the company wants to do so. If all they are looking for is profit then it does us no good.
Ranbaxy was one of those majors in Indian pharmaceuticals industry, actually shaping up well and nicely positioned to be really global in its operations. In fact, it reflected as an icon of pride in an average Indian's psyche. I am not sure any Indian would be jubilant about Ranbaxy being sold out to foreign interests. It is not about Ranbaxy going MNC now. In the context of India's huge population,health concerns and needs for quality health care and medicare, availability of a range of medicines and drugs is a critical issue. Ranbaxy, with an Indian identity, would have met that need fully. Would have even led medical research in a meaningful way relevant to the Indian masses. Commercial priorities being what they are, especially in international business, it is doubtful that Ranbaxy's role, seen in this context, will be as maintenable any more. Promoters anywhere decide their own priorities.
The only good thing is yet another Indian name goes among the richest. But,in a way, it is a dampener on India's growth aspirations! Take overs, mergers, acquisitions etc. of Indian companies, of any sector, by other globally rich and powerful corporate entities make good news on business pages, but they also rob the corporate's root-country's people of opportunities they might have otherwise had. Such activities may be normal in the corporate world, but commitment to one's own society could also prevail over lucrative deals. This pattern of globalization does not do us good.
Brand value helps you to get more investments and pool them to fund more research, distribution network, downsize costs and reduce prices. All this is possible only if the company wants to do so. If all they are looking for is profit then it does us no good.
Top 10 Hollywood Movies
The top 10 hollywood movies this weekend are:
- Get Smart
- The Incredible Hulk
- Kung Fu Panda
- The Love Guru
- The Happening
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
- You Don't Mess With the Zohan
- Sex and the City
- Iron Man
- The Strangers
Listed here.
The Top 10 Business Bestsellers, June 08
- WHATEVER YOU THINK THINK THE OPPOSITE Author: Paul Arden
- A BIAS FOR ACTION: HOW EFFECTIVE MANAGERS HARNESS THEIR WILLPOWER, ACHIEVE RESULTS, AND STOP WASTING TIME Authors: Heike Bruch and Sumantra Ghoshal
- BLINK: THE POWER OF THINKING WITHOUT THINKING Author: Malcolm Gladwell
- EARTH: THE SEQUEL Authors: Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn
- BRAND SENSE : HOW TO BUILD POWERFUL BRANDS THROUGH TOUCH, TASTE, SMELL, SIGHT AND SOUND Author: Martin Lindstrom
- POUR YOUR HEART INTO IT : HOW STARBUCKS BUILT A COMPANY ONE CUP AT A TIME Author: Howard Schultz
- 10 RULES FOR STRATEGIC INNOVATORS Author: Vijay Govindarajan
- THE CORPORATION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: HOW THE EAST INDIA COMPANY SHAPED THE MODERN MULTINATIONAL Author: Nick Robins
- EINSTEIN : THE LIFE AND TIMES Author: Ronald W Clark
- JALEBI MANAGEMENT Author: Shombit Sengupta
Listed here.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Its Mall time
Raghu tells me that the percentage of malls in the metros is skewed. The figures are Bangalore 2%, Chennai 5%, Hyderabad 7%, Delhi 24% and Mumbai 45% (Andheri 20%).
Consumption rates are growing at 29% in India with Bangalore 22%, Mumbai 36%, Delhi 20%, Chennai at 16% and Hyderabad 45%.
Consumption rates are growing at 29% in India with Bangalore 22%, Mumbai 36%, Delhi 20%, Chennai at 16% and Hyderabad 45%.
Fuel Price Rise? Think again.
Think a gallon of gas is expensive?
Diet Snapple, 16 oz, $1.29 ... $10.32 per gallon!
Lipton Ice Tea, 16 oz, $1.19 ... $9.52 per gallon!
Gatorade, 20 oz, $1.59 ..... $10.17 per gallon!
Ocean Spray, 16 oz, $1.25 .. $10.00 per gallon!
Brake Fluid, 12 oz, $3.15 .... $33.60 per gallon!
Vick's Nyquil, 6 oz, $8.35 ... $178.13 per gallon!
Pepto Bismol, 4 oz, $3.85 . $123.20 per gallon!
Whiteout, 7 oz, $1.39 ......... $25.42 per gallon!
Scope, 1.5 oz, $0.99 .....$84.48 per gallon!
Evian water, 9 oz, $1.49 ...$21.19 per gallon! and the buyers don't even know the source
(Evian spelled backwards is Naive.)
Diet Snapple, 16 oz, $1.29 ... $10.32 per gallon!
Lipton Ice Tea, 16 oz, $1.19 ... $9.52 per gallon!
Gatorade, 20 oz, $1.59 ..... $10.17 per gallon!
Ocean Spray, 16 oz, $1.25 .. $10.00 per gallon!
Brake Fluid, 12 oz, $3.15 .... $33.60 per gallon!
Vick's Nyquil, 6 oz, $8.35 ... $178.13 per gallon!
Pepto Bismol, 4 oz, $3.85 . $123.20 per gallon!
Whiteout, 7 oz, $1.39 ......... $25.42 per gallon!
Scope, 1.5 oz, $0.99 .....$84.48 per gallon!
Evian water, 9 oz, $1.49 ...$21.19 per gallon! and the buyers don't even know the source
(Evian spelled backwards is Naive.)
Ever wonder why computer printers are so cheap?
So they can hook you for the ink. Someone calculated the cost of the ink at, you won't believe it but it's true; $5,200 a gal.
So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, Whiteout, Pepto Bismol, Nyquil or, God forbid, Printer Ink!
Source: FFO
Bill Gates
Passion, commitment and sheer will power is what you need to realise your dream. Bill has done all that and more.
Tribute to Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1914 - 2008)
Very few have been hailed as the sons of the soil. It has been a life worth living.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Repetition is Boring
Any communication moves from interesting to boring based on the number of times it is repeated without any change. The possibility of it being ignored and even resented is high as this number increases.
The sound of a cuckoo is pleasant to the ears. But if this becomes a repetition it would be irritating. One such bird starts singing at 3 AM at the top of its voice. Sarah also has one near her house and thinks it is irritating. The song of this bird is good for sure. But the timing and the frequency spoils it.
You need to know when to, how to communicate and maintain a balance so that it does not start irritating. Advertisers have to keep this in mind. You play an ad too less: people may not even notice it. You play it too many: people will skip it and all your money goes down the drain. So the threshold should be calculated and used diligently.
The best plan is to bring innovation and change into the communication so that the viewer stays interested in it. The graph shows where you need to stop and initiate change. You can also link the Diminishing Marginal Utility Theory to this.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Nano? Na na!
I wouldn’t wait for Nano till 2011 if I wanted a cheaper car. Is the worth the wait? I don’t think so. It cant be used on the highway as it wont go fast. It looks cheap. I would be having ‘CHEAP’ or ‘POOR’ message right across my chest. It runs on petrol! Unless they come up with a dual version. I would prefer to go to Rewa, the magic car, as many are discovering. Its beats many cars on many counts: cost, space, ease and style. Would you like to go for something that is not tried and looks poor or would you like to go with something that assures satisfaction. Another contender is the Maruti DUO.
Pics: images.paultan.org
Taste vs Health
An old qualm is that the snacks are not healthy and home-made food is the best. Parents, elders at home used to start grumbling when you order a pizza, burger or have ice cream or chips. But this is not the case now. Health consciousness has improved among the youngsters and the parents. Takers for healthy snacks are on the rise. Manufacturers are concentrating on how to bring taste and health together. It was thought to be impossible but not any more. Though the young watch fast and furious and non-stop jabbering they are opting for healthier snacks with less calories and more of taste. This trend is set to rise.
Image Sells
Image does play an important role in getting the candidacy, be it in politics or in sports or in office.
A student with good grades stands a better chance over others. A batsman gets iconic status and more pay package as it happened in the IPL. An established actor a better role (Aamir Khan once mentioned he could pick and choose the roles only after 10 years into his career), a well dressed person better seat in a restaurant, respect and so on. So image is important to get through the initial hurdle. The package helps sell the product, the presentation and decoration the dish, the ice the cake and so on. It applies to everything you see in daily life, both products and services. Even if the actual product is good it may not sell if the package sucks. The first look, feel, sound, touch i.e. the first impression or interaction should be something that would be remembered. It should have an impact, a strong one so that it generates the momentum to push the deal.
But only time will tell if the effort was worth it and the choice was correct. When selecting one needs to look beyond the visible and then take the decision.
A student with good grades stands a better chance over others. A batsman gets iconic status and more pay package as it happened in the IPL. An established actor a better role (Aamir Khan once mentioned he could pick and choose the roles only after 10 years into his career), a well dressed person better seat in a restaurant, respect and so on. So image is important to get through the initial hurdle. The package helps sell the product, the presentation and decoration the dish, the ice the cake and so on. It applies to everything you see in daily life, both products and services. Even if the actual product is good it may not sell if the package sucks. The first look, feel, sound, touch i.e. the first impression or interaction should be something that would be remembered. It should have an impact, a strong one so that it generates the momentum to push the deal.
But only time will tell if the effort was worth it and the choice was correct. When selecting one needs to look beyond the visible and then take the decision.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Fuel Price - OPEC
News has just come in that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has said that the largest oil producing country of the world Saudi Arabia will up its oil output to 9.7 million barrels per day. He hinted that this number may also go up to 12.5 million barrels in the future.
In his statement, he also said that OPEC have never tried to shoot the oil prices towards north - he lays the blame of the present oil crisis on speculators. He also said that countries levy huge oil taxes and then sell to their citizens thus pushing up oil prices. In India, government adds atleast Rs. 10 towards the price of petrol and then gives a lot of subsidies in this regard (due to the sudden rise nowadays)! All his arguments may tempt people to think that oil prices will go down………Due to increased supply by Saudi Arabia and subsequent cooling off. But some oil analysts and economists beg to differ.
Not only is crude oil technically very strong but it might just go all the way to $145 - $148 if a short selling comes in oil in the next few days. Short selling essentially means- when people take a bet that oil prices will fall. When their bet is successful, they speculate even more. Finally at unresistable rates all their bets reverse due to market forces which compel the oil prices to rise one-way. Therefore, it is expected that perhaps, oil prices may rally to $148 a barrel in the near future.
In this time of uncertainty, it would not be wise to call the shots so early. Rest all depends on the forthcoming meeting between OPEC and Federal Reserve (of US) later this month.
Source: Yahoo Groups
In his statement, he also said that OPEC have never tried to shoot the oil prices towards north - he lays the blame of the present oil crisis on speculators. He also said that countries levy huge oil taxes and then sell to their citizens thus pushing up oil prices. In India, government adds atleast Rs. 10 towards the price of petrol and then gives a lot of subsidies in this regard (due to the sudden rise nowadays)! All his arguments may tempt people to think that oil prices will go down………Due to increased supply by Saudi Arabia and subsequent cooling off. But some oil analysts and economists beg to differ.
Not only is crude oil technically very strong but it might just go all the way to $145 - $148 if a short selling comes in oil in the next few days. Short selling essentially means- when people take a bet that oil prices will fall. When their bet is successful, they speculate even more. Finally at unresistable rates all their bets reverse due to market forces which compel the oil prices to rise one-way. Therefore, it is expected that perhaps, oil prices may rally to $148 a barrel in the near future.
In this time of uncertainty, it would not be wise to call the shots so early. Rest all depends on the forthcoming meeting between OPEC and Federal Reserve (of US) later this month.
Source: Yahoo Groups
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Delloitte's Impact Day
Employees of Delloitte Hyderabad spent the last Saturday with school children in different parts of the city for a change from their office, computers, targets and work pressure. They sang songs, danced, enacted skits, told stories, distributed books, chocolates, sketch pens, and what not. Their visit is a part of the CSR activities and has been acclaimed for its integrity and passion with which Delloitte carries it out. Not long ago they were cleaning roads and helping traffic policemen.
When people in responsible positions make it a point to go out and bring a change in the lives of others it is a welcome measure. Many cities in India have multi-storeyed buildings and people working in air-conditioned offices who act oblivious to the slums and suffering of the people around them. Instead of turning a blind eye they could step out and help them. With great relationships you get something more.
Delloitte’s day out was optly called Impact Day. Now the point is who had the impact: the children or Delloitte! Good work Delloitte.
Too Much Pressure
An explorer, a white man, anxious to reach his destination in the heart of Africa , promised an extra payment to his bearers if they would make greater speed. For several days, the bearers moved along at a faster pace. One afternoon, though, they all suddenly put down their burden and sat on the ground. No matter how much money they were offered, they refused to move on. When the explorer finally asked why they were behaving as they were, he was given the following answer: “We have been moving along at such a fast pace that we no longer know what we are doing. Now we have to wait until our soul catches up with us.”
--- Paulo Coelho in Maktub
--- Paulo Coelho in Maktub
Half-Right
Half-Right is when you
- Don’t try to help
- Give up
- Hate work
- Ignore
- Are satisfied when you know you can improve
- Follow the process for the heck of it
The Bank Account of Life
Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with Rs 86,400.
It carries over no balance from day to day.
Every “evening” deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do?
Draw out every cent, of course!
Each of us has such a “bank”. Its name is TIME
Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds
Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose
It carries over no balance
It allows no overdraft
Each day it opens a new account for you
Each night it burns the remains of the day
If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours
Source: FFO
It carries over no balance from day to day.
Every “evening” deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.
What would you do?
Draw out every cent, of course!
Each of us has such a “bank”. Its name is TIME
Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds
Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose
It carries over no balance
It allows no overdraft
Each day it opens a new account for you
Each night it burns the remains of the day
If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours
Source: FFO
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Hike In Air Fares Announced
Confronted with spiralling aviation turbine fuel prices airlines which include both low cost carriers and full service carriers are slated to increase their fares by 5 % to 10% per cent across all sectors, from tomorrow.
Read more.
Read more.
Meet Pragjyoti Samal
Pragjyoti Samal, a 24-year-old computer engineer from Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, is the first person to win Rs one crore on Star Plus' Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain.
Answering to the question: Do you think your lifestyle will change now?
She said, " I don't think so. I am a simple person. When we used to hangout with friends, we would think twice before going to Cafe Coffee Day. Now, that will not be the case.
When I returned to Bhubaneswar from Kolkata, my train got cancelled due to heavy rains. I spent the whole night on the platform. The next day, it was cancelled again but I waited for the train. If it is urgent, I travel by flight but if I have the time, I will not spend money unnecessarily."
Read full story.
Waiting for Rahul
When Mahatma Gandhi came to India to participate in Indian Freedom Struggle he was sent on a 'Bharat Dharshan' tour by Gokhale. Gandhi later described that this was the best advise he got. To SEE and LEARN for himself the people he is going to work for. The young Gandhi is following the same path. If his entry into strong political Dias is delayed he may be a wasted wonder.
Brands have to fulfill and meet the expectations of the people. You release it too early or too late you may loose the charm. How you decide the time will depend on how good your research department is and the accuracy with which you can judge the pulse of the public. Everything lies in the timing, like comedy.
Pic: Den
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