Universality Place

Ever heard of these 2 words? I did not until today. 

I was watching the Olympic opening ceremony. When Pakistani Delegation was shown on the TV, a commentator observed: There are 240 million people and 18 members representing that country. 7 are athletes and 11 officials. Even among the 7 athletes, 3 are representing Universality Place. *

Then I researched what Universality Place means. I quote from a writing: Universality Places are a lifeline to athletes from underrepresented National Olympic Committees. They are designed to increase the diversity of participating nations across the sports program of the Olympic Games. 

These are kind of “quotas” for smaller delegations who do not qualify for the Olympics on merit. Of the 200 countries in the world, there 93 countries qualify to participate in certain events under Universality Place. The Olympic committee knows these athletes will not win but still they want to increase the diversity. 

Sounds like education or job quota in certain countries. USA has an equivalent called DEI. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Diversity in politics too. There is a controversy that one of the U.S. Presidential candidates this year is selected on the basis of DEI only. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have come under attack in American boardrooms, state legislatures and college campuses across the country.

Is Universality Place a good idea or not?  What do you think?

* Universality Place is awarded only for Track and Field events and not for Team Events like hockey or basketball.

History Repeats?

1968 US Presidential election – President Lyndon Johnson, Democrat, decided not to seek re-election 

2024 US Presidential election – President Joe Biden, Democrat, decided not to seek re-election 

1968 US Presidential election – Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Democrat, gets the Democratic Party nomination 

2024 US Presidential election – Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrat, likely to get the Democratic Party nomination 

1968 Democratic Party Convention in Chicago. There were lot of protests and riots 

2024 Democratic Party Convention in Chicago. Will wait to see 

1968 US Presidential election – Richard Nixon, Republican, who ran for President before and was defeated gets the nomination 

2024 US Presidential election – Donald Trump, Republican, who ran for President before and was defeated gets the nomination 

1968 US Presidential election – Richard Nixon, Republican wins 

2024 US Presidential election – Will wait and see

The Seat of Understanding

As the boarding announcements echoed through the bustling airport terminal, passengers began shuffling towards the waiting aircraft. Among them was Mrs. Evelyn Brooks, a refined woman in her early sixties. She settled into her seat by the window, meticulously arranging her belongings around her. Her attention to detail reflected in her immaculate appearance and the subtle elegance of her demeanor. 

Just as she was getting comfortable, a stark contrast to her appeared—a man in worn-out clothes and a rugged appearance, clutching a small bag, approached hesitantly. He glanced at his boarding pass and then at the seat next to Mrs. Brooks. With a polite nod, he sat down, careful not to intrude on her space. 

Mrs. Brooks eyed him disapprovingly, a furrow forming between her brows. She pressed the call button impatiently. A flight attendant, ever graceful in her uniform, appeared promptly. 

"Is something the matter, ma'am?" she inquired politely. 

"Yes," Mrs. Brooks replied curtly, "I cannot sit next to this... person. Please find him another seat." 

The flight attendant maintained her composure despite the request being entirely unreasonable. "I apologize, ma'am, but the flight is fully booked. There are no other seats available." 

Mrs. Brooks' dissatisfaction was evident, her lips pursed tightly. "Well, then move me to another seat." 

"I'm afraid that's not possible either," the flight attendant explained, trying to diffuse the tension delicately. 

Growing more insistent, Mrs. Brooks demanded, "This is unacceptable! Speak to the captain. There must be something that can be done." 

The flight attendant, with a reassuring smile, excused herself and headed to the front of the plane. She explained the situation to Captain Johnson, who listened attentively, a thoughtful expression on his face. 

After a brief pause, Captain Johnson nodded decisively. He leaned forward and whispered an idea to the flight attendant, who nodded in understanding. She returned to Mrs. Brooks' row, a composed smile on her face. 

"Ma'am," she addressed Mrs. Brooks and the villager sitting beside her, "I have good news. Since the lady next to you prefers not to sit together, sir, I must move you to a different seat." 

The villager looked puzzled but complied, following the flight attendant down the aisle towards the front of the plane. Mrs. Brooks watched in disbelief as the man was led to the first-class cabin and settled into a plush seat, looking both bewildered and delighted. 

The flight attendant returned to Mrs. Brooks' side; her expression serene but hiding a hint of amusement. "Is there anything else I can assist you with, ma'am?"

PS: Got idea to the above story after reading a news item where a Bangalore Mall denied entry to a farmer in dhoti.

Election Update

Republican National Convention ended today in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump accepted the nomination to be the Presidential candidate for the Republican Party.  (Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago from August 19 to August 22.)

Earlier, he nominated Senator J D Vance of Ohio State to be his Vice Presidential candidate. His wife, Usha Chilukuri, is of Indian origin. Her parents, originally from Andhra Pradesh, are settled in San Diego, California. 

Last Saturday, an assassination attempt was made on Donald Trump while he was speaking in Butler, Pennsylvania. His right ear was pierced by the bullet. He seems to be OK. Looks like he is going to get a lot of sympathy vote. Right now he is leading Biden by about 5 points. 

After the assassination attempt on Mr. Trump, Mr. Biden called him and expressed his concern and sympathy. He wished Mr. Trump a speedy recovery. Mr. Biden also asked the Secret Service to give extra protection to Mr. Trump. 

After disastrous performance by Mr. Biden during last month debate with Mr. Trump, many Democrats are calling for his withdrawal from the race and let some other Democrat to contest and beat Mr. Trump. But Mr. Biden is adamant and said he is not going to withdraw and will contest the election. There is a rumor that Barack Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi are behind in the move to make Mr. Biden to drop out of the race. There is a Tamil proverb “Adi mel adi vaithal ammium nagarum” (If you keep hitting it, even the strong iron rock will move). My personal opinion is Mr. Biden will eventually drop out. 

If Mr. Biden drops out, who will be the Presidential Candidate for the Democratic Party? Many people think Kamala Harris (now Vice President for Biden) will automatically get it. I think there are quite a few people waiting in the wings including California Governor Gavin Newsom. 

Let us see how this develops in the coming weeks.

Election Debate

There was a debate between the current President Biden and former President Trump on June 27 organized by CNN. 

It was a total disaster for Biden. He showed his biggest weakness voter concerns about his age and sharpness. His voice for hoarse. His throat did not sound clear. He made many notable gaffes. He had memory issues. 

Biden is 81 and Trump is 78. But in front of Biden, Trump looked like 58. After the debate, Biden’s wife and a secret service agent escorted him from the stage. Trump walked out briskly. 

During the debate, Biden’s strong point was abortion. Trump’s strong points were Economy, Inflation, and Immigration and border issue. 

There are calls from his own Democratic Party for Biden to step down and allow someone else to contest. But he has refused. He said he will not withdraw and will run for re-election.

Two days after the debate, in one of the meetings, Biden made another gaffe by saying “he is the first Black woman to serve with a Black president”. Apparently, he got confused with Kamala Harris (Black) and Barack Obama (Black). 

He also told the Democratic Governors he wants to work from 10 am to 8 pm only. (What happens if an international situation happens between 8 pm to 10 am?) 

I personally think he will withdraw in another 2 weeks. There are several names being suggested to replace Biden. Among them are Kamala Harris (Vice President) and Gavin Newsom (Governor of California).

Buy a Car

Arthur and Margaret had always dreamed of driving off into retirement in a sleek Mercedes Benz. They had scrimped and saved, carefully counting their pennies over the years, and now, at 75 and 72 respectively, they felt it was time to treat themselves. So, they found themselves at the local dealership, where a gleaming silver Mercedes Benz caught their eye.

The salesman, a slick-haired fellow named Dave, greeted them with a wide grin. "Good afternoon, folks! Fine choice you've got there. This beauty here is priced at $75,000."

Arthur, a shrewd negotiator in his prime, tried his best to haggle. "Seventy-five thousand? That's quite steep. How about we make it $70,000?" Dave shook his head, barely concealing his amusement. "Sorry, sir. $75,000 is the best we can do." 

Margaret squeezed Arthur's hand gently, silently urging him to accept. "We'll take it," Arthur finally said, determination in his voice. "We'll be back tomorrow with cash," Margaret added with a smile as they left the dealership. 

The next day, they returned as promised, cash in hand, only to witness a startling scene. The Mercedes Benz they had set their hearts on was being handed over to a young woman, no older than their granddaughter, for $65,000. Arthur's heart sank, and Margaret gasped in disbelief. 

"What's going on here?" Arthur demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of frustration and disappointment. Dave, still wearing his grin, gestured towards the young woman with a flourish. "Well, folks, she came in this morning with the cash, ready to buy. And look at her, a real charmer. How could I say no?" Before Arthur could voice his outrage, the young woman, Emily, approached them, extending a hand and smiling warmly. 

"Hi there grandpa! I told you I'd get him to lower the price. Here are the keys." Emily chuckled softly. "Grandpa, you taught me well. Remember all those times you haggled for deals at flea markets? I watched and learned." 

Arthur's eyes widened in recognition as he realized Emily's plan. She had used her charm and shrewd negotiation skills to drive a hard bargain, securing the car for less than the dealership's asking price. Dave, caught between admiration and embarrassment, could only shrug helplessly. 

After a moment of stunned silence, Margaret burst into laughter, followed by Arthur. "Well played, Emily," Arthur said, shaking his head in disbelief. Emily winked mischievously. "I couldn't let you pay full price, Grandpa. Besides, now we can all go for a ride together sometime."