Writings on the Wall

Kate Adie in conversation with Rosie Goldsmith

2010-03-12T13:55:00.000+04:00

Kate Adie

in conversation with Rosie Goldsmith

I joined in as a junior correspondent, being slotted from 8pm to 8am. One day I was called in to fill for a senior correspondent and as a good junior I filled in and that's how I got on the show. My friends and family keep telling me Just hang in there, you'll get your chance.

I never intended to go into journalism, I never thought about doing it. It's a very different world. I have always been very candid about how I got into it. The organisation I got into was big.

Television is about the sound bite. I concentrated on people. The world is full of the most amazing people and they have within them some absolutely exciting stories. You learn to cope up with all business on-air. It's your job to put things what people say, on-air. I learnt a lot from local radio.

Why does China affects you?

I was the 8th reporter to be flown into China by BBC. What I saw was that people weren't demonstrating for democracy but more freedom and rights. The demonstrations went on for three months but they were completely non violent and utterly peaceful. But of course the government didn't like this, because it threatened the Communist regime.

When they ordered Army to tackle the demonstrators, it was a Terrible scene. There were thousands of innocents, some passer-bys, who were confronted by fully armed soldiers firing mercilessly.

There is a moment of fear for Journalists, but I knew THIS IS BIG. There is a sense of responsibility as a journalist, to do your best, to rise to the occassion. The army continued the rampage from midnight to 5 in the morning intimidating and drove everyone away from Tinamin Square. You realise it was momentous and terrible. How can a country use it army to attack its own people?

In places where life is difficult, you have to take decisions about risk. It was hell, horrible, upsetting, tragic, decent and innocent people were killed. You know what you got to do is to go as far as you can to see what is happening, verify what's going on.

But most importantly, you've got to be in a physically fit condition to deliver your story. So you can go only as far where you can come back. There are times when you know, DON'T GO ANY FURTHER. You realise your luck has absolutely run out. That's when you say to yourself, pull out.

We knew Chinese will deny this, they completely reject it. We needed the evidence. There was absolute carnage and we were in the middle of it. You have to get a TV shot and for that you have to be still, absolutely still, which wasn't just possible.

How is it reporting from the front-line?

There was never a front-line. The while way of covering was is to get as near as possible. To do that you have to insert yourself into a side.

24 hours NEWS channel is an animal which eats, eats and eats. And no organisation in world can feed it with fresh news every 10 minutes. You have to fill the time. Now, how do you fill the time?

Speculate: Just stand there, outside the event centre and speculate. Speculation is another form of new.

Deliver a detailed background and rub it on and on and speculate of likely outcome.

What you are getting in description, analysis indicates reporting.

There is a sense that 24-hour NEWS channel is live. But you are going live from a distance, from a long distance from the action.

I am fascinated by how other people do media. You can tell what you are going to get by watching people.

NEWS is moving into the entertainment world. It's becoming friendly, its getting cosy and appealing. Entertainment has to appeal. You don't entertain people by dreadful things. It's becoming show-bizzy, not driven by journalism. Worldwide, TV NEWS is being used as an entertainment transmission.

When it first started, it was called NEWS BULLETIN, Bulletin was straight, formal and serious. Then it became NEWS PROGRAMME, more relaxing and wider. Now its called a SHOW, a SHOW, its shifting. NEWS has become show-bizzy, journalism is there, but it's under pressure, it's changing.

Superstar India: From Incredible to Unstoppable

2010-03-12T05:54:00.000+04:00

Shobhaa De
in conversation with Rosie Goldsmith

Rosie - "I first met Shobhaa when I visited India in 1997 and she introduced me to the wide diversity of India. Recently she was conferred upon the Most Trusted Person of India Award."

In the western world, you are being called the Jackie Collins of India. Do you feel angry about it?

Angry: No. Initially I used to. I think this comparison is as fake as botox. Its lazy reporting and I do resent it. The person who profiled me and tagged me is actually a good friend now. But it doesn't mattter any more.

Is Mumbai or Bombay still your home?

Bombay is a part of what I am, its a part of me. "I hated Slumdog Millionaire." Mumbai doesn't need films to validate it. Its a part of my organic growth.

You are a serious Journalist and you also have a celebrity status in Bollywood. Are these your two parts?

Its just very much a part of my existence. Though it doesn't define me. I am on the top of image not that the image is on top of me. I am very much a product of South Mumbai

Bollywood is not a physical place, its a state of mind. Movie stars live in North Mumbai, celebrity game is upon you how to play.

You were the pioneer of celebrity gossip in India. Do you regret it now?

Not at all. What is showbiz without masala? It was a social commentary. To be able to comment was important. Things changed after I started writing in Stardust. It gave birth to a new language called hinglish. It's not gossip journalism, its social commentary. It's just holding up a mirror and saying what it is. It is journalism.

You are very outspoken. Was it difficult in early days?

Being opinionated is natural. I was lucky I was given the opportunity and the platform. No one tells me what to say. I get a lot of hate mail and threats but I am not complaining, I have chosen this turf, I am not afraid.

Why would you start writing sexually explicit novels?

How much would the man who wrote Kamasutra know about female orgasm? I write to break taboos. Men are writing erotic books about female sexual experiences without being asked to explain, but when I wrote, I was asked to! I have all the right to write a book.

It's about freedom. Very rarely is the story told by a woman in our country. I took a passionate look at my country. I am glad I did write a book. We all have our ways to express.

The publishing industry in India is expanding whereas in west its shrinking. Your thoughts?

I see around 5-6 manuscripts in a week. Its just gets me amazed. The creativity of young people in just amazing.

When Penguin Books launched in India in 1990, a survey carried out by them showed there is no market for women books. But with the commercial success of my book, things changed. I would always go out of my way to make woman's voice being heard.

Was your last book a departure from your writing style?

If a book is within you, it must be written, you can't hold it in your head. Change is me, I have lived the change. I took chances as a writer. Writing is exubarance. I could have stuck to commercially succeessful writing but I like to do what I wanted to do.

How about championing India?

I felt being on the back-foot always defending India. It needed to be said very strongly. It's very critical to many aspects of the country. The book is very 'Yes darling, but.'

I grew impatient with the ignorance by western world. it's about arrogance. I resent cliches and stereotypes.

Your views on the corrupt politicians in India?

Politicians are our elected representative not masters. Young Indians need to be more proactive and demand accountability. Politics is a lucrative profession and when youngsters join it, the become a part of same corrupt system. The voices are not being heard strongly.

Economy- Who's the beneficiary?

Middle class. Issue is not addressed. Poverty generates vote-banks. Some tribals in India don't know they are part of a country.

IT or Information Technology, do you think its good for India?

Well, we have to admit it brought India on the world map, but it's about harnessing talent.

About the author:

Bestselling novelist, jet-setting commentator and cultural critic, Shobhaa De, is an Indian superstar. A former model and Bollywood journalist, she exposed Bollywood the way Jackie Collins exposed Hollywood.

Crime Writers' Panel

2010-03-12T04:52:00.000+04:00

RJ Ellory, Mark Billingham, Jeffery Deaver
Moderated by Rosie Goldsmith

Crime Novels: The UK and US- comparison

Why do you have different detectives in your novels?

Jeffery: We don't necessarily want to continue to revisit stories. I wanted to create a mental detective, not in a maniac sense, but more in Sherlock Holmes style.

Then I wanted someone who is close to people and so on. Between my characters/detectives. I have got most of significant crimes in the world covered.

Mark: When I saw police officers, I thought they were like accountants. They had uniforms, 9 to 5 jobs, family and pretty much a settled life. That is good, but I don't want to write about these boring people. Readers have new expectations.

RJ: I met some fascinating crime fighters throughout my life and I wanted to tell people how detectives really are and how they live their life.

Do you feel need to bring in politics of today in a novel?

Mark: You can't NOT write. Crime fiction is uniquely placed to look at these factors. The story has to come first, in course of story, you can go to certain areas.

Jeffery: I find CIA helpful.

What makes a book interesting?

RJ: I think enough interest in characters and enough engagement of those characters with the readers will make them actually care about the characters.

Jeffery: I have been writing books since I was 11, well, just four pages, but I still used to call them, books. I loved telling stories and that gravitated me towards crime.

I want to engage with my reader from first sentence to the last. People don't really need to get to the middle of the book. We can engage with reader at any level. The element of personal relationship is there. Crime fiction can encompass social as well as psychological issues, because we write about people!

I don't really consider myself an entertainer. I create roller-costers. I want to create an elaborative roller-coster which might have terrifying experiences, but you will survive my book.

Location: How do you make North London interesting to people around the world? Why don't you write about country side?

Mark: I don't care, I don't care about country side. Any major city has two sides: the city people see and the hidden or the underground city, the society beneath the city. There are darker things in every city. That's how a reader gets interested in such place.

RJ: My novels are based in United States, in different places, different times.

How do American readers like British writers?

RJ: United States, par say, doesn't have a literary heritage, but, its just fascinating to see an incredibly young nations having immense power and influence on every aspect of world policies. America exported their culture around the world. The first book I wanted to read was about the murder of John F. Kennedy.

Jeffery: For me, there is nothing better than a good solid hollywood movie that makes emotional impact. American crime writing in the early 20th century translated into films and that travelled around the world. Books may differ but there is something that resonates in this translation that relates every one's imaginations around the world. When I was visiting Scotland once and was asked to speak at an event, I told the moderator that I will be speaking slowly just to make sure people don't find it difficult to pick. The moderator replied, "Don't worry, just understand us, Scots understand you because of CSI."

RJ: When I read, I want to be engaged and puzzled and questioned and quizzed. I want to be intrigued, I want to fall in love, fgall out of love with the characters.

Criticism and comparisons:

Jeffery: Criticism and characterisation are functions of question. The sole criteria should be: Is the writer a (mentally) healthy person or not? A writer's goal of writing is to perceive his/her thoughts. I like to entertain.

Crime writing: Is there any difference between the UK and US?

Mark: Yes, quite often in the UK we can over-write.

Jeffery: American crime fiction is superficial, there is no depth in it. Where's the crime fiction from the UK have more ambiguity.

Mark: American publishers think they know what the reader want.

RJ: I write in a style that suits the subject matter, US or the world.

Use of social media in crime writing:

Jeffery: I don't really enjoy it. But let's admit it, it has become a part of our lives. In my novel, Roadside Crosses, the protagonist is bullied on the internet and then he turns tables and goes after them. I have actually put on links in my novel which actually exists and my readers actually click on the links right when they are reading and I have blogs setup on these links which provide them clues and then they take it forward and thus it gets them more and more involved.

RJ: I devote one and half to two hours every morning from 7 t0 9 and then from 10pm to midnight, for my international audience, on social media.

One weakness:

Mark: I find it extremely difficult to describe landscapes. I cannot do this if my life was dependent on it.

RJ: "To write is to human, to edit is to divine." I cannot read my own book as a reader.

Jeffery: I mix up different pauses in my novel in the last chapter and I find it difficult to explain those pauses sometimes.

Mark: I can't write about sex, to write about something you got to know what that is.

About the authors:

Jeffery Deaver is an international number-one bestselling author. His novels have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including The New York Times, The Times of London and The Los Angeles Times. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages.

Mark Billingham is one of the UK's most acclaimed and popular crime writers. His series of London-based novels featuring D.I. Tom Thorne has won him the Sherlock Award, the Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year Award and he has been nominated for five Crime Writer's Association Daggers. Mark has also worked successfully as a stand-up comedian for more than 15 years.

Roger Jan Ellory or RJ Ellory was born in Birmingham, England. Roger began writing his first novel in November 1987 and till July 1993 wrote 22 novels, none of which were published. He did not start writing again till 2001. His book Candlemoth was published in 2003 which was shortlisted for the Crime Writer's Association Steel Dagger for Best Thriller.

Interview: Robert Greene

2010-03-11T19:50:00.000+04:00

How did you find Dubai?

I haven't really been around the city, but so far whatver I have seen, I love it. I am enjoying it, loving the atmosphere.

What are your thoughts on the economic crash around the world?

Economic crash is not really what you think it is. Its not aftermath, its evolution, its a change, the world has not caught up with it. Power is changing. Business and politics have not caught up with the times. Its creative destruction, destructions of cycles of capitalism.

The old world model is disappearing. Before, it was all about attracting large businesses, products and celebrities. Old business model was based on creating some sort of products and marketing it to hell, about domination and bullying.

But its evolving. For example look at the competition between Microsoft an Google. Its like the war between Napoleon and Russians. Napoleon introduced new organisational methods, new tactics. Google is like that.

Existing business models are not perfect and are showing faults. Hierarchy and bureaucracy have made businesses slow and inefficient.

Do you think any country has a edge on other in the current economic situation?

The concept of nation or state is dieing. Barriers and boundaries are disappearing.

There is no country that holds a definite edge.

For example China has a definite advantage over United States but China is 'socially and politically backward', so I don't see China dominating.

India on the other side has a high number of educated and ambitious youth who are very concerned about future and technology. India is also socially vibrant. It will be interesting to see where they go from here.

'United States is in a state of decline.' Instead of attracting talent from countries like China and India there is a reverse drain. But the Universities in United States are still the best and its socially forward, multi-cultural.

So there is pretty much a mixed picture in the world. Nation concept is dieing.

What do you think is the way ahead for Dubai?

Dubai can become a centre of attracting new technology firms, best of engineers. It can become the Silicon Valley of Middle East.

10 years ago, Dubai had a definite edge as compared to places in the Middle East. It was something different.

It could again be exciting and different. There is so much history and so much of Arabic learning here.

Do you think the recession or economic slowdown which keeps emerging every few decades can be avoided?

Recession which appeared in 2008 is like Tsunami. The changes around the world and the financial bubble sort of combined and an unusually large wave swept the world.

With capitalism, avoiding recession is not possible. There are cycles of capitalism and they are destroyed, both large and small. In fact I think we shouldn't avoid this. There are constant dynamic forces and there should always be room for something new to emerge.

The worst is system is a stable system where there is no change.

I personally think recession is inevitable.

Business models are drastically changing. The information age started in 1990 but it took it a long time to be a success but it has finally arrived.

Speed and adaptability are the keywords. Existing businesses should add value chains, like Amazon and Apple (itunes). Businesses should be fast, fluid and adaptable, they should allow room for change.

For example, Google: Its light, un bureaucratic, no marketing or sales or editorial team, very few managers and business people. Its fast and fluid. Its about crushing the distance between your sales/marketing team and your customers. Its about getting closer to your audience. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter are lessening the distance.

Another example is Zara. It sells its stuff online. Their speed of response is very fast, its a light company, no advertisements. They come up with 100s of new products very quickly, gets instant feedback and therefore, is very close to it's customers. They rely on word to mouth publicity.

Strategy and structure are the soul of business.

What are your thoughts on Emirates Airline Festival of Literature?

Its very interesting and exciting. The audience is very nice and open. I talked for 50 minutes and usually I see people yawning and texting on their cellphones, but the audience last night was very responsive. I am massively impressed, the festival is very well run.

About the author:

Bestselling author and public speaker, Robert Greene was born in Los Angeles and has lived in London, Paris and Barcelona. His first book, The 48 Laws of Power was published in 1998 and quickly became an international bestseller. Next came The Art of seduction, a handbook on how to wield the ultimate form of power and a detailed look at the greatest seducers in history. The third in the series, The 33 strategies of War, was published in 2006 and offers a strategic and very topical look at the impact of war on everyday life. Now his latest book The 50th Law, co-written with rapper 50 Cent, takes as its central theme, fearlessness.

Poetry and music spectacular set Emirates Airline Festival of Literature off to a ‘flying start’

2010-03-11T16:23:00.000+04:00

More than 100 authors enjoyed the unique opening ceremony

Festival anthem premiered by more than 200 local school children

Performances watched by a capacity VIP audience

12^th March, Dubai, 2010: The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature opened today with a ‘taste of the riches to come’, according to Isobel Abulhoul, Festival Director. More than 100 authors who are participating in the Festival attended the opening ceremony which featured poetry performances in English and Arabic as well as the premiere of a specially commissioned Festival anthem. Attendees at the ceremony were also treated to the first public performance of the specially commissioned Festival anthem, entitled ‘The Adventure’. The anthem was composed by Emirates steward and former music teacher Yousef Khan and was performed by more than 200 students from Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) Jumeirah and Arabian Ranches along with Dubai English Speaking School (DESS). The capacity audience included senior Government officials, diplomats, representatives from major businesses and Educational institutions, and leading lights from the local cultural scene.

The Festival, which takes place in Dubai from 10^th – 13^th March, is held under the patronage of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the Emirate’s dedicated authority for culture, the arts and heritage.

Jeffrey Deaver, the American international best-selling crime writer, read extracts of his poem ‘The Death of Reading’ while UAE-based poet Khalid al-Budoor recited ‘Reading the Postman’, a poem from his newly published collection of 19th century works by Dubai poets. Khaled was joined on-stage by acclaimed Iraqi poet Fadhil al-Azzawi who as well as reciting the English translation of ‘Reading the Postman’ joined Festival moderator Paul Blezard in an entertaining, light-hearted ‘duel’ featuring well-known opening lines from novels.

‘’More than 100 authors have gathered in Dubai from the four corners of the globe,” said Isobel Abulhoul, “with a mandate to debate and inspire throughout the next four days. There will, I’m sure, be many highlights throughout the main author programme, Education Day and Fringe but the wonderful opening ceremony has provided us with a flying start.”

There were also speeches from Mohammed Al Murr, Vice Chairman, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and Group.

About the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature:

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is a celebration of literature in all its forms. As the Middle East’s largest annual literary festival, it offers residents and overseas visitors the opportunity to meet famous authors, attend literary debates, listen to readings and participate in workshops. A key aim of the Festival is to encourage new and emerging talent and creativity within the region. Attendees can also enjoy the many free Fringe activities that are held as part of the festival. The 2010 Festival will take place from 10th to 13th March at the InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. Sign up to our newsletter on www.emirateslitfest.com

About Emirates:

Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. With a fleet of 138 modern aircraft, it flies to more than 100 destinations across six continents. Emirates has won more than 400 international awards for its products and services and supports a wide range of sports and cultural activities around the world. It is proud to be the title sponsor for the Emirates Airline International Festival of Literature.

About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai, namely: Muhammad the Messenger Museum; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards; Gulf Film Festival; Bastakiya Art Fair; Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre; Dubai Next: Khor Dubai; and The Holy Lands.

For further information, please contact:

James Mullan

Communication Director

James.mullan@emirateslitfest.com
Mob.: (+97150) 455 9047

Gillian Bourke

PR & Communication Manager

Tel.: +971 (04) 344 4192

Gillian.bourke@emirateslitfest.com

Youssef Ziedan: in Conversation

2010-03-11T03:37:00.000+04:00

Youssef Ziedan

in Conversation with Mohammad Al Murr

"What can I do with all my pasion when I'm imprisoned in my worries?" Thought provoking much?

Welcome to Day 1 Session 6, International Prize for Arabic Fiction or Arabic Booker Prize, 2009 winner author Youssef Ziedan in Conversation with Mohammad Al Murr.

Do historical novels need research and reading to a great extent?

This is the first thing required. In any time, to write about history, you must try to live, imagine that time. I imagined I lived those scenes. In recent times, the anatomy would be different. To write about history, we go identify history.

Accusations: Instead of making it a history of religion, you made it a historical book.

When I was young, an editor asked me to write an article. I started writing, but I used to feel sad when parts of my articles were removed. I complained with my editor and he asked me to write again and again and keep writing.

In response to my novel, 6 books were wrote. One of which accused me of showing ignorance to history. I go back to what me editor told me: write and write.

What I see as more fruitful is that people won't stop criticising. We are not going to wait for what these people think.

There are various aspects of history. Why would my novel be an accusation when it came 300 years after Coptic Chair? History can be dealt with various angles and we don't wanna be dead or demolished again. I take the freedom provided as to me to write, but I will not cry. I write my novel, I finish my job and move to write another novel. So let them say what they want to say.

Do you think your novel is not a scientific information? Its fiction. Don't you think you should refrain from writing such controversial things for the interest of nation?

We should confront tutorship. I did refrained from shedding lights on topics which conflicts with Sharia. Even the Bishop said, this is balance of power. Our Government banned Da Vinci Code (movie) when the Church requested them to.

Imagine if each region is going to come up with sad reactions, what will we write about?

I wanted to write how Jews left Alexandria because there was misery, but I avoided writing about those adventures. Things that are presented as undiscussable are not even close to history. I was not attacking Coptic Church or any person. Historical awareness covered in Azazil goes beyond this issue.

Kindly explain what part of your novel is historical, what is imagination and what's the reality?

I have not put or created this framework. This is upon the reader to put his imagination to work. Character are real, they existed in history, I just manoeuvred them using some reference.

The text doesn't include anything, The text it a mirror that reflects what you see. You are a reader and you come up with results.

How did you come about to write a novel?

I came to write novel from Sufism. 'When' indicated time, an era and spirits from beyond etc. Capacity of this term explains the power of literature.

A large part of my work are taken from Sufism and this was a natural reaction. Talent also needs other complimentary elements, you will have to read a LOT before writing such work.

About the author:

Youssef Zeidan is a Egypt born author. His academic work was focused on Sufism and other branches of Islamic philosophy and he is director of the Manuscript Centre and Museum affiliated to the Bibliotheca Alexandria. He is now most widely known for his bestselling second novel, Azazil which won the 2009 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (the 'Arabic Boooker').

Conn Iggulden: Historical Fiction at its Best

2010-03-10T23:11:00.000+04:00

Conn Iggulden

From Julius Caesar to Shakespeare to his own life story, Iggulden took the audience on a laughter ride. Making fun of himself, sharing his experiences, Iggulden talked about Julius Caesar's fascinating story.

First Iggulden played psychologist, explaining what led to Julius Caesar being so violent. "Julius Caesar was kidnapped at the age of 19 & held for ransom. He decided, when I will eventually be free, I'll kill all of them."

"One of the difficulties of Historical Fiction is that sometimes you have to make your own stories"

Blessed with an amazing sense of humor, Iggulden just kept the audience spell bound with experiences like this: "I once asked a tribal: How do you separate sheep from a goat? Tribal: why do you want to separate sheep from a goat?"

And it couldn't have been more aptly put than this: "Every writer is a reader first." and "People do care about each other. We are all interested in others."

About the author:

Teacher Turned bestselling writer, Conn Iggulden, credits his Irish mother, who explained history to him as a series of exciting stories together with an early diet of Flashman, Jack Aubrey and Sharpe, as having kindled his interest in historical fiction. His own career took off in 2003 with The Gates of Rome, the first in his Emperor series following the life of Julius Caesar. His new series based on Genghis Khan, leaped straight into the bestseller lists.

Day 1 in Pics: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

2010-03-10T21:32:00.000+04:00

Day 1 in Pics: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Inspiration- Why we write

2010-03-10T20:06:00.000+04:00

Bahaa Taher, Yann Martel and Imtiaz Dharker
In conversation with Paul Blezard

Concept of muses:

Bahaa: I don't believe we need muses to inspire poetry or music. We need inspiration and own realisation to to create poetry. Inspiration changes from one period to another. Writers or artist fail to produce words sometimes. Muses of poetry or music is inside ourself and its upon us how can we make use of them.

Joy of creative writing: What sustains you?

Imtiaz: I don't believe you can write in hope that someone will publish it. You have to start with that, just start with that. With poetry you write knowing its a hopeless cause. You are forced to do it. The audience may never be there. When I first read Gerard Manley Hopkins, I realised words were playful, thats when I began to write.

Bahaa: If inspiration dies, you need to stop at that stage and consider two options: First - Refrain from writing or Pursue with diligence or wait, wait for inspiration. Hemmingway shot himself when he couldn't write. Optimism is paramount. When writing is impossible, people still continue to write without inspiration.

I do think they do understand the advises, they continue to write when the inspiration is not present for fans. Stop writing when inspiration dies. God takes care of writers.

Yann: Writing is North America is commercialised. Publishers now make huge sums, while writers suffer. Writers now submit themselves to commercialisation. When I started writing, what I loved was that I control things. You have a sense you are god. When you are 19, you can follow your dreams, so do when you are 30. But at 40, you need to stop being optimistic and be realistic.

Imtiaz: For a writer, colleagues are other writers in the world, great source of inspiration, living and dead.

Bahaa: Applies to real writers, not superficial writers. People write series of books to prove their effective presence.

Yann Martel leapt to public attention in 2001 when his second novel, Life of Pie, won the Booker Prize.

Bahaa Taher's novel Sunset Oasis won the IPAF, or Arabic Bo0ker in 2008.

Imtiaz Dharker is a Pakistan-born, Scottish educated poet.

COP15 Live Blog

2009-12-18T19:23:00.000+04:00

Updates from bloggers and new media LIVE from Copenhagen

Is It For Real?

2009-12-09T23:34:00.000+04:00

United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNCCC) 2009 or COP15 has been one of the most hyped multilateral event on the radar in recent times. The conference has gained unprecedented attention, both political and sentimental. The print media and NGOs coming together have resulted in mass public awareness and generated sentiments across the planet.

If we take an unbiased view of it, it appears to be a tussle between developed countries led by US and developing countries led by China. If we go deep, it appears to be a clash of two world powers with larger than life egos. While in earlier times, United States could have had it their way by the leverage they had on other countries and world politics, not to mention, EU rarely breaks away from United States official policy. Since it came to the term 'developed countries', it actually helped bind EU and US. While it might appear China along with India is leading the massive block of developing countries, in reality, both these countries have nothing in common and their wide ranging differences haven't helped the position of developing countries.

What may conspire in Copenhagen is a farce, a game, a show-off that world leaders are coming together and trying to reach a consensus on the climate change issue. But in reality, the gulf between the two blocks is wider than most see. It’s not just about binding or voluntary emission cuts, as the general positions suggest. It’s more political. China wants a stronghold in world politics and wants a bigger say for itself. While India is still coming to terms with its new found importance and certain leverage, more moral than political, it has on certain countries around the world. Whereas the economic turmoil around the world have deeply hurt US and EU positions, both politically and influentially. Countries around the world no longer look at the developed nations for cheaper loans or grants. Asian giants such as China and India have spread their wings far and wide in Africa, which though politically, have marginal say on world scene but have far higher number of people being affected by the perils of climate change than Western world. The ongoing economic turmoil has resulted in a shift of power and Asia is clearly the driving force on the road to recovery. But differences among themselves, China - Japan, China - India, have resulted in US taking advantage. China did announced a voluntary target of 40-45% emission cuts from their 2005 levels, while India announced 20-25%, its still upon US (17% emission cuts announced) and EU to do more. China and India will be looking for deeper emission cuts from developed countries and also for financial compensation.

The truth is that COP15 is a glimpse in the future. A preview of things to come, where no single country or group of countries hold absolute majority or say in decision making when it comes to UN. It is also a reminder that the world politics is getting multi-polar or at least bi-polar from uni-polar.

What's The Worth?

2009-12-07T02:44:00.000+04:00

What good have you done for someone else today?

You have a well paid job, a fancy car, a decent place to live in and almost everything that makes your life comfortable. You can easily spend an average East African resident's monthly earning on your daily evening entertainment. On top of that, you complain! Complaints about trivial things- Oh my, the grocery store next door is selling Evian for 7 dhs!! That's wrong! - without realising that clean drinking water, forget evian, is still a dream in many parts of this world!

It's not just about how much money you have in your bank account or what cigar you smoke? At the end of it all, you aren't taking nothing with you. It all ends right here, right then. All the materialism dies with you. What leaves behind is how you lived. What good you did for someone else for them to remember and preserve your legacy? What difference you made in the lives of those unfortunate and suppressed, whom you could have or perhaps should have helped?

To complain about something and not doing anything about it, is called HYPOCRISY. And slowly, but surely, we are all moving towards that point.

Take time to think what good you did today for someone else. The realisations might just give a meaning to your life.

Mistaken Identity

2009-12-01T03:32:00.000+04:00

Today, I am revisiting a topic which was probably the most sensitive of all in the 20th Century. But I want to revisit it from Professor Robert Langdon's point of view or for those of you who don't follow Dan Brown, symbolical point of view.

Swastika a symbol in existence in world for more than 5,000 years, have often been seen as a legacy of Adolf Hitler's Nazi era by many around the world, till they opened their eyes to the reality, the world existed to their east as well.

What has often been referred to as a symbol of hatred and racism is actually a very lucky and auspicious religious symbol. Ask any follower of Hinduism, Buddhism or Jainism, the Swastika is one of the holiest symbols in all these faiths.

[caption id="attachment_53" align="alignleft" width="278" caption="The Indian Swastika"][/caption]

Swastika originated from the Sanskrit word Svastik - "????????". The earliest evidences of Swastika appear as early as 10,000 BCE, in the upper paleolithic age, in the Indus Valley Civilisation. Indian Swastika is different from those used by sun worshippers. Perhaps the usage of Swastika by Nazi party as their political symbol can be explained by the Aryan descent of Germans. But Swastika is a symbol used by civilisations all across the planet and is generally used as a lucky charm for prosperity.

In, India, the two symbols represent the two forms of the creator: facing right it represents the evolution of the universe (Devanagari: ?????????, Pravritti), facing left it represents the involution of the universe (Devanagari: ????????, Nivritti)

: The Indian Swastika

A Tribute

2009-11-26T01:33:00.000+04:00

On the eve of 26/11, A tribute to the victims of terrorism, not just in Mumbai, not just in India, around the world.

When the Nazis came for the communists,

I remained silent;

I was not a communist.

When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,

I did not speak out;

I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,

I remained silent;

I wasn't a Jew.

When they came for me,

there was no one left to speak out

May their souls Rest In Peace. AMEN.

WHAT IS PASSION?

2009-11-25T02:02:00.000+04:00

"What is passion? It is surely the becoming of a person. Are we not, for most of our lives, marking time? Most of our being is at rest, unlived. In passion, the body and the spirit seek expression outside of self. Passion is all that is other from self. The more extreme and the more expressed that passion is, the more unbearable does life seem without it. It reminds us that if passion dies or is denied, we are partly dead and that soon, come what may, we will be wholly so."

An interesting discussion led me to ask this question to my few followers on twitter. The replies were vastly different, both in wave-lengths and in approach towards the question:

For a high school student, "Passion is the look In a hungry lover's eyes when they first lay on their soulmate. passion is when u blv tht you're done searching for love. when u blv that u've finally found urself in ur soulmate.."

For an under-graduate, through last year of studies, "Passion is a strong feeling of desire. Your driving point. The reason you live."

For a career-woman ,"Willing and believing to be able to live, breathe, sleep ur core desire."

For someone fresh off the hackles of college life, "Passion is the diplomatic synonym for obsession."

And For someone who had seen it all, "Passion is the food for soul."

For an aspiring career woman, look in lover's eye might not be passion and for a high school graduate, Passion is anything but food for thought.

Passion depends on what stage of life you are at, passion is what your priorities are, passion is what keeps you going, passion is anything that YOU ARE, PASSION IS WHAT YOU ARE. Live it up, go, live your passion.

CHINA ON A ROLL

2009-11-13T17:46:00.001+04:00

An interesting discussion on Global Warming yesterday took my thought process to a complete new journey which had nothing to do with Climate Change or anything related to that. Its pretty strange how the western paranoia and insecurity of losing the Super Power position is now taking fore in almost all global issues. While discussing Global Warming, a western yesterday complained how world doesn't bother about actual issues like "nuclear proliferation, extreme poverty, infectual disease etc etc etc China." Now apart from the last "so called problems" were pretty much general or non-country specific. But what about calling CHINA a problem?

Now, to make things clear, I am an Indian, a proud one, and its a very well know fact that India lost a border war with China back then in 1962 and the two countries are not the best of friends or neighbours. I also acknowledge that there is no comparison between India and China in any aspect. China is miles ahead let it be its Economic Strength, Military, Infrastructure Development and many things. But at the same time I myself am a critic of poor standards of human rights in China and the frequent unlawful executions.

But, in this blog post, I will write only about the paranoia and insecurity that breeds in the mind of many in the western world. China, the world's most populous country is now the second largest economy (GDP-PPP) in world, second only behind USA. But the important thing is that during the worst recession after 1930s, China is still growing, though at a relatively slower pace whereas USA is contracting. China currently holds a foreign currency reserve equivalent to more than $2 Trillion. China is world's largest exporter of non-defense products and the second largest outsourcing destination in the world. All this combined would definitely make China the world leader if we lived in a conflict free, unmilitarized world. But that said, we don't. And unfortunately thats the only thing which always decides the balance of power in geo-politics.

That is only why USA is still considered the most powerful nation in world. But they know that China is catching up fast and they are doing everything to delay, if not halt, the progress. But, its inevitable and even Obama acknowledged it by visiting China before a Chinese state visit.

The balance is shifting towards the west of west.

CHINA ON A ROLL

2009-11-13T17:46:00.000+04:00

Charter for Compassion

2009-11-13T16:56:00.001+04:00

A call to bring the world together…

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.

It is also necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism, or self-interest, to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others—even our enemies—is a denial of our common humanity. We acknowledge that we have failed to live compassionately and that some have even increased the sum of human misery in the name of religion.

We therefore call upon all men and women ~ to restore compassion to the centre of morality and religion ~ to return to the ancient principle that any interpretation of scripture that breeds violence, hatred or disdain is illegitimate ~ to ensure that youth are given accurate and respectful information about other traditions, religions and cultures ~ to encourage a positive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity ~ to cultivate an informed empathy with the suffering of all human beings—even those regarded as enemies.

We urgently need to make compassion a clear, luminous and dynamic force in our polarized world. Rooted in a principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious boundaries. Born of our deep interdependence, compassion is essential to human relationships and to a fulfilled humanity. It is the path to enlightenment, and indispensible to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful global community.

Charter for Compassion

2009-11-13T16:56:00.000+04:00

A call to bring the world together…

What is Kyoto?

2009-11-10T23:28:00.001+04:00

Ever since I read about Climate Change negotiations, there is one particular term which keeps attracting my attention on the internet- Kyoto Protocol.

So what is this Kyoto protocol and what is its significance in the climate change negotiations. In one line- Kyoto Protocol is the problem and perhaps also the solution.

Kyoto Protocol is a framework for United Nations Climate Change Conference proposed by Australia aimed at tackling global warming. The highlight of the protocol is that the developed countries take binding CO2 and hazardous gases emission cuts while the developing countries be let on themselves to decide the extent of emission cuts. Sounds fair.

But, Kyoto Protocol was introduced in 1997 and ratified in 2005. The arguement that goes against Kyoto is that the Kyoto Protocol doesn't reflect the current realities. At the time when Kyoto was introduced, countries like India, Brazil and South Africa were no where in the global economic picture. China was considered a developing country but had no real strength or say in world politics and policy making.

Come 1009, the situation is completely changed. The United States of America (which is the only country in world which never ratified neither have any intentions of ratifying the Kyoto Protocol) is no longer the only country that exclusively call shots in the working of UNO. Countries like China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, South Korea, Indonesia have see multiple growth in their economies. The global economic scenario have completely changed. The recent Financial Crisis have actually shifted the balance towards east or rather Asia. With Japan, China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia growing at a slow but sturdy pace while the economies in Europe and America shrinking, the final say in global issues no longer lies with the west.

All said, the Kyoto is an outdated frameworks agreement which was introduced at a time when the current major economies were evolving the needed the space to grow, which they did. But not its time to sit down and reassess the ground realities. The world is actually divided right now between those who wants Kyoto to be dropped (led by US and EU) while those who wants to continue with it (China and India). An interesting development last month was that the developing countries led by China agreed to drop Kyoto in lieu of adequate compensation citing the example that the developed countries already had their economic prosperity achieved by the exploitation of resources and would lose almost nothing even if they were to take binding emission cuts now, whereas the economies of developing countries will suffer a massive blow. EU declared a $200 Billion compensation package, but the developing countries weren't satisfied with that.

In the coming times, during COP15 and UNCCC, Kyoto will feature dominantly all over the media and blogging community. We must accept the world have changed and move on, but also must remember that we cannot continue our forward march on fellow human's corpses.

What is Kyoto?

2009-11-10T23:28:00.000+04:00

Euphoria

2009-11-10T01:27:00.001+04:00

Some days which you just discard from your life diary can turn out to be probably the best ones of your life. I say this with profound knowledge and experience. Had a terrible day dealing with a Kazakh who didn't know a word of english or arabic neither to read properly. Left office at around 9.30 compared to usual days when I wind things up by 6 or 6.30 at the max. Was so tired by the time I reached home that I just wanted to sleep- sleep, sleep and sleep. Logged on to twitter to check if there is any buzz about Oprah Winfrey and her antiques, well, yeah, but subtle, dying bits, after all, the UAE twitter community cannot stand against a huge celebrity like Oprah, regardless of her insensitive and unverified rheotric.

Ever since I got an iphone, my usual email communication has taken a massive hit. No, I don't say iphone doesn't have a very good email client or lagging push services, infact iphone does pretty good task of pushing your emails through in real time. But, iphone doesn't have as better email integration as a BlackBerry do + the touch screen keyboard makes it even unattractive to reply immediately.

Because of all above reasons, I didn't check my emails all day and was left to deal with them for the later part of evening. One by one, i started reading/answering the emails and amidst of all that replying/forwarding crazy business, I received a couple of emails, which I wasn't expecting to come so soon. First one's a little sketchy and can't be discusses right now, but the second one was probably one of the most exciting 4 sentence email I ever got in my whole life:

Hello Money,

Thank you for applying to be a part of the GCCA Fresh Air Center in Copenhagen. We would love to have you! We’ll send you logistical details when we have them – for now know that your application has been accepted and you can plan to work out of the Fresh Air Center.

Warmly,

For someone like me, it was an absolutely breath-taking moment. To blog from the same platform as Greenpeace, Oxfam, 350, World Wildlife Federation etc is nothing sort of unbelievable for a 24 year old from a small city of Rajasthan, India.

What I want to do from Fresh Air Centre is to take the climate change problem to semi-urban, rural households in third world countries. I want people to think about climate change before they think about the threat eminating from a neighbour or from a country situated half way across the planet. No, its we ourselves who is the greatest enemy of human-kind, of our sustainable future. Let's work to get our goal, let's work to get our rightful place in history, as the nurtures of this planet, not as the destroyers.

Appeal: Please check out http://www.350.org/animation to learn more about 350 and how you can help. Remember: Our planet is burning and we need to act, act fast.

Euphoria

2009-11-10T01:27:00.000+04:00

Hello Money,

Warmly,

12/12 Copenhagen Conference Call for Action

2009-10-31T22:12:00.001+04:00

Hello!

All around the world communities are taking action to spread the number 350, the safe level of CO2 in the atmosphere measured in parts per million, and make sure world leaders are on course to reach that target.

Sounds weird right? Well, there's an animation that explains everything in just 90 seconds. Check it out here: http://www.350.org/animation.

It's urgent that we act together and build a movement that will solve the climate crisis and ensure a safe and just future for the world.

Please join me, and help build this movement at 350.org

-----------

The plan is to deliver photographs of destruction by climate change and the action people took till date to respective embassies and consulates. We need to reach out as many embassies as possible before November 30th. We need to take photographs as well when we deliver the pictures to embassy/consulate officials.

Then on December 12, we need to gather at JBR to form a human chain with the numericals 350 and join the united effort with our fellow human beings all over the world.

Remember the world is burning and we need at act, act fast.

12/12 Copenhagen Conference Call for Action

2009-10-31T22:12:00.000+04:00

The Grown-Up Kids

2009-10-25T01:04:00.001+04:00

First it was P-5, than it became G-8, then came G-8+5, now it’s G-20. The number of influential nations of the world has grown steadily with the changing world order. From its foundation till the end of 20th Century, United Nations has remained a largely irrelevant organisation working on or around instructions from these influential nations.

The dangers that we face today aren't from others, rather than our own mistakes and due to short-sightedness of our forefathers. The threats are mutual yet the thinking is pretty much individualistic. Every nation, big or small, rich or poor, powerful or weak, has their own perception of threat, but none the willingness to engage. The herald of new century has bought grave problems with it.

The grave challenge we face today is highlighted by the fact that even in face of natural calamities, our elected representatives cannot come together due to self interests.

In the last few years, major multilateral negotiations like Doha Development Round, nuclear negotiations with countries like Iran and North Korea, Middle East Peace talks etc. have failed or yielded little gains, mainly due to the unwilling parties. To reach to compromise situation, all the parties have to walk some distance, some a little, some a little more.

Countries like United States, China and India need to act responsibly to make the Copenhagen Conference a success, a milestone for the future generations, a guiding path for the survival of humanity. It's been a long since the United Nations has been called an irrelevant group of unbending nations. It’s time to change the notion and set some things straight.

Today, on the International Day of Climate Action, we all stand on the crossroads of eccentricity and survival. It’s upon us to decide how our coming generations will remember us- as a selfish race or as HUMANS with heart.

The Grown-Up Kids

2009-10-25T01:04:00.000+04:00

The grave challenge we face today is highlighted by the fact that even in face of natural calamities, our elected representatives cannot come together due to self interests.

Cold In Desert

2009-10-18T17:06:00.002+04:00

What? Shufi? What are you looking at? Kya hai?

Sounds familiar? Well, almost. A friend once famously mentioned, "If you murder someone in front of a 16 year old who grew up here, they won't even blink an eye and pass by coldly." Some of you might disagree, but most won't.

Now before you read further, I am not talking about any particular nationality, race or religion. For god's sake, Dubai is an International City where people from more than 150 nationalities live in almost perfect ~~harmony~~ equilibrium. People from all over the world come to this place in search of a better life, and most of them, well almost, even get one. But it’s a quite disturbing pattern which I have noticed on uncountable occasions here - lack of compassion!

On the road, driving in the fast lane at max speed, errant teenagers coming from behind will flash their vehicle headlights continuously until you clear way AND if you are a split second late, be ready to hear a word or two of abuses from the 'in-hurry' pilot driver. Well, one can always argue these are driving habits, so, let's just move on.

Just the other night, I parked my car in a municipal parking lot, came back to find some hip-hoppers/rappers camping all over my vehicle. Pulled out my keys and pressed the unlock button, the headlights flashed and the car was unlocked. Now I assume that all the teenagers were deaf so obviously they didn't hear the car unlocking and continue to make themselves comfortable. I reached the parked vehicle, gave a glance to the guys, opened the door and put the keys in the ignition. As I did that, one of the guys still didn't bother to get up, so I just lowered the window and said ' "Excuse me". Just call me and ask for $100 if you can guess the reaction of that guy, no questions asked! Instead of getting up and making way, the guy peeped in and asked arrogantly - "WHAT?" What? What? Get your f***ing a** moving you douche bag, but no, as a matured and law abiding resident, I just said, "I need to go." Of course none of them cared to say or even think about any sort of apology.

Another one and this one happened more than a hundred times, even today. As soon as you come out of a elevator, instead of making way, youngsters, the gum chewing generation, just walk-in straight, rather arrogantly. Forget an any apology, just hope they don't yell, "Watch it".

Remember the times when there used to be friendly smiles or courtesy greetings, even short conversations with unknown people? Well, today's teenager, you would be better off asking them- How are you?, because in all certainty you will get - NONE-OF-YOUR-DAMN-BUSINESS- sort of reply.

Honestly, I've met a lot of fabulous, amazing people here in Dubai, but all of them are matured, grown up career-holics. Teenagers here are a really cold, unfriendly bunch. But the question is - WHY? Compassion? Well, it’s solely missing and till the time we look into ourselves, we will never discover it, PERIOD.

Cold In Desert

2009-10-18T17:06:00.001+04:00

Melting The Political Glaciers

2009-10-15T22:39:00.003+04:00

There couldn't have been a better and more important topic to be chosen for this year's Blog Action Day campaign - Climate Change.

For starters, here is an example of climate change simplified: Glaciers grow when climate cools and shrink when it gets hotter. The World Glacier Monitoring Service collects data annually on glacier retreat and glacier mass balance. From this data, glaciers worldwide have been found to be shrinking significantly, with strong glacier retreats in the 1940s, stable or growing conditions during the 1920s and 1970s, and again retreating from the mid 1980s to present. Mass balance data indicate 17 consecutive years of negative glacier mass balance.

The glaciers are in fact one of the most sensitive indicators of climate change around the world. To put it into context, if glaciers continue to melt at this pace, the water level in our oceans (which some nations term as "THEIR OCEANS") will rise exponentially resulting in submerging of land near the coasts and gradually growing further.

In essence, climate change is not a problem that would be talked around in the semi-urban or rural households of Africa or Asia and that's where the problem lies. If we would have to put the problem in terms of stages of a critical illness where First stage being symptoms, Second being diagnosis, Third being the period when its curable and Fourth being the incurable stage, then we are more than half way through. The symptoms were evident- loud and clear, the diagnosis was rather delayed, and perhaps already in the Third Stage of the illness which is curable period. But for this particular illness, there is one more stage, somewhere between the third and fourth and that’s exactly where we stand- its curable, strings (no, not the super cool pop band from Pakistan, I wish they could have solved this) attached.

The climate change problem has entered a phase where it’s curable but with a lot of precautions and needs an urgency not shown ever before by anyone. Some wrong steps and it will enter the fourth stage without warning - the point of no return.

So the question arises how can we solve it? Now I won't go listing down the number of things that we can and we must do in order to help fight the devil. Instead I would name the culprits who are NOT doing what they should be doing - cooperate.

Remember there was an assembly of some important and powerful world leaders in the steel-turned-green city of USA? The so called 'LEADER'S' statement of G-20 Pittsburgh Summit said the following:

"We will spare no effort to reach agreement in Copenhagen through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations."

Do you know where the above commitment was placed in the communiqué? At number 29 out of 31 declarations- that’s where it stands in the priority list of our LEADERS. It might not be as forthcoming as Iran's nuclear bomb (seriously, you people think they can build one?) or North Korea's list of long range missiles (impressive, I tell you), but it definitely deserves univocal commitment, urgency and unrelenting commitment from our REPRESENTATIVES (the leaders actually seems to forget that after elections).

Unless and until the leadership shows their seriousness towards this problem and start a campaign to educate the masses, the masses would not be even aware of the effects and catastrophic situations that awaits them.

Climate change is not a national threat, (No, don't worry, Bush's gone, thank god!), it’s universal. The efforts to tackle this needs to be taken collectively and should be binding, regardless of the clout of a country and its bank balances. We cannot have countries like India and China always in disagreement with the world and US always trying to stamp its authority. There must be a solution and we must learn to cooperate.

As they say- You can run, but you can't hide!

Melting The Political Glaciers

2009-10-15T22:39:00.002+04:00

An Enlightening Experience : TEDxDubai

2009-10-13T12:36:00.002+04:00

For someone who hasn't even heard of TED till a month back, to attend, in fact to be a part of TEDxDubai was an enlightening experience.

I precisely remember it started as a passing mention by Masarat Daud during my first meeting with her. I came back home not even vaguely remembering the name of organisation or event.A week passed and then I stumbled upon a red coloured pigeon on twitter - @TEDxDubai. I have a twitter id since 28th November, 2008 but was never really posting or what I now call Tweeting. Then after some mouse maneuvers, I landed on TEDxDubai website. Ahhhh, another offline event for the online community, doesn't interest me, though no harm in registering. So I clicked on a subsection titled 'Attend'. Downloads another page which looks like any other registration form vastly common for someone who had 8 email addresses when he was just 16.

But here I got the first good vibe for TEDxDubai! It wasn't a simple Name, Date of Birth, Email, Cell blah blah blah kinda form! The questions were simple yet clear like- why do you wanna attend TEDxDubai? To answer this, one would have to know what the event is about, so I went to the top right box in my browser window and typed TED and go! Google never disappoints you, on came a string of results in less than a second which eventually took me to official TED website. What I saw on the website was not what I expected. There were videos, videos of people, ordinary people who had their ideas of changing, impacting the world. I got so engrossed in the videos that I forgot the primary task in hand- to register for TEDxDubai! So, I went back to face the next question in the form- what's your idea to change the world? This wasn't really difficult, I had it in the back of my mind ever since I came to Dubai, so I fill that in, answered the other questions and submitted the form.

And then began the wait. The wait for an invitation to the event. Time passed and then came the first list of attendees. Only 30 attendees, I surely didn't expect to be the top 30, but still, I jumped in, checked the names out, not mine. Then came the next batch, not there, then the 3rd batch, again disappointed. Along came the Eid holidays. As everybody else, I was on road, in the desert, in a camp when I decided to switch on my BlackBerry, 4th and 5th batches released. Anxiousness, am I in? Am I gonna make it? Somehow the holidays passed and I came back to find my name in the 5th batch. I froze the video and kept starring at the screen, it’s my name!!! That's me! I got selected as an attendee! Great!!!!

Than came an announcement asking for help from volunteers. Okay, here are two enthusiastic gentlemen - James Piecowye and Giorgio Ungania trying to pull-off a huge event, they can surely do with some help.

I sent in my details for the volunteers call. To my surprise, received an email from Habiba Hamid, someone I knew from Dubai Cares time and here she is, trying to contribute to social causes as always! Great, the good feeling started taking me hostage, something told me it’s gonna be big, huge!

Friday, 9th of October, the dry run for TEDxDubai. My first thought when I saw the Palladium was - this is no joke, it’s not some offline geek-get-together, these guys mean business! I entered the Palladium with one of the speakers and my inspiration - Masarat Daud and I saw a lot of friendly faces eager to help, eager to be a part of the revolution! Got our briefing as the volunteers, met the speakers and tada! - Let the show begin!

Big Day, 10-10-09, and couldn't have had a better start to the day than James telling me - "Look at this, people around the world stereotype Arab women and here, they sit behind these registration desks, eager to be the part of a change! Wonderful!!"

Went through the brief pep talks with fellow volunteers - Let's rock and roll! Everything was so perfectly managed that none of the volunteers even had to ask the organisers about anything at all! Saturday morning, up early, people started coming in and settling down!

Then comes the moment I have been waiting from past month or so. James starts with the humorous no-mobile-phones policy of TED! The two mandatory presentations from TED and Bruno Giussani, TED Europe director with his inaugural TEDxDubai talk!

Next were the TEDxDubai specific speakers. The total data available on the internet from evolution of mankind till 2003 - 5 Gigabytes and the data for the year 2008 alone - 487 Gigabytes, I surely don't know how to put it into context but I can understand the difference as a student of Mathematics! That’s amazing and it applies for the speaker also who presented this fact - Mohammad Gawdat.

The speakers were awesome, Leo Laporte and his signature style of mixing humor with reality, specially the 'Torches of Freedom' part, and so were Ian Gilbert, Ernst Van Der Poll and others.

Paul Bennett kept the audience interested with a very intriguing question - What is your dream for Dubai throwing back equally interesting replies!

Then came the rock stars of Dubai- the Al Awadhi Brothers or as the twiteratti call them- the Wild Peeta Bros! Entrepreneurship = Persistence, the words were so common yet when they were put together, it was a Eureka moment!

Dr. Naif Al Mutawa- a name I had never heard before, but one I will never forget. Frankly, my sense of religious understanding evolved manifolds after I heard him. The 99 - Hey, when's it releasing? Now this is someone trying to clear a lot of misunderstandings in the world through a relevant medium! He deserved the standing ovation he got after the world premiere of the trailer.

Frankly, it was only because of Masarat that I wanted to attend this conference and when I saw her entering the side stage from the green room, I could actually feel butterflies in my stomach. I have been telling here all the while she's gonna be fine, she doesn't have to prove anything to anyone and so on, but here I was praying myself, God, let's hope everything goes well. What she said & what she presented was summed-up by the standing ovation she got and by many attendees going up to her after the presentation with tearful eyes!

Samar Jodha and his passion to save the marginalised Buddhist community in Phaneng was evident in his work.

Then there was a 13 year old girl who wanted to win the Oscars (best wishes, you surely will). Dubai Abdulla Abulhoul was not just another 13 year old; she was the youngest animation film director in the Gulf Film Festival. After her presentation, almost everyone was convinced - age is just a number!!

The standup comic of Arab World Jamil Abu-Wardeh reminded everyone what they have sorely forgotten - laugh at yourselves first and to take responsibilities seriously and themselves! Then the face of modern Emirati women - Khulood Al Atiyat and her innovative way of binding people together - Unleash was another example of development of mindset in the UAE.

What began as a passing mention was a fulfilling experience; I was forced to reflect on something I had almost abandoned. NO, I AM GONNA DO IT, I AM GONNA MAKE IT HAPPEN, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES and as James summed it up, Let the discussions begin, start something new and finish it up in a month, let the spirit of TED live on!

P.S. I have been trying to work for the betterment of the construction labourers in Dubai from sometime. The group's called : The Help Humanity Foundation. After attending TEDxDubai, I am motivated to take the cause forward and will try all that I can to make their lives better. I need your help, please visit the website and learn how you can help!!

An Enlightening Experience : TEDxDubai

2009-10-13T12:36:00.001+04:00

G-20: Was it a success?

2009-04-03T22:12:00.001+04:00

It was London's big chance to pull the world out of the hole it has dig itself in. It was historic given the fact that the top 20 world leaders sat around a table, trying to find a solution, which wouldn't have been any where near possible 2 years back. Although they were split in opinions, but united in resolve. Though for better measures, they did achieve something atleast.

The IMF restructuring is a good sign, especially for countries like China and India. They have got the attention they deserved. Moreover the world have now realised that the pre second world war structures of financial institutions like IMF and World Bank needs a massive overhaul. The countries like China, India and Brazil, which were no where in the picture than, have overtaken many of the top 5 then. Its a good sign, perhaps the beginning of end of West's domination on world politics and policy formation.

There were calls for transparency in banking system of certain countries. The 18th century clandestine traditions of Swiss Banks have no place in the 21st century. Infact most of the countries would benefit beyond doubts if the Swiss Banks are exposed. Another co-related issue was of Tax Havens. The Tax Havens of world were named and shamed by OECD, in a clear message to the world- the black money will become defunct if not accounted for in future. This might perhaps prove to be the most significant achievement of London Summit, if implemented thoroughly.

Looking at country basis might perhaps be difficult, if not impossible, so i'll stick to the continents, for wider audience.

Africa got what it called for. US$ 6 Billion will be raised by the dilution of gold reserves of IMF. Perhaps the desperation and inability to put in more money by the wealthier nations resulted in am embarrassing consensus of doing away with the proud gold reserves of IMF. That said, the resourceful continent needs as many helping hands to get itself out of the terrible hole, dug by the mighty, but the poor are left inside to rot for life. It is the responsibility of all those countries who exploited Africa for years to get this continent out of trouble, but sadly, they got nothing, but a raw deal. US$ 6 Billion raised by gold reserve dilution might help perhaps a bustling city of Addis Ababa at the max, forget even the whole of Ethiopia, though its just a reference.

America's (In both horizontal hemispheres) doesn't deserve a mention here, solely because the culprit lies in close proximity with them and they stand beside him, even after the whole mess is created by it. Mexico's promise to borrow more from the World Bank won't do any good to many other countries, crying for help.

Asia, perhaps the mightiest as it might look. With China, Japan, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, looks like taking the charge for future calls of the International FI's. With huge foreign reserves and budget surpluses/controlled budget deficits, the next century will belong to only and only Asia. China have already over taken Germany and is in top 3 nations of world in GDP(PPP). The might of Asian countries and fall of European and American countries was correctly described by BBC saying - While the west will start contracting, China and India will still grow, perhaps at a slower pace. That itself is a huge statement.

Europe, pity, the over-reliance on US of A and low local demand, have done them in. Perhaps the biggest loser in recession game and might be the last one to get out of this hole. Sarkozy remained defiant in face of a very strong opposition (USA and UK), supported by the ever stubborn Merkel. Perhaps the NATO-affiliated countries are to be blamed partially for the slowdown in Europe. The huge sums to both wars, just on the wink of an eye by master, have resulted a huge hole in there pockets.

Australia, well, are they a continent? Even a passing mention won't do any good.

Conclusion? Well, simple, there are so many US dependent economies in the world, infact many of them US nourished and nurtured, that it will all depend on there master. If the US of A stops playing its dirty games, perhaps the world would be a better place to live. The 'first world' doesn't seem to be far from the 'second and third' after all.

G-20: Was it a success?

2009-04-03T22:12:00.000+04:00

G-20: Who plays the Banker?

2009-04-02T16:48:00.001+04:00

From Buckingham Palace t0 10, Downing Street to ExCeL Centre, the metropolis of London is abuzz with the frenzied arrangements for the top 20 world leaders. The world is watching: Can London pull the world out of this fast developing depression? Can the 'G-2' (USA and China) emerge as the joint leaders of new age? What is developing at the ExCeL Centre today is a game of Monopoly and the big question is 'WHO PLAYS THE BANKER?'

All of us in the sane world have reached a common conclusion, this recession is the worst 'Made in USA' product. But there's the catch, its exported by demand, the choice always lies with the importer. The huge US budget deficit has done everyone in. Sarkozy put it bluntly, its made in America and its burning our homes and cities, atleast correct on his part. Asking for stricter regulation of Banks is no sin, specially to avoid any such crisis in future. So why is US & UK opposing it? Quite simple, these two always believed in splurging more to get out of the less - deficit. The French and German stand is crystal clear, the mess is created by US, it cannot run away from the responsibility to clean it up. Calls for collective deterrence will be heeded only if it involves major contribution from the US and its allies (Japan and Saudi Arabia), rather than asking from EU or China. Although China will most probably take this opportunity to stamp its financial clout on the world. Still keeping with its pride, the CNN called the meeting between Hu Jintao and Barrack Obama as the G-2. The answer is clear, the US wants China to bail out the world, which China will most probably do, strings attached. Although, the Chinese ambitions to replace US Dollars as de facto reserve currency of IMF won't do any good for the Trillions in its own vaults.

Another thorn in American collective ambitions is the issue of Tax Havens. The financial crisis made the governments realise that they can no longer turn blind eyes on the 'letter-box' companies in Liechtenstein and to the super-secretive banking system in Switzerland. But this issue might not be resolved as easily as it seems like. The problem- Many of the politicians are the major beneficiaries of the banking system of the Alpine nation. For a country like India, the return of money sitting in the ultra modern vaults of Swiss Banks will easily take it past all the major European economies, if not China. That will create a huge political turmoil in countries with high-red tapism or if unclaimed, will dramatically increase the per capita income. Thats not a bad idea to eradicate poverty in India. The same applies for the English and American hot shots who have all there black unamounted money sun-bathing in the Cayman Islands and Bahamas. These money, if not belonging to the Politicians, belongs to the major donors of the political parties in both US and UK.

The demand of developing nation, represented by Brazil, India and South Africa will be more funds for the emerging economies. Although the trio will perhaps see the period through, but remains fearful of the fact that many won't, without help from the West. The poor of the world shouldn't be made to pay for the mis-deeds of the filthy rich, this will be the motto of all three.

Africa, represented by Commission of the African Union, is clearly disappointed by the lack of resolve by the developed nations to help the continent. Instead of asking for a help, getting an assurance and given nothing, the African Union is asking for IMF's vast gold reserves to be diluted in part to help the fledgling ecomony of most African nations. Although seems highly unlikely, the resourceful continent is surely set to get a deal, exclusively for itself.

The summit, unlike other highest level meetings, is sure to deliver. And for a change, this time not for themselves, its for the world. The winner?? Only one as it stands, China is coming and world better watch out; RESPECT: it commands.

G-20: Who plays the Banker?

2009-04-02T16:48:00.000+04:00

Rescession - The Real Estate Co-relation

2009-03-31T12:31:00.001+04:00

The whole world seems to be fighting with an invisible enemy these days. One, which refuses to die down and retaliates as an essential example of Newton's Third Law of Motion. The governments world over are trying to figure out strategies to combat this enemy, yet to no rather negative effect. This enemy ain't murdering innocents. Yet there is pain, suffering, fear and uncertainty. Thats what the RECESSION has resulted and make no mistake, its getting worst.

Most of us point our finger to the US sub-prime mortgages, much in demand because of the Real Estate bubble. Here's what i think about the co-relation between Real Estate and Global Economic downturn.

Lets assume 3 inhabitants - A, B and C on a remote island. A and B have 1 coin each and C owns a piece of land.

Human wants are more than needs. A buys the land from C for 1 coin, all fine, just an exchange.
Situation: A- Land, B-1 Coin and C-1 Coin; Price of land- 1 Coin

Tempted by the uniqueness of land (2 Coins but land only 1), B buys the land from A for 2 coins, borrowing another coin from C, introduction of credit.
Situation: A-2 Coins, B- Land and a debt of 1 coin from C, C- 1 coin lended to B; Price of Land: 2 Coins

Lured by the trading of land by fellow co-inhabitants, C decides to re-buy the land from B for asked price of 3 Coins. Already lended 1 Coin to B, C borrows 2 coins from A to pay-pff the rest. Still fine, no shortage of phsical money.
Situations: A- Lended 2 Coins to C, B- 2 Coins, C- Land and debt of 2 Coins from A; Price of land: 3 Coins

A decides to realise its loan by exchanging land with C. C asks for 4 coins as the price of land. A borrows 2 Coins from B and acquires the land from C. Still better, rotation of money.
Situation: A- Land and debt of 2 coins from B, B- 2 coins lended to A, C- 2 Coins; Price of land- 4 coins.

Fearful of his loan going bad B re-buys the land from A for a price of 5 Coins- 2 borrowed from C + 2 against loan and 1 DUE. Physical money shortage.
Situation: A-2 Coins and 1 due from B, B- Land, 2 Coins borrowed from C and 1 coin due to A, C- 2 Coins lended to B; Price of land- 5 Coins

The Price of land when exceeded more than 1 Coin, resulted in introduction of credit, more than 2- increased credit, more than 5- shortage of physical money. All of it gets worse from here, till a point of realisation that no more money exists which will than led to panic selling, resulting in the reduction of price of land. The land will ultimately fall down to its base price, 1 coin, but the credit will still exist. Implications will be bitter fighting for the realisation of borrowings, ultimately leading to war like situations. The disaster could have been avoided if each of them had realised how much money the others had, which would have laid to rest the uncalculated lendings and borrowings.

Its the banks who are at fault, because they got to assert how much money can the borrower pay back. Whatever may be, we are heading for the 3rd World War.

Rescession - The Real Estate Co-relation

2009-03-31T12:31:00.000+04:00

Human wants are more than needs. A buys the land from C for 1 coin, all fine, just an exchange.
Situation: A- Land, B-1 Coin and C-1 Coin; Price of land- 1 Coin

Tempted by the uniqueness of land (2 Coins but land only 1), B buys the land from A for 2 coins, borrowing another coin from C, introduction of credit.
Situation: A-2 Coins, B- Land and a debt of 1 coin from C, C- 1 coin lended to B; Price of Land: 2 Coins

Lured by the trading of land by fellow co-inhabitants, C decides to re-buy the land from B for asked price of 3 Coins. Already lended 1 Coin to B, C borrows 2 coins from A to pay-pff the rest. Still fine, no shortage of phsical money.
Situations: A- Lended 2 Coins to C, B- 2 Coins, C- Land and debt of 2 Coins from A; Price of land: 3 Coins

A decides to realise its loan by exchanging land with C. C asks for 4 coins as the price of land. A borrows 2 Coins from B and acquires the land from C. Still better, rotation of money.
Situation: A- Land and debt of 2 coins from B, B- 2 coins lended to A, C- 2 Coins; Price of land- 4 coins.

Fearful of his loan going bad B re-buys the land from A for a price of 5 Coins- 2 borrowed from C + 2 against loan and 1 DUE. Physical money shortage.
Situation: A-2 Coins and 1 due from B, B- Land, 2 Coins borrowed from C and 1 coin due to A, C- 2 Coins lended to B; Price of land- 5 Coins

The Mirror Never Lies

2009-01-12T13:35:00.001+04:00

As i faced my reflection last night, I saw it all- rage, helplessness, anger, frustration, hatred, sympathy. All that in my own eyes. I kept staring, trying to look as deep as possible, for the search of that answer, that solution which would have put an end to my pain, but alas, does God or more importantly 'Good' really exist?

A stunning revelation forced me to re-think the worth of life. Not that its unknown or uncommon, but the perils of evil kept away from me, till last night. In a moment the harsh reality of world made a permanent 'Chateau' in my heart, in my mind, in my soul, in my veins. I was never unrealistic but never unethical as well. I never felt this pain in my life ever before which i did last night. As i lay on the bed, deprived of sleep, reasoning with myself, my entire moderate upbringing flashed in my sub-conscious mind, in grey frames. How lucky was I? Did I ever had to worry about tomorrow? NEVER. And yet i always complained for that Timex watch which my brother was having, that fancy cap which i knew i will never use again, that Mechanical pencil which my friend got from the States, that New Port Jean, that Hero bike et ce tra.

These privileges are not even worth dreaming about for the most of world and yet how insensible and ignorant people are? Those cocktail cheering socialites, money minting celebrities, armani clad corporates have no right to voice concern about the suffering of the needy. Why can't you help eradicate the poverty when you have earning worth a fortune every single second of your life? Instead you will use that to build a giant-sized mansion or to buy a business jet or a luxury yacht.

We live in a ignorant, insensible world, where people like inflicting pain and suffering on fellow human beings rather than being compassionate. If that was the world the creator dreamt of, then the creator is the biggest sinner of humanity and the world its biggest sin. And if its a dream turned nightmare, then its time for the end, the re-evolution. This world doesn't deserve to exist. The human race doesn't deserve to survive. Why is it that one human being is estimated at US$ 135 Million and the other in Zimbabwean Dollars? Why do we have Amnesty's and HRW's when the human rights themselves vary from person to person?

Some provokers fired a rage of provokes towards an occupier and the occupier massacred hundreds of innocent civilians. The master, thousands of miles away, refuses to order its slave to halt the barbarism. 1,000 lives for 3? Is that what you call defense? Pardon me for disagreeing with the dictionaries, its time to review some meanings. Though that's just a part of ignorance we face in these times, its a very recent example.

The tag-line of a TV commercial keeps flashing in front of my eyes ever since i saw that - Does our conscience choose our actions? Those who answered yes will probably be as extinct as the Yeti's of Himalayas.

Its official, i hate this world, i refuse to be sympathetic, pitiful, compassionate or tolerant to my fellow beings. They don't deserve it., this world don't deserve it. Those who do, doesn't deserve to be living in this rotten hell.

Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

I wonder how would he have rephrased his comment if he was to suffer in these times ???

The Mirror Never Lies

2009-01-12T13:35:00.000+04:00

A Tribute to the Victims of November 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks

2008-11-30T11:38:00.001+04:00

A Tribute to the Victims of November 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks

2008-11-30T11:38:00.000+04:00

Terror in Mumbai

2008-11-28T19:48:00.001+04:00

48 hours on, the siege of Mumbai still continues. The terrorists continue to hold the city on gun point. Grenades, Assault riffles, RDX, Plastic explosives, The Taj, Oberoi, CST. These words are running through my mind like a wild fire in the forests of Florida.

They came, they fired and they shocked. Not a city, not a state, not a country but the world. Ofcourse it was an intelligence failure, a major blunder. But the act itself was dastardly, heinous, barbaric. Indiscriminately firing at innocent civilians without any motive or even any sense of what they himself are doing, these so called fidayeens have actually made a impact. The resilient city is no more ready to take it on, Enough is Enough. What happened in Mumbai is embarrassing, considering that the major damage was done in the premier 5 star hotels of the financial capital of the country.

Imagine this, some terrorists coming in from international waters, straight to monumental landmark, a 5 star hotel, a major tourist attraction which are frequented by westeners. Where can it happen? Only in India, i doubt even Somalia will let anyone take control of there territories like this. No its not a failure on the part of Mumbai Police, not by the NSG, not by MARCOS, not by ATS or by any uniformed defence personnel. Its a failure by the government. There were clear reports conveyed by the Army to the centre of the ship when it left the Pakistani territories. But it wasn't Army's job, which they did unselfishly. What were the famed RAW and IB doing? What's the point of having two separate Intelligence agencies for internal and external affairs and yet failing at both avenues?

The reports of terrorists doing the recee of the targets two month before the attacks published now are all but irrelevant. What were they doing then? What was the government doing? The devil in disguise, Narendra Modi, who unfortunately is the Chief Minister of a Indian State, was the first person to politicise the issue, no wonder. He is the person single handedly responsible for all these acts targeted on India because of his permissible, heinous crimes on a certain community which angered the sentiments of that particular community, almost 1/4 population of this world. Inspite of being advised, not to travel to the financial capital during the continuation of operations, he didn't gave any heed and transcended to make a speech and demanded a briefing from the media. A shame, such a shame, Narendra Modi, a scar on face of India, a scar on face on Gujarat.

But some people need a praise here although not completely. Mr. Advani was the first person to address the media after the attacks broke out and he clearly said, its not time to point fingers, its time to stand united, time to show these cowards that India is one. He made the point that the PM asked him to accompany him to Mumbai together. But the gold digger Mr. Advani is, he, escorted by his utility man, Jaswant Singh, flew to India even when the PM was in transit to show he is the first person to take stock of situation, as described by him, 'to take a feel' of situation. Was it necessary? Unanimous answer- NO. Mr. Sharad Pawar, Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav and even Ms. Mayawati, the worst of politicians otherwise, choose to keep the politics out of the attacks.

I know Mr. Bush is no angel. But the way he addressed the world after the 9/11 attacks, he showed why the world looks to the US as the 'big daddy'. Each and every word of his speech was so inspiring and motivating that in that hour of crisis, the world believed that the sacrifices of those dead won't be wasted. His speech filled everyone watching with a sense on confidence and self belief that the terrorists will be brought to justice. But the speech given by Mr. Manmohan Singh was so robotic, so numb, devoid of any emotion whatsoever that even the most optimistic of his supporter would have doubted his capacity as the PM of this great nation. That speech even failed to life the gloom of nation, forget instilling confidence.

Moreover, the points he made in his speech could and should have been avoided. When the brave men of police sacrificed there lives in the line of fire, shielding many innocent lives, the PM talked of reforming the Police system. How ironic? The blame should have been put on RAW and IB, to reform the intelligence system. Its not the duty of Police to guard the International waters. The police in India have a clearly defined role by the Indian Constitution and they did all what could have been done in the hour of crisis.

What needs to be done is pretty clear and evident. But when will the steps be taken remains to be seen. It won't be a surprise if we see another attacks sooner rather than later. Its not the time to point fingers. If India needs to develop and negate any such threats, the Congress and BJP need to join hands for atleast 10 years to insure the country remains on the course of development. The other parties don't stand any chance to challenge such an alliance.

As i conclude, there is a bitter sweet news, the NSG has taken control of Nariman House, at the expense of 5 hostages. I salute the elite NSG, MARCOS, Mumbai Police and all other elite forces who sacrificed there lives in the line of fire. I just wish that there sacrifices won't be wasted.

Terror in Mumbai

2008-11-28T19:48:00.000+04:00

Who's driving the Global Meltdown?

2008-10-14T17:24:00.002+04:00

The action was carefully coordinated for maximum effect. First came an early-morning announcement by the British government that it had crafted a $90 billion rescue package for its banks. Then five central banks from around the world, including the two big ones — the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank — announced a cut in interest rates. Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the European Central Bank, described the cuts as an "important mark of confidence" that showed an "intimate cooperation" among monetary authorities around the world. Under normal circumstances, such measures would have bucked up moods and stock prices in financial centers across the globe.

Instead, the big concerted action of Oct. 8 passed with barely a shrug from Wall Street. Stock markets worldwide continued to roil, and banks everywhere remained in the firing line. "Confidence has completely crashed, and it will take a while to rebuild it," says Craig Wright, chief economist at the Royal Bank of Canada, who is nonetheless hopeful that these and other measures will eventually start to work. "But it's hard to hear positives in a thunderstorm of gloom."

The mess caused by fast-and-loose mortgage lending in the U.S. has now blown into a perilous global crisis of confidence that has revealed both the scale and the limitations of globalization. Finance is built on trust, and suddenly that trust has been replaced by fear: fear among depositors from Madrid to Macao over the safety of their money; fear among banks worldwide about lending to one another; and now fear among politicians, central bankers and regulators that they don't have adequate tools to fix the problem.

At the root of the troubles are the "toxic assets" — the highly leveraged securities mainly linked to U.S. mortgages — that banks around the world still have on their books. In its latest estimate this month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) calculated that losses on these now virtually worthless securities could amount to $1.4 trillion. So far, banks have written off less than half that. Concern about who is still holding dud paper has gummed up credit markets, with banks refusing to lend to one another for fear that the borrowers may default or may have themselves lent to other banks that could default. That in turn is causing solvency problems for some financial institutions that rely on short-term borrowing to fund their operations.

The pain will soon come to Main Street — in Beijing and Brussels as much as in Boise. Economists are already outlining the downward spiral that they predict will follow. Banks will cut back on their lending to households and businesses. Mortgages and car loans will become harder to get. That in turn will stifle consumer spending and crimp investment in companies, leading to production cuts and job losses. Judging by previous crises, it can take about 18 months to two years for a financial squeeze to spread to the rest of the economy, which means that 2009 is shaping up to be a bleak year everywhere.

If the global financial meltdown can be traced to an American export — the subprime mess — the U.S. will import the consequences. As the go-go economies of China and India hit the brakes, so too will demand for American goods and services. That will have a knock-on effect on jobs and the earnings of companies that rely heavily on international sales. (One small silver lining: as their economies have slowed down, China and India have decreased their consumption of oil, contributing to a fall in prices, both globally and at the pump.)

In its latest economic outlook, published on Oct. 8, the IMF predicted that the U.S. economy will grow just 0.1% next year, its worst showing in 18 years. Europe is expected to fare no better, and China, India and other emerging economies that have been critical drivers of global economic growth over the past five years are also expected to slow markedly. That means nobody will be able to take over for the U.S. as the locomotive of the world economy, and everyone will drag down everyone else. Overall, the IMF expects world economic growth to slow to 3% in 2009, from 5% in 2007, and it warns, "The world economy is now entering a major downturn in the face of the most dangerous shock in mature financial markets since the 1930s." Wright of the Royal Bank of Canada predicts, "The U.S. will go into a shallow recession, unfortunately followed by a shallow recovery."

Xu Lejiang says it's already happening. He's chairman of Baosteel, one of China's giant steelmakers, and since August, he has had to cut prices twice as demand suddenly cooled off in what had been a booming industry. The era of rapid growth for Chinese steel "will soon be remembered as history," he says. The Chinese stock market has also been hit hard — it's down about 60% this year — but the nation's banking system has for the moment largely been sheltered from the international storm because it's only partly open to the global capital flows that have circulated so many toxic assets. China's economic growth has been a critical factor for the U.S. because working in tandem, the nations have served as the twin motors of world economic growth: American consumers have snapped up everything that the Chinese have manufactured, from toys to apparel, and in return the Chinese have helped to finance America's deficits by accumulating ever larger amounts of U.S. debt. If their economy hits the brakes, Chinese will buy fewer GM cars, Chinese steelmakers will use less U.S. iron ore, and Beijing may want to use its cash reserves for other purposes, including investment at home to stimulate its own economy rather than to bail out the U.S. Treasury.

China's huge currency reserves and its vast holdings of U.S. securities make it a key player in the U.S. financial markets. If the Chinese decided to shift any of their money out of the U.S. or the dollar, it would cause a huge upheaval, potentially sending the dollar skidding and hurting markets even further. For the moment, though, China hasn't given any hint that it's unhappy about owning rapidly depreciating U.S.-dollar assets. (The greenback has actually strengthened in recent days, but some caution that this is temporary.)

Global Problem, Global SolutionIn the event of a severe economic downturn, the U.S. — like other countries — would find it much harder to export its goods and services around the world. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 12 million American jobs depend on trade, including 1 in 5 factory jobs. One in 3 acres of U.S. farmland is planted for export, and many of the nation's biggest corporations, from Coca-Cola to Microsoft and Google, depend on substantial revenues from overseas.

Beyond the immediate economic impact, there are already signs that this meltdown will have longer-term repercussions. One is that policymakers everywhere will have to go back to the drawing board to figure out a more effective system of financial-crisis management. "Governments are making the same mistake over and over again. They're trying to deal with the crisis on a piecemeal basis," says Dennis J. Snower, president of Germany's Kiel Institute for the World Economy. He advocates a far more ambitious solution, including the creation of a new international agency that can act as a lender of last resort to stricken banks. In Washington, Robert B. Zoellick, president of the World Bank, concurs that only a multinational solution can really work. "While American eyes are on the intersection of Wall and Main streets, there is much more to the story," he says. "The response to these crises will have to be larger and global."

Finance has become one of the most international of industries, with major banks spreading their activities across numerous countries and continents, yet regulation still takes place on a national or even more local basis. When banks run into trouble, it's unclear who is supposed to help or how. The favored solution so far — direct government intervention, like the $700 billion rescue package approved by the U.S. Congress or the British plan — isn't an option everywhere. Banks have become so big and so leveraged that their balance sheets can exceed the gross domestic product of the country in which they are based. That's the case in Belgium, the Netherlands and a host of smaller countries, including Iceland, where on Oct. 6 the Prime Minister warned about the possibility of a "national bankruptcy" because several banks with assets larger than the country's entire economy ran into trouble. Uncertainties about crisis-management efforts are contributing significantly to the market instability.

Another possible repercussion: a reexamination of the freewheeling, free-market practices — what the French like to call "Anglo-Saxon capitalism" — that led to this crisis. French President Nicolas Sarkozy kicked off that debate as Wall Street was reeling from the collapse of Lehman Brothers and Congress was first debating the bailout package. In a speech in Toulon on Sept. 25, he said the crisis marked "the end of a world that was built on the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War — a big dream of liberty and prosperity." As for capitalism, he called for a "new balance" between the market and the state and added, "The idea that markets are always right was a mad idea."

Among Equals, No Longer FirstWherever the debate over ideas leads, it's clear that some things will never be the same. Wall Street's primacy as the world's capital of capital won't disappear, but it will face even tougher challenges not just from London but also from regional financial centers, including Dubai and Singapore. And since financial services are such an important part of the U.S. economy, accounting for a massive 15% of New York's alone, any diminishing of its status as a financial center will have big repercussions on jobs. The dollar too may lose its long-held status as the currency of choice for central bankers everywhere. Snower of the Kiel Institute believes that in the future, "this will be seen as a historic period in which the U.S. will give up some of its reserve-currency role." Asian and Middle Eastern nations that currently hold on to dollars will want to diversify into other currencies, including Euros.

The advantage in having the rest of the world use your currency is that you can borrow easily: that's why the U.S. government and U.S. companies have long been able to borrow cheaply and why mortgage rates in the U.S. have historically been low. If the dollar has to share top billing with other currencies, it will be harder for the U.S. to finance a profligate lifestyle and run big deficits, as the nation currently does. Expect mortgage rates to shoot up and your overseas vacation to get a lot more expensive. In the past, Snower says, "the U.S. could live off the fat of the rest of the world. Now it won't be able to."

For the moment, though, the priority remains trying to stabilize a global financial system that has become worryingly volatile. Announcing Britain's plans to recapitalize its major banks and reach out for a broader international solution, Prime Minister Gordon Brown didn't mince words. "This is not a time for conventional thinking or outdated dogma but for the fresh and innovative intervention that gets to the heart of the problem," he said. The big yawn with which global stock markets greeted the move said it all: given the beaten-down state of the financial system and the questions that continue to swirl around it, far more concerted action is needed if confidence is to be restored.

Who's driving the Global Meltdown?

2008-10-14T17:24:00.001+04:00

So you think Ravan is dead?

2008-10-09T16:06:00.001+04:00

Dushera, Vijay Parv, the day when supposedly Lord Ram won over and killed Ravan. So is Ravan really dead? I differ in opinion, may be like a lot others.

Ravan, a disparaging rather insulting adjective used to describe Dasamukh, a devoted scholar of Vedas, a blessed devotee of Lord Shiv and ruler of three worlds. A cold blooded seizure of Sita, the wife of Ram, led to his end, demolishing a vast and glorious kingdom. Every year on, we celebrate Dushera to mark this event which we commemorate as the Victory of good over evil.

So is the evil, whom apparently historians named- Ravan, really dead? Does Good, generally believed to be- Ram, actually exists? Why was Ravan evil? Because he, as written by historians, kidnapped Sita? Yes, it was a shameful and utterly unethical thing to do. He can be called a kidnapper for that. But evil? That effectively means in modern times, atleast as depicted by Newspapers and News Channels, there are uncountable number of Ravans, the evil. Its nothing new to read or see either a rape, kidnap or murder, everyday. So where is Ram now? Isn't it the responsibility of the GOOD, Ram to defeat the EVIL, Ravan? Last week a lady journalist was shot dead at midnight in Delhi. Well, if kidnapping is called Evil, than murder should be perhaps, cruel or devilish. And where is Ram, the Delhi police has done nothing, absolutely nothing relevant towards solving any aspect of it.

This was just an example, the so called Ravan, the evil exists everywhere. To curb the growing displeasure at home against the September 11 'terrorist attacks', George Bush, the President of USA, ordered war against Afghanistan, no wonder Mr. Bush won the next election and his last term to the Office of president. Than to acquire the enormous oil banks of Iraq, Mr. Bush used and actually popularised the word WMD's (Weapons of Mass Destructions). Well as apparent to everyone else in world, there were no WMD's to be found in Iraq but a lot of black gold.

Going on to international affairs is rather easy, its better to solve problems at home and then criticise. Right, we have got no right to condemn and criticise, US's tough stance against anyone, because atleast they have a view, not like India, who is as confused as a 3 year old kid in a Glass maze. India always urged Pakistan to respect LOC while the latter always claimed the whole of Kashmir. Instead of going with Maharaja Hari Singh's accession, we still don't claim the so called POK. Same with China, who also have occupied a major portion on North-East Kashmir. So where is Ram now? Isn't it evil to occupy a neighbours assets, to kill many and destroy peace in neighbour's home?

These are rather well known issues. But here is a grass root example- to register a police complaint in certain parts of India, you actually have to pay a well deservedly asked bribe. Now this is no unknown criticism. Many can testify to this. We all know where we stand in the list of corrupted countries in world. Even this is evil, where is Ram? May be, only Valmiki knew them personally or may be even the Great Lord Ram is also tired of this nation. Whatever it is, we surely aren't missing Ravan.

So you think Ravan is dead?

2008-10-09T16:06:00.000+04:00

The Cookie is crumbling

2008-09-17T17:50:00.001+04:00

For years and years now, US Dollar has been the benchmark currency for foreign trade. First supported by gold and then by the oil demand of world, Dollar reached newer heights against other currencies, strenghthening the US Influence all over the world. Dollar has been one of the main stay of US economy's constant upward growth, pulling it out of trouble whenever problems surfaced.

Before the oil problems and dealing started at international level, Gold was the main stay of dollar's strength. US was the biggest supplier of Gold all over world. To buy gold, other countries needed to have US Dollars which eventually came from US. Thus the demand and supply was all in US's hand. And it was controlled very effectively.

The Voice (issue 264) ran an article beginning, 'Iran has really gone and done it now'. No, they haven't sent their first nuclear sub into the Persian Gulf. They launched something much more deadly - Iran Bourse opened to trade oil, not in dollars but in Euros. This apparently insignificant event has consequences far greater for the US people, indeed for us all, than is imaginable.

Currently almost all oil buying and selling is in US-dollars through exchanges in London and New York . It is not accidental they are both US-owned.

The Wall Street crash in 1929 sparked off global depression and World War II. During that war the US supplied provisions and ammunitions to all its allies, refusing currency and demanding gold payments in exchange.

By 1945, 80% of the world's gold was sitting in US vaults. The dollar became the one undisputed global reserve currency, it was treated worldwide as 'safer than gold'. The Bretton Woods agreement was established.

The US took full advantage over the next decades and printed dollars like there was no tomorrow. The US exported many mountains of dollars, paying for ever-increasing amounts of commodities, tax cuts for the rich, many wars abroad, mercenaries, spies and politicians the worldover. You see, this did not affect inflation at home! The US got it all for free! Well, maybe for a forest or two.

Over subsequent decades the world's vaults bulged at the seams and more and more vaults were built, just for US dollars. Each year, the US spends many more dollars abroad than at home. Analysts pretty much agree that outside the US, of the savings, or reserves, of all other countries, in gold and all currencies - that a massive 66% of this total wealth is in US dollars!

In 1971 several countries simultaneously tried to sell a small portion of their dollars to the US for gold. Krassimir Petrov, (Ph. D. in Economics at Ohio University) recently wrote, 'The US Government defaulted on its payment on August 15, 1971. While popular spin told the story of 'severing the link between the dollar and gold', in reality the denial to pay back in gold was an act of bankruptcy by the US Government.' The 1945 Breton Woods agreement was unilaterally smashed.

The dollar and US economy were on a precipice resembling Germany in 1929. The US now had to find a way for the rest of the world to believe and have faith in the paper dollar. The solution was in oil, in the petro-dollar. The US viciously bullied first Saudi Arabia and then OPEC to sell oil for dollars only, it worked, the dollar was saved. Now countries had to keep dollars to buy much needed oil. And the US could buy oil all over the world, free of charge. What a Houdini for the US! Oil replaced gold as the new foundation to stop the paper dollar sinking.

Since 1971, the US printed even more mountains of dollars to spend abroad. The trade deficit grew and grew. The US sucked-in much of the world's products for next to nothing. More vaults were built.

Expert, Nunan, wrote in 2003, 'The dollar is the de'facto world reserve currency: the US currency accounts for approximately two-thirds of all official exchange reserves. More than four-fifths of all foreign exchange transactions and half of all world exports are denominated in dollars. In addition, all IMF loans are denominated in dollars.'

Dr Bulent Gukay of Keele University recently wrote, 'This system of the US dollar acting as global reserve currency in oil trade keeps the demand for the dollar 'artificially' high. This enables the US to carry out printing dollars at the price of next to nothing to fund increased military spending and consumer spending on imports. There is no theoretical limit to the amount of dollars that can be printed. As long as the US has no serious challengers, and the other states have confidence in the US dollar, the system functions.'

Until recently, the US-dollar has been safe. However, since 1990 Western Europe has been busy growing, swallowing up central and Eastern Europe. French and German bosses were jealous of the US ability to buy goods and people the world over for nothing. They wanted a slice of the free-cake too. Further, they now had the power and established the euro in late 1999 against massive US-inspired opposition across Europe, especially from Britain - paid for in dollars of course. But the euro succeeded. Only months after the euro-launch, Saddam's Iraq announced it was switching from selling oil in dollars only, to euros only, breaking the OPEC agreement. Iran, Russia, Venezuela, Libya, all began talking openly of switching too- were the floodgates about to be opened?

Then aero planes flew into the twin-towers in September 2001. Was this another Houdini chance to save the US (petro) dollar and the biggest financial/economic crash in history? War preparations began in the US, But first war-fever had to be created and truth was the first casualty. Other oil producing countries watched-on. In 2000 Iraq began selling oil in euros. In 2002, Iraq changed all their petro-dollars in their vaults into euros. A few months later, the US began their invasion of Iraq. The whole world was watching: very few aware that the US was engaging in the first oil currency, or petro-dollar war. After the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, remember, the US secured oil areas first. Their first sales in August were, of course, in dollars, again. The only government building in Baghdad not bombed was the Oil Ministry! It does not matter how many people are murdered, for the US, the petro-dollar must be saved as the only way to buy and sell oil - otherwise the US economy will crash, and much more besides.

In early 2003, Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela talked openly of selling half of its oil in euros (the other half is bought by the US). On 12 April 2003, the US-supported business leaders and some generals in Venezuela kidnapped Chavez and attempted a coup. The masses rose against this and the Army followed suit. The coup failed.

This was bad for the US. In November 2000 the euro/dollar was at $0.82 dollars, its lowest ever, and still diving, but when Iraq started selling oil in euros, the euro dive was halted. In April 2002 senior OPEC reps talked about trading in euros and the euro shot up. In June 2003 the US occupiers of Iraq switched trading back to dollars and the euro fell against the dollar again. In August 2003 Iran starts to sell oil in euros to some European countries and the euro rises sharply. In the winter of 2003-04 Russian and OPEC politicians talked seriously of switching oil/gas sales to the euro and the euro rose. In February 2004 OPEC met and made no decision to turn to the euro, and yes, the euro fell against the dollar. In June 2004 Iran announced it would build an oil bourse to rival London and New York, and again, the euro rose. The euro stands at $1.38 and has been climbing of late.

But matters became far, far worse for the US dollar. On 5th May Iran registered its own Oil Bourse, the IOB. Not only are they now selling oil in euros from abroad, they have established an actual Oil Bourse, a global trading centre for all countries to buy and sell their oil!

In Chavez's recent visit to London, he talked openly about supporting the Iranian Oil Bourse, and selling oil in euros. When asked in London about the new arms embargo imposed by the US against Venezuela, Chavez prophetically dismissed the US as 'a paper tiger'.

Currently, almost all the world's oil is sold on either the NYMEX, New York Mercantile Exchange, or the IPE, London's International Petroleum Exchange. Both are owned by US citizens and both sell and buy only in US dollars. The success of the Iran Oil Bourse makes sense to Europe, which buys 70% of Iran 's oil. It makes sense for Russia, which sells 66% of its oil to Europe. But worse for the US , China and India have already stated they are very interested in the new Iranian Oil Bourse.

If there is a tactical-nuclear strike on 'deja-vu' 'weapons of mass destruction' in Iran, who would bet against a certain Oil Exchange and more, being bombed too? And worse for Bush, It makes sense for Europe, China, India and Japan as well as all the other countries mentioned above to buy and sell oil in Euro. They will certainly have to stock-up on euros now, and they will sell dollars to do so. The euro is far more stable than the debt-ridden dollar. The IMF has recently highlighted US economic difficulties and the trade deficit strangling the US, there is no way out.

The problem for so many countries now is how to get rid of their vaults full of dollars, before it crashes? And the US has bullied so many countries for so many decades around the world, that many will see a chance to kick the bully back. The US cannot accept even 5% of the world's dollars, it would crash the US economy dragging much of the world with it, especially Britain .To survive, as the Scottish Socialist Voice article stated, 'the US, needs to generate a trade surplus to get out of this one. Problem is it can't. 'This is spot on. To do that they must force US workers into near slavery, to get paid less than Chinese or Indian workers. We all know that this will not happen. What will happen in the US? Chaos for sure. Maybe a workers revolution, but looking at the situation as it is now, it is more likely to be a re-run of Germany post-1929, and some form of extreme-right mass movement will emerge. Does Europe and China/Asia have the economic independence and strength to stop the whole world's economies collapsing with the US? Their vaults are full to the brim with dollars. The US has to find a way to pay for its dollar-imperialist exploitation of the world since 1945. Somehow, eventually, it has to account for every dollar in every vault in the world.

Bombing Iran could backfire tremendously. It would bring Iran openly into the war in Iraq, behind the Shiite majority. The US cannot cope even now with the much smaller Iraqi insurgency. Perhaps the US will feed into the Sunni v Shiite conflict and turn it into a wider Middle-East civil-war. However, this is so dangerous for global oil supplies. Further, they know that this would be temporary, as some country somewhere else, will establish a euro-oil exchange, perhaps in Brussels.

There is one 'solution' - scrap the dollar and print a whole new currency for the US. This will destroy 66% of the rest of the world's savings/reserves in one swoop. Imagine the implications? Such are the desperate things now swimming around heads in the White House, Wall Street and Pentagon. Another is to do as Germany did, just before invading Poland in 1938. The Nazis filmed a mock Polish Army attack on Germany, to win hearts and minds at home. But again, this is a finger in the dam.

So, how is the US going to escape this time? The only global arena of total superiority left is military. Who knows what horrors lie ahead? A new world war is one tool by which the US could discipline its 'allies' into keeping the dollar in their vaults. The task of socialists today is to explain to as many as possible, especially our class, that the coming crisis belongs purely to capitalism and (dollar) imperialism. Not people of other cultures, not Islam, not the axis of evil or their so-called WMDs. Their system alone is to blame.

The new Iranian Oil Bourse, the IOB, is situated in a new building on the free-trade-zone island of Kish, in the Persian Gulf. The IOB was supposed to be up and running last March, but many pressures forced a postponement. Where the pressure came from is obvious. It was internationally registered on 5th May and supposed to open mid-May, but its opening was put off, some saying the oil-mafia was involved, along with much international pressure.

In 2007 Crude was traded around 60 usd. Everyone knew dollar was getting weaker and weaker day by day. Then US with the help of their two NYMEX & IPE exchange started rising the price of crude by Future trading on crude (called speculation). Today crude is around 100 usd. It means whole world who were paying 60 usd, are now paying 100 usd, which means demand of dollar has gone upto 170% and dollar started rising again.

The Cookie is crumbling

2008-09-17T17:50:00.000+04:00

Unjustified Tolerance-2

2008-09-17T14:24:00.001+04:00

Mumbai- India's commercial capital, the financial hub of one of the fastest growing countries in world, the base of one of the biggest film industries in world, the home of a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual 40 million people. There is so much to be proud of, about Mumbai. But unfortunately, some people correction, some pessimists always want to hinder the evolution process.

Raj Thackeray, the outspoken rebel, who employed a very simple tactic, very similar to the one's used by the British Raj, to gain some quick publicity and following. Its been some time since he broke apart from Shiv Sena, but never gained enough importance in the state politics till now. But as any other politician, he has started using cheap regional tactics to gain some supporters and establish his political influence in the state.

Maharasthra Navnirman Sena, thats what Raj named his party. To begin with, its a small regional party, formed in early 2006 as a result of internal clashes and contradictory views of Raj and Bal Thackeray, the supremo of Shiv Sena, of which Raj was the so called crown prince, ahead of Bal Thackeray's son, Uddhav. Though its been more than 2 years now, the party gained impendum only after Raj deployed his forces against the so called Hindi-speaking population of India's biggest Metropolis. The party is still not considered a big force or of any political relevant even in Mumbai.

But Raj is not anyway like his uncle Bal Thackeray. Yes, Bal Thackeray has his own views which are to an extent extreme, but Raj used fairly cheap and old yet effective tactics to establish his newly formed party. Its similar to what the British Raj used to rule over India. To divide and rule. The population of Mumbai is around 40 Million, but out of that, majority are immigrants from other states. They live and earn a decent livelihood in Mumbai, but majority are still not the choosers when it comes to Elections. The voting population still, largely remains the locals or the immigrants who have been living from ages and therefore has accepted it as there motherland. Raj just want to use this age old tactic to attract the local, electoral population, towards his party, make some following and use it as the vote bank for elections. Well, considering the Indian politics and politician, its a fairly wise choice and smart strategic move.

As the burning of English/Hindi hoardings, posters was not enough, Raj started attacking affluent immigrant personalities personally. Mr. Amitabh Bachhan's residence in Mumbai was attacked by MNS party workers. Stones were thrown, effigies and posters were burnt. To the extent that they stopped the premier of one of his film. Mr. Bachhan, as wise, diplomatic and highly respected responsible citizen of Mumbai, Maharashtra and India came out publicly on camera to apologise for Mrs. Jaya Bachhan's comments for which Mrs. Bachhan had already apologised on camera. For what? Just because Raj Thackeray wanted so.

Warnings after warnings, abuses after abuses, breaking laws and continued ultimatums for unethical and insensible things, started coming rather rapidly from Raj. But the state Government just couldn't act. Nothing at all. The followers and party workers of MNS continued rampaging shops and homes, attacking individuals, but the Government never let the Police act. The helplessness and frustration of Police was evident in there statements to media. But our democratic set-up don't let police to act independently. They have to get warrants, orders and many other formalities needs to be completed before they can take any action. But we all know, our politicians would never let anyone act for the betterment of our country.

The Government don't even have any excuse for it. I can be arrested for writing this blog, although my RIGHT TO SPEECH gives me all authority to express my views. But in Jungle Raaj there are no rights, its just the race to survive amongst the beasts. Gob be with us.

Unjustified Tolerance-2

2008-09-17T14:24:00.000+04:00

Survival of the Fittest

2008-09-16T13:21:00.001+04:00

Again, Yet again. It has now become a routine to come home in evening and watch a city burning and the politicians and bureaucrats condemning. And things will start fussing out the next day itself and very soon there will be another explosion reeling away innocent lives. And the politicians and bureaucrats will again condemn.

The Indian Government is admitably the WORST in responding to any terrorist attack on its own territories. Whether it be any political party having the reigns of Parliament, the situation remains the same. They just CANNOT ACT. And there will be the same, lame excuses- We are the land of Gandhi and Nehru, we are a peace loving democracy. The Indian Government just cannot act and moreover they won't let the Armed forces act either. What can be more shameful than terrorist rampaging in a Country's Parliament? How safe are the commoners when the elite of elite are not out of there reach?

Yes, agreed, we are a country of Gandhi and Nehru, but don't forget, we are a country of Foreign Ministers like Jaswant Singh, who personally flew with some terrorists, sent them home and negotiated with hijackers. And we would just defend ourselves saying that was for many innocent lives. If that is so then we should search the history databases for the Israeli rescue mission for there people. But we just CANNOT ACT.

Its now the 5th instance in very recent times when a metropolis was the target of militant infiltration. And what can be worst than the capital of a huge country? Even small nations fight and defend there own boundaries, rather effectively. But we, standing at 3rd position in terms of number of security personnel in world, fail so often, so miserably. The so called RAW, IB and other intelligence agencies exist practically in papers. After any terrorist attack they will come up with there own reports about some fake assassination plans and terrorist confessions. Just to ward off any outclash from the innocent citizens and to give media something to discuss and debate, which they do, rather commercially.

The Armed forces are so bound by the constitution and held up by the politicians that they cannot act without there consent, even for the interest of this country. They are capable enough to eliminate every single trespassing in our territories but the vote banks have to be nurtured, nourished and kept happy. We all know how easily and often the political parties burn-out there agendas as soon as they assume power.

Yes, the lawmakers do catch some suspects but then comes the Indian Judicial System. An average civil case in India is like a 5-year plan. And the different hierarchy levels of courts effectively means that if a 40-year old is under trial for any case and after appeals, convictions, re-appeal, re-convictions, he would have passed his life time out without any decision or imprisonment. The police and intelligence agencies claim they found the mastermind and next week you will face the wrath of another terrorist act. What does that imply? Is the mastermind using telepathy to connect to his followers or colleagues? The logic of some claims by the bureaucrats is beyond an average Indian's understanding.

The question remains the same- Why is the Government so numb? Why after all these continued infiltrations at the cost of innocent lives, we are still so helpless? What is stopping us from acting? Are we not capable enough? The intelligence failure is never a big offence in India, may be thats why the intelligence agencies are not so concerned about there tasks or we just do not have the resources to tackle the very smart terrorists. The so called terrorists often use the cyber space to inform about any attack they are going to carry out and yet we fail to stop them.

Newton's third law of motion stats- Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If the great scientist was alive today, he would have been forced to eat his words and burn his research after Indian Government's no reaction theory.

In fact its time we remember other famous Scientist- Charles Darwin and his theory of 'Survival of the Fittest'. Its time to act and defend ourselves to stay alive in this country. In this civilised society and constitutional democray we almost forgot that. But now we should know that we are living in a forest and there are no laws, no lawmakers and no protectors here. Everyone for themselves.

Survival of the Fittest

2008-09-16T13:21:00.000+04:00

Cracking the Shell

2008-09-13T16:47:00.001+04:00

Okay, we are the biggest secular democracy of world, agreed, One Hundred Percent.

Its been a little over 61 years since India was liberated and the highly coveted and wanted Independence was achieved. But where do we stand after those roller coaster like 61 years? Lets analyse, unbiasedly, of course.

Before i began, i would like to share a view, which was given or rather imposed on be someone very dear.

INDIA MAY BE 60 YEARS OLD, BUT NOT HINDUSTAN. THE DEMOCRACY MAY STILL BE LEARNING, WE WERE RULERS AND ADMINISTRATORS FROM AGES.

Although it was a no holds barred discussion, there were some points i was quick to adopt and acknowledge. Though some were arguable and debatable.

But the point in question is, where do we stand in terms of our International Colleagues? Although we got independence more than 6 decades before, out education system was never overhauled. We still read, mug up and write the words written 200 years before by the historians appointed by certain affluent sects of society. The fact is that the description of certain events in past was written to provide positive publicity to the person getting it written, so that after centuries and ages, they will remain the pride of history when they were actually the scar.

Our education system cover up history of not more than 1200 years, which effectively means we study only about the travellers and invaders, whereas our history dates back to more than 1,20,00,000 years (the oldest human skull found in Madhya Pradesh). Infact any intelligent 8th grader will tell you all about Mughals, Marathas, Maharana Pratap, Jhansi ki Rani, East India Company and independence. But what about Ashoka or Chandragupta. The importance of Kautilya, better known as Chanakya or the atomic explosion during Mahabharata are relatively unknown. Yes, these are not conclusions, these are facts. Our history is much older than an average Indian can imagine, all thanks to our education system.

The base of future is built on its past. If we do no plan well in past, there are rare, almost no chances of succeeding in future. If we do not know our history well, our generations will be deprived of the rich source of inspiration. A child learns by choice and by logic. If he reads a certan 1200 years of history, he will not even think of comparing two certain individuals or events. A child may compare Aurganzeb with Akbar, but what about Ashoka and Chandragupta? The religiuos books are a very good source of information, but a conclusion is arrived after conflicting various thoughts.

The question remains! Who will do the hard work? Right now we have a well in place and accepted educational system. But is it all that we need to teach our children, the so called future of nation? No, do not remove them, but add the glorified past. Let them also realise in spirit that we were actually a GOLDEN SPARROW. Right now, the system portraits us the same as before. We never saw the riches in our history books.

We need to get out of this shell. We are one of the oldest civilisations in the world, much older than the invaders who ruled over us, and who regard themselves to be superior in race. Our recent history dates back to the times even when a so called powerful nation was not even discovered. We are not inferior to anyone and its high time our own children are made this thing realised, by the books they read.

Cracking the Shell

2008-09-13T16:47:00.000+04:00

Going for Gold

2008-08-27T17:39:00.001+04:00

INDIA Gold-1, Silver-0, Bronze-2, Standing-50

Achievements

First ever gold medal in an individual event (Shooting) in Olympic history of 108 years.
First ever medal in Boxing

So, the two lines above are enough to satisfy a population of 115 Crore?

Lets check out some other results:

KENYA Gold-5, Silver-5, Bronze-4, Standing-15
Facing ongoing political unrest from 2007.

ETHIOPIA Gold-4, Silver-1, Bronze-2, Standing-18
Raging shortage of food and riots.

ZIMBABWE Gold-1, Silver-3, Bronze-0, Standing 38
Destroyed by internal conflicts and facing isolation from International community.

Are we still satisfied with the results? We always compare ourselves with China, lets look at how they fared in their own backyard.

Gold-51, Silver-21, Bronze-28, Standing-1

It was not long-before, when China won its first ever Gold Medal. In 1984, Los Angeles Games, Xu Haifeng shooted his way to the history of Chinese Olympics as its first ever Gold Medalist. And after 24 years China stand firmly at the top of table with 15 Gold medals more than a distant US.

Some people might argue that they got the home advantage and automatic entry to all the games, but does that mean getting an entry itself guarantees a gold or for that sake a medal? When competing amongst the best of bests, gate-crashers rarely held their heads high.

We should look at China as a source of Inspiration, not enviously. We are, to be frank, no competition to them. Of course we did got the all important breakthrough by winning our first ever Individual Olympic gold. But, its about planning and more importantly executing it. The Chinese planned and targeted each and every medal available. They had a systematic and individual approach towards all the metal pieces on for grab. They started nurturing there talented individuals for this Olympics from Sydney 2000. And we talk about preparing ourselves for London 2012.

The truth is that India need to provide financial security to the athletes. Yes, we are obsessed with Cricket, why not be? Its the only game in which we compete in top flight. We have earned a Test Playing nation status, of which there are only 8 (Zimbabwe suspended for now) other nations in the world. The expectations are met more often than not as compared to any other game we play. India was the world hockey power house. The same sponsor support our hockey and cricket teams. There are no financial problems, of course dreams of over night riches are self made by players, which to be frank depends entirely on a game's commercial value. Ussain Bolt or Michael Phelps even after winning heaps of gold medals, won't be the face of there country for the next 4 years. Jamaica have a lot more than running athletes and as for US, it will be all over when Monday night football kicks off.

China adopted a very basic approach- catch them young. The US athletes were afraid of a Chinese athlete, who according to them looked no older than 14 years and when China showed proof of age, they have to, simply eat their words and criticise them (debatable though). But that clearly underlines one thing, other Olympic powers have acknowledged and are afraid of China's might.

Had the Chinese media went crazy like their Indian counterparts, then they would have to stop broadcasting the events and have to keep interviewing the athletes all the time. There was a medal winner emerging every second hour for them.

We need to be realistic and plan to our strengths. Instead of planning for London 2012, we should start nurturing out forces for Olympics 2020. To plan is the first step, but to execute is the most important one. And who knows these things better than us Indians, we study the 5-year plans and Planning Commissions from Grade 1 to Grade 10. But as goes our basic instinct, we dream, rather to plan.

Going for Gold

2008-08-27T17:39:00.000+04:00

Unjustified tolerance

2008-08-26T19:43:00.001+04:00

When a government becomes too numb to something, the citizens are easy prey and more vulnerable. Thats what exactly is happening in India.

In very recent times, the country had suffered serial bombings in 3 religiously harmonic and growing metropolises and managed, somehow, to avert 1. After disturbing Jaipur, Bangalore and Ahmedabad were taken on sword by the terrorists in consecutive days and the third disaster averted in Surat the very next day. What does it symbolises? Has the Indian Government left the situation on itself? Or the terrorists are too smart for them to catch? Whatever it does, it surely concludes that the Government had taken a very unique stand on it, which no country and i REPEAT, no country in world can or will do- tolerance, UNJUSTIFIED TOLERANCE.

Agreed India is a country of huge proportions, both by size and population, but is that an excuse. We should look at how China has used it huge population as an asset instead of blaming it for failures and short-comings. With a population of 115 Crore people, pre-dominantly youth, the Government should use it as the best means of internal security. Instead of that, the head-constable on road pulls up a software engineer walking at 11.30 pm. His fault- he was walking hand in hand with his girl friend at 11.30 pm because there shifts are from 2 to 10 pm. Thats India and thats the alertness possessed by our Security forces.

Moreover, even a 5 year old, if hit by a bully on road, will retaliate and fight for it. But what does India do? India just condemn the bombings, correction, Condemn the bombings in strong words. When asked what were RAW and IB doing all the time? There is a foundry minted reply from the officials- We are trying our best to take stock of situation and will let you know after the investigations are over. Honestly, its not their fault. If allowed to work freely, the security forces won't take much of time to clean up India of these obnoxious weeds scattered all over, But that word- ALLOWED carries much weight in itself.

So why is India just tolerating? We don't have the capability to crack down on these terrorists? Or the Civil Nuclear Deal or perhaps the election season are much more important. We all know who's behind these persistent infiltration in our territories but yet, the Government is too numb to act. This silent, unjustified tolerance by the so called Biggest Democracy, Fastest growing Economy, makes one wonder- Are we not armed enough? Mind you, armed by means, not by weapons. We repeatedly pledge and re-ignite our vows on international scene to fight terrorism and yet at home we so often fail to prevent the now-so-common militant attacks.

Its plain simple, these terrorists have no agenda, no demands, no target. They hit and will hit wherever and whenever they get the opportunity. So its upon the Government to prepare the very assets of this country- the people of India to fight against these trespassing, correction VIOLENT trespassing. India have actually forgotten the best way of fighting any dreadious disease- PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. That how we keep away from them. Its about taking a strong front and adopting a clear cut agenda. If we adopt the zero tolerance policy as by Russia or USA, there is no way any militant would dare eye us.

Yes, we are peace loving, but not cowards. Yes we like to solve situations amicably, but not at the costs of innocent lives of our own people.

Unjustified tolerance

2008-08-26T19:43:00.000+04:00

The Great Indian Media Challenge

2008-08-26T11:30:00.002+04:00

Ok, This ones got nothing to so with my routine. Its about something we call home.

While reading other day about the warning by a certain Mr. Ratan Tata to an Honourable Indian State Goverenment, here West Bengal, i just wondered will Indian ever get out of the myth so called as MEDIA? Its such a shame that the Indian Media always try to protect the rich, affluent and influential people. Correction- they do not protect them, rather they get there pockets filled in exchange of creating a favourable and sympathetic image for them. And if someone messes with the Mafia, i mean the Media, they get a shot in the arm. Media will destroy there public image. So much so that, to save the family members of a 14 year old murdered girl, a certain news channel went on to conduct there own trial on Air. If thats what they think is Trial by Media then they need to read the Indian Law.

Lets get to the case. The dream Indian car, the 100,000 Rs. car promised by Tata and launched in hifty jifty with promises of commercial production and market launch by September-October, 2008. First of all, it was and never will be under or even near to the 100,000 Rs. mark as promised by the manufacturer. Secondly, the sub standard quality of equipments used will surely make one wonder is it really worth driving that car?

Ok, my point in not that. The warning given by Mr. Tata to the West Bengal government to reshift the Nano Plant to somewhere else was projected by the media as it was all the goverenment's fault. We are so used to fed by the waiters in restaurants that whatever the media serve us, we just pounce on that. The actual facts are always covered up so brilliantly that no one believes them even when they really pop out.

Mr. Tata is a businessman. And we all know, that promises of businessmen are meant for quote unquote. He promised the Indian Dream car and when he couldn't actually get his engineers to work on cost controls, he started blaming the government. The truth is that the car or even the prototypes are not ready and won't be for sometime. And thats why the manufacturer starts to point out the obstacles which never existed and actually surfaced after the media highlighted his statements. Now these so called obstacles will be taken as causes of delay in manufacturing of the car and so the public will be fooled yet again.

No, i am not paid by any automobile company to paste this up in my blog, no one reads it anyways. But its just that i am sick of the Indian Media trying time and again and succeeding in fooling the Common Man. We really need a Media Commission which actually try to verify the contents. That would be the day when we get a clear picure. A country of 115 Crore people can get satisfied so easily by 3 Medals in a Summer Olympics. No, its the media that satisfies us by the constant delivery of same stories again and again making us think as we have acquired more than 10 medals in a day. The fact is that we finished at 50th position and when we actually see the list of countries finishing above us, its actually a shame. The best example is Zimbabwe, with all the political and internal turmoil in the country and even facing isolation from the international community, it finished at 38th position with 1 gold and 3 silvers.

Maybe it will change and that will be the dawn of a new era in India.

The Great Indian Media Challenge

2008-08-26T11:30:00.001+04:00

Yeh hai bambai meri JAAN..

2008-08-24T15:03:00.001+04:00

People end there day with a blog, like Mr. Amitabh Bachan and i write it at 3 in afternoon. Thats what so unique about me. My mom always used to say i am different, though she meant it in a sarcastic way. But lol, i am different i guess.

So, yesterday, first day of week, was actually quite hectic. Yes, it was work, but not all work. The social obligations, the will to give back to society also had to be addressed. As well as a commitment with some friends for a long due dinner.

It started with a good news ofcourse. Getting the driving test date rescheduled is an achievement in itself. And my man for the job did that after a bit of drama. But all's well when it ends well.

The appointments are, for a change, getting honoured this week, unlike a fortnight back. People seems to have finally settled in the business spirit after the vacation lay off.

Never expect, that way, you get satisfied easily. Thats exactly what happened on the social responsibility front. I didn't expected anyone and i got a 8 times satisfaction. Things are good, taking shape.

Now, the dinner, well. Nothing beats live music, nothing. Ae dil hai mushkil, jeena yaha, Jara hatke, jara bachke, yeh hai bambai meri jaan. The requests were obliged instantaneously and never stopped actually. The good ol' days. Memories remain.

Crashing at 2.30 and then getting up at 9 is what i hate most, but well, have to do it. Its about earning a bread (with some butter, jam, cheese etc). getting ready for another day.

Yeh hai bambai meri JAAN..

2008-08-24T15:03:00.000+04:00

TV's Back

2008-08-20T16:25:00.001+04:00

LOL!! Yeah, atlast the problems with my satelite TV were fixed by two gentlemen who appeared out of nowhere. Gosh! Its hard to live without TV in these times. Imagine missing the moment of glory in Olympics or the probbing spell of Zaheer that made Jaya and Sanga look like debutants or Deco's 27 metre near post netter in first EPL game. Well, TV again helps, with the relays ofcourse.

So, the misery continues, the long and agonising wait to get the driving test rescheduled is getting on my nerves. How senseless people can be sometimes? Specially when they are given undue power and authority. Guess thats how it works. The deserving never get the rightous.

Well, the weather is definately getting unpredictable. The Global Warming's really affecting. How else would someone explain temperatures ranging from 36 to 24 degrees 24 hours hours apart? But for a change 36 degrees is welcomed in August.

Ramadan is someone all the people wait. Some for its auspisiousity, holiness, purity and some for the sheer fun of a good 4-5 days off. Its as eagerly anticipated every year as a Olympic Gold for US. Am looking forward to it, more so because it happens to be my birthday around as well.

The travelling time appears to be coming near. Well hate it, but have to.

Off for now!!

TV's Back

2008-08-20T16:25:00.000+04:00

Back to Work

2008-08-18T13:25:00.002+04:00

Its good to be back to work after a gruelling week of extensive and unorganised travelling. A week off can do wonders to boring schedule and spring new ambitions and aspirations to front. Thats exactly what has happened.

Well, after the wet and quite cool India, its back to dry and very hot Dubai. Thats one part i hate most. From absolute 15 Degree, landing to 45 degrees is like going to Hell from Heaven. But i guess compromises are as necessary in one's life as daily bread. And eventually we develop a habit of making compromises even when we deserve something rightously. Thats life.

So the presentation mechanism got a whole new look, and its much better than the earlier white plastics. The inventory got reshuffled and orgainsed. Its looking tidier now. Its time to get set fot the upcoming festive season. How world would be without festivals? I love them personally.

Personally, sunday couldn't have been any better. First, revokcation of old associate, than Chelsea winning the season opener emphatically and to celebrate that, what can be better than a dinner at Jumeirah Beach Hotel with some ol' buddies? Drinks and dance is the flavour of any party and it was none less at ours as well. One helluva time.

And then something pissing- someone calling you at 3.36 at night? And that also a wrong number! Sickening. Why can't someone check the number before dialling. And why the hell do you call someone at the wee hours? Well the last question can have unlimited answers but yeah it was very irritating.

Back to Work

2008-08-18T13:25:00.001+04:00

In India, Do as the Indians Do!!

2008-08-16T18:58:00.003+04:00

Ok!! So, the indian fairy tale / nightmare ends here. Being home is always like a fairy tale and Mumbai in Monsoon is always a nightmare. No point complaining, home is where heart is. So the indian love story is on pause for now.

The last 3 days were wonderful to say the least!! Freaking out with long lost school friends, a all boys party was something long cherished and accidentally fulfilled. Although the best of friends were missing, but, for a change, those present weren't a let down either. The memories of good ol' days crossed the hyper consciuos minds and are still very much in the horizon.

This was a Raksha Bandhan trip, which i mentioned a lot of times earlier as well. Infact this was the first time i was in deficit on an Indian trip in place of being with surplus like other times around. Infact i think Raksha Bandhan is not the best time for a India trip, but i ain't complaining. I have atleast 10 strong threads and hopefully a lot more blessings guarding me for a year.

Love's lost or perhaps a ray in the dark? Answers have to be given or doubts cleared, before its too late. But i surely learnt one thing, it happens.

The short trip was nice but whirlwind, waiting for the Eid Holidays (more anxiously my birthday, which conincedes ;) ), will hit back again for sure, atleast thats planned for now.

Ok, my first blog from India said try Boeing 777 AI 716 flight from Dubai to Mumbai, but i take it back. I took AI717 from Mumbai to Dubai and for the first time in my life, i felt that scarry feeling. The face-off with death, the fear of it sent me shivering and the crew shouting on radio made it even worse. Reporting bad weather when there was no sign of it at all. Anyways, i am stil recapturating from that. Gotta rush for another Raksha Bandhan tying, locally.

In India, Do as the Indians Do!!

2008-08-16T18:58:00.000+04:00

Enriching India

2008-08-12T14:59:00.001+04:00

I should have written a post every 4 hours , but instead i am writing this after 4 days! India is always a different experience and moreover if its Mumbai in Monsoon. The incessant rains and horrible infrastructure makes a complete nightmarish experience. Even the first impression leaves one wondering whether its India's Financial Capital or some small city, century old Airport. Bombay, sorry, Mumbai need to learn from Evu (A small trading centre in China) first rather than dreaming of becoming Shanghai!! Its centuries behind and things are not looking good either. I am being realistic rather than pessimist as might sound.

Well the first day was horrible, An International Exhibition, that also of who's who from the World's Diamond and Gold Fraternity needs some proper management and more importantly some better timing. Mumbai is just fine, if the exhibition is organised in any other time of year. Mumbai in monsoons is something even the locals don't like, forget the overseas visitor. But instead of organising the premium event in February, the GJEPC organises the Goa show for leisure rather than trade. Even a 5-year old kid in mumbai can do better than the event organisers. Pity, India is a democracy with more loopholes than fillers. Against expectation, the next Generations of the bureaucrats think even worse than them.

I might be a big critic if Indian political and Government administration system, but i can't say the same about Indian Movie Industry. Well they surely knows how to make money, who cares about sensible cinema. The fact restrengthened after watching Singh is King- A flick with no story line, yet more than capable of attracting the crazy Indian Movie buffs to cinema halls. So much that we have to pay 150 bucks for a ticket of just 80. Well thats India. But the movie experience didn't ended there, there was more in line. The Dark Knight certainly kept everyone on the edge of seats, even K-JO. Well a American dude would have not even slept if he would have walked out of a Beverly Hills theatre with Steven Spielberg, but K-JO ain't Spielberg nor am i American. So it was nothing more than walking alongside a GAY Pansie in a comparatively less liberal society, but mind you he seemed definitely a Ladies Man.

On personal front, this one is a Rakshabandhan trip- the festival of empty pockets for brothers and BIG gifts for sisters. But i am not complaining. It feels good to have so many caring sisters- love ya all. So its time for time away from the wet weather to a relatively less watery place. But the jitters of going back are already felt and thats something i don't want to think about right now.

And yeah, something to be complimented, next time if you are flying from Dubai to Mumbai, please try Air India's AI716 Flight. If you can afford to leave at 5 from Dubai, its worth the time wasted at the Mumbai Airport, just the air hostess could have been better and polite and may be younger, not 50 +. But still the credit should be given to the State run airlines. Boeing 777 is something worth being proud of.
Signing off for now!!

Enriching India

2008-08-12T14:59:00.000+04:00

Too much to do!!

2008-08-07T13:00:00.002+04:00

Well, as expected my new sleep schedule lasted for 1 day and couldn't crash before 12 the last nite. But that also after some soul searching and some meaningful interaction with my mentor!! Yes, at 12 in night and its not too late considering our earlier interactions, some were even at 2. Am all up for business, even it means NO SLEEP.

My new alarm tone- Onkar is something i am getting used to, i put it on snooze everytime, the earlier church bell was better, it irritated to the core and i have to stop snoozing and get going. The way to office was never as pleasing as today, a precious hour to discuss so many new oppurtunities (and to hammer the bank balance) is something any business minded person would cherish, but unfortunately today was for something else, but not something less cherished though.

To see somebody pushing oneself for someone else' benefit, was a new thing. 2 hours wasted in the ministry taught me a new lesson, no matter how others behave, the final call will always be yours and that one moment is enought to show your character- Either you fall from grace or rise to peaks. And someone did rose from peaks to peaks, for me atleast, in 2 hours.

And then the change of guard, literally. I hate carrying excess baggage, though it did upset someone, but i said NO to myself as well. Waiting for ages for a checked in baggage at airports is certainly not my cup of (earl grey, class you see) tea. And thats something i am very particular about.

The work never ends and as evident, its only an hour to go to airport, i am still finishing up things. The 'instruction lists' have to be distributed. Thought don't feel like leaving the office unattended, its still for business!!

This may be the earliest to be published note but have to sign off for the day early from the online community!!

Too much to do!!

2008-08-07T13:00:00.001+04:00

This may be the earliest to be published note but have to sign off for the day early from the online community!!

Flowing ideas or perhaps Knocking Oppurtunities!!!

2008-08-06T14:28:00.001+04:00

Better than i thought, went in hibernation at 8 last night and a 11 hour (interrupted for 30 bucks, not joking) sleep really did a lot of good for my dieing eyes and subconsciuosly working brain!! There is nothing better than a sound sleep.

As was to be carried out, the daring task of going through the heavy traffic of Sharjah at 8 in the morning, was rather quite easy, sleeping on the way was something i never did before. So the night and the morning session belonged to my newly made friend, sleep!!

The feeling of mixed emotions is not new, specially when its caused by one specifc person. Confused- No ways, Mind Games- May be, Sympathy-Yes. But one thing was prooved wrong today, you can still pull or perhaps force your arrow back after shooting from your bow. And surely, the reputation of this specific person got enhanced. He grew taller than Burj Dubai for me!! But yet the blunder remains unresolved, hopefully tommorow, INSHALLAH!!!

Back to office, it was time for some rescheduling of appointments and some organising. Absolutely done of plastic money now, i hate banks, got one more, but quite sexy, today. Am thinking of buying a visiting card holder to arrange the plastic money!!! One more netbanking password to remember and one more card PIN!! Seems like in a couple of years, people will need a CARD MANAGER for themselves!!! And i surely know a lot of people for this job.

As they say, oppurtunities come knocking, just let them in, and perhaps, did exactly the same today. My Twinings Earl Grey Tea (I love TEA now) companion dropped by for cuppa and neither he was disappointed neither would i regret that cup! Another idea and perhaps another oppurtunity. But its true, friendship have absolutely no age and thats exactly what 2 people installed in me over last week.

On another front, social responsibility, there seems to be no development today, or perhaps people are upset with my way too polite (thats what i intended) attitude. But haven't heard from any of them today. Thats something i am very serious about.

Another meeting cancelled, and another wastage of time, that seems like the trend of week, 6 times in 5 days is much more than trend, its routine!! Seems like meetings this week were meant to be cancelled!!

Seemingly impossible, but true, the roads were like waiting for me to roll through! Literally flew through the roads! Wished it would be so forever, but some wishes are never meant to be fulfilled.

Well its almost 9 and by my newly fixed bedtime, its an hour over so got to crash soon and hope for an uninterrrupted doze!!!!!

Flowing ideas or perhaps Knocking Oppurtunities!!!

2008-08-06T14:28:00.000+04:00

Wandering Emotions!!

2008-08-05T18:15:00.002+04:00

After the Mesmerising (and LONG) evening the other night, would have never left the bed if the window blinds were also laid to rest properly with me. But the dizzy eyes cordinating with half dead brain and unwilling hands could just pull the cords to satisfy themselves.

The mind started to curse the world as soon as it experienced the day light first hand. Global warming gave us a pleasant (momentary)gift. The scene of Crying Sky is non existent in this part of world in AUGUST. The mercury seemed to be dipping to bottom for the current climatic conditions and cool breeze crashing against the face at 10.30 in morning. Although till now we used to have clothes only for two-Hot and Warm climates in our wardrobe, it seems the third ones will have to be filled in Soon. Unbelievable but true!!!

The feeling of being stranded in the middle of town, waiting for a cab, is something everyone (not having the privilege of a Driving License) in Dubai can understand. And when the wait goes from minutes to hours, the value and importance of time becomes suddenly all the more important. Even more when the time wasted is not for your own self. So thats how the day started.

My newly found relaxed approach towards work (read PROBLEMS) saved someone from my wrath today and i am sure myself a week before would have thwarted that person to all corners of his huge body frame. But still the silence expressed everything, he couldn't look in my eyes. Am getting convinced that this will work or may be for sometime, till than, temper has to pack bags for a vacation.

Shopping always helps, even for GUYS!!!! But only when the bill is paid off with free vouchers. Wonder how the agony of an entirely horrible day can be sublimated by some paper money? Thats one reason why i love spending in stores with loyality points, though, to discover that out of 450, a voucher of 100 bucks have already expired, is like LOSS IN PROFIT. But as they say, something is better than nothing.

After a partially enjoyable (the evenings were wonderful) and musical week so far, in which i experienced some soul stirring Latin American, Indian Classical and some meaningful World Music, it looks like that finally will put the machine on hibernation latest by 10 today and prepare myself for another (and possibly the last, end of that BLUNDER) painstaking task (which is yet unjustified to myself). But nonetheless, not a typical day, getting a cab was itself an achievement and that feeling soon transformed to anger, but, somehow, unbelievably, i held my nerve. And the 350 bucks vouchers soon pushed out the anger to joy and will hopefully get some much needed change to my wardrobe, it wasn't upgraded for 3 months.

Wandering Emotions!!

2008-08-05T18:15:00.001+04:00