The Voice Box

GROWING PERESKIA The Original Cactus Needs Your Attention Pereskia are really not very well-known plants. Even among succulent lovers, they are certainly not highly prized. The fact they are a significant part of the Cataceae group still does not reward them special attention. Often, botanists will tell you, that they are usually found only in botanical gardens. Yet, they serve as a significant starting point for the debate about the origin of cacti. For some, these are the first cacti, before evolution and mutation took its course; the debate on the origin of succulents rages on daily. The real reason for their obscurity may have more to do with the fact they need a highly tropical climate to survive. Yes, they are interesting plants, and they are some of my favourite cacti. The fact that they are not really seen as true succulents, make them even much more substantial to me. Have a look at some plants in these photos, and decide what you think. Lots more are available on the interne...

DOWNTOWN PORT OF SPAIN A walk around the capital of Trinidad and Tobago.

THE SAGUARO CACTUS - CARNIGIEA GIGANTEA The Saguaro is the largest cactus in the United States, and reaches a height of mid-thirties to forty feet. Lucky ones more grow even taller, to a height of fifty feet. They are seen at their best in southern Arizona. Head for Phoenix and Tucson, and you would encounter many on your way. Or better still, visit the Saguaro National Park. When young they look some what different from the giant adults. They also need a degree of protection from animals and very extreme weather. When old enough, they produce white waxy flowers in early summer, followed by starling red fruits later. It takes the saguaro many years before they begin to branch. Most of the ones you come across will generally be of one stem, because their survival is never guaranteed.

More Troops for Afghanistan Wherever you go, you cannot escape the heated discussion about the war in Afghanistan. At the moment, the American President is under immense pressure to commit more American troops. And he, in turn, is pushing the Europeans to lend a helping hand. The problem is that most people do not believe that sending more troops will make any difference. Even in the US, public opinion is already questioning the undying support for the war. People are beginning to doubt that any victory is possible, and are getting exasperated by the continuing financial drain on the country. In many ways, the debate is beginning to sound like Iraq all over again. And sooner, not later, a decision will have to made that enough is enough, and that the time has come to end this aimless pursuit of war. Time to end the fighting. Time to start the withdrawal process, and let the Afghans sort out their future.

BARCELONA, SPAIN: Las Ramblas BARCELONA: Las Ramblas

EASYJET AIRLINES: One Bag Rule Last night I was on my way back from Barcelona on late flight to Stansted Airport. After an easy security check, I headed for the gate, in what I saw as uneventful journey back home. I usually up for the online check-in since these short breaks never involve a lot of luggage. I surrendered my boarding pass, and strolled towards the plane. I encountered another official who needed to see my passport. After checking my passport, he informed me that I was breaking Easyjet 'One bag rule'. I told him that I did not undersatand what he meant, because I had only one bag. He told me that I had two bags, as he pointed at the laptop around my neck. I commented that a laptop could never constitute a bag. He insisted that I had to get rid of one bag, and perhaps pay £22 to have it checked. Or that a simpler way, was to place all items in my other bag. I had to suffer the indignity of having to repack my travelling bag on the doorsteps of the plane, simply to ...

Nice: Southern France Last weekend I was in Nice for three days, and I was amazed about the impact that the new tram system has had. I also remember the two or three years of digging, disruption and difficulty which preceeded this change. But that is over now. Years ago, the Massena area would be overrun with traffic. Today, the downtown area seem almost empty and free. The tram system did not just drive the cars away, it also redirected the bus traffic, leaving the main streets unclogged and open to pedestrians. Late at night though, there is an unusual calm which is created mostly because the shops are all closed. And the night crowd rather selectively target their entertainment. Still, there is a nice feel about the city. And I would say, getting around is so much easier.

New York Botanical Garden

Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California Sculptures by Edgar Degas Norton Simon Museum is a very interesting space. Situated in Pasadena, in California, it combines a very exceptional studio museum with a superb sculpture garden. The museum masterpieces include European works from the 14th to the 20th century, and a South Asian collection which highlights the best examples of work of that region. I was very lucky when I visited some weeks ago to see comprehensive works by the French artist, Degas. Degas is the subject of this post, and in a later post I will present some of the Asian deities.

The Shinkansens of Japan Many experiences fascinated me on my recent visit to Japan, but I must single out the wonderful shinkansens. That is the Japanese word to describe what we call the bullet trains. And in more than one ways, they never disappoint. I was surprised to find that they were not all made from the same mould. In fact, there were at least half a dozen versions suggesting a different character from the facial design. My first encounter was a journey to Kyoto, and I was amazed not just by the speed, but also by the platform organisation. All the coach doors final stop were tactfully marked so there was no danger of you missing your entrance. The locals were always extremely polite, and timing was always perfect. Another thing was the frequency of these trains. This suggests that the Japanese public do need to travel, regularly, and across the country. And probably, this is one of the reasons for their economic miracle. One moment you are in Kyoto, and about tw...

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT LONDON UK Our Politicians Are Guilty The recent revelations by newspapers about the embellished claims made by our politicians to cover their expenses remind us how little accountability takes place in our parliamentary system. The public revulsion, and the total dismay by the electorate, only serves to remind us how little we understand about the democracy we often boast about. Claiming expenses have always being an easy option to fiddle in any form of business. But the length to which some politicians used the system to benefits themselves, was a great shock to the easy pleasing British general public. There are now shouts from everyone for change, and of course, a totally new and transparent system. We will see how quickly any new system will be put in place. In the last few days, several people have called for the resignation of the Speaker, as they accused him of dragging his feet instead of dealing effectively with the situation. Should he resign? Of course h...

ABOUT COPYRIGHT The image, on the left, is very important to me. More than four years ago I took this photo of one of my favourite plants. This is a picture of a Pereskia bleo in bloom. The pereskias are not very well known plants, but they are definitely some of my favourite plants. More than a year ago I came across my photo being appropriated by someone else. It was quite a shock to me. Although I seldom plaster my name across every photo I take. I do, through publication, expect that my copyright be respected, and even to be protected. It was the surprise of seeing it being used by a plant company in the US to advertise on Ebay that got me. Trying to get Ebay to do something about it proved fruitless. In the end I had to sit back and watch someone infringe my copyright, and was unable to do anything about it. A friend of mine thinks that it is an issue worth pursuing in court. What do you think?