Musafir's Musings

America, America - The 2016 Presidential Election

2016-11-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

We had blinders on

Thought that Trump would be defeated; and completely out of touch when it came to number, passion, and impact of Donald Trump's supporters.

***

History books contain many instances of victorious armies on pillaging sprees. In today's world it takes a different form. There are clear signals about the goals and plans that Trump administration would take.

List of of likely Cabinet appointees reflects Trump is wasting no time in in rewarding those whose support made him the winner. The list includes the usual suspects, extremists salivating at the prospect of beimg empowered to follow their agenda.

With both Houses of Congress under Republican control, Trump administration would be in strong position to weaken or rescind legislations passed under previous administrations. And new legislations would be pushed to enable special interest groups to achieve their goals. There is nothing to stop them. The Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in 2010 lifted restrictions on financing of political campaigns.

Citizens United

We can only wait for actions of the Trump administration. At the end of 4 years, if the voters remain supportive then we must face the fact that the 2016 election was not an aberration.

"The will of the mass of the people must prevail."

----Alcuin (735-804),in a letter to Charlemagne

It was a fair election. Trump won under existing rules for Electoral College although he failed to secure majority in popular vote count.

*****

Corte Madera, CA, - Budget Inn

2015-09-18T15:28:00.001-07:00

A Motel Infested with Bed Bugs

Truly, a motel from hell.

On Friday (September 11, 2015), a friend and I decided on booking a room at Budget Inn because of the location -- nearness to Muir Woods where we wanted to hike the next day.

As the saying goes: Caveat Emptor

The fact that Budget Inn is not listed in CSAA Tour Book should have triggered an alarm. To our regret, we ignored the fact; Thought that all we needed was a clean room for one night.

It was a mistake for which we have badly suffered.

The room (No.114) had broken furniture, and not very clean.

Bed bug bites began to manifest themselves next morning.

Itchy, red spots became noticeable and became progressively worse.

After returning home, a google search revealed many previous reports about this particular establishment.

Budget Inn, Corte Madera, California

Check the comments.

What is surprising is that despite the reports, no action is taken by the local authorities. Surely, they are not
unaware of the situation.

Marin County Health and Human Services Department.
http://www.marincounty.org/depts/cd/divisions/environmental-health-services

Is responsible for enforcing health codes.

One gets the impression that the Marin County authorities are either:

1) Incompetent

2) Understaffed; do not have time to deal with such situations

3) Are aware but do not take any action. Influenced by other factors.

Something is wrong and owners of Budget Inn continue to operate the bed-bug infested, dirty motel with impunity because they are protected from enforcement of health code.

What is the secret ?

What protects them ?

*****

America, America - A Country Awash in Guns

2015-08-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Sorrowing Lies My Land

Headlines about gun violence -- deaths and injuries from gunshots -- have become regular features. Inescapable.

In US, 204 mass shootings in 203 days

NEWSER) – It's the worst kind of synchronicity: A websitethat tracks mass shootings in the US had logged 203 through Wednesday. It hasn't caught up with last night's rampage in a Louisiana theater, but when it does, that will be No. 204—and yesterday was the 204th day of the year, notes the Washington Post. The Mass Shooting Tracker is a crowd-sourced tool from an anti-gun forum at Reddit calledGuns Are Cool, and it defines "mass shooting" as incident in which at least four people were shot. Not all of the incidents resulted in deaths.

DC's Summer of Gun Violence

What they do in the name of Second Amendment !

NRA: "Guns don't kill people, People Do".

*****

Go Charlie, Go

2015-01-13T09:39:00.001-08:00

Vive la France !

The news that Charlie Hebdo has decided to publish a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad on the cover of its first issue after the attack and killings by lunatic followers of Islam is to be applauded. A right decision; a bold decision.

"Bigotry is the sacred disease" - Heraclitus

Young Men With Horns and Guitar

2014-07-18T16:16:00.001-07:00

Victoria BC - July 3-6, 2014

Highlight of the trip to Victoria BC was to listen to music being made by a group of talented budding artists.

Nikhil Ghosh, Palo Alto, CA, trombone, tenor
Cyrus Bhiladvala, Victoria BC, alto sax
Simon Farintosh, Victoria BC, guitar
Rowan Farintosh, Victoria BC, tenor sax

We were fortunate to stay with Rustom and Kamal Bhiladvala, parents of Cyrus.

On July 4th we drove to Bastion Square, downtown Victoria. The boys took out their instruments and began busking to the pleasure of passers by. It was a bright afternoon, full of shoppers and sightseers.

Jazz on July 4th at Bastion Square, Victoria BC © Musafir

Buskers warming up © Musafir

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
― Bob Marley

From the left: Nikhil Ghosh, Cyrus Bhiladvala, Simon Farintosh, Rowan Farintosh

Admiring dad Rustom Bhiladvala © Musafir

Beaming Bhaskar Ghosh, a mean tabla player himself © Musafir

Across from Empress Hotel © Musafir

We were not far from the venerable Empress Hotel, now a part of the Fairmont Group.

The afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel continues to be popular with visitors. Not many locals go to have tea at close to $60.00 (Canadian) per person.

Meantime, the young musicians had warmed up and the sound of jazz filled the air. They were rewarded fairly well. But more than the collection it was the pleasure of performing in public that energized them. Good vibrations. More power to them.

Simon Farintosh, who graduated from high school, is going to pursue musical studies in college.

*****

Why Do People Who Fish Have a Tendency to Despoil the Environment ?

2014-07-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

A recent day at Henry Hagg Lake, about 25 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon, drove home the point that when it comes to leaving a mess behind the Oregonians are no better than those who fish in California.

Found discarded water and beer bottles, food containers, plastic bags, and fishing tackles. You wonder about the state of their homes. But perhaps they believe in the right to leave garbage in public places and keep their homes clean.

Scumbags, I

Scumbags, II

Scumbags, III

What makes them turn a nice cove into a garbage dump and go home at the end of the day without giving a damn about others is a mystery. Posted signs "Pack It In - Pack It Out" are very visible. Perhaps they cannot read.

Hikers and backpackers don't do it. Bicyclists don't do it. Some picnic grounds show the effects of piggish behavior but not as much as fishing spots.

In California, apart from those who fish, commercial mushroom pickers are the only ones that leave a lot of detritus behind them.

*****

A Hike Up to Monument Peak (Ed R. Levin County Park, Milpitas, CA)

2014-04-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Easily accessible to residents of South Bay, Ed R. Levin Park offers a lot of activities for adults and children.

Great views, especially for those who walk up the trail. Sandy Wool Lake is stocked with trouts. Play area for kids.

Lack of shade trees on the trails makes hiking unattractive in the warm weather. For hikers, Spring is the best time to explore the trails. Wild flowers in abundance add to the pleasure.

On Sunday, April 27th, a friend and I decided to hike up to Monument Peak (elev. 2594'). We had been to the park a few times in the past but never attempted going all the way up. Sunday was a great day for it. Mild temperature; sunny and clear sky. The landscape a lush green after recent rains. Not a switchback trail, so going up felt strenuous at times. Encountered few other hikers. We found no marker (signage) at the top!

Before entering the park, we drove on the winding Calaveras Road (popular with bicyclists) for a few miles to look at Calaveras Reservoir.

Distant view of the trail from Calaveras Road © Musafir

Calaveras Reservoir © Musafir

The yellow patches are fields of wild mustard © Musafir


Beginning of the trail © Musafir

Wild California Poppies © Musafir

Old farm and stable © Musafir

Blue Dick © Musafir

Picnic lunch off the trail © Musafir

Venus Lilly (also known as Thorny Lilly) © Musafir

Poppies and Chia (Salvia columbariae) © Musafir

Trudging up Monument Peak Trail © Musafir

Trail marker -- 2 miles before Monument Peak © Musafir

A hang glider. At times there are many of them up in the air © Musafir

The park is popular with hang glider pilots who use the service road to access launching pads. © Musafir

Looking down from Monument Peak © Musafir

Sandy Wool Lake © Musafir

Lupines and Blue Dick © Musafir

Blazing Star © Musafir

Close up of Blazing Star, II © Musafir

Grazing area © Musafir

*******

Bend, Oregon - October 2012

2014-04-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

During a trip to Hillsboro, OR , Arani Sinha and I decided to get away from wet and cold weather for a few days. We drove to Bend, about 190 miles from Hillsboro.

The first few pictures were taken at Lava Beds National Monument, few miles outside Bend.

Drake Park, adjacent to downtown is scenic. Great place to walk, enjoy the view, and have a picnic lunch.

Bend was sunny. Lovely fall colors. But on our drive back to Portland we passed an area that had a lot of snow!

Vogelsang High Sierra Camp-Lyell Canyon Trail

2013-08-15T15:26:00.001-07:00

Backpack trip from Tuolumne Meadows

Participants: Sarbajit Ghosal - group leader, Prasenjit Sarkar, Musafir (Rana Sircar)

There are different choices available to backpackers. We decided on the short loop, going up to Vogelsang using Rafferty Creek Trail and then taking the Ireland Lake Trail to return to Tuolumne Meadows trail-head via John Muir Trail (Lyell Canyon Trail)."

See link to Vogelsang High Sierra Trail.
http://www.yosemitepark.com/Files/HSC-Trails-Map.pdf

After spending the first night in Backpackers' Camp at Tuolumne Meadows we drove to the trailhead, parked and began our trek.

Day-time temperatures were moderate during the trip, July 17-21. The nights were cold -- in the 40's.

There were warnings about bears and the need to use bear-proof containers. Use of rope to hang bags of foodstuff from branches of trees was discouraged. We were informed by rangers that it did not deter bears. We observed the rules and had no encounter with bears.

Two of us suffered from altitude problem soon after we began going up John Muir Trail.

No headache or dizziness, but extreme fatigue and thirst which required frequent stops.

Our progress was very slow. This despite the fact that I had taken Acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness. Later, I found out that I was prescribed 125 mg tablets, not 250 mg which I had had taken on earlier treks. Sarbajit remained unaffected by altitude. But I decided to rest the next day when my companions went to try Vogelsang Peak.

Took us more than 7 hours to reach Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. We pitched our tents

and spent two nights there. Very scenic. Near lakes and surrounded by rocky peaks. We met backpackers who talked about good fishing.

On the 3rd morning we broke camp and headed for Lyell Creek. Except for a steep downhill segment it was an easy hike. The altitude-related fatigue ceased to be a problem

as we descended to lower elevation.

Instead of continuing on to Tuolumne Meadows we decided on camping near the junction of Ireland Lake trail and Lyell Fork. It was a popular spot for campers.

Next morning we headed back to the trailhead and arrived in mid-day. After a brief stop for lunch at Tenaya Lake, we drove to the Bay area, reaching home around 8 PM.

Most of the photographs were taken by Sarbajit Ghosal with a Canon S95.

At the trailhead, I

At the trailhead, II

Woman hiker with a good-size pack

Group leader, SG, checking route

After we take a right at the fork on to Rafferty Creek Trail to Vogelsang, the steady climb starts and lasts for about a couple of miles.

Stopped alongside Rafferty Creek for lunch

Before the fatigue hit us

SG at the beginning of the uphill trail

Steps cut into granite

Prasenjit weighed down by pack

In the eastern horizon are the reddish Mt. Dana, Mt. Gibbs and the whitish Mammoth Peak

Met a family of four with an exchange student and a guide. The mom took our group photo. This is not a route to seek solitude!

Reflection of Fletcher Peak in a pool at Tuolumne Pass (9992 ft) in the late afternoon sun

The final mile to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. Rocky but stretches of whitebark pines and lodgepole pines

Fletcher peak and the moon in the setting sun from the backpackers' camp near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp (10,140 ft), 7.7 miles from the Tuolumne Meadows trail head

High Sierra Camp tent cabins

Vogelsang Peak at Sunset

Alpen glow off Fletcher Peak

Our tents in the foreground

During day hike to Vogelsang Peak

Emeric Lake on the left. Towards the left of center in the horizon are Half Dome and Clouds' Rest

Clouds shaped like wings of a flying gull

Vogelsang Lake

Looking down at Vogelsang Lake from the trail to the peak

Aborted attempt to scale the peak

Here we are at an elevation of just over 11,000 ft

Sarbajit, on the way down

Vogelsang Pass

Patches of snow at higher elevation

Wild Flowers were not plentiful

At the top of Vogelsang Pass (10,685 ft) looking down on Gallison Lake with Parson's Peak in the background

View of Cathedral Range, Bernice Lake in the distance

Heading back to camp site

Back at camp. Fletcher Peak in the afternoon

Fletcher Lake

Indian Paintbrush alongside Fletcher Lake

Sunset

Sunrise

Breakfast is over. Time to break camp

Starting our hike to Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, via the Ireland Lake Trail

Beautiful Evelyn Lake

Vast meadow between the trail and Evelyn Lake

Leaving Evelyn Lake behind

Stopped for lunch near Tarn 10,425 (yes, a lake with the altitude in its name!). The lake, not visible here, is at the bottom of the glaciated headwall

Rest stop before tackling the steep descent

At the beginning of a more than 1000 ft descent

Very rocky downhill trail

We camped near the junction of Ireland Lake Trail and Lyell Fork. A thunderstorm soon started and lasted for two hours. After the rain ended we came out of our tent for dinner

Sunset through White Bark Pines

Amelia Earhart Peak at 7:15 PM

Time to break camp

Lyell Fork flowing strong

Back on John Muir Trail

Lyell meadows with Kune Ridge to the right

Sarbajit alongside Lyell Creek

Again, this is not where one comes for solitude -- two parties can be seen ahead of us.

Mostly flat trail all the way back to Tuolumne Meadows

Back at the base of the "Lollypop" Loop

Sarbajit near the end of the trail

We stopped at Tenaya Lake before the drive home to the Bay Area. All good things come to an end.

*****

The Morning After Pill - 2007 and Now

2013-06-14T19:43:00.001-07:00

Back in 2007, it survived opposition from hypocritical politicians and Bible thumpers.

The Bush Administration was unable to stop it. Recently, President Obama failed to restrict over the counter sale of the drug to teens 17 and over.

A federal judge (Edward Korman of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York) approved Wednesday the Obama administration’s plan to drop its lawsuit over the “morning after pill” and offer a form of emergency contraception over-the-counter without any age restrictions, winding down a controversy that has lasted for a decade.

Good for women of America.

*****

"(Before sex) "Dennis: Look, even if you did get pregnant, I'd marry you.

Odette: Do you believe in centralized government or states' rights ?

Dennis: What? Odette: I just want to know the kind of guy I'm marrying.
Dennis: I'm starting to get the distinct impression you don't want to do this anymore."
---From Sarah Kernochan's 1998 film "Strike"(also released as "All I Wanna Do")

Personal History - The World of Shipping, and "Mogi" Mogensen

2013-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

An article about Lee Kuan Yew, the grand old man of Singapore, in the New York Times reminded me of the mid-1980's when I visited Singapore many times and came to admire what Lee Kuan Yew achieved even though there was a feeling of "Big Brother" keeping a watchful eye over the inhabitants of Singapore.

Ocean transportation -- the most economical means of moving large volumes of cargo from one country to another -- continues its role in international trade. The industry embraced modernization by adopting cargo containers in the late 1960's. Then more functions were computerized and the interaction between shippers and carriers slowly ceased to be an important part of the business I knew and enjoyed being a part of for many years.

My career began in Calcutta, India, and ended in the San Francisco Bay Area. In those days offices of steamship lines and freight brokers were located in or around California Street, San Francisco. No longer so. Nowadays, modern communication systems have made it possible to run a steamship company far away from ports of call. A few employees handle operations and sales instead of large offices bustling with staff.

Popular among steamship company employees, Tadich Grill is still there, but Paolis on Commercial Street and Doro's on Jackson Square are gone. Neckties for men were de rigueur at Don Dianda's Doro's. Historical Merchants Exchange Building, which was home of Commercial Club -- another gathering place for the shipping fraternity -- changed ownership in 1995 and went through extensive renovation. The staid World Trade Club, located in the Ferry Building, served mediocre food but offered a great view of the Bay. It went bankrupt in 2006.

The late Herb Caen wrote in one of his columns: "San Francisco has the charms of Sydney, the style of London, and the rascality of Paris." A great city. On a clear day it offers breathtaking views.

It was while working for a Danish shipping company in San Francisco that I heard of JHM, known as "Mogi" Mogensen who was talked about as "Our Man in Bangkok". As the country manager of the company in Thailand for almost a decade, Mogi was legendary. Years later, employed with a different company I met him in Singapore when he came to pick me up from the airport on my first trip to that city. Subsequently, he moved to California and we worked together for a few years. A tall, courtly man, Mogi followed some old world customs. For one thing, he always put his jacket on before meeting a visitor. He returned to Copenhagen in 2006 but continued to be active in the chartering business. We remained in touch, with meetings during his periodic visits to the United States. He had been suffering from melanoma for some years. The condition gradually worsened. Mogi died on Feb 16, 2011. His last message read:

Tks yr phone call & your concern. A very belated Happy Thanksgiving!

I was hospitalized witn an infection and could not write you but back home

today - I am still under chemo-therapy treatment which to continue until

2nd half january, I think. Wish I could get out jogging again!

Brgds/Mogi

Seamus Heaney, in "Human Chain"

The Baler

All day the clunk of a baler

Ongoing, cardiac-dull,

So taken for granted

It was evening before I came to

To what I was hearing

And missing: summer’s richest hours

As they had been to begin with,

Fork-lifted, sweated-through

And nearly rewarded enough

By the giddied-up race of a tractor

At the end of the day

Last-lapping a hayfield.

But what I also remembered

As woodpigeons sued at the edge

Of thirty gleaned acres

And I stood inhaling the cool

In a dusk Eldorado

Of mighty cylindrical bales

Was Derek Hill’s saying,

The last time he sat at our table,

He could bear no longer to watch

The sun going down

And asking please to be put

With his back to the window.

*****

Mailbox for Wile E. Coyote, Cañada Road, Woodside, California

2013-04-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Cañada Road, A Haven for Bicyclists, Runners, and Walkers

The seven-mile stretch of Cañada Road, between Highway 92 on the north and Woodside Road on the south, is always pleasant for runners, hikers, and bicyclists. Scenic and popular. On Sundays, the road is closed to vehicular traffic and streams of bicyclists enjoy it without worrying about cars. It offers great views of Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir, and the hiking trail, which is parallel to the road, leads to Huddart County Park and Phleger Estate. Once you are in Huddart Park there are other trails to explore. Recommend hiking up to Skyline via Miramontes or Raymundo trail accessible from Phleger Estate.

In summer months, rattle snakes like the trails. Watch for them; keep your distance.

Wile E. Coyote Mailbox

@ Musafir

The Wile E. Coyote mailbox opposite the gate to SF Water District Rangers' Quarters never fails to make me chuckle. Easy to miss if you are driving by. Must have been there for years. The box is built to last but there is no mail delivery for Wile E. Coyote. Whoever put that up had a sense of humor. Thank you.

View of Upper Crystal Springs Reservoire across from the mailbox

@ Musafir

Although Huddart Park is part of the San Mateo County park system, Phleger Estate is under GGNRA (Golden Gate National Recreation Area). So, maps for Huddart Park do not show details of that segment.

Between Highway 92 and the T-Junction of Cañada Road/Edgewood Road, approximately halfway to the Woodside end, there are other points of interest. Filoli requires admission fee.

Starting at the northern end, Pulgas Water Temple would be on your right, about 1 mile from Highway 92. Half a mile further, on the left, is a small gate to Sheep Camp Trail (no bicyclists permitted). Sheep Camp Trail leads to the Cross Country Course. One can exit the trail by going past the gate, crossing St James Road and continuing on to Water Dog Lake or, at the foot of the trail, turning left on Hallmark Drive to access Ralston Road. Go left on Ralston for about half a mile and take bike path next to the commuter parking lot to return to Cañada Road.

Note: During Fall when competitive events are scheduled, the Cross Country Course of Sheep Camp is restricted to participants. Hikers and runners can still use the trail from Cañada Road to St James Road.

*****

"Amour", the movie. An Act of Love

2013-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

Amour,the new film by Michael Haneke, is an Oscar contender in two categories – best film, best director.

Haneke succeeded in depicting the loving relationship that existed between a husband and wife. A relationship that physical and mental degradation which often results from old age and lingering illness, failed to destroy.

Most of the reviewers gave “Amour” high rating. Yet, many of them did so with warnings about the grimness and depressing effects. The film deals with a subject that many of us avoid thinking about. All of us know that age takes its toll. If we live long enough, we’ll lose the ability to enjoy most of the things that give us pleasure. Eventually, there will come a stage when not only there will be no joy in living but pain and discomfort will overcome all else. We’ll end up in bed, sustained by medication and fed tasteless food. And, for some, that could mean a long time in the twilight zone. But death will come to all of us. It was famed San Francisco advertising executive Howard Gossage who said: “Dying is regarded as bad taste in this society inspite of the fact that 10 out of 10 people do it.”

In “Amour”, Haneke brought us the final days of an elderly couple trying to cope with death....face it with dignity.

I happened to watch the film at a theater in Menlo Park, CA. Reaction of the mostly elderly, and female, audience was somber but appreciative. That could be due to the locale. A film like “Amour” is not likely to be found in theaters in small towns in the mid-west or south. Those who believe that life and death are in the hands of someone up in the sky would shun films like “Amour”. It is a film for those who believe that being alive means more than being “clinically alive”.

*****

Samosas, Singaras - Mecheda, West Bengal, And a Small Town in Pakistan

2013-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

***

Train Journeys Between Kolkata and Jamshedpur

The New Yorker never fails to give pleasure. During my subscription of more than thirty years, it has gone through a number of changes in format and in management.The stable of writers and contributors continue to produce interesting, thought-provoking articles, short stories, poems, and photographs.

Tina Brown's tenure as editor was not noteworthy. She went on to do other things. Good riddance.

Reading Sameer And The Samosas by Daniyal Mueenuddin in the December 3rd issue took me back to the days when I rode the train between Jamshedpur, known as the Steel Town, and Calcutta. The train stations were Tatanagar and Howrah. In those days, Jamshedpur belonged to the state of Bihar. In 2000, it became part of the newly designated Jharkhand State.

Mueenuddin wrote about his return from America to Pakistan to run the family farm that belonged to his father. The link above is for an abstract, not the complete article. Always enjoy reading his short stories. It was his description of samosas (singaras, to Bengalis) that triggered a trip to memory lane.

From "Sameer and the Samosas" by Daniyal Mueenuddin - The New Yorker 12/3/2012.

“At the farm, I lived more and more according to routines, because only that way could I escape the paralyzing dread that sometimes came over me, the sense that I could trust no one, and that soon I would be driven away, to do God only knows what, to leave Pakistan a failure and work in America. Fezoo brought tea out to me, as he did each evening, in the center of the lawn, and then, returning into the house, came out with a platter covered with a white embroidered handkerchief.

“What’s this? “I asked, sniffing the scent of fried food. I had decided while living at the farm, to keep to a strict diet: no booze, protein for breakfast and lunch, fruit for dinner, no snacks. At afternoon tea, Fezoo was to give me exactly three biscuits, in the evening, none. Thought I drank endless cups of tea and glasses of lemonade, I lived with a little, gnawing hunger, a mortification.

“Chaudhry Sameer Sahib sent this from his own kitchen, made by his wife,”Fezoo answered. “Samosas.”

“I’ll take just one, “I said, lifting the white cloth which was dabbed here and there with the oil that had soaked through.

The samosas were smaller than they usually are, two bites, very crisp, and fragrant, but with a minty fragrance. Lifted one of the carefully folded delicacies, looked at it, and then crunched into it. Delicious! Hot beef minced with spices crumbled onto my tongue. Fezoo had put the dish on the table, next to the tea things, and now I waved him away.

“That’s fine, that’s fine,” I said.

Six more samosas, like browned pats of butter, sat on the dish. The layered crusts flaked off onto the plate, which had an oily sheen. Sameer’s wife had even taken the trouble to heat the platter, to keep the treats warm. I washed my palette with the milky tea, then lifted by its corner another of the dainty triangular morsels. Fabulous! This one had a different filling, little bits of potato, almost crunchy, and so spicy that my eyes watered. Another bite and it was gone. I must stop

Pouring myself more tea, adding milk and sugar, I eyed the platter, still charged with five delicate samosas. Each one seemed particular, unique, itself. I laughed. “For fuck’s sake,” I said to myself “Don’t be such a fucking prune.” My stomach growled with eagerness. I took a sip of the newly poured tea, too hot, almost burning my tongue, then reached for another samosa. Different again! This one had a tomato and chicken filling, sweetish but generously peppered. I worked my way through all the food on the platter, all the samosas, then finally, completely abandoning myself, licked the platter itself, and even that had a complex nutty Flavor, the flakes of crust melting in my mouth. ”

Mouth watering!

The samosas (singaras) commonly available in Indian and Pakistani stores and restaurants in America are big, lumpy, with heavy, greasy crust, and filled with overspiced mashed potato. A far cry from the delicate mouthfuls described by Daniyal Mueenuddin. Hard to believe that good samosas have become extinct. Surely they exist in small, neighborhood tea shops in Kolkata that have not yet given in to the "bigger is better" concept.

Delicious, small samosas were available at Mecheda rail station. In the sixties, when I traveled between Jamshedpur and Howrah, the night train made a brief stop at Mecheda in the early morning. Mecheda, approx. 35 miles past the major rail junction Kharagpur, well known for being the home of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Vendors walked the platform carrying baskets of freshly made samosas and pots of tea poured into earthen containers. Nothing fancy, like minced beef, or chicken and tomato filled samosas, just diced potatoes. When winter vegetables were in season there would be tiny florets of cauliflower mixed with the potato. They were great. I hope they have not disappeared, become a victim of progress.

After the morning tea, accompanied by samosas, we prepared to disembark at Howrah and face the hustle bustle of the big city.

*****

India - Violence Against Women

2012-12-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Louts Call It "Eve teasing"

The young woman victim of the gang rape in Delhi died. Sad. And maddening. Civilized nation? Not.

The 23-year-old – who was severely beaten, raped and thrown out of a moving bus in Delhi – died on Friday in the Singapore hospital where she was being treated.

The unprecedented public protests might force the government to take some meaningful action to curb despicable behavior, long condoned. But it will take more than government action to see a change in the boorish behavior of Indians -- especially, North Indian males. There has to be broad changes in the attitude of a society dominated by men whose mindset is decades behind.

*****

India Gang Rape Boors

The Political Circus - Republicans' Almost Prurient Obsession With Sexual Lives of Americans

2012-09-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

But Do They Practise What They Preach?

The clock is ticking. 38 days before November 6th. The first debate between the incumbent, Barack Obama, and Republican candidate Mitt Romeny is scheduled to be held October 3rd at Denver.

With all the problems facing our country, a large percentage of Republicans are still fixated on "non-issues". Among them, the sexual habits of consenting adults -- pre-marital sex, contraception, sodomy, homosexuality. What gives? One wonders whether Republican men stay away from erectile dysfunction medication. Not too long ago, former presidential candidate Robert Dole was a spokesman for Viagra. Yet, when it comes to contraception rights for women, the same group goes ballistic. Imagine a prayer before; then the missionary position; a prayer after. Or, probably more like "slam, bam, turn around and snore". No wonder they have Neanderthals like Todd Akin representing them. Mysoginistic is the right description. Polls show women voters moving away from the Republican platform. Rightly so.

Hypocrisy of Republicans about sex is puzzling. Ryan is a true believer. Whether or not Mitt Romney agrees with the ultra conservative wing of the Republican Party, he has to toe the party line. Let's hope the Republican ticket gets buried on November 6th.

“How did sex come to be thought of as dirty in the first place? God must have been a Republican.”

---Will Durst

*****

Sex Republicans Contraception Sodomy Homosexuality

Four Days in Emigrant Wilderness

2012-09-25T16:04:00.001-07:00

Backpack trip from Crabtree Camp to Deer Lake

In the first week of August, joined a group of friends (two Silicon Valley residents and one from Tifton, GA) for a backpack trip.

The trip was planned by Sarbajit Ghosal, who did the research about trails, distance, and the logistics involved.

Topo map

We arrived at Crabtree Camp trail head in the late afternoon of August 1. Parked and took off for Bear Lake, apprx. 3.8 miles, for first night's stop. Camp Lake (2.8 miles from Crab Tree) is nicer but has limited options for camp sites. Darkness was setting in by the time we arrived at Bear Lake. Camp sites near the lake were occupied and we ended up in a rocky area.

On Day 2, we broke camp and began hiking to Piute Lake. Except for missing a turn (see below) after the descent from Camp Lake and losing an hour it was uneventful. The trail meandered through meadows and rocky switchbacks. The segment between Piute Meadow and Piute Lake is demanding because of the gain in elevation.

Arrived at Piute Lake about 5 PM and scouted for a good place to set up tents. Decided on base of the ridge looking down on the lake. An inconsiderate group of horseback riders camped across the lake and, disregarding rules, had their mounts tethered near the water. Next afternoon, the same group engaged in target practice with hand guns! Forest Service rangers do a great job, but it is not possible for them to closely monitor illegal activities.

Day 3: We decided on a day trip to Gem Lake and beyond. Jewelry Lake and Deer Lake follow Gem Lake, all within easy hiking distance of Piute Lake. The lakes are scenic and worth the hike. Fishing at Deer Lake was unrewarding. Two backpackers returning from Buck Lake, about 2.5 miles further, said fishing was good there.

After our return to Piute Lake it felt as though it might rain; the clouds looked threatening. That would have caused problem with fixing dinner. However, the clouds moved and we were able to light the stove. It was after dinner that we found that battery of the SteriPen water filter had gone dead. We used it a lot during the three days. And then the tube of the backup Katadyn filtration system broke. Taking stock of the filtered water, we made the decision to head back to trail head instead of spending the 4th night in tents as originally planned.

On the 4th morning (Saturday) we found that camera batteries worked in the SteriPen. However, we decided against spending the night at Camp Lake or Bear Lake, and began the trek back to Crab Tree. After the ascent to Camp Lake, we took a long, relaxing break at the lake. Bret went for a swim. We cooled our feet in the bracingly cold water.

Then on to Crab Tree Camp and the drive home to Bay area. Bret had a flight to catch on Sunday; others had to prepare to face a work week. All good things come to an end.

We were fortunate in having mild weather; temperature remained in the 80's during the days; and the nights were in the high 50's.

Miwok Ranger Station where we filed wilderness permit application

At Crab Tree Camp Trail Head

Camp Lake

Bret starting a fire at Bear Lake camp site

Ready to hit the trail after Bear Lake

That was where we proceeded ahead alongside the stream instead of crossing the stream and taking the trail on the left. SG's handheld DeLorme GPS device was helpful in getting us back on track.

Day 2, on the trail to Piute Lake

Piute Meadow

Camp ground at Piute Lake

Bret's tent overlooking Piute Lake

Day 3 - On the trail to Gem Lake. Checking topo map

Corn Lily

Gem Lake (8,230 ft)

Jewelry Lake I

Jewelry Lake II

SG casting for trout at Deer Lake

Mariposa Lily

Mountain Heather

Orange Lily

Campers doing target practice -- illegal

Before Camp Lake, Day 4

Reviving tired legs at Camp Lake

“….short-sighted men who in their greed and selfishness will, if permitted, rob our country of half its charm by their reckless extermination of all useful and beautiful wild things……”

--Theodore Roosevelt

*****

Emigrant Wilderness Crab Tree Camp Backpacking

The Conventions are Over But Political Circus Continues

2012-09-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Lies, Halftruths, Distortions

With 59 days before November 6th, the polls show that Barack Obama has a good chance of being re-elected.

A lot can happen before November 6th to change the picture. In the meantime, millions of dollars are being spent on advertisements that are full of half-truths, distortions, and downright lies. Nothing new; we go through this in every presidential election cycle. But the Internet and instant dissemination of charges and counter-charges by the candidates are enough to make one dizzy.

It cannot be denied that, from the war in Afghanistan to reform of Wall Street, Barack Obama retreated from his position and failed to deliver what he promised his supporters in 2008. But the messages from Mitt Romney and his VP pick, Paul Ryan, are far from clear or reassuring for the vast majority of voters. On the economic front, their top priority is to make the fat cats fatter by targeted tax cuts. It is hard to understand their Bible-thumping rhetoric. The Republican platform is a throwback to earlier times, especially where women's issues are concerned. Their obsession with sexual lives of citizens is puzzling. Example of hypocrisy at its worst.

*****

Obama Romney Ryan Republicans Democrats Tax cuts Sexuality Bible

The Invisible, Impenetrable Todd Akin Pregnancy Protection Shield

2012-08-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Another bigot.

There they go again. Issue statements that are completely off the wall, and then retreat to the old standby -- "misspoke".

As misstatements go, what the six-time Republican Congressman Todd Akin of Missouri

said, was a doozy. One wonders what was he thinking. Of course, he said what he belived.

The retreat and wiggling to put a spin on it resulted from the firestorm that followed his

monumentally stupid comment, on live TV no less.

Akin, a six-term congressman running against incumbent Democrat Sen. Claire McCaskill, was asked in an interview on St. Louis television station KTVI if he would support abortions for women who have been raped. "It seems to me first of all from what I understand from doctors that's really rare,"

Akin said. "If it's a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down," Akin said of a rape victim's chances of becoming pregnant.

Too early to tell how the congressman would emerge from this. If he cannot survive the outrage he created, he can consider returning to his earlier, no doubt deeply held position about women and rape, and go on the speech circuit to promote it.

Hard to believe, but many women still support Republicans. Perhaps some of them will buy his spiel and try to learn the secret of how to unlock the built-in resistance against pregnancy from rape. Congressman Akin could end up rich. Think of Bristol Palin giving speeches about protecting virginity!

*****

Todd Akin Rape Pregnancy Republicans Missouri

A July 4th Walk at Point Lobos SNR, California

2012-07-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

LADY DIVER

Lady diver
Is diving under the sea
And is discovering the sea world
Lady diver
Knows that there is a lot to see
Under the sea

--Aldo Kraas (http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lady-diver/)

It was a spur of the moment decision that turned out to be very rewarding. We were en route to Big Sur to hike along the coast on July 4th when a friend suggested hiking at Point Lobos instead.

Point Lobos, about 3 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, is one of the crown jewels of the California State Park System. It was typical coastal weather on July 4th when we arrived at 11:00 AM. Overcast sky, temperature in the 60's. That didn't deter many other visitors from enjoying the park and the trails. There were many scuba divers, donning their gear to explore the undersea world. Wild flowers were in abundance

We did the perimeter trail, stopping at various points to admire the view and take pictures. Took us Just over 4 hours, including a break for lunch. Picnics are permitted only at a few designated areas. The perimeter trail also offers views of the Monastery of Carmelite Sisters. Despite driving past the location numerous times, the monastery had never caught my attention.

We made a slight detour to visit the Carmel Mission before heading home. A great day and, to top it off, traffic was surprisingly light on the 80-mile drive back to Santa Clara Valley.

A few pictures taken on July 4, 2012 with a Canon Powershot S3IS.

At the foot of the perimeter trail

Indian Paintbrush

A view of the shoreline at Point Lobos

A Monterey Cypress

Distant view of Carmelite Monastery

Wild flowers, I

Wild flowers, II

Morning Glory

A gathering of Cormorants

A Mule Deer

One of the coves viewed from the Perimeter Trail

Carmel Mission

A Mission Bell on the street opposite the Carmel Mission

*******

Point Lobos Carmel California Carmel Mission Carmelite Monastery

If they are in Palo Alto, CA, then no place is safe

2012-06-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

My first reaction was "Oh, no, not in Palo Alto!" But Joan Acocella's review of Professor Tanya Luhrman's

"When God talks back: understanding the American evangelical relationship with prayer" in The New Yorker leaves no doubt that the evangelicals do have a presence in Palo Alto. Depressing.

This casualness carries over to conversations with God. The Vineyarders asked him “for admission to specific colleges, for the healing of specific illness—even, it is true, for specific red convertible cars.” Some Vineyard women had a regular “date night” with Jesus. They would serve a special dinner, set a place for him at the table, chat with him. He guided the Vineyarders every minute of the day. Sarah told Luhrmann how, one day, after a lunch at a restaurant with fellow-parishioners, she was feeling good about herself, whereupon, as she was crossing the parking lot, a bird shat on her blouse. God, she explained to Luhrmann, was giving her a little slap on the wrist for her self-satisfaction. Sarah accepted the chastisement, but others don’t. They may get furious with God. And, according to some evangelicals, he feels bad when this happens. In “Disappointment with God” (1988), the religious writer Philip Yancey claims that God can’t bear for us to turn away from him. He longs for us to like him. It is hard to understand how evangelicals, most of whom are regular Bible readers, could come to this conclusion about the God of Abraham and Job.

Ya, Habibi.

*****

Evangelicals Vineyard Christian Fellowship Palo Alto CA

The Political Circus - Campaign 2012

2012-05-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

183 days before November 6th.

"To dream of one government ending doesn't mean you’ll want the one that comes in its place."
---Nathan Englander, The Ministry of Special Cases

Republicans went through their act to nominate a candidate to challenge the incumbent president. While formal announcement remains, barring an unforeseen development Mitt Romney is going to be the challenger. Compared to some of the weird characters that went through roadshows to win the nomination (think Michele Bachman, Herman Cain among others) Romney is sane.

And is anyone going to miss Newt Gingrich and his wife with the strange hairdo?

As to Barack Obama, the incumbent, he has begun his campaign. Again, the themes are "Hope and Change". And "Fear". Well, we have gone through "Hope and Change". Nothing happened. Or not much happened that was different from the eight-year presidency of G.W. Bush.

But "Fear" is something to think about. We have reason to be fearful of what a Republican victory would mean. Things would get much worse. Another vacancy in SCOTUS would give a Republican administration the opportunity to destroy the balance in the highly politicized court and empower it to re-write the book about government. One can rest assured that it is not going to be government "for the people" that Abe Lincoln spoke about.

I'll vote for Barack Obama, not because I like him; not because I think he will do the right thing. Simply because the other will be much worse.

*****

Campaign 2012 Republicans Mitt Romney Newt Gingrich Michelle Bachman Herman Cain Barack Obama SCOTUS

The Seasons: Signs of Spring

2012-03-10T12:25:00.004-08:00

San Mateo, California * And A Bumper Sticker

Spring equinox is less than two weeks away, on March 20th. Lack of rains is worrisome. Getting late in the season to make up for the shortfall. Temperature continues to be cool. A walk through the neighborhood shows that except for the birch trees plants are putting up the usual display of colors. And the silver birch trees,too, have something attractive about them -- standing leafless, waiting for the sprouting of leaves.

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.

~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

The pictures below were taken during walks in February and early March.

Silver Birch tree on a cloudy morning

Daffodils

Apple Blossoms, Parrott Drive

Maple Tree beginning to show off

Front garden statue, Parrott Drive

Photographs taken during walks through local preserves.

Zigaden Lilly (Zigadenus_spp) Death Camas, highly toxic. Tenderfoot Trail, Laurelwood Park, Belmont, CA

Bumper sticker seen on car at Trader Joe's parking lot: "When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping". No doubt obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol and such thoughts are far from their minds. On the positive side they spend money to keep the economy churning. Someone has to do it.

*****

Spring 2012 San Mateo Parrot Ave Laurelwood Park Sugarloaf Mountain

The Political Circus - 273 Days Before November 6th

2012-02-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Promises, Promises

Obama in the lead! That is what the latest ABC News-Washington Post Poll shows -- that among registered voters Obama has a 51-45% lead over Mitt Romney. Gingrich is promising the moon. However, one gets the feeling that Gingrich's negatives -- past baggage -- cannot be covered up. Republican power brokers feel uneasy about Gingrich. Much can happen between now and November 6th. But this not going to make Obama-haters happy.

What about the Democrats? Well, Obama has disappointed many of us. Deep down, he is not much different than the hypocrites running against him. His recent Bible-thumping speech was sickening. A blatant appeal to Conservative Christian voters. It would be interesting to watch how the President deals with the reaction about the directive in respect to contraceptives and sterilization in employee health-care plans of Catholic affiliated institutions. Based on previous records, he is likely to beat a quick retreat; he is adept in doing that.

Even the small difference makes him preferable over the Republican candidates. What choice do we have -- sit it out or vote for the incumbent. I'll hold my nose and vote for the incumbent. It was a buffoon, Sarah Palin, who mocked Obama "How's the hopey changey thing working out for ya". True, it didn't take long for Obama to back away from things he spoke about. For many of us there will be no rejoicing if he is re-elected, but there would be a sigh of relief.

*****

Election 2012 Barack Obama Mitt Romney Newt Gingrich Sarah Palin Democrats Republicans

Passages: December 2011

2011-12-18T13:36:00.000-08:00

Sleepless In San Mateo * Last Days of Autumn* Wild Mushrooms

There are many people who, for some reason or other, lie awake at night -- unable to go to sleep at all or cannot go back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night.

The nights can be long and depressing, especially for those who live alone. Chronic insomnia requires professional help. This is about people who periodically suffer from it as I do. There are times when the 'cause' can be identified -- health-related issues, anxiety, depression -- it does not take much to trigger bad nights. The holiday season could induce it in some. The cold weather; dark, sunless sky, rains; they can all exacerbate the problem.

Cannot say that I cope with it well. Have tried turning the light on to read. Does not do any good. If the book is interesting I can keep on reading through the night without feeling drowsy. And, in my case, the day's routine -- exercise, food, wine at dinner -- has no bearing at all; my routine rarely varies. While strenuous exercise during the day does not help me to sleep at night, it certainly helps to avoid the feeling of being in a deep, dark hole.

The only sure relief is from pills (sleep aid). Half a tablet of an OTC product usually ensures

a decent night. Does not leave me feeling groggy the next morning. But even then I don't make a habit of it. I have an aversion about taking pills.

Winter Solstice

"On a withered bough

a crow has stopped to perch

and autumn darkens."

--- Basho

A look at the calendar tells me that in four more days autumn will end. The winter solstice is on December 22nd. Piles of fallen leaves under the trees getting smaller. Some trees still display colorful autumn leaves, but not for long.

Birch Tree

Have not had much rain. But the rains might arrive with a vengeance and make us pine for sunny sky. The seasons have their place. There was a time when I found rainy days depressing. Perhaps it is the wisdom that comes from age, but they have ceased to affect me.

This season, foraging for wild mushrooms has not been very rewarding. Found some oyster mushrooms, few puffballs and butter boletes. The rains might make the chanterelles emerge. A cluster of lion's mane was past its prime.

Warning: Do not use these pictures as guide to pick mushrooms for consumption. Wild mushrooms require thorough investigation.

Butter Boletes ( Boletus appendiculatus)

Lion's Mane - Past its prime

Puffball Mushroom

Sulphur Shelf ( Laetiporus sulphureus)

Cluster of Oyster Mushrooms

*****

San Mateo Insomnia Autumn Winter Solstice Wild Mushrooms

Musafir's Musings

America, America - The 2016 Presidential Election

We had blinders on

Thought that Trump would be defeated; and completely out of touch when it came to number, passion, and impact of Donald Trump's supporters.

Corte Madera, CA, - Budget Inn

America, America - A Country Awash in Guns

Sorrowing Lies My Land

Headlines about gun violence -- deaths and injuries from gunshots -- have become regular features. Inescapable.

Go Charlie, Go

Young Men With Horns and Guitar

Why Do People Who Fish Have a Tendency to Despoil the Environment ?

A Hike Up to Monument Peak (Ed R. Levin County Park, Milpitas, CA)

Bend, Oregon - October 2012

Vogelsang High Sierra Camp-Lyell Canyon Trail

The Morning After Pill - 2007 and Now

Personal History - The World of Shipping, and "Mogi" Mogensen

Mailbox for Wile E. Coyote, Cañada Road, Woodside, California

"Amour", the movie. An Act of Love

Samosas, Singaras - Mecheda, West Bengal, And a Small Town in Pakistan

Train Journeys Between Kolkata and Jamshedpur

India - Violence Against Women

The Political Circus - Republicans' Almost Prurient Obsession With Sexual Lives of Americans

Four Days in Emigrant Wilderness

The Conventions are Over But Political Circus Continues

Lies, Halftruths, Distortions

The Invisible, Impenetrable Todd Akin Pregnancy Protection Shield

A July 4th Walk at Point Lobos SNR, California

LADY DIVER

If they are in Palo Alto, CA, then no place is safe

The Political Circus - Campaign 2012

The Seasons: Signs of Spring

The Political Circus - 273 Days Before November 6th

Passages: December 2011

© Musafir - Canon S710

Lion's Mane - Past its prime

© Musafir - Canon S710