Author Archives: Swati

Are Donkeys The Most Misunderstood Animals? My Love for Jenny from Banshees of Inisherin

I know quite a few people named Jenny. Lately, however, anytime anyone mentions this name to me, all I can think of is a donkey.  Yes! You read it right, a donkey!  The days when the name would port me to the numerous ‘Jenny’ songs are over. Thanks to a spectacular movie I recently watched,Continue reading “Are Donkeys The Most Misunderstood Animals? My Love for Jenny from Banshees of Inisherin”

Can You Handle Living Alone For a Long Time?

A brilliant man seems to be drawing an intricate map of something on a paper that he dutifully conceals in a bible; another one has it drawn all over his body, cleverly disguised. Another one, well, he just seems to be pounding on a decrepit-looking wall with a sledgehammer, and the uniformed people around himContinue reading “Can You Handle Living Alone For a Long Time?”

Is a Picture ALWAYS Worth a Thousand Words?

Pictures are remarkably sticky in our brains, aren’t they? It could be the image of “Lunch atop a Skyscraper,” “the Battle of Iwo Jima,” “Gandhi and the spinning wheel,” or even a super old class picture that you went to looking your best, only to close your eyes and bare your teeth at the unfortunately timedContinue reading “Is a Picture ALWAYS Worth a Thousand Words?”

Do You Peep Through the Peep Hole When Someone Passes Outside?

Peepholes, in my mind, are one of the most underrated conveniences of the modern world. How it came about to be invented is another and no less fascinating story.  From the quite rudimentary fisheye lens that allowed you to quickly peek at your visitor from your apartment’s main door to today’s sophisticated home security systems, which letContinue reading “Do You Peep Through the Peep Hole When Someone Passes Outside?”

Can You Smile Well When the Photographer says “Cheese”?

The world is full of appreciation for smiles. Talk about literati, pop culture icons, your friendly neighborhood social media influencer, or even a noted political figure; people have much to say about smiles.  But what you don’t see as ubiquitously are the challenges of mustering a natural smile.  This is an ode to the folksContinue reading “Can You Smile Well When the Photographer says “Cheese”?”

My Two Cents on How NOT to Lose Weight

It was an uneventful weekend, and I was trying to shed calories by walking down the city streets after a tummy full of fried dumplings and sipping on the famed pearl milk tea (100% sugar, of course).  Despite walking two miles to shake off the heaviness of the meal, I still felt packed – fullContinue reading “My Two Cents on How NOT to Lose Weight”

The Queue Question: Why My Queue in the Grocery Store Moves the Slowest

Let me paint a picture: You are at a grocery store. It is well-stocked, and the groceries appear fresh. The store has enough people to make you feel confident about its appeal but not so many that you need Luke Skywalker-level navigation skills to avoid colliding with other shoppers.  All in all, it’s a luckyContinue reading “The Queue Question: Why My Queue in the Grocery Store Moves the Slowest”

Do You Ever Plug-in a USB Stick Right in the First Try? I Don’t

When the Benedict Cumberbatch-starrer Sherlock came out what seems like ages ago, I might have gone batshit crazy. I always loved Sherlock, but this modern spin on Doyle’s delectably sharp detective was a class apart. His deduction methods applied to everyday modern objects, making the show relatable. I remember seeing a clip where Sherlock explained to Watson theContinue reading “Do You Ever Plug-in a USB Stick Right in the First Try? I Don’t”