Author: Swati

  • The Day When Someone Thought I Had Pushed ALL Buttons in an Elevator

    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 Chaplin…

  • “Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?” – Yoda

    “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 makes…

  • Why “Are You a Human” Tests Frustrate Us So Damn Much!

    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! I…

  • If You Desire to be Good, Begin by Believing that You are Wicked – Epictetus

    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, I…

  • To Pee or Not to Pee – That is the Question

    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 walk…

  • Why I Used to Love Locks and Keys, But Now I Don’t

    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, I…

  • How I Stop Listening to a Song That I Get Obsessed With

    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.…

  • Why I Don’t Agree with “Enjoy the Journey, Not the Destination”

    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,…

  • What’s Your Answer to “What is Happiness?”

    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 to…

  • Why Do They Put Washrooms in Such Obscure Places?

    Why Do They Put Washrooms in Such Obscure Places?

    Every now and then, I get fed up with eating what I cook. In these instances, I sleepwalk to the closest restaurant, which usually happens to be where I have the entire menu memorized. As the senses start springing to action one by one – I start preparing myself for an immersive culinary experience. My…