Trump And The Big Ego

It seems that ever since Trump was elected, many cannot accept that he was legitimately popular and resonated with enough people to be voted in despite being unfairly treated by a corrupt media and establishment. They find it hard to accept that they were either totally clueless about what about 60 million people felt like or wilfully turned a blind eye to it hoping it would go away or that they were gullible enough to buy the lies peddled by the mainstream media. 
Now they are desperate to somehow vilify Trump and ignore the real issues that were important to at least 60 million! They continue to buy more lies by the same media hoping to be validated in retrospect! 

I think a big human ego and unwillingness to admit to one's mistakes and flaws is at play here!  :-)


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

SPIRITUALITY POLITICS AND TRUMP

In politics,  just as in spirituality,  a good follower needs to read from the source directly,  think and figure out one's own values and actions.  While it is OK to listen to others and be guided to learn, ultimately one's expression has to be one's own. Don't let anyone interpret the core message, tell you what to think or do.  We need to take personal responsibility for our spiritual or political actions. 

That is why I think it is great that true leaders have a direct channel of communication to people. Trump and his team are excellent - their Twitter, Facebook  messages put out direct, unedited quotes from all sides. People are respected and trusted to think and figure out for themselves. This  should be appreciated even if one does not agree on all issues! Seems to scare their opposition out of their wits - they are getting desperately delusional and comical!


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
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Battle For The Soul Of The USA

Since the recent Presidential election in the USA, it seemed odd that they have not moved on from the result as in the past, to get on with the task of re-building. There seems to be some soul searching going on in some segments of the society. Things seemed a bit foggy in the beginning, but somethings seem to have become clearer.

Short of outright violence, there is a 'war' going on in society. It seems like there is a battle raging for the soul of the USA - what it is and what it stands for. Suddenly there is a great effort to tell and define what has traditionally made it a great prosperous and powerful nation, what built it up and made it such a magnet for so many and a supposedly more 'modern', 'global' valued version of how the USA should be.

The strange thing is that on the one side there is almost half the population that felt neglected and has risen up to reclaim the soul and power of their nation. On the other side there is another segment, supported by the overwhelming mainstream media, 'celebrities', many external powers, leaders of various countries, all claiming to tell everyone what the soul of the USA is - what it really means to be an 'American'. Fear and distrust is being sown and even encouraged. There are people of all ethnicities on both sides, just varying in proportion.

Whenever this has happened in the past - someone else telling a people or interpreting for the world what their values are, it has never gone down well, particularly if a majority or the largest segment is ignored, deliberately so. The results of others defining or imposing what they consider the values of a people, without listening to them, has always ended in disaster for both the people and their definers. The people of the USA need to unite and they need to be allowed to come together peacefully, by all  meddling 'others'. A disaster in the USA will have multiplied and worse effects around the world. It is a good idea for others to leave it be, even as it is trying to focus more internally.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

Aankhon Se Pilaado Bas Ek Baar

Pilaane wale kya jaane
Peene mein kya mazaa hai
Jinpe marte hain woh kya jaane
Aise jeene mein kya mazaa hai

Ek pal aankhon se pilaa de, Saaqiyaa
Yeh umr safal ho jaayega
Ek paimaane se zindagi bhar ka
Tishnagee door ho jaayega

Phir kya hogi jannat ki chaah
Jeeteji ek ghoont to peelee
Agar agle pal hi hum guzar jaayen
Kahenge bohtaat zindagi jeelee

English Translation:

Pour Me One, With Your Eyes

The one who pours knows not
Of pleasure there is in the drinking
The one I could die for knows not
The pleasure of such a life, I'm thinking

Pour me a quick one with your eyes, Oh Beautiful one!
A success this lifetime will be
Just one shot will do, coming from you
A lifetime's thirst quenched, you'll see

Then why would I seek heaven
When I have drunk of it, while alive
If I pass away the very next moment
I'll say it was an abundant life

Copyright (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017

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In Our Wake

We all leave our impressions in our wake, that extend into the distance in time. But even that is fleeting. Now we can see where the ship has been, but if we look here (over to one side) it seems like nothing has been. Though many ships have passed there, their traces fade away. We and our lives are just like that.

Copyright and Video Credit (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017.
All Rights Reserved.

What Can I say ? When You Are Right, You're Right!

I reckon most of those that have known me for a long time, would have labelled me "leftist, liberal, socialist, secular (even atheist), communist sympathizer" for a long time. In my younger days, I went along with such labeling myself. Now, I do not place much value on such labels or flawed constructs such as the linear, Right/Left paradigm. Basically, I would say what has always appealed to me are notions of

- a basic 'fairness' in the system,

- personal 'niceness' above it, as a starting point

- letting people be as much of themselves they want to be without infringing on others' rights

I must say that my ideas and notions of what people (mis)label as 'socialist, progressive, liberal' etc has undergone a thorough overhaul. Most of these words have lost their original meaning and are now ironic labels that often indicate their opposite in a person.

Today, I must say, I have a better rapport with people that are labelled 'Rightists'. On the average, (NOTE: Speaking statistically, not about individuals specifically) they seem to better reflect in their actions and reasoning, the values I respect and an attitude that is effective in dealing with any hypocritical opposition.

My teenage self would not have believed these coming from me. I reckon I have a bit more of experience since then.

Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

Evil and Stupidity

 It is often difficult to distinguish Evil from Stupidity; they can have the same expression, effect or consequences. However, there is one difference - while all of us are stupid sometime, somehow, few are evil.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

Butt Of The Jokes (PG-13+)

Disclaimer: This article is purely in jest, written as if for a little stand up routine.  It should be obvious, but I am stating this for those who might take offence where none is intended. If you start to get that feeling, STOP reading  immediately and move on. If you read further, it is at your own choice and risk. This is not to be misinterpreted as condoning any offensive behaviour towards women anywhere. Treat everyone, men or women, with respect, courtesy and decency. Even if you find someone worthy of your attention, the furthest you will get is only by treating people respectfully.

I came across this 'scientific research' article on Facebook as I was going through a bit of dry spell in coming up with material to write about.

Here was the title "Study Reveals That Women With Big Butts Are Smarter and Healthier"

http://twentytwowords.com/scientific-study-reveals-something-very-interesting-about-women-with-big-butts/?utm_source=socialmob&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=article-or-quiz-name&utm_content=985
Now, such a title is interesting anytime of the year, but for an aspiring writer going through a drought, this is like 'manna from heaven' even if I mix up the metaphors and 'a welcome downpour' would have been a better choice of words. However, since one of the  literal definitions of 'Manna' is "a sweet gum obtained from the manna ash or a similar plant, used as a mild laxative," this might be more appropriate than intended.

The online article goes on to say

"A new review published by researchers at the University of Oxford and Churchill Hospital in the United Kingdom suggests that people who carry their body fat in their thighs and backside aren’t just carrying extra weight, but also some extra protection against diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions associated with obesity.

The results found that women with bigger backsides tend to have lower levels of cholesterol and are more likely to produce hormones to metabolize sugar.

Having a big butt also favors leptin levels in the female body, which is a hormone responsible for regulating the weight, and the dinopectina, a hormone with anti-inflammatory, vascular-protective, and anti-diabetic attributes.

And having a big butt requires an excess of Omega 3 fats, which have been proven to catalyze brain development."

Now, retroactively thinking about it, this is certainly no news for men. It makes sense. Men have instinctively known this even as they evolved from the apes. They have always been attracted to truly intelligent women. What is sometimes mistaken as ogling is actually men checking out the IQ of a woman passing by. Of course, it will be difficult to convince a jealous spouse of this. Even if convinced one can be in greater trouble since being attracted to the intelligence of another is a greater offence!

 But for me, the modern man, politically correctly raised, having lost most of my natural instincts through social conditioning, this was a new revelation. Suddenly, I have started to notice many intelligent, smart women all around. The entire female population seems to be quite a bit smarter on the average than the previous generations and where I grew up as a child. Some appear intelligent in the extreme. I guess that is a bit too daunting for some men.

Also, from my personal observation and deduction - it does not appear that it works the other way around for men, if one presumes women would be attracted to similarly intelligent men.
Men who physically appear intelligent on the lines of women were given the go-by by most women. For a while it seemed shocking to me until it finally dawned on me. Truly, truly, a true intelligent and smart woman would not prefer a smart or smarter man as a mate, she would really prefer and it would be to her advantage to find a less intelligent man. That is the way nature intended a perfect match!

There is however one down side to this study - if it becomes too well known, it will be difficult for men to compliment a woman on her intelligence without being sued for harassment! Do not even use the word 'assessment' !

So, here is my advice for men - be careful with your compliments and 'assesments' (pardon the pun) of women anywhere, anytime, particularly in official correspondence.

Writing  that 'it is obvious she is highly intelligent and smart' might be 'proof' of you sexually harassing a female.

What is the world coming to? Such highly explosive and dangerous studies and research should not be undertaken or their results published without due care and preparation of society for its consequences. A whole buttload of butt jokes immediately springs to mind! Please feel free to make up your own and post them in the comments!

Footnote: No research has  been done to show that men with big butts are smarter. Strangely (or is it really surprising?) the study has been done, money spent and effort expended studying the correlation of women's butts and intelligence, with no attention towards men. Most men will not complain. They will agree it is money well spent and many probably  competed to get on board this research team. There are many proposals to further extend the area of this research to find correlation between women's intelligence and other parts of their anatomy. However (in)conclusive the studies are, the results need to be carefully handled and managed.

"Honey, does this pair of jeans make me look smarter?" How does a man answer that question honestly, it was fraught with danger even before this study came along...


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

India's tradition of corruption

There have been a couple of generations at least of government bureaucracy in India whose sole creative contribution has been devising ways and means to extort money over and above their salary from hapless and helpless people to get anything done at all or simply to be left alone. These are mostly shameless creatures who can provide their family a certain 'lifestyle' built on cruel and exploitative corruption. They are not willing to take a more honest path even if offered.


When nothing or no one good comes along in life, it can be considered sad. When something or someone good does come along and we don't recognize it or choose not to work with that, it a tragedy and a preventable one at that.

Mr. Modi has taken on the challenge to make a change. Could use the help of each and every individual. If most turn cynical naysayers and constantly undermine him , his efforts might fail. If his efforts fail it will not be because of him but the people will get a more vicious and corrupt bureaucracy. They will collectively deserve it. 

The consequences of our actions or inaction are something our children, grandchildren and future generations will inherit - the kind of culture they will grow up and live in.Think about this before one tries to throw new obstacles and destructive criticism on a person who has the courage to act today and try to achieve even a little progress.


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

Ek Pal Mein Zindagi Safal

Woh yaad ek pal ka saath
Main apni zindagi ko safal maanta hun
Chahe woh na thaame mera haath
Unke dilme hun basa, ya jaanta hun

Majboori unke haalaat ki
Unhe bhi kabhi rulaati hogi
Mujhe khabar na ho is baat ki
Yeh dua kar khudko sulaati hogi


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

The Migrant Magnet - The Critical Set of Intangibles

Flood of Immigrants - Are countries like the USA a victim of their own 'success'?

The reasons of the success of societies like the USA that have become so attractive to large number of legal and illegal migrants have to do with a certain mindset and culture that built them up that way over a long period of time. I am not talking about 'material' successes or money alone. I believe the strongest pull to such societies for immigrants is due to a small set of critical intangibles. It is because of these 'intangibles' that the societies have managed to remain both materially prosperous AND emotionally or intellectually attractive. Many wealthy countries in the world are NOT sought-after destinations. Many immigrants often can be materially wealthier or have more comforts and control over others in their own, yet would willingly uproot to migrate and settle down in their new homelands - often for a 'better future' for their next generation. Despite not being accepted with open arms or as 'equals' right off the boat, even over generations, there is a strong, compelling drive to seek something that is not spoken about too much. It is like the elephant in the room that only some are consciously aware of or speak of or even acknowledge.

I think it has to do with somethings very common, in civil life and that cost nothing, but their absence can be very costly to any society!

- A culture of standing in lines, patiently
- A culture of organizing things properly, logically
- A basic level of fairness and equality for all in civic interactions
- Citizens abiding and enforcement of laws to a high degree
- Honesty, fairness and tolerance in most day-to-day interactions
- Respect for ALL work and workers' dignity
- A well thought-out process to deal with almost all foreseeable situations in a calm and rational manner
- Some minimum measure of freedom of expression of one's views without fearing terrible consequences

These qualities are secular (not religion specific) and ideology neutral. They can exist in democracies, autocracies, dictatorships, monarchies, socialist or capitalist or communist societies.

These show up as clean organized streets, traffic, civic amenities. They show up as predictable, supplies of decent water, electricity and food. These show up as low crime rates and violence. The only way these are sustained over a long period of time is due to a very strong commitment to these from people in power and a strong local culture that does not tolerate anyone causing it to deteriorate. Once that starts to happen, the society is doomed in the long or not-so-long run. Any society needs people who will firmly and decisively act in face of threats to these 'intangibles'. Any newcomer's culture or tradition has to fit in with these critical intangibles before they are accepted and perhaps even elements of their original culture is accepted as an 'enrichment' of the native culture.

These features can co-exist predominantly even among a lot of other 'terrible' issues like racism, bigotry, hate and institutionalized discrimination, even among apartheid.

No matter what other failings (moral or otherwise) the countries like the USA, Canada, Australia or countries in Europe might have, it is the predominant culture in the people living there for the past couple hundred of years that has built them up the way they are. They have become attractive destinations to people whose own original cultures have been destroyed - often by people and policies of the very countries who become the desirable destinations. Often, more than by outright colonization or looting, societies have been destroyed by undermining or destroying these very crucial intangible values in a society. We can see countless examples to illustrate this point. Note the recovery of Japan or Germany or Korea or Singapore.

It is perhaps ironic, but perfectly logical. There is a great wisdom in a few of these sayings

"A thief knows best how to keep things safe"

"A mischief maker knows best how to spot and foil mischief towards himself"

A modern version might be

"A hacker knows best how to protect his computer"

The path to a better future is making more countries and societies tolerable enough that most people will want not be driven to crazy lengths to emigrate. In my opinion, most people will want to remain and will remain where they are if the small set of 'intangibles' are strong enough in their own home. Some will always want to wander the world, but it will be pleasant and stress-free for both themselves and their new homes.'


Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved 

Agle Janam Ke Meet - Song Lyrics

Dilon ke beech hamaare
Nahin koi dooriyaan
Bas hain to hain kuch
Thodi si majboorian

Chaahe is janam me na ho saath
Phir bhi hai yeh preet ki jeet
Yah sach hai ki tum hi ho
Mere agle janam ke meet

Kehta hai yeh dil ki baat
Yeh mere man ka geet
Tum hi to ho, tum hi to ho
Mere agle janam ke meet

Chaahe thaama nahin tera haath
Aur yeh umr gayi hai beet
Yeh jaanta hun tum ho
Mere agle janam ke meet

Kabhi man mera kehta- Jaaye,
Yeh janam ek pal mein hi beet
Miloon tumse mein ek pal mein hi
Us agle janam mein meet

Chaahe is janam me na ho saath
Phir bhi hai yeh preet ki jeet
Ki tum hi to ho, tum hi to ho
Mere agle janam ke meet

Tum hi to ho, tum hi to ho
Mere agle janam ke meet



Copyright  (c) Kannan Narayanamurthy 2017
All rights reserved