The writing is on the wall.

Experiments with paper currency backed by gold were replaced by bit-money & paper currency backed by promises.

The results of this experiment are being felt by most people (call them the 99%-ers), although we can’t make much sense of it.  The structure built on promises is collapsing, but it takes a while for the sense to percolate to the large majority.

The Hindu : Arts / Art : Cartoonist Mario Miranda passes away

The Hindu : Arts / Art : Cartoonist Mario Miranda passes away


He brought many a smile to me.
My introduction to his work was a State Bank of India calendar that was filled with his caricatures.

His characters included the bumbling politician, the shrewd corporate head, the well-endowed secretary Miss Fonseca, the ever-failing junior staff member Godbole





RIP, Mr. Miranda. You will be missed.

The essence of make do!

2012: The Year of Maker-Friendly?

This article reminded me of my growing up days in Mangalore, India.
Much of what we needed, was built from scratch.
Except the radio.
Which I remember was shaped like a Rothman’s cigarette pack, gifted to my dad by one of his close friends.
Which I had proceeded to take apart piece by piece.
& not known how to put back.
But then again, I was 4 years old.
The other thing I remember of this incident was the hiding I received.

Bushman’s game of cat and mouse

Bushman’s game of cat and mouse: [via Sydney Morning Herald]

7 years later, a total continental population of 22million, & they’ve been unable to capture a “dangerous criminal”.

What are the media trying to depict here?
Is this sensationalizing the chase?
Or showcasing a spectacular systemic failure?
Or is it neither? Are they attempting to get our collective national attention away from the really burning issues facing the country?

Income enjoys growth spurt

Income enjoys growth spurt: [via Sydney Morning Herald]

Incomes are rising, & therefore everything is rosy?

The economy is crumbling, none of our usual measures (GDP, GNP) are enough to prop up “trust in the system”.
So here’s a new barometer – if you can understand how it measures what it measures.
More “econometrics” baloney.
Ask those rising homeless & hungry in Sydney.