A Conversation on Religion Between Alan Clements and Aung San Suu Kyi

Please click on the link below to read more:

http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2017

Courtesy: Shambhala Sun

Serbia’s Prospects for EU Membership

http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2011/10/06/serbias-prospects-for-eu-membership/

Serbia’s Prospects for EU Membership

Serbia’s Prospects for EU Membership

Microcredit and Poverty

MSNBC show:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/ns/msnbc_tv-morning_joe/#44668780

The Economist report:

http://www.economist.com/node/21530164

Issues:

Why do the poor stay poor?

What role can the banks play to alleviate someone out of poverty?

Courtesy: The Economist & MSNBC

Microcredit Grows in New York City: The Economist report

"Sometimes macrodreams start with microloans."  Please click on the link below the read the story.

http://www.economist.com/node/21530164

Courtesy: The Economist

Weight Loss, Weight Gain: separating the myths from the facts

Please click on the link below to read the article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/20/health/20brody.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

The Social Contract: an essay by Paul Krugman

Please click on the link below to read the essay.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/opinion/krugman-the-social-contract.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

Nurturing the New Generation of Entrepreneurs

The new generation offers hope, prosperity, and social and political reform in many developing countries such as India and Bangladesh.  A decade or two ago, these countries suffered an immense bout of braindrain.  That has changed thanks to the economic growth and foreign investments.  One notable effect and perhaps the cause as well is the returning students and young professional from abroad to their home countries.  Their return has brought with them new ideas and perspectives to reform political, social, and economic conditions.  The result has been nothing short of spectacular.  Bangladesh has sustained a GDP growth of 5.5 during the five years.  India's GDP has reached 7.7% in 2011.  Although it slowed down a little, from 8% in 2010, the point is countries like India are becoming increasingly productive and powerful in global economic and political arenas.  That is mighty impressive!  

Despite the high rate of poverty and corruption, countries like India and Bangladesh can overcome these problems by utilizing and mobilizing the resources of the younger generation who are returning from abroad and are no longer desperate to move abroad.  India has begun nurturing the younger generation to build forces of social and economic growth.  Hardly is there any alternative for countries like India and Bangladesh to eradicate wide web of corruption and other social ills than to energize and educate the younger generation.

Please click on the link below to read the story about India's efforts to engage its young entrepreneurs.

http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/in-india-nurturing-the-next-generation-of-entrepreneurs/?WT.mc_id=DB-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M220-ROS-0911-HDR&WT.mc_ev=click

Courtesy: The New York Times

Facebook Got a Facelift

Please click on the link below to read the story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/technology/facebook-makes-a-push-to-be-a-media-hub.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

My Essay on Cyber Attacks on South Korea: Foreign Policy Journal

Please click on the link below to read my article in Foreign Policy Journal.

http://www.foreignpolicyjournal.com/2011/09/20/cyber-attacks-on-south-korea/

Courtesy: Foreign Policy Journal and Iqbal Ahmed

This I Believe: My essays on NPR

The link to my essays follow:

http://thisibelieve.org/?s=advanced&firstname=iqbal&lastname=ahmed&advanced_submit=Search

Courtesy: NPR's "this I believe" and Iqbal Ahmed

Cyber Attacks on South Korea: a global concern

Please click on the link below to read more about this topic.

http://globalpolitician.com/27081-south-korea-cyberwarfare-internet

Courtesy: Iqbal Ahmed & Global Politician

Monsanto's Monopoly and Power: a tyranny of majority

Please click on the link below to read about Monsanto's power and monopoly.

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/monsanto200805#gotopage1

Courtesy: Vanity Fair

Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. vs. Sawyer (1952)

Please click on the link below to read more on this case:

http://www.lawnix.com/cases/youngstown-sawyer.html

Courtesy: lawnix.com

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Please click on the link below to read more about this case.

Schenck v. United States (1919)


Courtesy: infoplease

Dhaka, A Curmudgeon But A Graceful Old City

Dhaka city -- an eternally old, aged but a graceful city.

http://vimeo.com/28195715

Courtesy: Daniel Nuss


Please click on the link below to read an article I wrote in NPR's "this I believe."

http://thisibelieve.org/essay/68643/

Courtesy: Iqbal Ahmed

The Effect of Global Warming in Bangladesh: My arguments

Please click on the link below to read more.

http://www.globalpolitician.com/27067-global-warming-bangladesh-eu

Courtesy: Global Politician

Imran Khan's Lasting Legacy As A Cricket Legend Faces A Tradeoff

Please click on the link below to read more on this story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistani-cricket-hero-imran-khan-becomes-a-political-player/2011/08/31/gIQAVYYBxJ_story.html

Courtesy: The Washington Post

CIA's Rendition Program: A Washington Post Investigation

Please click on the link below to read more:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/ny-billing-dispute-reveals-details-of-secret-cia-rendition-flights/2011/08/30/gIQAbggXsJ_story.html

Courtesy: The Washington Post

Is CIA Changing? A Washington Post Investigation

Please click on the link below to read more.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/cia-shifts-focus-to-killing-targets/2011/08/30/gIQA7MZGvJ_story.html

Courtesy: The Washington Post

The Power and influence of U.S. Intelligence: A Washington Post Investigation

Please click on the link below to read the story about U.S. intelligence.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/top-secret-america-a-look-at-the-militarys-joint-special-operations-command/2011/08/30/gIQAvYuAxJ_story.html?hpid=z1&sub=AR

Courtesy: The Washington Post

Is Technology Good For Higher Learning?

Technology has shaped and reshaped societies and cultures around the world.  Today, digital revolution and internet literally rule how we live our lives.  Higher education has also come of age with the power of digital revolution.  To read about how technology has changed higher learning, please click on the link below.

http://pewsocialtrends.org/2011/08/28/the-digital-revolution-and-higher-education/1/

Courtesy: Pew Research Center

Let's Promote and Strengthen Economic, Political, and Social Unity

It is time to reassess diplomatic and multilateral relationships between countries to promote and strengthen global economic, political, and social unity.

Please click on the link below to read a report on relationships between Turkey, israel, and the U.S.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkey-urges-us-over-decision-on-apology-2011-08-21

Courtesy: Hurriyet Daily News (Ankara, Turkey)

A Need to Abolish Corruption Awakens The Tiger

Please click on the link below to read Mehboob Jilian's article on anti-corruption movement in India.

http://www.caravanmagazine.in/Story/1050/The-Insurgent.html

Courtesy: The Caravan

From the Memories of Brutality Rises Hope: A report from The Caravan

Please click on the link below to Mani Shankar Aiyar's article on Nazi brutality in Ukraine during the World War II.


http://www.caravanmagazine.in/Story/1012/In-the-Shadows-of-a-Stadium.html

Courtesy: The Caravan

We Need a "Closure:" A report from The Caravan

Please click on the link below to read Salil Tripathi's article on The Caravan.

http://www.caravanmagazine.in/Story.aspx?StoryID=213&Page=1

Courtesy: The Caravan

Aung San Suu Kyi: On Liberty and Dissent

Please go to the links below to hear Ms. Kyi's speech on liberty and dissent.

On liberty:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012402s

On dissent:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0126d70

Courtesy: BBC World Programme

Political Relationship Between PM Hasina and the Gandhi Family: Is it perilous or pacifying?

In his report (link below), Mr. Maini brilliantly started off with two key arguments: one; the bilateral relationships between countries mustn’t be based on personal relations and two; it could lead to diplomatic and political hazard.   But it is not uncommon for countries to build bilateral relationships based on a personal relationship.  For example, President Hamid Karzai had a very cozy relationship with former U.S. president George W. Bush.  This is no longer the case between President Karzai and President Obama. 

With regard to the reference of goodwill between Prime Minister Hasina and Finance Minister Mukherjee, it would be hard to predict what would happen once Hasina has left the office.  The new administration could have a completely new set of policies which might derail the negotiations between Ms. Hasina and Mr. Mukherjee.

The political relationships, even if they are personal, could be beneficial to India and Bangladesh if they are carried out within the scope of diplomatic and political juxtaposition.  These two neighboring countries have too much resources and commonalities to share to build a long-term peaceful relationship, which could strengthen political and economic stability in the sub-continent region and beyond.

http://the-diplomat.com/indian-decade/2011/05/27/india%e2%80%99s-one-basket-diplomacy/

Courtesy: The Diplomat

A Gutsy Journalist is Killed in Pakistan: ISI has its stamp all over the killing

Please follow the link below to read more.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13608971

Courtesy: BBC

India's Iron Woman: Sonia Gandhi is now the stronghold of the Gandhi family

Please follow the link below to read more. Please note that I posted a comment, which now appears at the bottom of the article.


http://the-diplomat.com/indian-decade/2011/07/07/the-gandhi-dependency/#more-2666


Courtesy: The Diplomat

The 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh

Please click on the links below to learn more on the atrocities in Bangladesh.

http://www.genocidebangladesh.org

http://www.docstrangelove.com/bangladesh-genocide-archives/

Fortress India: India erects South Asia's Berlin Wall

Fortress India - By Scott Carney, Jason Miklian, and Kristian Hoelscher | Foreign Policy

Courtesy: Foreign Policy

Crisis in Eurozone

http://www.cfr.org/eu/eurozone-crisis/p22055


Courtesy: CFR

Why Turkey Should Join the EU: in retrospect

Article Why Turkey should join the EU

Courtesy: Europe's World

U.S. Broadband Policy: a report from Freepress

Please click on the link below to read the 2007 report.

http://www.freepress.net/files/shooting_the_messenger.pdf

Courtesy: Freepress

We Are Human: a videographic chronology of children and adolescence

Click on the link below to see the video made by Concern, Worldwide.



Courtesy: Concern, Worldwide

The Effect of Global Warming in Bangladesh

John Lennon and Paul McCartney are undoubtedly the most iconic figures of The Beatles.   In Bangladesh, George Harrison of The Beatles holds a special place as well.  Not because of music but because of what he did to help the cyclone victims of 1970.  The Bangaldeshis of the 70’s generation and even the younger ones are deeply indebted to him for his 1971 Madison Square concert that raised millions to help the victim’s miles away in Bangladesh.

For a low-lying delta country, natural disasters are a part of life for those who live in the coastal areas in Bangladesh.  But they adapt to the dangers and the devastations of nature’s fury.  They learn to survive and live. 

The current global warming effects are a concern for Bangladesh as sea levels continue to rise.  Scientists have predicted that by 2050 Bangladesh could go under.   But does this prediction pose a real threat to the country and its people?  I say it does not.  Bangladesh and its people will find a way to survive the effect of global warming.  I argue that by 2050, the weather pattern would shift.  Despite modern technologies to predict weather, the actual outcome of the weather will remain a mystery and somewhat beyond human capabilities to control. 

The global warming and drying of rivers have created mass of lands in the coastal areas of the over populated Bangladesh, where people now can build homes and live.  The rising sea level has also brought new deposits of fertile sediments, which accumulates over time and raises the ground.  Nature has run its own course in Bangladesh to provide shelter and space. 

The government of Bangladesh has invested heavily, some 10 million Takas to build new shelters and cyclone warning system.  Sidr, the most recent cyclone ravaged Bangladesh’s coastal areas but spared millions of lives that would have been perished had it not been for the effective early warning system and the shelters.  The money and resources are still scarce but, ironically, the cyclones and hurricanes have taught and prepared Bangladeshis how to survive.  The rising economy has helped as well.  In recent years, Bangladesh saw a GDP growth of between 5% and 7%.  With more money at their disposal, the villagers now have access to information, which is crucial to their survival before natural disasters strike.

Education and reform have come a long way in Bangladesh.  The fertility rate in Bangladesh is now 2.4 compared to 30 years ago when it was around 6.7 to 7.  Also, the child mortality rate in 43 per 1000 child compared to the same time frame.  The child mortality rate is now the lowest among the developing countries.

Both statistics are amazing considering various adverse conditions in Bangladesh -- flood, drought, cyclone, corruption, and deprivation.  Women empowerment through education and financial independency has largely contributed to these declining rates.

The NGOs like BRAC and Grameen are intensely involved in promoting social and economic reforms in Bangladesh.  They are not only educating and reforming the people of Bangladesh, they are saving them.

In an interview with Scientific American, Sardar Shafiqul Alam, a research fellow at the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, said that Bangladesh could not cope with the natural disasters alone.   The developing countries must actively act to reduce carbon emission. 

Late George Harrison would agree.

A link to the Scientific American report on global warming Bangladesh also follows:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=bangladesh-prepares-for-climate

The Conflict That Never Ceases

Where did it all begin? Where does it end?

Peace, at its nadir. But longing to revive.

http://www.cfr.org/publication/13850/?bcpid=1328266228&bctid=1334407367

Courtesy: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

2010 Census Interactive Population Map

Here goes ...

http://2010.census.gov/2010census/popmap/

Courtesy: Bureau of Census

President Obama Announces the Death of Bin Laden

Here's the link to his speech to the nation:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42852700/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/?gt1=43001

Courtesy: MSNBC.com

2011 Government Shutdown: he says, he says

Who's in who's not?

http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/06/news/economy/federal_workers_shutdown/index.htm?cnn=yes

Shut down or no shut down

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/07/congress.budget/index.html#

Courtesy: CNN.com

A Libyan Woman Struggles to Tell Her Story

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/28/world/africa/28tripoli.html


Courtesy: The New York Times

My First Video: should have gone to Hollywood!!!

I made this video at Lodi's on March 11, 2011 while he was making his famous biriyani.  I shot this video on my Flip video camera, which I like immensely.  This video camera is not only convenient to use, it also offers HD picture and crisp sound.  But I hope the videography does not cut into my photography.  I posted this on YouTube on 03/28/11.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na5JiX_W_Z8

Courtesy: YouTube

The Conundrum Surronding Grameen's Leadership Continues

Bangladeshi government's effort to remove Dr. Yunus from the Managing Director (MD) position of Grameen Bank continues.

Read the article below for more details.

http://www.economist.com/node/21016512

Courtesy: The Economist

Internet democracy: a debate

Does internet promote or hinder democracy?  In light of the students revolution in Iran, mass protests in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Bahrain, internet has become a focal point of being a catalyst of democracy.  But how effective is it?  Are there other social, cultural, and political factors that have contributed to the uprising and informing of the democratic movements in these countries?  Is internet simply a carrier of message or an effect of a cause?

The Economist hosted a brilliant debate on this topic.  Click on the link below to read more about the debate.

Economist Debates: Internet democracy: Statements

Courtesy: The Economist

Technology As We See IT

This week's technology snippets cover the following topics.

Cloud computing

Transparency issue for the CC service providers:

http://www.technologyreview.com/web/32345/?p1=A2&a=f

Measuring performance of the CC service providers

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/25815/?mod=related

Clutter-free online printing

http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/26330/?mod=related

Technology use among Latinos

http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1887/latinos-digital-technology-internet-broadband-cell-phone-use

Courtesy: Technology Review & Pew Research

The Last Lions: a movie about love, struggle, and survival

Click on the link below to read the movie review.
http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/02/18/movies/18last.html?ref=todayspaper

Also, click on the following link to read about the lions.
http://movies.nationalgeographic.com/movies/last-lions/

Courtesy: The New York Times and National Geographic

Beautiful Bangladesh

It is Tagore’s country; it is Nazrul’s country; it is Jasimuddin’s country; it is Salam’s and Barkat’s country; it is our country. Years of repression of poverty, corruption, and natural disasters have taken their toll. But they have also made it tolerant to the impossibilities of life. The people and culture of Bangladesh have risen out of neglect and nefarious grips of illiteracy, poverty, and economic deprivation. There’s a long road ahead. But the journey has begun.

Click on the link below to view this beautiful video on Bangladesh.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150105135164787

Courtesy: Audit and Facebook

World Cup Cricket 2011 Opening Ceremony in Dhaka: a country rises

Poor, yes; third-world, maybe but emerging; dependent, yes as it should be; conservative, culturally but open and welcoming; bottomless basket, no more; friendly and fun-loving, all the way; civil unrest, contained. This is Bangladsh, today. A distant memory of yesterday. Rock on, amar desh.



Courtesy: YouTube

Dr. Yunus’ Legacy Must be Protected

It has to be done. Not by some individuals but by all Bangladeshis collectively. Dr. Yunus’ establishments of lifting poverty and empowering women are in need of a future leadership. We don’t know who will follow his footsteps. Now do we know if there is someone to ever replace him once he retires. We cannot simply allow his legacy to succumb to the ill effects of greed and corruption that mire great many of those who question Dr. Yunus’ work and, perhaps, many of those who even work him. One reason is the money. People may be after his work and legacy because they cannot escape from the wrath of their temptations of greed. Corruption and greed have been built into our system and there are much larger causes and issues behind my claim. One critical reason is ignorance, not necessarily literal but moral ignorance. I wonder how many of those who question Dr. Yunus' work really understand what he does and stands for. His legacy and work cannot be protected by one or two but by all of us collectively raising our moral conscience and values that trigger us to do great many things.

Click on the link below to read the article:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/notes/yunus-centre/why-i-support-muhammed-yunus/10150133557990516

Courtesy: Facebook

The 2011 U.S. Budget: an interactive representation

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/02/01/us/budget.html


Courtesy: The New York Times

Why the Egypt Revolution Is Good for Israel - By Kai Bird | Foreign Policy

Why the Egypt Revolution Is Good for Israel - By Kai Bird | Foreign Policy

Courtesy: Foreign Policy

Egypt's Uprising: a chronicle of revolt and hope

The world watched in anticipation for two weeks as people in Egypt stood firm against Hosni Mubarak's regime.  In the end their voice and hopes prevailed.  Mubarak resigned and retreated.

Click on the link below to view a gallery of Egypt's uprising.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/02/11/the_18_days_that_shook_the_world?page=0,0

Courtesy: Foreign Policy

America and Israel: a convenient or a platonic relationship

Much has been discussed and speculated about the relationship between America and Israel.  Both countries need each other to leverage strategic and political maneuvering to justify their interests.  But this relationship also impacts on the political process in the Middle East.  The accord between the two countries is not bipolar.  It is a continuous relationship to bring a sustained political stability in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Click on the link below to read the article on this issue.

http://www.economist.com/node/18114547?fsrc=nwl

Courtesy: The Economist

The World Awaits as Uprising Continues to Unfold in Egypt

The world watches inquisitively, intriguingly, and with uncertainty the political turmoil in Egypt.  What will be the outcome?  Would it be a status quo condition where the uprising would not alter the government?  Would it be a rise of the fundamentalist government?  Or would it be a reform the anti-Mubarak protesters are hoping for?  No one knows for sure.  But the uprising sends a clear message: that people in Egypt are looking for a change.  From a pragmatic point of view, an immediate reform is unlikely.  It takes time and patience.  Bringing down a ruler is one thing but what follows afterwards is quite another.   For example, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has managed to hold on to his power despite fierce opposition from his countrymen and other countries because there are no viable alternative candidates.  As people in Egypt continues to protest against the Mubarak, their future in a peaceful and prosperous country remains unseen and untested.  For now, they continue their struggle to topple an autocratic and a shrewd ruler who has been an ally of the Western world.  But, most importantly, people in Egypt will need to embrace a much tougher challenge ahead:  to clean up the mess after the big storm.

http://viewswire.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=VWArticleVW3&article_id=1507795935&VWNL=true&rf=0

Courtesy: EIU

The Impact of Social Media on My Life

I have embraced social media as a natural extension to our daily lives. It is an offspring of technology that has and is evolving constantly to move societies forward. Social media has influenced me in several ways. First, it has enabled me to connect and communicate with my friends and families in real time, a comfort for someone who is far removed from his home country. Second, it has enabled me to connect with and learn about social, political, economic issues around the world. Third, as a result of the second factors, it has enhanced my awareness of my own shortcomings. Fourth, it has broadened my knowledge of many technological issues that are taking place today. And last but not least, it has made me a proud owner of an i-Pod Touch!

The Rising Trend in Driving Safety

http://www.economist.com/node/21015379

Courtesy: The Economist

The Debate on Egypt's Future in Restoring Demaocracy

http://www.economist.com/debate/overview/194&fsrc=nwl

Courtesy: The Economist

A Farewell to India's Henry Kissinger

A Farewell to India's Henry Kissinger - By Rory Medcalf | Foreign Policy

Courtesy: Foreign Policy

The Fall of Autocracy: who’s next?

Can sub-Saharan Africa survive with its long-standing tradition of autocracy and corruption?  The sub-Saharan Africa is also gifted with nature’s resources and some countries like Nigeria and Sudan are strategically important to the west, which complicates the realm of foreign policy.

Click on the link below to read more on this issue.

http://viewswire.eiu.com/index.asp?layout=VWArticleVW3&article_id=2007770785&VWNL=true&rf=0

Courtesy: Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU)

ArcGIS Desktop Tutorial - University of Arkansas Libraries

ArcGIS Desktop Tutorial - University of Arkansas Libraries

ICASIT at George Mason University: a rewarding and stimulating project

Labor of love. My colleague at the grad school and I researched and updated GMU's ICASIT website last semester -- it was a stimulating and rewarding project. Most importantly, I had the luxury of learning a great deal about technological issues and topics such as net-neutrality and cloud computing. I am deeply thankful to Dr. Ruth for teaching us about globalization and technology. And for challenging us.

http://policy-icasit.gmu.edu/reference/technology_topics.html

Code of Ethics For the Economists: why not?

Economists as a rule are driven by the imperative not just to understand the world, but to improve it. It is a wonderful irony, in fact, that a profession that portrays human nature as largely self-interested is populated for the most part by other-regarding actors who want to serve the public good. But the profession has made an extraordinary mistake in failing to appreciate that well-meaning economists face daunting ethical challenges in their work.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2011/01/economics_1

Courtesy: The Economist

Egypt Erupts: a democracy is on the rise?

The world anxiously and curiously awaits as first Tunisia and then Egypt erupt in a political chaos against the two autocratic rulers, Ben Ali and Mubarrak. The outcome in those countries is too early to predict. As I write this Aljazeera just reported that 19 private jets had landed in Dubai from Egypt. Is this the end of the Mubarrak rule? Egypt particularly is a strategic player in the Middle East peace process. The chaos there puts the process in jeopardy. As the events unfold in Egypt, the world community intriguingly awaits for a true democratic reform in a country where a ruler so far have had a stronghold of the political process without an effective opposition. But this is about to change.


Click on the link below to read more about Egypt.
Article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12311889

Pictures:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12293706

Courtesy: BBC World News

Goggle Video: a new era in Web 2.0 or just a money-making sceme?

Google decided to create its own video-embedding tool and not use the H.264 that is currently used by Google's Chrome browser.  Google's rationale to go with its own technology is to provide license-free and easy-to-use technology to users.  Currently, videos require Adobe Flash Player plug-ins.  But the technology will simply use a simple HTML <video> tag.  This really brings a new era of interactive HTML. 

Click on the link below to read more on this topic.

http://www.technologyreview.com/web/27107/?mod=chfeatured

Courtesy: Technology Review

A Time to Revisit Our Energy Policy

Tradeable permits have been a staple solution for climate change policy. But the cap-and-trade, a signature tradeable permit tool, technique does not seem to hold water. It has drained a tons of research dollars already, with little sustainable models to save the climate. Instead, the Obama administration has just decided to go around it and become more energy efficient as a tool to engage in a renewed climate-control issue. It may work and it makes sense.

Click on the link below to read the article on this topic.

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/30529/?mod=chfeatured

Courtesy: Technology Review

WikiLeak: of story and myth

We are all by now are aware of the power or the lack therof of WikiLeak about its ability to disclose information or disinformation about governements.  It is a phenomenon.  It is a new culture of information dissemination.  All in an era of internet revolution and evolution of innovation.  Julian Assange is in the center of WikiLeak.  He is a techno kid, known around the world of hackers and underground web.  But is he just a victim of his own invention or is he a political and social sacrifical lamb for telling or not telling the truth?

Click on the link below to read an article on WikiLeak.

http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/pontin/26314/?p1=A3

Courtesy: Technology Review

The Battle Between Renewable Energy and Natural Gas

When it comes to cutting carbon emissions, renewables simply cannot compete with natural gas on three key issues: local opposition, cost and scale. -- Robert Bryce

The power sector is the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for 40% of fossil CO2 emissions. While fuel switching from coal to gas certainly helps reduce emissions in the short term, sooner or later gas becomes part of the problem. -- Steve Sawyer

http://www.economist.com/debate/debates/overview/193&fsrc=nwl

Courtesy: The Economist

Can Alternative Fuel Save America? The Pentagon faces a dilemma

The Pentagon may have a point when it argues against using alternative fuel to fuel the U.S. military power.  The research and development, availability of bio fuel necessary to mobilize the armed forces, and cost are key arguments against alternative fuels.  The Pentagon argues that instead of spending time and money on developing alternative fuels, it would be wise to become more energy efficient.  Not a bad argument.  But the report that supported this argument also deems to be one-sided and flawed, argues various environmental groups.  Even the U.S. Navy concedes that the study, which was conducted by RAND, lacks evidence to justify Pentagon’s claim.

Click on the link below to read more on this story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/business/energy-environment/25fuel.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

The Famous Haji's Biriyani in Old (puran) Dhaka: an indomitable tradition

1. Haji's biriyani wrapped in jackfruit leaves.








2. Haji's biriyani wrapped in jackfruit leaves.









3. The unwrapping of Haji's biriyani









4. Haji's biriyani adorns our dining table

Travelling on $1: the cheap bus fares are going strong

The so-called “Chinatown” bus services revolutionized bus-travelling along the East coast, from Washington, DC to Boston.  The cheap fares forced Grayhound to reduce its prices.  Other bus companies like Megabus and Bolt soon appeared with fares as low as a dollar (with caveat, of course).  The price wars continue today to attract travelers along with amenities like free Wi-Fi, outlets on the bus, and free water.  Travelling by bus has changed for ever.

Click on the link below to read more on this topic.

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/a-guide-to-cheap-buses-including-how-to-score-1-tickets/

Courtesy: The New York Times

Poland Objects to the Russian Crash Report

More than a year ago, a Russian-made plane carrying a number of high-ranking Polish officials including the President crashed into Russian territory, only minutes from landing and killing all passengers abroad. The conspiracy theories emerged as a result of the crash, which put a dent on the relationship between the two countries. The investigation report carried out by a Russian agency, Interstate Aviation Committee, stated that the plane’s crew was fault of the crash. Poland refuses to accept this “unilateral” assessment.

Click on the link below to read more on this story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/world/europe/14crash.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

3-D Printing: a new dimension in printing technology

Forget about the sheet of papers humming through your printer, churning out printouts. And how can we forget about the paper jams? The new 3-D technology is here not just to wow us in movie theaters but also in printer rooms with actual models coming out of the printing machines. Isn’t it cool to hold actual models in our hands instead of boring papers printouts? Although it sounds all cool and exciting, the new printing technology is fairly new and is at its infancy, particularly in terms of mass production. The 3-D printing has been used for large manufacturing projects. But as technology continues to evolve, the wonder of 3-D printing is set to become a common household name, replacing the traditional ink-based printers.

Click on the link below to read more on 3-D printing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/technology/personaltech/13basics.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

Alicia in Africa: Aid the AIDS

Adopting Haiti: a brilliant documentary on post-earthquake Haiti

Europe’s First and Odd Couple: Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy

France and Germany are at it again. This time it is to bring a stability and economic normalcy in Europe. At the center of this battle are Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy. The New York Times magazine featured a great article on this issue.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/magazine/16MerkelSarkozy-t.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

Grameen Creative Lab: an institution to build social business

Grameen Creative Lab

ONE Vote '08

A Father and Son Love Story

No Child Born With HIV

Rochelle's Story

Bono's Special Message on "No Child Born with HIV"

How climate change is affecting Ethiopia

Verizon Gets i-Phone: a much-anticipated alliance between Apple and Verizon

Be careful what you wish for.  So goes the cliché.  But it has happened.  Verizon will offer i-Phone services, starting in February 2011 with its powerful 3G network.  The alliance means consumers will no longer have to stick to AT&T as a sole service provider for i-Phone.  No doubt, Verizon has a bigger clout in telecommunications market share along with speedy networks.  But in the long run, speed and broad access may run into other unseen technological innovation.   Even the debate over net-neutrality issues may need to be examined for the outcome of consumer rights and telecommunication business practices.  Who knows, i-Phone users may very well do not have to just rely on Verizon and AT&T.  A host of other service providers may join in to get a slice of the i-Phone’s market share with a myriad of new service features.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/technology/12phone.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

Around the World: notable places to visit

2011 is a bright indicator of my becoming a traveler.  I will become eligible to apply for the U.S. citizenship which will make it easier for me to travel without the hassle of getting visas.  All I need is passport, cash, and credit card.  And off I will go about seeing the places I have always wanted to see and visit.

The New York Times listed a few notable places to visit around the world.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/travel/09where-to-go.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

Why the Internet Is a Great Tool For Totalitarians

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/12/st_essay_totalitarians/

Courtesy: wired.com

A Son’s Tribute To His Fallen Father

Salmaan Taseer, the fallen progressive and reform-minded politician, died at the hands of his protector, a life snuffed out by a barrage of bullets, leaving a politically chaotic Pakistan unstable and unpredictable. His son, Sherbano Taseer, wrote a tribute to his visionary and gutsy father who hoped for a Pakistan free of fundamentalism and chaos that have inflicted the nation, particularly after 9/11. Political assassination in the Indian subcontinent is not new. Many leaders, from Mahatma Gandhi to Rajiv Gandhi to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, have sacrificed their lives to reconcile parting nations, groups, and factions. One can only wonder how many more lives need to be shed to restore peace, harmony, and reconciliation in the region.

Click on the link below to read Mr. Taseer’s tribute to his father.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/opinion/09taseer.html

Courtesy: The New York Times

The Wonder of Rice Husk: an unlikely source of eco-friendly electricity

Hope sometimes lives in most unexpected of places.   For Bihar, India that place is rice husk, which now has become a source of shining light via electricity that 85 percent of the state’s population lacks.  The entrepreneurial zeal of four guys has transformed the poorest state in India into a beacon of innovation.  Who knows, this innovation might soon become the micro-lending of non-grid electricity.  The electricity that is being produced from rice husks has proved to be eco-friendly, cheap, and sustainable.  For 80 rupees per month or about $1.50, villagers now can have electricity they can be proud of and make use of for children’s education and household works.  This innovative technology promises hope particularly for countries like India and in sub-Saharan Africa where the population is largely poor.

Click on the link below to read more on this topic.

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/a-light-in-india/

Courtesy: The New York Times

Green IT: the future of energy efficiency and clean environment

An indepth look at Green IT (adopted from The FT.com).

Investing in Green IT:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1780bf20-8b3b-11de-9f50-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

Part 1 -- wind:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8790ba48-8b51-11de-9f50-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

Part 2 -- solar power
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9d7d9c16-8c1b-11de-b14f-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0,s01=1.html#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

Part 3 -- electric cars
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/38ac7894-8ce2-11de-a540-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F38ac7894-8ce2-11de-a540-00144feabdc0%2Cdwp_uuid%3D6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0.html&_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Findepth%2Fgreen-series#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

Part 4 -- efficiency
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/1812bffe-8da4-11de-93df-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F1812bffe-8da4-11de-93df-00144feabdc0%2Cdwp_uuid%3D6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0.html&_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Findepth%2Fgreen-series#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

Part 5 -- Venture capital
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/28586e22-8e7b-11de-87d0-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

Technology As We See IT

This week's news on technology covers the following topics:

Cloud computing, social media, and Acroba
thttp://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c872052c-1934-11e0-9311-00144feab49a.html#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

More countries around the world adopt Green IT
http://cachef.ft.com/cms/s/0/cc207678-0738-11de-9294-000077b07658.html#axzz1AMYfN9Wo
Courtesy: The Financial Times

The efficiency of Green IT
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1812bffe-8da4-11de-93df-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=6a1a3010-8800-11de-82e4-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1AMXQLx7l
Courtesy: The Financial Times

News Around the World

The evolution of megacities
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/08/16/prime_numbers_megacities
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy

Is Sudan the new capital of the world?http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/01/06/the_worlds_newest_capital
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy

Why unemployment does not always goes down with rising economy
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/01/05/10_percent_unemployment_forever
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy

Foreign Policy: China is on the rise

China's army is on the rise
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/1/02/portraits_of_a_rising_military_power?page=0,0
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy

Is China a homogeneous country?http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/04/13/the_myth_of_one_china
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy

The myths about Chinese communist party
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/01/02/5_myths_about_the_chinese_communist_party?page=0,0
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy

Foreign policy: around the world

Foreign policy: the Americas The Decline of American Hegemony
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/01/02/think_again_american_decline
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy


Foreign policy: Asia
Pakistan leads the way for harboring terrorists
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/01/02/the_fp_survey_terrorism
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy


Foreign policy: a legend lives on
Samual Huntington's foreign policy ideas are still relevant
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/01/05/samuel_huntingtons_legacy
Courtesy: The Foregn Policy

Why the Rich Are Getting Richer: a CFR report

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/67046/robert-c-lieberman/why-the-rich-are-getting-richer
Courtesy: The Council on Foreign Relations

Congressional Dysfunction Undermines U.S. National Security: a CFR report

CFR.org - Congressional Dysfunction Undermining U.S. National Security, Argues New CFR Report
Courtesy: The Council on Foreign Relations

India's Nano: a car for the future or the poor?

Nano had huge expectations in the middle of a recession and rising oil prices. The hoopla set off a media frenzy. A year later, the hoopla fizzled and expectations subsided. So what happened?

Click on the link below to read about Nano's demise or revival.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/03/AR2011010302721.html?hpid=artslot
Courtesy: The Washington Post

Also see a video of Nano from The Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/03/23/VI2009032302141.html?sid=ST2009032401606
Courtesy: The Washington Post