Monday, August 09, 2010

Monday, August 10, 2009

My Hobbes gone

My 6-year-old niece has decamped to Abu Dhabi with my trusted partner and confidant (pictured below, in happier times).


Friday, August 07, 2009

Ode to a turd

John Updike, my favourite author, wrote about adultery, sex and suburban angst with a whole new perspective. He also wrote a remarkable poem about human excrement.

The Beautiful Bowel Movement

Though most of them aren’t much to write about—
mere squibs and nubs, like half-smoked pale cigars,
the tint and stink recalling Tuesday’s meal,
the texture loose and soon dissolved—this one,
struck off in solitude one afternoon
(that prairie stretch before the late light fails)
with no distinct sensation, sweet or pained,
of special inspiration or release,
was yet a masterpiece: a flawless coil,
unbroken, in the bowl, as if a potter
who worked in this most frail, least grateful clay
had set himself to shape a topaz vase.
O spiral perfection, not seashell nor
stardust, how can I keep you? With this poem.

Monday, July 27, 2009

It was time for a haircut

We were sitting for a family dinner when my 6-year-old niece pipes up.

"Uncle, can I tell you something?"

"Yes, dear."

"You look like a joker."

Thursday, March 26, 2009

On rereading Hemingway

Simple words.
Short, declarative sentences.
Tough, terse prose.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Holy Union

Madonna has a new boyfriend. Jesus.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Marisa

According to Wall Street Journal, actresses who play strippers or hookers stand a better chance of winning an Academy Award.

Here's why:
Historically, there have been fewer edgy roles for women, and the world's oldest profession -- prostitution - offers a natural corollary to another time-tested role, the male criminal. Another reason: Inherently flawed characters, who possess what some might see as mental, moral or physical imperfections, make for more courageous acting performances.

Which makes Marisa Tomei a front runner today.
And I hope she wins.
Not just because she is beautiful, sexy, talented and a radiant presence.
But because it takes a rare courage to strip and deliver a standout performance, in movie after movie.

Will it end today?

This Slumdog brouhaha is getting on my nerves.
I will have a paralytic seizure if I hear 'Jai Ho' one more time.

All Time Favourite Books

  • Dracula (Bram Stoker)
  • Sophie's Choice (William Styron)
  • Portnoy's Complaint (Philip Roth)
  • Rabbit at Rest (John Updike)
  • The Postman Always Rings Twice (James M Cain)
  • A Farewell to Arms (Ernest Hemingway)
  • Herzog (Saul Bellow)
  • Ham on Rye (Charles Bukowski)
  • The Catcher in the Rye (JD Salinger)
  • The Secret History (Donna Tartt)