Don’t be a Yudhishthir on Diwali

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Why are people attracted to gambling?  What are the pitfalls involved in the state regulation of gambling?  Are these the same for India and Slovakia?  Is there a difference between gambling which involves some sort of skill and that which depends on pure luck?  Can gambling teach you anything?  Is it a social or anti-social activity?

To influence or be influenced (Or neither? Or both?)

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What is the relationship between popularity/charisma and fashion?  How important is it to find one's own style?  To what extent does conformity (or the ability to push against it) in terms of fashion and beauty standards also apply to men?  Is this author right that these restrictions are disappearing due to social media and the body positivity movement?  Is this wholly a good thing?

If the government makes the laws, and you are protesting the government…

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This is actually a debate between two writers rather than a typical article or opinion piece.  Which of them do you think has the better arguments in terms of whether protestors in democracies are sometimes justified in breaking laws in order to make their voices heard?  How do these arguments play out in a Slovak (rather than a British) context?

Were some of the boys in blue brown?

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There is a lot to comment on in this story of an American of Indian ancestry and his interest in the Civil War and attempt to see himself and his people as a part of American history.  Why are some people so fascinated by the armed conflicts of history?  Why are some people interested in acquiring balast while others choose to travel light?   To what extent is America a country where anyone can find acceptance no mater what their origin?    Does Chamberlain's speech ring true then or now?   Do you empathise with the need to connect with your nation's history even if you do not share the same ethnicity or even race as the majority?  To what extent is it possible for Slovak citizens of non-Slovak origins to identify with events in Slovak history?

Non-straight Namibians are No Namby Pambies

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This is the last post you can comment on for the month of November.

Is the telling of individual stories (as this article does) a good way to help persuade others of the validity of the struggle of LGBTQ people for their rights?  Most of this struggle seems to take place in the courtroom in Namibia.  To what extent is this where they have the most chance of success?   What parallels can be drawn between how this issue is played out in Namibia and how LGBTQ activists confront perceived injustices here in Slovakia?