Crossing the Crescent

In midtown Manhattan, newspaper salesmen aggressively hawk free promotional versions of two rival publications, almost thrusting copies into people’s hands as they hurriedly enter and exit the subway terminals.

Today, one of these men tried a new and perfectly sensible tactic: he tried to sell the news itself. “Shoes thrown at President → Read More: Throwing Shoes

(Shorter version published on WireTap)

I have had occasion to visit two mandirs, or Hindu temples, in the past year. The contrast with mosques could scarcely be more striking.

Lavishly outfitted and elaborately detailed idols occupy a central place in the front of the room; worshippers carry lit candles; and services are interspersed with singing and drumming.

Mosques are conspicuously devoid → Read More: Implications of Mumbai