Sep 30, 2005
Another one totally lost it!
Sangh’s Dandia song: no Muslims, please from IE
"Male garba participants in Indore better watch out. Their Hindu credentials will be checked before they are allowed to dance. This is the Bajrang Dal’s idea of screening Muslim participants, who, it believes mingle with Hindu girls and elope with them at the end of Navratri.
A week before the festival begins, Dal’s Indore unit has asked organisers of commercial garbas to ban Muslim men from venues, or face consequences. "We will ask participants to chant the names of Hindu gods or eat tulsi leaves. Hindus won’t mind, Muslims will. We will thrash them and also teach the organisers a lesson," warned Pradeep Nair, Dal’s Mahanagar Sanyojak.
Said Dal’s Bhopal chief Devendra Rawat: "It’s a festival of Hindus, why should those from another religion take part? Only Hindu youths should be allowed because Muslim boys run away with Hindu girls." "
I want to scream... Someone please get hold of these idiots Pleeeaaaaaase.
"Male garba participants in Indore better watch out. Their Hindu credentials will be checked before they are allowed to dance. This is the Bajrang Dal’s idea of screening Muslim participants, who, it believes mingle with Hindu girls and elope with them at the end of Navratri.
A week before the festival begins, Dal’s Indore unit has asked organisers of commercial garbas to ban Muslim men from venues, or face consequences. "We will ask participants to chant the names of Hindu gods or eat tulsi leaves. Hindus won’t mind, Muslims will. We will thrash them and also teach the organisers a lesson," warned Pradeep Nair, Dal’s Mahanagar Sanyojak.
Said Dal’s Bhopal chief Devendra Rawat: "It’s a festival of Hindus, why should those from another religion take part? Only Hindu youths should be allowed because Muslim boys run away with Hindu girls." "
I want to scream... Someone please get hold of these idiots Pleeeaaaaaase.
Sep 29, 2005
Global warming
Report: Ice-free Arctic summers possible by 2100 from CNN
"One Arctic variation, known as Arctic Oscillation, an atmospheric circulation pattern that can push sea ice out of the area, had become less of an influence in the region since the mid-1990s, the report said.
Inuit hunters threatened by the melting of Arctic ice plan to file a petition in December accusing the United States of violating their human rights by fueling global warming. The Bush administration has opted out of the Kyoto Treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Inuit number about 155,000 people in Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Russia.
Scientists say the Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the globe because water or bare earth, once uncovered, soaks up more heat than ice and snow. That process means melting can spur even warmer temperatures and more melting."
"One Arctic variation, known as Arctic Oscillation, an atmospheric circulation pattern that can push sea ice out of the area, had become less of an influence in the region since the mid-1990s, the report said.
Inuit hunters threatened by the melting of Arctic ice plan to file a petition in December accusing the United States of violating their human rights by fueling global warming. The Bush administration has opted out of the Kyoto Treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Inuit number about 155,000 people in Canada, Alaska, Greenland and Russia.
Scientists say the Arctic is warming faster than the rest of the globe because water or bare earth, once uncovered, soaks up more heat than ice and snow. That process means melting can spur even warmer temperatures and more melting."
Now what reason will he give?
Pakistani women march in rape row from BBC
"Mr Musharraf said that rape in Pakistan had become an opportunity to make money and emigrate, but also insisted his government supported womens' rights.
He initially denied making the remarks, until an audio recording was released. "
"Mr Musharraf said that rape in Pakistan had become an opportunity to make money and emigrate, but also insisted his government supported womens' rights.
He initially denied making the remarks, until an audio recording was released. "
Sep 27, 2005
Do we belong to the same country??????
Pro-Kannada activists seek quotas in IT jobs from The Hindu
"IT firms have made it clear that merit would be the sole criterion in recruitment and they cannot earmark jobs for anyone.
The Karnataka government too has also acknowledged the IT industry's stand, saying job quota cannot be made mandatory in that sector."
Maybe the next thing I will write about... reservations and quotas.
"IT firms have made it clear that merit would be the sole criterion in recruitment and they cannot earmark jobs for anyone.
The Karnataka government too has also acknowledged the IT industry's stand, saying job quota cannot be made mandatory in that sector."
Maybe the next thing I will write about... reservations and quotas.
Empowered India
When we begin to value those who do physical work from IE [via Neeraj]
"Look closely at the men who hang from the back of the scavenger trucks in our metropolis. Clothes smeared with dirt—face blackened with garbage. These men, bare foot and barehanded, pick up wet garbage from dustbins, load these trucks and travel with the garbage to its final destination. They do not have the ignominy of carrying human refuse on their head, but the risks to their health is just as real."
...
"To me, empowerment means liberating India of this convenient social exploitation. It is a disgrace to me and my social conscience. It is a disgrace to the system I have built. It is a disgrace to the words government and democracy. Earlier, the "untouchables" had names and faces. Today, they still exist - but they have been granted Constitutional anonymity.
Now I want to talk to you about the other untouchables—our women. When I first started traveling outside India, I realized that most women on streets in India, while going about their daily work, walk with their eyes downcast. Everywhere else in the world, they look straight ahead. However educated she may be, if she is alone on a road, if she is traveling in a train, wherever she might be—the Indian woman looks down. It is a necessary defence against Indian men."
"Look closely at the men who hang from the back of the scavenger trucks in our metropolis. Clothes smeared with dirt—face blackened with garbage. These men, bare foot and barehanded, pick up wet garbage from dustbins, load these trucks and travel with the garbage to its final destination. They do not have the ignominy of carrying human refuse on their head, but the risks to their health is just as real."
...
"To me, empowerment means liberating India of this convenient social exploitation. It is a disgrace to me and my social conscience. It is a disgrace to the system I have built. It is a disgrace to the words government and democracy. Earlier, the "untouchables" had names and faces. Today, they still exist - but they have been granted Constitutional anonymity.
Now I want to talk to you about the other untouchables—our women. When I first started traveling outside India, I realized that most women on streets in India, while going about their daily work, walk with their eyes downcast. Everywhere else in the world, they look straight ahead. However educated she may be, if she is alone on a road, if she is traveling in a train, wherever she might be—the Indian woman looks down. It is a necessary defence against Indian men."
Sep 26, 2005
quotes
Coaches must work with their captains form The Hindu
"Captains must concentrate on leading their players on and off the field. Their task is to build an enduring spirit and a side that plays to the best of its ability. Naturally their opinions on matters of selection will be considered, not least to avoid them walking into the rooms before a Test match and growling, as Archie Maclaren once did, "Oh, Lord, see what they've sent me this time!"
A captain, though is not appointed for life. He serves at the pleasure of his Board. Sport is for young men. Dictators may remain in power till their last breath. Cricket captains are sacked when confidence is lost.
Coaches must work with their captain. They can assist players, suggest tactics, spot weaknesses in opponents and develop the sort of strategies that helped England to regain the Ashes. They cannot expect to transform a side in a month. Nor they ought to challenge the captain. They belong in the rooms but must speak with authority. Obviously captain and coach must work together. If they cannot, one must be replaced, or both. A wise coach will bide his time."
"Captains must concentrate on leading their players on and off the field. Their task is to build an enduring spirit and a side that plays to the best of its ability. Naturally their opinions on matters of selection will be considered, not least to avoid them walking into the rooms before a Test match and growling, as Archie Maclaren once did, "Oh, Lord, see what they've sent me this time!"
A captain, though is not appointed for life. He serves at the pleasure of his Board. Sport is for young men. Dictators may remain in power till their last breath. Cricket captains are sacked when confidence is lost.
Coaches must work with their captain. They can assist players, suggest tactics, spot weaknesses in opponents and develop the sort of strategies that helped England to regain the Ashes. They cannot expect to transform a side in a month. Nor they ought to challenge the captain. They belong in the rooms but must speak with authority. Obviously captain and coach must work together. If they cannot, one must be replaced, or both. A wise coach will bide his time."
Sep 25, 2005
Full email text
You've got mail from cricinfo
Rani Karnaa Nayak interview
No barriers in dance from The Hindu
Rani Karnaa Nayak was born in Hyderabad (Sind), grew up in Delhi, married in Orissa, lived in many parts of India, danced all over the world and has established her academy for Kathak in Kolkata.
Dancing her way to glory with commitment for 60 years, Rani has learnt Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Odissi under masters of each genre, but her métier is Kathak. A recipient of the Order of the Queen of Laos, she plans to establish a chapter of her Academy soon in Orissa.
"So, what is the range of your language as a dancer?
Kathak embraces poetry and music from Sanskrit, Brijbhasha, Khariboli, Urdu, Persian and now Bangla. I have danced to Wajid Ali Shah, Ghalib and even Bahadur Shah Zafar's ghazals. I want to design a dance to Guru Nanak's Arati in Sukhmani and hope I'll be allowed to do that.
It is a flowing, rolling delightful experience. As I said, dance recognises no barriers."
Rani Karnaa Nayak was born in Hyderabad (Sind), grew up in Delhi, married in Orissa, lived in many parts of India, danced all over the world and has established her academy for Kathak in Kolkata.
Dancing her way to glory with commitment for 60 years, Rani has learnt Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Odissi under masters of each genre, but her métier is Kathak. A recipient of the Order of the Queen of Laos, she plans to establish a chapter of her Academy soon in Orissa.
"So, what is the range of your language as a dancer?
Kathak embraces poetry and music from Sanskrit, Brijbhasha, Khariboli, Urdu, Persian and now Bangla. I have danced to Wajid Ali Shah, Ghalib and even Bahadur Shah Zafar's ghazals. I want to design a dance to Guru Nanak's Arati in Sukhmani and hope I'll be allowed to do that.
It is a flowing, rolling delightful experience. As I said, dance recognises no barriers."
quote
Documents made public
The Kashmir saga from The Hindu
"THE UNION Ministry of Home Affairs has done a great service to the nation and to the world by making available on its website the entire original text of the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir on October 26, 1947. This document, long thought to be lost, has generated considerable controversy among historians and others alike."
Here is the link to the doc. http://mha.nic.in/accdoc.htm
Looks like they will make the documents related to Kishmir public.
"THE UNION Ministry of Home Affairs has done a great service to the nation and to the world by making available on its website the entire original text of the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir on October 26, 1947. This document, long thought to be lost, has generated considerable controversy among historians and others alike."
Here is the link to the doc. http://mha.nic.in/accdoc.htm
Looks like they will make the documents related to Kishmir public.
Sep 23, 2005
Career and Motherhood... My comments
I would like to have read more comments on this one... But then.
Also this is what I have written at a go, so bare with me.
When I read this article the first thought that came to my mind was a comment I heard from a very senior executive of a company while we were having a general discussion. He said "when we consider people for senior posts we prefer not to hire women because they will not be able to handle their jobs since they have to take care of their house and kids won't be giving 100% at work."
While reading this comment did it cross your mind isn't it practical? Realistic?
My first reaction(though I kept my mouth shut that time) was who gives you the right to tell me what role am I supposed to hold and where? Shouldn't I be judged like a human being on the credentials if I can satisfy the job or not? Shouldn't I have the right to choose what I want to do instead of it being decided by someone else or the society as a whole? Am I perusing my studies that one day someone will look at me and say you are not given this job because you are a women?
And hope after reading this far you haven't already formed an opinion of me that I belong to that set of people(I will not use women because lot men fall in this category too) who will give family second preference to their work, or are very ambitious. Let me point something else out. That the same attitude would be considered by some, a positive trait in men and a negative trait in women. And my question is how can giving your family a second preference be a positive trait in anyone?
Back to the point... There are plenty of people who will not think twice or maybe not think at all when they ask their wives to put there career on hold or abandon it altogether. Or it is even taken for granted to do that. And that is the attitude that gets on my nerves.
Give everyone a right to decide on his or her own. If two people think that they can both have careers and raise a family then the decision should be up to them. Not up to the society. If the woman thinks that she can give up her career to raise a family, then that needs to be appreciated. If she wants to continue her career and have a family let the society support that too. I will not give the third option of a man staying at home to raise kids. I don't think it is possible, I have never met a man who has even considered doing this and I can't envision it either. So me suggesting that will give people the right to think that I have lost my mind.
Now getting back to the article. I am surprised that the article had all quotes form women who want to put their career on the back seat. There was only one comment in the article from a women who wants to peruse her career while raising the family. Where as they have 60 to 40 ratio in the survey.
"While the changing attitudes are difficult to quantify, the shift emerges repeatedly in interviews with Ivy League students, including 138 freshman and senior females at Yale who replied to e-mail questions sent to members of two residential colleges over the last school year.
The interviews found that 85 of the students, or roughly 60 percent, said that when they had children, they planned to cut back on work or stop working entirely. About half of those women said they planned to work part time, and about half wanted to stop work for at least a few years.
Two of the women interviewed said they expected their husbands to stay home with the children while they pursued their careers. Two others said either they or their husbands would stay home, depending on whose career was furthest along."
I got the feeling that it was trying to persuade the reader by giving these one sided comments that it is the "right decision" that is to be taken. Sowmya has posted a comment that "life comes full circle" can't we get a stable balance where it can stay instead of going round and round? Also I wonder if you also meant that this was the "right choice"?
"Yet the likelihood that so many young women plan to opt out of high-powered careers presents a conundrum.
"It really does raise this question for all of us and for the country: when we work so hard to open academics and other opportunities for women, what kind of return do we expect to get for that?" said Marlyn McGrath Lewis, director of undergraduate admissions at Harvard, who served as dean for coeducation in the late 1970's and early 1980's.
It is a complicated issue and one that most schools have not addressed. The women they are counting on to lead society are likely to marry men who will make enough money to give them a real choice about whether to be full-time mothers, unlike those women who must work out of economic necessity.
It is less than clear what universities should, or could, do about it. For one, a person's expectations at age 18 are less than perfect predictors of their life choices 10 years later. And in any case, admissions officers are not likely to ask applicants whether they plan to become stay-at-home moms."
I myself do not know that answers to these questions raised here. But do stay at home moms don't have right to high quality education?
"For many feminists, it may come as a shock to hear how unbothered many young women at the nation's top schools are by the strictures of traditional roles."
Really, for one I don't think feminism is to fight against the traditional roles. It is about being given equal opportunity to decide the path of your own life without the bias attached that you are a women so you should take this path. A very strong feminist held an opinion that women should not get maternity leave. And I was appalled by that and more so because she was a very strong "feminist". Isn't it about time that we accept that women do give birth? It is not a unique case it is the situation of half the human race. Another very well educated female holds the opinion that all jobs are not to given to women. And that is not because she thinks that we are physically weak but because the society is not a safe place. Would it have been the right decision to not give "blacks" the jobs when the racism was at its height? Or was it a better solution that the mentality of people was changed and everyone got their rights in the society?
""They are still thinking of this as a private issue; they're accepting it," said Laura Wexler, a professor of American studies and women's and gender studies at Yale. "Women have been given full-time working career opportunities and encouragement with no social changes to support it."
This statement I think is the most appropriate one about the situation today. So, yes arz000n I can believe that friend of yours has made that decision. Each of us, including me, knows if the need comes it will be women who will have to put their career on hold. I will willing do it, but that to be expected out of me is outrageous.
Also this is what I have written at a go, so bare with me.
When I read this article the first thought that came to my mind was a comment I heard from a very senior executive of a company while we were having a general discussion. He said "when we consider people for senior posts we prefer not to hire women because they will not be able to handle their jobs since they have to take care of their house and kids won't be giving 100% at work."
While reading this comment did it cross your mind isn't it practical? Realistic?
My first reaction(though I kept my mouth shut that time) was who gives you the right to tell me what role am I supposed to hold and where? Shouldn't I be judged like a human being on the credentials if I can satisfy the job or not? Shouldn't I have the right to choose what I want to do instead of it being decided by someone else or the society as a whole? Am I perusing my studies that one day someone will look at me and say you are not given this job because you are a women?
And hope after reading this far you haven't already formed an opinion of me that I belong to that set of people(I will not use women because lot men fall in this category too) who will give family second preference to their work, or are very ambitious. Let me point something else out. That the same attitude would be considered by some, a positive trait in men and a negative trait in women. And my question is how can giving your family a second preference be a positive trait in anyone?
Back to the point... There are plenty of people who will not think twice or maybe not think at all when they ask their wives to put there career on hold or abandon it altogether. Or it is even taken for granted to do that. And that is the attitude that gets on my nerves.
Give everyone a right to decide on his or her own. If two people think that they can both have careers and raise a family then the decision should be up to them. Not up to the society. If the woman thinks that she can give up her career to raise a family, then that needs to be appreciated. If she wants to continue her career and have a family let the society support that too. I will not give the third option of a man staying at home to raise kids. I don't think it is possible, I have never met a man who has even considered doing this and I can't envision it either. So me suggesting that will give people the right to think that I have lost my mind.
Now getting back to the article. I am surprised that the article had all quotes form women who want to put their career on the back seat. There was only one comment in the article from a women who wants to peruse her career while raising the family. Where as they have 60 to 40 ratio in the survey.
"While the changing attitudes are difficult to quantify, the shift emerges repeatedly in interviews with Ivy League students, including 138 freshman and senior females at Yale who replied to e-mail questions sent to members of two residential colleges over the last school year.
The interviews found that 85 of the students, or roughly 60 percent, said that when they had children, they planned to cut back on work or stop working entirely. About half of those women said they planned to work part time, and about half wanted to stop work for at least a few years.
Two of the women interviewed said they expected their husbands to stay home with the children while they pursued their careers. Two others said either they or their husbands would stay home, depending on whose career was furthest along."
I got the feeling that it was trying to persuade the reader by giving these one sided comments that it is the "right decision" that is to be taken. Sowmya has posted a comment that "life comes full circle" can't we get a stable balance where it can stay instead of going round and round? Also I wonder if you also meant that this was the "right choice"?
"Yet the likelihood that so many young women plan to opt out of high-powered careers presents a conundrum.
"It really does raise this question for all of us and for the country: when we work so hard to open academics and other opportunities for women, what kind of return do we expect to get for that?" said Marlyn McGrath Lewis, director of undergraduate admissions at Harvard, who served as dean for coeducation in the late 1970's and early 1980's.
It is a complicated issue and one that most schools have not addressed. The women they are counting on to lead society are likely to marry men who will make enough money to give them a real choice about whether to be full-time mothers, unlike those women who must work out of economic necessity.
It is less than clear what universities should, or could, do about it. For one, a person's expectations at age 18 are less than perfect predictors of their life choices 10 years later. And in any case, admissions officers are not likely to ask applicants whether they plan to become stay-at-home moms."
I myself do not know that answers to these questions raised here. But do stay at home moms don't have right to high quality education?
"For many feminists, it may come as a shock to hear how unbothered many young women at the nation's top schools are by the strictures of traditional roles."
Really, for one I don't think feminism is to fight against the traditional roles. It is about being given equal opportunity to decide the path of your own life without the bias attached that you are a women so you should take this path. A very strong feminist held an opinion that women should not get maternity leave. And I was appalled by that and more so because she was a very strong "feminist". Isn't it about time that we accept that women do give birth? It is not a unique case it is the situation of half the human race. Another very well educated female holds the opinion that all jobs are not to given to women. And that is not because she thinks that we are physically weak but because the society is not a safe place. Would it have been the right decision to not give "blacks" the jobs when the racism was at its height? Or was it a better solution that the mentality of people was changed and everyone got their rights in the society?
""They are still thinking of this as a private issue; they're accepting it," said Laura Wexler, a professor of American studies and women's and gender studies at Yale. "Women have been given full-time working career opportunities and encouragement with no social changes to support it."
This statement I think is the most appropriate one about the situation today. So, yes arz000n I can believe that friend of yours has made that decision. Each of us, including me, knows if the need comes it will be women who will have to put their career on hold. I will willing do it, but that to be expected out of me is outrageous.
Imagine
It's a nice day for an iPod wedding from CNET
""I swear to god, the DJ was playing Solitaire throughout the dinner and cocktail hour," Spence noted in an online forum at wedding-planning site TheKnot.com. "It seems sort of silly to pay someone a lot of money to sit at a laptop and put on songs when we can do the exact same thing.""
hmmmm imagine at a desi wedding where the whole procession is lead by a band that signals to the traffic slow down or use another route we are celebrating a wedding what would happen if the band is replaced by an iPod and 2 speakers. Or what will happen in thoes procession when the band wallas are used as boundary so that the dancing relatives do not hit the traffic... iPod and two speaker will not do a good job :)
""I swear to god, the DJ was playing Solitaire throughout the dinner and cocktail hour," Spence noted in an online forum at wedding-planning site TheKnot.com. "It seems sort of silly to pay someone a lot of money to sit at a laptop and put on songs when we can do the exact same thing.""
hmmmm imagine at a desi wedding where the whole procession is lead by a band that signals to the traffic slow down or use another route we are celebrating a wedding what would happen if the band is replaced by an iPod and 2 speakers. Or what will happen in thoes procession when the band wallas are used as boundary so that the dancing relatives do not hit the traffic... iPod and two speaker will not do a good job :)
Cool!!
Islamic cell phones going on sale in Europe from IE
"For Muslims, it's a high-tech call to prayer.
The Ilkone I800 cellular telephone generates five automated reminders a day at prayer time, points Muslims in the direction of Mecca and contains a complete, authorized version of the Islamic holy book, Te Quran, in Arabic and English."
Now this is what I call a smart product. It already has a market for itself.
"For Muslims, it's a high-tech call to prayer.
The Ilkone I800 cellular telephone generates five automated reminders a day at prayer time, points Muslims in the direction of Mecca and contains a complete, authorized version of the Islamic holy book, Te Quran, in Arabic and English."
Now this is what I call a smart product. It already has a market for itself.
Gone too far...
Chappell questions Ganguly's attitude from Cricinfo
If this ends the era for Ganguly(which has to end sooner than later) then it will be a sad ending for a person who has added a lot of glorious chapters to Indian cricket.
If this ends the era for Ganguly(which has to end sooner than later) then it will be a sad ending for a person who has added a lot of glorious chapters to Indian cricket.
Sep 21, 2005
Career and Motherhood
Many Women at Elite Colleges Set Career Path to Motherhood from NYTimes
Must read article and actually, I have loads of comments on this article. Will write it when I get time, I hope soon.
Must read article and actually, I have loads of comments on this article. Will write it when I get time, I hope soon.
organized efforts to challenge museum exhibitions on evolution
Challenged by Creationists, Museums Answer Back from NYTimes.
"Instead, he told the volunteers that when they encounter religious fundamentalists they should emphasize that science museums live by the rules of science. They seek answers in nature to questions about nature, they look for explanations that can be tested by experiment and observation in the material world, and they understand that all scientific knowledge is provisional - capable of being overturned when better answers are discovered.
"Is it against all religion?" he asked. "No. But it is against some religions."
There is more than one type of creationist, he said: "thinking creationists who want to know answers, and they are willing to listen, even if they go away unconvinced" and "people who for whatever reason are here to bother you, to trap you, to bludgeon you.""
"Instead, he told the volunteers that when they encounter religious fundamentalists they should emphasize that science museums live by the rules of science. They seek answers in nature to questions about nature, they look for explanations that can be tested by experiment and observation in the material world, and they understand that all scientific knowledge is provisional - capable of being overturned when better answers are discovered.
"Is it against all religion?" he asked. "No. But it is against some religions."
There is more than one type of creationist, he said: "thinking creationists who want to know answers, and they are willing to listen, even if they go away unconvinced" and "people who for whatever reason are here to bother you, to trap you, to bludgeon you.""
quotes
"It makes no difference where you go, there you are. And it makes no difference what you have, there's always more to want. Until you are happy with who you are, you will never be happy because of what you have."
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
Sep 20, 2005
Really??!!
Blogging the blues away from CNET
"Around a third of the respondents said they write frequently about subjects such as self-esteem and self-help, while around 16 percent said they blog because of an interest in journalism. Another 12 percent said they do it remain on top of news and gossip. About 8 percent said they are interested in exposing political information."
"Around a third of the respondents said they write frequently about subjects such as self-esteem and self-help, while around 16 percent said they blog because of an interest in journalism. Another 12 percent said they do it remain on top of news and gossip. About 8 percent said they are interested in exposing political information."
FireFox user
Symantec: Mozilla browsers more vulnerable than IE from CNET
"Mozilla Web browsers are potentially more vulnerable to attack than Microsoft's Internet Explorer, according to a Symantec report. "
...
"Symantec admitted that "at the time of writing, no widespread exploitation of any browser except Microsoft Internet Explorer has occurred," but added that it "expects this to change as alternative browsers become increasingly widely deployed." "
"Mozilla Web browsers are potentially more vulnerable to attack than Microsoft's Internet Explorer, according to a Symantec report. "
...
"Symantec admitted that "at the time of writing, no widespread exploitation of any browser except Microsoft Internet Explorer has occurred," but added that it "expects this to change as alternative browsers become increasingly widely deployed." "
Dr. V.S. Ramachandran
'That's what reality is - the activity of neurons' From IE
Very informative interview. Now I really want to read his book.
Very informative interview. Now I really want to read his book.
Sep 19, 2005
Sania fatwas slammed
Sania inspires a new wave From IE
"LUCKNOW: THE All India Muslim Women’s Personal Law Board has questioned the ‘‘gender-based’’ fatwas issued by various clergymen against tennis star Sania. Instead of praising her achievements, the Muslim clergy was more interested in pointing fingers at her on-court dress, said Shaista Amber, AIMWPLB president.
"Why are fatwas not issued against Salman and Saif who chase heroines bare-chested and in shorts on screen? Why do ulemas have to look only at Sania?" she asked."
I love this response :) Lets see what they have to say now.
But on a serious note I wonder how can a community pull down its own successful individual who has given them such a good name.
"LUCKNOW: THE All India Muslim Women’s Personal Law Board has questioned the ‘‘gender-based’’ fatwas issued by various clergymen against tennis star Sania. Instead of praising her achievements, the Muslim clergy was more interested in pointing fingers at her on-court dress, said Shaista Amber, AIMWPLB president.
"Why are fatwas not issued against Salman and Saif who chase heroines bare-chested and in shorts on screen? Why do ulemas have to look only at Sania?" she asked."
I love this response :) Lets see what they have to say now.
But on a serious note I wonder how can a community pull down its own successful individual who has given them such a good name.
Sep 16, 2005
And I thought that this will stop after the last announcment by the Shia board
Jamaat threatens Sania, security beefed up from IE
" Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza will receive extra security after an Islamic group opposed to her on-court dress threatened to stop her from playing in next week's WTA event, police said on Friday.
Muslim clergymen have denounced the 18-year-old player for wearing skimpy skirts and colourful sleeveless tops on court, which they say are un-Islamic. "
" Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza will receive extra security after an Islamic group opposed to her on-court dress threatened to stop her from playing in next week's WTA event, police said on Friday.
Muslim clergymen have denounced the 18-year-old player for wearing skimpy skirts and colourful sleeveless tops on court, which they say are un-Islamic. "
First I did not believe it... but I cross checked
Musharraf rape remarks irk many from IE
""It (rape) is happening everywhere. You must understand the environment in Pakistan. This has become a moneymaking concern. A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a millionaire, get yourself raped," he said."
Musharraf: No Challenge From Bush On Reversal from Washington Post
"Musharraf said that Mai was free to travel now -- though she has never left Pakistan -- and that he had no regrets about how he handled the incident. He said Mai had come under the sway of organizations determined to harm Pakistan's image and he did not think Pakistan "should be singled out when the curse is everywhere in the world." He noted he had seen reports or figures about rape in the United States, Canada, France and Britain showing that "it is happening everywhere."
"You must understand the environment in Pakistan," Musharraf added. "This has become a moneymaking concern. A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a millionaire, get yourself raped.""
This is his opinion on the women of his country???? Is this his reason for not giving cases, of likes of Mukhtar Mai, importance????? And Mr. Musharraf you are forgetting that some of these cases were against the the law makers of your country or were ordered by the law makers of your country. It is not a image problem, it is a real problem.
Backlash in Pakistan over the comment
Outrage at Musharraf rape remarks from BBC
I wonder if there is hope still?
""It (rape) is happening everywhere. You must understand the environment in Pakistan. This has become a moneymaking concern. A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a millionaire, get yourself raped," he said."
Musharraf: No Challenge From Bush On Reversal from Washington Post
"Musharraf said that Mai was free to travel now -- though she has never left Pakistan -- and that he had no regrets about how he handled the incident. He said Mai had come under the sway of organizations determined to harm Pakistan's image and he did not think Pakistan "should be singled out when the curse is everywhere in the world." He noted he had seen reports or figures about rape in the United States, Canada, France and Britain showing that "it is happening everywhere."
"You must understand the environment in Pakistan," Musharraf added. "This has become a moneymaking concern. A lot of people say if you want to go abroad and get a visa for Canada or citizenship and be a millionaire, get yourself raped.""
This is his opinion on the women of his country???? Is this his reason for not giving cases, of likes of Mukhtar Mai, importance????? And Mr. Musharraf you are forgetting that some of these cases were against the the law makers of your country or were ordered by the law makers of your country. It is not a image problem, it is a real problem.
Backlash in Pakistan over the comment
Outrage at Musharraf rape remarks from BBC
I wonder if there is hope still?
wasn't IIT entrance tough enf?
A little ray of hope against hope for IIT aspirants from The Hindu
"While the first is the rule that the students can take the test only twice, the second relates to the one that bars students from appearing for JEE once they have taken admission to any of the IITs."
There is also an addisional rule that student with only 60% above in there XII can appear in the entrance exams.
"While the first is the rule that the students can take the test only twice, the second relates to the one that bars students from appearing for JEE once they have taken admission to any of the IITs."
There is also an addisional rule that student with only 60% above in there XII can appear in the entrance exams.
Sep 15, 2005
What sort of justice is this???!!!!
Gohana burning from The Pioneer
"In one of the worst ever instances of a pogrom in Haryana, upper caste Jat villagers in the small industrial town of Gohana burnt down 54 homes belonging to Balmiki Dalits on August 31. Though no one was hurt, the 2,000 Dalit families living in Balmiki Basti fled immediately, fearing for their lives. According to reports, the damage was done by a mob of about a 1,000 carrying lathis, sambals and petrol cans.
The following Thursday morning smoke continued to spiral out of what was left of the homes. Littered in the midst of the debris were water coolers, televisions and refrigerators. The burning of the Dalit homes was traced back to the murder of a Jat financier called Baljit. The murder took place on August 27. One of the men accused of the murder, Lara, belonged to the Balmiki Dalit community. After the murder, a mahapanchayat of 52 nearby villages was held on the last two days of August, demanding that the men accused of the murder be arrested.
As the mahapanchayat was still underway, a rumour spread that Lara's name had been deleted from the FIR. A mob collected and marched on the Dalit homes, setting them on fire. "
...
"Hooda blamed the Opposition for having instigated the incident in view of the Rohtak Lok Sabha by-election to be held on September 23. Later in the evening, a Left parties delegation led by CPI(M) MP Brinda Karat visited the area, condemning the burning of Dalit homes."
"In one of the worst ever instances of a pogrom in Haryana, upper caste Jat villagers in the small industrial town of Gohana burnt down 54 homes belonging to Balmiki Dalits on August 31. Though no one was hurt, the 2,000 Dalit families living in Balmiki Basti fled immediately, fearing for their lives. According to reports, the damage was done by a mob of about a 1,000 carrying lathis, sambals and petrol cans.
The following Thursday morning smoke continued to spiral out of what was left of the homes. Littered in the midst of the debris were water coolers, televisions and refrigerators. The burning of the Dalit homes was traced back to the murder of a Jat financier called Baljit. The murder took place on August 27. One of the men accused of the murder, Lara, belonged to the Balmiki Dalit community. After the murder, a mahapanchayat of 52 nearby villages was held on the last two days of August, demanding that the men accused of the murder be arrested.
As the mahapanchayat was still underway, a rumour spread that Lara's name had been deleted from the FIR. A mob collected and marched on the Dalit homes, setting them on fire. "
...
"Hooda blamed the Opposition for having instigated the incident in view of the Rohtak Lok Sabha by-election to be held on September 23. Later in the evening, a Left parties delegation led by CPI(M) MP Brinda Karat visited the area, condemning the burning of Dalit homes."
Sep 14, 2005
Sep 13, 2005
Cricket Crazy Country (no not India but England this time)
London crowds mob England's cricketing titans from IE
Did not think that this kind of celebration would take place place in any other cricket loving nation other than India. I think the joy of the English people is at par if not more than the elation that we (Indias) displayed when India had the winning streak in Pakistan or the last world cup. Finally, it seems that cricket is the British game.
This is from an article on cricinfo -
"And any chance to further rub the Australian noses in it is also not being passed up. "Buy your England car stickers here," proclaimed one souvenir seller, "then drive around the Australian embassy all day.""
and there are a lot of articles there to be read.
Did not think that this kind of celebration would take place place in any other cricket loving nation other than India. I think the joy of the English people is at par if not more than the elation that we (Indias) displayed when India had the winning streak in Pakistan or the last world cup. Finally, it seems that cricket is the British game.
This is from an article on cricinfo -
"And any chance to further rub the Australian noses in it is also not being passed up. "Buy your England car stickers here," proclaimed one souvenir seller, "then drive around the Australian embassy all day.""
and there are a lot of articles there to be read.
Sep 12, 2005
hmmmm... lets see
Sharia law move quashed in Canada from BBC
"Mr McGuinty said he would introduce "as soon as possible" a law banning all religious arbitration in the province.
Ontario has allowed Catholic and Jewish faith-based tribunals to resolve family disputes on a voluntary basis since 1991.
Mr McGuinty, who had been studying Ms Boyd's report since last December, said he was concerned religious family courts could "threaten our common ground".
He told the Canadian Press news agency: "There will be no Sharia law in Ontario. There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario. There will be one law for all Ontarians." "
"Mr McGuinty said he would introduce "as soon as possible" a law banning all religious arbitration in the province.
Ontario has allowed Catholic and Jewish faith-based tribunals to resolve family disputes on a voluntary basis since 1991.
Mr McGuinty, who had been studying Ms Boyd's report since last December, said he was concerned religious family courts could "threaten our common ground".
He told the Canadian Press news agency: "There will be no Sharia law in Ontario. There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario. There will be one law for all Ontarians." "
quote
If you can't ignore an insult, top it;
if you can't top it, laugh it off;
and if you can't laugh it off, it's probably deserved.
-- Unknown Author
(don't know how much truth is there in this one... )
if you can't top it, laugh it off;
and if you can't laugh it off, it's probably deserved.
-- Unknown Author
(don't know how much truth is there in this one... )
Ashes back home!
England finally won the Ashes after 16 years. I never thought that this day will come. Revival of English cricket....
When will the revival of Indian cricket be?
When will the revival of Indian cricket be?
Sep 10, 2005
I am glad to read this
Fatwa on Sania dress uncalled for: Shia Board from The Hindu
"Athar said it was regrettable that the clerics issued the fatwa against Sania who did the community and the country proud by becoming the first Indian to reach pre-quarterfinals of the US Open."
I would to hear more of this.
"Athar said it was regrettable that the clerics issued the fatwa against Sania who did the community and the country proud by becoming the first Indian to reach pre-quarterfinals of the US Open."
I would to hear more of this.
Sep 9, 2005
Segregated
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4230614.stm from BBC
"A 43-year-old Indian woman has been rescued after being locked up by her family in a single room for more than a quarter of a century.
Her family members in the eastern Indian state of Orissa said she was mentally ill and had to be kept apart because of her "wild behaviour".
Annapurna Sahu was confined in an abandoned outhouse - only a few feet high and without proper flooring.
The family said she was not mistreated and was given food and water regularly. "
"A 43-year-old Indian woman has been rescued after being locked up by her family in a single room for more than a quarter of a century.
Her family members in the eastern Indian state of Orissa said she was mentally ill and had to be kept apart because of her "wild behaviour".
Annapurna Sahu was confined in an abandoned outhouse - only a few feet high and without proper flooring.
The family said she was not mistreated and was given food and water regularly. "
Have they totally lost it!!!!!!!!
Sania Mirza faces 'fatwa' from financial express
""Veil can be dropped on certain occasions but not the way the girl is going about and playing in all those countries," the scholar told a private news channel on Wednesday."
Should Sania play in salwar kameez? from HT
""Veil can be dropped on certain occasions but not the way the girl is going about and playing in all those countries," the scholar told a private news channel on Wednesday."
Should Sania play in salwar kameez? from HT
Sep 8, 2005
ISN'T ENGLISH A FUNNY LANGUAGE ?
There is no egg in eggplant or ham in hamburger; neither apple nor
pine in pineapple...
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
In what language do people recite at a play, and play at a recital?
Ship by truck, and send cargo by ship?
Park on driveways and drive on Parkways?
Sweetmeats are candies, while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.
We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find
that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea
pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing, grocers
don't groce, and hammers don't ham?
If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth?
One goose, 2 geese. So, one moose, 2 meese?
One index, two indices?
Is cheese the plural of choose?
How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another?
When a house burns up, it burns down.
You fill in a form by filling it out, and an alarm clock goes off by going on.
When the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out,
they are invisible.
And why, when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this
essay, I end it?
How can 'slim chance and a fat chance' be the same, while ' wise man
and a wise guy' are opposites?
Always Remember
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But don't forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that have passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
- Author Unknown
The things that made you sad
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue.
But don't forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that have passed away.
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
- Author Unknown
Sep 7, 2005
Another song lyrics
Lagi aaj saawan ki, phir wo zhadi hain
Wahi aag seene mein, phir jal padi hain
Kuchh ayese hi din the, wo jab hum mile the
Chaman mein nahi, phool dil mein khile the
Wahi to hain mausam magar rut nahi wo
Mere saath barasaat bhee ro padi hai
Lagi aaj saawan ki, phir wo zhadi hain
Wahi aag seene mein, phir jal padi hain
Koi kaash dil pe, jaraa haath rakh de
Mere dil ke tukadon ko, yek saath rakh de
Magar ye hain khwaabon khayaalon ki baatien
Kabhi toot kar cheej koi judi hain
Lagi aaj saawan ki, phir wo zhadi hain
Wahi aag seene mein, phir jal padi hain
Wahi aag seene mein, phir jal padi hain
Kuchh ayese hi din the, wo jab hum mile the
Chaman mein nahi, phool dil mein khile the
Wahi to hain mausam magar rut nahi wo
Mere saath barasaat bhee ro padi hai
Lagi aaj saawan ki, phir wo zhadi hain
Wahi aag seene mein, phir jal padi hain
Koi kaash dil pe, jaraa haath rakh de
Mere dil ke tukadon ko, yek saath rakh de
Magar ye hain khwaabon khayaalon ki baatien
Kabhi toot kar cheej koi judi hain
Lagi aaj saawan ki, phir wo zhadi hain
Wahi aag seene mein, phir jal padi hain
line from an unknown song
ab ke baras savan me rokar dil ke zakhm chupayege
fighting depression
Fighting Depression by Restoring Your Routines
"5) Eat sensibly. A loss of ones appetite, especially for sensible foods, is very common. Make the effort to eat as much fresh fruit, vegetables, fibre and nutrients as possible. If you find that your stomach is in a knot and the thought of eating fills you with dread, try taking these things in the form of a drink. Use a food blender, juice extractor or similar. There is a wide variety of these machines on the market. Adding an appropriate multi-vitamin supplement to your daily diet can also help. Don't be afraid to allow yourself a food treat now and again, just be careful not to overdo it. "A little of what you fancy does you good", with the emphasis on "little".
6) Get out as often as you can. Even if, at times, all you think you can manage is going out into the garden, then you are, at least, getting some fresh air and a bit of sun on your face. Exercise is a great way to lift your spirits, so even going out to post a letter will help.
7) Keep in touch with family and friends. Losing touch with our loved ones leaves us feeling more isolated so make the effort to meet up with those people you care about and who care about you. Even if you feel that you can't manage to see anyone face-to-face, phone them, write a letter or use email. If you don't want discuss your life with people you know, you could consider the likes of internet forums as an outlet for expression. Talking to strangers is often easier.
8) Look after your personal environment. Housework not only improves the look of your surroundings but also provides good, low level exercise.
9) Don't get bored. Do ANYTHING to fill in that gap. Do a crossword, read a book or magazine that you find interesting, polish the silver, polish your shoes, shave the cat. Just do SOMETHING. Make it an activity you have to concentrate on so that your thoughts are, at least temporarily, distracted from the depression. Even 5 minutes of concentrating on another subject is a welcome "holiday"."
"5) Eat sensibly. A loss of ones appetite, especially for sensible foods, is very common. Make the effort to eat as much fresh fruit, vegetables, fibre and nutrients as possible. If you find that your stomach is in a knot and the thought of eating fills you with dread, try taking these things in the form of a drink. Use a food blender, juice extractor or similar. There is a wide variety of these machines on the market. Adding an appropriate multi-vitamin supplement to your daily diet can also help. Don't be afraid to allow yourself a food treat now and again, just be careful not to overdo it. "A little of what you fancy does you good", with the emphasis on "little".
6) Get out as often as you can. Even if, at times, all you think you can manage is going out into the garden, then you are, at least, getting some fresh air and a bit of sun on your face. Exercise is a great way to lift your spirits, so even going out to post a letter will help.
7) Keep in touch with family and friends. Losing touch with our loved ones leaves us feeling more isolated so make the effort to meet up with those people you care about and who care about you. Even if you feel that you can't manage to see anyone face-to-face, phone them, write a letter or use email. If you don't want discuss your life with people you know, you could consider the likes of internet forums as an outlet for expression. Talking to strangers is often easier.
8) Look after your personal environment. Housework not only improves the look of your surroundings but also provides good, low level exercise.
9) Don't get bored. Do ANYTHING to fill in that gap. Do a crossword, read a book or magazine that you find interesting, polish the silver, polish your shoes, shave the cat. Just do SOMETHING. Make it an activity you have to concentrate on so that your thoughts are, at least temporarily, distracted from the depression. Even 5 minutes of concentrating on another subject is a welcome "holiday"."
Sep 6, 2005
anonymuncule
phir se
chamkegi asha ki kirne phir se,
hogi kushyio ke barsat phir se,
nahi milege to yeh pal jo guzaare hamne tumne sang.
chamkegi asha ki kirne phir se,
hogi kushyio ke barsat phir se,
nahi milege to yeh pal jo guzaare hamne tumne sang.
Sep 2, 2005
Work An Hour -- ASHA
"Asha for Education's mission is to catalyze socioeconomic change in India through the education of underprivileged children."
Click on the banner above for donation to be used towards the education of underprivileged children in India.
funny quote
The Game and Players
World's apart, but arm in arm from Cricinfo
India won its match against NZ :) :) but this is not abt that...
"With Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid behind the stumps, Ifran Pathan at extra cover, and two dozen Zimbabwean orphans bouncing around the infield, India's match-winning Harbhajan Singh bowls another gripping offspinner. But as he surveys his handiwork, a strident call of "no ball" comes from nine-year-old orphan, Tinashe. It is a courageous and plucky call, and one that immediately curries favour with the sometimes roguish Singh. For the next hour he and Tinashe chat and walk together. India's cricketing hero and one of Zimbabwe's 1.3 million orphans. World's apart, but arm in arm.
And so it went throughout the morning as five of India's cricketing stars took time away from their busy tour schedule to meet more than 100 orphans at a UNICEF-supported education project on the outskirts of Harare."
India won its match against NZ :) :) but this is not abt that...
"With Indian vice-captain Rahul Dravid behind the stumps, Ifran Pathan at extra cover, and two dozen Zimbabwean orphans bouncing around the infield, India's match-winning Harbhajan Singh bowls another gripping offspinner. But as he surveys his handiwork, a strident call of "no ball" comes from nine-year-old orphan, Tinashe. It is a courageous and plucky call, and one that immediately curries favour with the sometimes roguish Singh. For the next hour he and Tinashe chat and walk together. India's cricketing hero and one of Zimbabwe's 1.3 million orphans. World's apart, but arm in arm.
And so it went throughout the morning as five of India's cricketing stars took time away from their busy tour schedule to meet more than 100 orphans at a UNICEF-supported education project on the outskirts of Harare."
Article for coffee lovers like me :)
Coffee in moderation is 'good for you' form Daily Mail [via Anitha]
"It said the majority of people were not aware of the beneficial effects of moderate coffee consumption. These benefits included improved concentration and a high content of antioxidants"
"It said the majority of people were not aware of the beneficial effects of moderate coffee consumption. These benefits included improved concentration and a high content of antioxidants"
Some intresting points
Women players have really come a long way from The Hindu
"Federer is not a patronising sort of fellow, though to read into this that women first polish nails and then forehands is abject nonsense. They can do both. Ask Sharapova if the game comes first for her, and she will sneer. That No.1 tag is not for modelling, though sometimes, alas, it is almost as if a beautiful women's player must prove herself doubly. One of the points missed about Anna Kournikova is that she did not set out to be a celebrity, but a tennis player."
...
"Sometimes still a disservice is done to women's players with prurient questions, and some level of objectifying remains and so do double standards. If like Svetlana Kuznetsova, Sharapova was defending champion and lost in the first round, teeth-gnashing would occur over whether her tennis was being sacrificed for selling perfumes. Federer, who has his own fragrance, would scarcely face such scrutiny."
...
"Truth is, what makes the women's tour attractive is that many of its players are not merely finely gifted, but proud, young, sure of themselves, and not averse to expressing their personalities. They are mistresses of their own fate and charters of their own destinies.
The Williams sisters are multi-dimensional, engaging and provocative. It might be said if Serena focused purely on tennis instead of fashion/ decorating/movies, her impressive record would be more glittering. It might also be argued that such distractions give her balance and have helped shelter her from burn-out. Either way it makes her fascinating, a player of passion and personality, and worthy of respect."
I am wondering who worte this article... my assumption is that a women wrote it.
"Federer is not a patronising sort of fellow, though to read into this that women first polish nails and then forehands is abject nonsense. They can do both. Ask Sharapova if the game comes first for her, and she will sneer. That No.1 tag is not for modelling, though sometimes, alas, it is almost as if a beautiful women's player must prove herself doubly. One of the points missed about Anna Kournikova is that she did not set out to be a celebrity, but a tennis player."
...
"Sometimes still a disservice is done to women's players with prurient questions, and some level of objectifying remains and so do double standards. If like Svetlana Kuznetsova, Sharapova was defending champion and lost in the first round, teeth-gnashing would occur over whether her tennis was being sacrificed for selling perfumes. Federer, who has his own fragrance, would scarcely face such scrutiny."
...
"Truth is, what makes the women's tour attractive is that many of its players are not merely finely gifted, but proud, young, sure of themselves, and not averse to expressing their personalities. They are mistresses of their own fate and charters of their own destinies.
The Williams sisters are multi-dimensional, engaging and provocative. It might be said if Serena focused purely on tennis instead of fashion/ decorating/movies, her impressive record would be more glittering. It might also be argued that such distractions give her balance and have helped shelter her from burn-out. Either way it makes her fascinating, a player of passion and personality, and worthy of respect."
I am wondering who worte this article... my assumption is that a women wrote it.
Moderate Muslim
Who is a "moderate" Muslim and how? from The Hindu
"What Western governments are looking for are orthodox but non-fanatical "insiders" (as against secular "outsiders") — people who have enough acceptability within the community and can invoke the authority of Islam to denounce terrorism. It is argued that a message couched in an appropriately religious tone and delivered by seemingly "devout" Muslims who are in "communion" with the community has a greater chance of being given a hearing than a lecture on reforms by secularists whom the community regards as too elitist and detached."
...
"Having said that, leaders from a traditional mould can — if they wish — play a positive role for the simple reason that conservative Hindu and Muslim faith groups feel more comfortable with them than with secularists who remain on the fringes of community life. It is a mistake to dismiss all traditional leaders as necessarily obscurantist, communal and backward-looking. No doubt, most happen to be status quoists and have a vested interest in keeping the community backward in order to maintain their hold on them, but there have been many exceptions both among Hindus and Muslims. Many of the reforms in the Hindu community were spearheaded by traditional and deeply religious figures, and one of the most prominent Indian Muslim reformers, Syed Ahmed Khan, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University, also came from a "traditional" background.
Traditional and modern
Sir Syed was a practising Muslim who acknowledged the importance of religion but, at the same time, he was also a modern man, and was able to mobilise the community around a modernising agenda. What is more, as The Daily Telegraph writer Mihir Bose notes, it was in the "depth of Muslim despair" (not very different from the situation today) that Sir Syed emerged to lead them to modernity — encouraging them to free themselves from "customs and beliefs that were outdated and hidebound."
Another "traditional" leader who became a major Muslim reformer was the late President Zakir Hussain, one of the founders of Jamia Millia Islamia. (Ironically, seeds of narrow Muslim nationalism and separatism were sown not by "traditional" leaders but by a highly westernised, secular and modern figure like Mohammed Ali Jinnah.)
People like Sir Syed and Dr. Zakir Hussain were able to separate religion from politics and, more importantly, they had a vision for the community, which the present-day leaders lack. Mr. Sacraine and his counterparts in other countries are, essentially, ambitious politicians in search of a constituency and an agenda — and a community feeling under siege is just what the doctor ordered."
"What Western governments are looking for are orthodox but non-fanatical "insiders" (as against secular "outsiders") — people who have enough acceptability within the community and can invoke the authority of Islam to denounce terrorism. It is argued that a message couched in an appropriately religious tone and delivered by seemingly "devout" Muslims who are in "communion" with the community has a greater chance of being given a hearing than a lecture on reforms by secularists whom the community regards as too elitist and detached."
...
"Having said that, leaders from a traditional mould can — if they wish — play a positive role for the simple reason that conservative Hindu and Muslim faith groups feel more comfortable with them than with secularists who remain on the fringes of community life. It is a mistake to dismiss all traditional leaders as necessarily obscurantist, communal and backward-looking. No doubt, most happen to be status quoists and have a vested interest in keeping the community backward in order to maintain their hold on them, but there have been many exceptions both among Hindus and Muslims. Many of the reforms in the Hindu community were spearheaded by traditional and deeply religious figures, and one of the most prominent Indian Muslim reformers, Syed Ahmed Khan, the founder of Aligarh Muslim University, also came from a "traditional" background.
Traditional and modern
Sir Syed was a practising Muslim who acknowledged the importance of religion but, at the same time, he was also a modern man, and was able to mobilise the community around a modernising agenda. What is more, as The Daily Telegraph writer Mihir Bose notes, it was in the "depth of Muslim despair" (not very different from the situation today) that Sir Syed emerged to lead them to modernity — encouraging them to free themselves from "customs and beliefs that were outdated and hidebound."
Another "traditional" leader who became a major Muslim reformer was the late President Zakir Hussain, one of the founders of Jamia Millia Islamia. (Ironically, seeds of narrow Muslim nationalism and separatism were sown not by "traditional" leaders but by a highly westernised, secular and modern figure like Mohammed Ali Jinnah.)
People like Sir Syed and Dr. Zakir Hussain were able to separate religion from politics and, more importantly, they had a vision for the community, which the present-day leaders lack. Mr. Sacraine and his counterparts in other countries are, essentially, ambitious politicians in search of a constituency and an agenda — and a community feeling under siege is just what the doctor ordered."
found it... creation story in hinduism
Actually there is more than one creation stories in Hinduism(as I should have expected). I will post the rest after reading some more.
"Brahma is considered the creator of the universe. Before the cosmos existed, Brahma was all alone, self contained and self-content. Eventually, he felt inadequate and longed for company. Brahma split himself and created the goddess Shatarupa. Her many forms captivated Brahma, and he desired to posses her.
But that was not to be. Like all material things, Shatarupa would turn into something else every time Brahma got to her. She turned into a cow, a mare, a goose and a doe. Brahma kept pursuing her, taking the form of the corresponding male - a bull, a horse, a gander, a buck. Thus all creatures of the cosmos, from the smallest insect to the largest mammal, came into being.
Brahma sprouted five heads, so that he could watch Shatarupa at all times. To restrain Brahma's lust, Shiva wrenched off one of Brahma's five heads. This helped Brahma come to his senses, and he took Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, as his consort. With her help, he regained control of his mind.
For creating the universe, Brahma became known as the lord of progeny. But he is not worshipped because he is responsible for distracting the mind away from the soul and towards the cravings of the flesh. "
"Brahma is considered the creator of the universe. Before the cosmos existed, Brahma was all alone, self contained and self-content. Eventually, he felt inadequate and longed for company. Brahma split himself and created the goddess Shatarupa. Her many forms captivated Brahma, and he desired to posses her.
But that was not to be. Like all material things, Shatarupa would turn into something else every time Brahma got to her. She turned into a cow, a mare, a goose and a doe. Brahma kept pursuing her, taking the form of the corresponding male - a bull, a horse, a gander, a buck. Thus all creatures of the cosmos, from the smallest insect to the largest mammal, came into being.
Brahma sprouted five heads, so that he could watch Shatarupa at all times. To restrain Brahma's lust, Shiva wrenched off one of Brahma's five heads. This helped Brahma come to his senses, and he took Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, as his consort. With her help, he regained control of his mind.
For creating the universe, Brahma became known as the lord of progeny. But he is not worshipped because he is responsible for distracting the mind away from the soul and towards the cravings of the flesh. "
Sep 1, 2005
Behind the Trinity is One
In India, there is a legend about Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Each of them was boasting about their miraculous powers. All of a sudden, a young boy came forth, asking Brahma: "What do you create?" Brahma's answer was quick and proud:"Everything". Asking the other two gods, the boy got the answers: "We sustain and then dissolve everything". The young visitor was holding a small straw in his hand. Showing it to Brahma, the boy asked: "Can you create a straw just like this?" after an extraordinary effort, Brahma admitted that he cannot create such a straw. The child turned to Vishnu and asked him to preserve the form of the straw. To his amazement, Vishnu was looking helpless to the dissolving form of the straw. Finally, the child asked Shiva to destroy the straw. Despite all his efforts, the straw was still there. Then the boy turned again towards Brahma and asked him: "Are you my creator?" Brahma thought thoroughly, but he could not remember creating the amazing boy. The child suddenly disappeared from their bewildered eyes, and the three gods remembered that behind their amazing powers there is always God.
I was looking for creation in Hinduism and came accross this intresting story about the fact that Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh being the one and the same God.
On creation I will find something later.
I was looking for creation in Hinduism and came accross this intresting story about the fact that Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh being the one and the same God.
On creation I will find something later.
Another theory of how WE came to be...
This is funny, really funny especially after you have read the previous article by Dawkins :)
But Is There Intelligent Spaghetti Out There? from NYTimes
"In perfect deadpan he wrote that although he agreed that science students should "hear multiple viewpoints" of how the universe came to be, he was worried that they would be hearing only one theory of intelligent design. After all, he noted, there are many such theories, including his own fervent belief that "the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster." He demanded equal time in the classroom and threatened a lawsuit. "
The whole article is a must read...
Original source
But Is There Intelligent Spaghetti Out There? from NYTimes
"In perfect deadpan he wrote that although he agreed that science students should "hear multiple viewpoints" of how the universe came to be, he was worried that they would be hearing only one theory of intelligent design. After all, he noted, there are many such theories, including his own fervent belief that "the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster." He demanded equal time in the classroom and threatened a lawsuit. "
The whole article is a must read...
Original source
Dawkins article on Creation, Intelligent Design and Evolution
I was waiting for this one :)
One side can be wrong from The Guardian
"If ID really were a scientific theory, positive evidence for it, gathered through research, would fill peer-reviewed scientific journals. This doesn't happen. It isn't that editors refuse to publish ID research. There simply isn't any ID research to publish. Its advocates bypass normal scientific due process by appealing directly to the non-scientific public and - with great shrewdness - to the government officials they elect.
The argument the ID advocates put, such as it is, is always of the same character. Never do they offer positive evidence in favour of intelligent design. All we ever get is a list of alleged deficiencies in evolution. We are told of "gaps" in the fossil record. Or organs are stated, by fiat and without supporting evidence, to be "irreducibly complex": too complex to have evolved by natural selection.
In all cases there is a hidden (actually they scarcely even bother to hide it) "default" assumption that if Theory A has some difficulty in explaining Phenomenon X, we must automatically prefer Theory B without even asking whether Theory B (creationism in this case) is any better at explaining it. Note how unbalanced this is, and how it gives the lie to the apparent reasonableness of "let's teach both sides". One side is required to produce evidence, every step of the way. The other side is never required to produce one iota of evidence, but is deemed to have won automatically, the moment the first side encounters a difficulty - the sort of difficulty that all sciences encounter every day, and go to work to solve, with relish."
One side can be wrong from The Guardian
"If ID really were a scientific theory, positive evidence for it, gathered through research, would fill peer-reviewed scientific journals. This doesn't happen. It isn't that editors refuse to publish ID research. There simply isn't any ID research to publish. Its advocates bypass normal scientific due process by appealing directly to the non-scientific public and - with great shrewdness - to the government officials they elect.
The argument the ID advocates put, such as it is, is always of the same character. Never do they offer positive evidence in favour of intelligent design. All we ever get is a list of alleged deficiencies in evolution. We are told of "gaps" in the fossil record. Or organs are stated, by fiat and without supporting evidence, to be "irreducibly complex": too complex to have evolved by natural selection.
In all cases there is a hidden (actually they scarcely even bother to hide it) "default" assumption that if Theory A has some difficulty in explaining Phenomenon X, we must automatically prefer Theory B without even asking whether Theory B (creationism in this case) is any better at explaining it. Note how unbalanced this is, and how it gives the lie to the apparent reasonableness of "let's teach both sides". One side is required to produce evidence, every step of the way. The other side is never required to produce one iota of evidence, but is deemed to have won automatically, the moment the first side encounters a difficulty - the sort of difficulty that all sciences encounter every day, and go to work to solve, with relish."