Today's post is about honking. For those who live in Mumbai, honking is a disease we must live with. We grit our teeth and bear it. Many however feel, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! So, in Mumbai, at all hours, morning, noon and night people in the driver's seat of vehicles with roaring engines honk at other people.
Even at dawn, when the rooster should be crowing, and the air should be filled with birdsong, you will hear the honking of cars, motorbikes, scooters, and all other breeds of vehicles. Just like the Internet creates the illusion of anonymity, getting into a car or on a bike creates in their minds an illusion, that they're invincible and no one can see how nasty they're being, honking at the old lady hobbling to cross the street.
It's actually an outlet for many a troubled soul. They use this to channelize their rage. So, they honk at everyone and everything, and spread more rage. That's how the disease spreads. Instead of using brakes and slowing down, they step on the accelerator, and honk out all obstacles, be it man, woman, child, cow or crow.
Speaking of crows, is there anything more relaxing than the cawing of crows on a hot afternoon? And to go with it - a cup of coffee to block out the Honking Hobos. Here's what I've been getting my teeth into lately as summer days come upon us:
For those interested in history, dip a toe into the Big History Project.
Some good food for thought at The Blog of Bill Gates An interesting analogy on how using the wrong data points can lead to incorrect decisions on How Dinosaurs Could Help Us Fight Malnutrition.
You can also get a free download of a chapter from his favourite business book and read his full review. He hits the nail on the head:
Then, you could also listen to this reading of Blueberry Girl.
Even at dawn, when the rooster should be crowing, and the air should be filled with birdsong, you will hear the honking of cars, motorbikes, scooters, and all other breeds of vehicles. Just like the Internet creates the illusion of anonymity, getting into a car or on a bike creates in their minds an illusion, that they're invincible and no one can see how nasty they're being, honking at the old lady hobbling to cross the street.
It's actually an outlet for many a troubled soul. They use this to channelize their rage. So, they honk at everyone and everything, and spread more rage. That's how the disease spreads. Instead of using brakes and slowing down, they step on the accelerator, and honk out all obstacles, be it man, woman, child, cow or crow.
Speaking of crows, is there anything more relaxing than the cawing of crows on a hot afternoon? And to go with it - a cup of coffee to block out the Honking Hobos. Here's what I've been getting my teeth into lately as summer days come upon us:
For those interested in history, dip a toe into the Big History Project.
Some good food for thought at The Blog of Bill Gates An interesting analogy on how using the wrong data points can lead to incorrect decisions on How Dinosaurs Could Help Us Fight Malnutrition.
You can also get a free download of a chapter from his favourite business book and read his full review. He hits the nail on the head:
"Brooks’s work is a great reminder that the rules for running a strong business and creating value haven’t changed. For one thing, there’s an essential human factor in every business endeavor. It doesn’t matter if you have a perfect product, production plan, and marketing pitch; you’ll still need the right people to lead and implement those plans...." Bill Gates
Then, you could also listen to this reading of Blueberry Girl.
