pushing the sky

Interesting article over on Satyajit Das’s blog on China and its place in the global economy today – especially the opening insight: China’s economic model is reminiscent of 17th century mercantilist policies. Thomas Mun, a Director of the East India Company, in England’s Treasure by Foreign Trade (1664), wrote that the purpose of trade was [...]

You almost want to set a musical to images like those found at this brand-spanking-new tumbl-log. I’ve largely tried to stay out of saying anything on this “credit crisis” because there are far more credible experts out there, such as Nobel Laureates who blog (a first?). However, it’s getting to the point where I just [...]

“Mate, it’s almost Christmas soon.” Shit. There goes another year. It’s October again, all of a sudden, and I’m just wondering what happened to the months Feb – Sep inclusive. 2007, which feels like I’ve only just gotten used to writing, is about to disappear – a couple of months to go yet, sure but [...]

Primary Rule of Writing: Show, don’t tell. Resolution: Stick to it, for frig’s sake.

I have a theory as to why it was the English, and the Europeans more generally, who came to dominate the world, instead of say some racial group from the tropics, say. Something set these guys apart – something made them go out to other places and take over, something made them the inventive people [...]

(It’s inevitable, isn’t it? As soon as I say “I’m on hiatus,” I think of something to write) I think what’s got me in a bit of a zone is the fact that suddenly, things are real. I don’t know why it hasn’t felt like that until just recently; maybe I’m finally getting out of [...]

You’ve sent a birthday wish to someone via SMS. But since it’s been a while since you last called, you have a little doubt that they may not have got it. They haven’t responded. Do you try to contact them some other way? Especially as the birthday is now slipping further into the past? Do [...]

Ladies – If in response to: “Do I look fat (e.g. in this dress)?” … which we all know is a loaded question, a guy, presumably your boyfriend, was to reply: “No, there’s just more of you to kiss.” … would he get away with it? Cheers, Karan.

Memo: To all women working in offices around the nation Those high-waisted skirts? Hawt.

Memo: To all Indian men working as outsource employees in overseas companies. Please, shave that upper lip. What is it, a uniform? Part of the condition of letting you go overseas? Yeesh. (Also, that leather jacket? Not appropriate in summer)