57 Channels (and nothin' on)

TV shows are integral parts of everyone’s lives. As busy as they are, everyone removes that half an hour or so that is required to watch their favourite TV show. Heck, I know of people who plan their schedules around their favourite shows. Whether it is Scrubs, or Grey’s Anatomy, How I Met your Mother or Gossip Girl, TV has taken over everyone’s lives. It is not uncommon to overhear people talking like their favourite characters, or discussing the loves and lives of their favourite characters, almost like they were real people. And when you come to think of it, this is not some sort of fad that people grow out of. This sort of behaviour has been around for decades, ever since the invention of the television. It is all pervasive, and spares no one, not even the male species. As much as they try to deny it. But has anyone else noticed how nothing worthwhile seems to be on when you’re free to watch TV? Pay attention next time, all the best shows will be on only when life is a busy mess, and when free time nears POOF! All the shows disappear. True story*.

Yes, I watch way too much How I Met your Mother and I love Barney! Just another example of the aforementioned point about TV shows influencing the way we talk.

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Look at this photograph, every time I do it makes me laugh.

What better way to decorate a house, than to tell a story while doing it? A photograph is worth a thousand words, and each one tells a story of its own. When photographs are part of the décor in a house, they tell the story of the lives of the people who occupy it. They lend a feeling of belonging to a house and help make it a home, by getting you acquainted with the lives of the inhabitants. But it is important that they be arranged in a way so as to avoid them looking out of place. Too many photographs arranged inappropriately can result in a cold, commercial vibe, as opposed to the warm vibe that is the aim. And instead of a homely feel, the house can get a museum feel. So yes, keeping this in mind, go crazy with the photographs. They make for excellent conversation starters too.

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Closets

Closet space is something that everyone struggles with, because it is so scarce. If you thought only Rebecca Bloomwood had to struggle with it, you have something else coming your way. She was not alone. Many houses nowadays come with limited closet space and even someone who does not have a shopping addiction like Ms. Bloomwood did, needs adequate closet space for storage. The following are a few tips that can help maximize closet space.

• Declutter. Remove the entire contents of the closet and go through them item-by-item to decide whether or not you need it.
• Add more shelves. Additional shelves help more things to fit into closets, especiall top shelves.
• Use shelf dividers. They prevent sweaters and other bulky items of clothing from toppling.
• Hang hooks. Hanging hooks on the inside of your closet door for belts, scarves, etc saves on space.
• Use suitcase storage. For anything seasonal, keep it in an old suitcase and store it out of the way to leave room for the things you use on a daily basis.
• Get rolling drawers or bins. These are generally inexpensive and can easily make quick use out of the floors of your closet, which are often just a dumping ground for shoes and other household items.

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"Gleaning Pune's future from its past" by Christopher Charles Benninger, Architect.

Pune Mirror. Sunday, 13th June 2010

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Moody foods and foody moods.

What is the one thing that makes or breaks every person’s mood, no matter how different they are? It’s universal and almost all pervasive. I know it works for me, and I’m pretty sure it works for everyone. It’s food, and how good or bad it is. Think about it. When you’re really tired and hungry, and a fantastically prepared meal is placed in front of you, what happens to your mood? It elevates drastically. And imagine that you’re in a phenomenally good mood, but are welcomed with a boring drab meal. Think about the faces you pull and gestures you make. Food is critical in the way anyone’s day is made, just as critical as other factors. So think about the butter chicken and the paneer tikka masala and the pizzas and the pastas the next time your mood needs elevation, and if possible, consume it too. Because thinking about it too much and not being able to acquire it, might end up having an adverse effect on your mood!

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