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Statistical process control for precision machining Part 2

bobdoering — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:29:31 GMT

Is This Charting Accepted By The Big 3 Automotive OEMs?

I have found that all customers (Big 3 and Japanese transplants) that I have trained on this concept (as a supplier) have accepted the concept, including its use for PPAP submissions. When it is all said and done, its simplicity makes it more understandable to customers and operators. There is no guarantee that every SQE will follow along. After all, we know the automotive industry better than that.... Most importantly, it follows AIAG Blue Books for dealing with capability (which comes up at PPAP time):

AIAG PPAP 4th Edition
2.2.11.3 Acceptance Criteria for Initial Study
The organization shall use the following as acceptance criteria for evaluating initial process study results for processes that appear stable.

Index > 1.67 Meets acceptance criteria

1.33≤ Index ≤ 1.67 May be acceptable

Index ≤ 1.33 Does not meet acceptance criteria

2.2.11.5 Processes with One-Sided Specifications or Non-Normal Distributions

NOTE: The above mentioned acceptance criteria (2.2.11.3) assume normality and a two-sided specification (target in the center).

When this is not true, using this analysis may result in unreliable information.
NOTE (cont.): These alternate acceptance criteria could require a different type of index or some method of transformation of the data. The focus should be on understanding reasons for the non-normality and managing variation.

This process addresses these issues. Of course, I do not recommend transformations, when using the correct distribution directly - as this process does - is adequate. As Dr. Walter A. Shewhart said: "The total information is given by the observed distribution.� I agree.

One last supporting item is that one of the Big 3�s Six Sigma Master Black Belts is implementing this process internally for their precision machining. It is new, but the sell is not that hard.

How Do You Determine Capability?

Remember, the 1.33 criteria is based on a bilateral normal distribution (as stated above), not the non-normal distribution found in precision machining. If the customer demands 1.67, then set the limits at 60%. According to 4th ed PPAP, it is up to the customer to determine an alternative, although I offer them my system as the alternative. There is no need to "center" the distribution, as it is centered as 75% of the tolerance when you set up the control limits. The use of the smaller of (USL - mean)/3s or (mean - LSL)/3s is specifically for bilateral normal distribution. The normal distribution goes on to some degree forever, but we decide to "call it quits" at +/-3s. The uniform or rectangular distribution - in its perfect state - stops exactly at the control limits. That is why capability=(USL-LSL)/(UCL-LCL)].

What Gage Requirements Are There For SPC?

If you are doing SPC, it is best to have 10:1 to your control limits, not the tolerance. So for precision machining, .001 is the range between your control limits (.00075) would need to read at .000075 After all, if you do not have 10 units of discrimination within your control limits, how can you tell what your process is doing? This is a starting point. Follow the MSA instructions for GR&R, and determine the true statistical discrimination (ndc). ndc>=10 when calculated using the control limits instead of tolerance. MSA says ndc should be >=5. I find that woefully inadequate. That is about as much discrimination as a gas gage.

What About That Darn Central Limit Theorem � Does It Not Make Everything Normal?

I hate to let these little rumors spread. For many distributions, it seems to be handy. For the uniform distribution, the theorem fails miserably. You do not need triple integrals and partial derivatives to show this to be the case. I have attached a data set of a uniform distribution. When correctly sampled (and that is important, we are evaluating the process distribution, not the sampling error distribution) at 5 pcs, and they are averaged, the resulting distribution is also uniform. Any correctly sampled subset of a uniform distribution is also a uniform distribution.

Interesting note: The central limit theorem (CLT) states that the re-averaged sum of a sufficiently large number of identically distributed independent random variables each with finite mean and variance will be approximately normally distributed (Rice 1995).

The continuous uniform distribution that arises from tool wear is neither random nor independent. So, CLT must not be assumed to apply to every distribution.

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Statistical process control for precision machining Part 1

bobdoering — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:27:43 GMT

The unique requirements for control charting precision machining processes have been shared throughout many threads in the forum. I have decided to find a spot to put the concept all in one place.

STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL FOR PRECISION MACHINING

Many folks have attempted to implement X-barR charts for years in precision machining applications, only to be frustrated by tightly compressed control limits or unexpected bimodal distributions. The problem turns out to be that the X-barR charts are the wrong charts for precision machining. They utilize the wrong statistical distribution, and they promote overcontrol. Precision machining is non-normal. There is a better way.

What Is A Normal Process?
A good starting point is to ponder whether a distribution can be expected to be normal. Normal distributions are a result of normal processes - and there is an emphasis on natural variation. One of Shewart's examples was tensile strength. Random natural variation caused by a myriad of influences - chemistry, crystalline structure, surface flaws, etc. Sure, I'd buy that. The example I like to use is a processing line of loaves of bread. The height of the loaves of bread is controlled by so many variables - proofing, yeast quality, humidity, accuracy of ingredient ratios, etc. The net result is a natural variation -most a particular height, some less, some more. If a process can be expected to stay at a particular "level", with some variation above and below that level - with NO operator intervention - until a special cause appears, it's normal. That is the "voice of the process". But, if you have to have someone adjust is to keep it there, then it is not normal - and you might as well start investigating what the distribution truly is.

The problem is how many people assume normality, because they are attempting plug-and-chug statistics. The other problem is people performing transformations because they only understand normal data (barely), since transformations tend to mask valuable information. It is not so much their fault, they have likely not been trained well.

What Is Precision Machining?
First of all, it is sensible to define �precision machining�. For this discussion, it is a process where the most statistically significant variation originates from tool wear. So, any variations from worn bearings, measurement, etc., are all controlled to a level that is statistically insignificant.

The Correct Distribution For Precision Machining
The true distribution for precision machining as defined above is the uniform or rectangular distribution - not the normal distribution. You can tell if your process meets this distribution by performing a capability study. If, for example, you are machining a OD, set the process at the lower control limit [nominal - .75(tolerance/2)]. If - without operator intervention - the process increases to the upper control limit [nominal + .75(tolerance/2)], then adjust back down to the lower control limit. If this continues (until a tool breaks, or surface finish deteriorates - special causes), then you have the "sawtooth" curve, and it is the uniform distribution. Some normal-centric statisticians like to try to 'normalize' the data with transformations, but that is unnecessary, as well as a useless effort. The sawtooth curve is more meaningful as is to an operator - they understand tool wear.

Calculating Control Limits
They should be approximately 75% of the tolerance, centered within the tolerance. The control limits really never need to be adjusted. Compressing the control limits actually increases overcontrol - and therefore increasing variation. The slope of the line is the tool wear rate - which is meaningful information that would be masked by transformation. Notice the mean has no use whatsoever in the sawtooth curve - only the control limits. Don't forget, most of the Western Electric rules - especially the one concerning runs, do not apply - they are for the normal curve.

Since the probability of the uniform distribution is straight forward, 75% of the tolerance gives you well below the probability of +/- 3 std dev of a true normal distribution. You could use a higher percentage of the tolerance, but it is better to play it safe due to hysteresis concerns (you can never land exactly on the control limits). This follows AIAG SPC Chapter III Non-Normal Charts, last bullet point: use control limits based on the native non-normal form. (Also, AIAG PPAP section 2.2.11.5 states that the Cpk calculations are not applicable, since the uniform distribution is non-normal and the calculations are for bilateral normal distributions).

What Chart Works With Precision Machining?
I must add that X-bar-R charts are the worst for true uniform distributions. X-MR would be a little better. Again, the mean means nothing in the uniform distribution - both for the population or the sample, and there should be virtually no discernable variation between 5 consecutive parts, unless you are shredding up tools.

The first problem people run into when running a machine capability is they measure one of the resulting part diameters. The emphasis is on 'one'. How many diameters are there in a circle? There are an infinite number. So, how can you describe or predict an infinite number of diameters with one measurement? You can not. So, to resolve that problem, you need to pick a specific diameter - such as 24.000 mm from the end of the part (so that taper does not affect your data). You need to measure around the diameter, and determine the largest and smallest diameter measurements. Then, plot both of those dimensions on a X hi/lo -R chart, with UCL and LCL at 75% of the tolerance for X and 30% of the tolerance for R. The range is the difference - or the roundness. Continue that for about 100 pcs. (Make sure your gage R&R is less than 10%! Try to use the same material lot, if possible, operator, etc.) Is that enough pieces? Usually. If the process is 'in control' you should see the diameter increase as the tool wears (for an OD, opposite for an ID). You might see some fluctuation at the beginning as the machine warms up. That is a special cause that you cannot remove, but need to consider. If the tool wears until the X hi data is up to the upper control limit, then adjust until the X lo reaches the lower control limit. (Adjust during a capability study?? Yes.) If you get two cycles, you will have a real good idea of how the 'machine system' is going to perform. If the machine runs 100 pieces with no need for adjustment, but the data is gradually increasing at a steady rate, then you can likely extrapolate when the adjustment would need to be made. If you have the luxury to find out how long you can run before adjustment with more pieces, then all the better. There are occasions where the tool will wear to the point of breaking or poor finish prior to need for adjustment - and that information is good to know too. But, as long as you can keep the process between 75% of the tolerance, and you are capable to at least 1.33 [capability=(USL-LSL)/(UCL-LCL)].

The next thing to review from the run is roundness (R chart). If the roundness is less than 10% of the tolerance, you have no worries. If it is greater than 30%, then you will have to watch that process like a hawk with frequent SPC checks. I would vote to resolve the roundness issue (which is most likely a machine or machine set-up issue, particularly in chucking or bearings). If it can not be improved, I suggest passing on that process and finding one that can maintain the roundness better.

Now you have some real data on whether that 'machining process' will work for you! This is the short and sweet lesson, but I hope it corrects some of the misconceptions on the topic.

The X Hi/Lo �R Chart Sounds Like More Work

No, not really more measurements. Right now, most people measure a diameter on 5 parts. One diameter out of an infinite number of diameters. That would be statistically insignificant. Then they take the average of statistically insignificant data. Great... The range of those measurements more closely represents measurement error. All I ask is to measure 1 part 5 times, and report the highest and lowest diameter. After all, if you are really doing precision machining, 5 parts in a row really should not vary significantly. So, do not measure more parts, spend quality time with one part. As a quality professional, even if it were true that it was more work, one should recognize that less work does not trump correct.

When I walk into a plant that is doing precision machining, they are so frustrated with X-bar - R SPC charts that they may be doing them, but they ignore them. I do not blame them. After training them on the correct method, they are relieved, they have a clearer idea of what the process is doing, how to control it, and how to improve it. No wonder SPC gets a bad rap - people are trying to rubber stamp the wrong charting methodology creating havoc.

:cool:

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Is this possible ?

Dr. L. Ramakrishnan — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 12:56:12 GMT

Bombay under attack

It is all over now. From Wednesday, 26 November, 2008, night, till now many things have happened - all captured live on TV; the brutal acts of the terrorists, the heroic acts of the NSG commandos and the not so heroic act of the police (don't blame them, they cannot face an AK-47 or AK-56 with a lathi!!). More than 200 are dead and more than 300 are wounded in this madness (our heart-felt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery for the wounded). Properties worth many crores have been damaged; safety and security in 5 star luxury hotels are now questioned. The NSG Commandos had taken three days to flush out and kill the terrorists, numbering about 15. All Commado actions had taken place in buildings, not in the open. I have a simple question. Could the commandos have used a chemical stunner (like for example chrloroform or a similar chemical, or tear gas) to make all the people in the building unconscious and to act quickly to identify and catch the terrorists among the occupants of the building ? This could have been done in a fraction of the time taken for the conventional firing and bombing operations. We could have got the terrorists live which would have helped us to get solid evidence on the mission. What is your opinion? Is such a chemical available ? Has anyone used such a technique earlier to rescue the innocent hostages in closed space? Should we ask this question to specialists ? Think.

As9100

Boscoeee — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:23:53 GMT

We are wrapping up a 3 1/2 half day DNV AS9100 Scope Extension.

Great experience, we did not make it clean, so we have a follow up in January.:cool:

Now if only there are any customers be then.:bonk:

Audit Week Is Finally Here

Boscoeee — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:42:53 GMT

Well the week is finally here, we are as they say Standing By to Stand By.

I have everything covered I believe, but we will see. I am never comfortable prior to the beginning of audits, guess that is just the way it is.

:D

History made...

Tom W — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:31:21 GMT

The United States of America just elected the first African-American to the office of President. This is truly a historical moment for our country given our past, and in many cases still present racial divide. There is no question that this was an emotional moment for the entire country; a moment to say we can change; and look beyond skin color�

The concern with this moment is did we vote with our hearts or did we vote with our heads. There is no denying that emotionally President-elect Obama was a step forward for this country. I am not saying he is not qualified; but I am saying he is not as qualified as John McCain was; but it does not matter now. Obama won fair and square; he won on the backs of voters going to the polls for reasons other than the economy, war on terror, security, and foreign relations; he won on people voting with their hearts; voting to change history and not necessarily change directions. With all the right intentions and desires for the outcome � but still in my opinion they voted with their hearts. It�s evident that people dropping to their knees and crying at his speech in Chicago told me that they just wanted him emotionally�

There is no denying the fact that this has the potential to heal old wounds; to see civil rights leaders from the era of Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson, and many others crying; it has a greater impact. It truly brings home the emotion these men and women that were there so many years ago fighting for equality felt when he won.

Naturally I pray for Obama and pray that everything works out. I know that based on the economy and the issues going on in the world that he will not be able to do all of the things he promised or talked about; undoubtedly that will upset the hard left wing side that want all of the socialistic issues he represented in the election; but reality will set in and he will come back center on most issues. This gives me hope that he will have a successful Presidency; one that will turn our country around; back in the right direction.

It�s truly a time to heal; a time to come together and to strive for greater things. But we also have to understand that the same things would be said had McCain won; it just would not have happened because of the bitterness and hatred that the left has for the right. It speaks to progress that police in major cities were on riot alert had Obama lost; but not if he won. That shows that the emotionally charged left wanted their man at any cost�to think that had he lost people would have wanted to riot and destroy things rather than try to heal and move on; but that�s what�s expected of the right now; work together and work to heal. Had it been the other way around do you think the left would have just jumped on board and said Ok lets go�?

Hopefully the lies and the hate mongering coming from the left and from the right will stop now. But Obama has a tough road ahead of him. I wish him well and I wish our country well; we need to work together now and really make this historical election mean something to us and to the world.:applause:

Vote! US Elections - 2008

Marc — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 07:16:53 GMT

I think this election is important and I'm for Obama.

The hate has come to this:

Are you better off than you were 8 years ago?

What will become of the Iraq 'experiment'?

As 9100

Boscoeee — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:02:43 GMT

Two Weeks Until AS 9100 Scope Extension

I have not done a good job of keeping up this blog.

I have finalized all of the actions that came out of my gap analysis and and I am standing by to stand by as we use to say in the Navy. One is never ready for Inspection, you can only Stand By For Inspections.

It has been a very telling effort, stretching our resources to the limit, but I believe that we are going to get there with the effort. Only time will tell whether is helps the business.

I believe that I have address all of the hot button and feel okay about the complexity or lack of complexity of the system. I guess we shall see.

I will post our progress after the Scope Extension audit.

Accountability�a good word or a bad word...

Tom W — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:23:45 GMT

There are those opportunities that present themselves every once in a while when we all have to sit back and shake our heads; ponder what the heck is going on; what are we going to do about it; and who�s fault is it. These events in our lives seems to happen more frequently when resources are low, money is tight, and stress is up; and there never seems to be an occasion where we don�t feel the heat because of it.

In your personal life you have a marriage, family, and friends that you feel obligated to support, whether it be financially, emotionally, or socially. You don�t want to loose these relationships and you want to make sure they are healthy.

In business it can mean the continuation of the company or the closing of the doors for good. Mistakes can destroy a company faster than any market slump; take aerospace companies for example. One critical mistake can fold a company like a 7 � 2 off suit.

So we are left to ask what we can do to protect ourselves against this. How can an organization ensure success for its efforts as well as its people? How can you as a father, mother, husband, wife, friend, or relative make sure your relationships are strong, healthy and growing?

Well, there is one little word that might start you down the correct path. ACCOUNTABILITY�

In my opinion there are two types of accountability; self-accountability and forced-accountability. The absence of both will lead to falling off course and not being very successful. If you have to have one over the other it should be self-accountability.

Self-accountability is the ability to recognize that you personally have a responsibility to do your best, work hard, provide, and continue to do the right thing; whether that�s at home or at work. You recognize the importance of completing the task correctly without being told.

Forced-accountability is when you are told you will do something and you will get it done; if not there will be consequences. You are being held accountable to complete the task; someone is watching closely; measuring your performance. Most parents have to deal with this type from time to time�

Typically people or organizations fall back on forced accountability when they determine that the self-accountability is not there in the individual; causing them to feel as though they have to step in and make it happen. This is where things start to get fuzzy. When an organization is at the stage of forced-accountability it is almost too late. When a parent is at the stage of forced-accountability it usually means a learning opportunity for the child or attempts to teach a reluctant student. Typically drastic changes are in order when an organization relies on forced-accountability; and those changes are usually trying to replace the individuals that do not have the self-accountability with people who do. This can happen in your personal life as well; sometimes after much frustration and heartache.

So it�s better to recognize the necessity to have the self-accountability for success. Be responsible for your own actions and your effort. The absence of self-accountability leads to forced-accountability; which leads to feelings of desperation, threatened, frustrations, and anger.

This can all be avoided with developing the self-accountability within you to ensure that you do not become snared in the trap of being forced to do your job right, or being forced to be the father or friend you should be.

On a personal level...

Tom W — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:51:40 GMT

I know this is a semi-work related website and Marc has allowed us to post our random nonsense in blogs...but I did want to post this writing I did a few weeks ago on a day that has stuck with me for a while now. It touches on tradegy and ends with some personal comments about me and my family.

Marc - I am not sure of the boundries with this so if this is not what you thinking let me know and I will take it down.

On a personal level...

I was running late; my head already hurt; it was going to be a hard day at work. As I rushed to get to work I kept thinking about all the things I had to do and all the things that were waiting for me to get to work. As I got close to the parking lot I saw lots of emergency lights down the street. I counted 6 police cars, an ambulance, and two fire engines; there must have been a bad accident at the intersection. I have said for a long time they need a light at the corner; some jerk probably pulled out in front of someone; I remember thinking that I hope everyone was ok.

It was about 10 minutes later I saw the ambulance still parked there; I remember thinking this was not a good sign and then went back to work. As I got up from my desk a few minutes later I saw the lights again out the windows. I glanced over and it was still sitting there. I spoke with a co-worker; talking about how that�s usually not a good sign, an ambulance just sitting there. We both kind-of paused and thought about it for a second; then went back to work. 15 minutes later that co-worker had received a phone call from our truck driver; he had seen the accident early that morning.

It was not what I had thought; no jerk pulled their car out in front of someone and got nailed. A small child had tried to dart across the street on his bike; got hit by one car and thrown in front of another. A small child, probably scared, excited and nervous at the same time turned to cross a road; like he had done several times before; only never to cross it again. A young woman driving the minivan dealing with the heartache of what just happened; scared of what role she played, second guessing what she could have done different. Two families now dealing with tragedy in different was; from different sides.

What�s left to think; my thoughts quickly turn to my own daughter. Just getting ready for school; luckily this year she is home schooled; no streets to cross, no buses to catch, and no dangerous intersections to maneuver. Are my thoughts selfish? I pray for the child in the intersection; pray for the family, for the drivers, for the emergency workers.

As I think about my daughter I undoubtedly think about my wife as well. I thought about calling her and telling here about the tragedy; but thought why did I need to tell her, she would just worry and think about it and I would not want to put her through that. My wife is a miracle worker with my daughter; she has dedicated every waking minute to work with her and to help her learn about life. She conducts the home schooling and works very hard to make sure Tori has everything she needs to succeed. You see Tori has Autism; a developmental disorder that affects children all across the world.

Tori is now eight years old; a happy little princes that shows improvements every day. She has shown us glimpses of exciting things to come. Shelly works so hard on improvements and teaching her that I worry about her own health because of it. But I have nick-named her the pit bull for a reason; you don�t come between a mother pit bull and her pup. So I support her where I can; I am sure it�s not enough for her peace of mind; and I worry sometimes that I should be doing more, but it tends to lead to more stress and arguments so we try to co-exist with each other while at the same time stay engaged with Tori.

Having a daughter growing up with Autism has been a challenge to say the least; I have learned so much about this disorder. It affects about 1 in 150 children now; and each child is different. The spectrum of the disorder is so large; it affects each child differently even though there are similarities. Communications, verbal and no-verbal is so minimal or even none existent that it makes things so challenging. Most children with Autism really do not speak much; the severe cases have children that have never spoken. As a parent, to never hear your child ask for a drink of water, or ask to go to the bathroom, or ask why; it�s one of the hardest things to deal with.

Tori has speech; limited compared to a �normal� eight year old but when she is on her game people really can�t tell she has Autism. A lot of her speech is memorized answers to standard questions, How are you today � I'm fine; we have to be careful that we challenge her to mix up her speech, to think about what she is saying rather than just reacting with memorized phrases.

She has shown a growing vocabulary; thanks mainly to Shelly working with her; and she reads like crazy. She started to read at a very young age. She knows the words but does not understand them. She can read a higher level reading book, but could not really answer any questions about what she has just read. Through the efforts of working with her; she is getting better at this every day. The guessing at the answer has given way to trying to remember what she read. It is exciting to see the progress.

As we are around her every day; we tend to not see all of the progress she makes. When family or friends come to visit they all talk about the improvements and her progress; we do not tend to see all of it but we are excited they do. The biggest key in this whole experience is that Tori is happy, always has been, and loves mom and dad. She knows right from wrong with the things she has experienced; she knows what she likes and what she doesn�t like; and she is not afraid to tell you.

One of her favorite line to say is �I�m not asking you; I�m telling you.� She heard that on a video or show and uses it all the time. She will say that not so much in a way that says it to us; but when we tell her to do something she repeats that as if that�s what she hears us saying to her. It's her way of saying my mom and dad just told me to do something and they are not asking me they are telling me to do it.

She is very visual and loves to watch videos, look at books with lots of pictures, and play on the internet. She has mastered the internet; at least PBS Kids and Playhouse Disney. She would sit for hours if we let her on there playing games and watching videos. She has even gotten up walked a way and then come back hours later and pick up exactly where she was.

She has the uncanny ability to put a video in on the TV in the basement, mute the sound and go into another room where she cannot see the TV; yet she can recite the video word for word at the exact moment they are actually saying the words. She will also hum the music at the right times. And if you shut it off; she knows. She will come running yelling no, no, no. She can travel around the house saying the words to the movie Madagascar and she will be right on-time with the actions in the movie. It�s how her brain works; very disciplined, very systematic, very structured.

I have developed an understanding of what she does and what she says to be able to communicate with her. Shelly gets frustrated sometimes that I do not correct her when she does not use full sentences, or use the words right; but I just sometimes want to communicate with her in her language; in her methods so she knows I know and that she knows I can be there for her.

She also has learned how to manipulate situations to her benefit. When she asks mom for permission to watch a video, and mom says no; she will call daddy and ask me with her sad eyes. Most of the time I say she has to ask mom and listen to her answer � but being the sucker I am for her sad facial expression I say yes.

My key thought is to make sure she is happy; I don�t want to spoil her but I want to avoid the disappointment of her not understanding and getting frustrated about it. When I ask her a question I try to give her time to think about it and answer me. I tell her to take her time and to formulate the answer and then tell me. She understands that; and she understands when I tell her I understand it�s hard for her to come up with the answers. I reassure her to try; to not just give up or go the easy route; but to take her time and think about her answer. It usually works and it�s great.

So there is a glimps into my life through one day's tragic event. The young boy was 11 years old; it was his first day with his new bike. His grandfather had told him not to ride it to school but he was so excited to have it that he jumped on it and took off for school. He passed away at the scene; his mother holding him in the middle of the street.

Love the ones you can, cherish each moment, and have fun doing it; we never know what will come next.

Price of Growing......

Dr. L. Ramakrishnan — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:51:01 GMT

I have not posted a blog here for quite some time. Let me try something more personal; I am not sure if such a piece is appropriate here.

Deepavali (Diwali, Deevali, Deepabali etc.) has been one of the great festivals of Indians, especially Hindus. As children we used enjoy cracking crackers, lighting sparkles, firing fire-works with the family and friends. We used to enjoy the sweets, savouries and nuts specially made available for the festival. While the festivities, in the south of India, start one day prior to the Naraga Chathurthi, the day when Lord Vishu (Good) killed Narakasura (Evil), we used to go to bed that night with happy feelings about the next day. The Deepavali day used to start at 3.00 a.m. Elders used to get up much earlier and used to wake up children a little later. Traditionally in our family our mother used to set fire to the first cracker at about 3.30 hrs. On the Deepavali day we would take "Ganga Snanam", basically taking hot water bath after applying til oil all over the body including head, and using Sihakkai powder made from a naturally occuring fruit (dry) which has a shampoo effect. As children we used to dread the oil and Sihakkai getting into the eye. By the time we used to come out of the bathroom, where mother used to give the bath, our eyes used to be RED. This was up to the age of 5.

After the oil bath mother used to give us, children, New clothes to wear...we used to wait for wearing them and running for the crackers and fire-works. It used to be fun "making money to soot" in no time; always we used to feel that the neighbours had more crackers than us (they also used to feel the same). We were supposed to use all the quota of the fire-works and sparkles before Sunrise; crackers could wait till after the Sunrise.

By around and after 6.00 o'clock used to be the time for eating the Deepavali specials...not only at home but also at various other places. We used to go to elders in the neighbourhood around to wish them and take their blessings on the auspicious day; of course they used to give us a lot to eat. Traditionally along with the sweets etc., mother used to give us also special home made Deepavali medicine...to take care of all the over-eating.

In those days it was a must to go for a newly released movie on the Deepavali day, for the matinee show...i.e. between about 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. After the movie again it was time for crackers and sparkles till about 9.00 pm. After a late dinner it used to be a great sleep. The "money to soot" activity used to extend for about two to three days...till stocks get reduced to a level that is required for the next festive day which needed crackers, i.e. Karthikai, sometime in November.

As we grew, all these changed. For study and work I moved out of Chennai. Going and celebrating Deepavali with parents and brothers became rare...cracking crackers or firing fire-works became a NO - I have become more environmentally conscious !! Of course, after marriage and children, Deepavali was an occasion for the children to enjoy (as I enjoyed when I was a child) with new clothes, eatables and TV shows.

As years moved, children had grown into ladies with their own families. They moved away from us with their husbands and have their own Deepavalis. My wife is away with one of them to day enjoying the company of her grand children...I am alone...not at home but in Bangkok, where no one (that is Thais don't..Indians here do celebrate) celebrates Deepavali. I am working on a Deepavali day !!!! I will be travelling on our official Deepavali holidays!!!

That is the price of Growing....

Book Report - Who Moved My Cheese?

Tom W — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:09:27 GMT

Well as we all know change is hard to deal with. It can hit you like a ton of bricks in the middle of the night; or it can sneak up on you like a Detroit Lions victory...

Either way it can be hard to handle...not knowing how to react; how to adapt to the change. The President of our company (who just got fired yesterday) had all the managers read a short little book; some of you might have read it: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D. Doing a search on the forums I see it has been talked about for years on the Cove. I think it's a very relevant book in todays econemy and corproate culture and whould like to get a disccusion on it again. I will also renew the thread so more people will see this subject.

If you have not read this book - you should. It's very short and very thought provoking. It talks about change and how different personalities deal with it - but it�s a fun story about two little mice and two little people running around in a maze with cheese in it. The cheese represents what you want - what you need; could be food, money, family, whatever you desire at that moment.

So I would ask anyone if you have not read it to go read it...and then tell me what you think. It might come in handy with the workforce dwindling and jobs getting more complicated these days.

Change is a scary thing most of the time - but being open to change and going and finding your cheese is almost a game or challange and it can be a positive experience. Hard to handle from time to time based on your character type....you will see what I mean when you read the book. Which character do you think you are? Which character do your co-workers see you as....

What have you learned today...?

Tom W — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:50:07 GMT

Well, I learned that no matter how bad my day is or how bad the economy is going my daughter has a way of putting it all in perspective...

This morning before I left for work; and an all day meeting to discuss how poor the organization is doing - you know that stressful type of meeting that you hope you leave with a job still...well she looked at me as she sat up in bed and asked if I was going to take her to her Halloween party...

BAM...right in the face with the fact that she doesn't care about my meeting, she only cares about her family and what is going on right then involving her and her dad.

Makes me go to the meeting thinking a little clearer about what�s really important. Of course I need my job, but I need my family more. She reminded me that in the big picture or life its just me, her and mommy standing there and nothing else really matters.

OK - so I am done for now - back to work for all of you slackers reading this...

Live to Work or Work to Live...

Tom W — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:27:23 GMT

As the economy takes a proverbial dump on our lawns, we are faced with the growing question if we live to work or work to live. Now most people will say the work to live not live to work; I whole heartedly agree with this philosophy; however my employer does not. They feel you should live to work; that you should take the vested interest that they (the ownership) take. Well I ask you - do you work for your organization or do you work for your family?

What has to go in your budget during this tough time? Well I would like to think that nothing is going to stop me from living the way I have been or want too. Well, that�s not the case. I realize that right now is the time to work as hard as I can to get out of debit, invest, and try to set myself up for the future. So with things the way the are now I am starting to live to work; working longer hours trying to turn around company performance anyway I can. Now is the time for calm; not panic.

Now is the time to work to live more than ever. It takes a whole new meaning: work to live meaning its survival; not comfort. Three years ago you worked to live and were mostly carefree; not now; its work to live to get by to the next day�

Anyway, feel free to comment, just my first of many abstract thoughts that I have�:bonk:

Will see AC/DC again

Lars_ — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:39:12 GMT

This Saturday the tickets to AC/DC�s only show in Sweden were released at 10 AM. The arena they will play at is a quite smallish one with room only for some 14000 attendants so I knew it could be hard to get tickets.
At 09.30 AM I was ready with two PC�s and one phone determined to get tickets to the first show in Sweden for 8 years. After 15 minutes I reached the booking site via internet only to see that the show was sold out. But then I spotted that suddenly there were a second date added so I tried to reserve tickets to that one. And finally I got six tickets. :rar:

All in all the first show was sold out in 11 minutes and the second in some 20 minutes. It�s quite amazing that a band that has rocked for almost 40 years can sell nearly 30000 tickets in 30 minutes. :agree1:

The ticket scalpers are having a field day as the tickets that cost less than $80 are now on eBay and similar sites for $140-$570. :mad:

Autumn

Lars_ — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:17:32 GMT

I realized that I had not visited elsmar for a very long time as well as not posting to my blog. So I rushed here and thought I�d tell you all a bit of our vacation in Greece.
We returned for the second time to a small village named Pefkos. The reason for us going there is that it�s a very quiet and calm resort with lots of good restaurants.
When we where there in 2005 we had a clear blue sky for the whole week. It was almost the same this time (we saw a small cloud for a couple of hours one day) and the temperatures was 95-105 during daytime and around 85 at night. The temperature in the water was between 79-82. All in all a wonderful week again. Now we are planning for the winter vacation J

Fire and smoke

Scott Catron — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:17:48 GMT

Fire in the mountains just south of us in Draper, Utah. See the Salt Lake Tribune or Deseret News articles.

Best photo I've seen of it - photo by Rich Legg

Wind was blowing from the south yesterday, so we could really smell it. In the time it took to drag the garbage and recycle bins to the curb, my eyes were watering. Had the house closed up and air conditioning on since it was upwards of 97 F yesterday - was still 80 F and stunk like smoke at 12:30 a.m. so I kept the house closed up overnight.

Much better this morning. A cold front rolled in, shifted the winds in the other direction and dropped the temperature to 70 F.

Could still see smoke rising from the side of the mountain from our house, but it wasn't as big as it was yesterday.

(Also posted in Intermountain West Covers social group.)

A starter for ten!

Paul Simpson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:17:08 GMT

I've finally decided to start on the blog side of the cove. Please ignore the useless drivel that generally comes from brain dumping.

I have started to take an interest in the number of firms profit making due to fuel. :mad:

Here in the UK a number of the bus operators have put up the cost of fares putting it down to the rising cost of fuel. Fair enough you might say except most of them have arrangements in place fixing the costs!

Is lying to your customers a quality issue? :confused:

The rainy season.

Claes Gefvenberg — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:49:31 GMT

August 2008 is not really living up to expectations: Thus far we have not had a single day without rain, quite often torrential rain. I was looking forward to some celestial events this week: A partial eclipse of the sun, the Perseids meteor shower, and a lunar eclipse... It all came to nothing, of course: Heavy cloud cover hid all three. Well, maybe next time.

I still count myself lucky: I opted for an early vacation, got to see the sun and have now been back in business for three weeks. Today, at least I managed to get a bit of gardening done before the floodgates opened. Then I went inside to further deplete my dwindling book stash, and watch the Olympics.

/Claes

What they say....What they mean

Dr. L. Ramakrishnan — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:29:54 GMT

I have a blog exclusively for my children and family. Here is one entry from that. These comments were heard in a wedding. You may like to add to the list below from other contexts too......

"A Random Walk in Science" is an interesting book published by the Physical Society of London .....among many interesting information in the book is this chapter on what people mean when they write something in the scientific paper (e.g. when they say "after a thorough literature survey" they mean "we have gone through a few journals available in our library"), I thought I should attempt a similar one on what people say and what they mean. Here are some of the initial entries........we can enrich this as the days go....

1. "Beautiful Couple" - I cannot say otherwise, you will throw me out
2. "Nice Food" - Worth the spending to come here
3. "Made for each other" - I had rehersed this dialogue even before coming here; I cannot change it now
4. "Excellent Arrangements" - You are normally untidy; how could you do this?
5. "Shall I take leave" - Give me the momento - don't forget
6. "Ask me for any help" - Forget it...I am too busy to waste my time here
7. "Cute Baby" - I can't say the same thing about you
8. "You are very kind" - Let me tell you after my job is over
9. "Great Wedding" - The food was fantastic-I, with my family, enjoyed it in all the sessions
10. "Good People" - Stupid fellows..

Add more if you have.....enjoy