Monthly Archives: October 2023

In My Hands Today…

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An American Martyr in Persia: The Epic Life and Tragic Death of Howard Baskerville – Reza Aslan

Little known in America but venerated as a martyr in Iran, Howard Baskerville was a twenty-two-year-old Christian missionary from South Dakota who traveled to Persia (modern-day Iran) in 1907 for a two-year stint teaching English and preaching the gospel. He arrived in the midst of a democratic revolution—the first of its kind in the Middle East—led by a group of brilliant young firebrands committed to transforming their country into a fully self-determining, constitutional monarchy, one with free elections and an independent parliament.

The Persian students Baskerville educated in English in turn educated him about their struggle for democracy, ultimately inspiring him to leave his teaching post and join them in their fight against a tyrannical shah and his British and Russian backers. “The only difference between me and these people is the place of my birth,” Baskerville declared, “and that is not a big difference.”

In 1909, Baskerville was killed in battle alongside his students, but his martyrdom spurred on the revolutionaries who succeeded in removing the shah from power, signing a new constitution, and rebuilding parliament in Tehran. To this day, Baskerville’s tomb in the city of Tabriz remains a place of pilgrimage. Every year, thousands of Iranians visit his grave to honor the American who gave his life for Iran.

In this rip-roaring tale of his life and death, Aslan gives us a powerful parable about the universal ideals of democracy—and to what degree Americans are willing to support those ideals in a foreign land. Woven throughout is an essential history of the nation we now know as Iran—frequently demonized and misunderstood in the West. Indeed, Baskerville’s life and death represent a “road not taken” in Iran. Baskerville’s story, like his life, is at the center of a whirlwind in which Americans must ask themselves: How seriously do we take our ideals of constitutional democracy and whose freedom do we support?

Short Story: The Yellow Umbrella

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The sun had just begun its ascent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Baga Beach in North Goa came alive with the arrival of tourists eager to soak in its beauty. Amongst the bustling crowd was Ramesh, a cheerful middle-aged man with a ready smile, running a small seafood stall near the shoreline. Besides selling mouth-watering delicacies, he had another source of income – renting out his prized possession, the vibrant yellow umbrella adorned with intricate embroidery and playful tassels.

“Welcome, welcome! Come try the best seafood on the beach,” Ramesh called out, his voice filled with warmth. “And for those looking to sunbathe, I have the most beautiful umbrellas to keep you shaded.”

Ramesh had many beautiful umbrellas from which tourists could choose, but the yellow umbrella stood out amongst the regular ones. It had become a symbol of delight and an Instagram-worthy prop for tourists. Its bright and cheerful appearance brought joy to anyone sitting underneath it.

Aria and Marco were a young couple, in Goa for their honeymoon. As they approached Ramesh’s stall, Aria’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the yellow umbrella. “Marco, look at that beautiful umbrella! Let’s rent it for the day,” she suggested, excitement lacing her voice. Marco couldn’t resist his wife’s enthusiasm and agreed. They settled under the yellow umbrella, sipping coconut water and holding hands as they watched the waves playfully dance along the shore. They shared their dreams, and fears, and promised to love each other through thick and thin.

Later that day, a group of college friends from different cities decided to spend their summer break in Goa. Among them was Kabir, a reserved but charming young man. As they explored the beach, they stumbled upon Ramesh’s stall and the magnificent yellow umbrella. “Hey, guys! Let’s get this umbrella. It’s so cool!” Kabir suggested, hoping it might help break the ice among the friends. They agreed, and soon laughter filled the air as they played games, sang songs, and created unforgettable memories under the yellow umbrella. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they knew that this trip would strengthen their bond, and the yellow umbrella would forever hold a special place in their hearts.

The next morning, a solo traveller named Emily, an artist from a far-off country, arrived at Baga Beach with her sketchbook and paints. The yellow umbrella caught her eye like a beacon of inspiration. “Could I possibly rent that marvellous umbrella?” she asked Ramesh, her eyes wide with excitement. “Of course, my dear! It’s yours for the day,” Ramesh replied with a smile. Emily spent the day capturing the essence of Goa in her artwork. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the laughter of children playing in the sand infused life into her creations. The yellow umbrella became the focal point of her painting, representing the joy and vibrancy she had experienced that day.

The next day brought a sudden change in the weather. Dark clouds loomed over the horizon, threatening to rain on everyone’s parade. However, it was also the day that Ramesh received a call from his son, who was studying in a different state. “Baba, I’ll be coming home soon. I can’t wait to see you and Aai,” his son said, his voice filled with affection.

Ramesh’s heart leapt with joy upon hearing this news. He decided to celebrate by offering a free rental of the yellow umbrella for the rest of the day. Tourists and locals alike huddled under the umbrella as the rain poured down, creating an impromptu community of strangers brought together by their shared desire to stay dry.

Among them was Sofia, an elderly woman with a gentle smile, who had been visiting Goa for years. She had seen the yellow umbrella before and felt its magic drawing her towards it. “May I sit here, young man?” she asked Ramesh, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. “Of course, Aunty! It’s all yours,” Ramesh replied, touched by her sweetness.

As they sat together, Sofia shared stories of her adventures and the beautiful memories she had made on this very beach. Her tales spanned decades and touched the hearts of everyone sitting under the yellow umbrella that day. They listened, captivated by her words, and realized that life was about embracing every moment, just like Sofia had done throughout her life.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the rain ceased, leaving behind a sense of tranquillity. Sofia bid farewell to the yellow umbrella, and Ramesh knew that this day had been a gift not just for him but for everyone present.

The tourist season continued, and more stories unfolded under the yellow umbrella. Each person who rented it left a piece of their heart behind, and Ramesh cherished every interaction. From newfound friendships to profound realizations and rekindled love, the yellow umbrella was a witness to it all.

As the season drew to a close, Ramesh felt a sense of bittersweet happiness. The yellow umbrella had brought him joy, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of life. It had become more than just a means of income; it was now a symbol of hope, love, and human connection.

With a grateful heart, Ramesh carefully folded the yellow umbrella, ready to store it away until the next tourist season. As he looked out at the sea, he knew that its magic would live on forever, etched in the hearts of those who had shared their stories under its bright and colourful canopy.

In My Hands Today…

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Stalin’s Wine Cellar – John Baker and Nick Place

In the late 1990s, John Baker was known as a purveyor of quality rare and old wines. Always entrepreneurial and up for adventure, he was the perfect person for an occasional business partner to approach with a mysterious wine list that was foreign to anything John, or his second-in-command, Kevin Hopko, had ever come across.

The list was discovered to be a comprehensive catalogue of the wine collection of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia. The wine had become the property of the state after the Russian Revolution of 1918, during which Nicholas and his entire family were executed. Now owned by Stalin, the wine was discreetly removed to a remote Georgian winery when Stalin was concerned the advancing Nazi army might overrun Russia, and inevitably loot artefacts and treasures. Half a century later, the wine was rumoured to be hidden underground and off any known map.

John and Kevin embarked on an audacious, colourful and potentially dangerous journey to Georgia to discover if the wines actually existed; if the bottles were authentic and whether the entire collection could be bought and transported to a major London auction house for sale.

Stalin’s Wine Cellar is a wild, sometimes rough ride in the glamorous world of high-end wine. From Double Bay Sydney to Tbilisi Georgia, via the streets of Paris, the vineyards of Bordeaux and iconic Château d’Yquem. A multimillion dollar cellar and a breathtaking collection of wine (and one very expensive broken bottle) is the elusive treasure. The cast of characters include Stalin, Hitler, Tsar Nicholas II and a motley bunch of Georgian businessmen/cowboys toting handguns, in the early days of Russian business development that led to the world of Putin and oligarchs.

Recipes: Sev Tamatar ki Sabzi or Sev Tameta nu Shaak

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For viewers of Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chashmah, this recipe will be a familiar one. I ate this a long time ago when I was in school and then used to hear about it in shows and online. I was chatting with a friend the other day and she mentioned she had recently made the dish and I had cravings to make it. This is a fairly easy dish to make and from start to end, will not take more than 20-30 minutes, depending on the quantity you are making.

From the heartlands of Gujarat, this sabzi blends the sweetness and tartness of tomatoes with the crunch of savoury sev. Legend has it that the recipe originated in the kitchen of a Gujarati household, where the homemaker sought to create a delightful dish using the bounty of tomatoes from her garden. Faced with an abundant harvest, she combined tomatoes, spices, and a handful of sev to fashion a dish that was an instant hit with her family and the recipe soon spread like wildfire across the state. Today, this dish is a staple in Gujarati households, for its taste and ease of making from ingredients commonly found in an Indian kitchen. And because this does not use onions or garlic, this can be made even on festive days when you won’t use these ingredients. So let’s start making this yummy dish.

Sev Tameta nu Shaak or Sev Tamatar ki Sabzi

Ingredients:

  • 3 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sev or fried gram flour vermicelli
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp asafoetida
  • 1 tbsp ginger and green chilli paste
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp jaggery or sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Fresh coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and asafoetida, letting them sizzle for a few seconds.
  • Then add the ginger and chilli paste and let it cook for a few seconds.
  • Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the water and add jaggery or sugar. Stir until the jaggery dissolves completely.
  • Allow the curry to simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
  • Add half the sev to the tomatoes and gently mix to coat the sev with the sauce.
  • Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  • Just before serving, add the balance sev, so that there is still a crunch to the dish and serve hot with roti.

Notes: Don’t use the nylon sev used for bhelpuri and other chaat, instead use the thicker ones. This will mean that the sev does not dissolve in the sabzi and there is a bite. I also like to keep some sev separate so that as you dish it up, you add it as a garnish.

2023 Week 42 Update

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Also known as FDR, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, is the author of today’s quote. FDR is best known for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, implementing the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms to combat economic hardship. FDR’s four-term presidency and his ability to inspire hope and resilience during challenging times made him one of the most influential and enduring figures in American history. This quote conveys the idea that doubts and a lack of confidence in the present can be the primary obstacles preventing us from achieving our aspirations and potential in the future. The quote implies that each individual can realise their goals, dreams, and potential in the future. The quote suggests that the primary factor limiting what one can achieve in the future is not external factors or circumstances, but rather the self-doubts in the present. The encourages individuals to overcome their doubts, have confidence in themselves, and believe in their potential. By doing so, they can break through these self-imposed limitations and achieve their goals.

BB will enlist later this week, and I don’t know how to feel. On one hand, I am glad that this phase in his life is finally here and that with the training he will get there, he will lose all his unwanted fat and become a better version of himself. And on the other hand, I am going to miss my boy! The first two weeks will be a confinement period where he will be unable to come home, and I hope this period is easy on me.

Other than that, I am so tired that some nights I fall asleep even before brushing my teeth or doing my skincare. On those days, I wake up suddenly and then finish my night routine before finally falling asleep again. And because of this, I am not walking as much as I used to, which is something I am not happy with. Anyway, that’s my problem and something I need to deal with.

That’s all for this week. Stay positive and keep smiling 😊