Despair and Hope

I took an old poem of mine that I composed this year and re-worked it this morning. Happy reading!

Despair and Hope

On a regular basis we hear and read about bloodshed,

Clearly people are not thinking with their head,

To them, fighting seems like the only option,

But still yet, there is another undiscovered direction.

This direction is the path of peace and harmony,

Of which unity and togetherness is the main philosophy,

Many countries have embraced this new door,

But from other nations we are hoping for much more.

This approach to friendship,

Will surely result in a stronger level of comradeship,

Reinforcing to us the notion that the human race is all but one,

Just one big world living under the sun.

Sometimes windows may be closed and doors may be forgotten,

So let us open the window of our heart,

And turn over the page to make a new start.

Will the world suddenly change to a new awakening?

Will someone light the candle of hope?

I dream of an ideal world of pure harmony and joy,

Where children play and flowers bloom,

And a place where there is a minimal amount of doom and gloom.

Written and edited by Paulash Chatterjee

Composed on: 26 July 2007

Edited on: 1 December 2007

Australian Election

I was very happy with the way the Federal election went. Howard, Costello and co. had gone stale and "new energy, new ideas and new leadership"/ the notion of generational change had captivated the Australian electorate. Not many people are giving Kevin Rudd credit, but he will be a great Prime Minister and he will lead a highly successful team.

On the Libs side of things, it is nice to see "civil war" erupting among that rabble of people. I watched Lateline last night on ABC, and Costello was still whinging about the merits of giving him the leadership instead of Howard. Anyway, the Opposition will take at least 6-10 years to get their house in order again.

Some more humorous posts regarding the Australian election are coming up. Watch this space!

Perfect Choice!

I am satisfied with the choice of the next Test captain for India. I had been thinking for a long time that Anil Kumble should be given a chance to do it. He is a fierce competitor and a workhorse for Team India. Let's see how the future unfolds, but it seems very bright!

India-US nuclear deal

Check out the article link on the title....

On this issue I am really sitting on the fence. On one hand, I can see in the long-term that oil will most certainly run out some day in the near future. How will energy be sustainable for our future generations? The answer to this very question lies in searching for renewable energy NOW to meet the demands of the future. So, if India is looking for alternative sources of energy to serve her people, I would give the thumbs up to this deal!

The Left parties are arguing in a somewhat different line altogether, though. I am a Left supporter, but I do agree that they are putting ideology before sustainability. Now, the main reason that the Left is opposing the deal is that they think that by signing this deal, India will become the "American satellite in South-East Asia". They also say that the ruling Congress Party is "kow-towing" and going out of its way and making too many sacrifices to ensure this deal goes ahead. To some extent my viewpoint on this issue is similar to this. The Left parties should leave their ideology behind and embrace the future, just like China's example shows. We need to engage in "modern/21st century socialism" and the world now is based on strategic interests, self-interest, mutual interests, friendships of convenience. Hence, the Left should not be going down the line of "me against you" and "USA versus India".

However, I think a balance needs to be made between the two arguments. I advocate to the Left parties to give the nuclear deal the go-ahead, because nuclear power is ONE of the sources of potential future energy which will serve Indian 1 billion plus population well. I also somewhat agree with Left's ideological stand, so the Congress Party needs to make this deal go ahead, with SOME CONDITIONS ATTACHED.

Additional comments:
I have been hearing comments recently from some Australian politicians which resemble the Dark Ages......things such as "India is a rogue state".... Honestly, this makes my blood boil. What eveidence is there that India is a so-called "rogue" state! I would counter these claims by stating:

1) While it may be true that India has not signed the "nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT)" there should be no question as to compliance with ethical standards. There has been no disaster at any nuclear facility.

2) India does not use its nuclear technology to the detriment of herself. We are a shining example of the "responsible use" of nuclear power. The Prithvi missile developed is only for military purposes, so it can be justified.

3) The main people in the Indian nuclear industry are scientists and researchers, not a "power hungry despot" and military people. It has a more scientific and humanistic face.

So do not call India a "rogue state".

Left Front Goverment of West Bengal

I just read an interesting article by Mridul De on Ganashakti, a mouthpiece of the ruling CPI-M government of West Bengal. To some extent I would agree with the author that the Congress Party does not really stand for anything, especially in West Bengal since the 1970's.

I think that the CPI-M under Buddhadeb Bhattacharya (current Chief Minister) are working and will continue to work hard to "right" the "wrong's" of Bengal's inefficient past (under the 27-year leadership of Jyoti Basu). I find that he is a more of a pragmatist and long-term vision oriented rather than just a "mere communist". I think we will see the rise of 21st century socialism...where governments work for the betterment for their own people by providing various social programs, such as education, housing etc... but also keeping the sustainable future in mind too.

I am a "pragmatist" supporter of CPI-M who advocates developing social programs for benefit of the community, as well as investing TODAY..to reap the benefits in the FUTURE....like what Mohammad Yunus does. I think Left Front government will continue to be elected by the people of Bengal because there is no credible opposition party/parties. Because of this, the opposition parties just resort to publicity stunts from time to time and also engage in "dirty", communal and vote bank politics. The Left appeals to all Bengalis because it governs for the people and in their best interests.

P.S. Once again, you can check out the article by clicking on the post title.

At last....a victory!!

I went to sleep last night in a very worried state, seeing that Australia had amassed 5/166 in 20 overs. I thought it was all going to be over for India. However, I got up this morning, switched on the news and what do I hear? India won the T20 match against Oz by 7 wickets and with 11 balls to spare...They are inconsistent...but I think finally Team India let their cricket to the talking rather than the stupid and ridiculous stuff that went on in the recently completed best of 7 ODI series... so you can say that I am relieved and happy to see that the Aussies have been beaten at some form of the game! :)

P.S. If you would like to check out the full bulletin and match scorecard..you can simply click on the title of the post "At last....a victory!!" and you will directed to the page on which they are. Happy reading!

Political Soundbites!

My ears prick up when I hear the Australian State Premiers talking in a press-conference or making some sort of public announcement. I love it when NSW Premier Morris Iemma says things like "We are doing this for the people of NSW" or "The decision we have made on this issue is of benefit to the people of NSW". The new Victorian Premier John Brumby is also another good example. He always says things like "We as a government want to do what is in the best interest for all Victorians". NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell always says "The fact of the matter is that the NSW government ... " and the Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Bailleu is always shown in the media as saying "Well you've got to really question the Victorian government on this issue because ... ". To me its quite interesting when they talk in that way.

THANK YOU....errr what for?

Some experiences in my life continue to be a mystery to me. A good example is taking public transport. I know how it works. When getting on I say "Good morning" or words to that extent, I tag on and sit down. Now the interesting part comes when I go to "tag off" and get off the bus....happens always, suddenly the bus driver goes 'THANK YOU". I get off the bus...and I just become really really confused... because I don't know what they are thanking me for. I didn't provide them a service, they are the ones that are doing so. I get thanked for doing nothing! I just don't get it.

Another classic one is going to the university bookshop to buy something. And again when the transaction is done, and the item etc. and the money is paid - they say 'THANK YOU". When walking to exit the shop I just think WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU THANKING ME FOR, I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. But anyways, if someone thanks me, I don't mind - it is always kind of strange to be thanked by the person you should be thanking in the first place for providing the service (hope that doesn't sound too confusing!)

My Newest Plot - "The Uprising" (Intifadah)

Note: All character, events and places refered to are fictitous and bear no resemblance to real life. If for some reason, they do, then it is a mere coincidence.

Composed on: 26/7/07 (it is a Work-In-Progress)

Setting: current time/era

Place: Gaza Strip and West Bank, Palestine (occupied by Israel)

Characters: Mohammed al-Jabbar (father), Nasser al-Jabbar (son), Abu al-Akbar (senior Fatah leader), Mustafa Hanim (senior Fatah leader), Major Yoshua Peled (Israeli Army soldier).

Plot Synopsis: On hearing the news his friend gives him, the father switches on the television to see that Hamas fighters have captured the Gaza Strip from Fatah. The father then proceeds to call out for his son, who is nowehere to be found. Suddenly, an Israeli soldier knocks on his front door and asks him to identify a body he has found. The father looks down and is amazed that it is the dead body of his son. They both then carry the body and bury it in the backyard. Then he weeps and mourns for his son and has flashbacks about trying to tell him not to join the radical extremist group Hamas.

Supplmentary Thoughts: I had a pang of inspiration on writing something on the Hamas takeover on watching the analysis in the news programs for it. With this story (which I am yet to sit down and write!) I have attempted to put a human face on all of the suffering that is currently happening. The end of the story is not a happy or sad one, rather it is one that questions and reflects on our inner thoughts.

Copyright (c) Paulash Chatterjee 2007

Team India wins!

I watched the final of the recently concluded Twenty20 World Championship. India has had a reputation for about the last decade of falling at the last hurdle or a symptom more commonly known to the wider public as the "chokers" tag.

And finally on Monday night we (Team India) emerged victorious and won some piece of silverware since 1983. I argue with my friends.....that hey we don't get any serious competition...coz every match it was like "and Australia wins another one ..." Now I am not being anti-Australian but my own opinion is that the Aussies needed a "good kick up the backside" as they were ego was getting far to big. They already thought they had the cup in the hand before the tournament even started.

My whole thinking on T20 is that it is for the better, as it gives the so-called "minnows" a chance to beat big established world teams. This will encourage competition, rather than one team having a monopoly. T20 is good for the game of cricket because you can't predict who will win the game right until the last ball is bowled. And I also believe that it should co-exist with the other forms - Test Cricket and ODI cricket (50 overs).

So my friends, DO NOT EVER TELL ME THAT CRICKET IS A BORING GAME, COZ IT SIMPLY IS NOT!

The adventures of Captain Smirk - Part II

This is the second and last part of Captain Smirk's Spaceship journey through outer space.

13 years later.......

[Captain Smirk smirking to himself and enters the main cabin]
Captain Smirk: Little Johnny, many years ago on this very same day, you gave me a pinky promise that you would let me be Captain of this ship.
Little Johnny: Oh really, well let me tell you something Smirk, I've got no memory of that. We did no such thing.
Captain Smirk: Johnny don't you dare play games with me you old sod! Look we had an agreement, so get your stuff and get out of here while you still can. I am claiming my rightful Captain position on this Ship.
Little Johnny: As far as I am concerned I am going to stay put right here.
[Captain Smirk becomes a little aggresive now]
Captain Smirk: Well bring it on then I say!
[Captain Smirk and Little Johnny then engage in a fight scene like the ones in Star Wars]
Little Johnny: Evil Stutter!
[The Air is filled with the sounds of "Aaaahhh.....ummmmmm......uhhhhhh"]
[Captain Smirk successfully dodges his attack]
Captain Smirk: That the best you've got Johnny. Smirk Attack!
[Sure enough it works. Little Johnny is hit hard by the attack and falls back to Planet Earth]
Captain Smirk (beaming and smirking): Yes, at last I've got rid of him. Gee that was pretty hard though. I am the rightful Captain of this ship. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[A voice in the main control room makes Captain Smirk stop laughing]
Voice: Rudd mothership approaching. 100km north.
[Captain Smirk stops smirking and beaming]
Captain Smirk: For Christ's sake, what is that mothership?
Voice: Captain, that is an enemy Mothership. If a Rudd Missile is launched from it, you will perish and so will this ship!
Captain Smirk (in tears): Maybe I shouldn't have got rid of that old sod Howard after all. We could have fought this battle together.
[Meanwhile the Rudd mothership is within firing range of Captain Smirk's ship]
Flight-Lieutant Swan: Captain Rudd, permission to launch the Rudd misile on Captain Smirk's ship.
Captain Rudd: Permission granted. Launch missile!
[The Rudd Missile is launched at Captain Smirk's ship]
[Meanwhile inside Smirk's ship the voice alerts him to the missile]
Voice: The Rudd missile has been launched and will be hitting our ship in approximately 5 seconds.
Captain Smirk: What the? Are you serious? What am I going to do now?
Voice: Well not a lot. It looks like your going down to Planet Earth to be with Little Johnny.
Captain Smirk: Wait a minute, hang on. This cannot be happening to me. I am the rightful Captain of this..... Is that a .....
[The Rudd missile is nearly 2 seconds away from impact]
Voice: Yes it is. Looks like the end has come for you and our mothership, Captain Smirk!
KABOOOOOOOMMMM

Captain Rudd and Flight-Lieutant Swan and the rest of the team on the mothership then became the new rulers of Outer Space. And everyone lived happily ever after.

End of Part II

The adventures of Captain Smirk - Part I

About a decade ago in 1994, Captain Smirk and Little Johnny became friends when Little Johnny became leader of the Opposition and Captain Smirk his able deputy. With the recent revelations being revealed in the media by Costello that he made an agreement with Howard on the leadership of the Liberal Party and the future Prime Minister-ship, I decided to go back and take a comic look at the whole thing.

[Captain Smirk enters]
Captain Smirk: Hello Little Johnny.
Little Johnny: Oh Hi Captain Smirk. Please take a seat.
[Captain Smirk sits down]
Captain Smirk: Thanks mate. Wanted to discuss something with you.
Little Johnny: Yeah go ahead, I'm all ears.
[Captain Smirk smirks]
Captain Smirk: Give me a pinky promise that you are going to let me be Captain of this Space Ship in another 4 years time.
Little Johnny: ahhh...ummm....uhhh....
Captain Smirk: C'mon Johnny, you know want to!
Little Johnny: ahhh....umm....uhhh...
Captain Smirk: Don't make me angry, then I will go all green like the Hulk did in that movie!
Little Johnny: That movie was great I must admit. Saw it with Janette.
[Captain Smirk starts to get a little peeved off]
Captain Smirk: Johnny, give me a pinky promise or else.... I will use my Smirk Attack to send you down to Planet Earth.
[Little Johnny feels a little intidimated]
Little Johnny: Okay then there ya go Smirk....It's done...ahhh....ummm....uhhhh.....
Captain Smirk: Thanks Johnny.
[Captain Smirk stands up and leaves the room]

End of Part I

The Link between Harry Potter and Kevin Rudd

In some ways...I think Harry Potter and Kevin Rudd are similar. Now you might go "hang on a minute mate, what the?" Well, they:

1. Both wear glasses
2. Are determind to defeat Voldemort (in Rudd's case, that would be John Howard or the Libs)
3. When they seem dead, they always seem to fight back and stay alive (Rudd in the opinion polls)
4. And they look destined for big things (Rudd aspiring to defeat Howard and become PM)

I hope we don't see Rudd putting spells on Cabinet Ministers anytime soon. That would be real crazy! :) The picture in my mind is just hillarious....couldn't think of Rudd shouting "Expellariamous" at Costello from the opposite side of Parliament!

Newest Poem

I write poetry from time to time. Here is my latest poem, titled "Sand, Soil and Music" which was published in a local community magazine this month. The theme is centred around global warming - a current international issue of interest. Watch this space as I may post my other poetry work here!

Sand, Soil and Music
By Paulash Chatterjee

As sand and soil weep in dismay,
The music of the earth and the morning sun’s ray,
Seem to be hundreds and millions of light years away,
I awake with a pain for the lost music of this universe every day.

Global warming ensures that poisoned air,
And toxic seas make the earth cry and moan,
Softness of life is now all rock and stone,
The heart of the world is full of pain,
Let the sunrise herald a new day of rain,
Strange hands grab me and I can only but despair.

The fragrance of wildflowers is needed to begin a fresh day,
People around the globe must now for their actions pay,
Cities and roads cannot just go up and up,
Very much like being given a golden cup,
“What is the need for all this?” ourselves we ask,
We have put modernity on our face as a mask

All over this glorious little land,
Many a good people live far away and close to the sand,
Be aware of the goodness of the human spirit!
Let the music of a simple life bring a new inspiration,
To which our children and their children can give an increased amount of dedication,
This is the deep meaning of the goodness of the human spirit,
And one that our children and their children can from us inherit.

25 July 2007

A cynical look on the War on Humour!

Well here we are. I have arrived at my first ever blog (after the Welcome). I woke up this morning with a sense of fear. A few days ago, ABC's The Chaser Team took a fake motorcade near to the entrance of the APEC Summit and the rest, as they say, is all history! Now coming out of that event there are some reasons for people to be concerned.

After 2001, the world was fighting against terrorism. Today we face another kind of terror: humour. Yes, folks, lets face it, comedians who make this country laugh are biggest threat in the 21st century. And yet, the government is not acting on this, they are letting it grow. The reality of a laughter attack is eminent, as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival isn't that far away. The biggest threats to national security are Rove MacManus, Peter Heliar and Dave Hughes. I reckon they should be sentenced heavily - the reason: Laughter is contagious when they make jokes. The world is an uncertain place - the worst thing one would want is for a comedian to hijack a plane as a publicity stunt or something crazy like that.

My fellow Aussies value humour. We should stop comedians coming to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (like Stephen K Amos) because they could "unleash" the unkown power of Contagious Laughter. Police should be allowed to detain them for 48 hours.

I am truly shocked by the government's actions. The people of Australia need substantiated information about where exactly these Weapons of Mass Humourisation are, otherwise, this war is going to be as elusive as trying to find those WMD's in Iraq (which were subsequently proven not to be there).

In conclusion I say that any comedian across the country who makes jokes good enough to get an audience to laugh hysterically, should be given life imprisonment. Australia's sense of humour has dried up in the last 5 years or so. So you comedians better watch out - the AFP might knock on your door tomorrow morning!

Disclaimer: I bear no responsibility if you injure yourself by falling off your chair laughing.

About this blog....

In regards to my blog site, I will be posting material/stuff about numerous things. This may include political sattire, humorous ideas, politics and current affairs, world views, any much much more. Watch this space grow and grow!

A warm greetings!

I have officially now entered into the 22nd century now as I have opened my first ever blog account. I am pretty new to this kind of thing, but I think it shouldn't take long to get my head around it I hope!