On the new Bullet's thump

Just read this article 'Biting the Bullet' in BT dated 27th Nov 2011. Sharing the most interesting bit:

But the new engine, unlike the old, had hydraulic tappets, a new engine arrangement, new metal and fewer moving parts. Obviously it did not produce the vibrations and the beat of the old, but international experts were consulted and sound mapping carried out for over 1,000 hours to ensure it produced maximum rhythmic vibrations possible and a beat, which was 70 per cent of the amplitude of the original.

It further says:

After much testing, the silencer was extended to capture, to the extent possible, the throb of the old engine.

Now that's how we sustain a brand. Great job! Innovation in mechanics to please the senses in the same old ways. Lovely.

Traffic Rose, Ahmedabad

We were returning from CIMS. And when we stopped at a traffic signal, found these traffic policemen along with some volunteers (I guess) distributing roses(!!!) to people who had the seat-belts fastened or who had their helmets on.

This man seen on the left of the windscreen was distributing the info-material.

The rose and the info-material we received. Wow!

For once there was no punishment. There was a different way of approaching the problem of safety on road. Instead of penalizing those who aren't doing it, publicly (and warmly) complimenting those who are actually doing it.

Am sure this is a far better (i mean, effective) way of addressing the problem. And it does many more things.

It shows the police is a far amiable (instead of dreaded) manner. It shows they are working. It reflects the importance of safety precautions. Most importantly, it completes the loop - for people disposed to positive changes - by acknowledging a seemingly trivial but good habit.

You ask them to change. They change. You acknowledge the change and those who change. Loop completed. Word spreads. Results spread.

Kudos to whoever thought of this. Mr. Narendra Modi, his team, the policemen, the volunteers, and whoever formed a part of the execution of the idea.

Push Posts

Having got addicted to reading through Google Reader and to using a Blackberry, I have a suggestion for smart-phone makers/marketers:

Introduce PUSH POSTS for smart-phones

If facebook and twitter mobile apps help people socialize to their heart's desire, if push mails help people stay as closely connected with their work-related matters as possible, PUSH POSTS might help them climb greater levels of enlightenment. The world needs more enlightened souls, no?

Hope 2011 is the year when marketers wake up to the idea of PUSH POSTS.

Forager

A colleague of mine, Punit, had shared this idea with me - a device that works like mobile phone and helps you locate things. So the way a mobile phone helps you reach your people, there should be a device that helps you reach your things.

Punit didn't believe in his own capabilities to pull off the idea. So he didn't work on this but some other guys did. Here it is.

Source: Rajasthan Patrika suplement 'Parivar', Bhilwara Edition, 24th Nov 2010

Who's given the name Forager? Myself and Prateek. A few days back we were discussing the possibility of developing such a product and this word just popped into my head.

I realize that this name can be given to a touring bike as well, or to an SUV, or to any vehicle built to handle rough terrains.