Paresh Nath, National Herald, India … [Read more...] about Hillary, Obama Fight
Joni Mitchell Is a Goddess
One test of the greatness of a singer-songwriter is whether and how successfully their catalogue is covered by other musicians. By that token, Joni Mitchell is a goddess. But then we already knew that, didn't we? As I have traveled around the jazz radio webcast dial in recent weeks, I have heard selections from Mitchell's extraordinary songbook covered by Judy Niemack, … [Read more...] about Joni Mitchell Is a Goddess
Nawaz Sharif is Back Home!
On landing in Lahore after a long and forced exile in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif proclaimed that his objectives were to "rid the country of military rule and to strengthen democracy". But how? General Musharraf continues to have the full backing of the US administration...But Sharif may like to cash on the friendship he may have developed with … [Read more...] about Nawaz Sharif is Back Home!
Is CNN Sick? Or Merely Slick?
There is much to find fault with the cable television news networks, but it has puzzled me how many bloggers waste their time -- and bandwidth -- endlessly harping about the perceived shortcomings and biases of CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. God knows that they have plenty of both, but aside from occasionally giving CNN the back of my hand over its fascination with stories on … [Read more...] about Is CNN Sick? Or Merely Slick?
Nawaz Sharif’s Plane Takes Off: Saudi King Gifts Him Bullet Proof Cars
Nawaz Sharif, the exiled former prime minister of Pakistan, has boarded the plane in Saudi Arabia and should reach his country at 5.25 pm (about 1200 GMT), his nephew told news agencies. Meanwhile Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz has gifted to Sharif two bulletproof Mercedes cars and also lent a helicopter for use during the elections from his personal fleet. Well if … [Read more...] about Nawaz Sharif’s Plane Takes Off: Saudi King Gifts Him Bullet Proof Cars
Archbishop’s Views on American ‘Imperialism’ & Old British Imperialism
When the Archbishop of Canterbury says that "the United States wields its power in a way that is worse than Britain during its imperial heyday", let us pause and see who is this man and why is he saying that. There is no point in getting into a hysterical "for" or "against" mode about what Dr Rowan Williams stated in a magazine interview recently. The Archbishop of … [Read more...] about Archbishop’s Views on American ‘Imperialism’ & Old British Imperialism
Ian Smith: ‘A Great White Tribal Chief’ is Gone
Although non-Whites worldwide loved to hate him when he ruled Rhodesia (later renamed Zimbabwe), Ian Smith remained an enigmatic and powerful personality right up to his death. "The former Rhodesian prime minister, who made his unilateral declaration of independence from Britain in 1965 and fought a bitter rearguard action to prevent black majority rule, never lost the ability … [Read more...] about Ian Smith: ‘A Great White Tribal Chief’ is Gone
Dreadlocks are “Faddish”? Since When?
Should a three year old kid be suspended from school for wearing his hair in dreadlocks? … [Read more...] about Dreadlocks are “Faddish”? Since When?
India Scores a ‘Goal’ in Pakistan: Both Countries Win!
A history of sorts was made Friday when 'Goal' became the first Indian Bollywood movie to get simultaneous release in the cinema halls of India and Pakistan. 'Goal', a contemporary story of the Asian community in the UK, told through the dynamic prism of professional football, has already created a tremendous buzz in India. Pakistan and India share a common passion for … [Read more...] about India Scores a ‘Goal’ in Pakistan: Both Countries Win!
What To Make Of The Ron Paul Revolution
Much has been written about the rise in popularity of libertarian Republican Ron Paul's presidential campaign—both good and bad. Lew Rockwell's paleo-libertarian blog—notorious for his opposition toward both Democrats and Republicans and the State in general—has been perhaps the most ardent supporter of the Republican Congressman's presidential campaign while pro-war … [Read more...] about What To Make Of The Ron Paul Revolution
Will Americans Get the Message?
(Swaraaj earlier posted a great roundup on the sea change in Australian politics. Here's my take.) The winning candidate campaigned on a platform of new leadership to address voters' concerns about the environment, health and education. As one of his first acts as national leader he will push for the ratification of the Kyoto agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions … [Read more...] about Will Americans Get the Message?
Fair vs. Foul in Net Neutrality Debate
Earlier this month, Comcast -- the nation’s largest cable broadband company -- was caught doing what any good Internet Service Provider (ISP) should do, i.e., manage its network to ensure that the online activities of the few don’t interfere with the online activities of the many, or in the words of Comcast EVP David Cohen: Comcast does not, has not, and will not block any … [Read more...] about Fair vs. Foul in Net Neutrality Debate
Senate Continues Pro Forma Holiday Sessions To Block Bush “Recess Appointments”
While Americans served turkey and cleared their tables of turkey this holiday season, Senate Democrats have kept the Senate in pro forma session to block President George Bush from appointing what some Democrats consider political turkeys to key posts in the Senate's absence: With the nation’s attention focused on Thanksgiving leftovers and bargain shopping, the Senate … [Read more...] about Senate Continues Pro Forma Holiday Sessions To Block Bush “Recess Appointments”
Kevin Rudd: Australia’s ‘New Prime Minister’
Mr Kevin Rudd, whose Labor Party swept to victory in Australian elections, said his government would start work immediately on an education revolution, rebuilding the hospital system, address the 'great challenges of climate change and water, building 'a 21st century infrastructure for a 21st century economy'. Australia's new prime minister-designate, Rudd praised his … [Read more...] about Kevin Rudd: Australia’s ‘New Prime Minister’
NWFP Burns: Musharraf Resorts to ‘Primitive’ Methods
In the medieval era the whole population could face the prospect of starvation when foreign kings/rulers invaded their land and cut off food supplies. This is happening in the 21st century with Pakistani troops cutting off food supplies in the areas where pro-Taliban militants are mounting an uprising in a North-Western Frontier Pakistan (NWFP) valley. "Pakistani troops have … [Read more...] about NWFP Burns: Musharraf Resorts to ‘Primitive’ Methods
One Lesson from Life of Local Man: History Matters
[This piece was cross-posted at my personal blog.] This past week, the community to which my family and I recently moved, buried one of its most beloved citizens. Leland Conner was killed after a thirteen year old boy stole a vehicle from a rental agency and proceeded to cause a five-car crash that involved Mr. Conner's car. Conner's death is one of those freakish … [Read more...] about One Lesson from Life of Local Man: History Matters
Nawaz Sharif To Return (Again!) to Pakistan
Nawaz Sharif, the exiled former prime minister of Pakistan, is likely to return to his own country from Saudi Arabia this Sunday. His political party followers are keeping their fingers crossed. On September 10 Sharif had made an abortive bid to enter Pakistan but was deported from the Islamabad airport itself. But this time Sharif need not bother. Pakistan's leading … [Read more...] about Nawaz Sharif To Return (Again!) to Pakistan
WEAK Dollar
Patrick Chappatte, The International Herald Tribune … [Read more...] about WEAK Dollar
Attack on Indian Courts: 13 Killed, 60 Wounded
At least 13 persons, including four lawyers, were killed and 60 injured when six bombs went off in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Friday. Three court complexes in the capital city Lucknow and the towns of Faizabad and Varanasi were the target. India's leading newspaper The Hindu says that loaded on bicycles parked outside the lawyers’ chambers in the three towns, … [Read more...] about Attack on Indian Courts: 13 Killed, 60 Wounded
Globalization: Why Indian-subcontinent Needs Independent Judiciary?
The Mughal King Jahangir who ruled undivided India in the 16th and 17th century AD is still remembered with love and affection by Muslims, Hindus and other communities. "Jahangir is most famous for his golden 'chain of justice'. The chain was setup as a link between the people and Jahangir himself. Standing outside the castle of Agra with sixty bells, anyone was capable of … [Read more...] about Globalization: Why Indian-subcontinent Needs Independent Judiciary?