The Dark Side of Light

An integral part of my childhood memories include my father's earnest attempts to inculcate some values/principles in us - sometimes getting driven to frustration and anger by my unresponsiveness. One such value was - "switch off lights when leaving a room". A seemingly simple act that has far reaching social implications than just a household energy bill. Much to my surprise these days, not only do I find most of those values reflecting in me subconsciously but also I find myself trying hard to pass it on to the next generation. All is well till now - a great motive, simple act, win-win situation, saves energy, greener planet etc etc.

A recent news footage on SDGE (the utility that provides gas and electric to san diego) literally made me wonder if values such as those I mentioned are for losers and are going to go meaningless. See this article http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Critics-Shocked-by-SDGE-Rate-Change-Plan-69180472.html In a nut shell, SDGE is awaiting government approval of a billing plan change which will increase the rates for people who use less energy and vice versa. In other words, if you current energy consumption is less, you will see your utility bill increase. If you are an indifferent citizen who doesnt bother to switch off lights or A/Cs, SDGE will reward you with lesser rates and therefore a reduces bill. I dont even know where to start here. Is it the blatant disregard for the efforts of an average Joe (like my father, like me) who does his part to save energy (albeit for personal interest), or, is it the pathetic state of the silent c middle class majority which is neither wealthy enough to put up a fight nor penury enough to go unaffected, or, is it the brilliant but misguided capitalist minds of the SDGE management (may be some top B-school products) who could deftly draft such a proposal and have the guts to send it for government approval. Tyrants in history like Louis XIV or Hitler would be turning in their graves for not having such brilliant screwed up minds to pen their atrocious policies euphemistically. I am eagerly awaiting how the California Utility Commission is going to respond.

In my mind, the above case of SDG&E's unscrupulous approach draws parallel to the ill-conceived caste-based reservation system in Indian Education and public sector employment. Politicians playing the caste card and increasing quota for the so-called oppressed classes under the expense of the meritorious class only to make the oppressed classes remain oppressed and still think they are benefited. Just a few economically advantaged subset of the "oppressed class" reap the benefits while the real "have-nots" remain so for ever.

I tried being creative for the pic for today's post. Let me know if you cant identify the subject.

Whose Line Is It Anyway ? - #9

The dawn of the reasoning-out phase in my kid's life has thrown up few more interesting moments these days.

• Of late, my son, who is hardly 4, seems greatly interested in his "past" - meaning when he was an infant etc. During one discussion on why his birthday is the day it is, I told it was because thats when he was born. The word "born" drew a blank expression from him. Trying to make it clear, I said that was the day when he came out of mommy's tummy as a small baby. That seemed to have struck a chord as his eyes lit up. Pouncing on this chance to explains his lineage using his reasoning skills, I eagerly questioned - "Do you know where mommy came from him?". I was expecting the word "grandma" somewhere in his answer. He quipped back lifting his shirt and showing off his belly - "mommy came from my tummy".
• Sometimes our kid is extremely conscious of his clothing. Most of the times, (other than when he is super excited during which he runs around like Archimedes-upon-discovery), he doesnt like to remain in his briefs or vests or without both for too long while changing dresses. During the above said discussion along the lines of birthday, birth etc etc., he suddenly got self-conscious and asked about what he was wearing when he was born. We told he was not wearing anything. He dint quite like the fact the he came out of mother's tummy not wearing anything. He refused to accept it and kept telling "No" for a long time.
• A discussion between me and my wife on moving back to India for good led us in to various aspects of the moving etc etc. Ending up with more questions than answers, I was getting contemplative when I noticed my son intently watching us. In an effort to pull his legs by making him think, I just blurted out asking "When you grow up, do you want to be a US citizen or an Indian Citizen?". After bit of thought from his side, he said clearly, "I just want to be Sanjay". As with most responses from kids, a disarming, seemingly-simple yet deep answer.

Today's pic shows my son's this year Halloween costume.