(Some of the)Things I find funny

This time its got to do with American politics (lately - every funny things- got to do with American politics). In fact I am fnding this tug of war between McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden quite entertaining. In fact it was still funny when the parties hadn't yet nominated their candidates for Presidentship. Must say, I absolutely relished - fights between Obama and Hillary - as far as Democrats are concerned.
On the Republican side: the contest among McCain, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Am I missing anyone?..well at least these were the candidates made popular by the American media.

Given below are the two accounts of whats lately been happening. The first one is associated with the actor Matt Damon and the second one is of a journalist named John Kelly from BBC travelling across America, to understand Americans expectations from the November election.

Matt's reaction:
In an all new interview, Matt Damon says Sarah Palin in the White House is a "terrifying possibility!" "I don't understand why more people aren't talking about how absurd it is."
Damon tells The Associated Press that if Senator John McCain doesn't survive his first term in the White House, there will be a President Palin. "It's like a really bad Disney movie," Matt says about the possibility of Palin as Commander in Chief, "The hockey mom, you know, 'Oh, I'm just a hockey mom from Alaska'…and she's facing down President Putin [of Russia]."
Matt goes on, "I think that pick [Sarah Palin] was for political purposes. But in terms of governance it's a disaster."

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6urw_PWHYk

I recommend you to watch the video. The way he said it: damn..nobody could have had pulled that off so well!!. Funny element no. 1
---
Now on to Funny element no. 2

Source: John Kelly Blog

I got talking to Jordan Peagler, a 21-year-old student in a flowing CND logo-print dress. I took it as read that she, like everyone else round here, must be a true-blue Democrat - if not a Green or a Yippie or some such. But I was wrong. Jordan, who had moved here from Savannah, Georgia, liked the look of another new girl in town. "I guess I'm undecided," she told me. "But I like the look of Sarah Palin. I like her style and her manner. "I'm a fiscal conservative and an economic liberal. "But some of my friends lost members of their family on 9/11. That will weigh heavily on the decision I make, and I think that pulling all the troops out of Iraq at this time isn't the way to go right now."

It's an apposite point, today of all days, though not everyone in Venice would concur. But that's the thing with California. Why should it have to agree with anyone else?

Now hear comments from people:

At 12:11pm on 11 Sep 2008, Malaka57 wrote:
I am losing all hope, here: Ms. Jordan Peagler is "a fiscal conservative and an economic liberal," and she lost family on 9/11, so we should stay in Iraq. And she is a student? Of what, I must ask. The state of education in the US is in worse shape than I even thought...
Here's why: The GOP has turned a budget surplus into a 8 TRILLION dollar deficit in 8 years. That is fiscal mania. They are not economic liberals by a long shot, they are beholden to the YOYO system of conservative governance (you are on your own). As for Iraq: Has she not yet gotten the message that Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11 and we have squandered lives plus hundreds of billions in that poor country? And she is voting for the same?
I am nonplussed, I'll say that.
--
At 12:37pm on 11 Sep 2008, Rayzer1978 wrote:
Malaka57 - you beat me to it!
You cannot be a fiscal conservative at the same time as being a economic liberal! She must have heard those phrases off TV and thought they sounded clever! As for 9/11 and Iraq? She must solely rely on Fox News for her info... So much for a new generation of voters...

--Also hear this:
At 12:55pm on 11 Sep 2008, andydavids wrote:
"How can you be fiscal conservative and economically liberal? Does she even know shes contradicting herself in the same sentence?" I think she means she supports a government that is in favour of a free market and dropping trade tarifs and also cuts taxes and limits public spending. Its not the clearest sentence in the world but its meaning isn't too hard to work out. Agreed, typical British comment, criticise her as inferior because she expresses an opinion. Maybe the conservatives are known as the nasty party, but perhaps the UK should be known as the nasty country.

-- The end of Funny elements --

Yes, of course! I enjoy documenting all this- for my own record. However the greatest joy lies in being able to make fun of it. As an outsider I can afford to laugh at it. But poor Americans. This whole political fiasco taking palce since the beginning of the primaries. They'll just Have to deal with it somehow, anyhow.

and ....once again...god!! its funny. Although I am not sure if anybody can beat our folks back home. They are on the other hand- an utter disappointment. But guess there's no harm in taking it all just in zest.

Poem

Source: Charlie Rose

The poem was recited by Iranian visual artist (now lives in New York) Shirin Neshat. An original work of another Iranian activist Simina bahane (I think thats how she pronounced the name).
Have eaten up some words as I didn't necessarily heard it properly. Please forgive me if I am completely misspelling (Which I believe so) the name of the poetess.

My Country I will build you again

My Country I will build you again
If need be with bricks made from my life
I will build columns to support your roof
If need be with my bones
I will inhale again the perfume of flowers flavored by your youth
I will wash again the blood of your body
with ........of my tears
once more the darkness will leave this house
I will paint my poems blue with the color of our sky
Old I may be but given the chance
I will learn
I will begin the second youth alongside my ,,,??
I will recite a habib?Hizab?.. a love of country
with such ferver as to make each word be alive
There still burns a fire in my breast
To keep undiminished the wounds of kinship
I feel for my people
Once more you will grant me strength
Though my poems have settled in blood
Once more I will build you with my life
Though it be beyond my mean.

Dreams like these.......

An excerpt from Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi-The story begins with the political upheal taking place in India around late 60s stretches all through mid-70s. The naxalite movement of West Bangal (Their version of the communist movement back in the 70s).
(This is not an introduction to the movie- I am only trying to record the two letters written to the female protagnist (Geeta) by the two different individuals in love with her. Trying to showcase the two realities. I am almost enchanted by the paradox of life portrayed in this film. Although as far as the movie goes-my favorite is the one played by Shiny Ahuja, the character of Vikram. And I wish I was as brave as Siddharth. But when you watch the movie- you realize. It's Geeta who's the constant force behind it all. And as a woman I loved the ending of this film. It would honestly be an an honor if I ever get to lead the life lived by Geeta.

Letter from Siddharth to Geeta:

Dear Geeta,
Calcutta was awe-inspiring. I am now back in Delhi. My beliefs totally strengthened. We have to change the world. And change it fundamentally. You know, I always knew the facts. But when I met the mothers and widows of thousands of students who had sacrificed their lives during the Naxalite movement I felt completely humbled. They were the best and the brightest of Bengal. But instead of taking the comfortable roads their parents had laid down for them. They went down the dirt and the muddy roads to the villages to end the vulgarity of oppression. The violence of the oppressed is right. The violence of the oppressors is wrong. And do hell with this. I mean, weren't Bhagat Singh's action correct. It made me think of ourselves I mean, who do we think we are. Touting?? around...shouting radical jargons??..little politics, some rock and roll. But mostly shock value. Isn't it shameful that I Siddharth T. The son of a muslim father and a Hindu-Bengali mother can neither speak Urdu nor Bengali. My parents did not give me the one thing of value that they could. This has to change. Geeta now I've become the card-holder of the party. Eventually you must also.
More when you get back.
Love
Siddhartha

Letter from Vikram to Geeta:

Dear Geeta,
First thing's first, I still love you. I am still stuck because the trains have been cancelled due to the hindu-muslim rivalry. This time its not so bad only 38 dead......but most of the town doesn't give a shit. What really gets everyone excited here is the news that the local hardware merchant's daughter ran away with their cook. Some of the family members finally caught him and put him in a pot and boiled him. Just kidding they only castrated him. This state of affairs only worries my father. Thirty of his Gandhian collegues, 70 socialists and hundred and two ?. Being worried is my father's main profession. He should have worried more about us though. And we wouldn't have been stuck at the lower end of the great middle class. Which is why I can't understand you rich kids playing this lets change the world game. While you're looking for a way out I am looking for a way in..into your heart I mean.
See you soon
Love
Vikram

For fun and for lessons

ANd I thought- I might as well poke a little fun to this one- the guy there (comment section) - is saying - 'tero karan le aile samma mero jara tati ra chha..paramanande'

haha..English Translation: because of you I am still raged with anger! and wou!..what a piece of art- gotta say it- deserves a Nobel prize for graphic art!

If he's so hot about it- He should join the army or join some vain-fighter's group to pour out the anger (It would sure help him pshychologically too) rather than just limiting the hot discussion only within the facebook. People seriously get your own piece of mind. Whats the point of having a generation who can't even think for themselves, the one who can easily be influenced by agitators' vested agendas...and run along. Come on people- seriously- save that energy and utilize it for something good.

I am soo never talking about this again.

The Olympic, the US, The Rest of The World and Being a Nepali

Its not surprising that almost every blog of mine contains an American element. Ranging from the kinds of people living here to the beauty this country has to offer. To its degrading economy, to the politics so interesting. Absolutely everything, from Obama, to McCain to the Lakers to the Celtics. More than calling it just an American-centric...I call it having a world-view..with a tad bit of influence from America. Since the day I have stepped in here, all of a sudden I feel I have been detached from the world outside. At times my behavior seems to have been inclined towards becoming more pro-america than pro-world. America is one country that has really managed to isolate itself from the world celebrations.
For example, majority of the Americans don't care when the world celebrates the Women's day, or the Tobacco-free day,or the Fifa cup for that matter. They have their own set of games, which I must say is a strong part of their culture. That takes place as often as the festivals we have back home (you would know what I mean, if you hailed from a typical newar family based in Kathmandu like me - we always have something going on every month). So, its the same in American's case as well. Sports is a part of their blood. Boy oh boy, are they seriously original when it comes to having their own special sports, from American soccer, to the baseball...to a lot more. The world loves football, but Americans are hardly interested. Even David Bekham hasn't been successful in influencing the entire US. So forget the Cricket. The only cricket team that I know exists in the United States of America is of Microsoft that too - full of Indians, or Indian/Asian-Americans.
Hence, for all these reasons, nowadays I seem to enjoy super bowl more than the World cup. I have fallen in love with a few basketball players of the NBA. The kind of sport I never even bothered to pay attention to back home.

So coming back to the olympic fever, while watching the basketball match between China and USA, I was seriously missing out the punch and the womph that I witnessed during the NBA finals. FOr God's sake its the Olympic!!!...the God of the games...but nahh...wasn't so up for it. Clearly cause I am living in America, which gives more hype and interest to its nation/state-wide games than the internationals. International developments are least of their concern. For example,You can evidently see the difference in the BBC World news and the World news with Charles Gibson that airs in the abc news. The world of difference between America and the outside world is more visible living in America than anywhere else.

So while I was watching the olympic opening ceremony - at the beginning I couldn't wait to witness the Nepalese team. As I kept watching I noticed, the commentators would also add a bit information about the country. SO out came- the delegates of Mauritania (African country situated at North-western part of Africa). Just recently the Mauritanian govt. was overthrown by the Military coup. And that's what the commentators mentioned. Which kind of got me worried, so what would they say, when the Nepalese delegates step in. Damn...the country that hasn't yet formed a govenment itself!..hmm..that was my closest guess. So before it was time for Nepal to grace the Bird's Nest. Few European countries slowly made their way to the grand stadium. They were not alphabetically synchronised, it was in fact managed interms of the chronological Mandrine symbols. So came Poland, Netherlands, Brazil..(I am placing it randomly here)...and strangely I had a sense of pride while the respective delegates walked through. The only reason was because the kind of work I do is more international-based...and some of the countries that I work for also happen to be Brazil, Turkey, Denmark, Netherlands..and so forth. I had this bizzare feeling that since I cater to the people of those countries- felt like they were also representing a bit of me (A big sign that Nepal urgently needs to renew or work on its Nationalist views among its own population). During the process I was also thinking about, how proud Chinese people must have had been witnessing the grandness...just everything. See, this is what China has been doing to renew their Nationalism, to make the citizens of its country proud.(But at what cost?- shall post a separate write-up on that one someday- but this is specifically only about Olympics). So what has the government of my country done. Only created unnecessary political instability, fueled furthur violence, assisted in the downhill spiral of the economy..whatelse...just everything happening right now. I am a proud citizen of my country and will always be regardless of what happens. But I don't want to be the person proud for what my country stands for right now. I want to be proud of its people, its generosity, the hospitality. I also want to be proud of its economy, its development. My country don't need to organize events as big as Olympics to make me proud. All that I want is, my country to stand on its own feet. That's all I need at the moment.

So getting back to business...when the Nepalese team eventually graced the stadium- the commentators said- Nepal, the home of the Mount Everest. Phwee..I breathed the sigh of relief. Not because they mentioned the mighty Mt. Everest. Its because they didn't talk about the political mess taking place in the country. Thank God...trust me a good publicity is always a better publicity than a bad one. Regardless of what they say when it comes to publicity factor. Trust me I don't want no- news like govt. sacrificng the goats to help national carrier take off..or Nepal Arilines: using the image of Peru (photo of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu ) in the poster to publicize the beauty of Nepal (such a WTF-moment).

And yes, I missed something while the flag bearer (Deepka Bista) was proudly carrying the flag and maneuvering back and forth. I was proud but there was a bit of sadness to it. I felt like it wasn't able to match to the feeling that arose while I was watching the Polish delegates walking up the stage. Seeing Nepalese team was a mix of both happiness and a bitterness as well as it was a reminder that the only urgent matter at the moment is the development of the nation. Regardless of how unimportant or important the Olympic is for people of the world. Its one melting pot where each and every nation of the country is represented and seeing my own piece of world in a world stage, sadly, my heart was everything but ecstatic. It was like a slap on my face - that said- Its time to go home!

American team was donning Ralph Lauren...I learned - all thanks to the American commentators plus a clearly visible RL logo. This made me switch to Nepali team and give a thought about who could have had designed their outfits. Does the world seriously give a damn?..No, it could have had been just another random tailor from Putalisadak or Ason Bazar. How do the international arena recognise us?- just as one of the poorest countries of the world- a third world country - as they say. It used to make me sad while I was growing up - It makes me even more sad- now that I have so called 'grown up' at least interms of my parents' perspective.
People its time to really think about it- not ignore. Its time to invest, not just money, but also your knowledge. Politics might never take a better shape in our country. But let us do what we can - once again to renew our pride that defines us as the proud Nepali.

Trust me when I say this: there is no place like home. There is nowhere in this world that can replace the essence of our country or being one of us. Not even the super powers of the world.
and getting back to the Olympic game: yep, thats the last thing I am worried about. Olympic is equal to just another minor international event - that Americans hardly care of...and at the moment neither do I. I am sure it would have been a different case if I was in Nepal!

It's a change - I seek

There used to be a time, where going out late at night was relativey safe back home. Regardless of which part of Nepal you were in, you at least didn't have to worry about getting killed in a communal violence. And today here I am, far away from home. Hear a depressing news, the degrading condition at the terai region of Nepal, the parties taking forever to build the government. The anarchy running wild, people still being killed in the name of religion, in the name power,in the name of every little pathetic excuse that they could come up with. In fact its just a piece of news that I manage to feed myself every day. Sad part is, it has taken a shape of my own life. Its a story that I seem to be piecing together, to turn it into a history. And I feel so ashamed of myself. very helpless rather. Listening to Rage against the machine. I know how to bang my head while I am working. The last hting I am worried about is, what would I haev today for dinner. In any given day if I ever go hungry - its not because I couldn't afford to have a simple meal of a day. Either its because I was too lazy to cook or because I didn't wish to drive and eventually go out to eat. The veggies rot in my referegerator, cause I seriously am lazy when it comes to cooking. I order food from outside, throw away the halfof it. The reason is simple, I wasn't too hungry or I can afford to waste food. If my laptop breaks down at the office. I have the right to complain, the next day, I'll have the brand new machine waiting for me in my cube. Here nobody cares what I am wearing,or thinking or dating. although the fuel price is soaring, I've never bothered about to check how much it cost per gallon- American economy is taking a downhill but thats the least of my concern. Though I have been closely paying attention to the present world economy. I am just another regular young 24-year-old from Kathmandu, Nepal. and here I am living completely on my own. Living my dreams, with full rights to whatever I want in my life. But someone of my own age back home, is probably living life contrary to mine.

Is it seriously that hard for the politiicans to find out how critical the situation is. Is it seriously something they can't figure out when its unfolding right in front of them. Do they seriously have to wait for the order of the Indian govt. every freaking time to make a decision? I am outraged, I am dissapointed, I want to make a difference. But I don't know how...and I wonder is that the country that I want to eventually go back to. Quite strange enough- the answer has always been yes- but with no political stability I do wonder if I will be just another statistic who would get lost in the social quagmire as soon as I return home. I see an immense prospect but I barely see the potential transforming into anything Kinetic (such a crappy phrase). But regardless of what happens - I know I am going back! and every day my conviction takes a sronger shape. and I hope that its the same with everyone else of my age at least...spread across the world. If we don't bring the change I don't know who would in our own territory.

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

For some reason I don't know how to begin this. After that intense argument in the facebook (which apparently wasn't even an argument..it was just one big misunderstanding but both of us were on the same page). Plus the unnecessary nationwide anti-VP ptotest. I thought I had to write it down.

In this world I may not know what I eventually want to do in life. But there's one thing I am very much sure of. Living in Nepal and commenting -is poles apart from living in the US and voicing your opinion. I really have no grudges against those (from Kathmandu specifically) who tell me to mind my own business. I still remember that day somewhere close to DC. I was visiting my mama and maiju at Richmond. We went to this Nepali gathering,..the place was mostly full of Newars. And was quite a mix of the rest of the tribes (if I may say so). I think it was the celebration of the new year 2008. That was my very first official gathering with the NRNs (I am assuming more than 50% of them were Greencard holders if not official NRNs). So people were talking, youngsters..flirting..children playing, elders discussing politics...may be. Seeing all that, from more of a bird's eye view. I knew Exactly what I DIDn't want to be in life. I knew I didn't want to be the person holding a wineglass, standing in style, trying hard to be 'proper' and speaking about Nepali politics...above all pouring greviences about the poor condition of Nepal. I knew in my heart, I would never in my life ever want to end up like them. Oh yes they had money...they were doctors, engineers, they were everything that possibly defined or entailed the term 'rich' in Nepal. And for some reason - I was a little disgusted. and now I know why. Living in Kathmandu is a pain, its depressing...always a chakajaam, always people taking it to the streets for minute little things. I've been through that myself. And I know how it feels..and all that you want to do is run away. One of the reasons why I came to study in America, is also cause I wanted to escape from the chaotic world.
And after three years of my arrival in America. Working and studying, then graduating and now having a job. Everyday I wake up - with the feeling of going back to the country for good. Everyday my conviction takes a stronger root to return home.

America for me has been an eye-opener. It has empowered me to be who I am and celebrate my originality. During the first year in the US...I was heavily writing in different Nepali forums or blogs. It was a product of homesickness, plus the love for the country. I could detach myself from all that was happening and see things in an overall perspective. And talk about how I felt for everything taking place back home. SO initially I thought- this intense feeling of wishing to go back for good was just a temporary phenomenon. I thought it only had to do with homesickness...and another year came by. I decided to stop arguing with people in forums. Mainly because I was accused of living somewhere else in the comfort of some other govt's facilities and uncontrollably commenting spree. Hence I stopped, I analysed my circumstances. and I realised they were true. It's easy for me to be here in America..and tell people to calm down. Cause trust me, if you are in Nepal. Where nothing around you is moving in the right direction. Its hard for you to take a deep breath, calm down, and feel comfortable amidst the. Hence I stopped voicing my opinion. Then I thought okay...so it would also change my mind regarding going back home anytime soon. But it wasn't to be so. The soil was already so fertile that the plant just had to take a shape.

SO what happened in the facebook?(which ofcourse compelled me to write this- once again after a long time-I see an opinionated-me gradually waking up). well it all started with our VP swearing in Hindi. Controversy had already sparked back home. ANd I for one was sitting quiet. I was thinking more of the 'other' parts of the Nation- nowhere focusing in Kathmandu. Although, neither was I taken by surprise. Not because I necessarily support or don't support what he did. But because I knew the behavior, or the thought process of the majority of the Nepalese spread across the world. Yes, we are all hypocrites. It wasn't a big deal for me at all, but for the rest of the world sadly it was. If some VP to-be had a good intention to lead the country in a prosperous path, but unfortunately if he never grew up lets say in Kathmandu, but lets suppose spent most of his life in France. ANd can't fluently speak in Nepali, so he decides to do it in French. Does it mean he is a sinner. No, but ofcourse...he would have had certainly thought about giving hte oath in Nepali as well. If he really understood Nepal, that how sensitive the situation is in Nepal, and sadly how pathetic the people are. He wouldn't have had taken this step. He had a complete right to do it proudly in whatever language he preferred in a new Democratic Republic State of Nepal. But while doing it, he forgot to do a proper study and failed to predict the repurcussion. SO you see nobody is at fault. Nepal just happens to be a country where majority of people can't think. Regardless of what is right or what is wrong- if 10 people say there is a flie on the wall , even if there isn't. There is INDEED a flie on the wall, even if one person disagrees a 100 times. Sad- the truth in the world is defined by the majority vote. Sad - people of Nepal loves living under the illusion that Nepal is still untouched by the influences of India. Was it even worth it. It was a complete waste of time, it was utterly a useless issue that became successful in diverting the nation's attention. I hope this would be the last time I would be talking about it. oh yeah one more thing- as for our VP being a criminal or corrupt. For God's sake...who on earth isn't corrupt in Nepali politics. So who would you choose anyway..haha...guess he is innnocent until proven guilty. If the Maoist have joined the alliance, the cause of 1000s of people's death in Nepal (also ofcourse the old regime), why not the VP too. Who on earth is corrupt-free in Nepal, whether its Nepal Army ..or the former PM himself... I mean come on!! do you seriously want me to go on?

Therefore, please this is my sincere request. Have your own piece of mind - just because 1000s other think its wrong doesn't necessarily makes it wrong- don't ignore the possibility of certain issue being right. We don't just want Nepal to have the 'new' as its prefix. We want people to generate and have that new, sensible open-mindset starting from themselves. And please remember this precious words by Gautam Budhha:
Peace comes from within
Do not seek it without.
If you know what I mean ;)