The T from Red Sox, Blue Fish by Susan Orlean
Used to be, a fella could regale his buddies with endless tales of his bravery and fortitude in the face of adversity — of mettle in battle, for instance, or stamina on a Grand Teton…
Starry Nights 1888
The painting Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh (1853–90) is one of history’s most famous depictions of a living night sky. It dates back to a time just before the electric light took over the…
Pey Nayanar
On a dark night, the poet Karaikaal Ammaiyar, who is supposed to have lived in the 6th century A.D., went to the crematorium -- a shunned space then and now -- to watch Lord Shiva…
Ponniyin Selvan — A Road Map
Last week, I watched Ponniyin Selvan Part I (PS I), directed by Mani Ratnam. A good novel, based on the mighty Chola ruler of South India, was going to be immortalized on film. Here is…
Snow Monkeys in Japan
"The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a highly intelligent species native to Japan. It is well known for its beet-red bottom and affinity for soaking in hot springs." In the news…
Tampopo
There is a mom-and-pop Japanese basement eatery in a mall near my place. Dad cooks the food; mom takes orders and serves the food. She never smiles. She speaks to customers to tell them not…