Apr 05, 2007
How the U.S.A. Sells Democracy.
It would be truism to state that canvassing operations, advertisement, campaign infrastructure and other components to a candidate's election paraphernalia will cost a bomb.Gone are the days when the Democratic or the Republican party used to support their candidates; now that the ranks are divided among themselves, its every President-to-be for himself/herself. It is estimated that the front-runners to 2008 will raise an almost unbelievable $1 billion cumulatively. This leaves me with an interesting topic to blog. America's democratic process seems so horribly inclined to he/she who can rake up the most; atleast enough to face the heat. One wonders what such a disastrous tendency might have on institutions of democracy.
Firstly, the campaign to the U.S Presidency begins a year in advance. Public opinion in the U.S can be virtually "bought" through a well-organized agenda and enough moolah to publicize the agenda through expensive advertisements, massive publicity campaigns etc. Secondly, the election limits to contribution have been increased progressively; this would mean that those contributors with a fat wallet - Marx called them the bourgeoisie,Social Scientists called them the oppressors, Classical Economists call them the entrepreneurs - get a major say, albeit indirectly, in deciding as to who the President should be. Even Post-Election decisions will be influenced by them. By banking immensely on private entities, the process of 'democratic' election is giving an option to America's elite to make a choice for the entire nation. Not to forget the fact that the head that wears the crown will occupy one of the most influential posts in International Relations.
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Jan 30, 2007
The answer:
You win. Win against odds. Win pitted against obnoxiously twisted motions, against women who debate with atrociously short skirts. Then comes ephemeral emotions like joy, revenge, satisfaction, excitement etc. The world's weird.
And to quote a great man whose company I have the honour of, "Justice at a basic level, is a demarcation between good and evil" .
There's a long way to go.
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Jan 16, 2007
What happens when..
life gets increasingly defined in terms of mediocrity?
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Jan 10, 2007
The 'Magical' iPhone.
Firstly, NO. I'm not a raving, ranting, Apple fan.
Why 'magical' then?. Because, the iPhone, latest in the array of Apple's products, seems to have 'revolutionizing potential'. Much like the iPod a few years back, which has gone on to sell billions, changing the way we listen to music.
The iPhone was unveiled just a day back by Steve Jobs at the MacWorld Expo - 07 in San Francisco. The 2000-strong audience was treated to a mesmerizing display of features by the 'legendary perfectionist' (as the Economist would prefer to call Jobs). Not surprisingly, the iPod is integrated into the iPhone,though in the widescreen variety, along with internet streaming and other communication features; emails, Google Maps, searches to name a few. The entire screen, but for one button, is activated by touch.
The host of features that it offers as a phone in itself, is quite commendable. Indeed, Mr. Jobs was able to send the crowd into 'oohs' and 'aahs' as he demonstrated the power of touchscreen technology assimilated into the phone. For the frequent SMSers, the entire computer QWERTY keyboard is built within the iPhone system, making it incredibly easy for the average computer user to send a message. The camera too is an essential feature, one of 2 Megapixels, conjoint with a user-friendly photo management application. And to put it in very least, making calls (the original, forgotten purpose for which mobiles were ACTUALLY invented), has never been more easier.
Sounds like the panacea to the ails in communications industry? the Killer Mobile? Not Quite.
Price has not always been one of Apple's USPs, irrespective of the cult following the company has. Apparently, this beauty is going to cost $499 for 4 GB, with an extra $100 for another, additional 1GB. Not the cheapest, yes, in a market that is dominated by cost-effective 'smartphones' from Nokia, Motorola and others. Another problem that Apple faces is the sale factor. A mobile phone, as all users are aware, is rarely sold from the manufacturer. Seldom do you see a Nokia or a Motorola outlet. The retailers who finally sell it, in all probability, reduce prices through discounts et al. Apple is yet to find a retailer that could cope with the huge price tag of the iPhone. In fact, the stage invitation handed out to the CEO of Cingular, a US-based operator, during the phone demo, could go to mean something very significant.
To demonstrate the iPod features, the famous Beatles song, Lovely Rita, from Sgt. Peppers..was played.
The Apple website says that the iPhone would, ".. usher in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone. "
Well. We'll see.
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