Sad day

Dr. Dabholkar was assassinated today morning. I haven't followed his work closely but had listened to a few speeches by him long ago and was impressed with his skepticism and tact of handling questions. People who cannot handle intellectual battles, take weapons in their hands. So much human potential is wasted in the name of religion, it's sickening.

Again I cannot but contrast the situation in India with other countries. Noted skeptic James Randi is celebrated across the USA and rest of the world, whereas we fail to publicize people who are doing similar work in India. If Bill Maher were to perform in India, talking about God, he would sure need an army of bodyguards.

We are tolerant when we should be intolerant and vice a versa. But I have faith in the future, blind one, you say? 

random encounters

So I'm at a purse/bag/pouch and assorted paraphernalia shop buying things for sisters and aunts. When I reach the counter and start taking the money out of my wallet, the owner asks - 

Is that your father?

What a cute question. 

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One thing had surprised me a lot when I heard it from an Indian friend. He said, usually, Taiwanese people take bath at night just before going to sleep. I was like whaa.. Reasoning I was told was that they take their sleep quite seriously and want to feel totally clean before wandering into the dreamland. 

One day, I asked a Taiwanese colleague about it. He confirmed it. Then I asked, "do you ever take bath in the morning at all?" He gave a classic reply - 

Only when I'm lazy.