The Phenomenon called G A Menon

It is not quite unusual for leading businessmen, politicians, actors, artists and men in public life to stay close to journalists. Although, these same people thrash out at scribes for 'misquoting' and spreading misleading news.The Late GA Menon, former Chairman of Toonz Animation India Ltd, and US Software Ltd belonged to a different category. Most often he seemed not too eager to get his 'byte' telecast or his quote to appear in the newspaper. Nevertheless, the US-based businessman who managed the affairs of the Comcraft Group would never miss an opportunity to meet up with key journos during each of his visits.
Most often he talked about his 'mistakes' and how he climbed the corporate ladder after working in a textile firm as statistician in Mumbai at a very low wage before migrating to USA. His tragic death a few years back while travelling in a flight along with his family was indeed a major loss for the companies that he managed but in his loss, perhaps, the media fraternity lost a 'unique' friend.
He was interested in 'lecturing' on business ethics and strategy even while holding press meets. A senior colleague of mine pointed this out during a press meet and Mr Menon felt offended. But later on they became good friends and used to call him up during each of his India visits until his tragic death.
I got reminded of Mr G A Menon when I recently met a senior employee of US Software. I told him briefly of the association of Kerala's business journalists with this business magnate.
I personally feel, most businessmen want to hog the limelight and want to tell the world how important it is to make value and money for the shareholder. But Late G A Menon talked in a different language, and that made all the difference.

The pranks of a 59-year old bachelor-Mayor

Here is an interesting bit of news from England. A Mayor is sentenced to 2 years in prison for stealing women's underwear. He confessed to the crime and said he felt ashamed for having hurt so many friends.
Read the news item.

http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=92577

Students want beer pipeline to union HQ

This also occurred in Sweden. Students of Chalmers University marched on a Falkenberg brewery protest against the company not completing the promised beer pipeline to students union headquarters on time.
Students demanded a 62 mile pipeline but the company did set up only 6 1/2 feet in 1968 when construction halted. The company now favourably considers the appeal of students and has agreed to begin work on the pipeline.
My doubt is : won't the pipeline be vulnerable to attacks from boozers who don't have the money but wants the kick.

Giving chocolates to get passwords

Want to get the internet password from someone? Why don't you offer a chocolate, you are sure to get the result according to a survey conducted in Sweden. Now you know chocolate is not just for someone you love!

http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=79690

It happened due to intoxication and stress

A 26 year old police officer has blamed he was under stress when he fatally beat a 47 year old journalist who later died in the hospital.

http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=79728

The triumph of human spirit- blind woman gets 214 pound fish

Some time or the other we come across such human interest stories-- about people who overcome handicaps and achieve what normal people can't do. Here is one piece on a blind woman who landed with 214 pound fish.
http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=77953

The 2010 Solar Eclipse: Triumph of scientific temper

On 15th January we had the rare opportunity to witness a solar eclipse. Many of us had the opportunity to witness the earlier eclipse that occured some thirty years ago but at that time most us were locked indoors. Schools were shut, so were offices. Doors were closed,windows were closed and we lost out on the most maganificient sight normally visible once or twice in a life time.

It is true that solar eclipse caused by moon completely blinding the sun from us does cause harm if viewed with the naked eye. But several superstitions abound--that one should not eat during eclipse or that we should stay indoors. However, the year 2010 marked a change in scientific temper in many parts of the country. In my own state, Kerala, it was visible. As I took my son, Darshan to the Astronomical Observatory and the Kanakakunnu Palace Grounds in Trivandrum, it was filled with people both young and old eager to watch this magnificent sight. Talks, demonstrations, poster exhibitions highlighting the event were unique to the 2010 eclipse.
We managed to get a aluminium foil glass contraption and it was indeed exciting to watch the different stages of the ecipse unfold and retreat.
As astronomers and scientists launched sounding rockets to learn more about the phenomenon, birds were chirping away back to their nests not knowing perhaps what is happening. It was a day to remember.