Debate - Is the astronomical price paid for some paintings by private collectors justified?    In May 2010, 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' a painting by Picasso was sold at $ 106 million to an unknown bidder (most probably to a private collector) by an auction house in New York. Is the astronomical price paid for some paintings by private collectors justified? Is it just an investment which will fetch good returns when sold at a later day, or do the collectors truly love the work so much that they pay such large amounts to bring them to their home so that they can enjoy the painting each day?

Book review - The Pickwick Papers - outright comedy    This is the first novel written by legendary Charles Dickens. Unlike the heavy social theme of his other famous works, this is an outright comedy full of British humour, which is very funny even 170 years after it was first published. The story comes to life when Sam Weller enters the story as the man servant of Mr. Pickwick. Sam's mangling descriptions and anti-proverbs that came to be known as "wellerisms" are a great source of light hearted humour. It was a great read for me on the commute back home after a long day at work.

Debate - Is increased government spending the only way out of recession?    When the economy goes into recession, thousands of people lose their jobs and also corporate profits decline. This reduces both the income tax and corporation tax flow to the government. Because of high unemployment, there is increased use of government programs such as social security benefits. In this given situation, is it prudent for governments to increase their spending causing the deficit to spiral, thereby affecting the sovereign debt rating, and in turn causing further damage to the economy? Should not monetary policy actions such as quantitative easing, increased business lending, and reducing the interest rates be enough to stimulate the economy? Or is increased government spending the only way out of a recession?

Intellifive - MEDUSA- The Dark Mistress of Tragedy    One of the prominent figures of Greek mythology, who is still discussed till date as the innocent woman who once lost her charm and alluring beauty to attain the façade of a hideous and fearsome figure under the hands of power, has been a symbol of several wide ideas, perceptions, beliefs and questions revolving around social, psychological and mythological sphere. Commonly, Medusa is known as the mortal Goddess whose home lay at the entrance to the underworld. Also, she was worshipped as the serpent Goddess by the Libyan Amazons. According to the Greek Mythology, Medusa was the daughter of Phorkys and Keto, the children of Gaia (Earth) and Okeanos (Ocean). She and her two sisters (Sthenno and Euryale) were known as the Gorgons, out of which Medusa was the only mortal. Her beauty was enthralling, which was further intensified by her long luscious hair, which created no dearth of suitors for her. Her beauty in fact rivaled that of Aphrodite’s.

External Feed - Astronomy with a home computer