Ramblings

Last year, this time Mumbai faced nature's fury like never before. But, that just brought out the very best in the citizens. A big thanks to all the people who helped their fellow citizens in their time of distress in their individual capacities. And, heartfelt gratitude to the people who saved and helped my brother during the deluge. Cheers, HP

Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are. -Benjamin Franklin

One admission. I have this weird fear of entering a ladies washroom accidentally. And then getting a sound thrashing from all the ladies, fultoo Hindi film ishtyle. And with the advancement in ladies footwear, i dont want to imagine the blows. So, before entering any washroom I check the door at least a couple of times to verify. But, it was all right with the older ones displaying 'GENTS' and 'LADIES' in full glory. It used to make my work and life easier. But, that fear has increased leaps and bounds due to my inability to understand the symbols placed on the swanky washrooms that adorn the various new-age buildings. No, seriously I am never able to make head or tail of the men/women symbols or the biological symbols placed at the more scientific ones. Why cant we have those innocent 'LADIES' and 'GENTS' or 'Sirf Purushon Ke Liye' back? What is the need for all the geometrical symbols and all? Ok, I suggest a compromise. You keep those weird

The recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon has the world turning their eyes again to Middle East. I always used to wonder how Israel managed to survive and grow amidst the mindless violence that has engulfed the area. And unlike many others, my sympathies lies with both the Israelis and Palestinians. The fact that the Muslim world still does not recognise Israel as a nation-state is bothering. And the plight of the Palestinians is very much real and moving.Is the current aggression justified? Well, as most others think, the collateral damage that has taken place over there has tilted the balance against Israel. Then, the pictures of Israeli children sending death oops peace messages to the Lebanese people has incensed the general public further. So, who is to blame here? The Israelis for trying to protect their citizens at any cost or the Lebanese people whose crime is that they have not put enough pressure on their government to rein in the terriorists. Maybe, the truth somewhere lies in

With the recent blockade of some sites by GOI, the Delhi manadarins might want to pause and reflect on the below quote by the esteemed Benjamin Franklin. "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." -Ben Franklin Cheers, HP

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on. -- Robert Frost

Well, the trailers of Vishal Bharadwaaj's new movie 'Omkara' are out and it surely rocks big-time! Vishal has been one of the few directors in the industry who are willing to go the extra-mile to give the viewers their money's worth. So, just wish that the movie is as good as the trailer seems to be suggesting. Cheers, HP

The man who prefers his country before any other duty shows the same spirit as the man who surrenders every right to the state. They both deny that right is superior to authority. -Lord Acton, historian (1834-1902) Religion--freedom--vengeance--what you will, A word's enough to raise mankind to kill. -Lord Byron, poet (1788-1824)