A non golfer's dilemma!

For a non golfer, terms like birdie, eagle etc makes one believe that golfers love all types of birds. Most golfers also think so. However, some research on the web laid to rest this feathered love. "Birdie", meaning one under par comes from early 20th century American slang term BIRD which meant anything excellent. The Atlantic City Club traces the usage to 1903, when Ab Smith made this comment on the par four second hole for the second shot which landed inches next to the pin. Almost in quick time EAGLE came into vogue as two under par, a terrific shot in those days, which could only be represented by the American symbol. Three under was rarer and across the Pacific; it was named ALBATROSS.  The yanks still called it DOUBLE EAGLE.

Rarer still is CONDOR, an almost impossible hole in one on a par 5. There have been only four recorded Condors in the history of golf, all on dog leg par 5s. The longest was 517 yards and the latest as close as 2016.

OSTRICH seems to be a fantasy term for a one under par 6 or 2 under par 7. Since there are not too many par 6s and 7s, this seems to be a creation of figment of someone's imagination, verified by Google. GIGO.

On the flip side of the scorecard, a double bogey is a BUZZARD, a triple bogey is, naturally TURKEY. These terms are generally not in vogue but nice to know. And now, after your goose is cooked, you can appear brighter on the course. FORE.


Tailpiece.

Had got up promptly at 6 and saw Maman putting his talking papers in order, for use, at New Delhi. Got through the chores and was ready well in time. Chambu, too, had accompanied us at a half past 8 and I was the first to be dropped at the RTC bus stand at Thampanoor before the car left for the airport. Got the 9 'o clock low floor, a/c bus to Ernakulam but had dropped me at the Vyttila junction from where I'd to cross over to reach the hub in the unbearable heat!

Lekha had already arrived at the hub, along with Padmakumar and Rema and we missed the low floor bus to Kozhikode just leaving the bus bay, packed with people. We boarded the private bus that was purring to go to Guruvayur and realised at the end of the journey that it took an inordinately long time to reach the destination! The bus crew didn't seem to be in a hurry and we advanced at rather low speeds and the bus was jam packed throughout. Had lunch packed by Rema and boy, wasn't it good?

We reached 'The Quarterdeck' a trifle after 7 and the unpacking and opening up of the house was undertaken in right earnest. It was a quiet yet late evening!  

The Anglo Indians of Pakistan.

The Anglo Indians in Pakistan are long gone, swallowed up by the passage of time, driven out to fend for themselves. But in their extinction lies a bigger tragedy.

They were fun people, adding a swing and vibrancy to our society that in many ways became the new fresh spirit that was Pakistan. Those of us who grew up with them, watched with considerable sadness as family after family left this country to go and live abroad. In retrospect, they were wise. Look at our shameless bestiality towards minorities.

The Anglo Indians were deliberately created by the British for a specific purpose to protect their own interests within India., the jewel in the crown. They were ethnically engineered and encouraged to adopt British mannerisms. Without them, the British Empire in India would have collapsed.

Anglo Indians virtually ran the railways, post and telegraph, police, customs, education, nursing, healthcare, import/export, shipping, tea, coffee and tobacco plantations, coal mines and gold reserves. They became great teachers, nurses, priests and doctors. The ladies were debonair, confident, skillful and the best executive secretaries, special assistants and office managers. There were no one to match them.

Anglo Indians worked hard and loved socialising. The dance floors were full on Saturday nights with Jam Sessions on Sunday afternoons. At the hangouts, Karachi particularly with Lahore catching up all the time and Sam's in Murree, the Anglo Indians could set a floor on fire as they jived, jitterbugged, rocked and rolled, swung, waltzed or shook sensuously to Latin-flavoured mind blowing melodies. And it was on the dance floors that you saw girls who could break your heart with just a look, hair tossing, laughing their pretty heads off as adept and handsome male escorts took them through the paces.

Anglo Indians congregated in special areas within the cities. Their homes were always warm and inviting. In Lahore, they were behind. The Indus Hotel on The Mall, in the environs of the railway colony and in residential areas where family names like D'souzas were as common as Mohammad Iqbals today. In Karachi, names like Peedy Street, Elphi were synonymous with them. They were not very affluent but you were always welcomed with a cold beer, a quick rum shot if it was nippy and at Christmas time. The special cakes made to order with each family guarding its secret recipe passed from generation to generation.

In Karachi, Anglo Indians were seen at all the clubs and night spots where superb musicians played jazz, rock, even fusion or whatever you fancied. There was no shortage of Anglo Indian Live Bands like The Strollers, Francisco Boys, The Bugs, The Cossacks, Willie Po and the Boys. The crowd (inspired by that superb hit from Ramsay Lewis was all the rage then), The Drifters, The Panthers, The Talisman Set, The Keynotes, Flintstone, The Fatah Brothers, Captivators and the Saints of Rawalpindi (now surely replaced by the devil's incarnate).

Nightclubs with foreign acts especially in Karachi were all the rage. Agents, artists, con men, musicians, strippers, belly dancers all arrived at this bustling port city. Jazz legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Byrd, Benny Carter and Quincy Jones came here and they loved Karachi and this country called Pakistan.

Sadly, as all good things must come to an end, the 1972 laws enforced by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to please the religious fundamentalists was the beginning of the grand finale. The Anglo Indian Circus left town never to come back. The new clowns carry guns, not guitars and people live in fear. Fun and Laughter has changed to Sorrow and Anguish.

Note. Karachi was a twin city to Bombay. This interesting article on Anglo Indians in old Pakistan was written by Masood Hasan, a Lahore-based columnist.


Tailpiece.

Had got up by 7, went through the chores and was ready well in time. Was at the Foundation and spent time basically to help Maman for his trip to New Delhi tomorrow. He'll return by the weekend. I shall be returning to Guruvayur and have asked Lekha to join me at the Vyttila hub from where we will journey together. Spoke to Padmakumar and Rema, too, about my intentions. Went to the Gandhari Amman 'kovil' in the evening.

The story of Samba.

One of the most disturbing stories that we find in the Puranas is the story of Krishna's son, Samba whose mother was the bear-princess, Jambavati.

He dupes his father's junior wives by disguising himself as Krishna and is cursed by Krishna that he will suffer from a skin disease that will enable his wives to distinguish father and son. Samba is cured after he builds temples to the sun. All sun temples in India, from Konark in Orissa to Modhera in Gujarat to Markand in Kashmir are attributed to this son of Krishna.

Samba also attempts to kidnap Duryodhana's daughter and this leads to war between the Kauravas and the Yadavas. Peace is restored and the marriage is solemnised only after Balarama, Krishna's elder brother and Samba's uncle, in a fit of fury threatens to drag Hastinapur into the sea.

Then there is the story of Samba pretending to be a pregnant woman and duping sages who were visiting Dwarka. The sages were not amused and cursed Samba that he would give birth to an iron mace that would be responsible for the end of the Yadav clan.

Must not Krishna's son be as noble and divine and loving as Krishna? But that was not so. Samba comes with his own personality and his own destiny, over which Krishna has no influence. Or does he?

Can we wonder if Samba was a product of his father's neglect? For, was not Krishna spending most of his time with Arjuna and the Pandavas and in the politics of Kurukshetra?

There are hardly any stories of Krishna as father. He is friend, philosopher and guide to Arjuna but the only stories of father and son are of tension, rage and violence.

In conversations about corporations, we often forget about the other half of our lives, the personal one. As more and more people are working 24x7, thanks to Internet and smart devices, the lines between professional and personal, work and life are getting blurred. In fact, people feel noble when they sacrifice family for work and guilty when they take a holiday to take care of their family.

Family is not seen as achievement. Children are not seen as purpose. They are seen as obligations, duties, by-products of existence, even collateral damage!

We admire leaders who sacrifice family for a 'larger' cause. Like freedom fighters who neglect their wives and children. Like businessmen and entrepreneurs and consultants who spend most of their time in office.

With the rise of feminism, women are also working. Parenting has been outsourced to maids, teachers, computers, videogames and grandparents.

Women who work in the office have not been compensated by their husbands spending more time at home. Instead women are made to feel guilty for not being good mothers. No one questions men for not being good fathers. Eventually, the office wins. Absent parents rationalise how office is more important than the children : we need the money, the children eventually grow up, surely our needs are also important.

Many great Krishnas in the workplace discover that they have nurtured Sambas at home : sons who either follow destructive paths as they seek attention or sons who make their way away from parents, as they have grown used to not having them around. Who wins?

Corporations were supposed to create wealth for the family. Now families are creating only workers for the corporation.

We have many more Krishnas in this generation and maybe many Sambas in the next.


Tailpiece.

Had got up leisurely and both Maman and I went to the Parasurama temple at Thiruvallam to conduct the ceremony on the occasion of dad's eighth remembrance day. The traffic warden, Ajitha, allowed us to park our car at a forbidden zone close to the entrance, taking into account Maman's age - damn sweet of her. Looked for her at the time of our departure - to thank her for her kindness - but couldn't meet her.

Harishchandra 'thirumeni' helped me get a spot for carrying out the 'bali tharpanam'; had it not been for him, we would have got late. The 'thil homam' was done and the puja payasam was collected.

We reached the Foundation, in time, to go through the discussions on Muthachhan's biography in English with Sathyan, the author. We went through the script and effected changes; in the process, had a late lunch - of puries and coffee from the Indian Coffee House, nearby - at 1530 hrs! Our discussions had gone beyond three hours, phew!

We, then, set for Neyyattinkara to discuss a legal issue regarding a property that houses one of our production units in the block panchayat. Before the discussions, we had 'darshan' of the good Lord at the famous Sri Krishna temple that also, once upon a time, housed the famous 'Ammachi plaavu' in whose trunk, there was a crevice in which King Marthanda Varma had hidden to escape the persecution from his enemies, the Ettuveettil Pillamaar! The legend has it that it was the good Lord, dressed as a young man, who'd guided the king into this safe shelter!!

On completion of another round of discussions and after handing over the case to the advocate, we had returned comparatively early!

   

My mom's saree 'pallu'.

I don't think our kids know what a 'pallu' is as mothers now rarely wear saree. The principle use of Ma's pallu was to provide the elegance to her drape. But along with that, it also served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the stove.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears and as a hand towel.

For sleeping kids her lap was the mattress and her pallu, the warm cover.

When company came, those pallus were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when going out as little kids, the pallu became an anchor, a guide to follow the Mom in the big bad world.

And when the weather was cold, Ma wrapped it around her arms.

Those glorious saree pallus wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that pallu. It doubled as her apron too.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the pallu was used to bring in berries and sweet scented flowers that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old saree pallu could dust in a matter of seconds.

It carried so many toys, a proper basket.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time saree pallu' that served so many purposes.

The pallu is nothing but magic woven.

And know what this pallu carried.....I don't think I ever caught anything from my mom's pally - but love.

Note. From 'Nostalgia bites'....author unknown!


Tailpiece.

Got up around a half past 6, went through the chores and was ready well in time. Maman and I went to the Foundation by about a half past 9. The entire day was spent there formulating letters and exchanging ideas. In the evening, there was the 458th edition of the 'Aazhchakootam' that had the district BJP President, Advocate Suresh speaking about the CAA and the NRC. Gave my inputs, too.
We returned home early. 

Lebanon is gone and lost, let's keep India safe.

I'm genuinely sorry for it!

Why CAA and NRC are the last chance for India's existence........wake up! Lebanon is a glaring example of what can go wrong.

In the 1970s, Lebanon was called 'Paradise' and its capital Beirut was the 'Paris of the East'. The Lebanese Christians are some of the oldest Christians in the world, preceded only by the oriental Orthodox of Armenia and Copts of Egypt.

Lebanon was a progressive, tolerant and multi-cultural society, just like India is today. Lebanon had some of the best Universities in Middle East where children from all over Arabia used to come and study. And then they used to stay there and work.

Lebanese banking was one of the best banking systems in the world. Despite not having oil, Lebanon had a great economy. The Lebanese society's progressiveness can be gauged from the '60s Hindi film 'An Evening in Paris', which was also shot in Lebanon!

Now the sad bit. The Islamic population of Lebanon was growing steadily and the Muslims were producing many more kids than the Christians and the kids were slowly being radicalised due to their lack of education!

In the 1970s, there was unrest in Jordan and liberal Lebanon was made to open its doors to "Palestinian refugees" by their Muslim leaders to show "true compassion"! However, by 1980, Lebanon was exactly in the same condition as Syria is in today!!

Jihadists, who entered as 'refugees' started ethnic cleansing of the native Christians resulting in untold number of deaths. No one came to save and people who couldn't adjust to this violence, left Lebanon in waves and waves of emigration.

As a result of the deaths and emigrations, the Lebanese Christian population, which was 60% in 1970, whittled down to a mere 37% in 30 years. Today, there are more Lebanese people living outside of Lebanon than within and their right to return has been blocked by the Muslim majority through laws. The doors are now sealed shut!

The sad story of Lebanon is only 30 years old!

India needs to learn from Lebanese history. There is a need to be vigilant against the Crusaders like Rohingyas, Bangladesh intruders and also the Enemies within!!

Wake up India! 

Note. Adapted from Seshan Iyer's 'India learn from Lebanon!'

PS.

Did you know that India cannot have NRC but today,
     - Bangladesh already has NRIC;
     - Pakistan already has NADRA,
     - Malysia already has NRD.


Tailpiece.

Our day had begun at 4, with Lekha's cellphone alarm going off. Went through our chores and were ready much before 7. Hamid was at our gate on the dot at 7 and we got dropped at the RTC bus stand. The bus to Vyttila left Guruvayur at a quarter past 7, but thanks to two massive traffic snarls enroute, we reached the bus stand only by a quarter to 10. Padmakumar was waiting for us and after a quick snack, saw them off to Thrippunithura and continued to wait at the hub to join up with Maman, at an appropriate time.

At a half past 11, we met up at the Lulu Mall and had discussions regarding the exhibition. A quick lunch and we were at the Cochin Shipyard for discussions. After wrapping up our engagements, we shaped our course to Thiruvananthapuram by about a quarter past 5.

Reached Thiruvananthapuram by 2300 hrs and worked out our strategies.

From here and there.

News that have made the headlines. It makes me wonder as to why such things happen and perhaps, one cannot fathom the sinister minds that strive to get into the headlines....Well, as someone had said, it makes a whole lot of people, with varying mindsets, that go to make this world. So, without much ado, let's begin:-

  (a) Deepika Padukone in JNU.

        Each and every one of us is entitled to have our own political affiliations and we can flaunt it
        unabashedly. So what if Deepika, the Bollywood diva, has leftist leanings? She's free to follow
        her ideals and no one has the right to say that she's wrong. I was under the impression that she
        supported the Congress because I happened to hear quite a while back that she was rooting for
        Rahul Gandhi as the country's Prime Minister. Good again, because that's her point of view.

        But what changes the dimensions here, is that, she had got into the JNU campus to be with the
        students agitating - for a change of the Vice Chancellor and a reduction in fees. What's the
        connection between the movie, "Chhapaak" - she plays an acid attack victim in it - with the
        reasons for which the students were agitating?

        Couldn't get the connection whatsoever or am I dumb not to understand? Definitely an uncalled
        for visit by the actress....and this is no way to promote a film!

        But I'm still gonna watch the movie because I'm eager to know as to how the movie makers have
        handled a sensitive subject like that?


  (b) The CPM Caught on the Wrong Foot, Yet Again!

        Yesterday was the 24-hour strike called for by the trade unions of the country to protest against
        what, according to them, is a step motherly treatment by the central government regarding
        minimum wages and other issues. The Nobel laureate, Micheal Levitt, was enjoying his
        ride in a house boat on the Alappuzha backwaters but while trying to get off the vessel, he was
        prevented by the overzealous comrades quoting the restrictions due to the nationwide strike.
        It definitely left the state government with an egg on its face and apologies were tendered
        but the Nobel laureate was not pleased, who said, that this was not good for the state!

        The paradox is that the government is hosting a big 'business investment meeting' for two days
        at Kochi, commencing today. Wonder what the would-be-investors must be thinking and what
        assurances will the government give?

  (c) The Flat Destruction Begins Tomorrow.

        After years of court battles, the end is coming to the story of the illegal construction of
        residential flats at Maradu, Kochi. The genuine owners - who'd sunk their hard earned money
        into their dream homes - will shed tears and be sad but what about the unholy nexus of the
        corrupt panchayat guys and the builders? Will they learn any lesson? Only hope that they are
        made to pay up the damages and face punishment.

        Will be passing through the highway close to the buildings being destroyed. Hope there aren't 
        any complications!


Tailpiece.

Had got up at our usual time and Lekha had gone to the Guruvayur temple as part of her weekly tryst. It was a quiet day, thereafter, when we could get a lot of pending work done. 

A well calculated move.

It looks like a well calculated move.

The three biggest oil producers are USA (12 million barrels per day), Russia (11) and Saudi Arabia (around 10). Oil price rising by $10 means billions of dollars gained by these without disrupting the world order. Note - oil price didn't cross $70.

USA needs the threat of Iran to ensure that the Gulf nations subscribe to its security umbrella and sustain its arms industry. By provoking Iran, it reinforces the threat as Iran retaliates.

Now Iran and its allies like Syria, Lebanon and Jordan will buy arms from Russia to counter. Russia is happy counting Roubles. Note the conspicuous silence of Russia.

China faces a double whammy. Higher oil prices hurt but if it gets into the conflict, USA will raise tariffs and it loses a $500 billion American market. So China is quiet too.

Iran is sabre rattling, but can't get into a conventional conflict with USA. So it will go for asymmetric warfare by

   (a) funding terrorist groups in the region which will keep the regional pot boiling and
   (b) going nuclear, which will justify sanctions against Iran.

Earlier, Iraq and Libya were getting too defiant. Saddam and Gadaffi had to be hunted. These were the strongest economies in the region - now in shambles!

Now Iran remains the only strong nation defiant against US. As screws get tightened through sanctions, its economy is crumbling. As it gets into asymmetric warfare, the entire region will get engulfed in conflict - suits US. As Iran goes nuclear, it will get more belligerent. Suits US. As Iran goes nuclear, it will get further isolated like North Korea. Suits US.

There is method in this madness. US has no interest in resolving conflict in Moddle East - in fact, the reverse. Any power that is against US and grows too big needs to be trimmed to size - without being decimated - so that each country in the region has a strong enemy to contend with; and seek arms from the US or Russia.

Both US and Russia are oil surplus nations. Oil at $70 suits both of them, besides the arms sales. The loser in this game is Iran as it faces attrition on its economy and gets further isolated by belligerence forced upon it.

PS.
Iran has retaliated by launching missiles on US military bases in Iraq viz. Al-Assad and Erbil. The extent of damages is being assessed. Only hope that the situation doesn't spiral out of control that could lead to a devastation whose magnitude cannot be imagined.


Tailpiece.

Had got up by 6 and there was a deathly silence around thanks to the all-India strike called by the trade unions that had commenced at midnight and will continue till this midnight. By a half past 7, Ramesh, with his assistant, had fetched up to knock off the two worrying hornets' nests which was accomplished without wasting any time. Also, the broken flower pots were replaced with new ones on Lekha's instructions.

Bina, our maid, had arrived for work earlier than usual as her son-in-law had dropped her.