Footboard travelling in overcrowded trains, during rush hour, is understandable, but what puts off commuters are young schoolboys travelling dangerously. On Monday, a group of boys were creating a ruckus, jumping into the train at the last moment. One commuter called the RPF helpline and when the train pulled into Mandaveli station, a couple of RPF constables promptly rounded up the boys. They were let off after a stern warning.
*********
After most press conferences, reporters are offered tea and some snacks. These are usually meant for consumption after the reporters are briefed. At a recent meeting organised at a five-star hotel, while a small handful of the press was inside, listening to the briefing, a large majority decided the food outside the hall was more interesting. One of the organisers commented that in the future, they would insist food be served only after the press briefing.
ADVERTISEMENT
*********
Chasing celebrities can be really troublesome. Though some of them at least answer the phone and politely decline to comment, some try various tactics to wriggle away. Recently, after the general election results were out, when this reporter tried to reach a popular vocalist, somebody who answered the phone at his house asked this reporter to call at 7 p.m. But at the appointed hour, the phone kept ringing and then went into voice mail. This happened several times before the reporter was forced to trail another VIP for a quote.
*********
ADVERTISEMENT
In the past few days, the corridors of Ripon Buildings have witnessed a group of visitors with a new grievance. They are waiting for persons who had allegedly promised jobs, a few months ago. They claim unidentified persons at the offices of the Chennai Corporation’s standing committee took money promising jobs with the civic body. Even after repeated futile visits, these persons are still searching for the jobs and the persons who promised them the jobs.