There can be little argument that the genre of crime fiction, whether in book or film form, is the most addictive avenue of diversion that most readers and viewers long for. To be curled up in bed on a cold and wet evening, thumbing through a P.D. James or a Dorothy Sayers mystery with a …
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Much ado over a flying kiss
The flying kiss, a largely fashionable western affectation (though also fairly common in elite social circles in this country), is suddenly in the news here in India that is Bharat Mata. The airy gesture, also known as an ‘air kiss’, was provided by none other than the tallest leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi earlier …
An orgy of sporting celebration
This week my thoughts turn to an aspect of sport that we do not often talk about. At least, I have not come across much editorial space being devoted to that part of modern sport, details of which I am on the verge of divulging. ‘So why don’t you get on with it, without faffing …
Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story.’ Where do I begin?
I have a true confession to make. I am ashamed to admit that I have not heard a single song by Taylor Swift. At least, not till I decided to write this column. I blush to disclose that the lady’s name passes by me as the idle wind. Her records have broken all manner of …
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How long is a piece of string?
Of late, I have been receiving a few friendly comments from a handful of readers who have my best interests at heart, to the effect that my columns tend to be a tad too long. Happily they are in the minority, but I tend to take any feedback seriously. I reflect. If not exactly riddled …
Yorkers and a Deep Third Man at Wimbledon
Tennis: the most perfect combination of athleticism, artistry, power, style, and wit. A beautiful game, but one so remorselessly travestied by the passage of time. Martin Amis, celebrated novelist and essayist. ‘Anyone for tennis?’ Why those three words became a cliché for books published and stage plays enacted during the turn of the twentieth century …
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Aim. Shoot. Post.
Why are you on Facebook? Why do you care who is trending? Did you miss your 15 minutes of fame? Van Morrison. My participation in social media is negligible. I post my weekly blog on Facebook and Twitter and on occasion, I might make the odd comment, odd being the operative word, if some of …
The Law and The Big Squeeze
The law is an ass – Old English proverb. I am at odds with the Karnataka High Court, which recently ruled that the act of a 38-year-old man opting to squeeze another man’s testicles during the course of a heated argument cannot be regarded as an attempt to murder. Now, in the normal course of …
It is written in the stars
Let me get one thing straight off my chest. I do not understand the art or science of predicting the future. Do I believe in it? Do I repose blind faith in its mysterious and arcane ways? I do, when the predictions go in my favour. Else, I am dismissive. This is not to suggest …
Excuse me while I bore you
Bore, noun. A person who talks when you wish him to listen. Ambrose Bierce, short story writer. One of the most common words we come across in our daily conversation is the noun bore. It can also double-up as a verb. The word has several meanings, but in the sense in which I am referring …