snippets of our life...

Embracing Wordpress

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:50:00 +0000

I have finally decided to join Wordpress :) Yes, it's now or never. You can look me up at http://escribble.wordpress.com. Please kindly add my new blog to your feed readers and/or blog roll's.

We have also decided to keep updating this blog from time-to-time. We won't give it up. Tarun would be more involved with serious writing, so this would definitely be his main platform where he would be blogging frequently. Don't worry, we would be lurking between blogs from now and then. Please continue showing your support to us here at wescribble dot blogspot dot com :) We truly appreciate your feedback and would continue to write as best as we hope to match and/or exceed our reader's expectations.

Thank you.

Media frenzy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:52:00 +0000

I was taken aback reading this words on IBNLive, quote "Blowin' in the wind: A candlelight vigil in Mumbai. Do these vigils help? Can gestures be converted into action?" end quote.

We, Indians are trying our best to come together as a community and help start the healing process. The media is not helping here. I seriously believe that gestures can be converted into action if we all play our role as a citizen in demanding action from our elected leaders. And to turn our words into action is the reason why we voted for our leaders in the Govt the first place. At least they do should do their part. If they are not doing anything, then the public should demand action using various medium to express thoughts and suggestions. I am very annoyed at the media questioning our efforts.

If you want to make a change, join me and the rest of the world by debating our thoughts, ideas and opinions in the hopes of converting our words into actions.

In honor of our fallen heroes, around the world

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:15:00 +0000

I can't stress enough the importance for each and every one of us to voice our opinions and thoughts, ethically. I am sure not only me, but there are others that would love to make a difference in life, just the methods are often incorrect or unavailable. I find that Facebook is a great platform as it gives us opportunities to reunite, without any prejudices, to speak our thoughts and hopefully changing it into action. We have set up a vigil/candle lighting event at our readers' disposal. To participate, you just need a Facebook account and join us by clicking on the vigil event that can be found here. It is important to honor our fallen heroes, safely of course.

Let's join hands in tackling and combating terrorism and numerous humanity issues through healthy debates. I want to see change. I want to reach out to those that can really help us raise our voices towards action. There is so much we can do, and debate is only the first step. This time, let's get our words out - loud and clear. UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL. Every one wants to make a change or a difference, so why not start here? You can also be involved in collating news, information and research using various online resources. Of course you would also be contributing your valuable ideas as well. We sincerely hope every one of you would contribute civilly and let's not turn this forum into a religion or communal issue. Encourage healthy debates by not engaging in religious and personal attacks. Gain respect by respecting each other. If interested, please drop us a comment or two, either here or at our Facebook group. We are happy to hear from you. God bless us all during this tough and trying times.

Mumbai...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:37:00 +0000

To every Indian across the globe,

in this difficult and tragic time...

We are saddened, angered and bewildered as we sat watching the act of cowardliness by terrorists. Speechless, feeling so dumbfounded and helpless. Hoping for an answer to when would this act of inhuman banish forever? It saddens me to think how would our future generation lead their life. Would it be as negative or more peaceful?

Media coverage has been quite fluid at the moment. Can't help it when they are also trying to seek proper and legitimate information from the authorities. Nevertheless, I am also viewing updates from a handful of latest tweets from two bloggers/twitters on their blogs, Vinu and Arun.

I shall retire to my bed now, after a sleepless night, with the thoughts of every Indian around the globe. May god bless you and your families, friends and loved ones with courage to overcome this challenging times in our lives.

image credit.

Speechless

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:02:00 +0000

It's official - Obama is the President elect of America. Americans have decided, so let's watch the outcome. Nevertheless, we are proud a history is created in this presidency. We are very happy for a change, though this change might be costly at such a fragile time in the US economy.

It was devastating watching McCain addressing his supporters after the devastating announcement. Listening to him confessing as quote, "being the one who failed Americans, and not Americans who failed him", end quote. I don't agree. I believe the Americans and America failed McCain. Today was the day, the chance to honor and appreciate McCain for his years of service and sacrifice for the country he loves so dearly. Yet, the glime and sadness linger in the air. Time stood still, and question mark visible on faces. Faces that strongly believed McCain's success would have paved for better opportunities in getting America back to shape - power and supremacy.

Hope still lingers. Prayers are stronger. Wishing for a star, to shine brighter.

Vote for John McCain & Sarah Palin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:43:00 +0000

No beating around the bush and no mention of the opposition party. Go out and vote for McCain-Palin. It's the only civilized solution. It's the only way for America to again rise above all and uphold it's integrity. Vote for McCain-Palin, the one and only sane to take the oath of office.

Vote for John McCain

Quote from JohnMcCain.com "America is hungry for change. Our economic recovery, continued national security and our future global standing are at stake. This election is in your hands. And there are clear differences in the choice you have on November 4th.

Instead of spreading wealth around, John McCain & Sarah Palin will spread opportunity. Barack Obama will raise taxes on hardworking Americans to give a government handout to the 40% of Americans who pay no income taxes. John McCain and Sarah Palin have an economic plan that celebrates the American dream of opportunity, not government giveaways. In this country, we believe in spreading opportunity, for those who need jobs and those who create them. While Barack Obama is ready to “spread the wealth around,” John McCain has a plan to get our economy moving so everyone has access to good jobs, a quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

John McCain and Sarah Palin don’t just talk about change... they deliver. The next President won’t have time to get used to the office. America faces many challenges here at home, and many enemies abroad in this dangerous world. We cannot spend the next four years as we have spent much of the last eight: hoping for our luck to change at home and abroad. We need a new direction, and John McCain and Sarah Palin will fight for it.

We can trust John McCain and Sarah Palin because they are reformers with a record who stand by their words and will always put their country first. Time and time again this team of mavericks has stood up, taken on tough issues and delivered. They’re the real deal. They have a clear record that can deliver results, not just rhetoric that delivers votes". end Quote.

For more information and for where to vote, please visit: www.JohnMcCain.com

God bless America, and the world.

No to Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Tarun) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

If I have to choose between someone who is honest, committed and has a proven record and someone who is corrupt, dishonest, has shady past and shady friends, I think my choice or for that matter, anyone's choice would be absolutely clear. Earlier we were listening to Rezko, Wright, around 1 Billion of pork , Bill Ayers and now one more coffin from his closet. This time of Palestinian Khalidi. I am not surprised. Khalidi was the guy who complained that Columbia University did not treat Ahmedinejad with respect. Columbia univ is known for its radical associations. Obama's home, he bought from Tony Rezk who is a slum lord in Chicago. Anyone who knows a bit about US knows about the drugs, violence, corruption in Chicago. Obama himself confessed about NAFTA that he went too far in the heat of election. Means he is bothered about getting elected and not about sincerely helping the economy. As Tito the builder said - They want to keep the poor at the bottom, give them crumbs and not let them grow. The wealth distribution does not work. Why would anyone work hard to redistribute wealth. There is a difference between being patriot and giving my money to someone else. I would give more tax to build roads, bridges but not to my neighbor since he makes less money.

Everyone should have opportunity but feeding others with my money is the worst. Obama is a smart orator who has a very questionable character. His promises are unrealistic and his past is horrific. He is a sweet talker but his past proves he is dangerous. We are judging a person by his words not his deeds. This certainly proves how much celebrity culture has affected our society though I rarely see a celeb doing any good. Why does Hollywood like Obama? Why did Hollywood raise more than 50 Million for Obama. They have historically been on the left. Hollywood feels an average man is wrenched. They make a lot of money and feel pity for everyone else. This is so sickening and I am feeling sick by the fact that Obama has been able to project that all of us are weak, incompetent and he is the savior. I hope people would not vote for him. I hope for my freedom, my future. I am worried when you don't let people work harder to get out of poverty but glorify it. The same politics that Chavez, Ahmedinejad, Kim Jong Ill, and some politicians like Mayawati in India do. American has been a great nation but as it is said in Hindi - VinaashKaale Vipareet Budhdhi - Menas when your destruction is near, your brain stop working. I think this is the state of American mind

Beacon of Hope - America

noreply@blogger.com (Tarun) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:58:00 +0000

With great power comes great responsibility. What does that mean? If I am the principal of my school, am I responsible to stop kids fighting after school hours? If I was a police officer, am I responsible to stop people from committing suicide?

OK, I think I need to explain in length. I have been trying to understand the pattern in the world's event so that I can find a safe place to live and a secure future. I spend few hours a day keeping myself abreast with the happenings in the world. From the Gulf war of 1990 to 9/11 to American invasion of Afghanistan to recent Israel's intrusion of Syrian Air space to Russian adventure in Northern Europe, there is never a day when I sit back and feel a bit secure. If I look at the pattern in the last few decades, most of the incidences have had USA involved directly or indirectly. Does that mean that USA is the cause of all the misery around the globe? Sometimes I feel USA is definitely not clean as it is involved in these incidences. But is it that since USA is involved in these incidences, they don't turn into world war? Since the fall of the great USSR, USA is undoubtedly the Super Power. Have we ever seen any era when there was one super power and it did not result in blood bath? Give Russia the might of USA, give Iran the fire power of USA, give Syria the money and muscle like USA and you can not even imagine the shape of the world. Napoleon's and Hitler's world are definitely not anyone's fancy as a world with one super power.

I do not admire the US style of justice or the way they try to bring things to order. It does not mean I don't support the cause they have in mind. But I am against the absolute responsibility of justice they have. I would rather use more might and firepower. If someone fires a bullet on me, I fire one back. This form of justice or justification is ridiculous. I use my power to respond and that's the way it should be. I would use whatever I can to stop radicalism and get back to my routine life than to engage on low level fight day in and day out.

For that matter, I think USA is the place anyone can go and live since there is no place on this earth where I think we have order. From the beaches of Australia to the Southern state of Thailand to Indian state of Kashmir to Afghan capital to Middle East to Germany to London, I don't feel safe anywhere. And I don't think any nation has the stomach to stand to problems. I feel safe in US since I know this place has an order whatsoever. There is not a sizable Muslim population in this country where people are getting fanatic and are sick. I don't like Western lifestyle but I appreciate their value of anyone's life and lifestyle. A blog is not the right and the most open forum for such a posting but I hope there would be some people who would be critical of my words. If anyone criticizes then I would write more to explain myself more or else I don't think its fun to write more and please myself :)

p/s: * as promised, more pictures from Diwali as below*.

Happy Diwali 2008!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Diwali ki Shubhkamnayein

Me and Tarun wishes all our families, friends, reader's and well wishers a very happy, prosperous and safe Diwali. Go easy on the fire-crackers guys ;)

Would post pictures later - it's still early Diwali morning here in the States.

* as promised, more pictures from Diwali as below*.

God bless...

Kiran & Tarun Srivastava

American Crisis - Inside view from an outsider

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 04:48:00 +0000

Living in US and watching it too closely and being an outsider gives me that unbiased view of what is happening in this country. The Mayhem at Wall Street and the Lowest level of politics in the history of US is not the cause of the problem but the symptom of the problem. America as a nation, and Americans in general are reaching lower and lower instead of trying to rise out of the mess. This crisis is unlike any other. Most of the earlier crisis resulted in a more resolute and stronger nation but this time we are seeing a weaker nation, weaker Americans and even weaker prospective President. The negative feeling regarding most of the things is indicative of the low confidence Americans have in themselves, their system and their country.

American economy has been on decline since long but borrowing has kept it afloat. More and more borrowing on the part of people and govt has kept the nation consuming like earlier without producing like earlier. One very striking difference that can be seen is between the aging and the young Americans. Aging Americans are hard working, self confident and compassionate where as young Americans are less confident, less hard working, less skilled and born with a sense of entitlement. Ignorance among the young is astounding.

But the biggest erosion is in the moral values. I see an all time low in the moral values of the American society as a whole. Politics has declined. Leaders are corrupt. People are ignorant. This is a recipe for disaster. We are seeing all this unfolding in front of our eyes.

This nation is so divided among the two - democrats and republicans, that they are spending more time in hating each other than debating their views. Both parties are thriving on hate for the other which does not result in any reasonable thought process. I see left wing's absolute wretched attacks against McCain and Palin finding support among people. This is clear indication of the level the politics has gone down. I see a real degradation of the American values everyday.
I hear from people that there are ups and downs of every society and American would rise again but I have my serious doubts about this time. The country has never been so weak financially, militarily, politically and most importantly morally.

Time will tell if American can come back. But I think time would tell how much American can come back as I am confident it can never come back to it's past glory.

QotD: Recession or Depression?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:57:00 +0000

We are all feeling the effects of the market crash. Some people have lost a lot in the market in terms of 401K and some have lost their jobs as well. So now that we are all into it together, the most important question is - When is this going to end? And the answer can be found only if we knew exactly what we are into? Some say we are into Recession and some say we are into Depression. For a nation (USA) as a whole, we are certainly in Recession and slipping into Depression every single day. For individuals though, it is extremely personal. When you have lost your job, it actually is Depression. If you are cutting on your expenses, lost in 401K and stocks and worried about job, then it is Recession.

So personally we all know what is happening but as a nation we need to analyze. So now that we surely are into Recession as a nation, what is the benchmark for a Depression? A sustained Recession is classified as Depression. So now from the results and stats, we are into recession since last 6-9 months. If this continues for another 6-9months, we would be in depression. Looking at the financial state, we dont see a bottom right now for the market and economy. I think market is going to stabilize around 5000. My assumptions are based on P/E ratios for DJIA companies and I see that 5000 is still an inflated number. But some logical thinking says that markets reflect futures as well so we can say that 5000 seems reasonable.
Now away from the market, how do we know we are stabilizing our life styles, our expenses. we borrow from future in terms of auto loan, home loan and credit card loan. So now we have borrowed enough from future and we need to go into future with less expenses. So we would see for quite some time, people would cut spending and save some more because of the shaken finances. Result? - A very likely Depression.
The other problem that comes with Depression is that people cut back and dont spend long time after the problem is over. So it is not going to be easy for long long time.

So now that I think we are into Recession and going into Depression, what do we need to do? We need to make sure we prioritise our expenses on monthly basis and expenses on spendings that can be avoided. Make sure you know that 2 gallons of Silk Soyamilk costs 1$ less at Walmart. You know what costs how much and where. So now that we have a long time problem in our front, we need to be careful and judicious in what we are spending. And in the end we need to keep each other informed and entertained by cheaper means - BLOGGING:)

- Tarun

I am back... with bits and pieces to share

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Happy Navratri and Dushera everyone!

My dear Hubby, thanks a lot for covering some post whilst I was away tucked under heaps of books and research. I hope many of you out there indulged in Tarun's view on political and economical situation. I want to hear more on that from you guys. My MBA has bogged me down with quite to do for the last few weeks. This semester is over now, looking forward to my last semester which is just around the corner. So I have many agenda to catch up with before the deadly semester starts ;)

I need to start preparing for Karva Chauth and Diwali which is just around the corner. Gosh, I can't wait for Diwali. It would be the first Diwali in our new home. We need to do lots of shopping and planning. On a personal note, I need to catch up with some friends over tea and coffee, getting in new flower pots and shrubs for my garden and the lists goes on and on.

Hubby has suggested to go for a new website. Our own website, YAY! I would need some domain name and web hosting suggestions. Anyone out there to give us a few tips?

We have not watched enough movies lately. I think the last movie we watched was ... aarr... wait, i can remember...yes i can, come on! yikes! It's been a while since we sat and watched a movie together! Right now I am hooked on Khuda Jaane, from Bachna Ae Haseeno. I love the song!

Life here can be pretty routine and hectic sometimes. I need to catch up on some reading. I love Sophie Kinsella's array of books. They are very amusing, witty and fun to read. It is sort of a way to relax at the end of the day, with a nice book and a cup of bubble tea. Yum! I would read and provide review on the book once it's completed.

I just discovered Tumblr. I think it's a cool medium for short blog on links, photos, videos and many cool features. Check it out, I've created a link on the title bar above labeled WeTumblr.

xoxo

QotD: Why not to vote for Obama?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:02:00 +0000

Obama's past is full of 1 Billion of pork, Rezko, Aires, Wright, clinging to guns and religion statement, flip flopping on NAFTA and the list goes on. He is a smart orator but I would vote on a person's character and not on his promises. His actions in past have been not decent and I don't think he is a good choice. An analogy would be with a crook just out of prison who is a good orator and promising all goods for my money when I know his past is full of shady deals. God save America. We are doomed. Believe me, we are doomed. Moreover his wife this year said she has never been proud of American. This is ridiculous. A man is known by the company he keeps. A man can make an impression on what he has done and not on he promises to. We are believing Obama are for his words not his deeds. The age of celebrity endorsements. Why does Hollywood like Obama? For this reason only. In real life they are all failures but in reel life they are all impressive and smart. Obama would run the nation like these stars run their personal life. We are doomed believe me. I am scared to death for the future.

-Tarun

The fall of the Greatest Empire

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:34:00 +0000

I am not talking about the Romain Empire, I am talking about the American Empire. There is a saying in Sanskrit - 'VinashKaley Vipareet Budhdhi'. It is such a precise statement if you know Sanskrit. It somewhat means that at the time of great calamity, brain stops working. We are at a juncture in history when we can make or break the American Empire. All signs point towards it demise. Lowest levels of personal savings since the Great Depression. Highest level of bankruptcy ever. Highest rate of foreclosure ever.

But all this is reversible. Once Americans cut back on their erratic expenses, we would be good. There is something else which is eroding this country and no one talks about it. What has made America the Super Power at the first place? Its immense human capital. But wait, its not all about the American brain. Its about all the brains from all over the world who grow up living the American Dream and find their home in this land of opportunities. This is called Brain Drain all over the world. But now we are seeing reverse brain drain. People from different parts of the world are leaving for their homes or finding other places. This is resulting in not just American loosing its advantage but other nations catching up faster. No one is talking about that. And on top of it, we are going to add 30 Mil illegals into the system. That is 10% of the workforce. So we are loosing the smartest at an alarming rate and adding the least competent in today's information world at a catastrophic rate.

As we saw the Wall St choking because of bad sentiments in the week, we are seeing choking in the flow of best brains to America. Americans have one of the lowest per capita debt in developed world. But that is changing at an alarming rate. We are adding personal debt and govt debt at a pace never seen before. We are not moving towards doomsday but rather zooming towards it.

The current generation is born with a sense of entitlement. They seem to be out of touch with the realities of the economy. There is no way we would see jobs returning to US. They did not leave because Americans did not want to do it. The jobs went offshore since it made more business sense. Financially and in terms of skills as well. So if we want to bring jobs back, we need to make American salaries lower than Asian and Americans more skilled than Asians. With the level of current Mathematical skills, the second option is not possible. So the only way to bring jobs back is to reduce the salary. So it means yes, we can bring the jobs back but the salaries need to be cut by more than 50% to make it competent for businesses to bring it back. So job loss is permanent. Reverse Brain Drain is going on at a rate faster than Brain Drain has ever been. So loss of skilled people is permanent. Means we are letting skilled people go away, adding more unskilled to the country( illegal immigrants) and we are incompetent. What does all this indicate? That we are heading towards disaster. And what are politicians bothered about? Climate Change.

You know why I wrote this? Because I am soon going to be a part of the reverse brain drain.

- Tarun

QotD: Why should McCain win?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:24:00 +0000

First of all, I am neither a Democrat nor Republican. But I wanted to make a point, so thought of posting it here. History proves that people who has military background never fought long battles. They fought short and brutal war. And that's precisely what we need in Iraq. Obama would drag US into either a prolonged war without any exit in sight or would blunder pulling troops out endangering the last few battalions. The death toll in the last few months would exceed the rest of the war. Pulling out prematurely would result in dangerous escalation. It is exactly like aiming a shot at the back of a troop. The option that we have now is to win a brutal and short war. But with Obama, there is no hope of that. He is a weak politician. The best possible way out is Obama's timeline with McCain's strategy. McCain can adapt Obama's timeline. But Obama cannot adapt McCain's strategy. So I would like to see McCain win the election so that we can get out of Iraq ASAP with VICTORY and minimum loss. Obama's plan is too dangerous to think of. No one wants war. But that thought is over. We already are fighting one. So better win it fast and precise. I know this is wishful thinking but American's hatred towards Bush has blinded the people from what could be consequences of another 4 years from now. History would prove that Obama was the worst choice that could have happened to American at it's worst of time.

- Tarun

Tagged by Mahak!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 06:35:00 +0000

Finally a tag from my new blog friend, Mahak. Her blog is simply a delight to read. This is the first time any one had actually tagged me. Bear with me if my answers are a little orthodox or amateurish :)

The tag comes with the following rules:

RULE #1 People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 Tag 6 people to do this quiz and they cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by, cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by, and must continue this game by sending it to other people.

If your lover betrayed you, what will your reaction be?
Kick him for sure ! Physically and out of the relationship!
If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
To attend my big sister's marriage :( We missed it :(
What is your idea of a perfect date?
Effort. If me or hubby makes an effort to be there for each other, that is a perfect date for me :)
What would you do with a billion dollars?
I would definitely donate a huge chunk and go for shoe shopping afterward ;)
Will you fall in love with your best friend?
I would and I am :)
Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
I don't believe in one sided love. Loving each other is important.
How long do you intend to wait for someone you really love?
Forever, since I've waited for him and we are now married :) A real life testimony!
If the person you secretly like is already attached, what would you do?
Nothing. It's just "liking" and not "loving". More of having a crush, than love. So, I won't do anything.
If you like to act with someone, who will it be? Your gf/bf or an actress/actor?
My hubby. By the way, I do not and don't know how to act !
What’s your favorite love quote?
"Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all"-St. Augustine.
How would you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Having a great family of our own and an established career.
What’s your fear?
Losing the ones I love...
What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is? An intelligent person, with a bright and bubbly personality!
Would you rather be single and rich or married but poor?
I am already married and we are richly in love :)
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Switch the noisy alarm off.
Would you give all in a relationship?
We have, we are and we will. Solemnly :)
If you fall in love with two people simultaneously, who would you pick?
How can one fall in love with two people? I can't do that in the first place.
Would you forgive and forget, no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
I might forgive, but I don't think that I would forget.
If you get to go back in time and fall in love all over again, would it still be with the same person?
Definitely! We are destined. We are soul mates :)
List 6 people to tag:
I am tagging every one who has not done this tag. Enjoy!

xoxo

Biggest Pork Bill - $700 Billion

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:10:00 +0000

Average Home Cost in USA - around $215,000. Lets say the average home cost for a home in foreclosure is $200,000. We can buy around 3.5 Million homes with $700 Billion. Easy and straight forward. Why does this not happen? Simply because these Wall Street executives have packaged them, sold them and named them so many times that no one knows about the original mortgage.
So now that the Congress has decided to spend $700Billion to rescue these Wall St bankers who drew around $400Billion salaries and $60 Billion as bonuses just last year, the questions is where does the money come from?
I would have not bothered if the money was coming from Investors. Means they are willing to pay for it. Like the way they invested in these so called Financial Institutions whom I call the Thugs. But since Congress is going to invest which earns nothing -nada- from anywhere except from the tax payer, I am wondering about my future tax bills. There are only two ways to take this tab - either increase the taxes or decrease spending. They chose to spend 700B. So the second option is out of question. So increase taxes is the other way out. But we all are not going to see any increase in taxes.

So the question is - where does the money come from?
Simple - Take Country Equity Loan. Sounds weird? Yes. Like the way we take Home Equity Loan against our homes, Govt would take Country Equity Loan against the country. In simple words, we are mortgaging our nation to bail out these thugs. Now if this was in national interest, I was for it. But who is going to gain out of it - The Chinese and the Saudis and the Sheikhs (in the form of Sovereign funds). Since they were the ones who bought MOST of these shares, they were the ones who were loosing on it. What it means? We would borrow from the Chinese and the Sheikhs to pay them back.
And why do we have to pay them back at the first place? It was like any investment going bad. Now the real answer is - Once we pay them back, they would reinvest the same money in these banks, these corporate executives or the white collared Thugs would again draw billions in salaries and bonus. We would pay taxes to keep their lifestyle.
Why do we have to bail them out? Since they are hand in glove with the Congress. Simple. Where would the money actually go? Around 300 Billion in executive pays on Wall St. (let's presume there is no Bonus this year). Means in the very first year of we pumping in the money in Wall St, it would be disbursed as salary for these Thugs. So once they get their salaries, they would be running their companies. Or else they wouldn't. The bottom line is from 700Billion, we would be paying Wall St salaries for 2 years.
How does it help the economy?
GOD KNOWS.

Tarun

Note: These are personal opinions and reflections of the blog author(s).

Poll

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:49:00 +0000

Howdy! I've created a poll on the right. I need your genuine opinion(s) on this matter. Feel free to leave a comment or two if you do not fancy polls. Don't worry, I will not judge you for that. Happy polling!

xoxo

Overwhelmed...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:37:00 +0000

I am back after a few days of snooze from the blogging world and countless of sleepless nights. Anxious to share some of my encounters, highlights and news around the globe for the past few weeks. Hopefully by the end of this post, you won't snooze off to sleep.

Anyways..

Several devastating news lingering on us from all around the world. It has been a global epidemic for a few weeks now. Whether it's humanity, environmentally, economically or politically challenges. I was not able to write about my experiences during tropical storm FAY. Wanted to share with you the glimpse out of my window when the horrible storm took place.

We stocked on various nonperishable food items, water, candles, flash, etc. Our laptops and important documents were put away safely just in case we need to rush out of the house and go some where safe. We were on alert for hurricane Fay. By the time it hit us, the status changed from "hurricane" to "tropical storm". We were so relieved. Unfortunately, we can't say the same else where. Devastation was apparent in other counties where water level continued rising for a couple of feet. It was a pretty frightening experience. Nevertheless we were again on alert for other hurricane warnings; Gustav, Hanna and Ike. Thank god we surpassed away from it. What a nightmarish experience.

ISA detainees updates 2
Sept 18 - Another blogger arrested under the Sedition Act. On Sept 20th, he was released on police bail. I will not comment further as his arrest was legitimate. Read here.

An update from my previous post.
Sept 19 - Teresa Kok is finally released from the ISA! You can read here for more information on her release.

Sept 24 - Sad to say that blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin is announced to be further detained for 2 years for blogging on topics considered by authorities to be, quote "maligned Islam, and being malicious and seditious". Quote was from article The News Straits Times Online.

Where is justice?

Delhi blast
From my previous post.

Lehman Brothers melt-down & Merill Lynch sub-prime mortgage crisis
Gone are those days when these Wall Street investment bank's bask in their glory and name. Lehman is down without the fruit of it's poor performance and management labor. Fortunate or unfortunate, Barclays plc stepped in and acquired the ailing company. It is apparent that Chapter 11 bankruptcy translates itself as a lenient law easily misuse by corporate giants to dance their trouble away with billions of dollars at stake.

And I quote from Wikipedia,

"in New York, on September 15, 2008, shortly before 1am, Lehman Brothers Holdings announced it would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection citing bank debt of $613 billion, $155 billion in bond debt, and assets worth $639 billion".

This filing marks the largest bankruptcy in the U.S history. Then, comes Merill Lynch. Why bother discussing and writing about them. Their CEO's are basking in glory, especially Merill Lynch's ex-CEO Stan O'neal. With a whopping compensation package of US$161millon, wonder why the U.S government next steps would include the disastrous bail-outs of corporate mis-managements?

U.S. government bail-outs 2008
Bear Stearns US$30 billion
Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac US$200 billion
AIG US$85 billion

*source of bail-out figures.

Wall Street pleading for US$700 billion bail-out!
The talks on the market now is about US$700 billion bail-out plan for Wall Street. First thing first. $700 billion is a huge amount. Gigantic! Enormous! I would say Ginormous. What's going on in Wall Street? Money is being swindled by the so called "speculators" and fund managers. Left and right, back and front. It's obvious. And how did WS justify the huge amount needed from the U.S government? It's all politics. Not in the frontlines, but in Wall Street. Not in the Main Street, but the corporate misconducts in handling and governing their fund managers and speculators who thrieves in their method to make quick big bucks and leave the Americans to pay for the consequences.

Everything was and is blamed on the mortgage crisis. If we talk about bail-outs, why weren't there any for mortgage crisis? Why isn't there any plans to provide funds in the effort to recover the mortgage crisis directly? Why is the U.S govt even considering and debating with Wall Street funding? Why not fund the root of all the problems and not deteriorate it further? These are some of many questions, I believe, an average American tax-payers are seeking for an answer. I am one of them, unfortunately. I don't like talking politics, not on my blog. But this is the only place where I can freely share my view and frustrations. Everything is just falling apart, around us. And it is just too much to take in.

xoxo

MIA...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:29:00 +0000

Noticed I have not post anything for almost a week now? That is because I am focusing all my energy towards completing my MBA theses. Shall be back with updates on my blog some time next week. Drop in a comment or two and motivate me :D

Have a nice week and weekend ahead.

xoxo

ISA detainess update 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:30:00 +0000

-update-

Sin Chew journalist Tan Hoon Cheng is released from ISA on Sept 14th 2008 after 1 day arrest. Read details of her return here and her report on the ISA arrest experience here and on mysinchew.com.

Update is based on my previous post.

xoxo

New Delhi Blast

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Oh my god! I can never fathom what has just happened. My in laws, families and friends are in Delhi, and thank god they are all doing fine and well. Our thought and prayers goes out to the ones affected and hoping for the safety of the rest, as we all try to digest what just happened. Act of terrorism existing in the 21st century, is hard to believe, and this have been going on all the time, every where around the globe. This is a cowardly and selfish act, claiming to be heroic by the minorities who believes in killing the innocents and not obeying the law. There are other ways of negotiating. I shall not write or comment more on these terrorist as I do not want to glorify them in writing.

I shall bid adieu now, with the thought and prayers of Delhians safety. It is a very emotional time. For all of us.

xoxo

Justice...where art thou?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:58:00 +0000

I am thoroughly devastated...

Recently, it has been difficult reading Malaysian news. Politicians like Datuk Ahmad Ismail should be detained under the ISA for calling all chinese in Malaysia squatters. Instead of feeling guilty or apologetic, he believes he did NO wrong in saying so. I can't imagine if we were let out loose if any one of other race, be it Chinese or Indian, were to make such derogatory remarks about the Malays. Can they explain justice in this? This politician is now walking free without any detention, merely a 3 year suspension from UMNO.

It is time to abolish ISA and come to the terms of basic human rights. Let's begin listening for once and not shun Malaysians who wants their voice to be heard and justice prevail. Three ISA detainees, namely Raja Petra Kamaruddin a blogger, Teresa Kok a state assemblyman and Tan Hoon Cheng a journalist, are going through significant ramifications for sharing their ideas and beliefs. Race has been a huge issue in this country. How long would the majorities ill treat the minorities and turn our country into shambles? Known to many as a multi-racial country, we are heading towards a road of colorless beliefs, ethics and ethnicity. Wake up people, it is just not about YOU, it's all about US, EVERY ONE OF US.

Instead, bloggers and journalists are being targeted under a draconian law. One of basic human rights I believe is freedom of speech. The right to express or challenge opinions legitimately. Not by living in a cocoon society where one is under scrutiny 24 7. A monarchy ruling and government that constitutes democratic parliamentary, surely the people of Malaysia expects more than just a push-over political tactic every now and then.

MALAYSIA BOLEH! God bless...

To know more about Malaysia and the ISA, visit The World Factbook, Wikipedia and ISA.
For detailed news on the ISA detainees, read here where it all started.

xoxo

Mix vegetable fried rice

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:55:00 +0000

I love looking and always looking for some inspirations to inspire me in my kitchen. I am kind of a non-veg and vegetarian meal person. Meaning, I can survive just by consuming vegetarian food (not too long though). I find it a challenge to always try and come up with something new and different to enhance our daily palette. Indian food and recipes has been adorning my kitchen for some time now. But me and Tarun are planning to change our diets by incorporating some Asian (Chinese influence) and Indian recipes. I am from Malaysia, a land of multi-colored society. We are blessed with the opportunity to learn and sample a vast variety of dishes from Chinese cuisine, to Thai to Indian and Indonesian palettes. Chinese cooking is by far my favorite in terms of dietary values and vegetarian recipes. So I came up with a recipe of mix vegetable fried rice, with some Chinese umph and Indian kick added to it. Let's begin cooking, shall we?

First, let me introduce you to the cast members:

1 Red bell pepper
2 sprigs scallions
1.5 cup mung bean sprouts
Handful of radishes
1 medium diced red onion
2 tbsp ginger paste
2.5 tbsp garlic paste
2 green chilies
2 tbsp lite soy sauce
2 tbsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tbsp cracked black pepper
2 tbsp of cooking oil
2 cups of cooked Basmati rice

Method:
Add cooking oil into a searing hot wok. Fry the onions till lightly brown, add turmeric and garam masala powder. Proceed to add ginger and garlic paste. Then add green chilies, red bell pepper, radishes, lite soy sauce and cracked black. Stir fry for a minute. Finally add rice, scallions, mung bean spouts and salt to taste. Mixed vege fried rice is ready in 10 minutes! Serve hot!

Go on, try the recipe and let me know how it turned out. Try adding or substituting varieties of vegetables such as carrots, green capsicum, green beans etc. Enjoy cooking!

xoxo

India... here we come!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:33:00 +0000

Been occupied for many days now. I have a few more thesis to go before the semester break. That's a relief. We are also planning a trip to India early '09. I can hardly contain myself. It's my first trip ever! I am very excited! But I would need some suggestions:

Venue: New Delhi & surroundings

1. Places that I must visit & why?

2. Shopping venue for (home decor, personals etc)everything a girl loves?

3. Shopping must-haves (suggestions)?

4. What food must I try and suggestions on venue?

5. Do's and Dont's.

6. Tips, suggestions or advice?

Drop me a comment. I would love to know more about India and get an early head start on planning for the trip.

xoxo