From Bangalore to Buffalo

I've been silent for a while as a result of a packed trip to Buffalo, Washington, and back to Buffalo for some holiday time with my family. Washington was great to see old friends and places, and feel a bit of hope with the incoming administration, despite the overall gloom everywhere. The Key Bridge was missing its usual holiday wreaths, and stores seemed empty, offering huge discounts well before Christmas. Then we came to Niagara Falls, flying into Buffalo in the middle of a snowstorm. Here are some shots:

Preparations for the inauguration:
This is the viewing stand for the parade in front of the White House.
Then to the snow in Niagara: Our street. That is Canada at the end of the street.
I forgot about getting stuck in the snow:
At least it was great, fluffy snow that was easy to shovel.
A big change from Bangalore. We return there in a week! Merry Christmas everyone.

Protests around India while PM Singh visits Bangalore

Protests are exploding all over the country -- some quiet and reflective, some scary calling for war with Pakistan. Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and even in Cubbon Park in Bangalore. Here are some (not so good) screen shots from Indian TV. The candles and prayers are wonderful, the bloodthirstiness is scary. What I can't capture are the debates between "we want war" and "we hate war" happening at these protests.
They want action, but what?
Signs that say "there is a limit to tolerance, it's time to fight back." Others are more direct "Bomb Pakistan". "No security, no taxes." "Worthless politicians."
Meanwhile, PM Singh has been visiting Bangalore for some science and research related visits at the Indian Institute of Science and a Research Center. Of course, that meant lots of signs on the main road.


Again, how much does this all cost?