Incomprehension makes is mysterious or mystical?

This light article by Karan Thapar on the "power" of numbers leaves me with just one question - so what? Karan uses numbers surrounding the 911 tragedy to indicate that numerals somehow seem to have an influence over everyone's life. I question the "influence" part - because if there is a cause-effect, then how should we behave to influence that cause-effect? So what if the numbers seem to add up?

in support of the Walmarts

a perspective on why the Walmarts of the world actually benefit the economy and society - more efficient supply chains, more efficient pricing and more value for consumers. this article is from an Indian newspaper and talks abt how the economy desperately needs more investment in the retailing industry.

Click Fraud

Great article on how pay-per-click advertising (i.e., ads on websites for which advertisers pay every time someone clicks on the ad) looks doomed to fail. I am reminded of the story of how internet browsing centres in India used to make money in the late 90s by using insiders to log into chatsites to talk to regular users (thus collecting money per hour of chat from the users).

All I am trying to do is for us to look like the Europeans so they would not laugh at us

If you, like me, often feel that Iran is not portrayed properly in the foreign press, this is an article to read. How many of us know anything concrete abt this country with an ancient civilisation? Now, I am not defending the ruling maniacs who make ridiculous statements. My point is that daily life and views are not reflected in the popular media. History is not respected. Result - a 5000-year old nation is viewed through the prism of the last 50 years or so. This book review provides some insights. Note the point abt the role of the average Iranian woman - how many of us knew that?

Another point here is how third-world leaders saw it as their mission in the mid-20th century to make their countries more like Europe or the US. Unfortunately, instead of copying good points like infrastructure building or the judicial system, they copied religion and culture (both of which are very local issues and in any case, cannot be thrust down anyone's throat).

You assume, my friend, that both of us are alive now...

An interview with Richard Zimler, the author of Guardian of the Dawn, a novel detailing Portuguese inquisitions in 1400s and 1500s Goa. This is a little known or researched aspect of Indian history. The cruelty of the Portuguese (for purely religious reasons) has gone unnoticed in all the noise abt Partition, Mughal rule, British colonialism, etc.

The novel itself is a gripping account of Jews fleeing persecution in Europe and the climate of all-round suspicion created by the inquisitions.

Faith is useless ornamentation - it is wasted on these people!

A brilliant article by a respected historian. I have read a few other articles by Dr.Elst and was once a member of a yahoogroup in which he was attacked personally for his views on Mahatma Gandhi. Dr.Elst's arguments are usually facts-based and the result of extensive research. This is his own site, but a google search should provide you with more info on whether he is worth a read.

I recommend this article to anyone worried abt the missionary invasion of India and the socio-political effects of the conversion industry. Dr.Elst makes an important point - don't make the mistake that the average missionary is converting for material benefits to himself. Probably not. The rewards are different. Read on....

(warning - also contains controversial views on Christianity itself)

Nano-trousers

Here is a practical application of nanotechnology - wrinkle-free, stain-resistant pants. The articles provide info on the technology involved and the trade implications for cotton farmers and the miners. While I do not agree with the protectionist slant in the "mindfully" article, it provides a lot of food for thought and is easy to read and understand.

White noise - save your ears

Ever had an irritating character next to you in the train or bus, playing his / her ipod or discman so loud that YOU can hear it? I once had an argument in an overnight bus with my neighbour when I was trying to get some sleep and, to my surprise, everyone around thought I was over-reacting. Anyway, this article expounds on the potential risks facing ipod users. Also take time to read comments at the end of the article.

What reverse brain drain?

An article on whether Indians are flocking back to their "motherland".

I agree with Mr.Basu that it is just a trickle and will remain a trickle for some time to come. Too much is made out of the decision of some talented people to go back. Fits in well with the flavour of the month - India - but an exaggerated reaction.

I think a more useful statistic would be the number of Indians who have decided to stay back in India - almost impossible to collect, this would be the real indicator of whether India is an attractive place to live and work.

It is time to pay tribute to this strange little grass that has done so much for the human race.

Strange is the word, for wheat is a genetic monster.

This is a great article on the history of wheat, one of mankind's three staple crops (rice and maize being the other two). The first half is about history, but the second half details contemporary developments. PLEASE take time to read the second half if you are interested in possible solutions to the problem of world poverty. If you have strong views on genetic modification of crops, this is an article you shd read.

As an aside, this article details how meat is more resource-intensive than a crop - one more point in favour of vegetarianism!

How to become an expert on India

Obviously, the writer of this article has not watched a single Indian movie recently or even skimmed through a movie mag. Yet, he draws sweeping conclusions about Indian mags and extends that to Indians themselves. Clearly, he cannot differentiate between (a) what Indians want on their moviescreens or in their mags and (b) what they think is "morally" acceptable.

Item (b) above is a constantly evolving thing, as with any dynamic society. It is a hotly debated issue as well. I agree that there are several inconsistencies in the society's approach to its "morals". But my point here is about the so-called experts on India who write whatever they please even in established newspapers like the Guardian.