"Speak With Conviction" Taylor Mali (Def Poetry)

Optimism for Kashmir?

Interesting photos of Kashmiri Pandits return to Kashmir.  Controversy is that, because they are Hindu, Pakistan sees them as a threat. 

An opinion article in the Times of India reports results from a recent survey about the Line of Control.  The article states that conflict was ready to be smoothed out before 11/26.  Since, the terrain for resolution, or at least compromise, has been rocky.

Shambhala

Nazi-Tibet connections... and some info about Mme. Blavatsky and Theosophy. 

I don't know this source, though.

Oil Leak. Uuhg.

This article from The Street explains how the top kill failed to contain the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  This is truly a disaster of epic proportions.  Criminal investigation?  Sure, but first things first, right?  How will the leak be stopped? 

I don't see how a criminal investigation is in order, actually.  We all hold a part in this - humanity's dependence on oil is a reality. 

Sinkholes. Ooh.

"Sinkholes form in places where the underlying ground layer consists of limestone, salt beds or other soluble rock, which dissolves in water. Groundwater coursing beneath the surface eats away at the rock, slowly eroding and destabilizing it. Often, new underground caves are created, which then collapse in catastrophic scenes like this one."

Article about this sinkhole in Guatemala here.

The Leonard Lopate Show: Kashmir - WNYC

The Leonard Lopate Show: Kashmir - WNYC

Two Women with different ties to Kashmir make a film about identity and conflict in the region.

Their film aired on May 18th.

Ex King Speaks

Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Nepal's most recent king, finally spoke out about his being ousted two years ago.  The articles focus on the king living as an ordinary tax-paying citizen.  Gyanendra drops hints that he was betrayed by the political parties jockeying for power.  This betrayal ended his reign, also ending the 239-year Hindu monarchy rule of Nepal. 

Here's a Reuters article

Here's Sudeshna Sarkar's take from the blogosphere.

Looks like Facebook is a way the ex-king passes his time, in addition to walking his dog. 

Image from rednepal.com