Appeal to President Patil to Ban Continental Airlines from India

24Jul 2009,
Her Excellency Smt Pratibha Patil,
President of India,
Newdelhi.

Honorable Madame President,
Physical frisking under the guise of airline safety is a gross violation of civil liberties and human dignity.
Resorting to it without sufficient cause is an affront to human dignity.
It reduces every human being to the level of a criminal or a terrorist.
When such demeaning and disgraceful treatment was meted out to President Kalam, it was with the full knowledge that he was a VVIP.
It cannot be justified by the arrogant laws of the USA, which has become a toothless tiger, since the disbandment of USSR .
We cannot and should not tolerate this insult.
A suitable fitting action in this case would be to withdraw Continental's licence to operate in this country.
We do not want this airline operating from this country ever again.
If we could get rid of the Coca Cola in 1977 for far less crime, we should now atleast stand up for national honor.
We should not let the world forget that we are #3 globally.
You can guage the public outrage if you see the media and the internet trends.
Nothing short of this will restitute the outrage.
Kindly direct the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Civili Aviation Minister Praful Patel to act in this direction.
With Great hopes that our national honor will be upheld by you.
Sincerely,
M B Nataraj

Frisking is an insult to the nation comment

Apologies have no value.
No point in taking eyewash action on the lower cadre.
The only language the American Arrogance appreciates is green backs. So,
The Airline should be thrown out of the country for ever.


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by Venkat Balantrapu 22 Jul 2009
This story has been read 377 times.
Category: Technology
Topic: Others

“RISKING LICENCE THRO’ FRISKING!”

The recent episode of frisking the former president Mr. Abdul Kalam is an insult to India’s pride. Though the government reacted strongly by ordering an inquiry and assuring the nation a show-cause notice has been served on the concerned carrier, whatever damage has been done cannot be undone now. Surprisingly the episode has come to light now though it had happened sometime in April 2009.

One of the most popular presidents India ever had, Mr. Kalam was always willing and undergoing the regular drill of going thro’ the metal detectors whenever he travelled abroad. What has happened to him in this case is going a step too far. It seems there is no meaning or value attached to the specific list of president, vice-president, former presidents, prime minister, chief ministers, chief justices, etc., specifically exempt from routine checks and frisking even while flying on commercial flights. The simplicity and greatness of the former president was evident when he took the frisking by the airlines staff, including removing of his footwear in his stride and did not complain.
The airline, Continental Airlines of U.S. has gone ahead to clearly defend its actions claiming it was their company policy. On one hand, they have violated the law of the land which is clearly a wilful violation. It simply means the law of the land is only secondary for them. Here is a foreign airline having no regard for the government and it’s laws where it has been licenced to operate. Two questions come to mind immediately. One, whether Continental Airlines will do this to a former U.S. president in their own country and two, if an Indian airline, say Jet Airways does this in U.S. to one of their former presidents will the U.S. government take it with a smile? Will they allow such airline to continue to operate? If the Indian government does not take a serious note of this issue and fail to take appropriate action, it will expose its incompetence as well as give an impression this is just a one-off incident for them. Most important is for the government to find out why this happened in the first place.
This issue has already created a storm in the parliament and an uproar throughout the nation. Indians exempt from frisking have been subjected to this before and this includes former Lok Sabha Speaker and Union Ministers. Though this incident is three months old, the government has initiated some action now, thanks to the strong protests and objections raised by the MP’s. It will be interesting to watch the government’s response to the explanations from the concerned airline. Explanations should be first preceded by an unconditional apology. The government should do whatever is required to ensure our country’s laws are respected and such violations are not repeated in future.
This is a clear case of risking licence thro’ avoidable frisking!


http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=e61f8e2b-276f-4a84-b8d8-f5a16162ba0c

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StoryPage
Yes frisking Kalam is an insult to the nation

Yes frisking Kalam is an insult to the nation

- by Venkat Balantrapu 22 Jul 2009
This story has been read 398 times.
Category: Technology
Topic: Others

“RISKING LICENCE THRO’ FRISKING!”

The recent episode of frisking the former president Mr. Abdul Kalam is an insult to India’s pride. Though the government reacted strongly by ordering an inquiry and assuring the nation a show-cause notice has been served on the concerned carrier, whatever damage has been done cannot be undone now. Surprisingly the episode has come to light now though it had happened sometime in April 2009.

One of the most popular presidents India ever had, Mr. Kalam was always willing and undergoing the regular drill of going thro’ the metal detectors whenever he travelled abroad. What has happened to him in this case is going a step too far. It seems there is no meaning or value attached to the specific list of president, vice-president, former presidents, prime minister, chief ministers, chief justices, etc., specifically exempt from routine checks and frisking even while flying on commercial flights. The simplicity and greatness of the former president was evident when he took the frisking by the airlines staff, including removing of his footwear in his stride and did not complain.
The airline, Continental Airlines of U.S. has gone ahead to clearly defend its actions claiming it was their company policy. On one hand, they have violated the law of the land which is clearly a wilful violation. It simply means the law of the land is only secondary for them. Here is a foreign airline having no regard for the government and it’s laws where it has been licenced to operate. Two questions come to mind immediately. One, whether Continental Airlines will do this to a former U.S. president in their own country and two, if an Indian airline, say Jet Airways does this in U.S. to one of their former presidents will the U.S. government take it with a smile? Will they allow such airline to continue to operate? If the Indian government does not take a serious note of this issue and fail to take appropriate action, it will expose its incompetence as well as give an impression this is just a one-off incident for them. Most important is for the government to find out why this happened in the first place.
This issue has already created a storm in the parliament and an uproar throughout the nation. Indians exempt from frisking have been subjected to this before and this includes former Lok Sabha Speaker and Union Ministers. Though this incident is three months old, the government has initiated some action now, thanks to the strong protests and objections raised by the MP’s. It will be interesting to watch the government’s response to the explanations from the concerned airline. Explanations should be first preceded by an unconditional apology. The government should do whatever is required to ensure our country’s laws are respected and such violations are not repeated in future.
This is a clear case of risking licence thro’ avoidable frisking!

Frisking Kalam -reply Posted on July 21, 2009 by kaushik sriram Frisking generally means checking a person physically with hands. I am not sure of

A Very balanced view kaushik.
Frisking is a gross personal violation. It should not be undertaken without sufficient probable cause.
But all this seems to be ignored under the “Homeland security” paranoia.
There is really no proof of averted potential hijacks by such violation.
It was unpardonable that it was applied to no less than the President of India.
It is just a tip of the American Arrogance, that too by a cheap airlines cheap employees.
It is a matter of deep national shame.
No point in fining INR 10 lakhs or two years imprisonment
after successful prosecution.
The Airlines has to be banned from operating from India-no less a punishment will suffice.
But this is beyond protocol. I have not heard of any ordinary person or VIP carrying anything personally on board to either hijack the aircraft or damage national property of the destination.
If the security cannot identify potential threats who have walked through the nonintrusive security measures, then they have no right to man these highly sensitive places.
Even according to American Law there has to be a probable cause for search.



=======================================================================================================================================
Posted on July 21, 2009 by kaushik sriram

Frisking generally means checking a person physically with hands. I am not sure of what exactly media means by frisking in this case. If it was just passing through a metal detector (gate type set up)- this issue could be left as it is- we are talking about Bombs and lives.. But if media means frisking was physical then it’s a case.

Is this the first time Dr Kalam is travelling into the US?? Was he checked like this even before? I know he visited the US in couple of times as an ex-president. None of those times he was checked like this… Having looked across reports from different sources on this issue, it really irked me just like any Indian. But for sure Dr Kalam wouldn’t have given a damn for being frisked. So, is Dr Kalam the first Indian VVIP travelling to the US through the Continental Airlines? Who else were similarly frisked?

Now to the point frisking in Airports with few personal experiences. As far as I have travelled even in the United States no one ever touched me in the name of checking so far. So clear is that passengers are strictly informed to remove any metals attached to their body or clothes like Belt, keys, watches and so on. Typically if one passes without any BEEP across the Metal detector gate, he/she is out of problem. There might be checking in some cases. There is nothing wrong coorinating with the administration. I have been to some of the major airports in the US and it’s the same everywhere. Now, Continental Airlines claim that Frisking a person before boarding the flight is usual in the US and they have followed the protocol is nothing but stupidity. It doesn’t happen for even a normal passenger here unless and until it’s really needed (specific cases). It’s in India that frisking is done by officers in the gates and metal detectors are used and this creates a big time mess. But even then it is done perfectly and I am sure no one can cross it with any weapons.

I suspect a lack of cooperation between Indian Security and Airlines officials. As far as I know there is protocol from Indian Aviation not to frisk VVIPs who are basically Central Mnisters, High Court and Supreme Court Judges and high ranking diplomats.

I really couldn’t understand how TSA’s (US Aiport Protection Agency) security protocol can be applied on a Foreign land unless otherwise accepted by the Local Government. If Continental claims that it has done something that standard and agreed upon- go catch the Indian Aviation Minister and seek an explanation why, when and with whom was this agreed- is it because we are not capable of checking people properly or we do not have needed equipements. If Continental’s claim is false – again go catch the Indian Aviation Minister and his team – leave Kalam – why were normal passengers frisked by a foreign authority for these many years and who gave them the right to do so in our soil?

Lets first make our protocol clear – I am sure the government is taking double standards here and have almost deviated from what was most important. It’s trying to take some stands for the sake of Kalam and some stands for the sake of the US. But it fails to understand that both Dr Kalam, indians and US would be happy if it takes a single perfect decision. What our protocol looks like and who agrees to it and who doesn’t?
http://kaushik1986.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/frisking-kalam/

India should do more-LEDS NYtimes 19Jul2009

19 July 2009,
The Editor,
Newyork Times,

Sir,
This is with reference to the 17 Jul 2009 editorial "

Secretary Clinton Goes to India".
As a long time-rightly or wrongly- pro US devoted Indian, it appears to me that the article is too tongue in cheek, to suggest that India should
do or can do more towards improving the relationship.
In other words be a game partner in the US global ambitions?
Since 1947 Pakistan was first born,(India came a day later remember), US stance has always been pro Pakistan.
To counter balance India's latent Potential as a world power?
It is a shame that India has been sidelined like this by myopic US foreign policy as far as the subcontinent is concerned.
It is a gross understatement to say that the policy has been myopic.
Any aid US might have provided over the years to India, has never gone into promoting global terrorism or into specifically targetting USA or sustaining military dictatorships.
Despite all the obvious continued persistent misuses of funding, technology largesse Pakistan has been enjoying because of this myopia, it is still treated as the prodigal son.
India has suffered unmentionable violations,indignities of its borders, peoples and properties.
Would it have been so blatant but for USA's propakistan bias?
Frankly this step motherly attitude is totally incomprehensible.
Historically the world has yet to see ONE repeat ONE successful US effort to defend or protect the vulenrable lady Democracy.
Preserve Protect and defend...... "of the people for the people and by the people" indeed.
It certainly has done nothing -PL480 notwithstanding- to preserve, protect or defend the world's largest democracy.
Everyone is eager to be enlightened on this aspect of US foreign policy.
Under these circumstances,to suggest that the two democracies can do a lot to deepen their relationship, " is hilarious (Hillaryous?)
With Sincerest regards,

Mr. M.B.Nataraj
Microbiologist-Medical Technologist,
BSc,MS(Georgetown University, Wash DC) Registered Medical Technologist (American Medical Technologists) USA,


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/opinion/18sat1.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Continental apology not worth the paper its tendered on

The tongue in cheek apology is not worth the paper or media its tendered in and grossly inadequate.
The nation as a whole should rise up and demand that the government throw this arrogant, third rate airline out of this country with immediate effect.
If president Kalam accepts this apology it shows his generosity.

Throw Continental Airlines out of India for frisking President Kalam-leds

The Editor,
Times of India
Bangalore,

Sir,
This is with reference to the third rate, cheapo arrogant US Airline Continental subjecting President Kalam- Let us not lower the dignity by referring to him as Expresident, once a president always a president- to full body frisking in contravention of all Civil behaviour.(Air line has not responded TOI page 15, 22 Jul 2009)
Would the US government have tolerated such treatment to its heads of state by another country?
The government of India has no option but to throw this airline out of this country for the national shame it has heaped on us, whatever their" justification" is.
No second thoughts about it.
We do not want this airline anywhere near India.

Let them take their business to places where such national trample and tresspass are welcomed.
Thanking you
Sincerely yours
Mr M B Nataraj
Microbiologist-Medical Technologist
BSc, MS(Georgetown University, Wash DC) MT(American Medical Technologists) USA


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MPs want action against airline



TIMES NEWS NETWORK



New Delhi: Frisking of former President A P J Abdul Kalam by the staff of Continental Airlines created a unique unanimity in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday with members of all parties saying it was a grave dishonour to the country and had proved that India was a weak nation where a former President could be humiliated on its own soil.
Leader of opposition in RS Arun Jaitley called it an outrageous incident and said any relationship is about reciprocity. “We send vehicles to the tarmac for foreign dignitaries,” he said asking the government to take action. While demanding action against the airline staff, even suspension of its operations and an investigation, Sitaram Yechury (CPM) said, “This comes from US and if it is due to his (Kalam’s) name, the matter is more serious.” He also asked why security was being outsourced. Jayanti Natarajan (Congress) said until action was taken, operation of the airline should be suspended.
Raising the issue, Prabhat Jha of BJP said it was a conspiracy against India. Balbir Punj (BJP) demanded arrest of officials involved in frisking Kalam. He said it was ironic that while some people could fly anywhere and from anywhere, a national icon like Kalam was being subjected to humiliation.

Reply to Rajeev Khojas rant on President Kalam's frisking

What is the relevance of your rant dear sir? are you justifying the body frisking of President Kalam for security of some American Airline?
Would you have tolerated whatever level you are at now- God forbid the day you ever reached President Kalam's level- a body frisk?

#3
Tuesday, 21 July 2009 20:29:48
Who is a VIP in a democracy?The netas!They are VERY IDIOTIC PERSONS(VIPs) and some are VERY VERY IDIOTIC PERSONS(V V I P s

Reporting spam / phishing waste of time-ask leo-22JUL 2009

Reporting spam or even Phishing scams for that matter appears to be a waste of time. A most thankless job at the best of times because the "victims" meaning the websites in whose name the info is sought, say the banks, paypal or federal sites which are the targets hardly care and they never acknowledge the effort you make to report it to them. May be we should not expect thanks?
Posted by: M.B.Nataraj at July 21, 2009 7:36 PM

http://ask-leo.com/does_reporting_spam_help.html

BMW case Punishment reduced for Nanda-TOI LEDS21Jul2009

21 Jul 2009,
The Editor,
Times of India
Bangalore

Sir,
Apropos the disturbing finding of Delhi High court in the Nanda BMW case(TOI 21JUL 2009) that Nanda was not aware that driving while drunk (can? may?) kill.
Six people were brutally murdered by the drunk Driver ten years ago.
With injured victims still stuck under the wheels, he reversed and sped off
Another level of the judicial system albeit a lower one had already found him guilty and had sentenced him.
Any one who can consume alcohol for the "benefits" is totally aware of the "dangers" too, is the most fundamental premise of common sense.
He had no "Knowledge", witness recanted etc cannot change the reckless disregard for human life, and laws of the land this accident amply demonstrated.

Public become loathe to follow law and lose all faith in the justice system when such convoluted logic is applied to downgrade cr pc 304 part II to to 304A .
If the public perception of the justice system has eroded it has to be because Mr Citizen is haunted by questions.
cases frequently serve the rich and the famous?
Was justice done then or now?

Justice system alone is responsible for this.
Sincerely yours
M B Nataraj
BSc MS (Georgetown Universtiy, Washington DC)MT(American Medical Technologists) USA
Bangalore.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nanda gets a breather
BMW Case: Delhi HC Cuts Five-Year Term To Two Years
Smriti Singh | TNN


New Delhi: Ten years after Sanjeev Nanda had mowed down six persons in the infamous BMW hit-and-run case, and ten months after a trial court had awarded him a five-year term, the Delhi high court on Monday awarded him the maximum punishment for rash and negligent driving by sentencing him to two years of rigorous imprisonment.
The High Court differed with the trial court insofar as it didn’t agree that Nanda had the full “knowledge’’ of his speeding would lead to the death of six persons. Hence, it changed the description of his offence from manslaughter or “culpable homicide not amounting to murder” under Section 304 Part II IPC to death caused by “any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide” under Section 304A IPC. The main reason for this change, as given in his 274-page verdict by Justice Kailash Gambhir, was the transformation of Sunil Kulkarni from a key witness to an accused. Kulkarni’s testimony that just after the accident he saw Nanda and other occupants come out of the car and reversed it to flee, even though some of the victims were stuck under the bonnet, was found to be false.
The court ordered criminal proceedings against Kulkarni under Section 340 CrPC for committing offences against public justice. With the exclusion of Kulkarni’s discredited evidence, the HC held that it could not any longer attribute to Nanda the “knowledge” that the act of his driving the vehicle in his inebriated condition would result in the death of others.
Since knowledge is an essential ingredient of the charge of culpable homicide, the HC convicted Nanda of rash and negligent act on the basis of his admission at the appeal stage that he was involved in the accident and that he was at the wheel.
“Even if it is assumed that the appellant was in a state of drunkenness but still he had taken the risk of driving the vehicle knowing that his act would endanger the lives of others, but with the hope that it will not and therefore, the said act at the highest would be construed as an act of rashness on his part, which would attract Section 304 A IPC and not Section 304 part II of the IPC,” the HC observed.
As Nanda has already been in jail for 19 months, he will now require to undergo imprisonment for another five months. While deciding on the quantum of sentence for Nanda, the court declined his plea that he should be awarded less than two years of prison term on the ground that he had already disbursed Rs 65 lakh as compensation to the victims’ family. “If he was really so compassionate towards the victims, why did he take to his heels after causing the accident, knowing fully well the enormity of the casualty?” the court said.
10 YEARS ON
Jan 10, 1999: 6 people, including 3 cops, killed by a speeding BMW car driven by Nanda in Lodhi Colony
Aug 3: Charges framed under section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) among others
Sep 30: Mumbai-based businessman Sunil Kulkarni, who claims to be an eyewitness, is dropped as a “won-over” man
May 30, 2007: TV sting op
shows collusion between Nanda’s counsel, R K Anand, and prosecutor I U Khan to subvert justice.
Sep 2: Trial court convicts Nanda, awards 5-yr jail term
July 20, 2009: HC upholds conviction against Nanda, reduces jail term to 2 years



SOFTENING THE BLOW: Sanjeev Nanda

Secretary Clinton Goes to India-NYTimes ed-17Jul2009 ed leds

19 July 2009,
The Editor,
Newyork Times,

Sir,
This is with reference to the 17 Jul 2009 editorial "

Secretary Clinton Goes to India".
As a long time-rightly or wrongly- pro US devoted Indian, it appears to me that the article is too tongue in cheek, to suggest that India should
do or can do more towards improving the relationship.
In other words be a game partner in the US global ambitions?
Since 1947 Pakistan was first born,(India came a day later remember), US stance has always been pro Pakistan.
To counter balance India's latent Potential as a world power?
It is a shame that India has been sidelined like this by myopic US foreign policy as far as the subcontinent is concerned.
It is a gross understatement to say that the policy has been myopic.
Any aid US might have provided over the years to India, has never gone into promoting global terrorism or into specifically targetting USA or sustaining military dictatorships.
Despite all the obvious continued persistent misuses of funding, technology largesse Pakistan has been enjoying because of this myopia, it is still treated as the prodigal son.
India has suffered unmentionable violations,indignities of its borders, peoples and properties.
Would it have been so blatant but for USA's propakistan bias?
Frankly this step motherly attitude is totally incomprehensible.
Historically the world has yet to see ONE repeat ONE successful US effort to defend or protect the vulenrable lady Democracy.
Preserve Protect and defend...... "of the people for the people and by the people" indeed.
It certainly has done nothing -PL480 notwithstanding- to preserve, protect or defend the world's largest democracy.
Everyone is eager to be enlightened on this aspect of US foreign policy.
Under these circumstances,to suggest that the two democracies can do a lot to deepen their relationship, " is hilarious (Hillaryous?)
With Sincerest regards,

Mr. M.B.Nataraj
Microbiologist-Medical Technologist,
BSc,MS(Georgetown University, Wash DC) Registered Medical Technologist (American Medical Technologists) USA,


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/opinion/18sat1.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Cheap Chlorination device for household water storage tanks, Inventor M.B.Nataraj,Jul2009

Many urban houses and most rural dwellings in India have stored daily water supply, ground level or overhead. The water source may be from an untreated bore well or an organized potable water supply system. During the process of collection, storage and use the chlorination may be inadequate.
This leads to consequential health issues from contaminants like algae and other microbes.
When I recently drilled a bore well at my residence, the chlorination issue became primary health concern.
I wanted to chlorinate the storage water tanks –both overhead and ground level more regularly than dumping some quantity of bleach.
The factors to be considered were cost, ease of construction, source and adequacy of chlorination etc.
Looking at all the possibilities: particularly with reference to the chlorine source which I would have wanted to be residueless so the pipes did not block up and preferably biodegradable .
I toyed with the idea of a commercial slow release chlorine tablet. I might have had to make it myself in view of the possibility it may not be available easily or economically in India. By virtue of its design it again may not provide exact level of chlorination.
So I decided to use a concentrated chlorine solution available from chemical manufacturers. It is about 10 times the concentration of the required 100 ml of 0.5 percent per 1500 liters of water.
It was ecofriendly and biodegradable.
As a result I came up with these two cheap and very cheap models for continuous chlorination of household water.

The Cheap Cheap version:(under INR.10)


1) Empty shampoo, liquid bleach or similar 500 ml sized bottle- cost 0.
2) A 21 G hypodermic needle – cost 3 Rs.
3) An old /new air control valve for aquarium aerators- cost 0 to 5 or 10 Rs.
4) Instant glue.
Method: Glue the air control valve to the opening in the shampoo bottle- enlarging the opening if necessary- make sure it is leak proof. Insert the Needle in the base of the shampoo bottle. Fill it up with the chlorine solution of the required strength. Adjust the flow rate to provide the required volume of chlorine /24 hours. 1 drop (0.05mL)every 30 seconds or so provides 150 ml of chlorine solution in a day.









The semi deluxe version:(under INR 50)









1) An empty 5 liter plastic jerry can. Cost Rs.10
2) A 21 g hypodermic needle through the cap. Rs 3
3) An Intravenous transfusion set- used one without the needle will do very well- new one is about Rs. 30 in surgical supplies. Total
Method: Drill a hole slightly smaller than the IV set inlet. Glue the Inlet into this drilled hole. It may need some M seal – a 2 component synthetic putty to make this leak proof. Insert the 21 G needle through the cap and fill the 5 liter can with the required strength of Chlorine solution. And set it on top of the tank with the end of the IV drip set above the water level. The advantages of this over the previous model are obvious because these jerry cans have their own sturdy handles which can be used to suspend the can over the water tank.
Copy right
M B Nataraj
Email:
mbnataraj@gmail.com
July 2009

Idiot's Illiad-Copy right Nisha Nataraj-2008

The Idiot’s Iliad

Erstwhile, the village idiot went on a quest,
To vanquish the evil dragon he sought with all that zest.
Trouble loomed close, aye.
The poor boy knew not how near by.

An approach to the wise man confirmed our fears,
“Idiot!” he yelled, and brought him to tears.
Yes, we knew he would not survive,
A battle with the dragon, even a while!

Erstwhile, heart-broken, refused to give in,
He exclaimed, “I’ll show them! I shall win!”
Armed with a stolen sword,
He set out to prove his given word.

The days that came were long and weary,
And Erstwhile the idiot, hallucinated of many-a-fairy.
But he marched on, stood his ground,
Although, he might have lost his way, and gone round & around.

The time came when he approached the lair,
Yes, the men that ventured here were rare.
“Dragon!” he kind of provoked,
While outside, in fear, the beard he’d grown, he gently stroked.

Now, the idiot knew nothing of swords, or even to fight
The most he’d endured was say, staying up all night.
And as he stood outside, he recalled these things,
Saw that maybe they were right, and suddenly wished to sprout wings.

Too late, he realized, as he heard a rumble,
The dragon, roused, had begun to stumble.
Erstwhile began to quaver,
But reminded himself of his foolish declaration – never to waver!

The dragon finally came out, and saw light,
Annoyed by whatever gave her a fright.
Tall as the sky,
She eventually spotted a puny guy, about to cry.

Confused and perplexed,
She looked at the boy oh-so-vexed,
Most of the men, who came to kill her,
Were surely, a tad bit fuller??



She sat down,
Unsure of this clown,
Who finally opened his eyes to see,
A figure sitting down, the huge monstrosity!

Erstwhile the stupid, but also the brave,
Ventured to speak, lest he be sent to the grave!
“Dragon”, he ventured, “Get set! I’m here to slay you!”
But, that he was ready to pass out, was also true.

He unsheathed his sword, and stood with a determined frown,
While she still wondered why he bore no crown?
He paused, wondered how to carry out the rest,
While she sat there, thinking, “Is this a test?!”

The idiot decided to charge at last,
While the dragon saw, that he wasn’t very fast.
He struck her “hard” on her toe,
And stood there expecting some blood to flow.

But, alas! She didn’t flinch,
Did this idiot expect a lynch?!
The dragon finally had enough of this game,
She spoke, “Boy, tell me your name?”

Erstwhile stood back to see if he heard right,
He regrouped his courage with all his might,
“Erstwhile” he said, “Would you like my age too?”
She blinked, and said “Young man, How do you do?”

Now the idiot was confounded, really puzzled,
How was this dragon not the least bit frazzled??
Here he was, standing to kill her,
And maybe even make roast, and grill her?

But this girl, she seemed hardly worried,
Basking in the sun, her scales lurid?
Was this some kind of sick joke?!
“Oi!” he heard, and into his thoughts she broke.

“Do you mind?!”
“How are you? To reply would only be kind!”
“Al-Alright” He stammered,
Considering, the possibility that he was hammered.

She laughed, and saw he was a simpleton,
That the only chance he had, in a fight, to run.
She smiled, or bared her teeth,
While the idiot thought “I’m dead meat!”

She decided it was best to let him go home,
Rather than bury him in some loam.
“Boy” she said, “I’ll strike you a deal”
“Provided you sit down, and have a meal.”

The idiot, now completely convinced he was a nut,
Chided himself for priding his gut.
He sat down carefully,
Even as The dragon eyed him playfully.

“Go home kid,” she encouraged,
“We’ll have my death staged”
“I’ll pretend to have died”
“And you can claim to have done more than tried!”

She offered him some goat flesh,
She urged, “Do have some, Its Fresh!”
He saw she was careful of her manners,
And suddenly became mindful of his own “grammars”!

The offer he reasoned, was too good to be true,
If he didn’t accept it, he would most definitely rue!
“Okay, Lets do this! I’ll pretend to kill you!”
“Lets find some green stuff , and cover my sword with goo!”

They had a whale of a time,
Bonding over the length of this rhyme,
As they carefully planned and staged her death,
The idiot was overjoyed, and into the air he leapt!

The time came, when he bid her adieu,
“So long” he said “ I hope to sometime see you!”
She returned his greeting,
Happy she had the opportunity of this meeting.

Erstwhile set out, back to the village,
Thrilled about narrating his made-up tales of courage!
And as he finally reached the outskirts,
Realized he looked a warrior – covered in dirt!



The villagers came to receive him, he was now a hero!
They’d no longer compare him to that Indian thing, a zero?
As the idiot swelled up with pride,
The rest of the village were now idiots – for he had lied!!!

Nisha Nataraj
mbnataraj@gmail.com
nishanat@yahoo.com
copyright 2008

Babe vs baba-yahoo buzz comment-14jul2009

Lord Rama, Please spare us these Baba Ramdevs. I think babas are basically grapes are sour type. They could not manage life in a society. So they become babas and advice everyone on everything.

Kudos to Celina Jaitley and others like her who are willing to embrace human varitey.
Trying to fix basic instincts like, sexual orientation, eating preferences like vegetarianism or meat, is futile. Anyway it does not affect the smooth functioning of the society. If one or two individuals actions interfere in the society's fucntioning, they can be suitably curbed by the civil/criminal laws of the society if needed. Looking at Prof. Sabharwal's Murderers being released today, I think we have a lot of tolerance as to how far we as a society are willing to go in terms of criminal tresspass of our laws. Hinduism has survived all these millenia because of its reed like nature, which is its weakness as well as its greatest strength.

http://in.buzz.yahoo.com/article/1:yahoo_india_n449:bcd939bceb4e116b060a2becaa96dbdd/Babe-vs-baba

Jackfruit pie!

Jackfruit is a favorite tropical fruit from south western parts of India like Kerala and Karnataka.
It has a strong fruity flavor, the pulp decidedly fibrous. If you like the smell and flavor of the fruit as I do, you can try making a pie with jackfruit filling instead of apple, pumpkin or banana.
The well ripened fruit needs to be cut into small pieces, steamed for about 10 minutes. Add sugar, cinnamon and a small quantity of cardomom powder. Then put the filling into a pie crust as usual to make the pie. If the fruit is particularly fibrous, you may need to blend the filling at high speed to mash up the fruit and give the pie a smoother consistency.
I loved it.