Tuesday, March 31, 2009
HG Rasool: Rethinking Islamic Discussions: Muslim Culture & Religion
மறுசிந்தனையில் இஸ்லாமிய கருத்தாடல்கள் - ஹெச்.ஜி.ரசூல் :: Thinnai: "புத்தகம்பேசுது, மார்ச் 2009"
Saa Kandasamy: Vasanth: Movies: Documentary
ஒளியுடையோன்: திரைப்பட இயக்குனர் வசந்த் (கேளடி கண்மணி, ஆசை) ஆவணப்படமாக எடுத்துள்ளார்: "சா. கந்தசாமியின் 'தக்கையின் மீது நான்கு கண்கள்'."
Sad State of Telugu Cinema: Directors vs Producers: Movies
jeyamohan.in » Blog Archive » சினிமாவுக்கு ஒரு களப்பலி: "ராஜகுமாரன் தம்பி தன் அப்பா ஸ்ரீகுமாரன் தம்பி"
On Harsh Mander's book on Gujarat 2002, Fear and Forgiveness
The Middle Stage: "Narendra Modi government in the massive loss of lives and property, mainly of Muslims, in what are euphemistically called the “riots” of February and March 2002. The violence broke out following the deaths, on February 27, of 58 Hindus when a train compartment of the Sabarmati Express was set on fire near Godhra station after a dispute between Hindu kar sevaks and some Muslim tea vendors at the station itself."
BJP’s Dangerous Game | Retributions
BJP’s Dangerous Game | Retributions: "BJP’s stand on the Varun Gandhi issue is both morally reprehensible as well as politically incomprehensible. It is clearly a failure of its leadership. As Vir Sanghvi rightly asks, if Mr Advani cannot run his own party, can he deliver for the nation?"
Six Indians dead in home shooting in US
Six Indians dead in home shooting in US: "An Indian IT professional in the US fired at his family after a quarrel with his brother-in-law, killing five people, including three children. He then shot himself dead with a gun, a relative in a Tamil Nadu village said on Tuesday.
The shooting took place on Monday night (IST) in Santa Clara, a town in the Silicon Valley.
A grief-stricken Appu Master, 80, said from Ayyankollai village in the Nilgiris district that the killer was his son-in-law Devarajan and only one of the six people he shot survived."
The shooting took place on Monday night (IST) in Santa Clara, a town in the Silicon Valley.
A grief-stricken Appu Master, 80, said from Ayyankollai village in the Nilgiris district that the killer was his son-in-law Devarajan and only one of the six people he shot survived."
Monday, March 30, 2009
Analytics on Twitter? Count me out
Analytics on Twitter? Count me out - BusinessWeek: "I grimaced when I read Adam Kmiec’s post, Twitter Needs a Thumb. His idea is that Twitter should have a thumbs up/thumbs down voting system. This would provide us all with feedback on our posts. And it would point readers to the popular stuff."
Thi Ka Si: Hilarious Nellai: Jeyamogan
jeyamohan.in » Blog Archive » தி.க.சி: "ரவிந்த் ட்ரஸ்ட் கண் மருத்துவமனை"
A Blacklist for Websites Backfires in Australia
A Blacklist for Websites Backfires in Australia - TIME: Australia's media watchdog learned the hard way that blocking objectionable Web content is harder than it sounds — especially when your list of banned URLs gets leaked
Among its more than 1,000 entries were URLs for child porn, rape and bestiality sites as well as online gambling (some forms of which are illegal in Australia) and gay and straight pornography. But many sites appeared to have been blacklisted almost at random. A dentist from Queensland, whose website had once been hacked into by a Russian purveyor of pornography, was on the list. So was pet care facility MaroochyBoardingKennels.com.au and canteens.com.au, a site belonging to a school cafeterias consultant.
Sites advocating legal euthanasia, Satanism and even Christianity were blacklisted. Initially, the minister for communications, Stephen Conroy, denied that the list on Wikileaks and the ACMA blacklist are the same, a denial that rang a little hollow when one of its partners, the Internet Industry Association (IIA), publicly condemned the release and posting of the list.
Among its more than 1,000 entries were URLs for child porn, rape and bestiality sites as well as online gambling (some forms of which are illegal in Australia) and gay and straight pornography. But many sites appeared to have been blacklisted almost at random. A dentist from Queensland, whose website had once been hacked into by a Russian purveyor of pornography, was on the list. So was pet care facility MaroochyBoardingKennels.com.au and canteens.com.au, a site belonging to a school cafeterias consultant.
Sites advocating legal euthanasia, Satanism and even Christianity were blacklisted. Initially, the minister for communications, Stephen Conroy, denied that the list on Wikileaks and the ACMA blacklist are the same, a denial that rang a little hollow when one of its partners, the Internet Industry Association (IIA), publicly condemned the release and posting of the list.
Celebrity Twittering: Is That Really You, Shaq?
Celebrity Twittering: Is That Really You, Shaq? -- TIME: "John Hodgman, an author and the PC in the Mac ads, uses his 50,000 Twitter followers, whom he refers to as 'Hive Mind,' as a focus group for his books. He considered removing a reference to Tron in the paperback version of More Information Than You Require, but Hive Mind unanimously asked him to keep it in. 'So I will,' he says. 'And I will probably note that the Internet liked it.'"
Building a city that's not their home
Express Buzz: Chennai is being built, bit by bit, day by day, by nearly two lakh migrant labourers, mostly from Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand. They find the grass greener here than in their drought-stricken villages and work 14-hour days often for the bare minimum wages, because at least they get paid here.
Indian political parties are flush with funds
Indian political parties are flush with funds: "Congress
, India's oldest and now the ruling party, is set to splurge a whopping Rs.20 billion (Rs.2,000 crore/$400 million) in this election.
Under the law a candidate can spend between Rs.1 million (Rs.10 lakhs) and Rs.2.5 million (Rs.25 lakhs) in a Lok Sabha battle.
The house has 543 elective seats.
, India's oldest and now the ruling party, is set to splurge a whopping Rs.20 billion (Rs.2,000 crore/$400 million) in this election.
Under the law a candidate can spend between Rs.1 million (Rs.10 lakhs) and Rs.2.5 million (Rs.25 lakhs) in a Lok Sabha battle.
The house has 543 elective seats.
Case for a short-term PM - Aditya Sinha
If Jayalalithaa wants to make her mark in history, she could try to become a Prime Minister and make a difference: "UP suggests Chief Minister Mayawati faces some anti-incumbency. The conservatives are trying to polarize the voters as evidenced by the ongoing Varun Gandhi episode; already the BJP sees an improvement in its prospects, so it is pushing for more by daring the administration to arrest him. It is thus not unreasonable to speculate that the BSP leader, who uses her open prime ministerial ambition as a voter mobilisation strategy, may not cross the 40-seat mark. If her tally is restricted, then it is possible that after the polls Tamil MPs will form the largest bloc in the third front. If that happens, a demand for India’s first Tamil PM would not be excessive; it would be logical."
The trilemma of illiterate Aam Aadmi
The trilemma of illiterate Aam Aadmi « Kalugu: "Aam aadmi is still not aware of any Five year Plan ; he knows only the visits of political leaders once in Five years. Some immature dynastic leaders hailing from royal families, will suddenly enter a dalit hut and have butter milk to be shown from the capital media that he does not practice untouchability. Later in private they will swallow antibiotics and purify by Ganga Jal. They are admirably following the footsteps of their forefathers and foremothers."
At Rs 21 cr, Tharoor richest Kerala candidate
At Rs 21 cr, Tharoor richest Kerala candidate: "Another millionaire is P Karunakaran, the CPI(M) nominee for Kasargode, who has given an affidavit, detailing assets worth Rs 1.80 crore. The son-in-law of the late Communist veteran A K Gopalan seems to be the richest Left candidate in the state.
The Congress candidate from Ernakulam, K V Thomas, has assets of Rs 1.90 crore. Kerala Congress (Joseph) leader Francis George, contesting as the Left candidate from Idukki, has land as a major chunk of his property worth over Rs 1 crore. His Left rival and SFI national vice-president Sindhu Joy has a bank deposit of Rs 12 lakh."
The Congress candidate from Ernakulam, K V Thomas, has assets of Rs 1.90 crore. Kerala Congress (Joseph) leader Francis George, contesting as the Left candidate from Idukki, has land as a major chunk of his property worth over Rs 1 crore. His Left rival and SFI national vice-president Sindhu Joy has a bank deposit of Rs 12 lakh."
The Return of the Fatimids
Mshari Al-Zaydi :: Asharq Alawsat Newspaper (English): According to Colonel Gaddafi, who believes in establishing a United States of Africa, the only way to solve the problems of the Islamic nation is by bringing back the Fatimid Caliphate -- a state of culture, art and development.
The gagging of Malaysia's media
Chiew-Siah Tei: The gagging of Malaysia's media | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk: "Newpapers and now online publishers are under increasing threat from politicians in the runup to important byelections"
The trend in democracies is toward politicians disenchanted with the status quo
E.J. Dionne Jr. - Neither Capitalist Nor Socialist - washingtonpost.com: "The bywords now are stimulus (by government), re-regulation of finance (by government) and stronger safety nets (also provided by government). If there is one part of the system that is under sustained attack, it is the mechanisms of finance.
Still, that doesn't make us socialist. There is, as yet, no broad demand for a government takeover of big companies or a widespread desire to replace capitalism with a cooperative system."
Still, that doesn't make us socialist. There is, as yet, no broad demand for a government takeover of big companies or a widespread desire to replace capitalism with a cooperative system."
Wikipedia - Exploring Fact City
Wikipedia - Exploring Fact City - NYTimes.com: "Contributors to Wikipedia have wondered aloud lately if — perish the thought — they are running out of topics. The obvious articles, low-hanging fruit like “China,” “Moses” and “Homer Simpson,” have been written and rewritten hundreds of times. There are more than 2.8 million articles on the English version of Wikipedia alone."
The Idiot's Guide to Pakistan
Foreign Policy: The Idiot's Guide to Pakistan: "Everyone in Washington is talking about Pakistan, but few understand it. Here’s how to dazzle the crowd at your next Georgetown cocktail party."
The Latest List
Hussein Shobokshi :: Asharq Alawsat Newspaper (English): "The latest list released by the Saudi security authorities of the names and photographs of the wanted men amounts to a resounding reminder that the battle on terrorism continues and that the takfiri ideology [the ideas embraced by those who hold other Muslims to be infidels] continues to thrive and feed the minds of the youth in all sorts of ways. Its release of the list also shows that there are sides that are benefiting from feeding the suicide caravans with more and more ready elements."
What is Happening in Kuwait?
What is Happening in Kuwait? Asharq Alawsat Newspaper (English): BY: Hussein Shobokshi
Parliamentary unrest, a weary public, a shameful verbal exchange and sensible intervention from the Emir; this is simple description of the political scene in Kuwait today.
Parliamentary unrest, a weary public, a shameful verbal exchange and sensible intervention from the Emir; this is simple description of the political scene in Kuwait today.
Najib It Is
Asia Sentinel - Najib It Is: "Malaysia's leading ethnic party names a scandal-ridden party hack as its head and the country's leader"
US opens route to Afghanistan through Russia's backyard
American influence in former Soviet countries could make or break Obama administration's new Afghan-Pakistan strategy | World news | The Guardian: This northern corridor is essential if Barack Obama's Afghan-Pakistan strategy is to work. With convoys supplying US and Nato forces regularly attacked by the Taliban on the Pakistan route, the US is again courting the former Soviet republics of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.
Netflix Is the New Relationship Battleground
Hey, Who Ordered ‘Gigli’? - NYTimes.com: "But for many couples, the queue — the computer list of which films will arrive next in the mail, after those at home are returned — is as important as everything else that spouses and other varieties of significant others share, from pet names to closet space to the bathroom. For some, this is fine. For others, the queue is the new toilet seat that somebody left up."
Pun for the Ages
Op-Ed Contributor - JOSEPH TARTAKOVSKY - NYTimes.com: "Addison defined the pun as a “conceit arising from the use of two words that agree in the sound, but differ in the sense.” “Energizer Bunny Arrested! Charged with Battery.” No laugh? Q.E.D."
Tiny Island Surrounded by Tension in the Gulf
MANAMA, Bahrain - NYTimes.com
This small desert kingdom in the Persian Gulf has become a flashpoint in the escalating conflict for regional dominance between Iran and Arab leaders aligned with the United States, after an Iranian official said Bahrain was historically a province of Iran.
This small desert kingdom in the Persian Gulf has become a flashpoint in the escalating conflict for regional dominance between Iran and Arab leaders aligned with the United States, after an Iranian official said Bahrain was historically a province of Iran.
Indian Missile Defense: Success Too Soon?
World Politics Review | Indian Missile Defense: Success Too Soon?: Over the past few years, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Indian military's scientific arm, has been trying to push India into a very exclusive club: countries that can boast of having a missile defense shield. The only other members so far are the United States, Russia and Israel.
'UPA has adopted a policy of deafening silence'
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and the National Democratic Alliance's prime ministerial candidate L K Advani: "The extent of illicit money lodged in Swiss banks is mind-boggling. Estimates vary.
According to Wikipedia, they totaled $ 2.6 trillions (Rs. 130 lakh crores in today's exchange rate) in 2001. In 2007, they were believed to be about $5.7 trillions (Rs. 285 lakh crore), a staggering 80% increase in six years.
It is equally well known that many wealthy Indians have deposited their illicit monies in secret Swiss bank accounts and tax havens elsewhere around the world. As per credible estimates, these amounts range between $500 billion (Rs. 25,00,000 crore) and $1400 billion (Rs. 70,00,000 crore)."
According to Wikipedia, they totaled $ 2.6 trillions (Rs. 130 lakh crores in today's exchange rate) in 2001. In 2007, they were believed to be about $5.7 trillions (Rs. 285 lakh crore), a staggering 80% increase in six years.
It is equally well known that many wealthy Indians have deposited their illicit monies in secret Swiss bank accounts and tax havens elsewhere around the world. As per credible estimates, these amounts range between $500 billion (Rs. 25,00,000 crore) and $1400 billion (Rs. 70,00,000 crore)."
Eulogy for a freedom fighter, a labour leader and a devotee, and also my grand father
BalajiactionBlog: Eulogy for a freedom fighter, a labour leader and a devotee, and also my grand father: "My grandfather Shri. Adhiraju P.S. Sambasiva Iyer attained the feet of Lord Shiva on 23-3-2009 at Ariyalur. He was 91."
Friday, March 27, 2009
Film Editing in an Ideal World | PassionForCinema
Film Editing in an Ideal World | PassionForCinema: "Naan Kadavul: There is a fine line between disturbing and repelling the viewer. If you show something unsettling shorter than you need to, it wont have the intended impact, and if you show it a frame too long, the viewer will look away from the screen. And if that happens, you have failed as a filmmaker. Suresh Urs work in Naan Kadavul is pure instinct as he threads that fine line disturbing the viewer just enough."
The pleasures and sorrows of work
The pleasures and sorrows of work | The pleasures and sorrows of work | The Economist: "The oddities of the daily grind"
Inside the Tata Nano
Inside the Tata Nano | No small achievement | The Economist: "Tata has filed for three dozen patents for the Nano, mostly for innovations that are out of sight. The designers found that there was no room for the battery in the back with the engine, for example. Placing it under the bonnet at the front, along with the spare tyre, would have required long, costly copper wires. To balance the car and save money, they put the battery under the driver’s seat—an example of the smart but ascetic engineering that can produce an impressive car for $2,000."
Cowboy poetry
Cowboy poetry | Laureates of the lariat | The Economist: "Cowboys are gradually disappearing. But they are not going quietly"
Online age quiz is a window for drug makers
Online age quiz is a window for drug makers - International Herald Tribune: Takers of the popular online RealAge test are handing out valuable data to drug companies.
Mumbai Votes - Election Campaign Resource
Mumbai Votes - Election Campaign Resource: "a portal www.MumbaiVotes.com, with the city’s most comprehensive resource for reliable, meticulously researched, and objective information to track promises and performance of the city’s MP’s, MLA’s and Corporators as well as candidates standing for elections this year, has gone live. MumbaiVotes is currently tracking 915 politicians and has over 3681 newspaper articles, video interviews, election manifestos and legislative records that can be accessed with a simple search."
India's First Digital Election
India's First Digital Election / FrontPage: "'India's First Digital Election' is a collaborative wiki to compile a database of internet and mobile initiatives being used in the 2009 Indian general elections by political parties, individual politicians, and civil society groups."
Can You Pass a CEO Test?
Corner Office - Can You Pass a C.E.O. Test? - Question - NYTimes.com:
“What are the two or three levers that, if done right, if pulled correctly, will really turn this business?”
“What are the two or three things that really matter?”
I’d divide the page in quadrants:
* Market,
* Financial,
* Product
* People.
And if I can’t simply put what needs to be done on one page, I probably haven’t thought through it very well.
“Greg, in any interaction, you either gain share or lose share. So treat every interaction as kind of a precious moment in time.” And I’ve always remembered that, because I think it’s really true. So what I’ve tried to do is have more conversations where I’m gaining share than losing share, to try to add value to everything.
I exercise at least an hour every day, if not an hour and a half or two hours. Mostly either running, or I can read on the Stairmaster, so I do the Stairmaster a lot
if you don’t respond to an employee or franchise owner within 24 hours. That is a very bad day.
How are they motivating employees and managers at this particular juncture in the business cycle?
And what do they consider to be important, in terms of what I’ll call the “shadow of the leader” that they cast over the organization at this difficult point in time.
“What are the two or three levers that, if done right, if pulled correctly, will really turn this business?”
“What are the two or three things that really matter?”
I’d divide the page in quadrants:
* Market,
* Financial,
* Product
* People.
And if I can’t simply put what needs to be done on one page, I probably haven’t thought through it very well.
“Greg, in any interaction, you either gain share or lose share. So treat every interaction as kind of a precious moment in time.” And I’ve always remembered that, because I think it’s really true. So what I’ve tried to do is have more conversations where I’m gaining share than losing share, to try to add value to everything.
I exercise at least an hour every day, if not an hour and a half or two hours. Mostly either running, or I can read on the Stairmaster, so I do the Stairmaster a lot
if you don’t respond to an employee or franchise owner within 24 hours. That is a very bad day.
How are they motivating employees and managers at this particular juncture in the business cycle?
And what do they consider to be important, in terms of what I’ll call the “shadow of the leader” that they cast over the organization at this difficult point in time.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Muranveli: Eezham Poets: Tamil Kavindhai
நீரளவேதானா நீராம்பல்? « முரண்வெ�: "சமகால ஈழத்துப் பெண் கவிதை"
Analysis: Nano Hypocrisy?
Analysis: Nano Hypocrisy? | Worldwatch Institute: Advertised as the "People's Car," the Tata Nano launched this week in Mumbai amid controversy. Many have decried the arrival of the world's cheapest car as an "eco-disaster," citing the hundreds of millions of potential new drivers that Tata's affordable price tag will generate and the resulting increase in carbon emissions. Meanwhile, proponents argue that the Nano has the potential to replace many of the dangerous scooters that now dominate India's roadways, which also produce a large share of the nation's transportation emissions.
Worldwatch Senior Researcher Michael Renner believes that criticism of the Nano's accessibility is nothing short of hypocrisy. "Two-thirds of all passenger and commercial motor vehicles in the world belong to Western countries and Japan, which account for only 15 percent of the world's population. Rather than criticize Indian consumers for pursuing more secure modes of transportation, we should focus on developing public transportation systems that are safe, reliable, and sustainable in both industrial and developing countries alike."
Worldwatch Senior Researcher Michael Renner believes that criticism of the Nano's accessibility is nothing short of hypocrisy. "Two-thirds of all passenger and commercial motor vehicles in the world belong to Western countries and Japan, which account for only 15 percent of the world's population. Rather than criticize Indian consumers for pursuing more secure modes of transportation, we should focus on developing public transportation systems that are safe, reliable, and sustainable in both industrial and developing countries alike."
Berkeley Opens Its Doors to Right-Wing Research
Berkeley Opens Its Doors to Right-Wing Research - NYTimes.com: "“Most of these right-wing movements have some kind of connections transnationally,” she said. “Alliances across different countries take different forms.” For example, she said, Hindu nationalism has branches in countries besides India, or right-wing religious groups in different countries might join together to oppose abortion."
By PATRICIA COHEN (NYT)
The University of California, Berkeley, is creating a Center for the Comparative Study of Right-Wing Movements, a first of its kind in higher education.
By PATRICIA COHEN (NYT)
The University of California, Berkeley, is creating a Center for the Comparative Study of Right-Wing Movements, a first of its kind in higher education.
Janeu, The Cat's Cradle
Janeu, The Cat's Cradle : outlookindia.com: "Brahmins are fashioning new political rhetoric from old stereotypes"
Muslim cooks at Indian restaurant in Sunnyvale claim religious harassment
Muslim cooks at Indian restaurant in Sunnyvale claim religious harassment - San Jose Mercury News: "Vaigai Restaurant, a popular eatery on East Arques Avenue where diners come for rava masala dosa, or authentic South Indian crepes filled with potato.
In a lawsuit filed in late January in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Abdul Rahuman, 44, and Nowsath Malik Shaw, 39, both of San Jose, allege they were harassed for being Muslim by Vaigai's two owners, a manager and a top chef — a violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act. They are seeking unspecified monetary damages.
Named in the complaint as defendants are: co-owners Vijay Anand (who also goes by Vijayanand Krishnan) and Shridar Nataraj, Manager Sudakar Jothinathan, and Chef Balaguru, whose first name is never mentioned.
The chef called Rahuman a "Thulakkan,'' which, in their native state of Tamil Nadu in India, is a fighting word and is like calling him a foreigner in his own land."
In a lawsuit filed in late January in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Abdul Rahuman, 44, and Nowsath Malik Shaw, 39, both of San Jose, allege they were harassed for being Muslim by Vaigai's two owners, a manager and a top chef — a violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act. They are seeking unspecified monetary damages.
Named in the complaint as defendants are: co-owners Vijay Anand (who also goes by Vijayanand Krishnan) and Shridar Nataraj, Manager Sudakar Jothinathan, and Chef Balaguru, whose first name is never mentioned.
The chef called Rahuman a "Thulakkan,'' which, in their native state of Tamil Nadu in India, is a fighting word and is like calling him a foreigner in his own land."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Twitter gets you fired in 140 characters or less
Twitter gets you fired in 140 characters or less - Technotica- msnbc.com: "A recent tweet by one would-be Cisco employee proves that when it comes to placing a permanent black mark on your resume via the Internet, Twitter is now the tool of choice. To illustrate, here’s the tweet the now Web-infamous 'theconnor' shared with the world:
'Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.”"
'Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.”"
Tunisian pilot who prayed as his plane went down jailed in Italy
Tunisian pilot who prayed as his plane went down jailed in Italy | World news | The Guardian: "A pilot accused of praying when he should have been taking emergency measures to avoid a crash in which 16 people died has been sentenced to 10 years in jail by an Italian court."
Teenager draws penis on parents' roof to lure Google Earth
Teenager draws penis on parents' roof to lure Google Earth | UK news | guardian.co.uk: "When ancient Britons drew male genitalia on chalk hillsides, little did they know people would ape their customs millennia later"
Pupils to study Twitter and blogs in primary shake-up
Children will no longer have to study the Victorians or the second world war | Education | The Guardian:
"• New curriculum will give teachers more freedom
• Second world war and Victoria not compulsory"
"• New curriculum will give teachers more freedom
• Second world war and Victoria not compulsory"
The fallacy of equating economic power with clout
FT.com / Columnists / John Kay - The fallacy of equating economic power with clout: Financial Times
The analogy drawn between economic power and political or military power is a persistent example of a popular fallacy. People talk of the Group of Seven or G8 or G20 as the great economic powers, and they discuss the balance between them.
The analogy drawn between economic power and political or military power is a persistent example of a popular fallacy. People talk of the Group of Seven or G8 or G20 as the great economic powers, and they discuss the balance between them.
A Crisis Calls for a 'Crisis Round'
A Crisis Calls for a 'Crisis Round' - WSJ.com: "While we wait for the Doha Round, we need some trade talks to tide us over."
BY: AADITYA MATTOO and ARVIND SUBRAMANIAN | The Wall Street Journal
Today's protectionism is wide in scope, ranging from tariff increases (Korea and Turkey) to restrictive import licensing (Indonesia) to state aid (United States, Germany France, and United Kingdom), antidumping actions (India) and discriminatory government procurement (Malaysia).
BY: AADITYA MATTOO and ARVIND SUBRAMANIAN | The Wall Street Journal
Today's protectionism is wide in scope, ranging from tariff increases (Korea and Turkey) to restrictive import licensing (Indonesia) to state aid (United States, Germany France, and United Kingdom), antidumping actions (India) and discriminatory government procurement (Malaysia).
Ruffling Feathers on the Shores of the Potomac
Ruffling Feathers on the Shores of the Potomac - Middle East Times: BY: Claude Salhani | The Middle East Times
The Arab world may curse colonialism but it took a Briton to bring a unique forum of free speech to the region and it took the courage of the leadership of one of the smallest Arab countries – Qatar – to accept the challenge of shaping the minds of future generations to think for themselves.
The Arab world may curse colonialism but it took a Briton to bring a unique forum of free speech to the region and it took the courage of the leadership of one of the smallest Arab countries – Qatar – to accept the challenge of shaping the minds of future generations to think for themselves.
Hezbollah: Narco-Islamism
Middle East Strategy at Harvard, March 22, 2009 :: Article or Op-Ed: BY: Matthew Levitt | The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
Despite the differences between U.S. and European perceptions of and policies toward Hezbollah, there is one critical area where all parties' mutual interests converge, namely law enforcement.
Despite the differences between U.S. and European perceptions of and policies toward Hezbollah, there is one critical area where all parties' mutual interests converge, namely law enforcement.
Orion Author Reading Lists
What Orion Authors Are Reading, new entry by Mary Rose O'Reilley | Orion Magazine: "Wilbur Daniel Steele’s story “For They Know Not what They Do.”"
World Cinema & Movie Reviews in Tamil Small Magz: Charu Nivethitha
படிச்ச முட்டாள், பயந்த புத்திசா: "சாரு தன்னுடைய வலைதளத்தில் Kim ki duk இயக்கிய The Isle"
Thamirabarani Tirunelveli: Dhamayanthi
தமயந்தி - நிழல் வலை: : "திருநெல்வேலிகாரங்ககடைசி பக்கம் தொலைந்த டைரி"
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Germany Urges EU Action to Halt Plunging Milk Prices
Germany Urges EU Action to Halt Plunging Milk Prices | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 23.03.2009: "Last summer, German farmers launched a series of 'milk strikes' to protest falling prices. Since then, milk prices have continued to fall. Germany now wants the European Union to re-think its position on milk quotas."
Last summer, German farmers dumped their milk down the drain to protest low milk prices. Yet prices have fallen to half of what they were little over a year ago, with German farmers getting a mere 20 to 25 cents per liter ($1 to $1.28 per gallon) of milk.
Germany and several other European countries now want the EU to postpone a planned milk quota increase which they fear could further hurt milk prices.
Quotas were introduced in 1984 to try and do away with Europe's "butter mountains" and "milk lakes." Last November, the 27 EU agriculture ministers agreed to lift milk quotas by one percent each year before doing away with them altogether by 2015.
Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia circulated a joint note to the European Commission and other national EU delegations which said that "unconventional approaches" are needed to stop prices from falling further.
Last summer, German farmers dumped their milk down the drain to protest low milk prices. Yet prices have fallen to half of what they were little over a year ago, with German farmers getting a mere 20 to 25 cents per liter ($1 to $1.28 per gallon) of milk.
Germany and several other European countries now want the EU to postpone a planned milk quota increase which they fear could further hurt milk prices.
Quotas were introduced in 1984 to try and do away with Europe's "butter mountains" and "milk lakes." Last November, the 27 EU agriculture ministers agreed to lift milk quotas by one percent each year before doing away with them altogether by 2015.
Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia circulated a joint note to the European Commission and other national EU delegations which said that "unconventional approaches" are needed to stop prices from falling further.
Activists say Canada's seal hunt target excessive
Activists say Canada's seal hunt target excessive | Environment | Reuters: "Canadians armed with rifles and clubs ventured on to ice floes off the Atlantic coast on Monday to start the annual harp seal hunt, an event that opponents say is totally unjustified.
Ottawa announced on Friday night that hunters will be allowed to kill 280,000 young harp seals out of a herd of 5.5 million, slightly more than the 275,000 limit set last year.
Protesters say the hunt is unsustainable and unnecessary, given that the price for pelts is falling and the European Union is moving closer to a ban on the import of seal products."
Ottawa announced on Friday night that hunters will be allowed to kill 280,000 young harp seals out of a herd of 5.5 million, slightly more than the 275,000 limit set last year.
Protesters say the hunt is unsustainable and unnecessary, given that the price for pelts is falling and the European Union is moving closer to a ban on the import of seal products."
Strike at Mettur Government Hospital
The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Flash strike at Mettur Government Hospital: "Doctors and paramedical staff in Mettur Government Hospital struck work for few hours on Tuesday morning. They said that a gang barged into the hospital on Monday night and hurled abuses at them alleging that treatment was not given to three youth admitted to the Trauma Care Ward of the hospital.
According to senior doctors, three youths, who sustained injuries in a road accident, got admitted as in-patients in the trauma care ward of the hospital on Monday night. The doctor on night duty gave them the necessary treatment, it was claimed.
But a gang of 50 people barged into the hospital and started abusing the doctors and para medical staff on duty alleging that they were not providing the adequate treatment to the injured."
According to senior doctors, three youths, who sustained injuries in a road accident, got admitted as in-patients in the trauma care ward of the hospital on Monday night. The doctor on night duty gave them the necessary treatment, it was claimed.
But a gang of 50 people barged into the hospital and started abusing the doctors and para medical staff on duty alleging that they were not providing the adequate treatment to the injured."
NDTV.com: Behave yourself, Mulayam tells Mainpuri DM
NDTV.com: Behave yourself, Mulayam tells Mainpuri DM: "'Behave yourself or watch out' that was the threat of the Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav to the District Magistrate of Mainpuri Ministhy Dileep.
Mulayam is reportedly upset that the DM cancelled the gun licenses to several of his party workers.
'I am not saying anything to you Madam DM, because you are a woman. I respect you because you are a woman. Better behave yourself. Mulayam Singh will fight elections from here and I will speak to the Election Commission. If she doesn't mend her ways within a week, let me know,' said Mulayam in his rally.
Ministhy Dileep has been posted just two months back to Mainpuri is from Kerala. A BE in Electronics, she holds a post graduate degree
from the Xavier Labour Research Institute and is also an author."
Mulayam is reportedly upset that the DM cancelled the gun licenses to several of his party workers.
'I am not saying anything to you Madam DM, because you are a woman. I respect you because you are a woman. Better behave yourself. Mulayam Singh will fight elections from here and I will speak to the Election Commission. If she doesn't mend her ways within a week, let me know,' said Mulayam in his rally.
Ministhy Dileep has been posted just two months back to Mainpuri is from Kerala. A BE in Electronics, she holds a post graduate degree
from the Xavier Labour Research Institute and is also an author."
South Africa Bars Dalai Lama From a Peace Conference
South Africa Bars Dalai Lama From a Peace Conference - NYTimes.com: By CELIA W. DUGGER (NYT)
The government said the Dalai Lama’s presence would have drawn world attention to the tensions between the Dalai Lama and China, one of South Africa’s most important trading partners.
The government said the Dalai Lama’s presence would have drawn world attention to the tensions between the Dalai Lama and China, one of South Africa’s most important trading partners.
College Contest: Essays: Fiction: Tamil Story
Tamil Blogs Sangamam | சங்கமம்: "* கல்லூரி- போட்டி : போட்டிக்கான இடுகைகள்:"
Why should Americans be angry at Indians and offshoring?
Why should Americans be angry at Indians and offshoring?: "Fear and loathing are on the rise in the U.S. as a fall-out of the deepening recession and resultant job-losses. Moreover, India is now at a great risk of being roughly treated by the U.S. policy makers as protectionism is starting to rule the U.S., writes Steve Hamm in BusinessWeek."
Many expats want to become overseas citizens of India
Many expats want to become overseas citizens of India: "Regular NRI visitors to India are increasingly switching from a five-year visa to either a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) Card that allows them visa-free entry for 15 years or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status that allows them a life time entry and stay in India. This is the Indian version of the much sought after American 'Green Card'."
Oil riches so close yet so far away
Washington Times - Oil riches so close yet so far away: BY: Will Weissert | Associated Press
Cuba is still waiting for its offshore oil rush. It has been four years since U.S. experts said the island may sit atop nearly 10 billion barrels of deep-sea oil, revealing for Cuba an enormous economic Catch-22.
Cuba is still waiting for its offshore oil rush. It has been four years since U.S. experts said the island may sit atop nearly 10 billion barrels of deep-sea oil, revealing for Cuba an enormous economic Catch-22.
Cold War in the Arctic
Cold War in the Arctic?: Countries Seek Piece of Pie - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International: "As it stands, Arctic policy is already a dense network of legal and political agreements between different national and supranational stakeholders. Now the European Union wants to play a greater role in shaping it."
Afghanistan: US and India Mull Ways to Contain the Taliban
EurasiaNet Eurasia Insight - Afghanistan: US and India Mull Ways to Contain the Taliban: BY: Aunohita Mojumdar
In the past, a visit to India by a CIA director could have set off a storm of protest and political jousting in New Delhi. But given the troubling Taliban issue in neighboring Pakistan, Indians’ perception of the United States is changing. These days, the emerging US-Indian partnership is developing into an important element of Washington’s stabilization plan for Afghanistan.
In the past, a visit to India by a CIA director could have set off a storm of protest and political jousting in New Delhi. But given the troubling Taliban issue in neighboring Pakistan, Indians’ perception of the United States is changing. These days, the emerging US-Indian partnership is developing into an important element of Washington’s stabilization plan for Afghanistan.
What we call 'reality' is just a state of mind
Bernard d'Espagnat: Quantum weirdness: Science | guardian.co.uk: "A lifetime studying quantum mechanics has convinced Bernard d'Espagnat that the world we perceive is merely a shadow of the ultimate reality"
Monday, March 23, 2009
Gujarat to set up Asia's first dept for climate change
Gujarat to set up Asia's first dept for climate change: ": Gujarat seems to have woken up widely to the challenges of global warming. With a view to tackling the menace of global warming, Gujarat government has taken an inpricipal approval to set up a seperate department for climate change.
'Gujarat government's seperate department for climate change will act as a bridge between government and society to address the issues related to global warming', Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said today while announcing the initiative in the state assembly.
'Gujarat is the first state not only in India but also in entire Asia to to set up a dedicated department for climate change. Across the world, only six countries have so far put up a seperate ministries for climate change', he claimed.
Gujarat accounts for nearly 29 per cent of the total carbon credit income in India, Modi said"
'Gujarat government's seperate department for climate change will act as a bridge between government and society to address the issues related to global warming', Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said today while announcing the initiative in the state assembly.
'Gujarat is the first state not only in India but also in entire Asia to to set up a dedicated department for climate change. Across the world, only six countries have so far put up a seperate ministries for climate change', he claimed.
Gujarat accounts for nearly 29 per cent of the total carbon credit income in India, Modi said"
Thank God America Isn't Like Europe -- Yet
Thank God America Isn't Like Europe -- Yet - washingtonpost.com: BY: Charles Murray | The Washington Post
Family, community, vocation and faith. The goal of social policy is to ensure that those institutions are robust and vital. The European model doesn't do that. It enfeebles every single one of them.
Family, community, vocation and faith. The goal of social policy is to ensure that those institutions are robust and vital. The European model doesn't do that. It enfeebles every single one of them.
Obama's message of weakness
Happy New Year, Mullahs: BY: William Kristol | The Weekly Standard
"Liberty" isn't a word you'll find in President Obama's Iranian New Year message to "the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Nor is "freedom." Nor "democracy." Nor "human rights."
"Liberty" isn't a word you'll find in President Obama's Iranian New Year message to "the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Nor is "freedom." Nor "democracy." Nor "human rights."
Colombia Orders Return of Stolen Farmland
Colombia Orders Return of Stolen Farmland - washingtonpost.com: The displaced farmers, well aware that the hundreds of thousands of people uprooted by Colombia's long civil conflict rarely returned home, thought they would never see their land again. But in this case, the government recently ordered nine palm oil companies to return thousands of acres to the farmers, and the attorney general's office is investigating the firms' operators on accusations of homicide, land theft and forced displacement.
India faces a choice: is it a big power or great power?
FT.com / Columnists / Philip Stephens - India faces a choice: is it a big power or great power?: BY: Philip Stephens
We live in an age of rising powers. The global order is being recast. In this shifting geopolitical landscape old powers are reluctant to cede ground and rising states shun the burdens imposed by their new-found status.
We live in an age of rising powers. The global order is being recast. In this shifting geopolitical landscape old powers are reluctant to cede ground and rising states shun the burdens imposed by their new-found status.
India's newfound irrelevance to Washington
India's newfound irrelevance to Washington | The Japan Times Online: BY: Harsh V. Pant | The Japan Times
Seen just a few weeks ago as an emerging power that could provide answers to global problems, India itself is now viewed by the Obama administration as a problem.
Seen just a few weeks ago as an emerging power that could provide answers to global problems, India itself is now viewed by the Obama administration as a problem.
Do not let the ‘cure’ destroy capitalism
FT.com / Comment / Opinion - Do not let the ‘cure’ destroy capitalism: BY: Gary Becker and Kevin Murphy | Financial Times
In devising reforms to reduce the likelihood of future severe contractions, capitalism’s accomplishments should be appreciated. Governments should not so hamper markets that they are prevented from bringing growth to poor economies.
In devising reforms to reduce the likelihood of future severe contractions, capitalism’s accomplishments should be appreciated. Governments should not so hamper markets that they are prevented from bringing growth to poor economies.
Cambodia Showing Signs of 'Oil Curse'
World Politics Review | Cambodia Showing Signs of 'Oil Curse': in a country ranking a dismal 166 out of 180 on Transparency International's annual corruption rankings, allegations of nepotism and cronyism are already surfacing around the country's nascent oil sector, set to start production in 2012. Critics, like London-based watchdog Global Witness, claim the makings of a "resource curse" are in place, wherein a political elite will siphon profits that should be used to address poverty.
Migingo: Big trouble on small island
Migingo: Big trouble on small island - Africa, World - The Independent: "This tiny rock in Lake Victoria nearly brought Kenya and Uganda to war. Daniel Howden reports from Migingo"
Cracks appear in Lee's mantle
Asia Times Online :: Southeast Asia news and business from Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam: BY: Shawn W. Crispin
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong faces the city-state's worst economic crisis since it achieved independence in 1965, and his handling of the downturn may determine his staying power as premier.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong faces the city-state's worst economic crisis since it achieved independence in 1965, and his handling of the downturn may determine his staying power as premier.
Lessons for the west from Asian capitalism
FT.com / Comment / Opinion - Lessons for the west from Asian capitalism: BY: Kishore Mahbubani | Financial Times
Asians will naturally view with caution any western advice on economics, particularly because most Asians believe that the crisis has only vindicated the Asian approach to capitalism.
The desire for an orderly society is deeply ingrained in the psyche of all Asians, which helps explain why virtually all Asian states hesitated to copy America in deregulating their financial markets. Instinctively, they felt government supervision remained critical. This was equally true in India’s democratic system and in China’s Communist party system. It is telling that, while Y.V. Reddy, India’s former central bank governor, was occasionally vilified by his country’s media for holding back on deregulation, he has now become a national hero. His stance saved India from the worst effects of this crisis. China was equally wary of deregulation.
a decade-long exercise of accumulating foreign reserves. China’s went up from nearly $145bn at the end of 1998 to almost $2,000bn (€1,520bn, £1,430bn) at the end of 2008. India’s went up from $27.83bn in early 1998 to $315.6bn in June 2008.
Asians will naturally view with caution any western advice on economics, particularly because most Asians believe that the crisis has only vindicated the Asian approach to capitalism.
The desire for an orderly society is deeply ingrained in the psyche of all Asians, which helps explain why virtually all Asian states hesitated to copy America in deregulating their financial markets. Instinctively, they felt government supervision remained critical. This was equally true in India’s democratic system and in China’s Communist party system. It is telling that, while Y.V. Reddy, India’s former central bank governor, was occasionally vilified by his country’s media for holding back on deregulation, he has now become a national hero. His stance saved India from the worst effects of this crisis. China was equally wary of deregulation.
a decade-long exercise of accumulating foreign reserves. China’s went up from nearly $145bn at the end of 1998 to almost $2,000bn (€1,520bn, £1,430bn) at the end of 2008. India’s went up from $27.83bn in early 1998 to $315.6bn in June 2008.
China indicates the real targets of its anti-monopoly law: outsiders
Coca-Cola falls foul of China's anti-monopoly law | Squeezed out | The Economist: "Even as China publicly urges other countries to commit to opening their markets to Chinese investment and trade, it is imposing yet another barrier to outsiders. Worse still, the barriers are in its domestic consumer sector, one of the rare global economic bright spots. "
Gambia gripped by fear as leader scours country in search of witches
Gambia gripped by fear as leader scours country in search of witches - Africa, World - The Independent: BY: Daniel Howden
The campaign launched in the tiny West African nation is the latest manifestation of the increasingly brutal and bizarre rule of President Yahya Jammeh, who has claimed he can cure people of Aids. Now the President is thought to believe he is under attack from witches.
The campaign launched in the tiny West African nation is the latest manifestation of the increasingly brutal and bizarre rule of President Yahya Jammeh, who has claimed he can cure people of Aids. Now the President is thought to believe he is under attack from witches.
Untried Soldier, Camara, Carries Guinea’s Desperate Hopes
Untried Soldier, Camara, Carries Guinea’s Desperate Hopes - NYTimes.com: Capt. Moussa Dadis Camara, who seized power along with a group of junior officers after the death of Guinea’s longtime president, is only the third man to rule this abysmally poor, perpetually broken nation.
Trade Barriers Rise as Slump Tightens Grip
Trade Barriers Rise as Slump Tightens Grip - NYTimes.com: "Russia has raised tariffs on used cars. China has tightened import standards on food, banning Irish pork, among other things. India has banned Chinese toys. Argentina has tightened licensing requirements on auto parts, textiles and leather goods. And a dozen countries, from the United States to Australia, are subsidizing embattled automakers or car dealers.
The most vivid example of that policy is the “Buy America” provision in the stimulus package, intended to ensure that only American manufacturers benefited from public-spending projects."
By MARK LANDLER (NYT)
A surge in protectionism is provoking nasty trade disputes and undermining efforts to plot a coordinated response to the global economic downturn.
The most vivid example of that policy is the “Buy America” provision in the stimulus package, intended to ensure that only American manufacturers benefited from public-spending projects."
By MARK LANDLER (NYT)
A surge in protectionism is provoking nasty trade disputes and undermining efforts to plot a coordinated response to the global economic downturn.
Waiting game hinders diplomacy
Waiting game hinders diplomacy - The National Newspaper: BY: Phil Sands
With the opening of the Lebanese Embassy in Syria this week, the troubled relationship between Beirut and Damascus has taken another step towards normalisation.
With the opening of the Lebanese Embassy in Syria this week, the troubled relationship between Beirut and Damascus has taken another step towards normalisation.
Resentments in Sri Lanka Reflect Challenges to Peace
Resentments in Sri Lanka Reflect Challenges to Peace - NYTimes.com: By SETH MYDANS (NYT)
Ethnic Tamil refugees who still live in uncertainty provide a hint of the difficulties that lie ahead as the Sri Lankan government fights a 25-year insurgency.
Ethnic Tamil refugees who still live in uncertainty provide a hint of the difficulties that lie ahead as the Sri Lankan government fights a 25-year insurgency.
'A Tolerable Anarchy'
Excerpt - 'A Tolerable Anarchy,' by Jedediah Purdy - NYTimes.com: BOOKS / FIRST CHAPTERS
“One of the best pieces ever in The Onion, the satirical newspaper whose articles make up a parallel history of the last two decades, appeared just after September 11, 2001.”
“One of the best pieces ever in The Onion, the satirical newspaper whose articles make up a parallel history of the last two decades, appeared just after September 11, 2001.”
American Studios Stumble on the Road to Bollywood
Film - American Studios Stumble on the Road to Bollywood - NYTimes.com: By ANUPAMA CHOPRA (NYT)
American studios find that making hit movies in India is not as easy as it looks.
American studios find that making hit movies in India is not as easy as it looks.
“learned a lot about identifying failure quickly.”
Corner Office - The Manager of Change at Xerox - Question - NYTimes.com: "This interview with Anne Mulcahy, chairwoman and chief executive of the Xerox Corporation, was conducted, condensed and edited by Adam Bryant."
Released on Web, a Film Stays Fresh
For Timeliness, Robert Greenwald’s Afghanistan Documentary Is Released on the Web - NYTimes.com: By BRIAN STELTER
Robert Greenwald is showing “Rethink Afghanistan,” a skeptical view of America’s war strategies, in five parts on the Internet, with the implied hope that it will contribute to the foreign policy debate.
Robert Greenwald is showing “Rethink Afghanistan,” a skeptical view of America’s war strategies, in five parts on the Internet, with the implied hope that it will contribute to the foreign policy debate.
For-Profit Approach to World News at GlobalPost
For-Profit Approach to World News at GlobalPost - NYTimes.com: "Overseas reporters have been a casualty of budget-chopping news organizations, leaving an opening for the online start-up GlobalPost. But at a time when many news executives are exploring nonprofit business models to keep specialized reporting flowing, GlobalPost, which made its debut on Jan. 12, is intended to be a moneymaking venture."
Reading Test Dummies
Op-Ed Contributor - Reading Test Dummies - NYTimes.com: By E. D. HIRSCH Jr.
A simple change to comprehension exams would lessen the worst effects of the test-prep culture and improve education in the bargain.
A simple change to comprehension exams would lessen the worst effects of the test-prep culture and improve education in the bargain.
Your Signature Cocktail
Your Signature Cocktail - Proof Blog - NYTimes.com: Anna Fricke wonders if the choice of drink says something about the drinker. And if so, what is the meaning of a daiquiri?
On the Trail of Slumdog
On the Trail of Slumdog | Standpoint.Online: "The Mumbai slums where Danny Boyle shot Slumdog Millionaire are a world of surprises. There are the gaggles of uniformed schoolchildren running through unpaved streets, satchels bouncing on their skinny backs - they study only in the morning or afternoon so they can work for a living the rest of the day. There are the Dickensian factories and workshops you come upon as you stumble down all but lightless alleyways. There is the general feeling of security - despite their scary reputation among middle-class Mumbaikars, and the rarity of policemen, the slums are as safe for outsiders to walk through as most other neighbourhoods of the city. Most of all, there is the strange way that the slums seem much less grim once you are actually inside them."
How the UPA surprised the NDA in 2004
How the UPA surprised the NDA in 2004: "Lok Sabha poll results in 2004"
Artillery pounds wounded Tamils trapped on beach - Times Online
Artillery pounds wounded Tamils trapped on beach - Times Online: "A THOUSAND amputees were among the wounded and dying waiting to be rescued from a beach in northeast Sri Lanka yesterday, according to aid agencies.
Frightened Tamil families, the latest victims of the country’s 26-year civil war, were hiding in makeshift trenches as they came under artillery fire while waiting to be evacuated from Puthumathalan beach.
Last week the International Committee of the Red Cross removed 460 injured and their families from the area, using local fishermen to carry the wounded on wooden dinghies to the Green Ocean ferry leased for the operation."
Frightened Tamil families, the latest victims of the country’s 26-year civil war, were hiding in makeshift trenches as they came under artillery fire while waiting to be evacuated from Puthumathalan beach.
Last week the International Committee of the Red Cross removed 460 injured and their families from the area, using local fishermen to carry the wounded on wooden dinghies to the Green Ocean ferry leased for the operation."
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Krishi Poems: Tamil Kavithai Collections: Madavaraj
Kalyanji Intro: தீராத பக்கங்கள்: கல்யாண்ஜியின் முன்னுரையோடு “மழை வரும் பாதையில்..”: எழுதியவர் கிருஷி என அழைக்கப்படும் திரு.ராமகிருஷ்ணன்.
"வம்சி புக்ஸ்
19, டி.எம்.சாரோன்,
திருவண்ணாமலை
விலை.ரூ.60/-"
"வம்சி புக்ஸ்
19, டி.எம்.சாரோன்,
திருவண்ணாமலை
விலை.ரூ.60/-"
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Let's chat with Ajax
Web Development: "Want to chat with Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax)? Wish you could have a dedicated, open source Web chat pop up in response to a system event and let you know what's happening—for example, when performance goes below the guaranteed service level? Regular developerWorks author Judith Myerson introduces the idea of a two-panel chat for systems administrators to exchange private messages on one side and broadcast messages to general users on the other side. She offers solutions for chat server overload and talks about the issues of downloading Ajax Chat, how to change configurations, and even how to add as many channels as you want."
BlackBerry applications with open source tools
Create BlackBerry applications with open source tools, Part 3: Building a social-networking application: "The most intriguing and powerful phenomenon in the digital age is the impact of social-networking applications on the consumer and business markets. Marketing professionals are changing how they interact with prospective clients, peer groups can easily form, and, as demonstrated in the fall of 2008, social networking can be part of a successful political campaign. Combined with the popularity and power of the BlackBerry platform, you have the makings of a dynamic combination. Part 3 of this 'Create BlackBerry applications with open source tools' series explores how the BlackBerry is a great device for writing and deploying social-networking applications."
Crisis Prompts a Rush Back to the Mortgage Basics
Crisis Prompts a Rush Back to the Mortgage Basics - NYTimes.com: "President Obama’s housing plan will help many borrowers reduce those monthly payments to 31 percent.
But is that a reasonable goal? And where did that number come from?
Its roots may go back more than a century to company towns, where employers would collect a week’s wages for a month’s rent. In the 1920s, as homeownership became an option for more middle-class families, lenders adopted a similar standard: spend a quarter of a month’s income on housing. And during the New Deal, governmental housing agencies also adopted that as a reasonable amount to spend on a mortgage. Though the number has inched up through the years, that general rule of thumb has stuck.
But does it still work?"
But is that a reasonable goal? And where did that number come from?
Its roots may go back more than a century to company towns, where employers would collect a week’s wages for a month’s rent. In the 1920s, as homeownership became an option for more middle-class families, lenders adopted a similar standard: spend a quarter of a month’s income on housing. And during the New Deal, governmental housing agencies also adopted that as a reasonable amount to spend on a mortgage. Though the number has inched up through the years, that general rule of thumb has stuck.
But does it still work?"
A Town Reborn Faces a New Threat
A Town Reborn Faces a New Threat - NYTimes.com: "As in so many other abandoned small towns and former industrial capitals, art galleries and knickknack emporiums over the last decade reinvented the charming exposed-brick storefronts along Main Street, supported both by locals and by tourists visiting Dia:Beacon, a progressive museum that opened in the former Nabisco factory in 2003. But in the last six months, many of the gewgaw parlors and antiqueries have seen their balance sheets follow the broader economy down, down, down.
Some have succumbed. Next door to the Cup and Saucer used to be Finders Keepers, an antique store; the sign in front of the empty storefront now says just Finders. Geppetto’s Wood Works is gone, along with Objectiques. And Allium, a lovely trove of hand-picked treasures that won a local award for its winter windows — but that also deserves the Bad Timing Award. It opened in May 2008, only to suffer through a season of people who realized they could do without beeswax candles and $90 vases.
Those who remain are getting creative."
Some have succumbed. Next door to the Cup and Saucer used to be Finders Keepers, an antique store; the sign in front of the empty storefront now says just Finders. Geppetto’s Wood Works is gone, along with Objectiques. And Allium, a lovely trove of hand-picked treasures that won a local award for its winter windows — but that also deserves the Bad Timing Award. It opened in May 2008, only to suffer through a season of people who realized they could do without beeswax candles and $90 vases.
Those who remain are getting creative."
A Layoff Survivor’s Duty to the Less Fortunate
Your Money - A Layoff Survivor’s Duty to the Less Fortunate - NYTimes.com: "For friends who no longer have an office, simply inviting them in to use your fancy copier or offering to run off résumés for them can be a kind gesture (as long as it won’t get you into any trouble).
Kate Hartnick Elliott, who runs a marketing, communications and executive search firm in New York City, lets people she knows use a spare desk, the Internet access and the printer in her office. She said it’s nice for people to have a place, other than Starbucks, to take a break between meetings.
LINKS Most people wouldn’t hesitate to make an introduction or two to anyone in need. But Amy Baker, who works in technology marketing in San Francisco, says that if you’ve ever been out of work yourself, you have almost a moral obligation to throw the rope back for others."
Kate Hartnick Elliott, who runs a marketing, communications and executive search firm in New York City, lets people she knows use a spare desk, the Internet access and the printer in her office. She said it’s nice for people to have a place, other than Starbucks, to take a break between meetings.
LINKS Most people wouldn’t hesitate to make an introduction or two to anyone in need. But Amy Baker, who works in technology marketing in San Francisco, says that if you’ve ever been out of work yourself, you have almost a moral obligation to throw the rope back for others."
A Battle for Jobs Pits the Young Against the Old
A Battle for Jobs Pits the Young Against the Old - NYTimes.com: "This city has become a front line in a generational battle for jobs, as older workers increasingly compete against applicants in their 20s for positions at supermarkets, McDonald’s and dozens of other places. And older workers seem to be winning."
Global Response to a Global Crisis
Breakingviews.com - Finance officials from leading nations like the United States have devised a plan to stop market bubbles from growing out of control - NYTimes.com: "Finance officials from 20 nations appear to have achieved a preliminary consensus on a 24-point program intended to identify the growth of market bubbles and to ensure that the world’s banks operate more prudently. The plan could be a significant achievement in international collaboration.
The consensus covers the United States, Britain, Continental Europe and the big emerging markets like China, India and Russia. Similar proposals have already appeared in a widely cited European Union report calling for coordinated oversight of European institutions"
The consensus covers the United States, Britain, Continental Europe and the big emerging markets like China, India and Russia. Similar proposals have already appeared in a widely cited European Union report calling for coordinated oversight of European institutions"
Rapid Declines in Manufacturing Spread Global Anxiety
The depth and speed of the manufacturing plunge are striking, and recall conditions that led to the Great Depression - NYTimes.com: "India’s manufacturing sector, which accounts for about 16 percent of G.D.P., recently recorded its first quarterly production decline in more than a decade.
Since last April, handicraft exports have fallen by 55 percent to $1.35 billion, and textile makers estimate they have slashed half a million jobs. Banks, meanwhile, are restructuring loans for diamond makers and polishers.
And despite tax cuts and a $64 million stimulus package announced in February, Indian textile makers are pushing for more government help."
Since last April, handicraft exports have fallen by 55 percent to $1.35 billion, and textile makers estimate they have slashed half a million jobs. Banks, meanwhile, are restructuring loans for diamond makers and polishers.
And despite tax cuts and a $64 million stimulus package announced in February, Indian textile makers are pushing for more government help."
In Silt, Bangladesh Sees Potential Shield Against Sea Level Rise
In Silt, Bangladesh Sees Potential Shield Against Sea Level Rise - NYTimes.com: By SOMINI SENGUPTA (NYT)
The country has begun to channel silt to fill in low-lying lands prone to flooding and to create new land off its long, exposed coast.
The country has begun to channel silt to fill in low-lying lands prone to flooding and to create new land off its long, exposed coast.
English Becomes Lingua Franca at Dutch Universities
The Globalization of College: English Becomes Lingua Franca at Dutch Universities - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International: "As education becomes an export product, Dutch universities are increasingly switching to English as the language of instruction -- some say that higher education is suffering as a result."
India's Other Small Car: The Reva
India's Other Small Car: The Reva, Hope-Bearer for Cleaner Air? - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International: "The world's cheapest car, the Indian-built Tata Nano, will launch on Monday, but another Indian company manufactures an electric car that has proven wildly popular -- in London as well as Bangalore."
A voice in your ear, sorting mail
A voice in your ear, sorting mail - International Herald Tribune: The iLane box talks to you through a BlackBerry and a Bluetooth earpiece. Does it tell you anything you want to know?
Cisco Systems acquires maker of the Flip for $590 million
Cisco Systems acquires maker of the Flip for $590 million - International Herald Tribune: The small video cameras may play a role in helping Cisco extend its videoconferencing technology to mobile devices.
Competencies of a Blogger « Gautam’s Net
Competencies of a Blogger « Gautam’s Net: "do u have a list of competencies to certify someone on their proficiency in creating and managing a Blog?
I need this at the earliest. This is purely for internal process compliance. I am championing Blog initiatives within"
I need this at the earliest. This is purely for internal process compliance. I am championing Blog initiatives within"
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thendral Interview with Asokamitran: Writers, Tamil Lit Icons
"தளையற்ற, வன்முறை எழுத்துக்கள் �: "Thenral with Asoka Mithran- சாகித்ய அகாதமி விருது பெற்ற அசோகமித்திரன்"
College on English as a Tamil Student: Chokkan on Jobs, Interviews, Languages
யார் முட்டாள்? « மனம் போன போக்கி�: ஆயிரம் வாசல் உலகம் meets யாரடி நீ மோகினி
Nandita's directorial debut leaves you speechless
The Hindu News Update Service: "Non-judgemental and utterly bereft of stylistic affections, Firaaq is a graceful and glorious homage to the human spirit. Much of its visual power comes from Ravi Chandran's articulate but restrained camera work, Sreekar Prasad's seamless but trenchant editing that leaves nothing (not even destiny) to chance, and Gautam Sen's artwork which makes the city's riot-torn colours emblematic of the red anger and the blue despair felt by the characters."
UN Raises “Low” Population Projection for 2050
U.N. Raises “Low” Population Projection for 2050 | Worldwatch Institute: In a biennial report released last week, the UN Population Division increased slightly a projection it uses to forecast the size of the human population. The "low-variant" scenario of population growth now foresees 117 million more people on the planet in 2050 than it did two years ago.
Puthiya Thamizhar Kannottam: February Issue Online: Library, Read, Magazines, Eezham
புதிய தமிழர் கண்ணோட்டம்: "புதிய தமிழர் கண்ணோட்டம் இதழ் பிப்ரவரி 2009"
Name Calling by Dravida Politicians in Tamil Nadu: How Tamils are abused by Kalainjar Karunanidhi?
IdlyVadai - இட்லிவடை: பகுத்தறிவாளர்கள் ம�
"தமிழக அரசியலில் தனி நபர் விமர்சனத்தை ஆரம்பித்து வைத்தவரே கருணாநிதி தான்.
இந்திராகாந்தியை - "கிராப் வெட்டிய காஷ்மீர் பாப்பாத்தி"
"கோமாளி ராஜா" - பெருந்தலைவர் காமராஜர்
மூதறிஞர் ராஜாஜியை "குல்லுகபட்டர்' (சதிகாரர்) என்றார்;
கர்மவீரர் காமராஜரை "அண்டங் காக்கா' என்று அர்ச்சித்தார்;
கக்கன்ஜியை "கக்கன் என்ன கொக்கா' என்று நஞ்சைக் கக்கினார்...
ஜாம்பவான் பக்தவச்சலனாரை குரங்கு போல் கார்ட்டூன் போட்டார்;
வாழப்பாடியாரை "வழிப்போக்கன்' என்றார்;
மூப்பனாரை "காவேரி, தென்பெண்ணைப் பாலாறு... மூப்பனார் மூளையில் கோளாறு' என்றார்;
எம்.ஜி.ஆரை "மலையாளி, கூத்தாடி, கோமாளி' என்றார்; நாவலரை "நெடுமரம்' என்றார்;
நாஞ்சிலாரை "மந்திரக் கோல் மைனர்' என்றார்;
ஆர்.வி.,யை "கைபர் கணவாய் வழி வந்தவரே' என்றார்;
ஹிந்து பத்திரிகையை "மவுண்ட்ரோடு மகாவிஷ்ணு' என்றார்...
துக்ளக் சோவை "சொட்டைத் தலையர், பபூன்' என்றார்;
குமுதம் எஸ்.ஏ.பி.,யை "குள்ள நரி' என்றார்;
ப.சிதம்பரத்தை "செட்டி நாட்டு சின்னப் பையன், சீமான் வீட்டு கன்றுக் குட்டி' மற்றும் "ஈ, எறும்பு, கொசு' என்றார்;
பேராசிரியரை "வெறும் உதவி விரிவுரையாளர் தான்' என்றார்;
அரசியல் சட்ட அறிஞர் இரா.செழியனை "ஈனப்பிறவி' என்றார்;
வைகோவை "கள்ளத் தோணி, கலிங்கப்பட்டி களிமண்' என்றார்;
பா.ஜ.,வை "தீண்டத்தகாத கட்சி' என்றார்...
வாஜ்பாய், அத்வானியை "விஷ ஜந்துக்கள்' என்றார்;
பா.ஜ., தலைவர்களை "பண்டாரம், பரதேசி, காவி உடை, கமண்டலம், ஆக்டோபஸ்' என்றார்;
பா.ஜ., பொதுச் செயலாளர் எச்.ராஜாவை "கூஜா' என்றார்;
முதல்வர் ஜெ.,யை "பாப்பாத்தி, பத்ரகாளி, காந்தாரி' என்றார்;
ஒட்டு மொத்த இந்துக்களை "திருடன்' என்று திட்டினார்;
இரண்டு கோடி தமிழக வாக்காளர்களை "பருத்தி விதை, தவிடு, புண்ணாக்கு தின்னும் மாக்கள், வாழை மட்டைகள், மடச் சாம்பிராணிகள், புத்திகெட்ட ஜென்மங்கள், சோற்றால் அடித்த பிண்டங்கள்' என்றார்.
"தமிழக அரசியலில் தனி நபர் விமர்சனத்தை ஆரம்பித்து வைத்தவரே கருணாநிதி தான்.
இந்திராகாந்தியை - "கிராப் வெட்டிய காஷ்மீர் பாப்பாத்தி"
"கோமாளி ராஜா" - பெருந்தலைவர் காமராஜர்
மூதறிஞர் ராஜாஜியை "குல்லுகபட்டர்' (சதிகாரர்) என்றார்;
கர்மவீரர் காமராஜரை "அண்டங் காக்கா' என்று அர்ச்சித்தார்;
கக்கன்ஜியை "கக்கன் என்ன கொக்கா' என்று நஞ்சைக் கக்கினார்...
ஜாம்பவான் பக்தவச்சலனாரை குரங்கு போல் கார்ட்டூன் போட்டார்;
வாழப்பாடியாரை "வழிப்போக்கன்' என்றார்;
மூப்பனாரை "காவேரி, தென்பெண்ணைப் பாலாறு... மூப்பனார் மூளையில் கோளாறு' என்றார்;
எம்.ஜி.ஆரை "மலையாளி, கூத்தாடி, கோமாளி' என்றார்; நாவலரை "நெடுமரம்' என்றார்;
நாஞ்சிலாரை "மந்திரக் கோல் மைனர்' என்றார்;
ஆர்.வி.,யை "கைபர் கணவாய் வழி வந்தவரே' என்றார்;
ஹிந்து பத்திரிகையை "மவுண்ட்ரோடு மகாவிஷ்ணு' என்றார்...
துக்ளக் சோவை "சொட்டைத் தலையர், பபூன்' என்றார்;
குமுதம் எஸ்.ஏ.பி.,யை "குள்ள நரி' என்றார்;
ப.சிதம்பரத்தை "செட்டி நாட்டு சின்னப் பையன், சீமான் வீட்டு கன்றுக் குட்டி' மற்றும் "ஈ, எறும்பு, கொசு' என்றார்;
பேராசிரியரை "வெறும் உதவி விரிவுரையாளர் தான்' என்றார்;
அரசியல் சட்ட அறிஞர் இரா.செழியனை "ஈனப்பிறவி' என்றார்;
வைகோவை "கள்ளத் தோணி, கலிங்கப்பட்டி களிமண்' என்றார்;
பா.ஜ.,வை "தீண்டத்தகாத கட்சி' என்றார்...
வாஜ்பாய், அத்வானியை "விஷ ஜந்துக்கள்' என்றார்;
பா.ஜ., தலைவர்களை "பண்டாரம், பரதேசி, காவி உடை, கமண்டலம், ஆக்டோபஸ்' என்றார்;
பா.ஜ., பொதுச் செயலாளர் எச்.ராஜாவை "கூஜா' என்றார்;
முதல்வர் ஜெ.,யை "பாப்பாத்தி, பத்ரகாளி, காந்தாரி' என்றார்;
ஒட்டு மொத்த இந்துக்களை "திருடன்' என்று திட்டினார்;
இரண்டு கோடி தமிழக வாக்காளர்களை "பருத்தி விதை, தவிடு, புண்ணாக்கு தின்னும் மாக்கள், வாழை மட்டைகள், மடச் சாம்பிராணிகள், புத்திகெட்ட ஜென்மங்கள், சோற்றால் அடித்த பிண்டங்கள்' என்றார்.
Generations, Culture & Assumptions: Embarrassments
Life: Marriages, Funerals, Suggestions, Questions, Dead: Asif Meeran - "சாத்தான்"குளத்து வேதம்: மறுமணம�: அமீரகத் தமிழ் மன்றம் - துபாய்
ஆண்டு விழா மலர் 2009
ஆண்டு விழா மலர் 2009
As Resources Dwindle, Museums Pioneer New Ways to Reach Out
As Resources Dwindle, Museums Pioneer New Ways to Reach Out - NYTimes.com: "holding free lunchtime concerts planned in cooperation with consulates including Spain, China, India, Germany, Croatia, South Korea and Poland, and readings by international poets."
By CAROL VOGEL (NYT)
Yoga programs and bike nights may not be your typical museum fare, but in these rough economic times, museums are pushing for innovative ways to attract visitors and connect with audiences.
By CAROL VOGEL (NYT)
Yoga programs and bike nights may not be your typical museum fare, but in these rough economic times, museums are pushing for innovative ways to attract visitors and connect with audiences.
As Jurors Turn to Web, Mistrials Are Popping Up
As Jurors Turn to Web, Mistrials Are Popping Up - NYTimes.com: "It might be called a Google mistrial. The use of BlackBerrys and iPhones by jurors gathering and sending out information about cases is wreaking havoc on trials around the country, upending deliberations and infuriating judges.
Last week, a building products company asked an Arkansas court to overturn a $12.6 million judgment, claiming that a juror used Twitter to send updates during the civil trial.
And on Monday, defense lawyers in the federal corruption trial of a former Pennsylvania state senator, Vincent J. Fumo, demanded before the verdict that the judge declare a mistrial because a juror posted updates on the case on Twitter and Facebook."
Last week, a building products company asked an Arkansas court to overturn a $12.6 million judgment, claiming that a juror used Twitter to send updates during the civil trial.
And on Monday, defense lawyers in the federal corruption trial of a former Pennsylvania state senator, Vincent J. Fumo, demanded before the verdict that the judge declare a mistrial because a juror posted updates on the case on Twitter and Facebook."
Why a Tamil Eelam Supporter should read The Hindu?
Op-Ed Columnist - The Daily Me - NYTimes.com: "When we go online, each of us is our own editor, our own gatekeeper. We select the kind of news and opinions that we care most about.
Nicholas Negroponte of M.I.T. has called this emerging news product The Daily Me. And if that’s the trend, God save us from ourselves.
That’s because there’s pretty good evidence that we generally don’t truly want good information — but rather information that confirms our prejudices. We may believe intellectually in the clash of opinions, but in practice we like to embed ourselves in the reassuring womb of an echo chamber."
Nicholas Negroponte of M.I.T. has called this emerging news product The Daily Me. And if that’s the trend, God save us from ourselves.
That’s because there’s pretty good evidence that we generally don’t truly want good information — but rather information that confirms our prejudices. We may believe intellectually in the clash of opinions, but in practice we like to embed ourselves in the reassuring womb of an echo chamber."
Gender matters
Gender matters | open Democracy News Analysis: "In celebration of International Women's Day, 2009, Jane Powell, formerly of Greenham Common, talks to Rosemary Bechler, about the role women and girls might play in improving the prospects for one of the most delicate conversations of all."
Jane Powell has devoted a large part of her life to two very different universes, both of which are based on gender identity - Greenham Common where women chose a different way of life, and the campaign against living miserably (CALM), aimed at bringing the suicide rate down among young men. Jane launched CALM as a pilot for the UK's Department of Health in Manchester in 1997, and returned to launch it as a charity in 2006.
Jane Powell has devoted a large part of her life to two very different universes, both of which are based on gender identity - Greenham Common where women chose a different way of life, and the campaign against living miserably (CALM), aimed at bringing the suicide rate down among young men. Jane launched CALM as a pilot for the UK's Department of Health in Manchester in 1997, and returned to launch it as a charity in 2006.
Capitalism’s crisis gives the labour movement a chance to revive and reinvent itself
The revival of the unions | In from the cold? | The Economist: "Union leaders are keen to make the most of the moment. In America they have even gone so far as to try to repair the ugly split in the labour movement that occurred in 2005 when seven unions, including the Teamsters and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), acrimoniously quit the AFL-CIO."
The global crisis and the poor
How the recession is hurting the poor | The toxins trickle downward | The Economist: "A downturn that began in the rich world is hurting those who can least afford it"
Atheist Bus Campaign Gets into Gear in Germany
The Anti-God Squad: Atheist Bus Campaign Gets into Gear in Germany - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International: "'There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.' The brightly colored ads were part of a provocative campaign on British buses. Spain reacted with its own string of atheist slogans, and now a German group is following suit."
Ramkumar Chattopadhay passes away
The Statesman: "Ramkumar, known for popularising Shyama sangeet — a genre of Bengali music in which compositions are designed as encomiums to Goddess Kali, tappa composed and sung by Ramnidhi Gupta popularly known as Nidhu babu and Puratoni songs.
Doctors said apart from suffering from respiratory distress, many of his organs had failed.
Independent thinker, Chattopadhyay was born in 1921 in Kolkata. Besides being an exponent of Shyama sangeet he excelled in Tapa and songs that were sung during the babu culture of 19th century. He started his career as a tabla player and later switched to vocal classical music."
He scored music for two Bengali films — Streer Patra (Wife’s Letter) (1972) and more recently Parikrama in 1996.
Some of his popular songs were ‘Bidhi Dilo Jodi’, ‘Ekoda Ek Bagher Golai’, ‘Oi Dekha Jai’, ‘Kader Kuler Bou Go Tumi’ and ‘Maney Maney’.
Doctors said apart from suffering from respiratory distress, many of his organs had failed.
Independent thinker, Chattopadhyay was born in 1921 in Kolkata. Besides being an exponent of Shyama sangeet he excelled in Tapa and songs that were sung during the babu culture of 19th century. He started his career as a tabla player and later switched to vocal classical music."
He scored music for two Bengali films — Streer Patra (Wife’s Letter) (1972) and more recently Parikrama in 1996.
Some of his popular songs were ‘Bidhi Dilo Jodi’, ‘Ekoda Ek Bagher Golai’, ‘Oi Dekha Jai’, ‘Kader Kuler Bou Go Tumi’ and ‘Maney Maney’.
Pope claims condoms could make African Aids crisis worse
Pope claims condoms could make African Aids crisis worse | World news | guardian.co.uk: "Pontiff's remarks on first visit to continent outrage health agencies trying to halt spread of HIV and Aids"
Keep Calm and Carry On
Keep Calm and Carry On: Jon Henley on the poster we can't stop buying | Life and style | The Guardian: "The first, designed to stiffen public resolve ahead of likely gas attacks and bombing raids, was printed in a run of more than a million and read: Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory. The second, identically styled, stated: Freedom Is In Peril.
From August 1939, both posters began appearing all over the country, on billboards, in shops, on railway platforms. The third, though, was held back. This one was for the real crisis: invasion. A few may have made their way on to select officials' walls, but the vast majority of the British public never got to see it. This poster enjoined: Keep Calm And Carry On."
keepcalmandcarryon.com
From August 1939, both posters began appearing all over the country, on billboards, in shops, on railway platforms. The third, though, was held back. This one was for the real crisis: invasion. A few may have made their way on to select officials' walls, but the vast majority of the British public never got to see it. This poster enjoined: Keep Calm And Carry On."
keepcalmandcarryon.com
Ten ideas for Labour's next manifesto
Ten ideas for Labour's next manifesto | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk: "Guardian columnists share their ideas about how Labour can win back public support"
Recent programming moves raise questions about whether television has made any progress in better reflecting the audience it serves in the USA
No smooth ride on U.S. TV networks' road to diversity - International Herald Tribune: "On the eve of Barack Obama's election last fall as the first African-American president, television seemed to be leaning toward a post-racial future. In October two prominent cable networks — CNN and Comedy Central — began new programs that featured black hosts, a development that was notable because so few current programs on cable or broadcast channels have minority leads.
Five months later both programs — 'Chocolate News,' featuring David Alan Grier on Comedy Central, and 'D. L. Hughley Breaks the News' on CNN — have been discontinued. In addition, CW, the broadcast network that regularly features comedies with largely African-American casts, announced in February that it was renewing six popular series, but its two with mostly black performers — 'Everybody Hates Chris' and 'The Game' — were not among them."
Five months later both programs — 'Chocolate News,' featuring David Alan Grier on Comedy Central, and 'D. L. Hughley Breaks the News' on CNN — have been discontinued. In addition, CW, the broadcast network that regularly features comedies with largely African-American casts, announced in February that it was renewing six popular series, but its two with mostly black performers — 'Everybody Hates Chris' and 'The Game' — were not among them."
Anna Zegna describes the work that her family company is doing in India
Anna Zegna on helping India - International Herald Tribune: "Suzy Menkes, fashion editor of the International Herald Tribune, recently talked with Anna Zegna about her company’s work in India. The video interview can be seen at iht.com/style."
Learning the Skills of Being a Regional Power
BY: Fyodor Lukyanov | The Moscow Times
The economic crisis is obviously having a strong impact on global politics, but nobody is venturing to predict what the new alignment of forces will be.
The economic crisis is obviously having a strong impact on global politics, but nobody is venturing to predict what the new alignment of forces will be.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The global recession will stop at India's border
The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - The global recession will stop at India's border: BY: Shashi Tharoor
With the world's most developed economies reeling under the incubus of what is already being called the Great Recession, India at the beginning of the year took stock and issued a revised estimate for GDP growth in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Its projection came out at a healthy 7.1 percent.
With the world's most developed economies reeling under the incubus of what is already being called the Great Recession, India at the beginning of the year took stock and issued a revised estimate for GDP growth in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Its projection came out at a healthy 7.1 percent.
Cocaine Trade Helps Rebels Reignite War in Peru
Cocaine Trade Helps Rebels Reignite War in Peru - NYTimes.com: BY: Simon Romero | The New York Times
Here in one of the most remote corners of the Andes, the military, in a renewed campaign, is battling a resurgent rebel faction. And the Shining Path, taking a page from Colombia’s rebels, has reinvented itself as an illicit drug enterprise, rebuilding on the profits of Peru’s thriving cocaine trade.
Here in one of the most remote corners of the Andes, the military, in a renewed campaign, is battling a resurgent rebel faction. And the Shining Path, taking a page from Colombia’s rebels, has reinvented itself as an illicit drug enterprise, rebuilding on the profits of Peru’s thriving cocaine trade.
Rewriting History: Cyprus
Rewriting History: Education Spat Comes at Sensitive Time in Cyprus Talks - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International: "Negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus have been going well for six months, but a spat over school books within the Greek-Cypriot community shows the extent to which hostilities can quickly bubble up to the surface."
Libya eyes more property in west
FT.com / Middle East - Libya eyes more property in west: BY: Heba Saleh | Financial Times
Libya’s $70bn sovereign wealth fund is on the lookout for investments in western real estate markets, as Muammer Gaddafi’s regime flexes its financial muscle after emerging from its international isolation.
Libya’s $70bn sovereign wealth fund is on the lookout for investments in western real estate markets, as Muammer Gaddafi’s regime flexes its financial muscle after emerging from its international isolation.
Ugandan rebels give army the slip – again
Ugandan rebels give army the slip – again - The National Newspaper: BY: Matt Brown
It is the rebellion that refuses to quit. After more than 20 years of fighting in northern Uganda, two years of failed peace talks and a three-month military operation to stamp it out, the Lord’s Resistance Army is still terrorising villagers in the jungles of central Africa.
It is the rebellion that refuses to quit. After more than 20 years of fighting in northern Uganda, two years of failed peace talks and a three-month military operation to stamp it out, the Lord’s Resistance Army is still terrorising villagers in the jungles of central Africa.
Chilean Town Withers in Free Market for Water
Chilean Town Withers in Free Market for Water - NYTimes.com: By ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO
In Quillagua, water rights are private property and can be traded with little government oversight.
In Quillagua, water rights are private property and can be traded with little government oversight.
Ilaiyaraja vs A Marx: Mathimaran on Dalit Murasu: Kumudham Theeranathy: Cinema Music
இளையராஜா பற்றி அ.மார்க்ஸ் + ‘தீராநதி’ அவதூறுகள்: "‘தலித் முரசு’ ல் டிசம்பர் 2002 ல் எழுதியது."
Ka Nga Ya - Tamil Letters in Art
Satan: கஙய 1978 ஆகஸ்ட் இதழ் அட்டை. கோட்டோவியம் பாஸ்கரன். — அழகிய படங்களுடன் கூடியது.: "அட்டைப்படம், கஙய, கோட்டோவியம், சிற்றிதழ், தமிழ், பத்திரிகை, பாஸ்கரன், பூனை"
Why KIPP, the network of public charter Schools Work
Jay Mathews shows how they’re revolutionizing education in America by Charles Upton Sahm, City Journal 13 March 2009: "Work Hard. Be Nice.: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America, by Jay Mathews (Algonquin Books, 329 pp., $14.95)"
China’s Dubious “Miracle”
Behind the statistics of economic prosperity, a nation divided and tormented by Guy Sorman, City Journal 13 March 2009: "Capitalism with Chinese Characteristics: Entrepreneurship and the State, by Yasheng Huang (Cambridge University Press, 366 pp., $30)"
Ping - Just Don’t Compare Kosmix to Google
Anand Rajaraman and Venky Harinarayan - NYTimes.com: By MIGUEL HELFT
Kosmix, a well-financed Web start-up, is often described as a search engine that may someday rival Google. Kosmix organizes search results or personalizes news
Kosmix, a well-financed Web start-up, is often described as a search engine that may someday rival Google. Kosmix organizes search results or personalizes news
Where Education and Assimilation Collide
Where Education and Assimilation Collide - Series - NYTimes.com: By GINGER THOMPSON
A record influx of immigrants has put classrooms on the front lines of America’s battles over whether and how to assimilate the newcomers and their children.
Diversity in the Classroom - The New York Times: "Immigration’s impact is often first seen in the classroom. The increasing diversity of the nation’s education system is the most detailed measure of where immigrants have settled in recent years. View demographic changes in more than 17,000 school districts across the nation — including your own."
The Best Ways to Teach Young Newcomers - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com
New to English - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com: "Students learning English, labeled as English Language Learners by education officials, are among the nation’s fastest-growing group of students. In recent years these students have flooded small towns and suburban school districts in states like Arkansas, Georgia and North Carolina, which have little experience with immigrants."
Interactive Map Showing Immigration Data Since 1880 - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com: "Select a foreign-born group to see how they settled across the United States."
A record influx of immigrants has put classrooms on the front lines of America’s battles over whether and how to assimilate the newcomers and their children.
Diversity in the Classroom - The New York Times: "Immigration’s impact is often first seen in the classroom. The increasing diversity of the nation’s education system is the most detailed measure of where immigrants have settled in recent years. View demographic changes in more than 17,000 school districts across the nation — including your own."
The Best Ways to Teach Young Newcomers - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com
New to English - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com: "Students learning English, labeled as English Language Learners by education officials, are among the nation’s fastest-growing group of students. In recent years these students have flooded small towns and suburban school districts in states like Arkansas, Georgia and North Carolina, which have little experience with immigrants."
Interactive Map Showing Immigration Data Since 1880 - Interactive Graphic - NYTimes.com: "Select a foreign-born group to see how they settled across the United States."
Kunjali Maraikkaar: Abidheen
KUNHALI MARAKKAR: ஆசியாநெட்டில் குஞ்சாலி மரைக்க�: "நேற்று ஆசியாநெட்+ல் ‘நரேந்திரன் மகன் ஜெயகாந்தன் வகா‘ பார்த்து சிரித்துக் கொண்டிருந்தேன்."
Pope: Condoms could worsen Aids
Al Jazeera English - Africa - Pope Benedict XVI : An estimated 22 million people in Africa have HIV: "The Roman Catholic pope has come under renewed criticism after saying that condoms are not the solution to Africa's HIV epidemic"