Being aimless..

It was a day I had hundred reasons to laugh. I looked upon the sky and said I wanted to cry. While I do so, I had no idea if God existed or not. Perhaps, it was out of a habit I did so. And, the reason to cry was not known. As in the ghost movies, I expected a lightening to tear the sky apart, so that a figure could get revealed through the shimmering chasm. Nothing happened for a minute. I continued to walk straight through the leading path facing me, which actually said I had nowhere to go. I could sense a shiver within me because I was aimless. I had no past, no future. There was only a haunting present.  It was truly haunting. I felt as if I am lost.

Namelessly, a rain poured. Once again I looked to the sky, to see if a character had appeared. The sky was dark, in a shade of blue, which reminded me the colour of poison. However, I had never seen a poison. Yet my mind visualised it in dark blue.  I am unaware of the significance of the dark blue. But something from inside told me it is dangerous. Still, I continued to walk. I had nothing better to do.

After 1km, the road had a turn to the right. I decided to go through that turn. It was more shabby and unclean. I didn’t care the dirt that stuck to my slippers. The creepy sounds of insects never bothered me. I was only concerned about the reasonless fear within me. And, there I saw, a little girl, wailing. Her eyes reflected the fear I had. But those were not reasonless. There was something strong behind her tears. I could sense she was not aimless. I could feel she had a past, a present and an aspiring future. For few moments, my thought was only that little girl. My mind dragged my body towards her. Neither the feeling to cry, nor the feeling of directionless was lingering in me. As I queried her, took her with me and walked far, I felt a new energy. I felt to laugh. Now I know why I wanted to cry. It was because I was aimless and had no future!

Girls are hard-core gamers too

... taking a liking for noisy boyish games than their mellowed down versions

Photo Courtesy: TOI

Youngsters are spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment, with a plethora of games at their disposal. However, most of the apps and online websites are compartmentalised for both genders — clear, calm and lightweight games for gals, and hard, tough and noisy games for guys. But girls don't want this exclusivity. "We are hard-core gamers too," they say.

Banushree, a college student, says, "I am a hard-core gamer. I need vigorous, stalwart games and not those cold, unexciting ones." However, most of the girls begin their visit to game zones with their male friends. "Girls often accompany boys. It is only after their second or third visit that they start playing on their own," says Jithu, a game zone manager in the city. He says little boys and girls are also his customers and are accompanied by their parents.

"Little girls are in fact addicted to play stations. We have a minimum of 15 to 20 customers per week and they are mostly girls," says a shopkeeper in the city. He adds that the trend is fast catching up and most of the homes have at least one play station. "Usually, parents purchase one set of games for the boys. Soon girls too get wooed by the excitement of the games from their brothers and naturally lose interest in playing soft games," says Dr Raveendran, a parent.

Gaming sure seems to have crossed the gender barrier!

RIA LAKSHMAN. V

This article is published in Times of India on 9th July 2012.

Link-http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-09/man-woman/32589076_1_hard-core-gamers-boys-and-girls-gender-barrier

I never break rules: Anoop

LOYAL CITIZEN: Anoop Menon

Anoop Menon sternly imprints himself as a law abiding citizen by all means. "I am a rightful person. I never break rules — not even the traffic rules and that is where I have to adjourn my driver," says the actor. "By law, I mean the right way of living. When I live by laws, I feel proud that I exist," he adds. 

The actor who plays the character of an ethically veracious doctor in the movie 916 is happy that he got a character that he can relate to. "916 is not my cup of tea. I may not be able to write such characters and that is why I need to be a part of this movie," he shares. 

RIA LAKSHMAN. V

This article is published in Times of India on 7th July 2012.

Link:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/I-never-break-rules-Anoop/articleshow/14715861.cms

Tradition meets contemporary home decor

Despite the demand for contemporary home decor, Keralites continue to treasure traditional Kerala architecture.

Inspired by the West, many Keralites are incorporating modern aesthetic sensibilities while designing their dream homes. Flamboyant, carved and wooden furniture are passe. The craze is for elegant and minimal designs. At the same time they can't completely do away with the traditional designs. This has resulted in a harmonious blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Kochi Times takes a look at a few traditional architectural designs that have found their way into modern homes.

Nadumuttom (Central courtyard)

The central courtyard has always been a part of Kerala architecture and it has several advantages too. It brings in a lot of daylight and fresh air and thereby brings the outdoors in. However, these courtyards in modern homes have undergone a change due to security concerns. They are now covered with steel railings or thick glasses.

Aattu Kattil (The swinging chair)

The old wooden swinging chairs called aattu kattil wide enough to accommodate three or four people have attained new forms and are now available in wrought iron as well. They add an ethnic touch to a large modern living room.

Manichithra-thaazhu (The ornate lock)

The front doors of many urban Kerala houses are adorned with a manichitrathaazhu, the ornate lock made of gold-plated metal and carved with intricate designs. This timeless design gives an impression of grandeur and elegance to any entrance.

Mural paintings

Mural paintings or frescos depicting stories from mythology and legends once used to adorn the walls of palaces. Now these paintings have found a pride of place in the living rooms of modern homes. Keralites are ready to spend a fortune on these paintings these days.

Chuttu verandah

The wooden benches with carved decorative resting are another feature that has found its way into modern homes. It helps to accommodate an ample number of guests and makes a perfect place for visitors to sit and chat.

RIA LAKSHMAN.V

This article is published in Times of India on July 4th 2012. 

Link-http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-04/home-garden/32524863_1_keralites-designs-contemporary-home

Eat Ada, Kozhukatta to avoid depression

However, the gradual increase in the number of modern fast food joints in the state threatens to lure youngsters away from opting for a healthy, traditional meal.

Yes, Kerala does have its share of burgers, fries and pizzas. But the fact is that we continue to treat these as an occasional treat rather than a way of life. Much welcome, considering the results of some recent studies. Scientists from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Univers ity of Granada found that fast food consumers are 51% more likely to develop depression than those who do not consume fast foods.

Across India...

Even in the Indian context, statistics continue to alarm. According to a recent study conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), 86% of metropolitan households in India prefer instant foods.

Around 3,000 representatives from major metropolitan cities were surveyed for the study, which found that bachelors have less time for formal meals. High income contributes to rise in unhealthy consumptions.

What it means...

More intake of fast food means high intakes of salt, sugar, fat and calories. Here, youngsters make a choice, either to die of diseases or to live painful lives. In addition to the physical health threats, recent studies have also found a link between depression and fast foods. The presence of trans-fat makes junk foods inconsumable. Trans-fat increases cholesterol and develop insulin resistance in body. This leads to weight gain and diabetic disorders, which further extend to other ailments.

In Kerala...

In a state that has already topped charts for high rates of depression and suicide, the lesser the number of triggers, the better. "Increasing number of fast food outlets within a city is a direct sign of increase in its consumption level. The scenario is apprehensive," says dietician Suni Shibu, who fears an addiction of junk foods among youngsters.

Fix it...

"Traditional rice and millet foods such as Nadan Ada and Kozhukatta are healthy and cost -effective choices. They are better than oil rich and plain white refined flour food stuffs," explains the nutritionist. "Students should take care of their food intake. Food decides their mood and activeness to a larger extent. Stick to home-made food. However, when it's not available, opt for healthy options from what is available outside," she adds.

RIA LAKSHMAN. V
This article is published in Times of India supplement Kochi Times on 27th June 2012.
Link-http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-27/diet/32425919_1_junk-foods-instant-foods-food-joints