Tid Bit from My Diary

  Photo by Lina Kivaka_Pexel Who still reads a newspaper every morning? Maybe not many, as today's fast-paced lifestyle leaves little room for such a luxury. Most people would probably trade that time for an extra 15 minutes of sleep, preferring to catch up on the latest news on their smartphones instead. While this shift is evident, it's worth noting the rich history of newspapers, which you'll find explored at the end of this article.   The Thirst for News is Eternal.  Human beings have always craved news, likely since the dawn of civilization. In ancient times, people would gather in town squares or marketplaces to learn what was happening in their communities. With the advent of newspapers, news became more accessible, delivered directly to people's doorsteps. However, in our current era, how many readers take the time to delve beyond the headlines, especially when the stories are about celebrations where everything went as planned? The real draw often seems to be t...

Nothing can be more inspiring for a budding architect than listening to a successful designer explaining designing as “ an opportunity for magical realism, where things are at once familiar but different. Where arches bow, and the door handles reach out to shake your hand as you approach the space .” As the architecture students progress through their semesters, they are eager to join the world of professional designers and deliver something unique, something mesmerising. They want to believe that “architecture isn’t just methodology and science; it’s a chance to invent another reality.” However, the reality that awaits them on the other side of university can be quite different from what they have been dreaming of for the past five years. The idealist will argue that “architecture can’t always be practised as a formula. It’s also an art form that can be infused with personality and emotion.” But in the real world, where project abundance lies, the personality and emotion in question b...

Art is a profound form of expression, a medium through which artists convey emotions, stories, and perspectives. It’s not merely an aesthetic addition to our living spaces; it’s meant to resonate with our innermost feelings and spark reflection. When we buy a piece of art from an artist, we're not just purchasing a decorative item; we’re investing in a journey filled with experimentation, failures, and triumphs. By looking deeper into the art, we can appreciate that path. Art’s primary purpose is to connect with us on a deeper level. It’s not confined to the limitations of matching our home decor or blending seamlessly with our furniture. Instead, it should provoke thought, evoke emotions, and speak to our soul. Whether it’s a vibrant painting, a poignant sculpture, or an intricate piece of digital art, its value lies in its ability to communicate beyond words. Every brushstroke, every chisel mark, and every pixel represents hours of dedication, experimentation, and, often, failure...

Growing up in a small town in 1970s India, I, like many other boys, harbored dreams of a bit of fame. Not excelling in studies, sports, or the arts meant the odds were heavily stacked against me. If I were to hear my name on the radio, it would likely be through a "request-a-song" program. As for seeing my name in print, it would only happen if an editor appreciated my contributions. Reader's Digest was our popular window to the outside world. Each edition brought us inspirational stories of perseverance, fascinating information, and humor from the Western Hemisphere. It introduced us to the world of subtle humor. I remember one particular story where someone was advised to apply grease on his car bonnet when their town faced a sudden onslaught of flies. The next time he took the car for service, the mechanic asked if he had a tight garage. This type of humor was fresh and delightful to us. We were particularly captivated by the letters from readers, sharing life experien...

An ode to the desert trees of Bahrain.  In the parched realms, it seldom rains, Life is sparse,  yet the hardiest reins, In those barren lands to nature’s dare, Trees stand resolute but few and rare. Adversities turn to occasion for brilliance,  Not soil sweet, strong winds built resilience, In the arid silence, their roots entwine,  With each storm, their strengths redefine. Twisted but resolved,  the sentinels of hope, Throughout time, they persist, they cope, Silhouetted, against the expanse of sand, testament to the enduring spirit of this land.

When I looked at the boat, I got a bit emotional and reflected on the life in general..... The Old Boat Towering waves, I twirled with grace,  Each fierce storm, a fleeting embrace, Sang melody to the gulls, carefree,  Flirted along fishes silver and glee. To wind’s might, my sails aligned, Salt and Sun in  journey intertwined, Forces then I braved, as a child’s play, Those memories now softly sway. Old and abandoned is today’s reality, Time is relentless in its truth or cruelty,  To kings and paupers, its march unkind,  In its silent hands, all destinies entwined.

  At the piano “I have never been in a haunted house,” said Anita to her friends. The girls were having a sleepover at her place, and the theme for the night was paranormal experiences. “But my aunt was in one such situation in her teens.” “Sean had lived there with his parents since childhood. When the siblings grew up, they moved out of their parents' home to start their families but never left the locality. He moved to a house down the street from my aunt’s home and as he was married to her uncle’s sister, she used to call him uncle Sean.”  “One night, their daughter, who was 7 at the time, complained about a terrible headache and the doctors failed to save her from a rare cardiovascular ailment”. “I am keeping my fingers crossed that it won't be another of those creepypasta,' one of the girls quipped. These young horror story enthusiasts were not prepared to settle for just any story. Hannah’s yawning was a signal that they could get bored rather fast. “My...