Friday, November 25, 2005
Ponzi scheme
R. Jagannathan in DNA (Daily News & Analysis) argues that stockmarket works just like a Ponzi scheme. While the latter is actually a scam, he adds that the former is a naturally occuring Ponzi process. An excellent article indeed.
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On a related note, after an unprecedented advertising blitz across Mumbai during its launch, it seems DNA is now getting its act together. They have a dedicated supplement towards business/personnel finance, and the main supplement is also good. Their website is well maintained and has an excellent epaper.
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Current Music : Durge Durghat bhari ( Yeah, the aarti for Durga goddess, this version is excellent)
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On a related note, after an unprecedented advertising blitz across Mumbai during its launch, it seems DNA is now getting its act together. They have a dedicated supplement towards business/personnel finance, and the main supplement is also good. Their website is well maintained and has an excellent epaper.
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Current Music : Durge Durghat bhari ( Yeah, the aarti for Durga goddess, this version is excellent)
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
End of Lalten
So finally the irrepressible Lalu was humbled in his own backyard.
Some would say the end was coming. The man who forged the most unbeatable caste combination was beaten at his own game by another combination of upper castes and extremely backward castes, and of course, helped by Ramvilas Paswan's LJP.
For the national parties, Congress and BJP, this represents both good and bad news. The good thing for the Congress is that since Lalu has been now cut to size, his clout and bargaining power is much reduced at the national level. The bad news is that its much touted revival in the Hindi heartland remains a pipedream.
For the BJP too, the victory comes as a morale booster at a time when it finds itself in a severe ideological and leadership crisis. It can now be expected to sincerely play the role of an opposition party at the national level. It beat RJD to emerge as the 2nd largest party in Bihar but that also means that it is a junior partner to JD(U). Sadly politics in UP and Bihar has been so fragmented on caste lines that the national parties have to piggyback on local parties.
Meanwhile, in our very own Maharashtra, the Shivsena had to face two heart-breaking defeats. The Malwan debacle where its candidate even failed to save his deposit must rankle it more. Both the Congress and the NCP are trying hard to make inroads into Shivsena's bastions viz. Mumbai and Konkan. At this stage, even retaining power in BMC(Bombay Municipal Corp)which goes to polls in 2007, looks an uphill task for the Sena.
Some would say the end was coming. The man who forged the most unbeatable caste combination was beaten at his own game by another combination of upper castes and extremely backward castes, and of course, helped by Ramvilas Paswan's LJP.
For the national parties, Congress and BJP, this represents both good and bad news. The good thing for the Congress is that since Lalu has been now cut to size, his clout and bargaining power is much reduced at the national level. The bad news is that its much touted revival in the Hindi heartland remains a pipedream.
For the BJP too, the victory comes as a morale booster at a time when it finds itself in a severe ideological and leadership crisis. It can now be expected to sincerely play the role of an opposition party at the national level. It beat RJD to emerge as the 2nd largest party in Bihar but that also means that it is a junior partner to JD(U). Sadly politics in UP and Bihar has been so fragmented on caste lines that the national parties have to piggyback on local parties.
Meanwhile, in our very own Maharashtra, the Shivsena had to face two heart-breaking defeats. The Malwan debacle where its candidate even failed to save his deposit must rankle it more. Both the Congress and the NCP are trying hard to make inroads into Shivsena's bastions viz. Mumbai and Konkan. At this stage, even retaining power in BMC(Bombay Municipal Corp)which goes to polls in 2007, looks an uphill task for the Sena.
Monday, November 21, 2005
After 5.someone
It has been quite sometime since I posted here. I finally got hold of Chetan Bhagat's latest One Night @ The Call Center (hereafter referred as on @ tcc). While comparisons with his previous novel "Five Point Someone" are inevitable, I will steer clear of that.
On @ tcc is an interesting story, a story of six people working in call center (Shyam, Priyanka, Vroom, Esha, Radhika and the military uncle). The "one night" is when they get a call from God. If you like the author's style of writing, you will definitely enjoy it, particularly the potshots on the protagonist's boss and the guy working in microsoft are hilarious.
All in all, I would say it is a good read.
On @ tcc is an interesting story, a story of six people working in call center (Shyam, Priyanka, Vroom, Esha, Radhika and the military uncle). The "one night" is when they get a call from God. If you like the author's style of writing, you will definitely enjoy it, particularly the potshots on the protagonist's boss and the guy working in microsoft are hilarious.
All in all, I would say it is a good read.
