Is It True That the Eldest Daughters in a Big Family Make for the Best Spouses?

Giving Indian Roti All the Attention it Has Always Deserved

From artificially themed Rishikesh cafes to urban chic Bangalore bistros, why are expensive sourdough breads surfacing everywhere?

Why Tax Rebates for Delhi Folks Caught in the Killer Smog Aren’t Such an Outwardly Stupid Idea

The Entire City Is Misreading It: There Is NO Air Pollution in Delhi!!

Step outside, squint through the beige horizon, and remind yourself that this isn’t pollution — it’s panoramic. The air is not thick with dust and death; it’s textured. And that dull, relentless burning in your throat? That’s civic pride, baby. The government says it’s all fine, so you can exhale — carefully, of course, because the AQI hit 460 this week and every breath counts. In the official narrative, Delhi doesn’t have pollution. It has “temporary atmospheric fluctuations.” The kind of fluctuations that make your air purifier wheeze like an asthmatic vacuum cleaner. But don’t worry. There’s no crisis here. The city just needs a good Instagram filter.

Consider These if You are on Amazon India - Looking to Buy Glass Mosaic Tiles?

Glass mosaic tiles are more than just design accents — they’re an art form that brings light, color, and personality to any space. Whether you’re redecorating your kitchen backsplash, framing a mirror, or crafting handmade coasters, these tiny pieces of glass can transform the ordinary into the eye-catching. In home décor, glass mosaic tiles shine brightest where they can play with light. Try using them on a feature wall, around a vanity mirror, or as a border in your bathroom. The reflective surface bounces light around the room, adding depth and elegance. You can also use mosaic tiles on tabletops or plant stands for a touch of color without overpowering your interior theme. Pair neutral tiles with metallic grout for a sophisticated look, or experiment with vibrant tones to create a lively, artistic vibe. For DIY enthusiasts, mosaic tiles are equally rewarding.

Medical Cannabis for IBS: Indica vs. Sativa… or Chemovars?

Your reference piece suggests indica-leaning products may soothe abdominal pain/cramping and stress, while sativa-leaning products may help inflammation—two symptom drivers in IBS. That’s a useful starting frame for patients exploring options under clinical guidance. However, modern clinical guidance cautions that “indica vs. sativa” is a loose folk taxonomy. Effects vary widely plant-to-plant and depend more on chemovar (the actual cannabinoid + terpene profile) than the label. Look at THC/CBD ratios and key terpenes (e.g., linalool, myrcene, limonene, β-caryophyllene) rather than the marketing category. 

Why cannabis might help IBS (biological rationale)

• Endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the gut: CB1/CB2 receptors modulate motility, visceral pain, immune tone, and nausea. Targeting this system could reduce hypersensitivity, normalize contractions, and dampen stress-gut signaling. PMC
• Gut–brain axis: ECS signaling intersects with stress circuits; calming central arousal can secondarily calm the bowel in stress-triggered IBS. Mamedica
• Barrier & inflammation: Preclinical work shows cannabinoids (notably CBD via CB1) can influence epithelial permeability and inflammatory signaling—mechanisms relevant to flares. (Note: translation to clinical IBS outcomes is still limited.) MDPI

What the evidence actually shows (and what it doesn’t)

• Symptom relief signals, not disease modification: Trials and reviews in GI disorders show improvements in abdominal pain, stool urgency/diarrhea, sleep, and QoL, but little change in objective inflammation markers. Expect symptomatic relief, not a cure. MDPI
• IBS-specific data are sparse: Most clinical work is small or indirect (IBD, functional abdominal pain, nausea). High-quality, IBS-specific randomized trials remain a gap. Verywell Health
• Indica vs. sativa evidence is weak: Even in IBD, authoritative patient resources note no proven “best strain”; suggestions that indica helps pain/sleep are largely experiential. crohnsandcolitis.ca
• Patient preferences vary: Real-world research shows wide variation in product choice and perceived effects—another reason to personalize by chemovar, dose, and route.

Matching chemovars to IBS symptom clusters

Use this as a clinician-guided framework, not a prescription.

1. Pain & cramping; sleep disturbance

   • Consider balanced THC: CBD or CBD-dominant with small THC at night; terpenes like linalool/myrcene (sedative) and β-caryophyllene (CB2-active) are often sought. Start low, go slow. Your reference aligns this with “indica-like” choices. cannabisaccessclinics.co.uk

2. Diarrhea/urgency & visceral hypersensitivity

   • Low-dose THC may slow transit and reduce hypersensitivity; CBD may temper anxiety-driven urgency. Daytime use should remain low to avoid psychoactivity. Verywell Health

3. Bloating & inflammation-related flares

   • CBD-forward products (with β-caryophyllene/limonene) are often trialed for their anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic profiles, though hard IBS trial data are limited. MDPI+1

4. Stress-triggered symptoms

   • Formulations emphasizing CBD (± micro-THC) can reduce stress arousal that perpetuates gut symptoms via the gut–brain axis. Mamedica

Route, onset, and dosing basics

• Inhaled (vape flower/oil): Onset minutes; easier as-needed titration for acute cramping/urgency. Short duration, variable dose control. (Avoid smoking for pulmonary risk.) Healthline
• Oral oils/capsules: Onset 45–90 minutes; longer duration; better for scheduled, steady background control, but variable absorption in IBS. Start very low (e.g., CBD 5–10 mg; THC 0.5–1 mg) and uptitrate slowly. Releaf
• Sublingual tinctures: Intermediate onset; decent dose control for day-to-day management. (General pharmacology guidance.) Healthline

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Safety, side effects, and drug interactions

• Common: Sedation, dizziness, cognitive slowing (THC), dry mouth.
• GI-specific caution: Rare cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome with heavy chronic THC exposure.
• Interactions: THC/CBD can affect CYP450 metabolism—review other meds (e.g., SSRIs, TCAs, PPIs, anticoagulants).
• Dependency & tolerance: Especially with higher THC. Use the lowest effective dose, prefer CBD-forward by day, reserve THC for targeted use.
• Legal/access: UK access is specialist-led for specific indications; IBS may require individualized clinical justification and is not a routine qualifying diagnosis. (Clinic resources emphasize patient-by-patient selection and careful monitoring.)

How to translate “indica vs. sativa” into practical selection

1. Ignore the label; read the lab: Choose by THC % / CBD % and a consistent terpene profile known to suit your symptom goals. 

2. Match timing to symptoms:

   • Day: CBD-dominant or very-low-THC balanced products to manage stress/urgency without cognitive drag.

   • Night: Balanced or THC-leaning with sedative terpenes if pain/spasm disrupts sleep. (Echoes your reference’s indica-for-pain/sleep angle.) 

3. Titrate methodically: Start low, increase every 3–7 days, track stool form, frequency, pain (0–10), urgency episodes, and sleep in a diary to identify a personal therapeutic window. (Real-world research supports individualized titration.) 

Bottom line

• Your reference is directionally consistent with patient experience: “indica-like” (sedating, pain-relieving) profiles often help cramping and sleep; “sativa-like” (energizing) profiles are sometimes explored for daytime function and inflammation-linked discomfort.
• But clinical science says don’t rely on the label—rely on the chemistry (THC/CBD balance and terpenes) and careful, clinician-supervised titration. 
• Expect symptom relief, not a cure; evidence for IBS is promising yet limited, with stronger data for QoL and pain than for objective inflammation change. 

Patient Guide: Using Medical Cannabis for IBS Support

Understand the Goal: Symptom Relief, Not Cure

• Cannabinoids may help relieve pain, cramping, urgency, bloating, and sleep issues, but not treat IBS root causes.
• Evidence is limited, so think of this as experimental symptom management.

Know the Chemistry, Not the Leaf

Term	Meaning	Why It Matters
THC	Psychoactive compound	May reduce spasm and slow bowel; use low doses to avoid “high”
CBD	Non-intoxicating compound	Helps with pain, anxiety, and inflammation
Terpenes	Aromatic compounds (like linalool, myrcene)	Influence effect—“sedative” vs “energizing”
Chemovar	Cannabis variety defined by chemistry	More important than the “Indica/Sativa” label

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Match Your Symptoms to the Right Formulation

Time of Day	Symptom Focus	Preferred Type	Notes
Daytime	Urgency, bloating, anxiety-led gut tension	CBD-rich or balanced THC/CBD, energizing terpenes	Start with very low THC (≤1 mg)
Nighttime	Cramping, pain, poor sleep	Low-dose THC + CBD, sedative terpenes (e.g., linalool, myrcene)	Helps with relaxation and rest

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Choose Route of Administration

• Inhaled (vapor)

  • Onset: within minutes

  • Duration: ~2–4 hours

  • Use: As-needed relief for sudden cramps or urgency

• Oral Oils/Capsules

  • Onset: 45–90 minutes

  • Duration: ~6–8 hours

  • Use: Scheduled dosing for baseline control

• Sublingual Tinctures

  • Onset: ~15–30 minutes

  • Duration: ~4–6 hours

  • Use: Faster edge between inhaled and oral for controlled dosing

Safety & Precautions

• Use the lowest effective dose; prioritize CBD-forward options during the day.
• Risks: dizziness, sedation, cognitive slowing, dry mouth, and potential GI upset. High THC may lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis with overuse.
• Drug interactions: THC/CBD affects CYP450. Check against other medications like SSRIs, PPIs, and blood thinners.
• Mental health caution: Monitor for anxiety, mood shifts—particularly with THC.
• Dependence risk: Limit THC frequency and avoid escalation without medical input.

7. Legal & Medical Oversight

• Legal access varies—some regions require specialist approval; IBS may not be listed, but can be considered in compassionate use or off-label contexts.
• Consult your healthcare provider, who knows your full medical history and local cannabis regulations.
• Document progress and side effects; follow regular review and adjust as needed.

8. When to Stop or Pause

• If symptoms don’t improve after 2–4 weeks at reasonable doses
• If side effects outweigh benefits—e.g., cognitive clouding, GI upset, dependency signs
• If legal status changes or new medical advice contraindicates use

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Quick Checklist

• Select CBD-heavy or balanced THC/CBD with a clear terpene profile
• Start low dose, track symptoms and side effects
• Prefer vapor for crises, oral/sublingual for planned dosing
• Adjust dose every 3–7 days under supervision
• Know drug interactions and legal status
• Stop if no improvement or side effects emerge

This guide is not medical advice but a structured approach to trying cannabinoid therapy when standard IBS treatments fall short. Work with your doctor or clinic, stay within legal bounds, and always monitor progress carefully.

Yes Art Heals but you don't need to be an artist

So, I was getting started with my Sunday morning chores, which these days are more about DIY repairs. This time around, it also included setting up two small plants in recycled glass bottles to be put up in the kitchen, near the big window. An hour or so later, I chanced upon the drawings that my 4.5-year-old girl drew. This is when I realized that what I was doing and what I was looking at were both forms of Art. To turn this into a question – What is art? Is it as fundamental as creating something in a very tangible and creative way? I believe so. The artist could be anyone. In this case, my girl turned the canvas into art, using her skills, and drew us, a family. There is nothing to gauge her performance here. Such art is pure and unadulterated. It does not need inspiration or reason, like filling out the galleries for an upcoming art exhibition.

Literally, anything that occupies your senses in creating something using your skills and some tools amounts to doing art, creating art, and being artistic. And I have realized that there is something deep, at the neural level, that connects art with our mind. To be brutally honest, since completing middle school, I hadn’t been even close to being artistic. However, around 2016, my wife inspired me to do small things. This included starting a balcony garden. Once the planters came in, so did the need to paint and refurbish potting vessels and recycle a few things to be used as substitute planters. As a result, the spray paint cans, colors, and paintbrushes returned to my life. There is some therapeutic, close to healing, as you brush the color on a surface. It has a profound effect on your mind, taking it away from the daily anxieties, fears, and tensions.  

I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it disconnects you from the world, though that is what I hear about great artists and real content creators. Even when using paint spray cans, the mind pacifies itself as you watch the mist of colors coat a surface, turning blacks and greys into vivid reds and bright yellows. Overall, the little bit of academic, greenhorn-level art that I have been able to pursue via these humble attempts has proven to be medicinally effective. There is no pharmacology apart from the chemical formula that is at the heart of many painting media these days. There are no after-effects apart from some drops that have marked your home tees and shorts. But there is a lot to gain from the experience. Even if you need to think, overthink, and surgically dissect your thoughts, slowly scraping away the soil build-up around the corners of a small planter can be a very effective medium to concentrate. You will realize that while doing so, you breathe a lot slower, you are less irritated, and overall, you can think less or more, but with greater clarity. The latest in this small journey has been returning to using crayons. This might sound nerdy and oversold, but as the crayons give away and a part of them is martyred on the paper, you feel more in the moment, and break away from the past or the future that might be overwhelming you. As you start filling in within the boundaries of different shapes and forms, called shading perhaps, the simplicity of the task helps you relax. Another thing that I plan to start doing soon with my daughter, and as a part of getting artistic, is more drawings using chalk—this is one frontier that challenges me in a very unexpected manner. For some reason, the logic and sentiments associated with painting, coloring, shading, scraping, and layering don’t seem to apply as much when the tool is a piece of chalk and the medium is a school’s blackboard…

Discussing my Coleus...the plant of Gods!

I will be adding images to this discussion soon but right now, my focus is on talking about the growing love for coleus. I chanced upon this plant last year. At that time, I did not understand the difference between foliage plants and flowering plants. Soon, along with my love for the plant, a bit of knowledge also seeped in. Within a few months, I realized that the coleus family is rather high on color combinations and bright, colored leaves but does not flower. Yes, sometimes you get some seed stalks but these are not really pretty. This is a means to create some seeds that can be preserved for restarting the pot after the winter has ravaged it.

What is the Myntra platform fee? and why should we pay for it?

I came back to Myntra after a bit of a break, busy exploring AJIO, Amazon Fashion, and Pantaloons, and this time around, while checking out, the billing structure suggested that Myntra is charging INR 20 per order as a Platform Fee! I am not sure what was going through the minds of the financial decision-making machinery at Myntra but honestly, it just does not make a lot of sense. Just imagine this - they are charging this fee under the pretext of "...for a hassle-free app experience" which makes you want to ask the Myntra team - all along, did the entire billed amount go to the manufacturer or the seller and the app was being kept "hassle-free" via goodwill and charity? Before this Platform Fee came along, Myntra, as a retail platform, was making no money from every transaction or purchase? Most people would agree, it was. It is too obvious that Myntra has been monetized like any other online shopping app. In the digital retail space, all of us know the game of tripling or quadrupling the retail sticker price to ensure that the "unbelievable offers" that claim up to 70% discount look genuine. That remains a banal and dimwitted effort to showcase the prices with a massive cutdown and nearly every shopping space online did it while many are still doing it. Even worse is some apps charging us on the grounds of Charity contributions just to ensure that their taxation liabilities remain restricted. But in this case, if the Platform Fee is not there, Myntra people will not ensure the 'continuous improvement' of the app? This makes you wonder - WHY ARE WE BEING BOTHERED AND CHARGED ABOUT IMPROVING THE APP?

Do you need experts to tell you that it is OK to Lie?

We are doing it all the time and still, we need the assurance that ethically and morally, there is nothing wrong with it? I am talking about lying spontaneously, lying on the go, and lying without giving it a second consideration. It has become imperative to our daily existence. Just the other day I found my wife hiding on WhatsApp. I couldn't be more surprised - why would anyone try to camouflage oneself on something as free and miscellaneous as this social communication platform? Because there are some people out there, toxic thought carriers whom you don't want to overwhelm your sense of calmness on some days, at least on days when Life already seems to be going in a tizzy. So, are there any morality calculators out there that can define when it is OK to lie? 

Is it okay to lie, sometimes? The recent spate of events is sufficient proof that I have to lie, I have to make up stories, and more often than not it is not even for my benefit. I have to lie that I need to be excused earlier because there are things that need to be handled at home but essentially, the conversations are so damn boring - hanging around would have only meant more of myself and less of being a good participant in social situations. I have to create weird conversational backdrops for my father every time I want to buy something new for him - being honest would mean not doing some very basic things for an aging parent.

This recent article mentions that "Lying is often socially motivated" and features opinions from experts like Christian L. Hart [a researcher in lying and deception!], and he concludes that on most occasions people don't lie for "direct gains". This is true across most social situations. The intent that brings about lying should indeed be the only parameter to judge - white lie vs dishonest lying. The latter is more of a cover-up. The former is chosen because the absolute truth would perhaps do more damage. Therefore, lying in many situations is mathematically and logically the only choice.

The Dream vs Reality of Family Summer Vacations: everything is not OK when holidaying with the family!

Every year as summer rolls around, images of the idyllic family vacation fill our minds. We envision laughing children playing on a beach, happy parents sipping drinks by the pool, and memorable moments being created. The reality, however, is often quite different - and much more stressful than anticipated. I recall my childhood days when family vacations were the norm, and I failed to remember even one trip that was filled with unpleasant memories. For some reason, and shockingly, I did not come across this somewhat taboo subject for most of my early years. However, some grey hair decades later, I realized that this is a genuine and global problem, and whether you are vacationing with your kids, grandparents, in-laws, or the extended family, family trips are often the source of anxiety. The following just might help though I am sure there is no simple cure for the issue...

What is self-compassion and it is important for you to accept your body?

Understanding Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is a critical psychological concept that entails treating oneself with the same kindness, concern, and support one would show to a good friend. Rooted in ancient Buddhist practices, self-compassion is fundamentally about recognizing our shared human experience, which includes suffering and imperfection. Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneering researcher in this field, defines self-compassion through three main components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness.

Components of Self-Compassion

Self-Kindness: Instead of being harshly self-critical, self-kindness involves being gentle and understanding with oneself. It means recognizing that it's okay to make mistakes and that imperfection is a part of the human experience.

Eric on Netflix India is Daringly Different, Dark & Recreating Benchmarks

When Benedict Cumberbatch said that dressing up as a giant blue monster is "one of the most ludicrous things I've done" for the Netflix show, Eric, he must have forgotten to mention that he perhaps knew all along that this is one of the biggest performances that showcases his versatility as a performer.

[Image source:

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment]

You will surely relate with Eric if your childhood was in the shadows of the mayhem associated with dysfunctional marriages. If your parents quarreled a lot, and as a result, you still carry many emotional scars of growing up through the years with a type of fear that cannot be explained and that unsettling feeling continues to be there, deep in your heart, even if your parents have departed, you will instantly relate with the child who is perhaps, just running away from himself. It is that feeling does not go away - it lasts for a lifetime and Eric uses the darkness of this reality to beautifully conjure a scenario as a part of its storytelling. The depths of it include the corruption in NYPD, it highlights the corruption in our minds, and how choosing to be a different individual often causes our world to be shaken, stirred, and almost decimated.

The Pencil Thing: When Life Pulls You Back to the Basics!

I could have never imagined that sometime later in my adult life, I would have to make a comeback to writing with pencils. At school, progressing from pencils to pens was regarded as a significant shift. It is treated as one of the many signs that you have arrived at the doors of young adulthood. As we progress further, lives take a more professional form where pencils are regarded as kiddish and pens, sometimes the luxury variety, are looked upon as standard tools. However, sometimes Life can pan out in such a manner that whatever seems standard or natural needs to be re-evaluated.

I am now returning to the basics, i.e. writing with pencils, and this is why…this is not about the medically documented benefits of writing with a pencil but about the psychological, more humane side to the story.

Reviewing CBD Gummies [India] For First Time Users | Cannabidiols Can Be Good

• Product: Zero CBD Broad Spectrum Gummies, Grand Daddy Purple, (4 pcs)
• The option: CBD content 30 mg
• Just one pack
• Retail price: INR 800 plus 50 for shipping anywhere
• Platform for purchase: https://itshemp.in/
• Brand: Zero CBD
• CBD type: broad spectrum, gummy infused with CBD 

I hope this unpaid, organic review helps those who are on the edge of making a decision but are still contemplating CBD gummies, still waiting for an authentic review that is totally unbiased and does not hold back from sharing the truth.

If you are not clear about the concept of ‘maal’ versus Cannabinoids, where the latter is associated with a lot of health benefits, you need to read up on the information that is easily available online. At the end of this CBD review, I have also shared some links that help to understand the utility of this herbal product and highlight it as a safe option - safe enough to be tried by the time-starved, always-rushed professional who is trying to maintain the work-life balance in the face of deadlines, a young family, and ailing parents.

Rediscovering the Joys of Local Exploration: Unveiling the Benefits of Neighborhood Strolls

In our fast-paced, interconnected world, the allure of exotic destinations and far-off adventures often overshadows the simple pleasures that lie within arm's reach. While the appeal of global exploration is undeniable, there is a profound and often overlooked charm in exploring one's own neighborhood. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why venturing into the familiar surroundings of your local community can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Drawing on both research and anecdotal evidence, we aim to highlight the multifaceted benefits of rediscovering the beauty that resides right outside your doorstep.

Connecting with Community Identity:

Exploring your neighborhood is more than just a casual stroll; it is an opportunity to connect with the unique identity and history of your community. Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, "Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else." This sentiment resonates on a community level as well. Each neighborhood carries its own distinct character, shaped by the people who inhabit it and the events that have unfolded within its borders.

Authoritative Source:

A study published in the Journal of Urban Studies and Planning explored the impact of community identity on residents' well-being. The researchers found a positive correlation between a strong connection to neighborhood identity and overall life satisfaction (Smith et al., 2018).

Enhancing Mental Well-being:

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress and mental fatigue have become pervasive issues. Taking the time to explore your neighborhood offers a therapeutic escape, providing a break from the demands of daily life. The natural settings, community interactions, and familiarity of the environment contribute to a sense of ease and tranquility.

Negativity Detoxification - not just another DIY detox...

The need to detoxify from negativity has become paramount for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Negativity, whether originating from external sources or internal thoughts, can take a toll on our overall health. This article explores practical and evidence-based strategies to detoxify from negativity, delving into the science behind these methods to provide actionable insights for cultivating a more positive mindset.

Understanding the Impact of Negativity on Mental Health:

Negativity, in its various forms, can significantly affect mental health. Constant exposure to negative stimuli, be it through news cycles, social media, or personal interactions, can contribute to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and even depression. Recognizing the impact of negativity is the first step toward implementing effective detoxification strategies.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology reviewed longitudinal studies on the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders. The findings highlighted a correlation between increased exposure to negative life events and a higher risk of developing mental health issues (Kessler et al., 2010).

Things I can say with surety about these 'Perpetual Borrowers'....winners and sinners at the same time.

Ready to adapt: this couple didn't seek the most comfortable environment for raising a family. They were ready to use whatever little space was available. And this plot of nesting land, too did came with plenty of distractions and lots of intrusions. However, their family has settled in rather well. They ensured picking a spot that provided comprehensive coverage against the sun and rain. What seems like a combination of living room and bedroom, their one-room accommodation comes sans any pretensions. They think that the iron pipe in the background is their idea of home decor, and the ugly remains of a shoddy cement job, once done, represent the landscaping. Overall, if this were a home-to-rent deal, nobody would have bought it. But like true borrowers, this couple overlooked all the possibly not-so-great things and chose to set up their nesting headquarters amid the ugliness.

Unaffected by Corona: while there is mayhem around us, with being constantly updated about the number of folks infected, recovered, and a lot more permutations in the mix, this couple has no qualms about hopping around, without any mask, without any sense of apprehension about what is happening to the world. It seems this avian family member has its priorities set absolutely right. Its nesting space is a picture of peace amid the pandemic chaos. The routine is equally simple. Play watch-guard, gather food, take food to the young ones, and take turns to ensure no unwanted access is granted.

Borrowing is not that bad: my childhood was rich with constant reminders about becoming self-sufficient and reliant but here I have tenants who don't pay, don't give a damn about occupying a piece of property that isn't leased or rented to them, and borrow at will. The bread crumbs seem like breakfast. The small droplets of water seem to quench their thirst. The balcony corridor is the perfect arena for vent-out fights. The small twigs of my balcony garden are the arsenal to build up the nesting space. My borrowers have no sense of shame about it. They will visit the last site of borrowing crimes until they have borrowed more than what is needed. In the process, they have managed to lay to waste a couple of our planters and have beaten the life out of some overgrown aloe vera branches. Borrowers by intent? Very much, without remorse, with utmost clarity. And yes, they have found a voluntary feeding hand with my wife often throwing chips of leftover rotis - not sure how that is helping the cause of not letting these squatters get more habitual about transgressing our property!

Cleanliness is a perimeter thing: one thing I have learned about the pigeon lifestyle is that they can really heap on the crap, the real thing, but they keep it away from their headquarters. While our homes, roofs, window coverings, and balcony fences need to be regularly cleaned to get rid of this constant supply of pigeon shit, the perimeter around their unlawful nesting area is spotless. There are no drying or moist grey & white specks. The plan seems pretty clear - let us live clean individually and smuggle out our mess to the rest of the world.

Why corona hit restaurants businesses should and can pick-up...it is about mutual gains.

PHOTOS BY KARI MASON

This was today in Google News' morning edition of the headlines - New York, which is quickly becoming the epicenter for the Corona tragedy, has had to shut down nearly all of its restaurant businesses, but what is more surprising is that this is happening across the U.S., and job loss emanating from this trend is massive. Closer to home, somewhat similar things are happening. While ordering in the food remains an option, it seems that more and more permanent closures are underway. While a temporary halt in the daily trading does not mean the end of the lifecycle for a business, just like the automobile sector, permanent closures mean permanent job losses - this is what is worrying me. These are jobs that can be saved. This is at least what I think, for overseas and for the shrinking food business marketplace in India. Just think of this - with the pandemic scare, all food biz are required to follow a lot more hygiene and safety norms. In many places, there are licensing and food inspection regulations. 

However, this is not the standard practice across the food serving industry, at least not in India, where the best pub might have a couple of cockroaches waiting to surprise you under the table. This is perhaps a good time as any to make this benchmark common; whether you are a five-star hotel or a roadside Dhaba, you will need to comply with more-than-average food hygiene standards. Obviously, the business owners are not going to be very upbeat about this, but then, the option is still a lot better than closing shutters. Further, more regulations can be put into place for food ordering, packaging, and delivery, at least until this phase blows over.

This means that each restaurant out there will need to upgrade to better food packaging standards and create cleaner cooking ecosystems that are doable with so many advances in food packaging/serving/preservation mediums. Yes, the conventional dining-out experiences are dead for some time, but if people really want to do it, and if they work with the local governments, there might still be a way to deliver a fine evening wining & dining experience at the doorstep - this might create more employment rather than firing the restaurant staff. If you compare this with the current trend of a restaurant business saying that we are closing out forever, this is worth a try at least - let us not kill the jobs that can be saved!