Events 
There are 23 upcoming events listed in our Portland calendar. Click here for calendar.
Kasab Confesses
The lone gunmen captured during the Bombay rampage in September 2008 threw another bombshell, so to speak. This time, it was in the courtroom. As the proceedings were in progress, accused Ajmal Kasab suddenly stood up, and to the consternation of all present, (including, reportedly, of his own court appointed counsel), declared that he wanted to confess to the crime, and invite the appropriate punishment for his deeds.
Thereafter, he proceeded to lay out all the details of his recruitment, training and preparation for the mayhem which he and his associates were to commit. Some of the description are reported to be of such import that the judge has embargoed publication of these. The hand of Lashkar E Taiba and the fact that the plot originated in Pakistan is now established beyond any quibbling.
Health Care in Hot Seat
President Obama held a prime time press conference on health care. He declared that a new health care bill will be passed 'this year'. | Goodbye, and Thanks for All the Fish
The increasing number of environmental concerns surfacing makes it difficult to hear any one issue. Johann Hari reviews the declining fish populations as explored in the recent documentary The End Of the Line but urges the world audience to a stronger response than the consumer-driven type suggested by the film. More...
A Bridge Too Far for Mumbai's Cars?
The Bandra-Worli sea-link bridge opened to great fanfare in Bombay recently. Coming soon after the November assaults, it shows the resiliency of Mumbaikars, as it does the increasing Indian investment in high-tech infrastructural projects. However, it still bears asking, as Darryl D'Monte does, if this is the wisest use of India's resources, and if commensurate investment in public transport would not be more democratic and environmentally smart. More...
To Unite a Community - The Genius of Bhajana
Bhajana is described as the expression of a congregation's devotion through music. As Ram S. Sriram notes, more than the melody and storytelling, bhajana also reminds the devoted of the ideal they are striving to be. The tradition of Bhajans further serves to unite the faithful in devotion, rather than divide worshipers according to social or religious status. A fascinating look at the political impact of bhajans. More...
Speechless in Any Language?
The debate over which language medium schools should use has been ongoing since India's Independence. Writer Aakar Patel agonizes over the loss both sides of the argument are facing now as those taught in English have no roots in their culture and those taught in their mother tongue have little hope for a quality education. More...
Is this All?
As 'Democracy' continues to spread around the globe, citizens in post-democratic countries are just starting to recognize the twisted version of governance that emerges once democracy and the free market fuse. Arundhati Roy discusses the resulting variants as lacking some of the luster and shine originally promised in the idealistic version of Democracy. More...
Mogambo lives!
The late Amrish Puri was best known for his line, Mogambo Khush Hua!. The need for hero and villain seems innate in the modern human's psyche. As one villain recedes from the scene, we ourselves manufacture another. Similarly, as one 'good guy' goes, another takes his place, without any essential change. Ashok Agrwaal explains. More...
One of a Kind
The world is still reeling from the tragic death of the King of Pop, The death of this influential performer definitely qualifies as one of those "laugh or you'll cry" moments and author Melvin Durai rushes to the rescue. Here, he gently pokes fun at, while paying his own special kind of homage to, the greatest pop star ever to thrill the world, Michael Jackson. More...
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Movies 
There is one Indian movie playing in Portland. Details...
Hillary in India
In the matter of climate change and carbon emissions, her diplomacy appears to have failed. India's junior minister Jairam Ramesh chose a public venue, with visiting US Secy. of State Hillary Clinton and other members of her delegation standing by, he said there was no question of India conforming to any US standards, for, as he put it, the Indian per-capita emissions were among the lowest in the world.
Total Eclipse
India and China experienced a total eclipse this week. So did superstition, as thousands stayed out to watch.
Trans-Continental Riff
Continental Airlines apologized to former Indian President Abdul Kalam, after he was searched at Delhi Aiport en-route to America. The search was conducted per TSA rules, according the airline. Mr. Kalam's spokesman denied that the former president had protested or objected to the search.
In Quotes
"(Health Care reform) is Obama's Waterloo... It will break him."
-- Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) |
