People in the physical world are behaving as if COVID has been defeated. Apart from reasons of those that step out to make ends meet and earn a living, ever other reason can be safely assumed to be non-emergent. But those unnecessary frills lead to consumption that in a way will boost the economy.
Remember the balcony, from where we enthusiastically lighted diyas and clamoured with our the utensils? That seems like ages ago! From that balcony when I look out, things look normal with no indications that we are undergoing a pandemic. Good thing is that there is no panic. Or is it a sign of despair? Despair that we will have to carry on with our lives with utter disregard for everyone around us. But how and when will people learn that you should not step out if you are COVID positive.
A case in point is the Chaiwale family that stay in my apartment complex. All four of them were tested COVID positive. They have been roaming about here and there and following zero quarantine regulations. They have put everyone else in danger and when confronted give some cock and bull story. A story of utter disregard. No amount of complaining to the local authorities is helpful. That is because they have money and influence which can be thrown around. How to handle such a situation?
Also, driving has become a pain. Driving on the right side of the road is a forgotten art. Driving on the Right side of the road is in fashion nowadays. And if anyone questions them, all that the offenders will have to do is cough or sneeze!
Whatever little order that was present earlier is dying a slow death. May be the orderliness has also contracted COVID!
On that positive note, let us dive into this week’s mind!
A. Political
Palestine | The land lost between the river and the sea, Stanly Johny, The Hindu
For most of us neutrals, little do we know about the historical struggle between Israel and Palestine. Although Leon Uris wouldn’t agree with some of the things, for a beginner this is a good place to start. The Palestine world needs a writer like Leon Uris to tell their point of view. And the best part is that there is enough justification on both the sides. The worst part is only one side will win the negotiations. Stanly Johny explains the different points of conflict of the entire issue. The different attempts made to resolve the issue and what does the future hold is neatly laid out. You can start your rabbit hole of Israel-Palestine conflict from this article
Congress must go back to the grassroots to revive the party, Shashi Shekhar, mint
The majority does not need Congress as a party at the Center. As much as the party lost its plots, it is baffling to see that they are not taking any corrective steps to cover the lost ground. A chain is as strong as its weakest link. Unfortunately, the weakest link today in Indian Politics is the Congress. It is for the advantage of the nation that we need a strong opposition. An opposition who critically examine every policy and say with bravado that they can do better than the party in power. That creates competition. And competition begets better outcome. Shashi Shekhar lays out the plan that the Congress needs to adopt to improve their dismal performance. Be it in opposition, the majority does need a stronger Congress for the country to progress.
B. Technology
Alas!
C. Marketing
Nothing interesting here!
D. Economics
Stories of distress, hope on LinkedIn, Goutam Das, mint
Economy was booming. New age internet companies took over the job market. Salary CTC were through the roof. For the same role at OYO, 3-4 consultants called you to check if you would be interested.
Phew! Those were the good times, where the hunted felt pride in saying no. Nowadays, the consultants after discussing an opportunity with you, would not even receive your call after a week. And LinkedIn seems to be graveyard of all hopes buried together. There are job losses and every Growth Hacker and Enthusiast Professional is searching for a job. Add the 24% decline in the GDP. We have a long way to go before it is dawn once again!
E. Sports
So, Messi is not moving out of Barcelona. Although in the last edition, I was tending towards him moving on, better sense prevailed. So, there is this interesting piece of information that Messi will stay until Xavi comes back to orchestrate Messi’s last dance. And Xavi will come back after Josep Bartomeu is replaced by Tony Freixa. Nevertheless, what is Ronald Koeman’s job now? To be a mercenary and show the way out to Xavi’s friends – Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique? So that Xavi does not have to do the dirty work? And anyhow Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal are on their way out. The toughest job in the world right is Koeman’s, who may not even be around to realize the fruits of the spadework!
Harbhajan Singh also pulls out of CSK. If CSK makes it to the top 4, it is going to be a miracle. With no offspinner to curtail the left-handed batsmen (Raina also left), a lot will depend on Kedhar Jadhav’s offspin (or whatever he bowls) now!
F. eCommerce
Nothing interesting here!
G. Behaviour
On witness and respair: A personal tragedy followed by pandemic, Jesmyn Ward, Vanity Fair
This story is the read of the week. Caution that it has the potential to break you into pieces. And wait for the bias to kick in.
H. Books & Cinema
Maria Konnikova is the author of the book The Biggest Bluff. The interview has some interesting observations of how poker is the window through which we can master life. Through which we can make the world a better place. After reading the interview, I highly appreciate the though process of Maria and more than anything compelled to buy the book.
Range by David Epstein has been a fascinating read till now. As much as the book talks about how a range of activities shape a person’s outlook, the book draws examples from the world of sports to education to music and much more to explain the range concept.
After finishing The Hunters, Sangeet suggested that Sharon and I watch The Family Man. Absolutely hilarious! How can a spy thriller be made so funny is beyond imagination! Of course, it has been seamlessly funny because of Manoj Bajpai, Priyamani and Sharib Hashmi.
With that, we wrap up this week's musing.
Do share your list of interesting articles that you came across.
Do share your thoughts on what was good and what can be improved.
And that's word no. 1158!
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