TIME on their hands

In the bookstore earlier today, i started flipping through the magazines. they'll sell you a variety of american and british magazines for a dollar or two, amongst the many Indian options, too.

i picked up time, even if i usually get the Newsweek because it's a bit cheaper, because the cover was so provocative.


i flipped through, debating the purchase, when i was drawn to a nice little map in the middle. all the world, in a variety of color categories, relaying socio-economic prosperity levels. North America, Northern Europe and Down Under all proud in red. Japan and Europe next in orange. The southern and eastern parts of europe yellow, inviting Uruguay, Korea and Taiwan into the ranks. Further east, further south --and Chile -- green. My current India is deep purple...


I first noticed an ink splotch on the opposite page, wondered about the purple ink for a moment before i looked at the map. sure enough, a big purple stamp, right over the top of the map. "The External Boundaries Of India As Depicted in The Maps are Neither correct nor Authentic." Awesome...