MAD NORMALCY

A gunman has killed eight people in a nursing home, in south Carolina: North Korea is suspected to be testing missiles: Paris Hilton has been attacked in a night club: the world is in its state of normal madness.

Meanwhile, here in India, with the elections drawing near a very sordid affair is being played out on that very impressionable stage- the mind of the masses. Varun Gandhi, heir to Sanjay and Maneka Gandhi, has done the unthinkable and overtaken LK Advani in total number of net searches. The road he chose to get there is the oft abused communal card. Predictably the Congress is in an uproar and as a result Varun Gandhi continues to be glorified by hate-mongers.

The whole mess is on the whole not surprising, considering the fact that in the past too people like Togadia and Modi have made use of vitriol to achieve political gains. Neither is only one group at fault; the partition of India was accomplished by gnawing on the same unholy bone. The stench emanates instead, from the visible lack of ethos and principle in the current political scene. I have always suspected, as many people have long since concluded, that ideology is just the stick that politicians use to beat the opponent, only to be conveniently exchanged for another as the need arises. This present fiasco has all but confirmed my suspicion.

So why should we be alarmed that the BJP whom Sanjay Gandhi, the late father of Varun, targeted during the emergency period in the 70s is singing his praises? Well, to put it simply, because we are ruled by people who have only their political mileage in mind- all ideologies and integrity be damned! Who then is Congress, the BJP, or the RJD? All profit seekers with their own agendas- which not surprisingly at all does not include the development of the nation. Seen one, you've seen them all.

But in the midst of all these madness there is still hope that at least one group exists that holds the nation dearer than its political longevity. That task, of finding the gem or the coal with potential to be a crown jewel, rests on us. The next logical step would be to start working in whatever way possible to ensure that the right people are put on the seats. And the obvious step that anyone should be doing is to VOTE. For long we have been led to believe that a single vote is of no importance. Nothing farther form the truth- each vote counts.

How can a responsible citizen just stand and watch while the nation is turned into a scrap of bread that street dogs and flea bitten curs fight over?

FASHION FORECASTS 2009!

Ok, here's the time of the year when forecasts are made about everything from politics to the stock market. To add my own spin to it I'm gonna be making some predictions about what trends will rule in fashion this year. Last year too I made some forecasts and to my credit most of them proved to be spot on; like the roman sandal craze in the high circles of fashion and minimalism in decor and furniture. Right now I'm feeling very smug and you'll have to excuse me because I like to brag when I get things right:-)

So what are this year's forecasts?

1. Black is going to be in like never before. Basically both uppers and lowers in black will be the norm, but what will be more interesting is the admixture of crazy colors in the upper and black in the lowers.

2. As to the fit skinny will rule. Someone said that skinny is out but I whole heartedly disagree. What I will agree with however is that skinnies as we know them will disappear. This year the fit will be more inverted triangleish being more relaxed around the butts, but nevertheless skinny. This is about men. With regard to women things will get very crazy indeed:-)

3. I predict the revival of old school leather shoes for men. The good old pointed, laced leathers will be the rage, albeit in very adventurous materials. For one the shiny look leather will be a hit I suspect.

4. A very cool accessory will be spectacles. Yes, you read that right spectacles, not sun glasses. But neutral lenses of course. Certain outfits reach perfection if subtly accessorized with cool spectacles in my opinion.

5. Street fashion is going to be everywhere. Street is all about freedom of expression and individuality and this year everyone will try to be a star in their own rights! The inspired look will be mangas. Just take a look at some of the mangas that come out of Japan and you will get my drift.

6. Japan has always had it's say in fashion but this year it's relevance as a fashion birth place is going to be phenomenal! Just you wait and watch my words...:-)

I do have many other forecasts but these on the whole I will bet my life on. Really, you can hold me to them at the end of the year. Oh, and btw checked shirts will make a comeback for men, but like everything else it'll be a different spin.

Take care and C'ya all.