Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Politics

Two women have surprised me by their show of political maturity. First is Sonia Gandhi refusing the post of prime minister. Without going into what motivated her - altruism or clever maneuvering, I think this is the best decision she could have made. She has come off stumping BJP and the sangh parivar of their prize issue and the very vocal critics through out the country. Atleast for the moment. It is also the best decision considering whoever is going to become the prime minister has the unpleasant job of keeping the left and the tremulous coalition happy.

Second is Jayalalitha. Amma has managed to completely surprise me by revoking a lot of her acts. Again, shows great political maturity to bow to the electorate and recognize mistakes and repeal acts if necessary. It is pointless to criticize that she has done it after the election rout, especially the one time when she hadnt shown her arrogance.


Monday, May 17, 2004

Flower tree - 2

Found the name. Tabebuia. How ever did I manage before the internet.

Flower tree 1

It rained yesterday and I walked under a canopy of green leaves with beautiful, bright yellow and red flowers waving gently. It was heavenly but I didnt know the names of the trees that gave me so much happiness. I googled a bit and got some possible names but I cant be sure. If at all anyone is reading this and if at all anyone can confirm the names of those trees, do let me know.

KFC

Went to the Forum mall for sunday breakfast. Was gorging when I saw Sushil's smiling face across the glass. Turned very introspective since he reminded of the screeplays I had planned to write but hadnt even started. Why am I so thoroughly undisciplined I wonder. Must be fear of failure.

I was gazing idly at the dazzling kiosks in the food court, but couldnt find KFC. I had seen it advertised to be in the mall. When I mentioned it, SRK answered it is in the front, right near the entrance. He added with a wry smile "So the protestors dont have to come up all the way". I doubled over laughing.

Tuesday, May 11, 2004

Media rules

Here is a CNN report. Read between the lines "the other two attempted to fondle and kiss her". "alleged prisoner abuse". Oh please. If this were a report about the "bad guys" or the "enemies of freedom", the media would have shouted - "the other two raped her", "prison atrocities". How hypocritical can the media get. Even after being shown the stark realities of war and how horrible things could get and how much atrocities these human beings, be it white or black or brown, male or female, are capable of, western media is still putting up such reports.