Category Archives: Uncategorized

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

“Sometime’s there’s a man, I won’t say a hero, ’cause what’s a hero? I’m talking about The Dude here, well, he’s the man for his time and place.” (The Stranger, The Big Lebowski) There are two kinds of people in … Continue reading

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Happy

Pharell Williams’ song Happy made it to the #1 spot in 24 countries simultaneously, topping the charts in the US and UK for three consecutive weeks. It’s a nice enough song, a catchy, exuberant, singalong kind of affair, but we’re talking rarefied territory … Continue reading

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Big Swinging Dick

As an investigative journalist, Michael Lewis is a Mozart to Gladwell’s Salieri, a distinction Malcolm, to his credit, most graciously acknowledges. Lewis has a remarkable talent for crafting entertaining and powerful narratives, usually centred around quirky and unlikely heroes, that … Continue reading

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It’s a Dog’s Life

For a Colombian diplomat, one would imagine that being appointed Ambassador to Brazil is a real prize. Therefore, when Señor Angelino Garzon turned down the job citing “personal and family reasons”, it raised a few eyebrows. While one is inclined … Continue reading

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Windmills of my Mind

The royal poinciana, also known as the flamboyant for its flaming scarlet and yellow flowers, is arguably the most beautiful tropical tree in the world. As I settled into a comfortable meditative pose, looking out over the leafy tree tops … Continue reading

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Rock Me Amadeus

Madamina, il catalogo è questo – 1003 in Spain, 640 in Italy, 231 in Germany, 100 in France, 91 in Turkey. But what might il catalogo refer to in this case? Bank failures following the financial crisis? Best value wines rated 90+ by Wine … Continue reading

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Dum Maro Dum

Of all the stars that have graced the peaks of popular music charts, John Denver may well be my least favourite. While Abba and Dancing Queen get under my skin, John Denver’s nasal drawl drives me nuts. The nauseating Annie’s Song, the … Continue reading

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L’affaire Devyani

“Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one.” Clint Eastwood’s classic line comes to mind as the storm surrounding the saga of Ms. Khobragade unfolds. The Indian reaction is evocative of the Ramayana; it is as if Sita herself had been … Continue reading

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Tolstoy by the Shore

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” This monumental first line from Anna Karenina always struck me as profoundly elegant with near universal applicability. Tolstoy almost certainly never wielded a golf club, but nevertheless … Continue reading

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#boring#tendulkar

The last three months have been quite literally a journey of discovery; empty nesters really do have it good! Galle last weekend turned out to be the biggest surprise packet of all – pristine beaches, a charming and well preserved … Continue reading

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