Greed is bad. Capitalism is great. Free Trade is awesome. Really ?

This is a picture I took, in New York city. I saw this sign near a plush neighborhood, where all the swanky show rooms were.

It was quite early in the morning and the streets were pretty much empty. The only ones on the street were the homeless. I wondered what they thought about the sign. They could care less.

A few years ago, I would have been among the vast majority that thought Capitalism was the coolest thing since sliced bread. Not any more.

Growing up in the erstwhile socialist leaning India, I developed a loathe for Socialism. The private enterprise were few and far between. Things were state controlled. Subsidies, inefficiencies and bureaucracy was ever present. Customer service was a concept unborn. Consumerism was a concept very foreign. It was the age of License Raj that took over British Raj.

The job opportunities were few and the people competing for it were many. Through out my student life, I kept hearing the same one thing. Study hard, else you will be unemployed.

It was the 90s when the Indian foreign exchange crisis happened. Suits from the IMF and the World Bank stepped in. The then finance minister Manmohan Singh flagged in the Liberalization Raj. The rest is history.

Had it not been for that opening up, my career path would have been very different (possibly nonexistent). So why have I turned against trade liberalization? So why am I asking all these questions ? Why am I complaining ? Why now ? Lot of my friends have asked me that. Some even have gone to the point of saying that I am aiming for Utopia.

I still remember that day when NAFTA made headlines the world over. A new era of growth said the news report. There was a general drumbeat of all the good things it would achieve. The news report had a small segment towards the end, which showed a few protestors angry about the treaty. I couldn't understand why someone would protest against growth and job creation. How dumb was I ?

A decade later, it is clear what NAFTA has accomplished. 10 - 15 million Mexican farmers displaced. Agricultural & Food mega-corporations such as Tyson, Cargill, ConAgra and Midland have made record profits. Thanks to large scale mechanized farming, low wages and nonexistent environmental standards, prices have plummeted. Small scale farming has been rendered uneconomical. I think NAFTA should be renamed to North American Forced Trek Agreement. Poor Mexican farmers forced to trek the Arizona border.

So when the senate and the house of representatives both approved CAFTA, I couldn't help but wonder...Isn't there common sense anymore ? Krystal Kyer at Counterpunch.org asks the question What rhymes with NAFTA, But smells worse ? CAFTA !

The consequences of this "neoliberal" trade system is not just felt in Mexico. Remember the Tsunami ? Had the mangroves across South East Asia not been commercially and systemically destroyed, the large scale loss could have been avoided. Large aquaculture and tourism corporations have been able to sue local governments, violate local environmental laws and destroy the mangroves. All in the name of Trade Liberalization and WTO.

If you were to look at the corporations that are lobbying for this neoliberal trade system, one will find companies that we work for, our friends work for, companies we have bought shares of. As I sit here and blog all this, I feel like a total hypocrite. I feel, I am just another blogger with a broadband connection and a digital camera.

Quote of the day
"Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy sh*t we don't need"... From the movie Fight Club

Me, a flickrite finally !

Photography is something that fascinates me. I am just a beginner. And Miles to go....

Here are a few pictures from my trip to Taos, New Mexico. One falls instantly in love with the place. The trip was special to me for one reason. I got to see, feel and learn Native American culture.



Quote of the day
"Buying a Nikon doesn't make you a photographer. It makes you a Nikon owner"...Author Unknown

Earth day, Religion & Me again

As they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words". In this case, it is worth a thousand questions, searches and action items. This is a picture of Thai Buddhist monks ordaining an old tropical tree to protect it from logging. The picture was taken by Chamaiporn Pongpanich of Thailand

This post has been exactly 3 months in the making. I have been asking myself the question, Can religion save us from today's grave environmental crisis?. Can religion stop the rampant industrial pollution, resource depletion and habitat loss ? The world population today is well over 6 billion. It is estimated that about 84% of people are religious. So, the simple answer is, Yes. The difficult question is, How?

My search, led me to Harvard university's study on religion and ecology. The study explores human behavior over the past several decades. How materialism has affected society. How emphasis in Christianity and Judaism on the dominion of humans over nature has led to exploitation and destruction of nature and its resources for utilitarian ends. It looks at different religions and its views on nature. I have to say, reading it has been saddening, enlightening and heartening. Heartening, because the religious leaders across the world are cognizant of present day environmental issues. Some things are being done about it. More needs to be done and it needs to done fast.

It was a pleasant surprise to find the study mention, churches in Kerala. Almost all the churches in Kerala (including mine) have come together to form what is called the Joint Ecological Commission. The aim of the commission is to spread awareness about environmental issues in churches. The site listed Dr Mathew Koshy as the contact.

Dr Mathew Koshy teaches at the Bishop Moore college in Kerala. He has been working with many Churches over the past several years. He is passionate about the environment and eco theology. He was kind enough to send me a copy of a recent publication titled "Reconciling with Nature". It brings to light, aspects of the Bible that I was not aware of. To be honest, I have a new found respect for the Bible. Thanks to the hard work of Dr Koshy, there is growing public awareness. In an age of rampant commercialism, it is always a race against time. I sincerely hope to work with him and be of help.

This post is not about Christianity. It is about us all. It is about how our religions can better our world. My parents have always taught me to respect others and other religions. I am forever grateful for that. Mahatma Gandhi said this about religion, "The soul of religions is one, but it is encased in a multitude of forms". He goes on to say, "Faith is a living, wide, awake consciousness of God within". I sincerely feel our religions can guide us to a better greener future. If we are to appeal to our religious leaders, If we are to request them to address environmental issues, I am sure we can bring about a positive change. There is no better mass media communication than religion.


Quotes of the day
"I need no inspiration other than Nature's. She has never failed me yet. She mystifies me, bewilders me, sends me into ecstasies. Besides God's handiwork, does not man's fade into insignificance?" ... Mahatma Gandhi

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it"...Genesis (2:15)

"For the time has come...for destroying those who destroy the earth"...Revelation (11:18)

Frugal Friday, the new Casual Friday

The idea of Frugal Friday hit me yesterday while walking my usual afternoon walk. There is a stretch along the walkway that has tall trees on both sides. That is my favorite part of the walk.

It is funny how I get these ideas. It always happens when I am in the shade of a tree or when I am in the toilet! Funny isn't it. Is it just me? Or is this common ?

So, I get all excited about my idea and a few clicks of photoshop later, I create this image. I am not sure if this is an idea, wishful thinking, silliness or just plain wacko. Anyway, this is what I had in mind

I recycle everything very religiously. Recycling is great. On Fridays, go one extra step. Just resist the urge to consume in the first place. Go easy on nature

1) Car pool
2) Not produce nondegradable waste. That would mean... No packaged food, No bottled water or drinks, No TV dinners. Just cook and carry your lunch, carry water, eat in-season fresh fruits.
3) Watch less TV. Borrow and read a book or a magazine instead.
4) As Chris said, cut down on the air conditioning.

The list could go on. In short, a day of frugalism. Frugal Friday. The term Frugal Friday is not new. A google search will reveal that this term has and is being used by many. Ironically, to promote consumption !!!


Irony of the day
Food industry spends $10 billion a year advertising to children. 150,000 children will die in Niger if food aid doesn't reach in time.

Links: United Nations World Food Programme

Exxpose Exxon

ExxonMobil has given $15 million since 1998 to groups working to confuse the public about the broad scientific consensus on the causes of and solutions to global warming. More...


Quote of the day
"It wasn't the Exxon Valdez captain's driving that caused the Alaskan oil spill. It was yours."...Greenpeace advertisement, New York Times, 25 February 1990

Guilt, Carbon trading & Sundries. Episode II

My terrapass redemption decals are here. Yippiyaye :) In case you are wondering what this is all about... Episode I is here





Decal of the day

Mexican cuisine, Alternative fuels, Conservationism Vs Environmentalism

We have these quarterly team meetings. We go out for lunch and we congratulate each other on our achievements. This time around, we went to a Mexican restaurant. Nestled in a quaint little neighborhood, with lush greenery, tall gentle trees and overlooking a river. The food turns out better than the view. They make some amazing salsa and cheese enchiladas. The tomatoes for some reason taste extraordinary. Must be organic.

The conversation is free flowing ranging from the summer heat, yard work, how girls grow up too fast, how cute my husband is, how adorable my wife is, marriage, barbecue, NASCAR, left turns, more left turns etc etc. I am hearing all this, but all I really thinking about is my yummy enchiladas (munch munch). So I do the occasional nod, the "Oh really" , the "Wow", the "Hmmm". The conversation flows on... the high fuel prices, China and India's oil consumption, M85. The mention of M85 induces brain activity in me (Mission impossible theme song playing in my head). What ? . What is M85?

M85 is an alternative fuel that has 85% methanol and 15% unleaded premium gasoline. My research led me to this cool site, altfuels.org . Not only did I find answers about M85, but also information about other kinds of alternative fuels

* Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG, commonly known as propane)
* Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
* Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
* Methanol (M85)
* Ethanol (E85)
* Biodiesel (B20)
* Electricity
* Hydrogen

The author, Dr Looper is a PhD from Caltech and a scientist working for Aerospace Corporation. The website talks about the alternative fuels available today, its advantages and its disadvantages. The site is a must surf. E85 and B20 are renewal fuel sources and sound very promising to me. Many carbon-trading projects are helping people in the developing world use Biodiesel.

My dream come true would however be to have an electric car, painted with solar cells. I mentioned dispersible solar cells in my earlier post. Anyway, that is just me and my dream.

Dr Looper says this about himself... "I named this website "Uncle Mark's Alternative Fueling Station" because it is mostly for those three, and for all children growing up breathing polluted air, that I think we need to promote alternatives to gasoline and diesel fuel. In that sense, I am more a conservationist than an environmentalist: an environmentalist mostly values wilderness and wildlife for their own sakes, whereas a conservationist figures that we don't inherit the planet from our parents--we borrow it from our children. This is consistent with my own generally conservative point of view; I have never understood why most conservatives regard conservationism with such alarm--after all, the two words "conservative" and "conservation" come from the same root, and I for one would say that taking care of the planet we are borrowing from the next generation is about as good an expression of "family values" as you're likely to find!"

I hope to be a good environmentalist someday (maybe!). My main motivation is a better and green future. Not just trees and wildlife for my own sake, but also for the future generations. To me, conservationism and environmentalism is the same thing; both are the same people; both are good people. Dr Looper is entitled to his opinion. Regardless, he seems to be a great guy.


Quote of the day
"...But the real thing about Mexican food is that it is not all tacos; it i’s mostly Mexican food from all around Mexico" -- Shelley Golan, a sweet little kid

July 11th, World Population Day

This picture was taken during the annual Madison art festival. This little girl would wave and smile at everyone and everything. Today is World Population Day and the girl child is the most discussed topic.

The world population is growing at an alarming rate of 80 million a year. That is 10 New York cities a year. It sends jolts down my spine every time I think about it. This growth has grave consequences. Urgent stabilization of human population is vital for a sustainable future.

Easy for me to sit here and yak. Right ? Anyway , getting back to the point.

Women's rights and respect for the girl child is the foundation of a stable society. In the developing countries, women are struggling to be heard. Poor reproductive health care and education, renders all efforts to solve the problem of population explosion, a failure.

One of the organizations leading the effort for Women's rights and sustainable development is UNFPA. Their mission statement...

UNFPA seeks to improve the lives and expand the choices of individuals and couples. Over time, the reproductive choices they make, multiplied across communities and countries, alter population structures and trends.

Unfortunately, the task is easier stated than done. The subject of population stabilization gets into collision course with the religious right. The current US administration decided to withdraw their support and funding for UNFPA. I am guessing, they were kissing up to a key vote base. In India too where population stabilization is the only path to any future, the issue gets muddied by religious fundamentalism. A few Indian politicians grotesquely confuse people telling him that one particular religion is the cause of population explosion.

I like to be optimistic. There is always a silver lining. Two women, dedicated to the cause, created a movement called 34 million friends of UNFPA. The idea is for 34 million people to donate 1 dollar a year to compensate for the 34 million dollar funding cut off by the US administration. Till date they have raised $2,676,657. Contribute I did. Contribute you can too.






In India... Industry leaders, media experts and activists have come together to create a media and communications based campaign called PopulationFirst. They work together with UNFPA and local NGOs to reach the grass roots. Their latest campaign ad is definitely worth a watch.




All said and done, population is a time bomb and we need to diffuse it. The resources of mother nature are finite. Any number of scientific innovations cannot change that fact. If we are to live the way God intended us to, we should give God's other creations a chance too.



Quotes of the day
"Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land”... The Holy Bible, Isaiah 5:8

"Efforts to slow down population growth, to reduce poverty, to achieve economic progress, to improve environmental protection, and to reduce unsustainable consumption and production patterns are mutually reinforcing. Slower population growth has in many countries increased those countries ability to attack poverty, protect and repair the environment, and build the base for future sustainable development" ...The virtous circle, UNFPA

"The generation that destroys the environment is usually not the generation that suffers"...Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan activist and the first African lady to get the Nobel prize

"Children are God's gift. I am pretty sure he wouldn't mind, if we procreated a little less and adopted a little more" .... This one is 100% me

Footnote in history
On July 8th 2005, the leaders of the most powerful 8 nations concluded their summit in Gleneagles. They failed to arrive at a strategy to combat global warming. 7 among them wanted to solve the problem. One refused to listen.

Guilt, Carbon trading & Sundries

"Nothing is more wretched than the mind of a man, conscious of guilt"...Titus Maccius Plautus

Guilt is indeed a wretched thing. About 6 years ago, I thought buying a SUV was the cool thing to do. I was a moron then. (I probably am still). So I bought one. Mind you, I did not buy one of those mammoths. I bought a mini SUV, built on a sedan chassis, with just four cylinders and 146 HP. However mini it might be, a SUV is a SUV; fuel wasted is fuel wasted; global warming is global warming

Automobile emissions contribute to 25% of CO2 emissions in the US. A car produces about 9,000 lbs of CO2 every year.

Ever since I have gone green, my SUV has been a constant source of guilt.That is probably why I have fewer comparative miles on it. Compared to the national driving average, I drove the car about 30,000 miles less. On several occasions, I contemplated trading it in for a Toyota Prius. Good intensions aside, Prius is expensive, way over my current economic ability, has a 6 month wait period and thanks to the high demand, the dealers squeeze every dime of premium out of you. If I ever buy a new car, Prius will be the one. Then again... Time, Tide and Guilt waits for no one.

It was is by chance that I surfed an article on Karl Ulrich. He is a professor at University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. He too was suffering from guilt driving his Ford pickup on weekends between Philadelphia and Vermont. This guilt led him to the idea of Kyoto for cars. A few brain storming sessions later (with his MBA students) , terraPass was born

The basic idea is for car drivers to offset the CO2 emissions of their cars for about $50 - 80 a year. No selling or modifying cars. The money is invested in clean air projects, renewable energy initiatives and finances projects that reduce industrial CO2 emissions. Till date terrapass claims to have saved 12,942,000 lbs of CO2

To me terrapass made and makes perfect sense. So... Sign up, I did. A little rid off guilt, I have. Waiting for my terrapass decals and happy, I am.


Quotes of the day
"Guilt: the gift that keeps on giving" ... Erma Bombeck
"We are almost always guilty of the hate we encounter" ...Vauvenargues
"Without the spice of guilt, sin cannot be fully savored"... Alexander Chase
"Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do" ... Voltaire
"Things in law tend to be black and white. But we all know that some people are a little bit guilty, while other people are guilty as hell" ... Somebody
"Successful guilt is the bane of society"... Publilius Syrus

Ancient Egypt

Just Wondering... How would have life been in Ancient Egypt. To be born in that time.

Pharoahs worried about the after life and the common folks worried about their present life. The fortunes of everyone depended on the yearly flooding of the Nile. The Nile...The only witness to the rise and fall of this fascinating civilization. If the Nile could speak!



The best moment of the day
Drifting to the music of Cold Play