Arsenal fought back from a goal down to win their Barclay's Premier League match against leaders Chelsea.
Having lost five matches early in this season, pundits already ruled out the former 'Invincibles' from contention, with all those on going saga on and off the pitch culminating in the dismissal of William Gallas as the captain of a very young and inexperienced team.
Playing at Stamford Bridge in today's derby is not easy for the young guns. Having bullied around by the likes of Fulham, Hull, Stoke, Aston Villa and Manchester City, Fleet Street were already writing obituaries for the north London club, with all the drama Arsenal were facing in the locker room spilt fed by the sulking Gallas.
Certainly the first half belonged to Chelsea as they try to snuff Arsenal's game plan. The Blues took the lead by an own goal by Johan Djourou, which rattled Arsenal's defense once again. Having collected the ball from a corner kick, Manuel Almunia gave the ball away only for Bosingwa to cross into Djourou's unfortunate path. Arsenal came close to scoring, but Gallas squandered a wonderful chance to give the Gunners an early lead, and Robin van Persie's cross, which beat Petr Cech, could not find any red shirts within the six yards box to tuck it into an open goal. From that moment on, Chelsea kept pressing, with Arsenal happy to sit behind the ball.
The second half picked up right where they left off, Chelsea attacking a defensive Arsenal. At this point the forlorn figures from the visiting team were even more reluctant to press Chelsea's defense, with the Gunners' fans having to face the prospect of going home without a point.
Yet, all is not lost. Just before the hour mark, van Persie scored the equalizer despite being off-side, which - unfortunately for Chelsea - was missed by the assistant referee. That gave the Gunners much needed relief, and some self-esteem.
Arsenal started pressing, and were rewarded with a second goal three minutes later, again by the Dutch striker, who was on-side to receive a header from fellow strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor. That second sealed it for Arsenal, but Chelsea always threatened to equalize. This time, the young guns did not budge.
On and on Arsenal pressed, with Nicklas Bendtner, coming on for Adebayor, missing a wonderful chance to add to the tally. So did Denilson, who did well in the second half against the likes of John Obi Mikel and Deco in midfield.
In the end though, it was the two goals from the flying Dutch which gave all vital three points to Arsenal. And a chance to regain their competitiveness this season.
It also gave a flying start for Arsenal's new, young captain, Cesc Fabregas, who was instrumental in Arsenal's second half revival, with his impeccable passes creating problems for Chelsea's defense.
The challenge now for the young captain is to rally his team to fight back for the title, and for the glory!
Northern Lights
AURORA BOREALIS
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Al-Qaeda's hit job?
It would seem that whomever was involved with the attacks on Mumbai, Al-Qaeda was rejoicing on its websites. Now mind you, if that's true, it does not necessarily mean they were involved directly in the attacks. Instead, they could have probably trained and provided the logistics (which apparently, includes Blackberry devices in addition to the usual AK-47s and grenades) to their Kashimiri counterparts
Based on this report, am I the only one in this whole wide world who thinks that Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence, was involved in this incident - since ISI founded both the Taliban (who gave refuge to Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda) and the Kashimiri terrorists?
On the other hand, we have news services which loves to broadcast latest updates on the attack, which incidentally served as a lookout for these Blackberry wielding terrorists.
A Time magazine's instant poll found that most readers suspect the attack was perpetrated by international terrorists (it didn't say who, exactly) as opposed to domestic cells.
The Washington Independent reported that Pakistani President Ali Zardari, widower of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, dispatched the head of ISI to Delhi to assist the investigations into the attacks.
India should give the Pakistanis a chance to prove their commitment to peace and stability in the region. Attacking Pakistan would play into the hands of Al-Qaeda's number 2, Ayman al-Zawahiri's wishes for a conflict between Pakistan and India. India must not fall into Al-Qaeda's trap.
One might wonder Al-Qaeda's logic in targeting India in such spectacular fashion. Well according to Amir Taheri, India is Afghanistan's largest aid donor and President Hamid Karzai's second most important ally after the US. It plays a leading role in training Afghanistan's police and army. Coupled with warming relationships with the US (India signed a civilian nuclear deal which Congress approved not too long ago) in which India could opt to purchase more military hardware from American defense contractors, these factors prove irresistible when planning an attack on India.
So the trick for India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh is to calm the right-wing elements within the government from attacking Pakistan or India's Muslim minority. It is one tough job that, if carried out successfully, would reap rewards at next year's general election.
Based on this report, am I the only one in this whole wide world who thinks that Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter Services Intelligence, was involved in this incident - since ISI founded both the Taliban (who gave refuge to Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda) and the Kashimiri terrorists?
On the other hand, we have news services which loves to broadcast latest updates on the attack, which incidentally served as a lookout for these Blackberry wielding terrorists.
A Time magazine's instant poll found that most readers suspect the attack was perpetrated by international terrorists (it didn't say who, exactly) as opposed to domestic cells.
The Washington Independent reported that Pakistani President Ali Zardari, widower of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, dispatched the head of ISI to Delhi to assist the investigations into the attacks.
India should give the Pakistanis a chance to prove their commitment to peace and stability in the region. Attacking Pakistan would play into the hands of Al-Qaeda's number 2, Ayman al-Zawahiri's wishes for a conflict between Pakistan and India. India must not fall into Al-Qaeda's trap.
One might wonder Al-Qaeda's logic in targeting India in such spectacular fashion. Well according to Amir Taheri, India is Afghanistan's largest aid donor and President Hamid Karzai's second most important ally after the US. It plays a leading role in training Afghanistan's police and army. Coupled with warming relationships with the US (India signed a civilian nuclear deal which Congress approved not too long ago) in which India could opt to purchase more military hardware from American defense contractors, these factors prove irresistible when planning an attack on India.
So the trick for India's Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh is to calm the right-wing elements within the government from attacking Pakistan or India's Muslim minority. It is one tough job that, if carried out successfully, would reap rewards at next year's general election.
One missed chance
As I lie on my bed, thinking of the last two years of my life, as sense of grief struck me when I realized that I had missed an opportunity to make something meaningful out of my relationship with V. Had I choose a different path I now walk on, I began to wonder what life would be like share with V. I missed her so much that it's impossible for me to not think of her even for a day.
What do I miss about her? Well for one thing, her long dark curly tresses, her sparkling eyes, her precious smile, her wells of laughter, her smooth skin and gentle touch. Sufficed to say, her presence alone would make my heart skip a beat or two. My mouth would dry up, my hand trembles ever so slightly at her touch.
We would go out every weekend, partying at the local clubs - sometimes we would stay in and watch a movie, after a light vegetarian dinner I cooked for her. There were walks too, to the parks and other interesting places she knew in town (I admit, I'm not as adventurous as I let people know)...is this what people call love? If so, those feelings have subsided to the point where I can't feel a thing for anyone, anymore.
This numbness was replaced by the sarcasm I would display to the people around me, which would then comeback to bite my behind.
The point is, I miss V. I don't think I've ever met someone like her - gentle and graceful V. All that's left in my heart of hearts, is the emptiness that threatens to engulf my life. I know I should try hard to relieve this nothingness, yet the more I struggle against it, the more I asphyxiate. I crave to meet her, even though she might have moved on, for one last time. Perhaps someday I will.
Till then, I suppose I'll have to trudge along - alone!
What do I miss about her? Well for one thing, her long dark curly tresses, her sparkling eyes, her precious smile, her wells of laughter, her smooth skin and gentle touch. Sufficed to say, her presence alone would make my heart skip a beat or two. My mouth would dry up, my hand trembles ever so slightly at her touch.
We would go out every weekend, partying at the local clubs - sometimes we would stay in and watch a movie, after a light vegetarian dinner I cooked for her. There were walks too, to the parks and other interesting places she knew in town (I admit, I'm not as adventurous as I let people know)...is this what people call love? If so, those feelings have subsided to the point where I can't feel a thing for anyone, anymore.
This numbness was replaced by the sarcasm I would display to the people around me, which would then comeback to bite my behind.
The point is, I miss V. I don't think I've ever met someone like her - gentle and graceful V. All that's left in my heart of hearts, is the emptiness that threatens to engulf my life. I know I should try hard to relieve this nothingness, yet the more I struggle against it, the more I asphyxiate. I crave to meet her, even though she might have moved on, for one last time. Perhaps someday I will.
Till then, I suppose I'll have to trudge along - alone!
Nasa's bloated with irrelevancies
An op-ed in the New York Times by Alan Stern points to an interesting trend in NASA. In fact, one can point out that this trend has prevailed in other government agencies, which was perfected by the Pentagon.
Stern notes that NASA's budget has bloated out of control with its spectrum of space projects. The Space Shuttle program would be the cover girl for such issues, the International Space Station, another alternative, despite it being a joint space program with the European Space Agency (ESA), Canada, Russia and Japan.
Various theories were proposed for this phenomenon - the most critical being NASA's work culture, ethics if you will. Managers were constantly deflating the cost of projects, supporting the scientists and engineers who inflates the project's capabilities beyond its functional requirement. They do so with the knowledge that their Congressmen would not tolerate any cuts in NASA's budget, fearing any job losses in their constituencies which in turn, would translate into vote loss during an election year.
This similar tactic in which a government agency deflates the original cost of a contract is not new. The Pentagon was the first to perfect this, having created the military industrial complex which President Dwight Eisenhower warned in his last address to the nation prior to leaving the office.
The fact that NASA's resorting to such bullying tactic shows the lack of creativity in its workforce to manage its future, which at this point looks bleak in the face of stiff competition from ESA, Japan, the rising giants of Asia, India and China, and a resurgent Russia.
Stern notes that NASA's budget has bloated out of control with its spectrum of space projects. The Space Shuttle program would be the cover girl for such issues, the International Space Station, another alternative, despite it being a joint space program with the European Space Agency (ESA), Canada, Russia and Japan.
Various theories were proposed for this phenomenon - the most critical being NASA's work culture, ethics if you will. Managers were constantly deflating the cost of projects, supporting the scientists and engineers who inflates the project's capabilities beyond its functional requirement. They do so with the knowledge that their Congressmen would not tolerate any cuts in NASA's budget, fearing any job losses in their constituencies which in turn, would translate into vote loss during an election year.
This similar tactic in which a government agency deflates the original cost of a contract is not new. The Pentagon was the first to perfect this, having created the military industrial complex which President Dwight Eisenhower warned in his last address to the nation prior to leaving the office.
The fact that NASA's resorting to such bullying tactic shows the lack of creativity in its workforce to manage its future, which at this point looks bleak in the face of stiff competition from ESA, Japan, the rising giants of Asia, India and China, and a resurgent Russia.
Arsenal's next challenge
Ok. So they won the Champions League game against Ukrainian side, Dynamo Kiev - barely. But they had to labor for 86 minutes to break through Dynamo's defense. Not a promising start for Arsenal's new captain, Cesc Fabregas. Nonetheless, it will have to do for now.
Kiev proved a resilient opponent at Emirates, with Ismael Bagoura, Oleksandr Aliyev and Artem Milevskiy all came close to adding their name to the score sheet. Had they done so, Arsenal would have been dealt a serious blow to their already battered morale before the game at Stamford Bridge.
However, they did won the game, even with a controversial goal emanating from a dubious free kick when Fabregas should have passed the ball - in fair play - to Kiev. Yet referee Alain Hamer allowed the goal, despite Kiev's protests.
Minutes later Aliyev was sent-off when he shoved Hamer aside to take a free kick within yards of Arsenal's box. Which was not surprising given the fact that Aliyev at one point during the second half, fell down feigning injury, and yet, quickly rose and ran towards Arsenal's goal when Kiev played the advantage.
Still this victory should keep the feet of Arsenal's young lads firmly on the ground. Their next task would be insurmountable, given Chelsea's strong squad and Anelka's superb goal scoring form.
Fabregas's task seemed gargantuan, yet I do not envy him. He knows victory at Stamford Bridge would indeed be a moral booster for Arsenal.
It would also give the fans a renewed sense of faith in Arsene Wenger's philosophical game.
Kiev proved a resilient opponent at Emirates, with Ismael Bagoura, Oleksandr Aliyev and Artem Milevskiy all came close to adding their name to the score sheet. Had they done so, Arsenal would have been dealt a serious blow to their already battered morale before the game at Stamford Bridge.
However, they did won the game, even with a controversial goal emanating from a dubious free kick when Fabregas should have passed the ball - in fair play - to Kiev. Yet referee Alain Hamer allowed the goal, despite Kiev's protests.
Minutes later Aliyev was sent-off when he shoved Hamer aside to take a free kick within yards of Arsenal's box. Which was not surprising given the fact that Aliyev at one point during the second half, fell down feigning injury, and yet, quickly rose and ran towards Arsenal's goal when Kiev played the advantage.
Still this victory should keep the feet of Arsenal's young lads firmly on the ground. Their next task would be insurmountable, given Chelsea's strong squad and Anelka's superb goal scoring form.
Fabregas's task seemed gargantuan, yet I do not envy him. He knows victory at Stamford Bridge would indeed be a moral booster for Arsenal.
It would also give the fans a renewed sense of faith in Arsene Wenger's philosophical game.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
India needs green energy to combat Islamic terrorism
The recent attacks on Mumbai was perpetrated by radical Islamic terror cells who could be associated (training, logistics, etc.) with Al-Qaeda. If this is true, which I suspect it is, then it is imperative that India start churning out a plan to invest in green technology - since radical Islamic terror cells have been supported by Arabian royalties through various charities.
I've tried to find some info on the country's renewable technology policy, all I could come up with was some websites pointing to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy which includes several policy on renewable energy. Which is great. However the question is, how much are they spending either to attract foreign investors in renewable technology or creating jobs and opportunities in that vital sector. In essence, the practical aspects of its energy security.
When Tata revealed its intention to build the world's cheapest car, priced at about $1000, critics argued that the introduction of an affordable car to the world's largest middle class population would strain an already burdened environment in India. Yet to most middle class Indians, owning a car is a dream, as much as living in your own house - a symbol of status. Which is sad, since the potential for public transportation in the country is enormous, particularly with an agricultural industry which could provide the ingredients in the production of biofuel.
The aging, smoke belching public buses in India should be discarded and replaced by new, more energy efficient buses from the West. The relevant technology could be transferred, creating a research base in India instead on relying on Western countries. Production of these buses could take place locally, employing thousands nationwide in a fast rising tech sector, thus giving the Indian workforce an added advantage in a world fast becoming a knowledge based economy.
India could also embark on new train technologies which would replace its diesel laden fleet. My personal favorite: MagLev technology. The technology uses the basic principal 'opposites attract' whereby magnets built into the guideways repel magnets place at the undercarriage of the train. The guideways' magnets would then propel the train forward. This is done while the train levitates a couple of inches above the guideway. The MagLev train would consume less energy than conventional trains since it floats and the only resistance it would encounter during its motion would be from the air around it. Land based vehicle spends most of its energy to overcome contact friction with roads and steel tracks. Again, the economic benefits of this technology transfer are many not the least that it would enable Indian scientists and engineers to develop new technology: superconducting magnets. The downside to this technology is that these superconductive magnets are relatively expensive and requires advanced refrigeration technology built onto the train.
There's also the potential to harness wind, solar and wave powers. Solar panels could line rural villages which require electricity to run water pumps, among other things. It could also be installed on rooftops in within cities, reducing the consumption of electricity generated by fossil fuels. On the other hand, research into silicone thin film coatings could produce coatings which could be applied to windows as a glazing material. The window would then function as a tint and convert sunlight into electricity.
Wind power is similar in that research into the technology and the construction of wind farms could be beneficial to both engineers and land owners, particularly if the land was farm land.
Wave power would create more jobs in marine technology and engineering sector. Both the wind and wave power generation could also create jobs in research, since both require experts in the field of aerodynamics.
As you can see, the benefits of investing in green technology to India are numerous, since India has the required manpower for these investments. Yet it perplexes me as to why they would enter an agreement with Pakistan (which actively provides anti-India terror cells a safe haven) to construct an pipeline which would transport oil from Iran. The money spent could be used to create these green jobs for thousands, if not millions of engineers, technicians, and scientists, not to mention the labors employed in constructing relevant infrastructures.
I could think of only one reason: corruption. It would seem that big oil companies in India stand to lose the most had India embarked on a serious drive to green the country, plus at a time of high oil prices, these are the people who would buy a politician's conviction to side with them, wrong though it maybe. Not to mention the automakers like Tata.
Yet again, India is being undone by corruption.
I've tried to find some info on the country's renewable technology policy, all I could come up with was some websites pointing to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy which includes several policy on renewable energy. Which is great. However the question is, how much are they spending either to attract foreign investors in renewable technology or creating jobs and opportunities in that vital sector. In essence, the practical aspects of its energy security.
When Tata revealed its intention to build the world's cheapest car, priced at about $1000, critics argued that the introduction of an affordable car to the world's largest middle class population would strain an already burdened environment in India. Yet to most middle class Indians, owning a car is a dream, as much as living in your own house - a symbol of status. Which is sad, since the potential for public transportation in the country is enormous, particularly with an agricultural industry which could provide the ingredients in the production of biofuel.
The aging, smoke belching public buses in India should be discarded and replaced by new, more energy efficient buses from the West. The relevant technology could be transferred, creating a research base in India instead on relying on Western countries. Production of these buses could take place locally, employing thousands nationwide in a fast rising tech sector, thus giving the Indian workforce an added advantage in a world fast becoming a knowledge based economy.
India could also embark on new train technologies which would replace its diesel laden fleet. My personal favorite: MagLev technology. The technology uses the basic principal 'opposites attract' whereby magnets built into the guideways repel magnets place at the undercarriage of the train. The guideways' magnets would then propel the train forward. This is done while the train levitates a couple of inches above the guideway. The MagLev train would consume less energy than conventional trains since it floats and the only resistance it would encounter during its motion would be from the air around it. Land based vehicle spends most of its energy to overcome contact friction with roads and steel tracks. Again, the economic benefits of this technology transfer are many not the least that it would enable Indian scientists and engineers to develop new technology: superconducting magnets. The downside to this technology is that these superconductive magnets are relatively expensive and requires advanced refrigeration technology built onto the train.
There's also the potential to harness wind, solar and wave powers. Solar panels could line rural villages which require electricity to run water pumps, among other things. It could also be installed on rooftops in within cities, reducing the consumption of electricity generated by fossil fuels. On the other hand, research into silicone thin film coatings could produce coatings which could be applied to windows as a glazing material. The window would then function as a tint and convert sunlight into electricity.
Wind power is similar in that research into the technology and the construction of wind farms could be beneficial to both engineers and land owners, particularly if the land was farm land.
Wave power would create more jobs in marine technology and engineering sector. Both the wind and wave power generation could also create jobs in research, since both require experts in the field of aerodynamics.
As you can see, the benefits of investing in green technology to India are numerous, since India has the required manpower for these investments. Yet it perplexes me as to why they would enter an agreement with Pakistan (which actively provides anti-India terror cells a safe haven) to construct an pipeline which would transport oil from Iran. The money spent could be used to create these green jobs for thousands, if not millions of engineers, technicians, and scientists, not to mention the labors employed in constructing relevant infrastructures.
I could think of only one reason: corruption. It would seem that big oil companies in India stand to lose the most had India embarked on a serious drive to green the country, plus at a time of high oil prices, these are the people who would buy a politician's conviction to side with them, wrong though it maybe. Not to mention the automakers like Tata.
Yet again, India is being undone by corruption.
Update on Mumbai attacks!
It would seem that the attacks on Mumbai last night was perpetrated by home grown insurgents. In my last post Terror Strikes!, I mentioned that it would not surprise me if this was true. At the time of writing this blog entry, CNN reports that a previously unknown group called Deccan Mujahideen assumed responsibility for Wednesday's attacks. As with previous such groups, their motive was to demand the release of their mujahideen brothers from the Indian Mujahideen, which declared an open war against India for prosecuting Muslims in the country for the past 60 years and their support for US policies. These motives, as usual, defies logic and rationality.
Well let's start with the prosecution of Muslims in the country. This is a ridiculous if not outright stupid. No one's disputing that there haven't been any communal violence during the last sixty years of India's existence. But then again, there have been communal violence throughout the world in any multi-religious society, even in the United States of America, the leader of the free world. The reasons for the communal violence are plenty, but it boils down to corruption (as I've said in my previous posting on the subject). Maybe the mujahids think that this is another Yugoslavia, and certainly there have been sporadic communal violence with looks that way, but it isn't. Rarely the violence spread nationwide. Besides, with the economic boom of the past decade, there are numerous Muslims in the country who were successful because of the opportunity they've received as an Indian.
As for the second part of their motive, which US policy do you think India supports? The Iraqi invasion? Or the threat of war aimed at Iran? Maybe it's the Israel's occupation of Palestine? Or their fight against the Somali pirates?
India did not support any of the above US policies. Even if it did, it is in India's strategic interest (Iranian oil and trade with Dubai) to see the above conflicts resolve peacefully. India did not take part in the invasion of Iraq, yet it did participate in the reconstruction process. Was that evil, helping out a country subjected to more than a decade of punitive sanctions?
Yes India is forging greater co-operation with Israel, but at the same time India's relations Iran is warm and cordial. India has stated repeatedly that the conflict in Palestine should be resolved through the peace process, not violence. As for Iran, even India was reluctant to side with the US to impose stricter sanctions against it.
The only mistake India did during the last 60 years was ceding half of Kashmir to Pakistan. Its first Prime Minister, Jawarhal Nehru did so in the interest of friendship, and yet, had to endure three wars and numerous terrorists attacks from Pakistani based groups. India knows that it is imperative to resolve the Kashmir issue as soon as possible for its own security. Yet as always Pakistan offers olive branch to India with its right hand while brandishes its AK-47 with its left hand at peace conferences.
So take note, mujahids. Your on the wrong side of history. India's response to attacks on its soil has been one of judicious response. Maybe New Delhi should start sending its special forces to Israel, learn the ropes of counter terrorism from Mossad. I seriously recommend it. Maybe then, India could seriously combat these criminals and thugs.
Well let's start with the prosecution of Muslims in the country. This is a ridiculous if not outright stupid. No one's disputing that there haven't been any communal violence during the last sixty years of India's existence. But then again, there have been communal violence throughout the world in any multi-religious society, even in the United States of America, the leader of the free world. The reasons for the communal violence are plenty, but it boils down to corruption (as I've said in my previous posting on the subject). Maybe the mujahids think that this is another Yugoslavia, and certainly there have been sporadic communal violence with looks that way, but it isn't. Rarely the violence spread nationwide. Besides, with the economic boom of the past decade, there are numerous Muslims in the country who were successful because of the opportunity they've received as an Indian.
As for the second part of their motive, which US policy do you think India supports? The Iraqi invasion? Or the threat of war aimed at Iran? Maybe it's the Israel's occupation of Palestine? Or their fight against the Somali pirates?
India did not support any of the above US policies. Even if it did, it is in India's strategic interest (Iranian oil and trade with Dubai) to see the above conflicts resolve peacefully. India did not take part in the invasion of Iraq, yet it did participate in the reconstruction process. Was that evil, helping out a country subjected to more than a decade of punitive sanctions?
Yes India is forging greater co-operation with Israel, but at the same time India's relations Iran is warm and cordial. India has stated repeatedly that the conflict in Palestine should be resolved through the peace process, not violence. As for Iran, even India was reluctant to side with the US to impose stricter sanctions against it.
The only mistake India did during the last 60 years was ceding half of Kashmir to Pakistan. Its first Prime Minister, Jawarhal Nehru did so in the interest of friendship, and yet, had to endure three wars and numerous terrorists attacks from Pakistani based groups. India knows that it is imperative to resolve the Kashmir issue as soon as possible for its own security. Yet as always Pakistan offers olive branch to India with its right hand while brandishes its AK-47 with its left hand at peace conferences.
So take note, mujahids. Your on the wrong side of history. India's response to attacks on its soil has been one of judicious response. Maybe New Delhi should start sending its special forces to Israel, learn the ropes of counter terrorism from Mossad. I seriously recommend it. Maybe then, India could seriously combat these criminals and thugs.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Why the US government should have bailed out the middle class instead
The recent spate of banks (not to mention the Automakers) rushing to the Treasury should be discouraged by President-elect Obama. Why? For one thing, these banks collapsed because ordinary people who obtained the sub-prime mortgage in the first place were unable to meet their obligation, thus the banks losing their income. The in-coming President should instead offer loans to these borrowers to repay their mortgage (with interests).
And how would they repay their loan? Well that's where Obama's health care plan could take off. Instead of repaying the government, borrowers should instead be forced to purchase health care insurance for themselves and their family. Obama then could reduce the burden of American companies by reducing their contribution to workers' health care.
Obama's tax plan could save the middle class enough money to contribute more to their families' health care or increase their purchasing power. That would bring much needed relief to the local economy already reeling with low consumer spending.
President-elect Obama could then concentrate on pulling troops out of Iraq, hunt Osama bin Laden and his troops, create more jobs to replace those out-sourced, invest in green technology and bring peace to the Middle East.
As for the banks who issued this sub-prime mortgages in the first place, it would be wise for them to resist the temptation of making cheap money in the future. Nor should they securitize mortgages to make a quick buck.
And how would they repay their loan? Well that's where Obama's health care plan could take off. Instead of repaying the government, borrowers should instead be forced to purchase health care insurance for themselves and their family. Obama then could reduce the burden of American companies by reducing their contribution to workers' health care.
Obama's tax plan could save the middle class enough money to contribute more to their families' health care or increase their purchasing power. That would bring much needed relief to the local economy already reeling with low consumer spending.
President-elect Obama could then concentrate on pulling troops out of Iraq, hunt Osama bin Laden and his troops, create more jobs to replace those out-sourced, invest in green technology and bring peace to the Middle East.
As for the banks who issued this sub-prime mortgages in the first place, it would be wise for them to resist the temptation of making cheap money in the future. Nor should they securitize mortgages to make a quick buck.
Terror Strikes!
News channels report of terror attacks in Mumbai yesterday. Police say attacks are carried out by Muslim terrorists. I say big deal! In a country like India, you're gonna get lots of shit from lots of disenfranchised people - from the low caste dalits, the farmers who were sold out by their government, to the Christians, Sikhs and last but not least, Muslims.
The Indian government could not be more mired in bureaucratic haywire when it comes to internal security. With a police infamous for being corrupt, let alone incompetent, the problem has existed for decades. It's hard to overcome these corruption, which basically occurs more frequently at the state governments - governed by corrupt Chief Ministers the federal government (i.e. the Prime Minister) basically rely on for political expediency. These Chief Ministers gain valuable voters' sympathy by flaming communal sentiments, to the point of inciting violence, just so to get the necessary votes to stay in power. The police are powerless to disobey them, since they could be reassigned (I rather prefer the term disciplined) by the central government eager to please their regional allies. Some police officers would even join in the communal fray at the behest of their political masters. Even if it occasioned for the prosecution of these corrupt officials, the judiciary in turn would be influenced to dismiss, or at the very least, dispense minimum sentences against these corrupt and vile politicians.
Some may wonder about the justice system. Well let me say that it does not exist at all! It's just a mirage to lure foreign investors, since some judges were known to illicit money or sex just to tilt the outcome in your favor.
Each time India achieves something remarkable, like recent the launch of the probe intended to study the moon, I wonder how many farmers had to commit suicide this year just because they could not afford to meet their loan obligations due to failed crops. Which reminds me that the failure of Tata to acquire land from farmers to produce was a victory not only for the farmers, but also for environmentalists who see the cheap car project as a burden to an already polluted air in India's major cities. Having said that, as an astute observer of Indian politics, I wouldn't be surprised if Tata bought these land with the tacit approval of the government - since any approval of these agricultural land for corporations would ensure the Chief Ministers would obtain valuable contracts for their sons and daughters. All these at the expense of the poor.
For a country which pride itself as the next superpower, it still treats its female population as worst than animals, with female infanticide the norm among even middle class families. Violence against women even occurs in some wealthy families, with in-laws the usual perpetrators.
Let's face it. If India's to achieve something meaningful, the political, judicial system should be overhauled to ensure accountability and independence. The tribalism practiced throughout the country should be abolished, in essence, an overhaul of certain traditions which is incompatible to India's stated ambition as the next superpower. Besides these caste based politics only impedes the political and judicial reform craved by the middle class. Once this is done the country could then embark on an economic reform which should be more inclusive to the 300 million of its population living below the poverty line. Until then, I think it would be wise if India could scale back these expensive, non-viable technological mambo-jumbo that benefits just a select few.
An economically and politically stable India would then be able dispense with the terror cells operating within its own border.
The Indian government could not be more mired in bureaucratic haywire when it comes to internal security. With a police infamous for being corrupt, let alone incompetent, the problem has existed for decades. It's hard to overcome these corruption, which basically occurs more frequently at the state governments - governed by corrupt Chief Ministers the federal government (i.e. the Prime Minister) basically rely on for political expediency. These Chief Ministers gain valuable voters' sympathy by flaming communal sentiments, to the point of inciting violence, just so to get the necessary votes to stay in power. The police are powerless to disobey them, since they could be reassigned (I rather prefer the term disciplined) by the central government eager to please their regional allies. Some police officers would even join in the communal fray at the behest of their political masters. Even if it occasioned for the prosecution of these corrupt officials, the judiciary in turn would be influenced to dismiss, or at the very least, dispense minimum sentences against these corrupt and vile politicians.
Some may wonder about the justice system. Well let me say that it does not exist at all! It's just a mirage to lure foreign investors, since some judges were known to illicit money or sex just to tilt the outcome in your favor.
Each time India achieves something remarkable, like recent the launch of the probe intended to study the moon, I wonder how many farmers had to commit suicide this year just because they could not afford to meet their loan obligations due to failed crops. Which reminds me that the failure of Tata to acquire land from farmers to produce was a victory not only for the farmers, but also for environmentalists who see the cheap car project as a burden to an already polluted air in India's major cities. Having said that, as an astute observer of Indian politics, I wouldn't be surprised if Tata bought these land with the tacit approval of the government - since any approval of these agricultural land for corporations would ensure the Chief Ministers would obtain valuable contracts for their sons and daughters. All these at the expense of the poor.
For a country which pride itself as the next superpower, it still treats its female population as worst than animals, with female infanticide the norm among even middle class families. Violence against women even occurs in some wealthy families, with in-laws the usual perpetrators.
Let's face it. If India's to achieve something meaningful, the political, judicial system should be overhauled to ensure accountability and independence. The tribalism practiced throughout the country should be abolished, in essence, an overhaul of certain traditions which is incompatible to India's stated ambition as the next superpower. Besides these caste based politics only impedes the political and judicial reform craved by the middle class. Once this is done the country could then embark on an economic reform which should be more inclusive to the 300 million of its population living below the poverty line. Until then, I think it would be wise if India could scale back these expensive, non-viable technological mambo-jumbo that benefits just a select few.
An economically and politically stable India would then be able dispense with the terror cells operating within its own border.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wenger's gamble
Arsene Wenger finally did it. After months of haranguing by the media, he finally stripped the captaincy from William Gallas, their eccentric defender and skipper since Thierry Henry depart the club for Barcelona.
The problems with Gallas were prominent in the eyes of observers even before he arrived at Ashburton Grove. His infamous threat to score an own goal at Stamford Bridge if Chelsea did not allow him a move to Emirates should have been an omen to Wenger. Such player should not have been allowed into a team in the first place - since he's bound to disrespect the team sooner or later. Which in this case proved to be later than thought, surprisingly.
Yet Wenger had to bolster his failing defense, for he had begun his youth revolution, having let go of such heavy weights as Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg, Ray Parlour, Martin Keown and most of all Patrick Viera - the indomitable captain whose presence gave their opponents a tough time in midfield. In the absence of these veterans, Wenger was forced to rely heavily on Gilberto, the aging Brazillian veteran of several World Cup Campaigns. There was Lauren at right back, Kolo Toure at the center, Gael Clichy at left. Of the three, Lauren had to go when persistent injuries gave the younger Bacary Sagna a chance at right back, and he flourished. Out went Lauren.
The only option for Wenger was Gallas.
Having arrived at Emirates in August 2006, Arsenal lost eight league games, and in the process, conceded 35 goals, collecting a dismal total of 68 points throughout the entire season.
His second season started with him taking up the captaincy from the departing Henry. He led Arsenal to third in the league, four points off eventual winners Manchester United. But that particular season was controversial for Gallas, at least that is how Fleet Street pictures it.
Gallas received scathing criticism during the game which saw Eduardo's leg broken due to a horrific tackle by Martin Taylor. Gallas went on to protest the tackle, in the process displaying some antics that had people questioning his leadership skills.
This season had not been kind to Arsenal nor to Gallas. Their defensive frailties were there to exploit by likes of Fulham, Hull City, Stoke, Aston Villa, and last, but not least, Manchester City. Worst still, their arch nemesis, Tottenham Hostpur under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, were able to rip open their defense, forcing Arsenal to an eight goal thriller at Emirates. That was Spurs best performance against their eternal north London rival. That was Arsenal's worst performance so far this season, never mind the drubbing they got from Manchester City last week.
The point is, Gallas was erratic at best, a clown at worst as Arsenal's captain. He had neither the skills required to skipper a football team nor does he have the confidence of his team mates at the dressing room. That last bit proved to his undoing when he publicly chastise Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie among others for their lack of commitment.
Wenger had to respond in a stern manner that would send signal to others that he would not tolerate such public display of antics.
Hence, we now have captain Cesc Fabregas - infamous for the Pizza Gate scandal a couple of seasons back - at helm. Only time will tell if this gamble would work for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal - and not too soon. Their next Premier League match: at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, no less!
The problems with Gallas were prominent in the eyes of observers even before he arrived at Ashburton Grove. His infamous threat to score an own goal at Stamford Bridge if Chelsea did not allow him a move to Emirates should have been an omen to Wenger. Such player should not have been allowed into a team in the first place - since he's bound to disrespect the team sooner or later. Which in this case proved to be later than thought, surprisingly.
Yet Wenger had to bolster his failing defense, for he had begun his youth revolution, having let go of such heavy weights as Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg, Ray Parlour, Martin Keown and most of all Patrick Viera - the indomitable captain whose presence gave their opponents a tough time in midfield. In the absence of these veterans, Wenger was forced to rely heavily on Gilberto, the aging Brazillian veteran of several World Cup Campaigns. There was Lauren at right back, Kolo Toure at the center, Gael Clichy at left. Of the three, Lauren had to go when persistent injuries gave the younger Bacary Sagna a chance at right back, and he flourished. Out went Lauren.
The only option for Wenger was Gallas.
Having arrived at Emirates in August 2006, Arsenal lost eight league games, and in the process, conceded 35 goals, collecting a dismal total of 68 points throughout the entire season.
His second season started with him taking up the captaincy from the departing Henry. He led Arsenal to third in the league, four points off eventual winners Manchester United. But that particular season was controversial for Gallas, at least that is how Fleet Street pictures it.
Gallas received scathing criticism during the game which saw Eduardo's leg broken due to a horrific tackle by Martin Taylor. Gallas went on to protest the tackle, in the process displaying some antics that had people questioning his leadership skills.
This season had not been kind to Arsenal nor to Gallas. Their defensive frailties were there to exploit by likes of Fulham, Hull City, Stoke, Aston Villa, and last, but not least, Manchester City. Worst still, their arch nemesis, Tottenham Hostpur under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, were able to rip open their defense, forcing Arsenal to an eight goal thriller at Emirates. That was Spurs best performance against their eternal north London rival. That was Arsenal's worst performance so far this season, never mind the drubbing they got from Manchester City last week.
The point is, Gallas was erratic at best, a clown at worst as Arsenal's captain. He had neither the skills required to skipper a football team nor does he have the confidence of his team mates at the dressing room. That last bit proved to his undoing when he publicly chastise Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie among others for their lack of commitment.
Wenger had to respond in a stern manner that would send signal to others that he would not tolerate such public display of antics.
Hence, we now have captain Cesc Fabregas - infamous for the Pizza Gate scandal a couple of seasons back - at helm. Only time will tell if this gamble would work for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal - and not too soon. Their next Premier League match: at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, no less!
First take
I've been thinking of a place to pen my thoughts - a sort of blank canvas to paint my emotions and take on this gargantuan stage we know as planet earth. It's been a while since I've done so anyhow. But as the saying goes, better late than never (cliche, I know).
I do not know how my life would unfold, nor would I know what the road ahead would be like, yet for some reason the only way I could move on is this - blogging. In some way I'm still finding my feet in this world of ours, having crawled on it on all fours, learning the ropes - at times, forced to re-learn them over and over again.
So here I am, taking my first small steps, hoping to make that giant leap soon, with all the earnestness of an eager-beaver.
Wish me luck.
I do not know how my life would unfold, nor would I know what the road ahead would be like, yet for some reason the only way I could move on is this - blogging. In some way I'm still finding my feet in this world of ours, having crawled on it on all fours, learning the ropes - at times, forced to re-learn them over and over again.
So here I am, taking my first small steps, hoping to make that giant leap soon, with all the earnestness of an eager-beaver.
Wish me luck.
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