Jon Stewart labeled the Democratic National Convention, “Hope and Change—II.” Larry David, the creator of Seinfeld, quipped that Obama’s 2012 campaign platform is “Less Bad is Better Than More Bad” or, alternatively, “We Could Have Done Worse.” I can see … Continue reading
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL. Director: John Madden. Players: Judi Dench, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy, Tena Desae, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup with Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith. Theatrical release: Fox Searchlight. The premise of the film is quite … Continue reading
When I started writing political commentaries, I swore I would never touch one subject–Israel. Because if I had said anything that was not in line with official foreign policy, I would probably have gotten blacklisted and no one would have … Continue reading
In our Spanish class one day, we had an assignment to speak about what we wished to change about California. Students came up with predictable responses; less traffic, cheaper housing, better public transportation. I said that if there was one … Continue reading
When I look back upon my first impressions of America, what leaps out at the edges of my mind are a collage of sketches and snapshots; the words Pink Floyd painted in graffiti on the wall of a Berkeley building; … Continue reading
This year’s Oscars, once again, reminded me of my old fantasies–to be a movie reviewer. Once upon a time I used to fantasize that I would get paid for what I love to do every weekend for free; namely, analyze … Continue reading
In a recent issue of the New Yorker, I came across a cartoon. It showed the Supreme Court building in Washington, unmistakable for its gigantic pillars. But instead of the words “EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW,” on its façade, the inscription … Continue reading
Dear Barack, I wish I was not writing this letter to you. Or, at least, I wish I was writing a different letter. But I am writing to tell you that I am disappointed in you. Of course it is … Continue reading
I wake up with the view of sunrise on water. For a moment, I don’t know where I am. Then I remember; I am alone on Isla Del Sol, in Lake Titicaca, the second highest lake in the world, and … Continue reading
Published in India Abroad After 30 years, I drew a rangoli the other day. It was at a Diwali party, an unusual event for me, who, after three decades in the United States, is still on the margins of the … Continue reading