Latte with Phoenix

KEEP   the   SEAT   WARM   for   ME We may have heard the term “Keep the set warm for me” or words to that effect, and maybe used it in our conversation also. It usually means …“To occupy a position for someone or take over their responsibility while they are absent.” An example would be in the form … " I don't usually work here, I am just keeping Ramesh’s seat warm while he's on sick leave.” You are a temporary appointee. The rightful owner of that seat/position is not available at present, so you are put there to perform his/her duties. In other forms, it could be working in a position till a preferred person is ready to be appointed in your place … “I am the Manager/ General Manager here till Seth ji’s son completes his MBA and is posted here. I am keeping the seat warm for him.” Another variation would be … “I am the MLA here till Neta ji’s son attains age to contest election from this seat. I am keeping the seat warm for him and shall resign whe

A Chocolate Which  Vanished In the early 1950’s toffees of the sugar boiled type only was generally available in the market, and all of us were happy with them. Imported Chocolate bars were also there, but only in the upper end of the market. Those who were in the school going age in that period may remember a happy happening of the time. It was a delicious chocolate bar which became available in the market. An Indian Company - Sathe Biscuit & Chocolate launched these chocolate bars. They started   business in 1949 and their chocolate bar and Drinking chocolate powder (for mixing in milk) was in the market in a couple of years. They can rightly be called the pioneers of chocolate business in India. Their several varieties of chocolate bar in the 1950’s were available for only Rs 1.00 to Rs 3.00. Their demand and production must have been good as they were available in general stores even in small towns of India.                                           Genera

Instructions by Manufacturer Whenever we buy anything, there are instructions on the bottle/carton or in an accompanying sheet/booklet detailing how to use the item. Whether it is an eye drop telling you how to put that medicine in your eyes or a kitchen gadget, the manufacturer explains how to use it. As far as explaining goes, it is required in most cases so that the consumer can use the product satisfactorily, in some countries it is mandatory; whereas in some countries manufacturers were subjected to lawsuits making them vary and therefore going to extreme lengths of   explaining. So far so good, but some manufacturers go a step further and start explaining the obvious, whereas some go into a lighter vein and try to crack a joke on the product or instruction sheet. One manufacturer says – “Remove shells before eating”. Now who in their right mind would eat the shells ? Another, a computer company is seriously re-writing their instructions booklet. This because