World Art, Politics, and Technology

In the Neuz

2011-09-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Watch this space for new developments on:

In the Neuz -- A Collaborative Opinion Network!

Egypt - Now What?

2011-02-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

Egypt has done it, and now the attention will shift to other regions in the area. Tunisia, Jordan, and Syria will come under scrutiny again, and the world will watch the unfolding of events in Egypt and its impact on its neighbors in the Middle East.

But first, to matters at hand. Truly we all stand witness to a historic moment, the birth of a new country. The authoritarian rule has come to an end, and the contenders to govern a new country will now have to come forward with a concrete plan that will answer the prayers and demands of every Egyptian. They will be judged on the democracy they build in a critical moment in history, forging alliances with other democracies and proving to the world that they are indeed capable of building a country for the new generation, for keeping the stability in the region while they establish a government, and for changing Egypt and the world in a peaceful and non-violent manner.

Liberation Square or Tahrir Square will forever be imprinted in our hearts and memories as the square that changed the course of history. We welcome a democratic and liberated Egypt to the new world.

Game Over, Mubarak!

2011-01-31T17:15:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

What took Mubarak so long? Why did it take him 30 years to announce constitutional reform and legislation? Why now? It's because his days as a leader are numbered. With the momentum building up, with the threat of a million man march scheduled to deluge the streets, Egypt is undoubtedly on the brink of a historical change.

In shutting down the internet, all communication through mobile phones, and all travel through trains, Hosni Mubarak has done exactly what any dictator would do. He has decided that no crowds will be allowed to assemble to topple him from his throne. It is hubris of the highest order.

His actions only underscore his palpable fear of being thrown out unceremoniously from the helm, his desire thwarted to possibly pass on the power to his son, and his few months in power before the end of his term coming to a bad, a very bad end.

The protesters have spoken unequivocally. The governments have sent envoys to convey the message that "the party is over," and yet Mubarak is reluctant to put forth a transition plan that will peacefully transfer power to a new regime. His speech only served to enrage the masses even more. For Egyptians, not a day more for Mubarak, and certainly not a few months more before he steps down from his authoritarian rule.

The people seek a change in the government, a change of leadership. Not just a change in their leader, or around their leader. They desire a complete change of regime. They want a democratic process in electing their new leader, not one from the military or one from the old regime, and most certainly not his son, as an heir apparent to the highest office in the country.

To a connected world, to an educated and highly articulate populace, change and progress cannot be denied any longer. Egypt is ready, and will get its change soon. Will Mubarak be a part of that process or will the process be his nemesis?

Is he waiting for world leaders to support him in the completion of his term? Or, is it the confidence that world leaders will support him against the threat of an alternative, more extremist government stalling his inevitable decision?

The time is now for a swift, decisive move that will acknowledge the voices and the power of the people. The world is watching, and Mubarak knows it all too well.

Witty or Not, that is the Question!

2011-01-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

A lackluster Golden Globes with inane speeches, contrived enthusiasm, and a host who disappeared for most of the show barely entertained an intimate gathering of Hollywood celebrities and a television audience of millions.

Ricky Gervais promised to shock the audience with acerbic comments on a particular gay Scientologist, a cross-dresser's favorite icon, Cher, anti-everything Mel Gibson, aging stars of Sex and the City, drunken reveler, Charlie Sheen, humanitarian and mother of all, Angelina Jolie, fellow Brit thrown in for good measure, Johnny Depp, and of course, Tim Allen. His words hung in the air, mostly in uncomfortable silence or gasps of indignation, while he proceeded to introduce the presenters of the next award.

We hear laughter is universal, but Sunday night's humor was most certainly not. One expects cutting humor from British wits, but did Ricky cross the line between American tolerance of British talent and admiration of all things English? Did his sarcasm entertain as he intended to? Was it just a little bit uncomfortable to be roasted unexpectedly in front of fellow actors, where not all attention was good attention?

Ricky is a funny man. He did take liberties with Hollywood, and lobbed barbs at actors who barely knew him to indulge his humor. For a second, I thought Tim Allen would have an excellent comeback, but the stand-up comic who can be very funny seemed to have been caught unawares, and merely let the moment for a brilliant repartee pass.

Wit, according to Aristotle, is cultured insolence. Better a witty fool than a foolish wit, said Shakespeare. Unfortunately, Ricky traversed the fine line between foolishly throwing away his Hollywood platform and uncomfortably settling in as a bitter wit. Our response to humor is personal and defined by our cultures. American humor, on Sunday, could not comprehend British wit, and British irreverent humor could not succeed as fiery wit.

Queen for a New Century

2010-11-16T16:29:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

For a generation where queens are not as common, a commoner is on her way to becoming a queen. For most of the western world, the Queen is who we visit on vacation, through wrought iron gates and pomp and ceremony. The queen, as we know her, graces British currency, commands deep respect, and lives behind inscrutable stone walls.

Over the years, British royalty has attempted to reach out to its people, some more successfully than others. Diana, most notably, called the People's Princess crossed over to the masses who adored her beauty, admired her empathy for the downtrodden, and suffered with her as her fairy tale marriage splintered to pieces. Her death was a tragedy few recovered from.

And now, there is another young woman, reminiscent of Diana who is about to embark on the journey of her life. Kate Middleton, quite a few years older than Diana was as a bride, will have to learn the ways of royalty. The rules, the mores, the expectations of the royal family and the people of England. A few lessons have been learned in public when Diana fumbled her way through being herself, being open and honest, and being the guardian of the royal scions. But, to hear of transgressions, and to be judged for every word uttered is quite another matter.

There are responsibilities now that may be exciting or suffocating, that may threaten one's privacy or one's life. There are expectations, spoken and unspoken, while speaking out is frowned upon. Kate will not be a free woman ever again. Her wings will be clipped, her movements tracked, her private world will become public, and her public life will take over her private moments. But, this is the duty she has signed up for, and the people so starved for young royalty will shower her with adulation like she has never experienced before.

Icon of Style: A beautiful woman, her face will grace the covers of magazines from here to eternity. Not to mention, the fodder for much gossip and tabloid journalism.

Patron of Charities: From working with her parents, she will now work for the people. Her name will highlight charities, her calling yet to be defined. She will, like Diana did with AIDS and land mines, find her own in a few years.

Queen for the Next Generation: Most importantly, as Prince William is second in line to be King after his father Prince Charles, she will be queen someday, and perhaps, the mother of a future king.

People's Treasury: After all the dresses and rings, groomsmen and bridesmaids, royalty guests and relatives are decided upon, the people will be waiting for the decision on who pays for the wedding. Will the royal affair burden the people's treasury?

Google TV -- Here and Now

2010-10-04T12:27:00.001-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

Depends on who you ask, but if Google is to be believed, the television just got smarter by incorporating the web, and as a result you just may get smarter too! Google TV is now official with television and the web at your fingertips. It is sleek and sophisticated, and one hopes, affordable. Two ways to enjoy Google TV: buy a standalone smart TV or get a device to connect to your TV.

Here's a quick glimpse of GoogleTV:

On Demand: Watch shows and movies from Netflix and Amazon, and YouTube.

TV + Web: Tweet, search, or shop away.

Home Screen: Customize your home screen with apps, channels and websites.

TV Playlist: Create a playlist of shows to watch and playback at another time.

DVR: Record and play programs.

Music On Demand: Personalize and listen to music from Napster or Pandora.

Art Gallery: View all photos from Picasa, Flickr, and other galleries.

Our life in one place sounds intriguing. Wonder how many more hours will get wasted in a day watching TV? Lots I expect, but now you can spend money too shopping for Fall fashion instead of merely whiling away time watching an inane show.

The Sarah Palin Effect

2010-09-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

What is it about Sarah Palin that she is able to gather an audience at will? Whether it is endorsing gubernatorial candidates or promoting the tea party movement and its movers, Palin seems to be everywhere. Rather than fading away, she's stayed in the spotlight, and even as people cringe when she pops up at political events, there seems to be an audience waiting to hear from the maverick of all mavericks.

From the highly curtailed and meticulously scripted speaker to the free agent that she is now, she rises out of her own ashes only to rebuild her image the Sarah Palin way. She's yet to venture out of scripted speeches, yet to take questions from reporters freely, yet to acknowledge what the hell it is she is doing in the political circuit, but she's already won half the battle over anonymity. And half the battle to the White House is dodging the blame game, and winning the name game.

So, what is it that people see in Sarah Palin?

Is she a brilliant politician? No. Is she a good speaker? No.
Her pauses are all wrong, her emphasis not quite there.

Is she a great political strategist? No. Does she inspire confidence in her political plans for the future of America? No. Is she an intellectual? No.

And the irony of it all is that she wants to be none of these.

She resonates with the people who want nothing to do with the current government. In the absence of a credible candidate from the Republican party, she is riding a wave of popularity that no political pundit or talking head would have predicted for her or for the nation. Most imagined her as a flicker in the political landscape, and yet here she is almost two years later still being quoted, still attending rallies, still endorsing candidates, still espousing what is best for the country.

When she resigned as the Governor of Alaska, she had the media buzzing about her plans for the future. She was seen as the front runner for the next Presidential elections, although the Republican party had not given up on nurturing a new sensation to challenge Obama in 2012. Then she wrote a book, "Going Rogue" turning a criticism into a virtue, and suddenly there seemed to be no stopping her. Dripping in millions, she now had financial clout as well as political history.

If Sarah Palin has her way, she is here to stay. She is all Americana and not a political sophisticate, she lavishes colloquialisms in her conversations that grate on the nerves of the intellectuals, she talks of "Mama Grizzly," she rails against the media, she berates them through tweets to report the truth as she sees it, she skillfully uses Facebook and Twitter to mobilize online followers, and she crosses the nation backing candidates who are known and unknown, and the unknown soon become known after she puts her name behind them.

She appears simple, says whatever she wants, goes wherever she wants, and connects in a strange but effective way with the people, the few that follow her for her down home wisdom.

Is that good for the nation? Are we all cynics that we do not trust a seasoned politician? Wasn't she just supposed to be a political blip that energized the Republican party, and then disappeared into the mountains of Alaska? Is Sarah Palin here to stay? Will history remember Sarah Palin?

Private People, Public Thoughts

2010-05-18T18:39:00.001-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

There used to be a time when only public people were denied private lives. A whole profession was spawned, such as the paparazzi, feeding off the frenzy over movie stars and celebrities, making exposes the fodder for many a gossip column or a magazine. Now, with social networks proliferating, confessional statements over Twitter and Facebook are coming under fire, and private people with "oh so" public thoughts are experiencing backlash as they have never before.

At a certain point in life, one feels invincible, immortal, and indestructible. But wait, not so quickly. Employers and college professors are browsing Facebook, and as an unflattering portrait emerges of the Facebook star, reputations fall to the ground and first impressions sometimes becomes lasting images in one's mind. A vast majority takes no risks with their parents and excludes them from being their Facebook friends, but have not thought that through to include colleagues who may be potential employers or professors who know that you lied about your term paper when you posted at 2am that you were in a drinking contest with other Facebook or Twitter geniuses. Obviously, what's not good for a parent to hear is not good for anyone to hear. At least, a parent will forgive!

Facebook is a social phenomenon, the likes of which we've not experienced until now. It seems innocuous, and entices everyone to confess their innermost thoughts. It's dark side comes out every now and then when you hear about cyber bullying and predators befriending the innocent. But, for the most part, the site transforms you into a star among your friends. You can shamelessly promote yourself, you can opine like a pundit, you can influence with your recommendations for a book or a store, you can post drivel, you can show off your plane, you can post thoughts from another land, you can be seen making connections, and connecting. You can be the star of your own show, in your own galaxy. Mostly, you celebrate the inane and do it all in public. Twitter limits all of the above to less than 140 characters. Thank God for its brevity, the rest of us can only suffer fools so much.

The race to gain friends on Facebook and followers on Twiter is a sport in itself. Ordinarily, I would not accept an invitation from the loner at work who watches horror movies and schedules his own showtimes as if in a movie theater, but there's something about Facebook and having a lot of friends (that truly one does not even have the time for) that finds the lonewolf as one of your friends. Scary, I think, and yet a desperate attempt to appear popular.

The secrets we held close to our hearts, probably causing unthinkable psychological damage, is now out there for all to deal with. Does anyone care? Not really, but everyone's curious. It's like peeking through the curtain for a glimpse of someone through a rear window. Awful, yet addicting.

No one emails anymore, they just post. No one talks on the phone anymore, they just text. And no one brags anymore except when they tweet. Because, now they seek followers not friends. What does that say about our culture? Tweeting is like buying ad space in a newspaper or screaming from the rooftops with the hope that someone will see the infinite wisdom you possess and follow you. Why do I need followers?

Now private people post public thoughts, but hopefully we avoid the pitfall that even the founder of Facebook could not. Mark Zuckerberg discovered recently that his old posting came back to haunt him. He was a private person when he called his initial users "Dumb F***ks." Words that are going to torture him for a while. Rumor has it that the movie "Social Network" about the Facebook founder will only do more damage to his public image, making public his private life, and encourage many more unfortunate private and public tweets.

More public thoughts from private people. More followers than friends.

Who is Elena Kagan?

2010-05-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

As with all nominations for the Supreme Court, the announcement of Elena Kagan has set off a flurry of searches on the woman who if confirmed will shape our nation over many years to come both ideologically and legislatively. Her influence will be deep, not just as one who will protect, preserve, and interpret the constitution, but as one who will bring to the chambers a sharp intellect and a keen sense of coalition and consensus. The similarity with President Obama may begin and end with their ability to build consensus on issues and the fact that they both taught at the University of Chicago, she as a professor, and he as a lecturer. Beyond that, she is a strong contender for one of the nation's most prestigious posts, who one hopes but doubts will be confirmed without partisan politics at play.

Kagan's nomination feels right for the nation in many ways. She will join the only other woman in the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor. A liberal, she will replace Justice John Paul Stevens and help balance the bench between conservatives and liberals. As the weeks unfold, we are going to hear more about her, and hopefully, more from her. For the present, her introduction has been kind and generous. Most importantly, her dream of becoming a judge will come true if she is confirmed swiftly and efficiently.

From all accounts, she is an intellectual. Starting out as a student journalist and then transitioning to law, she made her mark as an editor at the Daily Princetonian as well as the editor of the Harvard Law Review. She is seen as an academician, having served as a tenured professor at the University of Chicago, and then as a Dean of Harvard Law School. She was appointed the Solicitor General of the United States on January 5th, 2009, and now nominated to the Supreme Court to take her place in history.

She was the first woman dean of Harvard Law School and she was the country's first woman solicitor general. She is a role model for all women, a woman who has clearly carved out a rewarding and successful career, and who is most successful when she leads by example, leads by listening, and leads by achieving consensus and brokering agreements.

As criticism of Kagan grows, we are bound to hear that she published very little as a professor, and that she has no judicial experience. She's never been a judge, but William Rehnquist wasn't either before he was appointed to the Supreme Court. Her role on the advisory board of Goldman Sachs will be scrutinized and her comments on the military's "Don't ask, don't tell," policy will be held up to castigate her liberalism. Her sexuality will be questioned, and her motives behind criticizing the policy as "a moral injustice of the first order," will be paraded for all conservatives to tear apart and denounce as the liberal tainting of the bench. The overriding fear will be the death of marriage as we know it and that now someone from the inside will work on legalizing gay marriages. Finally, two party politics will play its game -- who one party supports, the other will reject.

However, if she survives the nomination process, the lurid scrutiny, the vicious backlash for anything she's said or done, Kagan may finally get to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court. Something she's wanted for a long time and something she is qualified to do. It is important for all women to have more women in the Supreme Court, someone who can understand and relate with the issue of abortion, someone who can break through the glass ceiling, someone who can finally serve the people of the nation.

What Price Health?

2010-03-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

Health Care Reform now signed into law has its naysayers, skeptics, antagonists, and Republicans. Think of it, fight it, but don't defeat it. The country needs it, and it should be considered and debated but resolved to serve the public and not just the few who can afford it.

Health is something you can ill afford to lose, and if unfortunately you do, as does everyone at some point in their lives, it is important to know that comfort is available and affordable to you. No one wishes ill upon you, but wouldn't it be wonderful if we wished each other good health, albeit at a price that we all have to bear?

The health care system we have today is irreparably broken. When health becomes a lucrative business and yet does not protect everyone, one has to wonder what is wrong with the picture. The doctors are crushed by the pain of insurance providers, and patients are coerced into difficult choices of care or neglect, while insurance companies raise their premiums every year, refusing to cover the ones who most need it.

In the flush of youth, the whole industry seemed superfluous. Why do I need insurance, I thought? Why can't I go to any doctor I want to? Why does it cost so much? And then, as the years unfolded and I became more susceptible to routine fevers and flus, I was thankful that I could go to the doctor as I carried an insurance that covered all my problems at that time. More years elapsed, a few injuries and surgeries later, I lauded the companies that provided such perks as health insurance. I did not feel the pain then.

Now, it's another story. Over years of paying for my own health insurance, I've come to realize that the whole system is corrupted. Inextricably corrupted. There are no illness or surgeries that the insurance company will pay for which they have not negotiated down any costs with the doctor or moved the burden of the costs to the patient. Somehow, the middle man has done a spectacular job of dividing the costs between two parties while filling their coffers with collections from both.

By paying a doctor less for services already rendered, and by charging most if not all of the rest to the patient, the insurance company is an enviable position of pocketing the lion's share of the cost of healthcare. We created the beast, and now we must slay the monster!

In times of trouble, as in recent times, the middle man is the first to go. However, we are not being radical here. Shutting down an industry is not feasible in these economically fragile times. But, allowing them to unscrupulously milk the system every which way to Timbuktu is toxic to the health of the nation, the health of its economy, and the health of its people. No one is arguing to destroy the middle man here, just ensuring that the care goes to the ones who need it, that everyone gets to benefit from it, and that no man or woman is left behind to languish in sickness and die a horrible death that should and will haunt our collective consciousness.

Oscar Woman

2010-03-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

It was a very special Oscar Awards Ceremony for women this year. From the best film to the best director, the efforts of one woman, Kathryn Bigelow, were recognized resoundingly. With the look and feel of an independent film, Hurt Locker, captured the big prize of the evening, a recognition that was overdue this whole season.

Is the best movie the one that captures the imaginations of all people, one that makes a lot of money at the box office, or one that pushes all boundaries? Is it too much to ask for a movie that receives critical acclaim to also generate revenues, to win awards and also make a lot of money for the studio?

Never have movies been so different and so difficult to judge as this year's movies. From an animation called "UP" coming out of "deep-pocket" Pixar, to the heart-rending, heart-warming "The Blind Side" based on reality, to the dark side of human nature in the abusive "Precious" to the topical "Up in the Air" that unfortunately sent shivers up one's spine as employees are laid off with ease, to the computer-generated tribe speaking a different language while one traverses between two realities in "Avatar," the works of each director could not be compared for artistic skill, acting talent, production techniques, or directorial efforts.

It is how we respond to each of the movies that makes one stand out more than the other. Do we connect intellectually or emotionally with the movies? Do we identify with the characters on the screen? Do we leave with hope, do we watch with despair, do we cringe at our alter egos, do we empathize with someone's misery, or do we see ourselves in the characters?

That is for the world to judge.

Chilean Copper and Wines at Stake

2010-03-02T15:04:00.001-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

Seven minutes into the earthquake in Chile, the word was out. The plates had shifted, and Chileans woke up to a chilling temblor, the magnitude of which is hard to fathom.

Relatives frantically reached for the phone to communicate with their families in Chile. Others worried, watched, and waited for more news to trickle in on the state of the country. Michelle Bachelet responded with confidence that the Chileans were resilient and would handle their disaster on their own. The price of copper went up!

Chile is one of the richest of Latin American countries. Unlike Haiti, Chileans are expected to recover much faster from the destruction and devastation that an earthquake leaves, especially one that measured 8.8 on the richter scale.

Known for its copper mines, and for producing at least 5 percent of the world's copper, prices jumped in reaction to the earthquake. While the copper industry made a significant blip in business news, the wine makers felt a cold chill in their cellars. Among the top ten percent of producers and exporters of wine, the earthquake left the vintners anxiously awaiting news of damage to their tanks while some held out hope that the next season's crop would help them recover from this year's misery.

As Bachelet's team sought to assess and handle the damage, criticism grew over her refusal for international aid. A few days later, Bachelet capitulated. The devastation was far worse than the country had identified at first, and now aid was imperative. Chile was ready for help, and as the world mobilized itself to aid Chile, Bachelet prepared to leave office clouded by an uncertain legacy.

On Top of the World

2010-02-18T23:06:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

Winter has never been as unkind to skiers and snowboarders as it has been in Vancouver, the host of the Olympic 2010 games. As Lindsay Vonn sashayed to victory, others careened down the slopes, sliding down treacherous snow, trampling on a lifetime of rigorous practice and olympic dreams, watching it all crash into a wall that separates glory from defeat.

The flying tomato, Shaun White, made history one more time with his gold, twisting and turning in air, giving America the lead in the Olympic games with Germany nipping at our heels. Unfortunately, his conversation with his coach made more salacious press, but thankfully did not tarnish the moment of triumph at the medal ceremony.

As I wander through Robson Square in Vancouver, the enormity of the games and what it does for all the people is simply hard to miss. Everyone is united in rooting for someone, either a sport of their liking, an athlete they follow, or a country they represent.

The square, closed off to traffic, throbs with life late into the night. No chill can keep the crowds away from the square. With cow bells ringing incessantly, young men and women, draped with flags, singing national songs, shouting to friends, conversing with strangers, crossing the streets, browsing at stores, wearing red gloves with maple leaves on their palms, the world is in Vancouver this week, and by all accounts is having a world of a time!

It makes one wonder why we can't all live and work with each other at all times and not just during the Olympic Games.

We Need Our Heroes Too ...

2010-01-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

The earthquake in Haiti is a grim reminder of how fragile all our lives are. How one cataclysmic event can destroy everything we've worked for, the roof over our heads, the water we drink, the sleep we so yearn every night. From the President's palace to the shack that houses a family of eight, the earthquake was the great equalizer. The rich and poor suffered alike, bare essentials became luxuries, and bare necessities became questionable.

Living in earthquake country, scenes of destruction are made even more real as we experienced our own mini quakes in the last month. Are we leading up to our own devastation? Are the quiet rumblings, the shifting plates, the rattling walls just an indication of a restless earth waiting to shake us out of our complacency.

But, the task in front of us is the re-building of Haiti, calming its fears and anxieties, raising its hopes, renewing its life not to where it once was but where it can be. And that takes everyone.

This is a nation of humanitarians. In our own small or big way, America always opens its hearts and it wallets to help others in need. At the Golden Globes, actors displayed unity in saving Haitians from despair. The ribbon symbolized the coming together of celebrities in raising their voice to an issue and uniting us in our desire to contribute in cash and kind.

This is America at its best. The forces deployed can make America proud. They are not in Haiti just to prevent the looting and vandalism that happens in the aftermath of any devastation, but are there to help. The rest of America, I know, will contribute generously.

Giving in America is intrinsic, a part of the human landscape, a part of the service learning that all our children imbibe at schools and at home. It's the giving part of the human experience that declares resoundingly that we are all one, and that we are there for each other.

This is the America that the world needs to see, the heroes we need at a moment of crisis to aid a country in search of food, water, and shelter. The America that comes to the aid of another human being, not the America that is seen as the aggressor as in Iraq or Afghanistan. Despite the best of intentions, America's involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan has left the world rather sceptical and suspect of America's motives. Now the world gets to see the other side of America -- the better side.

Are You Looking Over My Shoulder?

2010-01-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
Columnist

Strong words from Google about pulling out of China if they don't stop snooping into people's emails! Can you imagine composing an email that you know someone, somewhere, will be reading when you are done writing it? What if you had to weigh each word, each thought, each sentence so carefully just in case it falls on foreign eyes and is misrepresented and misinterpreted to your detriment.

Do we all really know who can see our emails? We do live in a new society where our lives are more public through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There was a time when my resume was only in the hands of people I chose as potential employers. People I wanted to work with and work for. LinkedIn changed all that.

Facebook stormed onto the scene, and I now know who you talk with everyday, who you drink with at the corner bar, who you made friends with in the last twenty four hours. Twitter made brevity the soul of wit. From connections to friends to followers, the three mainstream business and social platforms energized the youth to make public their lives and encouraged the older ones to join for fear of being left so far behind!

From what I read, and in speaking with the young, I realize email is a thing of the past. Outside of Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, there seems to be little interest in keeping up with emails except for work. So, do we really care if someone reads our email?

Yes, we do! It's still our right to remain private. It's still our prerogative to shout from rooftops or post on Facebook, or tweet 140 mad somethings to the general population. Google is right in refusing to allow China to spy on email no matter how much it wants to, and no matter how much of it goes against the grains of its policy makers.

The Art of Oratory

2009-11-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

There is the art of science and the science of art, and then there is the art of Oratory. From Demosthenes to Shakespeare to Obama, the art of Oratory is now in the limelight as our president embarks on the first of his state visits with China. Ironically, the majority of the world's most populated country will miss the fire and passion of the Obama delivery, the "Obama effect" if you will, as Chinese officials cut out all television coverage of the man who speaks of free speech and internet freedom. Anyone who has heard Obama knows that his words can move the populace and his gift of Oratory draws people not merely for its content but also for its form and delivery.

Here's a man who also commanded a significant victory over his opponent in the presidential elections purely with the power of the internet. The mass movement that occurred with the youth in America could also very easily spread to the youth of China. A country that stands at the precipice of world power, a country that may lead the battle against recession with its self-sustaining economics, a country that now recognizes that it could be the biggest player in technology apart from India on a world stage, and has thus begun teaching English in elementary schools ready to be a force to reckon with in the foreseeable future.

But of all its accomplishments, its most significant victory might be freedom of the internet if the Chinese officials were to acknowledge that it could bring them more good than bad. Be that as it may, blocking the public from hearing the speeches Obama makes whether as answers to scripted and screened questions in town-hall format meetings, or when he addresses the exclusive powers that be, oratory seems to have no place in China.

Demosthenes won acclaim for his oratorial skills, playing a critical role in Athenian political history inciting the public to oppose the military advances of Philip II of Macedonia. His power to instigate a rebellion or an uprising with his words were undisputed to the point that army generals were ordered to get rid of Demosthenes before he could destroy any more Macedonian expansions.

Shakespeare's plays on political figures and royalty came alive with the speeches of his protagonists, his Hamletian soliloquys that questioned and doubted self and others, his Macbethian tirades against innocence or damnation, his "Et tu, Brute" statesmen traitors justifying the killing of Julius Ceaser, oratory has always had a place in literature, politics and history. Obama seems to straddle the two. His speeches make history, his history makes speeches.

Defined in Wikipedia, oratory or public speaking, mastered in the times "of ancient Greece and Rome, was studied as a component of rhetoric (that is, composition and delivery of speeches), and was an important skill in public and private life. Aristotle and Quintilian discussed oratory, and the subject, with definitive rules and models, was emphasised as a part of a liberal arts education during the Middle Ages and Renaissance."

Mark Antony, at the killing of Julius Ceaser, so eloquently condemned Brutus in one of the most passionate speeches ever heard, symbolic of friendship and betrayal, of persuasion and public condemnation:

"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him;
The evil that men do lives after them,
The good is oft interréd with their bones,
So let it be with Caesar.... The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious:
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it....
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest,
(For Brutus is an honourable man;
So are they all; all honourable men)
Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral....
He was my friend, faithful and just to me:
But Brutus says he was ambitious;
And Brutus is an honourable man..."

As we traverse from oratory to politics, history offers lessons in equality with Martin Luther King. In his speech, "I have a dream," King eloquently raised the collective consciousness of a nation, holding the country to its ideals, and highlighting its treatment of its own people with:

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

"With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day."

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address reveals not only a thinker, but a determined leader who dedicated himself to the cause of the people. Never before had anyone so commandingly declared that government would be "of the people, by the people, for the people,"

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth..."

While wars were fought elsewhere, Mahatma Gandhi expounded an ideology of non-violence or "ahimsa" and non-cooperation to bring British imperialism to its knees, successfully gaining India's independence from the British throne, and establishing the largest democracy in the world.

"I believe that in the history of the world, there has not been a more genuinely democratic struggle for freedom than ours. I read Carlyle’s French Resolution while I was in prison, and Pandit Jawaharlal has told me something about the Russian revolution. But it is my conviction that inasmuch as these struggles were fought with the weapon of violence they failed to realize the democratic ideal. In the democracy which I have envisaged, a democracy established by non-violence, there will be equal freedom for all. Everybody will be his own master. It is to join a struggle for such democracy that I invite you today. Once you realize this you will forget the differences between the Hindus and Muslims, and think of yourselves as Indians only, engaged in the common struggle for independence."

In more contemporary times, John F. Kennedy addressed Berlin with:

"Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe. When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades.

All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner.""

Echoes of freedom and democracy were heard resoundingly in Ronald Reagan's speech at Brandenburg Gate:

"We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

A theme emerges as politics and oratory intersect. The cause of the people, the right to be treated fairly and equally, the right to freedom for all men, the right to live in peace and harmony, the right to create a new world order.

Bill Clinton, at the last presidential inauguration speech of the 20th century, empowered us with his ideals and his words:

"At the dawn of the 21st century, a free people must choose to shape the forces of the information age and the global society, to unleash the limitless potential of all our people, and form a more perfect union.

When last we gathered, our march to this new future seemed less certain than it does today. We vowed then to set a clear course, to renew our nation.

In these four years, we have been touched by tragedy, exhilarated by challenge, strengthened by achievement. America stands alone as the world's indispensable nation. Once again, our economy is the strongest on earth.

Once again, we are building stronger families, thriving communities, better educational opportunities, a cleaner environment.

Problems that once seemed destined to deepen now bend to our efforts: our streets are safer and record numbers of our fellow citizens have moved from welfare to work.

And once again, we have resolved for our time a great debate over the role of government. Today we can declare: Government is not the problem and government is not the solution. We, the American people, we are the solution. Our founders understood that well, and gave us a democracy strong enough to endure for centuries, flexible enough to face our common challenges and advance our common dreams."

Dreams for a new century, vision for a new America, promise of a better life. Words have compelled us to aspire, to hope, to contribute. In his landmark presidential inauguration speech, Obama wove his words carefully as he acknowledged that he was conferred a true and rare honor as the first black president, and spoke of unity in a world of divisiveness:

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."

As an orator, Obama addressed not just America, but the world. As the world tuned in to a new President in America, the people listened, taking back something, perhaps hope, perhaps resilience, perhaps pride, perhaps that we are all one. He articulated the concept of one world, and that together we all must work for the welfare of our people, our nation, our world.

Women of the Year

2009-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

Five women, five ideas, five ways to change the world!

Congratulations to Elinor Ostrom, Elizabeth H. Blackburn, Ada Yonath, Carol W. Greider, and Herta Mueller for winning the 2009 Nobel Prize.

There are lessons to be drawn from each of the women, their lives and their works, their efforts in transforming the world for all of us, for being pioneers in their fields, for inspiring us all, and finally, their recognition that makes it more representative of all of mankind's achievements.

The Nobel Foundation introduces the winners of this year's honor titled "Meet the New Nobel Laureates!" thus:

"This year 5 of the 13 new Nobel Laureates are women, the largest number ever to join the ranks in a single year. The scope of the awarded work is marvellously broad, encompassing the protection and deciphering of DNA at one end of the spectrum, to global communication networks and international diplomacy at the other."

The Associated Press lists below the five women who won the Nobel Prize and what they did to deserve the highest honor of this year.

" * Elinor Ostrom, 76, who made history by being the first woman to win the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, sharing it with fellow American Oliver Williamson for their work in economic governance.
* Elizabeth H. Blackburn, 60, and Carol W. Greider, 48, who shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine with Jack W. Szostak for their work in solving the mystery of how chromosomes protect themselves from degrading when cells divide. Greider is American and Blackburn has dual U.S.-Australian citizenship.
* Ada Yonath, 70, of Israel, who shared the Nobel Prize in chemistry with Americans Venkatraman Ramakrishnan and Thomas Steitz for their atom-by-atom description of ribosomes.
* Herta Mueller, 56, a Romanian-born German writer who won the literature prize for her critical depiction of life behind the Iron Curtain.
* Other women who have won Nobel Prizes include literature winners Toni Morrison and Doris Lessing and peace prize laureates Aung San Suu Kyi, a democracy activist in Myanmar, and Iranian human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi."

Here's raising a toast to all women, and to making a difference!

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

2009-09-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing."

Keats dreamed up those words and left a legacy of haunting Romantic poetry. In the movie, Bright Star, Keats' relationship with Fanny Brawne and his untimely death are explored in heart-breaking detail, where money stands in the way of love, where sickness stands in the way of life, where recognition is delayed, and where a sense of failure meets up with untimely death.

The lilting voice, the solemn breath, the frail spirit, and the unconditional love -- all transport us to a world of sadness and poetry, of life in the shadow of death, of immortal beauty in words and thoughts, of striving and reaching and never attaining the recognition of critics and friends, discarding true genius to live and die in petty circumstances. As we watch, his words strain our soul, and one cannot help but repeat:

"My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains
My sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk,
Or emptied some dull opiate to the drains
One minute past, and Lethe-wards had sunk:"

The love that Keats shared with Fanny is almost ethereal in its spirt, and never once do we question if her devotion will thwart his dedication to poetry, or if their love will stand the true test of time and money, or if he will ever gain the respect he deserves and so desires from all and not just her. All we are left with are the moments of magic they share, the unspoken tenderness, and the overwhelming sadness that engulfs us as Keats is pronounced dead, along with an outpouring of his emotions in his own words -- glittering gems in a sea of baubles. His life was as fleeting as his thoughts, and one can only wonder aloud:

"Was it a vision, or a waking dream?
Fled is that music: - Do I wake or sleep?"

To Catch a Thief

2009-09-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

Bernie Madoff made off with millions of dollars of investment money, leaving quite a few destitute from coast to coast, from movie stars to businessmen, from widows to pensioneers. Ironically, now a statue valued at a mere $900 has walked away from his mansion, according to its caretaker. Unfortunately for the thief, the article has an FBI-marked number, making it almost impossible to sell without it triggering the usual burglary alerts nationwide. This loss is nothing compared to what he wreaked on the hapless investors, with little or no recourse to get their money back. It must be a "slow news day," when Madoff's personal possessions make good copy. while he cools his heels in prison for the next 150 years, way beyond our lifetime and his.

What is it about personal possessions and loss that so gets our attention? For one, having just involuntarily "donated" all my jewelry and cash stashed quietly in a "safe" at home when it was broken into, I realize that everything we have now is on borrowed time. From our health to our sanity, from our home to our cars, from our money to our jewelry, nothing lasts forever. While the loss is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the jewelry by now has travelled to other cities, the questions that plague me are "Should I have kept the jewels in the bank and never worn them?" "Should I have saved it all as cash instead and not splurged on a few precious baubles, that glittered and sparkled, and so uplifted my spirits?"

One thing for sure, what I do know is that it is not worth saving anything. Use it, use it as much as you can, as it's better to use it than lose it!

Where Gods and Heroes Come Together

2009-07-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Corresondent

The Gods come alive at the Parthenon, where hot, dusty afternoons are greeted by cool Mediterranean breezes, and ancient heroes live alongside Gods in myths too alluring and magical to ignore. As we climb up the rough path to the majestic Doric-column lined temple, tales of Athena drift in the air, and monumental pieces of Greek history are woven tightly with mythology, leaving one to wonder what it would have been like to live in those times when Gods and heroes lived on earth, casting a spell on all around.

The Acropolis is truly majestic. The metopes depicting the destruction of Troy or the centaurs, half horse, half man, the pediments capturing the birth of Athena or the contest with Poseidon on who shall rule Athens transport us to a past of living with the divine in our midst, paying homage to the Gods, and triumphing against all odds in battle with the Persians, the Romans, or the Turks.

As in wars around the world, the Athenians of the past seem to have battled endlessly and survived the worst of battles, with the Persians in the Battle of Salamis or the Battle of Marathon. They watched in anguish as the Romans converted the Parthenon to a Christian church, and restored and rebuilt relentlessly after the ammunition stored in the Parthenon by the Turks exploded and destroyed the monument.

Filling in the missing pages of Greek history is The New Acropolis Museum where reconstructed pieces of the ancient ruins are on display exactly as they would have been on the Parthenon. The missing statues are not just underground waiting to be excavated, but in London at the British Museum and other museums around the world. Meanwhile, the controversy rages on whether the English should return the excavated statues or retain them for their own display as part of the work of Lord Elgin. The New Acropolis Museum, built for the express purpose of displaying the art and architecture of the Parthenon, remains incomplete while politics and debates consume curators and Greek nationalists.

A few blocks away from one of the world's most majestic structures are the Plaka and the Syntagma Square. The changing of the guard performed with great pomp and ceremony rivals that of the British changing of the guard. The blue and white uniformed guards pose unmoved by the tourists while pigeons swirl above in utter delight. Both, the Plaka and the Syntagma square offer their own shops and restaurants, with Souvlaki and Greek salads dominating the lunch fare, and where Greek leather sandals are worn by every woman walking the streets of Athens crisscrossing ankles in a sultry tan.

From Athens to Crete, the landscape changes from ruins to a magnificent shoreline that weaves its way to the Knossos Palace where the ancient Minoan civilization comes to life in stories told and re-told to foreign ears. Crete is a different kind of perfection preferred by the Norwegians and the Finnish. Languages abound on every bus ride into town and everyone, a delightful shade of golden, marvels at the ocean and the lulling ocean breeze.

Finally, Santorini rises out of the horizon, a vision in blue and white juxtaposed against the azure sky and the charcoal gray volcano. The view of the volcano, the donkeys climbing up the hill in vigor and torpor, and the cross over churches in every direction lend Santorini its allure. The volcano rocks give way every now and then while the sun beats down on an already simmering day. In the evening, the gold symbols of eternity and the olive oil soaps adorned with Greek Gods and heroes beckon form all sides, and bronzed tourists consume more Greek fare on hilltops between an inky black sea and a warm Mediterranean night.

Soon, it's time to leave behind the land of history, where democracy was born, where philosophers meted out justice, where theater reigned and playwrights created tragedies and comedies, where epics were written, where volcanoes erupted, where athletes competed, where warriors vanquished, and where life and myths intersected, Gods and humans interacted, and every horizon was blessed with the sun and the sea.

The King is Dead. Long Live the King!

2009-06-25T17:25:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

Michael Jackson -- Rare genius, a legend in our times is no more. It is a sad day for all music lovers, for all who have been profoundly touched by Michael Jackson, the singer, the performer, and the compassionate humanitarian.

Long live the King!

How Powerful Are You?

2009-06-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

The compulsive list maker, Forbes, released the world's most powerful list of celebrities, and I am proud as a woman to note that the top four celebrities are women, not counting that all of Brad Pitt's women are in the top 10. So, along with Brad, I share great happiness in the success of these women in the top 10.

Angeline Jolie, Oprah, Madonna, and Beyonce. And not far behind, is Jennifer Aniston. All beautiful women, each having made her mark in a field of her own, and each striking a balance between success and sharing her wealth, physical, spiritual, and emotional wealth with others in the world. Whether it be adopting and raising children, raising the profile of the countries where the children come from, or serving as ambassadors of peace, these women play by their own rules, their own heart, and their own conscience.

When critics of Angelina Jolie dismiss her off as just another beautiful woman, they need to take a moment to understand her cause in Darfur. When scandals in schools hit the tabloids, the masses need to understand that a new generation of leaders might very well come from Oprah's school, more leaders for the future in every field.

Will the world finally make room for women in every boardroom, every courtroom, and every walk of life? As Sonia Sotomayer ascends to the Supreme Court, and Ursula Burns becomes the CEO of Xerox, there is much to celebrate as more and more women take on the helm of a Fortune 500 company or the highest court in the nation.

It is time to acknowledge that women are needed to balance the world out, that women are critical in working toward a humane solution to the ills in the world, that women do contribute in leading a global economy, and that women are the primary and most critical force in raising the next generation of leaders and humanitarians, so we can make the world a better place. All this, with a dash of glamor thrown in for good measure!

Playing God

2009-06-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

What gives someone the right to take another person's life? On the very volatile issue of abortion, homes have been divided, passions have been incited, and fury has been stoked for years both in public and in private. While most wage debates, a few resort to heinous crimes such as bombing abortion clinics and shooting the staff of abortion clinics. Today's killing of Dr. George Tiller is a horrific reminder of how divided we all are as a nation on the subject of abortion.

Abortion is rarely engaged in a frivolous way. There is no point in postulating the same arguments on abortion and pro-life, on incest, rape, molestation, or life at conception. Arguably, there is also recreational or pre-marital sex resulting in unwanted pregnancies, that are also aborted. There are early and late-term abortions. There are health risks to them all. These are also highly personal, and in most cases, gut-wrenching decisions a woman ever makes.

But, the issue here is not abortion. It is "Who gets to play God?" with another's life. We have to remember that abortion is not forced upon an individual. The doctor assisting the woman is not aiding and abetting a crime. The woman is free to consult her doctor and pursue an abortion if she so pleases. And yet, doctors who perform abortions have long been harassed, threatened, beat up, and some even shot at, causing fear, reprisals, and certain death.

How can anyone claim to be pro-life if they take another's in their own hands? This man is not alone. There are many more like him who believe that their sense of world order is upset by the actions of a few, and take it upon themselves to rid the world of what they perceive as "evil."

You Can't Fire Me, I Quit!

2009-03-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

Dear Mr. DeSantis,

Your letter to "DEAR Mr. Liddy," published in the New York Times, shall get you more than your fifteen minutes of fame!

Although that is not your only intent, apart from castigating the outraged public and those in power, your gesture to return the money in the form of charity and not return it to A.I.G. or the government is disingenuous at best. In effect, you are disposing of the money as you see fit, which is as good as taking the money.

Your decision to resign is unquestionably the right thing to do, especially as you will not serve the company or the public well with your personal sense of betrayal and abject self-pity.

Unfortunately for you, your letter does less to advance your cause and self-righteousness than to bring you praise, admiration, and vindication that you seem to seek through your letter.

Here are a few phrases that make us sick to our stomachs that beg an aside or two:

"I was in no way involved in -- or responsible -- for the credit default swap transactions that have hamstrung A.I.G."

As any executive manager knows, you as a representative of the company, cannot suddenly distance yourself from the internal operations of the company that has significantly impacted the economy and brought it to its knees.

After 12 months of hard work dismantling the company - during which A.I.G. reassured us many times we would be rewarded in March 2009 - we in the financial products unit have been betrayed by A.I.G.

Oooops, we're sooooooo sorry about that. We did not mean to upset you! Schlop the self-pity, pleeeeaassseee!

"I tak this action after 11 years of dedicated, honorable service to A.I.G."

Rather self-aggrandizing, don't you think?"

"I can no longer perform my duties in this dysfunctional environment, nor am I being paid to do so."

The latter is clearly the real problem couched in blame against the company. Isn't it like a rat deserting a sinking ship?

"I did, however, like many others here, lose a significant portion of my life savings in the form of deferred compensation invested in the capital of A.I.G.-F.P. because of those losses. In this way I have personally suffered from this controversial activity — directly as well as indirectly with the rest of the taxpayers."

Greek tragedy that would make Sophocles proud.

"And I am disappointed and frustrated over your lack of support for us. I and many others in the unit feel betrayed that you failed to stand up for us in the face of untrue and unfair accusations from certain members of Congress last Wednesday and from the press over our retention payments, and that you didn’t defend us against the baseless and reckless comments made by the attorneys general of New York and Connecticut."

I must admit I was surprised too when Mr. Liddy called it "distasteful." It was an egregious crime against the taxpayers, and your whining about it, your sense of betrayal -- all seem misplaced in a reality of sinking economy, pink slips, evaporating 401Ks, and foreclosures.

"I think your initial decision to honor the contracts was both ethical and financially astute..."

Had you let us keep the money, we, Dear Liddy, would have rewarded you with loyalty and far-reaching praise as a man of immeasurable wisdom.

"We have worked 12 long months under these contracts and now deserve to be paid as promised."

Here we go again. We got it. You worked really hard. So did the rest of America.

"None of us should be cheated of our payments any more than a plumber should be cheated after he has fixed the pipes but a careless electrician causes a fire that burns down the house."

Huh? Phrase check, please.

"Many of the employees have, in the past six months, turned down job offers from more stable employers, based on A.I.G.’s assurances that the contracts would be honored. They are now angry about having been misled by A.I.G.’s promises and are not inclined to return the money as a favor to you."

Beware of the Ides of March! There is surely a revolt in the making. Just a word of caution Dear Liddy.

On March 16 I received a payment from A.I.G. amounting to $742,006.40, after taxes. In light of the uncertainty over the ultimate taxation and legal status of this payment, the actual amount I donate may be less — in fact, it may end up being far less if the recent House bill raising the tax on the retention payments to 90 percent stands. Once all the money is donated, you will immediately receive a list of all recipients.

I will be throwing 90% of what you gave me from some high-rise rooftop, and no one can stop me. Here, come get your money.

"...there is too much bad blood."

I had no idea that you, Mr. DeSantis, were the bigger victim!

"I’m not sure how you will greet my resignation, but at least Attorney General Blumenthal should be relieved that I’ll leave under my own power and will not need to be “shoved out the door.”"

YOU CAN'T FIRE ME, I QUIT!

Sincerely,

All those who did not get a bonus!

Adventures in Greed

2009-03-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Kalpana Trivadi
World Correspondent

Series on World Economy -- Part II

A friend stopped by the other day, and said, "What does AIG stand for?"

He followed that quickly with "Adventures in Greed!"

AIG is not the only one on the better side of the money equation and the dark side of negative press. We must scrutinize all the companies that received the bailout money from the government, a move that makes their latest negotiations their most successful business venture yet.

Where did all that money go? It certainly is not going toward anyone I know. The checks have been cashed, and the money is in the bank, but where are the programs to keep the homeowners in their home? Houses are still in foreclosure, jobs are being downsized or eliminated, new investments are delayed, and no one I know is any the wiser after the crisis and the cure hit Main Street.

As I researched options to borrow from an equity line or refinance a home, I realized that the banks were neither willing to engage nor offer a reasonable package that could even be remotely attractive to homeowners.

"It will have to be with full documents," said the bank employee.

"Fair enough," I said. "What do you need to process a refinance or an equity loan?"

"Two years of tax returns and income to date," she said. "They are very strict these days."

Sure, I understand. The banks cannot make the same mistake twice!

"How much are you looking for," she asked.

"Let's say 750K. Is that even possible?"

"Let's see," she says,"what other debts do you have?"

She calculated fast and furiously.

"Any car payments?"

"No."

"Roughly, how much is the minimum payment per month on your credit card?"

"Approximately, $1000. I pay it in full every month. Does that even count?"

"No, we have to add that to your expenses," she said, intent on adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing.

"What's the value of your home."

Three times the loan amount sounds awfully good to me. But, it's not enough for her.

"You still need 2007 and 2008 taxes, your income to date, your loan to value, your debt to income, net not gross income, revolving credit payments, property taxes, homeowner insurance ..." The list goes on and on and on.

"We need a lot of documentation!" She laughed nervously.

"How long will all this take?"

"Three months," she said casually.

"Three months! Whatever for?"

"Oh, the bank just wants to be careful."

"What if I gather everything, and I think it all looks good, and it still goes nowhere? How much income do I need to qualify for a refinance?"

A flurry of keystrokes later, the calculator weary of spitting numbers sputters to a halt. "About $16,000," she said.

"In this economy?"

"That's what they want!"

I suppose if one had a job, and a really good job at that, $16,000 would not seem much. But, I do not see too many people making that kind of money today.

Ironically, the very banks that took your pet's social security number and qualified you for a home, now want to send your grandmother to work to make ends meet.

The refinance process seemed like a dead end. The bank's paranoia was evident. In making the loan requirements so stringent, in demanding that every note be counted, every job be investigated, every person be scrutinized to death, a state of paralysis had set in. What was once deemed an opportunity for the homeowner is now a noose around her neck, tightened by the banker with each question asked.

If you want to stay in your home, a bank is the wrong place to go to! Every resource needs to be exhausted before approaching the bank because they certainly don't know what they're doing anymore.

With AIG, their catastrophe is our savior! The right hand has taken money from the government with loopholes in the contract, and the left hand has been doling it out as compensation to its employees.

Aren't AIG executives just happy to have a job while the rest of us scramble for the next few months? Isn't it enough compensation that a company on the brink of collapse is no longer a casualty of an economy in shambles, and that the jobs of most executives and employees have been preserved? Had something so outrageous not happened, we the public would never have known the extent of AIG's spending of government money with impunity!

What are the other banks doing with their money from the government? Is anyone willing to share with us the number of homes that were once in jeopardy now saved through restructured loans, renegotiated loan terms, where the banks have shown a little mercy and a little patience while the homeowners make good on their promises? Shouldn't the government be asking for such "transparency" and "accountability?"

"They shouldn't have been in there in the first place," argued a fiscally conservative, rabid homowner, who blamed the mess on the individuals who bought homes they couldn't afford.

"Interesting," I think. I don't recall any warnings to that effect when greedy lenders were signing up wannabe homeowners, refinance and re-refinance, and re-re-refinance candidates just to keep the middleman's money in their coffers.

As the rates dropped and nothing but dizzying credit scores and social security numbers were needed, the avaricious financial market whizzes went to town on us. And now, they will not accept their part in this whole debacle.

A few tears, a lot of threats of collapse, the government's rush to prop up and breathe life into a dead body, and a few billion bailout dollars later, none of us is any closer to really, really resolving this dire situation.

And to add insult to injury, the banks are now looking into renting out the homes they foreclosed on and repossessed from the homeowner to the homeowner so the banks' values in the homes don't collapse with a glut of dilapidated homes, dried-up gardens, and a precipitous drop in home values!

Don't touch those homes. Let the bank stew in its own juices for a while so they can come to a full realization that they created the mess and that they need to be a part of the cleanup!