Comfortably Numb - Sheila Kumar's Storehouse

Humour: Chip off the old block

Chip off the old block She was all of four, pint-sized with a mind of her own, firm opinions and a definite world view. Academics were not to her liking; she saw no need, relevance or utility in study. And so, every day after her school session, she would return all perky, and announce, ‘’I…

Humour: Coffee talk

Coffee Talk Over the years, I have come to meet some interesting people in Bangalore`s coffee houses. some of these people are celebs, others quasi-celebs and still others, confirmed eccentrics. I have come away feeling quite enriched…

Humour: In the pyramid

In the Pyramid Suddenly, the Pyramid was all the rage in the organisation. That was but natural since it was the General Manager’s wife who had introduced the concept to the place. Everywhere I went, I heard raves about the Pyramid. “But what exactly is the Pyramid?” I queried, and was met with blank looks,…

Feature: Unbelief in the Time of Fanatism

Unbelief In The Times Of Fanaticism As terrorism stalks the streets cloaked in religious sentiment, SHEILA KUMAR finds comfort in her unbelief. This is not an easy piece to write; it never is easy, coming out of the closet. However, September 11 happened to NYC and the ripples were felt all over the world. After…

Travel: Sim`s Park, Coonoor

Silent Sentinels Time to shine a spotlight on a special park up in the Nilgiris, Sim`s Park in Coonoor. Sim’s Park redefines the concept of a conventional park, with as many as 1,000 species of trees contained within a sprawl of 12.14 hectares parkland. Trees as old as eternity, or almost. Trees with gnarled, split…

Humour: Writer`s dilemma

A Writer’s Dilemma A funny thing happened to me on the way to 2002. Just about every one I met, friends, kin, acquaintances, all barring complete strangers (the heavens be praised), would start conversations with mysterious references to ‘The Book.’ It took me a while to figure out they weren’t talking about the Bible,…

Feature: Missing Sister

I can close my eyes and see her now. Bright sparkling eyes, a mop of black curls cropped close to her head, the widest grin ever, a body perennially poised for action, digging into the endless banana splits that were a staple food for her at the Lakeview ice-cream joint on MG Road. She was…

Feature: The Refugee

The Refugee Conditioned as I was by city mores, I tried not to stare. But she was truly beautiful, dirty pheran and dishevelled hair notwithstanding….

Humour: Mother of all farces

Mother of all farces After almost a decade in the line, I’d thought myself hardened to most people and happenings. So when the editor asked me to go meet the reigning Herbal Queen’s newly-wed son and heir, and get him to talk about his wedding, it sounded like…

Humour: A mate for Boss

A dogged pursuit I’m looking for a mate for my Boss. Before the unsuspecting reader jumps to the startling conclusion that I am matchmaking for my employer, I must clarify that Boss is my Golden Retriever. Even as Goldens go, Boss is gorgeous. Sable coloured with velvet brown eyes and a most affable disposition, he’s a stunning chappie. What’s more, he has…