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- Archives: March 2008
- The Triumph of Christianity in the Roman Empire: An Economic Interpretation
Can economics explain why Christianity was such a success in the Roman Empire?
- Book Review: The Book of Wireless
A Painless Guide to Wi-Fi and Broadband Wireless
- Indian Budget 2008 - An Uncommon Budget
The FM has somehow successfully managed to bring a feel good atmosphere both economically as well as politically.
- Sleep-talking: An Ode to Neil Gaiman's Sandman
So if my words sound a little odd, don't think them so. I am just talking in my sleep.
- Book Review: Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vandela Vida
The book will confront the reader with their own questions of identity, belonging and the need to be rooted and the horror of it all.
- The Saree and the Western Woman
"How long does it take you to drape this?" they ask me. "Can you teach me?"
- A Blind Pomeranian
Despite her handicap Roshi gives her owners little trouble.
- Where Are We From, Really?
The question of “belonging” has always got to me – what really is the correct answer?
- From a Train Window
Some times a non stop journey is not as invigorating as one with interminable stops - just some times.
- The PayPal Challenge
Ok, admit it, you smiled and thought, Herr Professor Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta has gone around the bend.
- Hoodwinking And YouTubing A Child's Humiliation
We all know that feeling when as kids we wanted something so bad that we could taste it.
- Poetry: Ashes to Ashes - jalo aur jalao
in the end lava and ash will overwhelm all pursuits - before reinvigoration
- Budget 2008-2009 – A Bird’s Eye View
Why do you want a ‘dream’ budget instead of a ‘working’ budget?
- Poetic Justice!
Mujahideens get their own shrine despite Wahhabism's aim at purifying Islam from the bid'a of shrine visits
- Our Children and Corporal Punishment
I don’t want to get all preachy here, maybe there is some validity to the study, but do the results include slaps and random beatings
- Book Review: Reflections on the Art of Living – A Joseph Campbell Companion
There are very few books that you read and you know you will keep going back to them.
- Why Do We Indians Ape The West?
In TV ads, if a woman is shown wearing a saree (along with a bindi), it is most probably for a detergent or toilet bowl
- Mata: Meem, Alif, Tay, Alif
Believers in one God, rituals we renounce - Creeds, when dissolved, merge into one Faith.
- Music Review: U Me Aur Hum
Vishal Bhardwaj has always been awesome. Will the "U Me Aur Hum" album, with lyrics by Munna Dhiman, be his Waterloo?
- Autorickshaw!
I have always wondered what the names stuck on the back of taxis meant.
- The Role of Gender and Beauty in Economics
What is the impact of beauty and gender on earnings?
- India In Australia: ODI Series In Review
If India are to truly transition to their next generation ODI side, they must learn to win without Tendulkar.
- The World of Widows
Being even further away from Bengal from Kashi meant that Vrindavan soon became a place where one could dump one's widows.
- US Bombs Somalia, Sticks Her Nose in Palestinian and Colombian Affairs
America does more good with its voice rather than its weapons.
- Indian Media-Leader Oriented, Reader Neglected
All major Indian newspapers with few exceptions have now turned into what is popularly known as "Response run" rather than "editorially run" papers.
- Fiction: Neela's Casual Meeting, Part I
He had treated me in a dignified manner, of course, the way Indian men were expected to treat a lady of his kind.
- Kitty Politics At Home
Kitty politics always simmer within our four walls.
- Hip-Hop and Tamilians
The influence of Western hip-hop on contemporary Tamil culture is a double-edged sword, in my opinion.
- Questions For Raj Thackeray
Now that the MNS chief has stirred an Hornet's nest, would these answers come by as easily?
- Breaking Up Is A Reason To Celebrate
If you're tired of hearing that experiences are lessons, I am afraid I'll only add to that.
- Migrants are Everywhere
Migration is complex - it will take a lot more than raving and ranting to make a rational sense out of it.
- The Obama Clinton Deal
The best way out for both Obama and Clinton is to stop their bruising contest now!
- The Return of the Sari
Unfortunately, during the last two decades, which included the military rule of Zia-ul-Haq, many things related to beauty, culture and freedom took a nose dive.
- Poetry: The Ultimate Greed
To and fro, To and fro, her fingers go, round the candle’s wick. “This is fun.” she thinks, “Oh! What a trick!”
- What Does it Mean to be a Pakistani Woman?
ome thoughts from an urban Pakistani woman on International Women's Day.
- Forever Outsiders
We are the same - immigrants making Bangalore home with affiliations to other states that have become mere nostalgic memories.
- Dr. Dipak Desai Surrenders License in Hepatitis Scare
As many as 40,000 people may have been infected with the deadly hepatitis C virus or HIV from a Las Vegas clinic
- The New Thekedaars of Culture
Mistaking a particular point in human history as the end of history, they tilt at cultural windmills, leaving wanton destruction behind.
- A Visit to Karachi's Red Light Area
Several decades ago, the first blow to this business was severely felt when the Karachi film industry went bust.
- Using Refugees for Strategic Purposes
Governments and other parties use refugees for their own purposes, and not just for humanitarian reasons either
- Oiling The Writing Machine
Writing requires rigor and discipline. It’s a machine that needs to churned, kept lubricated and fresh.
- How Fragile We Are
That didn't stop today from coming like a sudden, unexpected reminder.
- Indian Secularism and Free Speech: Not for the Hindu
Indian secularism is nothing but a tool to muzzle the practicing Hindu.
- Changing Attitudes - Are The Young Beating The Old?
The young relatively speaking know less, but they use the little that they know to tackle the issues
- Jugalbandi Concert: A Resonance That Didn't Resonate
You organize a corporatish concert with well-decked ignoramuses making up 90% of the audience and you get a let-down performance.
- Freeloaders vs. Good Global Citizens
If you wouldnt litter in Singapore, why do you do so in India? And if you are ticked off, how do you react?
- Kambala: Racing Buffaloes, The Slushy Way
A day at Kambala, an action packed buffalo racing sport in slushy waters.
- Tobacco Is Our Middle Name: US Brands Going Away Soon
The staring, cold, bloodless eyes of a convicted criminal can get kind of wearing. And, no, I don't mean Kissinger.
- NY Gov. Spitzer Succumbs to 'Professional' Needs
The first-term New York governor has now been implicated in "involvement with a prostitution ring." This phrase, used repeatedly will not give Democrats great pleasure.
- New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer Implicated in Prostitution Scandal
"I have acted in a way that violated my obligation to my family...I must now dedicate time to regain the trust of my family."
- Art + History = Police Action in Tamil Nadu
When on earth do we stop obsessing about things that happened centuries ago and start obsessing even half as much about present day India?
- On Our Independence Movement
The Independence Movement is the story of our fight within- an inner struggle. The enemies were its past. And those problems were far bigger than
- The Interrogation Techniques Of The Scru-U
This growing breed are collectively known as the Scru-U group
- Wives From The East : The Trafficking Of Women
Human trafficking, particularly trafficking in women and minor girls is shifting shapes.
- Christian Institutions : How They Have Fallen
Church run institutions were known for excellence. The “civilizing mission” was about taking “barbarians” and turning them into “gentlemen".
- Saving the Planet by Going Vegetarian
By far the most important non-CO2 greenhouse gas is methane, and the number one source of methane worldwide is animal agriculture.
- The White Man's Burden
Now, it appears that Kipling's "white man" is seeking subaltern status.
- Book Review: Chicken Boy
Despite the grimness associated with a dysfunctional family the novel has a light-hearted approach that finds humor in little things.
- Book Review: Being
Who or WHAT is Robert? Is he man or is IT machine?
- Economic Fallout of Pakistan's Military Rule
According to Peter Drucker, the business of business is to stay in business and the Pakistani army is well into business.
- Access To Credit Should Be Recognised As Human Right
Credit for everybody is not a panacea for all ills but trying to get there is not bad either
- Hyperventilating In Bangalore's Hypermarkets
There are plenty to choose from and most are placed at convenient spots.
- Barack Obama on Pastor's Statement - Race & Political Advantage
In the statements causing controversy now, Rev. Wright damn's America and brings up Clinton's name repeatedly in poor contrast to Obama.
- Is a Paradigm Shift Underway in Jammu & Kashmir?
Even diehard pessimists can’t deny the reality that militancy has been on decline in the state.
- Fiction: The Immaculate Dinner
They were certified city slickers and I was used to altogether despising them.
- Who's To Blame for Scarlett Keeling's Death?
Before any "case of negligence" is filled against her, the actual perpetrators of the crime and the corrupt police should be severely dealt with.
- Renuka Chowdhury Accused of Fudging "Dowry Deaths" Statistics
After creating awareness on misuse of anti-dowry laws, now SIFF claims that as high as 65% of "dowry death cases" are false.
- A Village To Raise A Child - Scarlette Keeling & Adnan Patrawala
I'm asking you, I'm asking myself, I'm asking us all to start by taking responsibility.
- Objects of Pity
Human rights is also a matter for the common citizen – to go beyond indifference and ignorance.
- The Visiting Grandparents
"We have a six-month visa", said the lady. "My daughter has two small children, so I am going to help her."
- Of Fly and Butterfly: A Poessay
Legend has it that when challenged to write a novel in six words, Ernst Hemingway wrote: "For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn."
- Mark to Market - Vital for Democracy & Western Civilisation?
Why mark to market is as important to liberal democracy as is jury judging and democracy!
- Mumbai - Inclusive Or Exclusive?
Mumbai is a melting pot for people who come from all corners of India in search of greener pastures.
- Book Review:The Varieties of Scientific Experience
A deeply religious book on science.
- Freedom for Tibet - Standing Up To China
How easily we forget and ignore issues that are not affecting our daily life even if the concern is about oppression and annihilation of a
- Fiona MacKeown's Concept Of Freedom
Maybe in the hippie world Freedom means not being able to say, "Over my dead body."
- The Shadowy Scourge of Stigma
Stigma lies in wait like an unseen phantom present everywhere but visible nowhere except in the nearest mirror.
- How To Control Drunken Behavior?
The standard answer is, throw them in jail, public shaming, castration, fines or wire up the genitals via the liquid stream to an electrified wall
- Condoms - For Men Only?
Interesting. Encouraging. But sexist, no doubt about it.
- Music Review: Rejoice - The Sound of Urchin
The rhythms and vocals are well-produced, along with consistently good lyrics.
- Book Review: Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
“Whitethorn Woods” is a novel which is really a fable wrapped up as a story.
- Legal Change - Possible in Democracy, not Theocracy
Whether we are talking about civilian life, criminal life or corporate life, too many laws means that your freedom to act is circumscribed.
- Religious Convergence on March 21st
A once in a lifetime occurrence when "half the world's population is going to be celebrating something" falls this Friday
- Photo-Essay: Portraits Through My Lens
The simplicity of the subject is directly proportional to the sophistication of the output that one gets from the click.
- A Process of Peace Through Engaging Children
Children could become highly motivated to get involved in social issues by their close association
- Book Review: Gang Leader For a Day - Sudhir Venkatesh
There are plenty of books out there about the ‘ghetto’ and this book is not more shocking than any other, but the shining light here
- Rahul Gandhi - On Track to Reform Congress
Rahul has emerged as a Reformist in Indian Politics, particularly the Congress.
- Holi - Not My Kind Of Festival
We didn't mind a little gullal but the violence had to stop.
- Book Review: Song of Kali by Dan Simmons
Dan Simmons is said to have spent just two days in Calcutta when he wrote the book, he conveys the essence of the city as
- Music Review: Accelerate - R.E.M.
There is much intensity in the album, though, appropriately suited for our age of turbulence.
- Movie Review: O Brothers, Wherefore This Race?
I think Race's problem lies in how small it is.
- Child Artists - Prodigies Or Fodder For Pedophiles?
Am I the only one who finds something grotesquely wrong with the kind of performances some kids are putting up on TV ?
- Questionable Intelligence
The 60 year old track record of Pakistan is full of long spells of military dictatorship punctuated by experiments with short-lived democracy.
- Indian Education System Is Appalling
We have forgotten the basis of education - education is for life, and not for a living.
- Paradigm-Changing Events and Legal Systems
How the codified British legal system was born out of prosecutions of the Thugs in India
- Rinku Sachdeva Dies Again Online
Crime of passion or pre-meditated murder - no one deserves to die when it comes to matters of the heart.
- Retail in India – A Consumer Experience
I seriously hope that as the retail space matures, organizations would look at educating their sales force about the products and the customers.
- Sony Reverses Plan to Charge For Bloatware Removal
There was a strong reaction to such a move; imagine paying extra to have the manufacturer not loading extra stuff on your machine.
- Judaism, Religion, Power, & Success
Success has nothing to do with religion.
- Social Lynching
At what point would the cultural assimilation be complete so I did not have to put up with desis being their desi-est worst on their
- Attack on Secularism and Democracy: The Signposts
What can be said about the steps that should be taken to stop the rise of fascism and the attacks on Indian secularism and democracy?
- The Reality Of Mob Mentality
Mob mentality goes together with mindless conformism.
- African Union Troops Help Take Back Anjouan, Comoros
Some stupid questions on the Comoros crisis.
- Apple is Wrong About the Safari Update via iTunes
Now, the job of a software updater should be just that - to update software.
- Fiction: The Last Strand
It started with her ponytail, the one her husband wouldn’t let her cut.
- What Rinku Sachdeva's Death Tells Us About Ourselves
Among us are people who reveal their potential to kill another human being. There cannot be a bigger death of humanity.
- Hedge Funds vs. Charities
You will be better off asking a hedge fund to take care of your donation than a charity.
- Prasar Bharati, Cricket and a Free Lunch - Not!
The socialist in me is crying foul.
- Linux Live CDs: A Convenient Approach to Personal Computing
Live CD based computing offers a paradigm shift from normal routine computing.
- China - Whose Problem Is It?
How does China's arrogance effect India and what can India do?
- Book Review: 1858
Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S.Grant, and the war they failed to see.
- Movie Review: One Two Three
1 2 3: Skimpy dresses - 4. Funny lines - 5. Loud actors - way too many. This wannabe comedy takes a dive into third-degree
- Book Review: The Assistant By Robert Walser
Great ideas, great movements of history, even great moments in life bypass the inhabitants of the Tobler household.
- The Spreading Arms of Naxalism
Intellectuals supporting the Naxal revolution are devising a strategy to demand the status of political prisoners for the Naxals.
- Hits and Misses– Get Out! We Are Visiting Your City
Our friends and family think our presence in a city we visit is bad omenRumana Husain
OPINION | Politics: World | Politics: War on Terror | Politics: Terrorism | Politics: South Asia | Politics: Religion | Politics: Peace | Politics: Pakistan | Politics: Nepal | Politics: India | Politics: Governance | Media: Journalism | Media: Internet | Culture: Society | Culture: Social Issues | Culture: Religion | Culture: Relationships | Culture: Personal History | Culture: Crime | Culture: City Life - Book Review: Ruled Britannia by Harry Turtledove
A good historical fiction, with a common yet uncommon man as a reluctant hero.
- My (Mis)Adventures with Clutter
If only de-cluttering my life and my home was that easy!
- Mera Dost MIG
Would it take Bollywood to make people believe it?
- H-1Bs, Immigration Policies and US Jobs
Little is known to those outside of the IT world the legalities, and oftentimes corrupted practices taking place right here in the USA.
- Book Review: Merchants of Deception - The Amway Inside Story
The frauds happening in Amway and how they cheat unsuspecting distributors.
- Movie Review: Race : Not Twisted Enough
Twisted (storyline) but not twisted enough.
- High Inflation, Slow Growth - What Will The Government/RBI Do?
WPI inflation made headlines at 6.68%. With a moderation in growth, what can the government/RBI do?
- Book Review: White Mughals by William Dalrymple
East and West are not irreconcilable, and never have been. Only bigotry, prejudice, racism and fear drive them apart.
- Islamophobia - Organisation of Islamic Countries Report
Islamophobia exists but the OIC report is a very bad way to go about combating it
- Fiction: Kindred Spirits
They held hands and tears glimmered in their eyes
- The Politics of Language
Maybe there is an underlying lava of discontent, which organizations like these feed of.
- Birthday Lessons
It was the happiest of times and the whackiest of times. My birthday at an age when there were still 'landmark year' birthdays.
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- The Triumph of Christianity in the Roman Empire: An Economic Interpretation
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