It’s the Olympics once again. And it’s us once again, clamouring for more than just 1 or 2 medals, and cheering every match in the hope that we land that elusive gold or silver, or at least a bronze. And once the Games end, the same comment on our lips – Why does a nation …
So, I was reading about iron ore mining in Australia, and I came across a passage that took me on a tangent. This part of the book addresses the history of mining in that part of the world and the blatant disregard that mining companies had for the lands held sacred by the original inhabitants, …
Why can’t China make a ballpoint pen? There is what’s regarded in China as a “classic” question of manufacturing. The manufacturing powerhouse of the world finds it difficult to make this, despite making 80% of the world’s pens. As it turns out, the ballpoint of the ballpoint pen—a tiny metal ball bearing that “mimics the …
I am a lead pencil—the ordinary wooden pencil familiar to all boys and girls and adults who can read and write. Writing is both my vocation and my avocation; that’s all I do. You may wonder why I should write a genealogy. Well, to begin with, my story is interesting. And, next, I am a …
Read something intriguing and amusing today. Did you know that Germany was once the leading producer of glass, but at the onset of World War I it abruptly halted glass supplies to Britain, which urgently needed it for binoculars and artillery. A war effort, held hostage because soldiers can’t see where to aim! Also, Germany …
A newsletter that does not waste time in coming to the point. Three recommendations per week – one book, one song, one article. No lengthly explanations, reasoning, reviews or gyaan. And no particular theme. This week: Book – A Short History of Nearly Everything – by Bill Bryson Music – Vilambit Impressions – Ustad Zakir …
I haven’t given a Ted Talk as yet, but then, Ted was never around. Public speaking is not easy. There are many who speak in public, there are some who speak to the public and a few to who the public speaks back. I have seen a lot of the first two, but a handful …
What role does choice play in our lives? I read a book somewhere that spoke about parallel realities. Every time we are faced with a choice, we make one and our lives go forward from that point on. But there is a possibility that the other choice is also made, and reality splits there so …
Ok the title was just to complete the rhyme. Nothing about chakki aata here. However, a lot of talk about money today. India’s budget has been announced. Personally, the only thing the middle class used to look for (and still does) were tax cuts and better allowances. However, the biggest elephant in the room (besides …
Narayana and Nara are supposed to have taken form as Sri Krishna and Arjuna. They were almost like twins, working together living together, eating together, one being in two bodies. The association of Sri Krishna with Arjuna, so inseparable, is an illustration of the inseparable relation between God and man. यत्र योगेश्वर: कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धर: ।तत्र श्रीर्विजयो …
