tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196321022024-03-13T16:43:51.666-04:00Spandan...dil ki dhadkane bhi sun...Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-34160661785738031282017-02-15T06:41:00.002-05:002017-02-15T06:41:26.844-05:00The Little Prince: Book Review<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157993.The_Little_Prince" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Little Prince" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1367545443m/157993.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/157993.The_Little_Prince">The Little Prince</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1020792.Antoine_de_Saint_Exup_ry">Antoine de Saint-Exupéry</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1913054528">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The Little Prince is a marvelous story. Short and sweet like a children's book should be. And yet it gives you a lot to think about as an adult. I did read this book before, a long time ago, but now revisiting it after having my own kids makes me look at it in a totally different light. The way kids see things, with endless imagination, is an art we lose as adults; but the author has captured it beautifully in this book. <br />When I first read this book it appealed to me for the simplicity of its language, and the fairy tale like construction. I had just left behind seeing with my heart and began thinking in numbers, and profits, and losses. The beauty of a thing lies in what is invisible - that made little sense back then. But now when my kids' eyes light up at the thought of an invisible, the maturity of the thought comes home and makes me want to experience that genuine excitement once again. While we may forget to appreciate it, the fact remains that it is the Invisible, the mysterious that really fascinates us to follow a dream as we grow up. (The mature thing to do is say that you know all about it and what you are getting into, but there is an element of mystery, of how things will turn out that is really fascinating.)<br />I hope I can learn to see the elephant inside the boa constrictor once again. Maybe my kids will teach me this time.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/10300989-manasi">View all my reviews</a><br />
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Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-69020555760248121682010-11-09T08:06:00.001-05:002010-11-09T08:08:21.741-05:00Reflecting on Obama's visit to IndiaI have a new post at the FPA about Obama's recent visit to India.<br /><br />"The announcement was at best a shrewd high impact low risk diplomatic gesture, an opportunity to surpass Bush’s Nuclear Deal moment and ensure reciprocal support from India on issues such as human rights in Myanmar or tougher sanctions on Iran. Obama’s support was followed by a call to India to take up more responsibility and reprimand for not speaking out against and condemning human right abuses."<br /><br />Read more <a href="http://india.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/11/09/reflections-on-obamas-india-visit/">here</a>.Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-28086386650988514142010-10-22T13:08:00.002-04:002010-10-22T13:11:24.290-04:00About aid to PakistanMy new post at the FPA India blog where I argue for putting up a fight against unhindered aid to Pakistan from the US.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">But neither the U.S, nor Pakistan can be really blamed for looking out for their own interests. Playing the victim and savior, and asking for money for being both at the same time, is what Pakistan does best. I think its leadership; its political and military institutions should be commended for efficiently training consecutive generations to fool the world with the same spiel! Other countries could learn a thing or two from Pakistan about consistent foreign policy.</span>"<br /><br />Read more<a href="http://india.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/10/22/taking-up-the-fight-against-military-aid-to-pakistan/"> here.</a>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-34299437201531978712010-08-30T07:35:00.001-04:002010-08-30T07:38:43.286-04:00Time to take chargeMy post about the need for India and China to take up a more responsible role in the region, particularly in times of crisis such as the Pakistan floods.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Being a regional/global power is not just about economic growth rates and size of the economies, it is also about understanding one’s regional/global responsibilities and fulfilling them efficiently. It is about being emphatic and generous to the enemy in need, while taking control of the situation; understanding one’s humanitarian responsibilities without losing sight of the opportunities that the situation presents. It is high time for regional powers to take charge and not expect the US to be the never-depleting relief bank</span>."<br /><br />Read the rest of the piece<a href="http://india.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/08/27/it-is-time-for-regional-powers-to-take-charge/"> here. </a>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-84573925210740669532010-08-17T12:59:00.004-04:002010-08-17T14:59:50.510-04:00Too soon to approach the WTO<div style="text-align: justify;">Last week the US Congress passed a border security bill that plans to generate funds by hiking H1-B and L-1 visa fee by $2000 per application per person. This would help fund the $600 million emergency fund for securing the US border, particular with Mexico.<br /><br />Though it is not explicitly directed towards Indian IT companies, they would be one of the worst affected by the provision. Losses could run into millions of dollars for the bigger companies such as Infosys and TCS.The Indian side has retaliated by threatening to go to the WTO in protest against the protectionist move by the US. I, have a problem with that.<br /><br />I sincerely believe that it is too soon for the move. The Indian side should first talk to the US and exhaust all bilateral avenues before going the WTO route. The proper way to go about it would be to sit down, analyze and draw up a plan of action in conjunction with the Indian companies that would be affected by the move. It is their business and their money that will be lost, and they are one of the most important stakeholders in the issue. The government is more of a facilitator. The effects on other aspects of bilateral trade and bilateral relations with the US should be carefully analyzed before taking any aggressive measures. The Indian side should have a serious conversation with the US and persuade it to change the provision. If talks fail, then taking the US to the WTO would be an option.<br /><br />An important question that the Indian side needs to ask itself is, "Can the WTO really change things?" Organizations such as these are good for pressuring smaller countries with lesser clout. But would it really matter to the US if it was taken to the WTO for being protectionist? Even if the WTO were to ask the US to change its provision, would the US do it?<br /><br />Another thing that puzzles me is the motive behind this desire to go to the WTO. Is it serious indignation and protest, or simply symbolism that the Indian government is interested in? As mentioned earlier, taking the US to the WTO cannot be expected to produce any significant effect. So then is the Indian government trying to show the world that it is not afraid to stand up against the US? Or is it putting up the show for its domestic US-hating/doubting allies?<br /><br />I am all for standing up against the protectionist attitude of the US. But not at the cost of damaging diplomatic relations and goodwill. National interest comes first, and business, the kind that Indian IT companies generate, is a big part of it. But any protest registered against the US should be carefully planned for maximum effect and minimum damage to Indian interest. It should be remembered that the US, even with its economic recession, can afford to ignore Indian protests and wallow in its own arrogance. India can hope to affect US decisions by wielding the bilateral business/trade card, but the mutual dependence factor with a comparatively weaker Indian side should not be overlooked.<br /><br />The US decision to hike H1-B visa fees is protectionist, punishes the wrong people for generating profitable business, and will most likely do more damage to US jobs and move them out of the country than the outsourcing haters would like to believe. Yet, it is still not the right time to approach the WTO against the US. <br /></div>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-9016293040715622152010-07-27T09:51:00.001-04:002010-07-27T09:54:45.213-04:00Engaging BurmaThe Burmese leader Than Shwe is on a five day visit to India. My take on it at the FPA.<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">The Indian Prime Minister should take this opportunity to extend support and guidance in conducting free and fair elections in Burma. As the largest and successful democracy in the region, India has the necessary experience and standing to do so. India could offer direct assistance/guidance in voter registration, ensuring security at voting booths, use of electronic voting machines, etc. It could also offer to be an external observer during the election process to oversee that the elections are held in a democratic, free and fair manner. It would help Burma’s image if it allows external observers into the process. Such constructive contribution by India to the democratic process would be of greater value than merely opposing the Burmese junta on principals</span>."<br /><br />Read the rest of the post <a href="http://india.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/07/27/engaging-burma-constructively/">here</a>.Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-72757131530351304022010-07-15T09:38:00.002-04:002010-07-15T09:40:41.134-04:00The Indian Rupee gets a new symbol<p>The Indian Rupee now has its unique symbol - a confluence of the Roman ‘R’ and Indian (Devanagari script) ‘Ra’. The symbol was finalized yesterday by an Union Cabinet Committee.</p> <p>Uday Kumar, the designer of the symbol explains the symbol, “<em>My design is based on the Tricolour with two lines at the top and white space in between. I wanted the symbol for the Rupee to represent the Indian flag. It is a perfect blend of Indian and Roman letters: a capital ‘R’, and Devnagari ‘Ra’, which represent rupiya, to appeal to international and Indian audiences. After working onthe design for few months, I shortlisted eight to 10 designs and then refined them further till I got this one</em>.”</p><p>My latest post on the Indian Rupee symbol at FPA India blog <a href="http://india.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/07/15/the-indian-rupee-gets-its-unique-symbol/">here</a>.<br /></p>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-85823446582825550912010-07-09T05:21:00.001-04:002010-07-09T05:24:13.589-04:00A mindset change to stop honor killings"As India tries to fly high with its nuclear deals, claims to an UNSC permanent seat, ~8% growth rate, a sense of moral uprightness in dealing with Pakistan, condemning human rights abuses across the globe etc. such disgraceful events will only deal a blow to its international image. ‘Honor killings’ are murders, human right abuses, atrocities against women, denial of individual’s freedom of choice, and a display of the failure of the law and order situation in the country. India cannot claim to be a democracy, one of the biggest at that, if it cannot guarantee its citizen their fundamental rights to live on their own terms..."<br /><br />My<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://india.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/07/09/a-mindset-change-to-stop-honor-killings/">latest post on honor killings</a> at the FPA India blog.Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-8839962613518771602010-03-29T06:28:00.003-04:002010-03-29T06:33:00.244-04:00My op-ed at the Atlantic-Community.org<div align="justify">The Berlin based Atlantic-Community.org recently published one of my opinion pieces - 'Improving India's nuclear standing.' In the piece I argue how next month’s Nuclear Security Summit is "a chance for India to show its commitment to non-proliferation and to be a leader of setting up mechanisms for securing nuclear materials." You can read the rest <a href="http://atlantic-community.org/index/articles/view/Improving_India%27s_Nuclear_Standing"><span style="color:#ff0000;">here</span></a>. </div>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-25253391211278901322010-02-03T11:22:00.004-05:002010-02-03T11:50:38.127-05:00Free parking available! Really?<div style="text-align: justify;">The Pune traffic police have for once come up with a <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/-Police-seek-to-make-parking-free-at-malls/articleshow/5525562.cms">sensible solution to ease the parking problem</a>s in the city. They propose that malls and multiplexes should either stop charging for parking, or refund the parking fees when the person shows receipt of purchase. They also propose that parking on city roads should be made expensive to ease the congestion.<br /><br />It could be argued that the malls and multiplexes have a business to run and cannot be expected to give up a big source of their income. And I am sure their will be a strong opposition and lobbying by these businesses against this proposal. But I think that as a customer I would prefer this proposal as it gives me a good safe space to park, and therefore makes the mall/multiplex more attractive. I think the businesses would definitely attract more customers if parking on premises is cheap or free. And with economies of scale at play they should be able to recover operating costs and potentially make money too. (Anyways I believe that the malls/multiplexes have already recovered and made profit on their investment in parking spaces by charging exorbitant prices until now.) <br /><br />Traffic reform in Pune has never been easy and this proposal might not see the light of day. But the proposal is sensible, customer/voter friendly and would definitely come handy during election time.<br /></div>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-85676462368679439302010-01-22T11:06:00.004-05:002010-01-22T13:38:57.420-05:00...ani te hi dharmashalet rahat nahiyet!<div style="text-align: justify;">As if Raj Thackeray was not nuisance enough, the Congress government in Maharashtra has decided to allow only cabbies with 15 years of domicile proof to drive! The justification is a 1987 law with domicile and local language requirements. Of course, the political calculations are not lost on even the dumbest of persons!<br /><br />It is not difficult to understand the logic behind the 1987 law assuming domicile and language as guarantees of a driver's knowledge of the roads he is driving on. You come to know the city gradually after you have lived there for a while. But that was the technological stone-age. Now we have the GPS! and other mapping/ direction providing devices. They might not be as efficient in India as yet, but the potential exists. It is only a matter of time before someone comes up with a customized GPS or mapping system for Indian cities and roads. If the government was so concerned about taxi commuters reaching the right destinations, they could have initiated the creation of such a system for Mumbai. Why did it have to regress to some old law? Why not come up with a new progressive, forward-looking policy that utilizes the technological resources available? If that was too much of a pain, a simpler solution such as requiring drivers to ace a city-specific knowledge test would have helped. Or maybe they could have asked the taxi drivers' association to have orientation and training workshops for new drivers. Even requiring proof of such training before giving out licenses would have been a better option!<br /><br />Reacting to the drama of withdrawing the language specification, Raj Thackeray asked if Maharashtra had opened a "dharmashala." Definitely not! If it had, the north-Indians and Biharis would be welcome guests living for free. But these north-Indians do not live on charity. They work hard to earn their living and pay their dues to the city. If they send some money back to their hometowns, that is none of Thackeray's business. That is their money, and they are free to do what they like with it. How would he like if all remittances from the NRIs (that add significantly to India's economy and middle class prosperity) stopped? Do his Marathi people have the capacity to generate that amount of wealth for the country? How would he like it if someone attacked and tried to throw out the scores of Marathi people living in many cities of the United States?<br /><br />Instead of divisive politics, it would help Thackeray more to actually come up with new ideas for job creation. If he is really concerned about the Marathi people's employment, he should think of promoting entrepreneurship or sustainable employment policy. His politics and agenda are only creating a bad image for the Marathi people, and ruining their chances of employment in other states. If he were really concerned, he would have been mindful of these things too.<br /><br />Rather than starting a dharmashala for the norht-Indians, the Marathi people seemed to have done so for Thackeray and his cronies. Instead of working and contributing to society, they are living off the charity of the Marathi people and being a nuisance in return. If anyone deserves to be thrown out, its them! <br /></div>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-68234943918390868202010-01-12T10:30:00.000-05:002010-01-12T10:31:05.061-05:00Kiran Sethi tries to empower children<object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/KiranBirSethi_2009I-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/KiranBirSethi-2009I.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=735&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge;year=2009;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_tedindia;theme=rethinking_poverty;theme=how_we_learn;theme=the_creative_spark;event=TEDIndia+2009;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/KiranBirSethi_2009I-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/KiranBirSethi-2009I.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=735&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge;year=2009;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=a_taste_of_tedindia;theme=rethinking_poverty;theme=how_we_learn;theme=the_creative_spark;event=TEDIndia+2009;"></embed></object>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-47902181507742895702009-12-23T11:42:00.004-05:002009-12-23T12:31:33.886-05:00....and I was killed by dogs!HT reports about the revelation by a Delhi girl of being <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle-news/smallscreen/Delhi-girl-s-shocking-past-life-revelation/Article1-489610.aspx">burnt to death in her past life</a>...and compares it to Deepika Padukone's character in Om Shanti Om! The girl discovered the reason for her fear of fire and marriage on the show <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://entertainment.oneindia.in/television/top-stories/news/2009/raaz-swati-singh-081209.html">Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka</a>. And it has all to do with her past life!! Another female had a fear of heights and air travel because she died in an air crash in her previous life. And the show's researchers found all the details she gave to be precise. <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://entertainment.oneindia.in/television/top-stories/news/2009/celina-jaitkley-man-221209.html">Celina Jaitley</a> was a man and wounded in the war...a wound that hurts even today. Seriously!?!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q1A-FPEt52k&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q1A-FPEt52k&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />So now I think the fact that I am scared of dogs has nothing to do with the stray dogs on Indian roads, or that crazy dog my neighbor had. I think it was because I was killed by dogs in my past life.<br /><br />It is really appalling that a show like this even exists. As if all those saas-bahu dramas were not enough, we now have to get into such mumbojumbo. It makes me look at Sach Ka Samana, Big Boss or Rakhi ka Swayamwar with new respect. At least they are plain stupid. I can understand the economics behind such reality shows. And the networks have every right to sell when people are ready to buy. What baffles me is why people are willing to buy such BS? Does the television industry feel no social responsibility? How can a newspaper like the HT report such things as news? There is not a single word in the report to indicate even a hint of sarcasm. It reads like the writer believes it to be true.<br /><br />Why does the film, television and news industry have to regress into the realm of antiquated ideas and superstitions to succeed in our modern economy? Why?Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-26694946837321429562009-11-13T16:25:00.001-05:002009-11-13T16:29:26.037-05:00Bullet proof? Not reallyWhy does <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://news.rediff.com/report/2009/nov/13/karkare-was-killed-due-to-defective-bulletproof-vest.htm">this</a> not surprise me anymore?Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-37538372392840763162009-11-11T16:03:00.003-05:002009-11-11T16:27:55.149-05:00Elephantine move<div style="text-align: justify;">Looks like all the zoo elephants will be <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Elephants-to-be-banished-from-all-zoos/articleshow/5221159.cms">moving out of town</a>. The Central Zoo Authority has asked all zoos and circuses to return the elephants to their natural habitats in nationals parks, tiger reserves and sanctuaries. While this is a positive step, does it mean that kids will now have to go to national parks to get a glimpse of the magnificent animal? Will zoos be as attractive without the elephants? Would it have been better if the zoo elephants were allowed to stay back and their living conditions improved? Are the parks, sanctuaries and reserves sufficiently protected from poachers, or will the elephants face the<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/14/india.conservation">tigers</a>' fate? <br /><br />Another thing is that the report says nothing about the commercial ride elephants on city roads. Will they be returned to their natural habitats? Are they not the ones at greater risk of being exploited and harmed? Or do they fall under the Ministry of Environment and Forests and therefore not covered by the CZA circular? <br /><br /> <br /></div>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-85154582248452806642009-11-04T09:53:00.000-05:002009-11-04T09:58:18.125-05:00Perfect!<table style='font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='360' height='353'><tbody><tr style='background-color:#e5e5e5' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com'>The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;'>Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style='height:14px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'<a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-november-3-2009/indecision-2009---reindecision-2008-and-beyond'>Indecision 2009 - Reindecision 2008 And Beyond<a></td></tr><tr style='height:14px; background-color:#353535' valign='middle'><td colspan='2' style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right'><a target='_blank' style='color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:254850' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr><tr style='height:18px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><table style='margin:0px; text-align:center' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='100%' height='100%'><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes'>Daily Show<br/> Full Episodes</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com'>Political Humor</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/videos/tag/health'>Health Care Crisis</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-9257685642763587892009-10-27T10:38:00.005-04:002009-10-28T09:55:28.104-04:00Empress: A Novel<div style="text-align: justify;">One could say that I have become rather adventurous with 'history' books since my encounter with '<a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://manasikakatkar.blogspot.com/2009/04/enchanted-by-white-mughals.html">The White Mughals</a>.' Recently I came across a fascinating novel by Shan Sa about the <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.warriortours.com/intro/history/tang/wuzetian.htm">Chinese Empress Wu Zetian</a>, or Heavenlight as she is know in the book.<br /><br />'<a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061829609/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p14_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0X0NQZGHAYA18W6QG59C&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846">Empress: A Novel'</a> is the story of the Chinese Empress who rose from a humble background to establish her own dynasty, the Zhou dynasty. Though I was initially skeptical about the monologue format of the book, the uniqueness and historical significance of its central character demands that we understand Heavenlight. A regular novel format could not have given us a proper insight into the mind of such an intelligent and shrewd ruler. Shan Sa's prose-like writing opens up a portal into the mind of Heavenlight and takes us through a journey of a China some 1500 years ago. It is almost a '<a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/being_john_malkovich/">Being John Malkovich</a>' feeling. We glide through the highs and lows of Heavenlight's life, her years of servitude and lordship. The insider's view of her intelligence and potential, the hardships of her childhood, the longing of her adolescence help to justify her almost despotic rule. Though she would like us to believe that she never desired power, once she knew she could have it the Empress showed little mercy. She plotted against and killed her family members and could not give up power even in her 70s.<br /><br />But Shan Sa continuously shows the Empress being apologetic about her actions. There is a undertone of remorse and regret. This works both in favor and against the novel. One can understand that a truthful depiction of a woman in the 600- 700 AD who had numerous lovers and sexual encounters, and who killed her family members requires the apologetic tone. But looking at it as an outsider in the 21C one wishes that the author had done more justice to her courage. It was not only destiny, but also the strength and intelligence of the woman that bestowed upon her the distinction of being the only female monarch of China.<br /><br />The book is a fictionalization of history and one has to read it as that. It introduces us to a fascinating woman and a gorgeous China all those years ago. As a woman it makes you reflect upon your life and the status of women today. It makes you wonder if we have really come a long way in being equal. Or if a woman like Wu Zetian would have to be apologetic even today. <br /></div>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-5695042157993254622009-10-09T10:29:00.001-04:002009-10-09T10:36:48.824-04:00The boy who harnessed the wind'<table style='font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='360' height='353'><tbody><tr style='background-color:#e5e5e5' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com'>The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;'>Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style='height:14px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-7-2009/william-kamkwamba'>William Kamkwamba</a></td></tr><tr style='height:14px; background-color:#353535' valign='middle'><td colspan='2' style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right'><a target='_blank' style='color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:251740' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr><tr style='height:18px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><table style='margin:0px; text-align:center' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='100%' height='100%'><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes'>Daily Show<br/> Full Episodes</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com'>Political Humor</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com/2009/09/23/ron-paul-on-the-daily-show-tuesday-sept-29/'>Ron Paul Interview</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-26709784741715134862009-10-01T10:04:00.003-04:002009-10-01T10:14:44.602-04:00Awesome!<table style="'font:11px" cellpadding="'0'" cellspacing="'0'" width="'360'" height="'353'"><tbody><tr style="'background-color:#e5e5e5'" valign="'middle'"><td style="'padding:2px"><a target="'_blank'" style="'color:#333;" href="'http://www.thedailyshow.com'">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style="'padding:2px">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr><tr style="'height:14px;'" valign="'middle'"><td style="'padding:2px" colspan="'2'"><a target="'_blank'" style="'color:#333;" href="'http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-september-29-2009/deep-space-naan'">Deep Space Naan</a></td></tr><tr style="'height:14px;" valign="'middle'"><td colspan="'2'" style="'padding:2px"><a target="'_blank'" style="'color:#96deff;" href="'http://www.thedailyshow.com/'">www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr><tr valign="'middle'"><td style="'padding:0px;'" colspan="'2'"><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:250792' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr><tr style="'height:18px;'" valign="'middle'"><td style="'padding:0px;'" colspan="'2'"><table style="'margin:0px;" cellpadding="'0'" cellspacing="'0'" width="'100%'" height="'100%'"><tr valign="'middle'"><td style="'padding:3px;"><a target="'_blank'" style="'font:10px" href="'http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes'">Daily Show<br/> Full Episodes</a></td><td style="'padding:3px;"><a target="'_blank'" style="'font:10px" href="'http://www.indecisionforever.com'">Political Humor</a></td><td style="'padding:3px;"><a target="'_blank'" style="'font:10px" href="'http://www.indecisionforever.com/2009/09/23/ron-paul-on-the-daily-show-tuesday-sept-29/'">Ron Paul Interview</a></td></tr></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-71312595902073848542009-09-28T11:33:00.001-04:002009-09-28T11:35:18.941-04:00Everything can be outsourced.<a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/world/indians-abroad/UK-Asians-hiring-contract-killers-in-India-Report-/articleshow/5064505.cms"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Even murder.</span></a>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-38001962229996262452009-08-27T16:51:00.000-04:002009-08-27T16:52:32.290-04:00Optional<a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Class-X-boards-to-become-optional-from-next-year/articleshow/4938694.cms">CBSE</a> kids can rejoice.Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-11229285250889399072009-08-20T10:55:00.002-04:002009-08-20T10:58:51.894-04:00TED talk by Ashraf GhaniA very interesting talk by Ashraf Ghani, currently in race to be Aghanistan's next President.<br /><br /><object width="334" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/embed/AshrafGhani_2005G-embed_high.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/AshrafGhani-2005G.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=320&vh=240&ap=0&ti=3"><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="334" height="326" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/embed/AshrafGhani_2005G-embed_high.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/AshrafGhani-2005G.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=320&vh=240&ap=0&ti=3"></embed></object>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-61994419065629602372009-08-05T12:22:00.005-04:002009-08-05T12:33:12.279-04:00How exactly does this help??<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-4GVTWs0exU/Snmx2CXWOWI/AAAAAAAABzk/3TtvwT-E9MY/s1600-h/1249479153_swine_flu300_pune.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_-4GVTWs0exU/Snmx2CXWOWI/AAAAAAAABzk/3TtvwT-E9MY/s320/1249479153_swine_flu300_pune.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366515972894505314" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">People stand in queue for swine flu check up outside a hospital in Pune.<br /> (A picture from the Indian Express)<br /></span>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-31615339034863531622009-08-05T11:59:00.002-04:002009-08-05T12:03:26.523-04:00Aai mala pan fugaaaa<div style="text-align: justify;">Kasab's desire to have someone <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/Kasab-wants-someone-to-tie-him-a-rakhi/articleshow/4860170.cms">tie him a rakhi</a> as reported by the ToI makes him sound like a child who wants something colorful and shiny that the others have. <br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"He expressed his desire after he saw several people in court sporting colourful 'rakhis' during the day's proceedings," his government-appointed lawyer S.G. Abbas Kazmi told mediapersons."</span> </div>Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19632102.post-91665484959116872792009-08-04T11:49:00.005-04:002009-08-04T12:12:14.595-04:00Clothelines in the USHaving heard stories of warnings by apartment landlords for hanging clothes to dry in the open, clothesline spotting has become one of my favorite pass-times. My husband never seems to see any, though as the passenger I have spotted quite a few on county roads. When I was new to this country it seemed absurd that people would spend so much time, money and energy drying clothes in a steam dryer that reduces garment life. I took it as one of those things that 'Americans do'. So now this story (and the comments that follow) in <a href="http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/conflict-over-clotheslines-in-greenwich/">NYT</a> only makes me laugh in disbelief.Manasihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05629999034814057166noreply@blogger.com3