The calls for aid went unheard and the later tepid response  surprised the Pakistani government to its core.But then again what was there to be surprised about?

It is estimated that 90% of the national budget goes either to the military or is dissipated and  the countries leadership, through the years was more interested in in their own political survival rather than the survival of the nation or its development.

Ordinary Pakistanis themselves shocked the government by refusing to donate in the government fund drive as they did generously in the previous earth quake but preferred  direct private action.The consensus was that the money would never reach the victims.

To add to their embarrassment two media personalities who launched their own fund, raised more money in 2 days that did the government in ten days. Their conclusions, as is the national consensus, is that the government is suffering from a massive credibility deficit.

The victims complain that no civil servants have even visited them and this complete absence has led the people wholly reliant on the military, whenever and wherever they appear…if they do at all.

This is dangerous because generally a nations  military is always regarded as an extension of a government but in Pakistan’s history the military has ruled the country longer than any civilian government…….the time seems  ripe ……and with popular support….who knows….

And will all the international aid received be used for its intended aims and  purposes?

The Officious Bystanders response would be “Of course its possible, but not probable“.

A slideshow of Vincent Van Gogh set to the song Vincent by Don Mclean.It s part of an art and creative  writting lesson plan for the patients at the Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield.

Zig Ziglar

How true it is that whilst we cant anticipate what life may throw our way it is really how we frame our attitudes that actually matter…..

.  ~G.K. Chesterton, “The Logic of Elfland,” Orthodoxy, 1908

I was reminiscing  my past and all the joys and sorrows I have faced,the friends I had and now dont ,the friends I still have and who are a pillar of strenght to me and me to them, my fears and ambitions for the future………..the little things I should be thankful off and sometimes overlook…..looking at the big picture and always missing something……

The countries and places I have travelled to ….the memories…..memories I shall cherish all my life…….and sometimes remembering my past as the vicissitudes of my life has made me who I am today …and I turned out OK.

I have always  loved fast cars …..driving fast in any car used to suffice …….. the thrill of speed coupled with the wind sweeping across your face….it was the ultimate adrenalin rush.

Today I  drive a fast car …a Volvo S40 Turbo and I’ve taken it to 190 kms a couple of times on the expressway off and on but only to rid  the carbon build up in the engine due to city driving.

No more adrenalin rush there…it just reminded me of the song by Tracy Chapman.

Simply Divine.

As the current economic whirpool continues to swirl, it struck me how different people are readjusting, rearrranging   their life and needs againsts a new set of priorities……and how more and more the simple things of life are thrusted to the fore….family, religion, home meals,walks in the park,quality time at home ……

It also tests our faith…..in ourselves,God and in every other sphere……..we learn to cope, to readjust and revalue our values…..we just go back to the basics of life

James Taylor