The other day I was watching a standup comedy show by a famous comedian. After his usual stuff, the guy talked about how fake pleasantries are these days. And maybe have always been? He mentioned how ‘Hello, how are you?’ is such a superficial question and how you seldom expect any answer that is butContinue reading “What Do You Say When Someone Asks “Hi, How Are You?””
Author Archives: Swati
The Day When Someone Thought I Had Pushed ALL Buttons in an Elevator
The mention of an escalator or elevator brings up a variety of images. While for the comedically inclined, it could be an image of Charlie Chaplin ‘floorwalking’ or Buddy, the elf, trying the escalator for the first time. Here’s a quick visual reminder for those who don’t know what I am talking about: Charlie ChaplinContinue reading “The Day When Someone Thought I Had Pushed ALL Buttons in an Elevator”
“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?” – Yoda
Star Wars has slowly and steadily crept into my hard drive and minimal wardrobe. It has taken decades to be where it is in my life, but I can safely say it is here to stay. And more than anything else, it is because of Yoda. Yoda is the grammar-agnostic voice of wisdom, one that makesContinue reading ““Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?” – Yoda”
Why “Are You a Human” Tests Frustrate Us So Damn Much!
Oh, the joys of machines! ‘Intelligent’ machines! They certainly make our lives easy, don’t they? Be it work, pleasure or just cat memes, where would we be if there were no machines in the world! However, the machine that I like the most also gives me the most grief. Yes! The PC, what else! IContinue reading “Why “Are You a Human” Tests Frustrate Us So Damn Much!”
If You Desire to be Good, Begin by Believing that You are Wicked – Epictetus
I was roaming in the neighborhood library one day, glancing through the books on the shelves to pick one for reading. I noticed that the library folks had put up some quotes from famous personalities on the walls. Francis Bacon, Newton, and Gandhi were all featured. As I head to check out my book, IContinue reading “If You Desire to be Good, Begin by Believing that You are Wicked – Epictetus”
To Pee or Not to Pee – That is the Question
I love reading food reviews. They offer some simplicity in the overwhelming world of culinary experimentation and ubiquity. I wasn’t as much of a fan as I am now. Since the pandemic struck and stopped the world, my love of eating out has been affected by paranoia. My risk appetite has reduced drastically. I no longer walkContinue reading “To Pee or Not to Pee – That is the Question”
Why I Used to Love Locks and Keys, But Now I Don’t
I was reading a short story by O. Henry the other day- one where he talked about an expert thief. No safe in the world was immune to his talents, thanks to his excellent skill and expert toolbox. What a satisfying feeling it must be to have that power! And to be very frank, IContinue reading “Why I Used to Love Locks and Keys, But Now I Don’t”
How I Stop Listening to a Song That I Get Obsessed With
Does the post title bring back memories of Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey starrer “How to lose a guy in 10 days”? The first I heard of the movie might have been a couple of decades ago, And I remember thinking to myself, why would someone want to do that? I was naive at the time.Continue reading “How I Stop Listening to a Song That I Get Obsessed With”
Why I Don’t Agree with “Enjoy the Journey, Not the Destination”
You ask an average adult what they would do if they came upon a windfall gain, call it the lottery, for example, the answers you would get, unsurprisingly, will be very limited – buy a big house, pay off all mortgages, travel the world, get a Porsche 911, buy a helicopter, buy a private jet,Continue reading “Why I Don’t Agree with “Enjoy the Journey, Not the Destination””
What’s Your Answer to “What is Happiness?”
Some questions are ubiquitous, aren’t they? You will find them everywhere – on survey forms/emails and feedback sheets in restaurants, hotels, and government buildings… you name it. One of those questions is: are you happy? This is one of those questions whose answers are probably more varied than any other question ever! Everyone has something toContinue reading “What’s Your Answer to “What is Happiness?””
Friends of Words 