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- Archives: April 2007
- Media: The Old vs. The New
I'm reminded of Darwin’s quote: “the species which survived were not the biggest or fastest but the most adaptable to change”
- Stupidity + Arrogance = Traffic Jam
How stupid people can create immense traffic gridlocks
- Does Globalization Cure Crony Capitalism?
Much of the discourse on crony capitalism is associated with Asia and Latin America.
- Back to School: Grappling With Bonnets And Fairy Tales
I set about trying to tap into hitherto undiscovered, and possibly non-existent, wells of creativity.
- Indian First, Tamilians Second
Many newspaper reports state that those who lost their lives were 'Tamil fishermen.'
- UNICEF (India) Chief Accused of Attempted Rape
The biased Indian media is also completely silent as it involves UNICEF.
- The Cradle in Bangalore Really Does Deliver Joy
If you're expecting a baby, and you live anywhere close to Jayanagar, I would really encourage you to check this place out.
- The Cairo Trilogy and A Suitable Boy - Good Old Laid Back Stories
Novels in which nothing seems to happen while an entire world unfolds around you and hook you with their charm.
- India's Cricket Loss - Our Hour of National Shame
Reminiscences of two decades of Cricket watching and true emotions of what happened.
- Bangladesh's Makeover: Democracy Temporarily Set Aside
For conditions to improve, do we really need to have strongmen?
- A Dark Paradise - The Genocide of Sri Lankan Tamils
Beneath the idyllic picture of paradise there is an ethnic struggle raging.
- Stay On OBC Reservations - Our New Summer of Discontent
The reservation issue will never die as no one will allow it to.
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Jayasurya's Memorable Ton Ignites Sri Lanka
The Tigers dismantle West Indies with a clinical display
- Movie Review: The Pursuit Of Happyness
This film did not merely alter the way 'happiness' is spelled, it changed the way it is perceived.
- Saving India's Wildlife Heritage
How to prevent poachers from decimating India's rich wildlife heritage
- Book Review: Learning MySQL
An introductory resource of help to experienced users as well
- Movie Review: Mr. Smith Goes To Washington - Lessons for India
One of the greatest movies about American democracy holds precious lessons for Indian and other great democracies.
- ICICI Bank Accused Of Using Hooligans To Reclaim Car
Can we allow such strong arm action by a bank?
- Photo Essay: Washington, D.C. in Spring and Summer
For a precious few days there'll be no shovelling snow, no scraping ice off the windshield, no salting the driveway or the sidewalks ...
- Short Story: The Constant Companion
It will be always be there with her family, a piece of her, comforting them whenever they needed.
- Movie Review: The Namesake - The Shoes We Walk In
Mira Nair’s adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri’s book captures that elusive Holy Grail of adaptations: the book's spirit.
- Urban Jungle: Cow Story
I always have fun explaining the sacred cow thing to tourists. But if you look at it a little seriously, cows are an administrator's nightmare.
- Book Review: MySQL Cookbook
Reference and utility
- Restaurant Review: Saigon, Church Street, Bangalore
The waiters actually waited on us rather than us having to flag one down every time we needed something.
- Concert Review: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan & Sons
The three complemented each other perfectly, even though at moments it was clear why the maestro was way ahead of his sons
- Men In Skirts
If we women can wear trousers why can’t men wear feminine clothes without having their masculinity put to question?
- FY2008 H-1B Visa Cap Reached On Day 1
Despite mobility of capital and information, labour and people are still subject to borders and policies and little men in suits.
- Short Story: First Cut, Uncut
Xialong was a carrom-board breast; I, Hiroshi was a dwarf centerpiece in this city full of redlight district display bodies.
- Where Did All the Cricket Fans Go?
The early exit of India from the World Cup separates lovers of the game from the supporters of Team India
- Sachin Tendulkar: Should He Or Shouldn't He?
Anybody who suggests that Indian cricket is ready to progress without Tendulkar is seriously deluded or has an axe to grind.
- Travel Essay: Rajasthan On My Mind
The city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is eight hours via the closest rail link - and worth every minute.
- Multiple Entrance Examinations Work As "Entry Barriers"
Multiple entrance exams for professional courses are taxing all students, more so for marginalized rural students, economically and infrastructurally.
- Traveling with Children - Some Tips and Pointers
When you travel, life becomes extraordinary. There are new sights, new smells, new tastes ...
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Boring Cup continues
Without India, there is no fun. While the team disintegrates back home, the rest of the contenders are making their semi final spots solidified.
- Physically "Challenged" Or Disabled? The Danger With Euphemisms
Do we use euphemisms to avoid seeing the truth? How can we create a more equal society?
- Indian Aviation: First Blood Drawn?
Rising fuel, bad business plan, Airlines run on ego and you get the picture about the Aviation scene in India.
- The Summer's Call for a Joie de Vivre
Remembering the harvests of Karachi's summers, from underneath its trials and tribulations.
- Indian Cricket: Good News At Last!
If the Indian Cricket League launches it would be a boon to the talent search for the next World Cup!
- Indian Cricket: Spiraling Down
Does Gavaskar want Sachin to be captain? Did he pull strings?
- Indian Cricket: Coach Gone, What Next?
How important is the coach to India's performance?
- Restaurant Review: Chilies, Basildon
The only thrill we got was walking off without tipping them for treating us so nicely and making the evening a memorable one.
- Shada Hassoun is an Iraqi Idol
The "Daughter of Mesopotamia," wins Idol-like show by a landslide. What does this mean for Iraq?
- Religion & Violence: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism
The role of scripture in violence
- The Desicritics Feature Columns - the Parenting Paradox, Cricket And Flicks That Clicked
Desicritics invites articles for its feature columns - check out our variety of features.
- Movie Review: Mungaru Male
To me, Mungaru Male will remain one of the finest pieces of poetry on celluloid.
- Singing the Postpartum Blues: The Second Time Around in Minor Scale
As the days wore on, I realized that there were so many things about being a new mom that no one had told me.
- Parenting Tips From Childhood: No Two Fingers Are Alike
I still remember standing in front of my third grade teacher’s desk and looking at my parents apprehensively.
- Sanity Restored Is Insanity Gained
It is just the level of abnormality which a person wishes to project in open public which gives him/her the tag of crazy.
- A Conversation About the Birds and Bees
The author’s eight year old gets his first lesson on sex education.
- Uttar Pradesh High Court Declares Muslims Not a Minority
Will this set off a fire-storm in the parties looking for minority votes?
- Book Review: The Night Watch, Sarah Waters
A simple and delicate story of four people whose past slowly unfolds, revealing how they became what they are.
- Electoral Games
There was a small feeling of satisfaction as the "none of the above" option was included.
- Summer Theater Workshops for Children in Bangalore
If your children are interested in theater, Bangalore is brimming with choices for summer theater workshops this year.
- Formula 1 2007 Preview: The Malaysian Grand Prix
After a wait of three long weeks, the Formula 1 race weekend is finally here for the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix.
- Militancy and Political Trends in North East
India's North East remains an enigma; militancy and politics continue to move in tandem as the trend during March indicates.
- Cricket - When Did it Stop Being About Fun?
Cricket... when did it become so melodramatic? I thought it was all about having fun.
- Perils of the New Maoists Strategy
The Rani Bodli massacre and killing of member of parliament Sunil Mahato indicates unfolding of a new strategy of the Maoists in Central India.
- Movie Review: Blood Diamond
Blood Diamond is the kind of film that shouldn't leave our consciousness when we leave the theatre.
- India: Development At What Cost?
If India does not correct the inequities that are still inherent in her society, one way or another she will implode inwards just like the
- What Ails the Indian Intellectuals?
The Gujarat riots have been exploited to the bottom and it's time to find a more realistic, honest explanation for the increasing terror attacks.Sandeep
OPINION | Politics: Religion | Politics: Laws | Politics: India | Politics: Governance | Politics: Freedom | Politics: Elections | Politics: Corruption | Media: Newspapers | Media: News | Media: Journalism | Culture: Society | Culture: Social Issues | Culture: Religion | Culture: History | Culture: Essay | Culture: Desi | Culture: Books - Non Fiction - BJP In Trouble With Election Commission Over Inflammatory CD
Election Commission hauls up BJP leaders over inflammatory CD release, on the eve of the Uttar Pradesh polls.
- Movie Review: Wondrous Oblivion
What could be more important than cricket?
- Indian Cricket And The World Cup – What Went Wrong
My reasons for India's failure at the World Cup.
- The Politics of Demilitarization in Kashmir
Demilitarize but ensure people's security
- Revisiting 1857
Were the events of 1857 a war at all, or an attempt by a bunch of rich idlers to protect the family silver ?
- Commitment Blues
Who are more commitment-phobic - men or women?
- Gross Negligence: Who Should Pay The Price?
Is there a provision (or shouldn’t there be?) in the service rules of government officials for fixing individual liability for the material damage...
- Neo Nazis in Bangalore?
It got me asking around about peoples' knowledge of Hitler here in Bangalore, and in the end I was pretty taken aback.
- Internet Etiquette: The Bawlers Vs The Moderators
Web 2.0 is made up of ordinary people, who wish to add their voice to the Web's evolving conversation for the sheer love of it.
- Tate Modern Art Exhibition on Amrita Sher-Gil
Amrita lives in each stroke of South Asian modern painting and continues to inspire the art scene rather profoundly.
- Fathers Take On More Responsibility
A father's affection is as important as the mother's for all-round development of the child.
- Cricket World Cup 2007: The Anatomy of Bangladesh's Upset Win Over South Africa
A team that was discounted in the World Cup enhances its growing reputation with another memorable win, this time over South Africa.
- Street Cricket Culture in Karachi, Pakistan
As a cricket lover, the passion in street cricket is heartening, but as a driver, the risks and dangers aren't.
- Movie Review: The Namesake
Mira Nair has brilliantly captured the spirit of the book.
- Mohammad Ashraful - Masterful Cricket Leads To Bangladesh Win Against South Africa
Ashraful looks so good whenever he bats well that his big scores add to the self belief of his team
- Anatomy of a Page One Story
Whoever decides on page one stories must have been hard put to it to find anything better for a Sunday edition bottom-spread on page one.
- Spelunking in Virginia - A Mighty Fine Adventure
This cave was nothing like the caves of my imagination - it was a rather slim, elongated, hole in the wall.
- Cartoon: Surprise! Tigers Can Fly!!
Taking killing to a new level!
- Congress Loses Municipal Elections in Delhi
What are the real problems affecting Delhi ?
- Movie Review: Namastey London - Quite Refreshing
Overall, a good masala movie.
- On Visiting Mysore Again, Two Decades Later
The scent of the sampige flower and the beautiful golden yellow of their petals are stuff of nostalgic reveries.
- No Major Problems for Australia Against England
England fails to capitalize on an open Super 8s, by succumbing tamely to Australia.
- Cartoon: Congress - Non Starter In U.P.
Being a Gandhi can only take you that far.
- Shaheed Bhagat Singh, the Terrorist
Maybe Bhagat Singh was a terrorist and maybe he wasn’t. But he surely lived a full life.
- The Pursuit of Power, Indian-Style
The powerful in India continue to have a fawning coterie, similar to the kings of old, the gora sahibs, et al.
- Broadband Taxation
Unfortunately, Broadband isn't the focus and priority of the media.
- Book Review: Above Average by Amitabha Bagchi
This makes him Everyman in some ways, representing a generation, one that found their homeland and society lacking in many respects.
- The Sobering Influence Of A Tsunami
Why I sometimes like to meditate on a word like "Tsunami"
- Book Review - Everyday Scripting With Ruby For Teams, Testers And You by Brian Marick
An asset on the path to Ruby scripting expertise.
- When You've Had A Child, At Least Try To Bring Them Up!
Children seem to count on parents not wanting to create a scene and so get away with murder.
- A Million Dollar Cat Story
When he died, Dewey’s obituary ran in 250 papers, including USA Today and Washington Post.
- Movie Review - 300
Watch this movie in a theatre, or else you will never be able to concentrate on the nuances and links.
- India's Geo-Strategic Policy - India Adrift?
There is much to be analyzed about the inept handling of terrorism, national security and geo-strategic issues by the current UPA administration
- Review Femina Miss India : Priyanka Dud, Lara Rocks!
Not everything was all that dull and I did find some pretty noteworthy plus points
- Parenting: Double Trouble or Double the Fun
The early days with my twins
- Weekend Jaunts: Climbing the Sahyadri Hills in Western India
Some of Maharashtra's forts are large, strong, cunning affairs. Others like Korigad are small clever mountain hide-outs in the Sahyadris.
- Book Review - The Big Idea by Stephen Strauss
Stephen Strauss profiles dozens of creators who have gone ahead with launching their own innovation.
- The Magic of South Indian Filter Coffee
After months of trial and coaching by my dad, I finally hit upon the right formula.
- The Sari Debate: A Response to Shashi Tharoor's Response
At the end of Mr. Tharoor's second article, I am even more disappointed and angry than I was before.
- Cricket World Cup 2007: How to Bat the Slog Overs by New Zealand
New Zealand’s fleecing of the Irish bowlers at the death holds lessons for all teams
- Making a Film
An account of my experiences as a fresher filmmaker
- Farmers Turn Suicidal in Supposedly Flourishing India
Gathered in Delhi, the wretched of the countryside are full of complaints, accusations, and hope.
- The Day Raj Kumar Died
With the dummy page came disagreements galore on how the article should flow and where the pictures should be placed.
- Why Do We Pigeonhole People?
Looking at our tendency to turn real people into cardboard characters incapable of change.
- The Bahubali in Politics
Parliamentary democracy is a convenient cloak and garb to wear
- The Story of DA from the Upanishads
An interesting story from the Upanishads
- Black Is Beautiful
Why would people want to make comparisons between siblings on the basis of their complexion?
- The Bold and the Beautiful: Daytime Soap or Extended Family?
The author investigates a widespread desi obsession with "The Bold and the Beautiful"
- Eyes Wide Open and Sleepless in Dhaka
The sole advice I can really offer myself is not to worry about it. Like all things, it comes and goes.
- Love In The Time of Camera
If my grandmother was expecting the host to reciprocate her smile, it wasn't coming. The girl was busy freaking out.
- Canadian Politics: Vimy Ridge To Afghanistan: The Lie Remains The Same
It's heartbreaking that young men and women continue to be sent off to die for causes that don't exist
- Now Shot-Gun Aims At Amitabh Bachchan
Nailing the Bachchans just before the big Bollywood wedding and UP elections is as good as killing two birds with one stone.
- Course du Coeur 2007 in France
We humans can help others, even after we have breathed over the last gasp of life.
- The Fundamentals of Asset Allocation
Asset allocation is a smart and sexy word for something as drab and dreary as planning your personal finance.
- Interviewing Barry John, Shahrukh Khan's Mentor
Barry John speaks to Steven Baker on his move to Mumbai, recent successful students, and his most famous ex-pupil SRK
- Weekend Jaunts: Heve(r) Ho!
With acres of flowers, boating facilities on the lake and three mazes, the castle offers something for everyone.
- Movie Review: Watching The Namesake in Ohio
The Namesake made me feel like I was home for a while
- Bazaar Walks: Insider-Outsider
You can choose to get into the heart of a country, or you can choose to be an observer.
- When a Child Dies
Today's world is for the living rich, not for the dead and least of all for the poor.
- British Airways to Compensate Passenger
Another victory for the advocates of Consumer Courts
- Where Have The Earthy Movies Of The Eighties Gone?
An Ode to The Glorious Age Of Indian Art Cinema
- Thank God It's Tuesday, Report From a New Delhi Gay Bar
One place in the capital city where gay people can be gay...once a week.
- Our Man in San Francisco
People generally have in mind a stereotype image of a diplomat. The Indian Consul General is far from one.
- Exploring The Inheritance of Loss
A sense of alienation and loss is always the immigrant’s life long companion....
- Help Teach my Son about Sex
Thoughts and ideas on how to go about giving sex education to my son.
- Koffee With Karan, Ep. 209 : Who The Heck Is Kunal Kapoor?
In plain words, I found it to be the crappiest of all the aired lot from Season Two.
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Sri Lanka Over New Zealand, By A Lot
The battle of the dark horses ends in a crushing win for Lanka
- Scrap the Duleep Trophy
Have a tight 10 team top division and lower divisions with a promotion/relegation system, one each for first class and one day cricket, and that
- The Hurley Show Rolls On
Next stop - jail.
- Self Deception of Islamic Banking
How self-deception of Islamic Banking cures the self-deception of Riba!
- Jewish Holocaust Offensive to UK Muslims?
If you are so voyeuristically intolerant, is it any wonder that Europeans hate you?
- Anil Kumble - A True Champion
The one word that you can associate perfectly with Anil Kumble is perseverance
- Book Review: Of Power and Right
The court is the ultimate defender of the constitution
- India Tests Agni III Successfully
India’s missile program has come a long way since its inception in 1983.
- Child Abuse In The Land Of Child Worshippers
How to tackle the repressive atmosphere in the country, in which many of us live?
- Post Mortem of Indian Cricket Team
The reason for the pathetic performance by Indian cricket team in World Cup 2007
- Government to Appeal Against Reservation Stay
The Government is not really prepared for the hard questions asked by the court, and is stuck between a rock and a hard place.
- Younis Khan Turns Down Pakistan Captaincy
Stating "hurt" and "mental strain" as reasons, Younis Khan has turned down the offer to assume Pakistan's Captaincy.
- The Influence of Hinduism on the Sinhala New Year
It is time to acknowledge the Tamil Hindu roots of the current Sinhalese festivities.
- RTI Act: Central Information Commission Penalizes Govt. Body
If an Indian government functionary refuses to release information, they are liable for fines under the RTI Act.
- Microcredit: You Too Can Be A Banker
Will someone build a similar robust system in India to promote the social lending concept for the poor?
- Book Review: Victoria Cross Winners of India - Till Memory Serves
Soldiers die in forgotten fields, and if their memory is not honored, their valour does not educate future generations.
- Keeping One’s Cool With Nimbu Pani
Other than providing a lip smacking luscious taste, the economics part of it beats the price rise.
- Canadian Politics: Alleged Terrorists Released From Jail
Two men who had been held (without charges) for years were both released in the last two days
- The Fundamentals of Stocks
Stocks have the ability to give the best returns but the time and effort required is high too.
- Should IT Companies Have Tax Holidays?
Why should certain big companies, which have gone public, have a brand name, and are making colossal profits, be enjoying a tax holiday?
- Cricket World Cup 2007: New Zealand Suffocate South Africa
A win for the Black Caps results in a semifinal berth
- Safeguarding the National Honour
National Honour is important, but what really is National Honour ?
- The Fundamentals of Exchange Traded Funds
Despite giving the highest returns last year and also being the least costly, Exchange Traded Funds are hardly known.
- Basic Amenities in India
Providing basic amenities such as power and water are the basic obligations of a Government
- Watching Movies Like Rang De Basanti
My experiences with Indian patriotic movies like Rang De Basanti.
- Are Our Media Women Over-empowered?
Media women have come a long way, but is their empowerment now threatening men hoping to break into the industry?
- Bollywood Bound - Brett Lee & Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson is Fool-n-Final while the Big B recruits Brett Lee
- Book Review: A Tale of Love and Darkness
The autobiography of Israeli writer Amoz Oz, a captivating read.
- A Gift of Cloth
There are two very traditional types of gifts in India: gifts of cloth and gifts of sweets.
- Movie Review: Love, Marriage and Flannel Pajamas
This is when I realized that the view from within a relationship is quite different from that on the outside.
- Bangladesh Diary: The Mechanics of Arranged Marriages
I respect and admire the marriages I have seen here - in the majority of cases this whole system seems simply to work.
- The Age of Silent Movies: When Silence Was Silver
An ode to silent films.
- The Auntie-Factor and the Myth of Indian Entrepreneurship
Given the buoyancy of the economy, and the enormous success of tech in particular, the shocking thing in India is how few real entrepreneurs
- Cartoon: Mobile Rules
Rule No. 1.
- Misrallaneous: Flamenca - A Marriage of Spanish and Oriental Music
Wonderful fusion of Arabic and Spanish sounds.
- Book Review: Alexander Trilogy by Valerio Massimo Manfredi
For all history buffs, Alexander Trilogy is a must read.
- Movie Review: Aa Gale Lag Jaa - An Oldie, A Goodie, and ...
Aa Gale Lag Jaa has most of the Recommended Masala Allowance of family drama, comedy and romance.
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Bangladesh Stumbles Badly Against Ireland
The game that was supposed to showcase India and Pakistan's rivalry ends in sorrow for a different South Asian team.
- Movie Review: Kabul Express - Riding With the Enemy
The script is punctuated by some genuinely moving commentary on the absurdity and brutality of war.
- Poetry: Love Packed In A Green Duffel Bag
When I left town, I packed your memoirs in a green duffel bag / I intended to trash.
- Shift to Ubuntu Linux
Why should you shift to Linux?
- Narayana Murthy, the Anthem, and the Uproar
I don't know why, but when I hear someone play our National Anthem nowadays I think of Narayana Murthy.
- High Inflation – The Silent Killer
Suddenly people are starting to wake up to the disaster happening in Zimbabwe.
- Narayana Murthy and The National Anthem - Whose Faux Pas?
Singing the national anthem, or wearing Indian ethnic dresses is seen as rubbing off too much Indianness onto foreign customers.
- One Billion Indians Are Enough and Other Thoughtless Remarks
One billion Indians are enough but they're not enough for me if it means not having at least one of my own
- Mortal Remains Of An Indian Conscience
The short stories hold a special meaning to me as I recall with certain nostalgia, bitter sweet feelings in the years gone by.
- Paruthiveeran: A Movie of Real Class
My review on recent Tamil hit movie Paruthiveeran
- The Mommy Wars - Mothers of the World, Unite
My take on this issue is this - I say, live and let live.
- Big Daddy Gere's Bollywood Kiss
Kissing, AIDS, and Indian double standards
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Ponting and Bracken Lay the Lions Low
A potential dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals results in a comprehensive win for Australia.
- The Virginia Tech Massacre
Exactly eight years to the same week that the Columbine High School massacre took place, 33 people are gunned down
- Bangalore Diary: Where's My M.G. Road?
Sunset for the boulevard.
- Satire: Gere-ing Up For Shilpa: A Fervent Appeal
Save Indian culture. Burn more effigies of Richard Gere.
- The Virginia Tech Shooting: Is Gun Control The Answer?
It's the need to commit violence on another person that needs to be addressed first and foremost.
- Richard Gere & Shilpa Shetty - Kissa Cheeky Kiss Ka
The media, much of it anyway, isn’t there to put things in a positive light, but to report them as they perceive it.
- Social (Dis)graces
I saw one poor woman attempting to feed her newborn ... and the people around her were actually laughing at her rather than offering any
- Race and Colour in India
I knew about India's many religions, languages, castes and sub-castes, but races? I wasn't sure.
- Cartoon: Adventures Of Shashi Tharoor
Unfolding The Saree Saga
- World Cup 2007: South Africa Blitz England, Enter Semis
South Africa run into a pitch tailor made for their game to torment England with a crushing victory
- Photo Essay: Sakkaré Achchu - The Art of Making Sugar Figurines
No matter how delicious the end result is, the best part of the whole process is the family getting together to make them.
- Extending India's Maritime Reach
Exploring the possibility of expanding India's naval reach in southwestern part of Indian Ocean Region.
- What Did Gere Do To Shetty? It Wasn't a Kiss, Says The Times of India
And here we were, the uninformed lot, getting hot and bothered, protesting, burning effigies without as much as knowing a peck from a kiss.
- Paul Wolfowitz: A Neocon in Torn Socks
Life has its moments of delicious irony as l'affaire Riza seems to indicate.
- Here's To Working Fathers And Their Woes
You think only working moms have a problem? You think only they deserve maternity leave? I don't think so.
- Cartoon: Agni III Flies
Panga Mat Lena (unless you are more than 3000 kms away).
- Fiction: A Sound Quest
Milk chocolate reminded me too much of the summer I was nine. The summer, when every two weeks or so, I got as much chocolate
- Movie Review: Bheja Fry: Bharat Bhushan Ki Jai Ho
Bheja Fry is a must watch for all, especially those who appreciate quality cinema over glitzy cinema.
- Indians and Pakistanis to Jointly Celebrate Independence Day
Sixty years and three generations after Independence, Indians and Pakistanis jointly celebrate their Independence.
- Virginia Killings - Who are the Real Culprits?
Every victim of school bullying undergoes resentment. US needs channels to handle this resentment.
- So Long, Sanjaya!
Why was he the one facing all the belligerence when it was the public that voted for so long to keep him up there?
- Towards Open Access For Scientific Research
There seems to be a conspiracy by scientific journals to maintain their high standards by deliberately restricting information.
- Microsoft To Sell Windows For $3
Don't be surprised if your Ration shop starts selling versions of Windows Vista soon.
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Australia Mows Down New Zealand
Can any team stop this juggernaut?
- Cartoon: Mobile Rules # 02
The Curse Of The BlackBerry
- Target: Delhi's Traffic Violations
Special drive by traffic police along with higher fines
- Travelogue Of A Non Resistant Indian
Life in the U.S. has left my gut sterile, among other things.
- Music Review:Shining Karma by Warren Mendonsa
A tribute to Warren Mendonsa's latest solo album...
- England Steal a Meaningless Game From the West Indies
Brian Lara's last international is a thriller with a sad ending.
- Lost In Translation
When I landed in the U.S, little did I know that I was in for some pretty interesting linguistic adventures.
- Concert Review: Fireflies Festival of Music, Bangalore
Music, even if all is not comprehensible, will also fill the seats, if it fulfills at least the needs of the ear and the mind.
- Movie Review: Kya Love Story Hai
This love story makes an arranged marriage look interesting.
- Cartoon: Babubhai Tours & Travels
BJP MP Babubhai Katara could be in a bigger soup now.
- Death of a Lawaris Tree
One day, returning from college, Lakshmi found her tree chopped down by a neighbour to accommodate her car.
- Irrational Rationalism in Indian Society
No amount of justification can explain the use of irrationalities for a rational cause.
- India And The Formation Of An Asian NATO
An Asian NATO shall ensure security and stability in the trouble zones throughout Asia.
- Puppy Love And The Ethics Of Star TV
Any two-bit media house can boost its TRPs by painting a non-issue with the communal paintbrush.Sandeep
OPINION | Culture: Desi | Culture: Essay | Culture: Magazines | Culture: Religion | Culture: Social Issues | Culture: Society | Culture: Urban | Media: Blogs | Media: Internet | Media: Journalism | Media: Magazines | Media: News | Media: Newspapers | Media: Television | Politics: Corruption | Politics: Freedom | Politics: India | Politics: Laws | Politics: Religion - My Little Patchy Baby
Even a birthmark or a rash upsets us mothers because we want our children to have perfect lives.
- Visiting a Hindu Temple in the US
Something about the purohit tipping a half gallon container of Marva Maid over the Shiv Linga turns prayer into pantomime.
- Cartoon: Lal Masjid Fiasco
Vigilante Islamic court in Pakistan
- Kalyanji Anandji - Relevant Legends
Kalyanji Anandji, legendary Bollywood composers are still giving concerts & are relevant today more than ever...
- Teacher Sprinkles Cow Urine on Students
How is such an incident tolerated ?
- The Indian Left and History
The moment has arrived to deconstruct the Marxist school. Those who had the education and rigor to do so are few.
- Movie Review: Provoked
Movie tagline – "In prison she found freedom." However, the two hours in the theatre are anything but freedom
- Movie Review: The Pursuit of Happyness
Even though it is painful to watch, it's worth a look. You will leave the theatre feeling good and hopeful.
- Indian Television: Advertisements Outweigh Substance
These days Indian news channels are almost like a live cricket match. There are more five-ball overs than the six-ball overs. More of ads less
- Being 'Fair' and 'Beautiful' - Let's Be Fair
When I was eleven years old, browsing through the daily newspaper's matrimonial classified section caused me great anxiety.
- Satire: The Big Swim - Where My Heart Still Goes On
There goes my prediction sheet into the ocean. The blue embraces the red Rose and takes her home.
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Sri Lanka Over New Zealand Once More
The most talented South Asian team is in the finals
- Poetry: The Conversation is a Tale
There was not a photograph of truth in the image you saw. My lips were whispering over his cheeks like strangers.
- The Nappy Confusion
My take on cloth nappies vs disposable nappies
- Take Two: Movies We Love
Aditi Nadkarni, Beth Watkins, Amrita Rajan, DesiGirl and Sakshi Juneja on the movies they love: Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron, Parvarish, Bandini, Mouna Ragam and Chaalbaaz
- World Cup 2007: Australia Burn South Africa in Semifinal #2
South Africa try to meet fire with fire and get charred.
- The Brighter Side Of A Computer Crash
A computer crash can totally change your perspective on life
- Remembering Nishit Saran
Nishit Saran was a trailblazing filmmaker and is an inspiration to queer communities everywhere.
- A Working Mom Places Her Case
My two bit on the debate between working moms and stay at home moms.
- India at 60: Democracy Coming of Age?
As independent India approaches 60, the signs of a “coming of age” of Indian democracy are on the horizon,
- Movie Review: Maurice - Growth and Class in Edwardian England
Revisiting Merchant-Ivory's brilliant rendition of EM Forster's novel.
- Gliese 581c - A New Planet on the Horizon
A new Earth-like planet has been discovered which could change our views on extra-terrestrial life.
- The god FAQ - Part 1
This fear is the reason why many people are against the scientific explanations that debunk the "god hypothesis".
- World Cup 2007 Finals: A Preview
The author has some amateur advice for the Sri Lankan cricket team.
- Rakhi Spices Karan’s Koffee This Weekend
Finally we will witness an event worthy interaction between Bollywood drama queen Karan Johar and Tellywood drama queen Rakhi Sawant.
- Pregnancy and Compassion
Working during pregnancy
- Movie Review: Ta Ra Rum Pum
Children have something worthwhile to occupy themselves with in the summer vacations - at least for three hours.
- Manmohan ‘Marquez’ Desai
Manmohan Desai’s work, like our best epics, was driven by imagination.
- Blogging and Bias in Mainstream Media
Claims of seamless information on the Internet doesn't really apply in the Indian context.Sandeep
OPINION | Politics: India | Media: Television | Media: Newspapers | Media: Journalism | Media: Internet | Media: Citizen Media | Media: Blogs | Media: Blog-a-Thon | Culture: Urban | Culture: The Writing Life | Culture: Society | Culture: Social Issues | Culture: Personal History | Culture: Hobbies | Culture: Essay | Culture: Desi | BizTech: Internet - India Is Now A Trillion Dollar Economy
Just as Y2K was the winning moment and an opportunity BEST exploited by the Indian companies rising Rupee will present another challenge
- Bazaar Walks: Discovering Unani
In case you thought Unani was a 'Muslim' medicine, sorry - it's Greek!
- An English, August Feeling In June
Conversations, words, chatter. Just a post about a lazy June afternoon.
- Does Everybody Love and Support Democratic Reform Revolutions?
As Sherlock Holmes aficionados would remember, it is not who shouted, but rather who didn’t shout which is interesting.
- Cricket World Cup 2007 - The Final Match-up
Sri Lankans have a better bowling attack than Australia on current form, but what about the batting?
- Cricket Finals Mid-Game Report - The Green Mile of Adam Gilchrist
The 149 was about 30 runs more than what any other Australian batsman could have recorded against this bowling.
- The India-US Nuclear Deal - The Nuclear Letdown
The terms of the bilateral "123" agreement contravene Indian geo-strategic interest.
- The Cricket World Cup Ends in Farce and Australia's Victory
The ICC can do us cricket lovers a favour by disappearing from the face of cricket
- Effigy Burning: The Next Big Thing
Forget IT or call centres or BT or KT, The next Big Thing is "Effigy Burning" and "Effigy Outsourcing"
- Modern Indian Business - Without a Soul?
Is doing business globally and in an increasingly competitive economy destroying our souls?
- Cricket World Cup 2007: Ludicrous End To A Farcical Tournament
The organizers have much to think about - why did this much-awaited event turn out to be such a letdown?
- Satire: Home Improvement
I thought I just needed a hammer and nails but this most helpful fellow at the Home Renovation section gave me a very informative talk.
- Book Review: The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
Don't read this trilogy for magic. The main ingredient which makes this story worth is Bartimaeus and his sarcasm.
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - Help Save a Child's Life
In my own training, I have seen healthy bodies slowly wilting away, the disease process gnawing the vitals and it overwhelms the bodies' defenses.
- The Anatomy of Sri Lanka's Cricketing Defeat
Australia put in yet another dominating performance, this time to win it all
- Movie Review: Guru
When will Indians realize that there are no white or black people in this World?
- Sex And Other Nasty Indian Stuff Online
The world has judged us to be prudes who are no different from the mullahs of the East.
- The Delhi Airport Experience
Can be pretty painful.
- Being a Feminist
Aren't we all feminists in some way or another?
- Watching Cricket from its Spiritual Home
The author enjoys the World Cup finals from a dark corner of an Indian airport
- South Asian Slaves in Arabian lands
The plight of poor workers in Arabia
- The Demise of a Dynasty
King Gyanendra's own identity is in churn. He is no longer the head of state or the government; neither is he a commoner.
- Rakhi Sawant Blitzes Karan Johar
I hereby take back all my unkind thoughts about Karan Johar.
- Man Kills Fiance Over Dowry
Even though theirs was a love affair...
- Rakhi Sawant, Entertainment At Its Best
And as someone rightly said, “Apne desh mein Rakhi Sawant, ek eklauta model hai”
- Short Story: The Remains
It was as if he had travelled forward in time, and felt like a lonely alien in a world that is too busy to notice
- Movie Review: Parzania (2007) - Gujarat Burning
This movie was recently released to rave reviews and awards but remains unable to be shown in Gujarat due to political reasons.
« March, 2007 || May, 2007 »
- Media: The Old vs. The New
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