My new food essay is up on The Aerogram with two recipes.
In my quest for dips that are a delicious departure from the ordinary, I
decided to re-purpose a couple of types of condiments that play
supporting roles in South Indian cooking — chutneys and bharthas.
Bharthas are somewhat of an unknown quantity outside of desi circles,
and while various types of chutneys are popular items on grocery store
shelves, the many different South Indian cuisines boast of so many
varieties that are still only found in home cooking.
We had left behind a culture that boasts of many festivals and rituals
that bring families together. With extended families still living in
close proximity, impromptu family gatherings are still the norm in our
hometowns. Once we moved here we got busy with school and work calendars
and we regularly lost track of those festivals (and still do), only a
call from home prompting us to remember when it was too late.
The older one, who's now 14, discovered Sam Kean first through The Disappearing Spoon and was hooked. The Violinist's Thumb followed quickly and there was no question about not pre-ordering The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons.
Here is a portion of his review of The Dueling Neurosurgeons:
The fastest
and most powerful computers in the whole world cost millions of dollars
to build and millions more to maintain, but a lump of tissue enclosed in
bone crowning every human being can run a thousand times faster than
the best machines in use today. And all it needs to survive is a good
burger every now and then.
The entire review is on Blogcritics.org: http://bit.ly/1n1r12H
If you are interested in science and science writing, Sam Kean is a writer to follow. On Twitter he's at @Sam_Kean and his website is http://www.SamKean.com.
Anytime I hear about a human in space, I take all of about 10 seconds to marvel at the level of technological sophistication that is necessary to accomplish space flight. The rest of the time, it's the human story that leaves me awestruck.
In fact, it's the same with any endeavor (such as climbing mountains or plumbing the depths of the ocean) that involves extreme hardship and whose demands are many: an undying commitment to the cause, a faith in science and numbers, street smarts and book smarts, an adventurous spirit, the willingness to sacrifice comfort, and the ability to stare down a fear of the unknown.
Needless to say, documentaries, books and movies that give the human angle in these journeys the treatment it deserves rank high on my favorites list.
Soon to make an entry into that list is a documentary titled The Last Man on the Moon that's already seen advance screenings in the UK. According to Universe Today,
“The Last Man on the Moon,” from UK-based Mark Stewart Productions,
tells the story of Gene Cernan and his accomplishments against the
backdrop of the Apollo era, when superpowers competed for dominance in
space and hotshot flyboys became international heroes. With firsthand
accounts from Cernan himself and his family, along with several other
astronauts and NASA celebrities, it’s an emotional and intimate account
of America’s last lunar voyage.
I'm hoping it'll make its way into the US sooner rather than later.
~~~~~~~
For updates, visit the documentary's Facebook page and hit 'Like'
Theatre Skills, Life skills, Creativity and Imagination :
The Creative Arts Theatre Workshop is dedicated to providing an
atmosphere for children to explore, imagine, create and have fun
through the world of theatre arts. We impart Theatre Skills like
Expressions, Acting, Voice, Speech, Body Training, Rhythm, Music, Dance,
Creative Writing, Poetry, Dialogue and Script Writing, Teaching various
genres of Theatre and Appreciation and knowledge of other Art Forms.
Though we do enjoy entertaining with our end of the session show - the
process is what we focus on.. Our goal is to instill the joy of theatre
and in doing so, help to grow happy, healthy, confident kids.Since it's
beginning TCA has focused on the philosophy of "Creative Drama".
Creative Drama is different from traditional theatre classes in that the
primary focus is the Participants NOT the performance. Creative
drama has many benefits for children. Not just the child who wants to
be an actor...but for EVERY child. The mission of the Children’s Theater
program is to make the theater a setting where opportunities for
telling a story in words, motion and emotions can bring awareness beyond
the parameters of their own home/school environment. To provide an
opportunity for the children from the first grade through twelfth grades
to receive the benefit that theater activities can provide. These
benefits include
Life Skills: • Learn about emotions • Be more confident • Work on problem solving • Learn to relate to other people • Speak in public • Support positive body image • Learn to work in a group • Gain Self- Esteem... • Create sensitivity to others through teamwork, co-operative interplay, and conflict resolution. • Explore the varied facets of imagination, and individuality.
Life Values can be imparted through drama and Appreciation of social
values can be learned in the play message. An ensemble of students
learning to appreciate the power of drama techniques can display the
respect, tolerance and patience for all ages, genders, social and ethnic
backgrounds, as they work together toward a common goal.
Theatre Days
Days Time Age Group Status
Monday 4pm-5pm 8-13 yrs No Vacancy Wednesday 3pm-4pm 5-7 yrs Fast filling
Wednesday 4pm-5pm 8-13 yrs Few seats remaining Wednesday
5pm-6pm 5-7 yrs Few seats remaining Saturday
3pm-4pm 8-13 yrs Fast filling
Creative Writing
Days Time Age Group Status
Monday 5pm-6pm 9-13 yrs Few seats remaining
Saturday 4pm-5pm 9-13 yrs Few seats
remaining
