US Celebrates its 232nd Independence Day

A very happy indepdence day to all my readers from the US and those who are not from the US but still who respect and love this continent-sized country, the sole economic, military, espionage, infrastructural superpower of the world. Here are some cool graphics to celebrate independence day of the US. Well... What can I say, I am here alone bored and with nothing to do except dig my nose in books or watch unlimited movies/ browse the internet/ read books. There were several July 4th celebrations around town but since I didn't have any company and the parking everywhere was very expensive I chose not to go. Instead I sat in the apartment cybercafe almost all day and watched two Hindi movies. And of course I did some cooking and eating too. And then I washed the car... I didn't have to dry the metal mule because the heat of the evening sun vapourised the water drops on its body in a matter of minutes. Now that the day is almost over... I will head home and sleep off to prepare for tomorrow... hopefully I should go rollerskating and then continue on with the day.

Book Review: Gullah Culture in America

Exploring an ancient culture in modern America
Gullah Culture in America by Wilbur Cross; Price: $49.95; Praeger Publishers; 270 pp.

The United States of America has emerged as the sole superpower of the 21st century. The continent-sized nation has impacted its presence and power upon the rest of the world with its economic, technological and military superiority. Popular perception about America across the world is that of a multicultural, prosperous and hardworking society, with little interest in history, environment or cultural heritage. While it is largely true there are several initiatives from the government as well as by private individuals and foundations aimed at preserving ancient culture. One such example is the excellent efforts of The Penn Center, based in the island of St. Helena off the coast of South Carolina in the direction of preserving and documenting the history, heritage, religion, cuisine, medicine and prayer practices of the Gullah and Geeche Culture. The members of this ancient African-American culture trace their origins and ancestry to Sierra Leone and other parts of West Africa.

In an attempt to make the excellent work of The Penn Center known to people in America and also to introduce the Gullah culture veteran journalist Wilbur Cross has written the book Gullah Culture in America (GCA), in which he efficiently chronicles the history of Gullah culture and how it has impacted itself upon American nation, particularly in the southern seaboard states. “The Gullah people are the descendants of African ethnic groups who arrived in America as early as the late seventeenth century, and were forced to work on plantations in South Carolina and later Georgia. They were from many tribes including the Mandingo, Bamana, Wolog, Fula, Temne, Mende, Vai, Akan, Ewe, Bakongo and Kimbundu. The mixture of languages from Africa, combined with English, resulted in a creole language that eventually came to be known as Gullah,” writes the author of this well-researched treatise on an ancient culture.

Cross a veteran journalist and former editor of Life magazine has authored or co-authored over 50 books in his career has taken pains to do indepth research and portray the intricacies of the Gullah culture in his book. Spread over 12 well written chapters GCA starts with a foreword by Emory Shaw Campbell, executive director emeritus of the Penn Center. “Although thousands of articles and hundreds of books have been written on discoveries of Native American cultures and Indian lore, the Gullah-Geeche culture has been almost totally overlooked,” rues Campbell in the foreword commending that the GCA is one of the few well written books on the subject.

This book explores the Gullah culture's direct link to Africa, via the sea islands of the American southeast right from the days when Gullahs came into the contact with the western world during the height of the American Civil War through some missionaries who travelled to St. Helena Island, South Carolina, to establish a small institution called Penn School to help freed slaves learn how to read and write. According to Cross this was the first interaction between Gullahs and White Americans who noticed that most of the islanders spoke a language that was only part English, combined with expressions and idioms, often spoken in a melodious, euphonic manner, accompanied by distinctive practices in religion, work, dancing, greetings, and the arts.

The other chapters of the GCA explore various facets of the Gullah culture. The chapter titled ‘Hallelujah!’ talks about the religious practices of Gullahs, which they kept alive despite persecution by their masters. Chapter four titled ‘Growing up Gullah’ profiles several accomplished individuals who spent large part of their childhood in the southern islands isolated from modern America. “Many a Gullah person has risen from the most humble origins in neighborhoods in the poorer parts of town to successful careers in music, the arts, business and other callings. One fine example is that of Anita Singleton, who carried the procedure one step further by actually using her simple beginnings as the theme for her road to success,” writes Cross. Anita Singleton went on to become a popular radio host with a huge fan following for her one-woman show on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) known as ‘Tales from the Land of Gullah’.

According to Cross even today, there are more than 300,000 Gullah people, many of whom speak little or no English, living in the remoter areas of the sea islands of St. Helena, Edisto, Coosay, Ossabaw, Sapelo, Daufuskie, and Cumberland. If not for this book, this unique and colorful culture would have remained hidden away in the remote pockets of America. The book is not only a treatise on the history of Gullah, but takes the reader behind the scenes of Gullah culture today to show what it's like to grow up, live, and celebrate in this remarkable and uniquely American community.

Cut to the Indian scenario where several such minority cultures are dieing a slow death thanks to rapid modernisation and urbanisation across the country we need people like Wilbur Cross to research, record and publish papers and books on these cultures. There are many such tribes and groups such as Chenchus of Andhra Pradesh, Ilagas of Karnataka etc, whose culture need to be researched and documented urgently.

High-tech gear for tactical operations

When you hear the words tactical pants or tactical shirts, what comes to your mind? Do you think of clothing for strategic operations like those undertaken by police, military and other security agencies? If so you are bang on target. You definitely know your stuff or perhaps you might be one of the people using these gear.

Though I am not in the business of law enforcement I have great regard for people employed in that field. They are the people who risk their lives so that our lives are safe. Typically law enforcement personnell work in precarious conditions, unearthly hours and sometimes sacrifice family time for duty, all for the security of the society they have sworn to protect.

Wouldn't you all agree that these noble souls need the best possible equipment, clothing and gear to do their duty? I am sure you all do. I came across this website which sells an array of merchandise specially manufactured keeping in mind the diverse needs of law enforcement and military personnell. They stock the best quality 5.11 Tactical pants which have been chosen by the federal, state and local law enforcement. And since the past 20 years, these forces have successfully used these 5.11 Tactical Pants!

La Police Gear is offering free shipping BOTH WAYS for 5.11 Tactical gear. It is needless to say that they have the argest in stock inventory of 5.11 tactical gear and can ship most orders within 24 hrs. And of course when it comes to dealing with security and law enforcement people, the customer service is par excellent. I am actually quite impressed with the style and comfort that these pants seem to offer. I think it would be great for use in outdoor sports such as hiking, trekking and even just walking on trails.

A gap of two days!

Since several days I have been posting about books, news, sights, propaganda, international politics etc.. For a change I thought I'd just post about what is happening in my life now. Even as I drive through the mega roads of Texas, trying to get where I want to go: pretty much the same destinations, college, our friend Mary's home, library, sometimes to some restaurant/ bar to be part of an adventure club meeting. And the occasional visit to the Chinmaya Mission center to participate in some hymn chanting activities.

Sounds pretty boring... huh... well it is not so boring as it sounds. First four days of the week i.e. Monday - Thursday I am kept on my toes, 4 hours of classes everyday and at least two days there will be exams and of course there are homework assignments to complete too. Then there is the commute to school, at least 30-45 minutes each way. This may sound a lot of time and if anyone knows what I feel about driving here, it is downright STRESSFUL. So by the time I reach my destination I will be a bundle of nerves and need at least 5-10 mins to cool off and relax my nerves, before I can do anything else. I usually take a long walk in the green spaces of the campus before starting any academic activity so I feel relaxed.

I am not saying it would be better in India but in India stress is the way of life. There is stress in every aspect of life, so it is not noticed. Here several aspects of life are easy and can be taken for granted.

Now coming to the interesting things that happen everyday. Internet is one of my most favourite things now... online gaming... browsing, blogging etc keeps me fairly occupied. Sitting either in the apartment cybercafe or in the college library I pretty much pass long hours on the net. I hope my fingers don't give way to carpel tunnel syndrome.

That pretty much sums up what I am upto most of the time...

Book Review: A Hike for Mike

Journey towards suicide prevention

A Hike for Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness by Jeff Alt; Dreams Shared Publications; Price: $14.95; 198 pp.

For footloose and fancy free outdoor enthusiasts trekking/hiking through inaccessible wilderness is the ultimate way to explore the world’s hidden wonders in its most pristine form. Walking through tangles of green forest, traversing hill and dales, fording every stream in hidden valleys provides rushes of adrenalin, which packaged five-star holidays can never match. Hardcore hiking enthusiasts swear that hiking through lonely woods rejuvenate mind, body and soul beyond compare. Although long cross-country treks sound thrilling and adventurous it’s useful to bear in mind that they require great reserves of energy, stamina, and the ability to lead a life bereft of the modern urban comforts which one is so used to.

These psychological and emotionally rejuvenative aspects of hiking has been endorsed and well highlighted by Jeff Alt, a motivational speaker, seasoned hiker, speech pathologist, teacher in his latest book A Hike for Mike. Alt, the author of award winning hiking travelogue A Walk for Sunshine, records his journey through the famous 218-mile John Muir Trail in California. The hike and this is dedicated to the memory of his brother-in-law, Mike, who committed suicide due to depression. Throughout the book which is a daily dairy recording of his and his wife’s experiences during the 21-day hike, Alt educates the people he meets about the seriousness of depression.

The book starts off with a foreword by Dr. Jerry Reed, executive director of Suicide Prevention Action Network, USA. “This is a story about the courage of Beth and Jeff Alt, who became survivors after losing Beth’s brother Mike to suicide. They were determined, like many of the 180,000 who lose a loved one to suicide each other, to do what they could to help other families learn about depression and the terrible toll of suicide,” writes Reed in praise of the couple’s efforts in helping prevent suicide due to depression. Dr. Reed further states that 31,000 Americans commit suicide every year, while another 650,000 individuals make attempt on their lives.

The couple decides to undertake this hike to combat their own grief following the tragic death of Beth's brother, Mike Richards. They decide to dedicate the trek to Mike and raise awareness about the deadly illness that depression is. Mike suffered from untreated depression and committed suicide.

“Research shows that walking and hiking are actually beneficial to people, not just for the obvious reasons, but for fighting depression. It actually increases the antidepressant chemicals in the brain, and so does being out in the sunshine and fresh air,” writes Alt explaining the rationale behind their choice to hike one of the most challenging trails in the US.

The John Muir Trail begins in the Yosemite Valley and goes up Mt. Whitney, at 14,494 feet, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states of the US and Alt’s travelogue flows smoothly into 24 chapters, the last of which titled ‘Depression: Get the facts’ is wholly dedicated to educate readers about the facts, information and resources to combat depression. During the course of the book the author gives a graphic and detailed description of the rugged John Muir Trail (JMT), which passes through California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. The JMT starts off at the Happy Isles at a modest elevation of 4,035 ft. and ends at Lone Pine beside Mt. Whitney, (14,496 ft), the entire trail experiences sudden and extreme temperature swings, lightening and thunder storms, flash floods, bear and mountain lion attacks.

Through his lucid and chatty style of writing Alt makes the reader experience the adventure, pains, fears, wonderment, and appreciation for nature’s beauty as the couple travel through the wilderness of Sierra Nevada. A vast amount of detail is subtly integrated with the story and dialogue and one can easily know what to expect on the JMT after reading this book. “The John Muir Trail is speckled with glacial lakes and wilderness that are untouched by roads and most other civilized amenities. The trail wanders through deep canyons, around cold blue lakes and under sunny skies. It is most rugged and arguably some of the prettiest terrains,” writes Alt describing the JMT in the first chapter of the book.

The importance of right preparation in order to make cross-country hiking enjoyable and mishap-free, trekkers need to be well-equipped. A Hike for Mike clearly illustrates the amount of planning that goes on to make a successful hike through the wilderness. The author’s list of must-haves includes sturdy and comfortable backpacks, special hiking clothing including underwear, warm sleeping bags, portable water filter, alpine tent, cutlery, food, toiletries, etc. Comfortable hiking boots and a first-aid kit are also a sine qua non. This book was released on September 10, 2005, which is also marked as the World Suicide Prevention Day.

Though Alt has extensively hiked along the numerous mountains within the US, his obvious lack of experience and exposure to the global scenario is revealed in the book. He talks about the mere 14,496 ft tall Mt. Whitney as a great challenge and speaks about altitude sickness at 9,000 ft altitude. Cut to Indian scenario we have a full fledged city with a commercial airport operating at 11,500 ft and there are villages where thousands of people live permanently at higher altitudes. At 14,500 ft in Sikkim, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute's base camp has been established where potatoes are grown year after year during summer months. If someone unaware of the heights of the Himalayan towns and villages and roads were to read this book, they would be taken by the authors writings and misled. Altitude sickness should not affect healthy and physically fit individuals till about 13-14,000 ft asl and Alt and his wife are marathon runners.

While the book is well written and has an absorbing narration, it could have done with better editing and proof reading. There are numerous irritating typographical errors which makes one wonder about the quality of publishing.

Rampant India Bashing by US Media

American media, especially newspapers have some kind of a hatred towards India. They seem to take vicarious pleasure in publishing all kinds of negative aspects of India. Completely unrelated incidents are compiled together to make the world's most peaceful country look like a haven of violence, civil unrest, communal riots etc. Since arriving in the US in October 2007, I have been reading several newspapers online and Dallas Morning News in print and everywhere when it comes to India they seem to take lot of pleasure in battering our country.

I read an article by a journalist of Indian Origin which should actually make US government and establishment hang its heads in shame. But the writer has skillfully compiled facts about another totally unrelated incident in India and written a fantastic story which makes India appear in bad light. No doubt the writing and editing skills of these journalists are admirable and their ability to cover up the negatives of their country. I used these two paragraphs to give a vent to my frustration about the media and now I will come to the point.

The first article titled "Royal care for some of India's patients, neglect for others" written by one Somini Sengupta, who seems to have forgotten her roots and changed sides after getting employed by New York Times. In the article she does the case study of one Robin Steels, a 60 year old car dealer from the US who travelled halfway around the world to Bangalore, India for a bypass surgery. The reason he had to travel was that he couldn't afford a heart surgery in the US.

The fact that the American government doesn't have any system in place to care for the country's middle-class and poor has been completely ignored in the article. It is well known across America that if one doesn't have health insurance and seeks medical care the hospitals will rip him apart and make him indebted for the next three life times. Though America prides itself as the world's richest nation; sole superpower; a nation with the largest number of millionaires; et al, the country doesn't have the heart to care for its poor. There is absolutely no mechanism in the government system which assures healthcare at a basic minimum cost to the country's poor and middle classes, who can't afford health insurance. The middle classes who don't have health insurance can afford to travel to third world countries like India where quality healthcare is available at fraction of the cost.

Steels spent $20,000 for his treatment in India. It would have cost him over $200,000 if he had the same treatment done in the US. Isn't it shamful that a country which claims to be the richest in the world but can't take care of its sick and diseased? But no, it appears to me that US media thinks it is fine for poor Americans to travel outside seeking quality healthcare at affordable costs.

Instead of highlighting the lapses and lacunae in the American healthcare system the writer takes a completely different course and targets the Indian healthcare system. She takes vicarious pleasure in highlighting the hooch (illicit liquor) tragedy which happened in Bangalore couple of months ago and says that Indian government has failed to equip its hospitals with ventilators and high-tech gadgetry to save lives of the poor. Indian government not providing high-tech expensive gadgetry in hospitals which provide FREE TREATMENT to poor people is a crime. But American government not doing the same is not so much of a crime. This seems to be the dominating sentiment in the article.

Another article I read was in today's Dallas Morning News titled "Discontent over land, jobs sweeps India". In this article the writer, again a New York Times Correspondent, and this time thankfully NOT a person of India origin, compiles three isolated incidents related to completely different issues and paints a picture of politicially and socially unstable India. She talks about unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists funded by Pakistan (probably indirectly by the CIA) have been wrecking havock on innocent civilians since 1983 and the recent caste-based agitation by the Gujjars in Rajsthan, which happened 1,200 km (800 miles) away in the capital city and the Gorkhaland agitation in West Bengal. These are internal issues of India and don't have any consequence outside of the country. India has problems like every other country in the world and we will resolve it within ourselves. The last thing we would want is for American media to carefully hand pick disturbing news about India and highlight it and create a bad image of our country.

Indian media doesn't take pleasure in battering America for dumping Genetically Modified rice on African nations. Nor does we take pleasure in battering America for the torture in Guantanamo Bay. In 5,000 years of recorded history India has never gone to war with any nation, we have defended ourselves from invasions. And America one of the youngest nations in the world has waged several wars, all for money, oil and to satiate egos.

Media or journalists are theoretically known as the fourth pillar of democracy, the society's watchdog, force working towards betterment of society, etc, etc. But media people and organisations across the world seem to have forgotten why they were created. Instead of working for a better world and better society, media seems to focus on furthering political agendas and promote vested interests.

I wish American media focuses on development of the world and making sure that at least the 21st century will bring about an end of the concept of third-world nations. And at least during this century peace, education, health and security is something that every individual in the world can enjoy.