Via Arindam Mukherjee

Reuters reports that Iran has banned National Geographic. Why? Well, the revered magazine apparently pissed off a few mullahs over incorrectly naming the gulf off the coast of Iran.

Iran insists on calling it the “Persian Gulf.” The magazine however labeled it “Persian Gulf,” but also placed in parentheses the words “Arabian Gulf,” because that is how it is referred to by other countries sharing that body of water. Sounds fair to me, but try and find reason among the illogical.

Although computers can work unhindered by free will, bourbon or divorce, such advantages are outweighed by a lack of life experience or emotions.

It might seem utterly illogical, but computer scientists have been able to get their machines to compose short bursts of prose. Novelists need not feel threatened for the reasons outlined above.

Via Sree Sreenivasan

Monika Jain, editor of Kahani, a new literary magazine for South Asian children writes that it has officially launched. She is looking for a few good writers. No pay, but you will get credit. If first impressions count, this magazine looks great. Even the famous Badmash crew is involved in this project!

Kahani strives to empower, educate and entertain South Asian children in North America.

High time. Do it for the kids; subscribe or contribute!

[Update: Just received a note from Monika. She is actively looking for illustrators. Please contact her directly at: monika.jain@kahani.com]

Via Jason Kottke

Try and come clean by confessing online. [Warning, this is purely a gimmick.]