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- Archives: July 2008
- Old Parents Left Behind
Is there a solution ?
- My Initial Days In The US
This country makes you realize your potential to grow and I have been taking advantage of it.
- Book Review: Practical Gardening Books
Gardening books for beginners
- Book Review: One Night @ The Call Center
Bhagat warns the reader very early not to expect a work of Naipaul or Rushdie.
- No Pride But Gay - India's Gay Parades
if Delhi could have it, then how come the most recognized city on the Indian map, the city of dreams, the fabled city of chill
- Swingtown, Dexter & The Sopranos - Questioning Absolute Truths
There are no absolute truths in life; when shades of Gray are delved into, some are accepted and some are denied fervently.
- Stooges, Machismo-Driven Nationalism and Self-Reliance
We need to get rid of a culture of machismo-driven nationalism that talks of self reliance, global domination and ideological neutrality
- Dormant Poets Everywhere
Was Picasso not a craftsman par excellence? Where is the boundary? Is there a boundary between craft and art?
- Over The Hill
Desi women routinely disappoint such men and in a variety of ways.
- The Heat, the Mosquitoes and New York Times
Ever since I started working in New York city (over a year back), my disposition in relation to this...
- Elliot-Sidebottom and Sporting Character
In the recent Elliot-Sidebottom episode during the England-New Zealand ODI series, the bowler Ryan Sidebottom crashed into the batsman Grant Elliot
- The Right To Buy Counterfeit Goods
Or why there is a sound economic rationale for the presence of counterfeit or pirated goods
- India Shining - The Death of Angrezi Hatao
A political campaign which made the destiny of many politicians of the time on either side of the language divide.
- Fiction: Looking For Answers
All that bothers me today is that I want to know the answer.
- Types Of Women Who Drive You Insane
A woman best understands another's pain and yet it is a woman who sees through another's deviousness and petty manipulations.
- Dr. Rajesh Talwar - Still In Custody
Dr. Talwar is no hardened criminal – as police clients go, he would be among the softest they would have handled.
- Why the Nuclear Deal is Bad for India
The facts why the nuclear deal is bad for India.
- Movie Review: Hancock
The movie raises many questions. I enjoy questions.
- Born Confused: Hi Dad…er...Mom
So to the All India Eunuch Association Chairperson and the Von Siffers: hold your peace. We are not there yet.
- Book Review: 100 Questions From My Child - Pop Mothering
Mallika Chopra's world as it comes through the saccharine sweetness of her copy is perfect beyond belief.
- Original Fiction : Daddy
The beautiful black spots on its red shell reminded her of the times she had gone ladybird hunting with her mother in the fields
- The Apple iPhone 3G: How Steve Jobs Fooled Me
All that was then, the iPhone is now old news. What is in the news however is its rejuvenated version – the iPhone 3G.
- Short Story Review: A Brown Man by Prasenjit Gupta
Now that racism is no longer institutionalized, it is obviously that much more difficult to track down and identify.
- Book Review: The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
Recently I read three books dealing with Islam and the West. This is the first of the three.
- Movie Review: Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
Its only when they see each other with their partners do they realize that they actually feel far more than friendship for the other.
- Sir Salman Rushdie: Have Pen, Will Kneel
“political satire became obsolete when Henry Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace.”
- Book Review: City of Fear by Robin David
Some things cannot be forgotten. They should not be forgotten.
- Book Review: The Islamist by Ed Husain
This is the second book in the Islam and the West trilogy
- Book Review: The Book of IMAP
IMAP is a more mature version of POP3 allowing users to manipulate operations on their mailboxes stored on the mail server.
- Uttar Pradesh Police on Cleanliness Drive for Gomti River
This would be funny if it was not so serious
- Book Review: Database in Depth
One of the important objectives of this book is to clarify the relational theory to practitioners.
- Bomb Blasts, Social Responsibility, and Baazigars
To talk about the concept of social responsibility of our icons is perhaps totally insane and useless as they have not heard and/or understood it.
- Movie Review: La Finestra di Fronte (Facing Windows)
Its a thinking movie. Don't watch it expecting a laugh.
- Rafael Nadal's Wimbledon Win - Birth of a New Champion
Watching Nadal lift the cup with Federer's dejected face in the background, one wished this was one cup that could be split.
- Play Review: Lucknow 76
The plot of the play was based on politics and history, shifting between two time frames of 1876 and 1976.
- Book Review: The Girls of Riyadh
Rajaa Alsanea’s novel is worth a read, if only because the book is banned in several Middle East countries, deemed as too risqué and un-Islamic.
- Indian Police Brutality - Unfettered Power
No accountability whatsoever
- Can A Straight Woman And A Lesbian Woman Be Friends?
That's like asking if a guy and girl can have a platonic friendship, isn't it?
- Wimbledon 2008 - Warrior Rafa Dethrones King Roger
An epic final which was like a blockbuster movie. And in the end, a deserving winner. That is what the Wimbledon 2008 final proved to
- Fiction: Dismal Reveries
Suddenly she stopped, to shake off all the unpleasant emotions that had taken over her for a moment
- Travel Review: Bangalore's Innovative Film City
If you have enough money in your pocket, all the wonders and attractions in the world will walk up to you and park themselves near
- Nuclear Deal - India Goes to the IAEA - "Midnight Deceit"?
In India, at least, the UPA Government took the initiative, breaking the stalemate, and losing no time in moving forward after the Left Front withdrew
- Poetry: Sky or Skies?
sky or skies? scholars, stern and grim / exchange words, first mild, then acerbic
- "Scoring" in the United States
“So have you scored in the US as yet?”
- Book Review: Unimagined by Imran Ahmad
This is the third book in a trilogy of three books involving Islam and the West reviewed by me.
- HIV+ By Marriage - High Court Denies Rights
Her only hope was of course the judiciary, but just yesterday, that door too has been shut.
- Stubborn As A Mule
This is mainly because as a child I had grown quite tired of hearing things like, “Bengali girls who can sing get good husbands”
- High School Education and Society
Some problems but no solutions to the problem of dropping high school enrollment in the USA
- No Longer An Estranged NRI
Then I came back to India after five years and found myself vulnerable to all that I had forgotten.
- Poetry: Grains - of Truth, Sand and Biofuel
in our wakeful moments/we're legends, walking time
- Rocket Science, Parenting and Beyond
Haven't we all at some point of time said, "I may not be a rocket scientist but..."?
- Aarushi Talwar Murder Case: The Truth Locked In
After months of capturing the media headlines, the Aarushi murder case has finally seen some answers.
- Rastafarians, Talibans and Hijabis: Charsis, Afeemis and Purdah-nashins
We love Bob Marley. And Jamaica has beautiful beaches also in Negril and Ocho Rios. About Hijabis and Talibans we know less.
- Amit Singh, 7/11 Bomb Blasts Victim
Amit is languishing in a hospital in Mumbai in a semi-comatose state for the last two years.
- The Benefits of Joblessness
As long as there are economic benefits to not working, unemployment will not decrease
- Book Review: The Amnesiac - The Art of Forgetting
Taylor does well in creating a haunting reality, almost Camus-like in his emphasis on duality.
- Public Services and the Public Sector
just because it is a public service does not mean it has to be provided by the public sector.
- Ibn-e Eusuf - A Modern Fable
The tale of Ibn-e Eusuf is an old story but like good stories it never gets old.
- The Opium Eaters - The Roads Between
I have walked on small paths in the opium fields on the Pakistan/Afghanistan border and talked to the farmers.
- The God in Small Things
Over the years I have discovered I belong to the tribe that gravitates towards the unassuming.
- Book Review: The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy, by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt
What happens when a lobby in the world's most powerful country is all too powerful?
- Movie Review: Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na - Same Same But Different
The film handles the same issue handled in Mani Ratnam’s successful flick Alaipayuthey, but gives a totally urban look to the concept.
- Real Women Don't Cry
I looked up at him, frank embarrassment at being privy to a private conversation. And I was startled by something I had never seen in
- Pappu Learns To Dance
Dream sequence: song and dance, with at least a hundred youngsters on the floor, and a DJ wearing psychedelic colors
- Understanding Myself in the US
The past year in the US have made me believe I’m God.
- Book Review: The New Age of Innovation by C K Prahalad
The concept is N=1, R=G. This primarily means that to serve one customer, you have to access / use / leverage global resources.
- Interview: Straight Talk With Onir, Director of My Brother Nikhil
"Unfortunately the current trend involves audience watching comedies and idiotic comedies."
- Movie Review: Kung Fu Panda - Awesomeness - For Kids
Legend tells of a legendary warrior whose kung fu skills were the stuff of legend.
- Restaurant Review: Via Milano, Bangalore
What bugged me was the socialist mentality of waiters hovering over the 'gora' tables while 'naturally' ignoring the desis.
- MTN Walks Out on Reliance Communications - Family Feud
Recent events might mean it is time for greater regulation of the fragmented conglomerate, if only to preserve Indian credibility in global markets.
- Book Review: Gorilla by Shobasakthi, Trans. by Anushiya Sivanarayanan
Shobasakthi's Gorilla is a fictionalised autobiography based on his experiences as a child soldier with the LTTE.
- The £5.50 Chinese Monkey-Picked Tea
all this monkey picking business is good and fine, but what is the actual name of the tea plant?
- Movie Review: Kismet Konnection
Those of you who went to watch the movie expecting another Jab We Met would have been left severely disappointed
- The Coffee Shop with a Twist
What's the big deal with all this sudden surge of population in the cafe?
- Book Review : The Lady in Blue by Javier Sierra
“The Lady in Blue” is part history, part fantasy and part mysticism set in the framework of fiction.
- What Do You Do For A Living?
Most people are unable to earn money from their passion. Most people are unable to devote time to their passion.
- Book Review: Who Speaks For Islam?
why reading a book by Esposito and Mogadeh will not tell you who speaks for Islam.
- How Do You Judge Morals?
On what basis do you draw up your morality?
- Marriage Mania
“Now at least we get laid each night”. “With the same partner”, was my sardonic remark.Chaitanya S
SATIRE | Culture: City Life | Culture: Desi | Culture: Family | Culture: Humor | Culture: Men | Culture: Personal History | Culture: Relationships | Culture: Rituals | Culture: Romance | Culture: Satire | Culture: Sex | Culture: Social Issues | Culture: Society | Culture: The Writing Life | Culture: Urban | Culture: Women - Follywood Sooperheroes
Now Spiderman is probably furious after watching this!
- Book Review: The Black Lizard Big Book of Pulps Edited by Otto Penzler
The decline of the pulp magazines however, has not entirely deprived us of this genre of fiction.
- An Education in Politics
Traditionally in India, policies and laws have almost been influenced not through open and transparent debate but through backroom intrigue.
- Does The 'Left' Reflect The Agenda Of The People?
Left has yet again proven how contradictory and paradox it's ideologies are by not considering the huge energy needs that India will have to support
- Book review: Séance On A Sunday Afternoon by Shinie Antony
Shinie Antony's collection of short stories cannot be read in one go. But it's still a very good read.
- Parliament and Law Making
The manner in which legislation is currently enacted in India leaves a lot of room for debate and transparency.
- Clean Your Own Crap
Today was the fourth time that my house was cleaned by someone else. I must confess,
- Poessay: Rosary 1 - Pink Sand Beach
Thoughts that nurture in mind's oven as we live our allotted three score and ten and either wither away or metamorphose.
- UPA Wins Confidence Vote - Cash For Votes Allegations Scar House
The vote was expected to go closely in favour of the government,had the BJP not pulled a large green rabbit out of the proverbial hat.
- Cash For Votes Allegations - No Surprises
I don’t see why people would be surprised about Horse-trading when we see murderers, rapists, arsonists and rioters as MLAs/MPs.
- List : The Definitive Geeta Dutt
Here is an attempt to hand-pick ten celebrated songs that can define the magic of Geeta Dutt.
- Book Review - The Wrekening by Jayel Gibson
Overall, the book has a very good storyline, a lot of potential but needs tighter editing.
- Kismat Konnection, On and Off Screen.
Both our leading stars have moved on (so they say) and all too quickly replaced each other’s presence with a new set of lovers.
- Kalawati, Government, and the NGOs
From time to time, the government talks of regulating the voluntary sector and especially of those who get funding from overseas.
- CPM Expels Speaker Somnath Chaterjee
A predictable reaction from CPM over the vote loss and consequent loss of influence
- Of Cats, Dogs and Individuals
Couldn't she just be a cat that wandered the neighborhood? Apparently, not. She had to "belong". She *had* to be a pet.
- Poessay: Rosary 2 - Fishing
Just then the wind dropped and a sudden silence overwhelmed. They could now hear the murmur of their hearts.
- Why Do Celebrities Make Sex Tapes?
There is no glossy production quality or re-takes; its just two people having regular sex.
- Seven Blasts Rock Bangalore
The bombs are said to be of low intensity, possibly induced by gelatin sticks.
- Fiction: Unfinished
Just a few minutes ago I had visited my family’s graves, all four, all rigidly upright, with cold words facing me.
- Book Review: A Lifetime of Secrets: A PostSecret Book by Frank Warren
I have been following PostSecret since 2005 and have always found it to be thought provoking and on many occasions therapeutic.
- Movie Review: Money Hai To Honey Hai
6 characters so busy doing their own thing that story is mere by-product. Adorable idea pulped to deplorable mince.
- Book Review: Andrew Wheatcroft’s Infidels: A History of the Conflict between Christendom and Islam
An examination of the world’s most important, prominent and longest lasting rivalry
- The Bandra Skywalk - Skywalking to Stay Fit and Healthy
There is no substitute to walking as one of the best antidote to stay fit and healthy
- Live Bomb Defused in Koramangala, Bangalore
An additional live bomb has been found and defused near the Forum Mall in Koramangala, Bangalore.
- Poessay: Rosary 3 - Adam and Eve Limited - I
i offered a shake 'hi adam'...he smiled and said 'no, i am satan'...'then where are your horns?' quizzed hamid
- The New Roger Federer
Roger Federer is certainly on downhill, but we fans have new hero to cheer about
- Multiple Bomb Blasts in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
There are currently twelve blasts reported and at least twenty-seven injured
- US Allows Pakistan Aid To Be Used For Fighter Upgrades
It does not seem to make sense to deploy funds meant for aid to fighter planes
- Travel Review: Camel Market at Birqash, Egypt
Egypt's Largest Camel Market - Birqash - where camels are traded for other livestock or cash and are mostly bought for farm work or consumption
- Book Review : Diplomatic Baggage: The Adventures of a Trailing Spouse
Not a book you want to buy or gift a friend who is going to be a Trailing Spouse.
- Movie Review: The X-Files: I Want To Believe
The power of the film lies in the secret sharers rather than the secrets they share.
- India's Response To Terrorism - Are We Losing The War?
Terrorists too are evolving and now have taken a liking for soft targets and are shying away more and more from hard targets.
- Movie Review: Mission Istaanbul - Male Booty Call
The movie isn't low budget, the action scenes are packed but here is what I don't get about the movie.
- Tips For Getting People To Visit Your Blog
Some points that I have seen that work
- Poessay: Rosary 4 - Adam and Eve Limited - II
'if you truly are the satan / why are you not leading us astray?' / 'my mission here is accomplished,' said the old man
- The In Things
The 'in' things to talk about today are Social Media, Nuclear Treaty and the iPhone.
- Dal Makhani : The National Cuisine
Dal Fry or Dal Makhani variety is to food what Bollywood movies is to cinema in India.
- Why Does Google Search Slap A Warning On Your Site?
Suicidal for your site
- Splitsvilla Or Shamesville?
Is 15 seconds of fame a good enough reason for these contestants to completely demean themselves?
- Travel Review: Ulsoor Walk, Bangalore
I had always wondered what the Vijayanagara style of architecture is, and it was on this walk that I could understand it a bit.
- The Purity Of An Idli
The best idlis I remembered eating when I was young were made by my dad's friend's wife.
- Project Management - You Can't Have Your Cake And Eat It Too
How not to lose a client
- The Importance of Usability Testing
At this point, everything may seem settled, but it is critically important that this final implementation be evaluated for usability issues.
- Book review: A Case of Exploding Mangoes by Mohammed Hanif
A very irreverent examination of the highly suspicious death of an extremely important politician in a deeply Islamic country
- Differences Between Free Hosting and Paid Web Hosting
I ended up preferring the paid version for most of my blogs
- The Coming Scarcity of Water
Shekar Kapur’s film “Water” is one whose time has very much come.
- Phoonk - If Thoughts Could Kill
Wishing someone ill at a heat of moment is one thing but going to a Tantric to ensure the deed is done is like giving
- News Analysis, Electronic Media and Journalistic Integrity
A good analyst can conclude from the blind men's reports of examining an elephant that they were describing a large animal.
- Poessay: Rosary 5 - Descending
snow flakes float / from where / the Words / used to descend once
- Shooting Civilians and Defending It
Trigger happy ? Yes. But also capable of doing a complete investigation.
- Book Review: Ramana Maharishi's Philosophy of Existence and Modern Science
This should make you a believer in science and therefore spirituality!
- Book Review: Core Memory: A Visual Survey of Vintage Computers by Mark Richards and John Alderman
A photographic journey through the history of computer systems and their evolutions.
- Going Off Consumption - Life in the ATM Mode
Gaurav describes the life that is to be ideally lived as one “that fits into a backpack".
- Fiction: Dreading Ugly Girls
They had to look beautiful, nothing else, simply gorgeous. Tall, slim, good features, nice long hair and fair.Chaitanya S
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