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Everything Everywhere.


You find everything everywhere. You see men, animals, vehicles, carts,crossing the roads ,as they wish. There is no  adherence to traffic rules. Signals blink without any relevance to the traffickers.The one way  signs have no meaning. The Police make a ridiculous  hand movements, which provoke  ridicule.You must be taken aback, as where on earth such things take place. Your country penalises high speeding drivers, charges those who pay disrespect to traffic regulations. Even in midnights , you follow the rules meticulously. Wait for the signal, and then proceed. But , here in our country, such things never happen, if they do occur ,then it should make to the headlines of top news.Can you make out the country  with all the clues ,I have put forth. No, then , will you try again , or shall I give the answer?Well , I do not want to test your patience any more . It is India, a land of diversity.

Animals are kept in the Zoo ,quoth my friend. Yes , may be in your country, but In India , you can find them everywhere. Dogs, Cats, Cows, Donkeys, Horses, walk at ease in the Indian roads. Elephants ,reared in the temples to grace the festivals , are taken for a stroll by mahouts,round the town.With dangling bells around the neck, the gigantic elephant walks royally, but the mahouts lead them to every house,forcing them to bless the inmates, and in return, they give cash and fruits to the elephant , which is considered as divine by the Hindus.

My friend was alarmed to perceive the chaotic movement of the vehicular transport.She asked me in a subdued tone, How is it possible to drive in such confused condition?I  marvelled at her plight. I made it clear ,that Indian drivers cannot negotiate when there is perfect  discipline. They drive with pleasure, while halting for  a sudden crossing of buffaloes, an immediate protrusion of a two wheeler, an unexpected  intrusion of a bullock cart, or a tricycle.

India ,is a land bubbling with enthusiasm , teeming with population,rejoicing in disorderly sensibility.

 

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Economy thoughts

Obama’s Strategic Move.


President Obama makes up his mind to appoint Bernanke as Fed Chairman,five months ahead .Economists feel  that he is the right choice.He faltered at the early stages, but learnt a lot by mistakes.He made a mess of the foreclosure crisis.Obama said  that his temperament, courage and creativity helped to prevent another Great Depression.

Bernanke fumbled  under pressure in not finding a way out to take over Lehman Brothers.He has revolutionary ideas.He has cut rates and opened a discount window to more firms.Economy is showing recovery, but still unemployment is looming large.He has to pay  a serious consideration in putting things together.

His performance has won him a grade of D+ -69  as calculated by the economists .He was awarded  low marks below 20.His median grade is 80.But , if he could pull back the economy to reasonable status , then he will go down in  history as one of the greatest fed Chairman.He has to deliberate on the vast expansion of the balance sheets, and  has to screw up the money supply. He has to tread a careful path.

Stock futures  pointed to a moderately high opening.Bernanke, if chosen, vows to restore”more stable financial and economic environment in which opportunity can again flourish and in which Americans hard work and creativity can receive proper awards.”

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Filing Bankruptcy


Bankruptcy  brought with it a sense of shame, a degree of  ignominy,,a circumstance of disgrace, a feeling of regret and a susceptibility to embarrassment. Now , the trend has took a different turn. A twist  which accumulates a lot of convenience,which bears a stock of opportuneness which provides  a volume of accessibility to convert or more precisely minimise the debt, by gaining protection under bankruptcy.

Recession has not only affected banks, financial institutions,autos , housing , but also media.Readers Digest U.S, has filed bankruptcy under chapter 11, just to get a waiver  .If the court allows this remedial petition, its debt load will be minimised to 550$million,from 2.2 billion $.

This is only an adjustment in the balance sheet, quips ,one of the spokesmen of the company.

The other editions of Readers Digest are not affected by this move.Walter Beyleveldt,made a statement that U.S edition’s direction will not affect Australia.Handyman and Health smart magazines  subsidies of Readers Digest , Australia , have increased the revenue by 7%, resulting out of advertisement.Readers Digest ,Australia is not  in any trouble foreseen or unforeseen.

Anyway, debt is the crux of the problem. Debt strapped Readers Digest is not secure.It may be takrn up bygroup of lenders led by JP.Morgan Chase,or will seek  to take to the company public again or sell it within next few years.Ther is no paucity of visible long time stake holders.

 

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Economy subscriptions thoughts

In A Quandary.


“To be or not to be”was Hamlet’s dilemma. The Hameletian philosophy is traced down the line in the Fed’s decision to lower rates. Rates almost nearer to zero will stop inflation from falling and falling says Kohn, on behalf of the policy makers. The Federation chopped the rate to zero, pumped hundreds of billions of dollars to keep the economy positive.Did they find success?

Carl Wash, a Santa Cruz economist ,of the university of California differs.His research points out that low rates would definitely clash with inflation against which the Fed is fighting. Kohn does not admit to this economist’s view.

The Fed’s buy of long term securities will spur growth, is another illustrative policy of Kohn. The economists ,again feel dithered , indicating that procuring these assets  while rates are falling is highly risky. Kohn’s perception is contrary to the acclimed economists outlook. He believes that investors desire to raise short term securities. The central bank ,has a valid scope to step into the arena, thus affecting the value of the assets.

The European counterparts do not want to lower the rates . They have a target , and the process of moving ahead to reach the goal is getting on without much disruptions. They are determined not to cut rates further than 1%.

Kohn traverses a path less travelled, His government’s policy ,at the moment is not applicable.,in the real sense. It poses a real risk . How does Kohn proposes to annul inflation by bringing down the rates low.?His  scheme appears mystical, beyond comprehension and totally out of context. 

The Fed ,in Robert Frost’s words has

Miles to go before it sleeps

Miles to go before it revives, is the slight modification ,I contribute to the whimsical equation of Kohn.

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Death Stares


Man known for his six senses, that  includes the reasoning faculty, seems to be the most irrational creation of God. Others, mammals, birds, and the insects, though possessing less sensitivity, apparently are a better inhabitants of the world. They  commit injury ,only when they are infuriated. This is the prime principle that governs the little ant , the huge elephant, the ferocious lion. But Man goes about  his truancy ,wreck less in behaviour, contemptuous in attitude. He does harm to his fraternity, by indulging in unceremonious threats, undeserving attempts of brutality, finally killing his fellow human, just for greed, for deceit, for revenge and for fun.His area extends to the animal kingdom as well, and the Ocean realm also.

The Japanese mass slaughter of dolphins in a cove in Taiji, has gone unnoticed for years. The Japanese government covered up the whole inhuman act. Nearly 23,000 dolphins are killed every year. They are sold as fish to the public. The dolphin flesh is contaminated with toxic mercury, which in turn will kill the consumer. The transgression is multifold. Massacre of dolphins is atrocious. The consumption of the dolphin flesh is highly poisonous. There is an illegal mode of earning money , as they fetch 154,000U.S. dollars. The illicit trade has a flourishing wave of profit,.

Japanese government submits that in few parts of Japan , people eat dolphins for very long. So the slaughter is not new .It has been in vogue for years together. What a meek acceptance!

The Dolphin show , conducted in various cities , is another wicked activity of man. The dolphins have sharp ears, and powerful sight. They respond to the call of the trainer as quick as lightning. The training involves a large scale threats  to discipline the naive sea animal. The revenue the dolphin show brings is something of a wonder. The conductors mint money, at the cost of these mute spineless sea faring mammals.

The genocide of dolphins should be banned. Similarly ,as the cry for the safety of dolphins is increasing in decibels, we have to jointly put a complete full stop to the killing of any species, whether it be a chicken , a lamb, fish.Beef and pork are relished by most. This delicacy is also an end product of slaughter of animals. Shouls we not think about the harassment they undergo while being slaughtered.

let me end this appeal , with a plea promoted by my five year old grandson. We are all strict vegetarians, but my daughter in law , takes meat and fish on and off. Once she promised her son , that she will not eat anymore of the stuff. While they were dining out, she oredered for fish. My grandson’s face turned red. he called his mother, “mummy you promised me that you will not eat fish, now you have broken your promise. How bad the fish’s mom would l feel, when it sees its baby being cut. Why do you feel bad and shed tears , if I get hurt? The same way it is .”I was moved, by  his provacation.

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Economy subscriptions thoughts

Recovery With A Scar


Recession is almost over. Bad times have been expunged.We see a kind of happiness all  around. We hear a sigh of relief, which is sonorous. We  experience a sense of practicality ,which is rewarding. The throbbing fear, the serious deliberations, the much debated flaws in the economic policies, the nervous apprehension all have slowly dimmed though not a full detachment from the prowling irregularities that pounced the world economy.The attack was so harsh that it surmounted to a depletion of finances.

U.S was bleeding. The housing proved a devilish blow, banks  miserably collapsed, one after another, autos applied a sudden break. There was a veiled drooping ,a cacophony shriek,a hoarse muttering which made the richest nation a skeleton like virtuoso. U.S succumbed to the wrong policies. It fell a prey to the erring shots of the bureaucrats. Its people knew to spend, but did not learn to save.The two year abject decimation of its financial, has restructured the tarnished economy.U.S is slightly propping its head out, and Paul Kruggman opines that by September, the country would emerge timidly out of  depression, but the scar will remain.

A serious wound takes time to heal, once it starts closing up, the getting better sets in. But the deep wound will leave a scar ,which will take months or even years to vanish. Similarly the bruise that economy has inflicted on the nations, is methodically getting covered up,but the residue will last long. It should remain for a duration, so that any folly or mishap for that matter will be  deflected once we are reminded of the great recession.

Recessions and Depressions punctuated this long era with their shortcomings. The default should have taught us a lesson , should have made us refrain from not committing the same folly. It did teach , but we like every other eventuality forgot . We indulge in going through the doldrum once again.

A thorough grounding of theorems and hypothesis in school days ,escapes our memory . A  strong fundamentals in grammar and applications of skills in writing during our  school and then college levels are no longer sustained in our mind. We go about our own way,discarding the accepted norma.  rejecting the bequeathed traditions, deferring the established principles. So ,if another pulsating ,subduing ,denigration bursts out, we have no alternative but to be drawn by it unobtrusively, and later climb out fully drenched in its velocity and vibrancy.

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Economy thoughts

Monsoon Blues Slows India’s Pace.


Six nations are out of recession. India and China escaped unscathed,while Japan and Germany have made up at last. Brazil has jumped out of the pull down all in a hurry. France has made a smart  turn around.

The Indian scenario of progress was quite impressive , healthy and time bound.The election mandate has given a stable government. The GDP growth was reasonable.The monsoon was expected to set in mid June, it took its own time to settle. Settled did it, with weak strains, and little rain. The States which depended on the onset , were greatly disappointed. Agriculture had a pristine glow during this period, but the peasants are depressed of the failure. Less or no rain indicates a full stop to implemetation of ploughing, sowing, and harvesting. The poor farmer, a good rain, has borrowed money to carry on the prelimiary operations. But woe befell, and we hear 72 suicidal deaths in Andhra pradesh alone. The situation looks grim. The Prime Minister is worried.He has to see to plight of the farmers and the drought hit areas. States affected by deficit are demanding higher  aids to cope up with the situation.

Nature has slowly detached itself from Indian  growth ,which is upbeat. The Indian stoicism ,will not allow any digression to affect its progress. The indomitable, invincible spirit Of the Indian will take him to great , as its Prime Minister announced ,that a growth rate of 9% is setas a target, and by any means it will be achieved. India will  exactly cross over the mark ,as it is a store house of potentiality.It is the think tank of the world. The quick witted Indian, the shrewd Indian, the hard working Indian, and above all the coveted concept that of extraordinary brilliance the Indian is sure to make his mother land strong in economy,

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Literary Criticism


As a literature student, I had a subject literary criticism in my PG level. I am so fond of reading everything that comes in my way. Reading is a passion , or rather it is my inheritance from my late father. My dad , used to read a lot in his spare time. Every morning, after a brisk walk , he used to read the newspapers thoroughly, especially the editorials. At one stage, he will make me  read the editorials , after my college hours, just to imbibe the habit of reading.in me. He used to wake me up early in the morning , to accompany him for a stroll. But , I a bag of lazy bones, no I should not call myself bony, as I have reasonable flesh , another proud asset that I derived from my father, never attempted to get up from bed. He failed in making me get up in the early hours,which continues even today, as I am a late bird., but knowingly or unknowingly moulded me into an avid reader.

Coming to the subject of criticism, I, for one totally oppose this analysis. I wish to read a poem, say for instance ,”An ode to the nightingale” ‘just for the sake of it. Shelley excels a s a poet. His style and presentation are so impressive, that I could see the nightingale virtually, hear her call absolutely. The graphic insight ant the clear grace it exhibits , makes me  enraptured. I go on reading this poem, and i never felt the monotony. Each reading , gave me added pleasure.I propose to stop my research here. Many attribute various  significance to this beautiful poem. They delve deeply into Shelley’s personal life, rave about his failures and mark  a definite line  on the purpose of writing this poem. I , a writer of small time, no way comparable to Shelley, feel that every creative work, either it be writing, painting, or any other craftsmanship for that matter, does reflect a personal imagery. But ,for that reason , it need not be dissected, probed, and prattled to find meanings , interpretations, and logic that the creative mind would not have thought of, would not have dreamt of. If Shelley comes out of the grave and goes through the criticism that surrounds his Ode, he would be thrown out of sphere. He will not be able to make head or tail of what the critics have penned. On this light, his own composition would look an alien subject to him. Poor Shelley, allow him to rest in peace.

The literary minds should be contented that they have been exposed to remarkable piece of literature.Therein lies the practicality  in accepting  the prowess of art for art-sake.The disenchanting dissensions should  disappear like morning dew. 

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Eschew Carry Bags.


The environment is exposed to unhealthy , unmindful,unwarranted trends, situations, and practices. The impertinence of the inhabitants is breaking the rugged exterior of mother earth. The easy way of life, the lighter approach to instant damages, the unfriendly response to the green emission call are taking us to the pitfall.

Earth quakes, which occurred once in a decade , is becoming a day to day routine. Tsunami which was unheard has attained a stature , that even a child can talk volumes on the subject. Drought in one part of the world, flooding in other end , makes life a risky endeavour. Why such wreckage’s happen ? Giving a little thought to it ,will point the accusing finger on none other than  all of us.

Well, I regularly visit the supermarkets in my area. I do not buy everyday, but just go round them , to compile the  behaviour of the  buyer. The supermarkets  have a stack of the carry bags. The cashier , after preparing the bill, packs the things in a carry bags in different sizes. The customer  takes it with glee. The next day after emptying the provisions in the respective receptacles, the Carry bags are thrown out. They lie in the open. These bags do not get eaten up by the earth, like paper bags. They lie for  long, until the civic authorities come and clean up. The garbage thus collected is dumped in the rivers are in the ocean whichever is nearby adding fuel to the fire.

Once I had a mind to advise the supermarket chiefs , not to provide the plastic carry bags, instead give the customer paper bags, or  importantly force the buyer to bring his own bags, thus saving the environment. I restrained from committing myself. just for the sake of putting ina blog which will have a wide circulation, and which will reach people of standard intelligence. The super market  supervisors will refuse to see reason, and will find fault that because of the denial to extend carry bags, the sales dwindled.

When are we going to learn:?

We have to ensure that the generations coming after us should have a safe , secure , healthy environment to survive. 

 

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An Unholy Combination


Combination is a relative word. It is variably used in science, particularly  in chemistry , which elaborates on the  combinations of substances in  different proportions. The physical combination and chemical combination, are the premier lesson in chemistry. Physical combination can be retrieved back but the chemical counterpart once combined, is combined forever. There is no room for recovery. The metals used in the process take a  shape that is not akin to the original. The properties also undergo a voluminous alterations.

Now,  to the unholy combination scenario, which does deal with sustainable presence that of the human being ,who is full of energy ,life and wisdom.This conceptual  theme got imprinted in my mind ,when I heard real time happenings . Can this take place? Could this happen?Why ,on earth people behave so impishly?What made them act irresponsibly?The curious mind has set the tempo.

Analysing the vagaries of the human mind, the perception  centres round the immature  behaviour, wreck-less attitude, ruthless arrogance and ill gotten wealth. The first episode that made me sleepless for nights was the breaking down of the engagement of two young adults. The boy, of average intelligence,simple looks,but with enormous wealth, got betrothed to a beautiful girl with high mental calibre,and also wealthy. The engagement snapped a few weeks before the wedding. Imagine the turmoil the parents on both sides faced. The interaction between the boy and the girl, did not go smoothly, perhaps there was a hitch in their compatibilty. It was the boy ,who refused, very much unusual.My question, is Why did this happen a few weeks before the wedding?The boy must have felt insecure, must have experienced belittlement,and was unable to cope up with the girl’s thought. If , both of them had been careful in their selection this unpleasantness could have been avoided. I feel, it is money that brought about the union and it is efficiency that ruined the ties.The unholy combination did not have a take off at all.

The next in list is the connivance of siblings against one other brother or sister is taking a gigantic stature in recent manifestations..The greed for wealth unites the like minded ones to cheat the sane , levelheaded person, who refuses to take part in the programme of hide and seek. The “solitary reaper”is faced with stiff opposition, suffers humiliation,as the rule of majority works through. But the final deliverance is that truth always emerges triumphant.

The third ,is the general misconduct of the public servants, whether it be an humble constable, an ordinary civil officer,  a simple bank official, an authoritative member of the parliament, or the power drunk minister.These make law of their own, break  the practised legality, behave rudely, speak harshly,and pronounce unholy predilections much to the chagrin of the people.

The unholy combinations render illegitimate conclusions.They render the world a narrower space polluted by unhealthy, unrealistic and unintelligible madness.