Latest news with #OJ
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Review: ‘Another Day in Landour: Looking Out from My Window' by Ruskin Bond
Image: I restarted journaling last week after a gap – a direct result of how much I enjoyed reading Ruskin Bond 's 'Another Day in Landour : Looking Out From My Window'. This book published by Harper Collins is a compilation from the popular author's journals over the last couple of years. Journaling is both a creative and cathartic exercise, and reading another's journal, especially Ruskin Bond's, becomes a source of joy and comfort. Ruskin's meandering thoughts and snippets about everyday life, shared with his trademark wit and humour makes for a very interesting read. The author reflects on varied topics -- the changing seasons, Nature's bounty, his favourite foods, small physical ailments, a lizard that slides down his shirt, the leaking roof of his bedroom-cum-study, his love of sweet plums and authentic meatballs, his evening Vodka and OJ, and of course his beloved adopted family (the book is dedicated to them). Here and there you will find Ruskin's thoughts on the goings-on in the world – a forest fire, the death of the Queen ('Who's left to remember lost empires?'), nations going to war, the environment and other matters, but these are more or less brushed away with a witty or reflective comment. 'Nature does everything to perfection…Only man is an alien. A mixture of brilliance and folly, often leading to tragedy. Now trying to escape to another planet.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo The success of Ruskin Bond's writing is in its relatability and his direct connect with the reader. His journal is no different – here, in talking to himself, he comes across as a friend, sharing his days and thoughts, allowing a generous peek at the world through his unique perspective, and generally reflecting over the simple beauty of everyday life with warmth, nostalgia and gentle humour. Never for a moment do you feel like an outsider. From his worry about the gout that doesn't allow him to write without pain, to his delight in nougat and caramel fillings and juicy, sweet plums, a few of which he puts away, but not too many, because 'too many plums give you the runs,' to his gentle admonishments regarding our cavalier attitude towards Earth and the environment – you feel it all. Never judgmental, Ruskin is not beyond the occasional grandfatherly rap on the knuckle, and can, on occasion, slide to the caustic, as he does with a fitness enthusiast, a community he sees as 'fanatical know-alls'. 'She gave me up for a gone case and strode off, looking for another victim. She was a skinny woman in her forties, probably envious of all my fat.' Everyone must read Ruskin Bond – young, middle-aged, and certainly the old. To the young, Ruskin imparts a love of the simple things of life and a deep, grounded love of Nature; to the middle-aged, he shows that there is life beyond the hurry and scurry of each day, and to the old, he demonstrates by example how to live a wonderfully happy, contented life as we near our slower years. To those who wonder how they will keep themselves suitably engaged in their old lives, Ruskin's simple life bolstered by his high thinking and the small window in his room in Ivy Cottage, Landour, can be a source of great inspiration. It is the simple joys of everyday life that keep Ruskin engaged happily. 'For an old man who can't go out very often, the window is his lifeline to the rest of the world. As time goes by, the window increases in importance. The sky by day, the stars by night: they are always there, constant in their companionship….' Ruskin has built his life around this window, which opens out to the sky and the rest of the world. This is where his inspiration seeps in from, this is where he draws life lessons from. In his adopted family he finds all the love and comfort he could possibly hope for -- they cook and clean for him, give him companionship and take care of him, while the children take him on outings and bring back stories of the outside world to stir his imaginings further, and also introduce him to young tastes. 'Ate a jam paratha for the first time. Recommended by Siddharth and Shrishti. It consists of jam (in this case apricot jam) in a rolled-up paratha. Ugh!' What endears him further to readers is that Ruskin, despite his success and fame, has not assumed any airs, and remains humble and easily approachable to his fans, living in a humble cottage in Mussoorie, struggling up 'the most uneven steps in all of Landour. Twenty-two of them, all uneven. Still, they discourage too many visitors'. This last sentence is so typical of Ruskin and his writing – always finding the positive in every negative, hope before despair. When he talks of how the windows in Delhi lack a view, opening onto neighbours' walls, even there he finds a positive! 'Even a wall can be interesting though. There were cracks in the wall where a lizard had made its home. In the space between the wall and the roof, pigeons had made their nest. Their gentle cooing was background music to my thoughts. And during the rainy season, small plants took root in various places, and a dandelion flowered and offered me a wish.' Full of such positive ruminations and celebrating the small pleasures of everyday living, Ruskin Bond's journal, full of warm reflections, humorous anecdotes, literary allusions and interesting turns of phrase, punctuated by his witty undertone, is a must read for all! 'I have slept beside this window since 1980, and I hope to spend a few more days and nights beside it before going into the great unknown. Can a window give you stories and poems and essays and memories over a period of many years? In many ways this one has been at the heart of my writing.' --------------------------------------------------------- Book: Another Day in Landour: Looking Out From My Window Author: Ruskin Bond Publisher: HarperCollins ------------------------------------------------------------------ One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Daily Maverick
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
SA farm exports to US rise 19% in Q1, a green sprout amid frosty diplomacy
An important point that emerges from this data is that if the fictional 'white genocide' and land seizures of Trump's imagination were actually unfolding, then South African commercial farmers – who are mostly white – would not be in a position to grow their exports to markets such as the US. South Africa's agricultural exports to the US increased 19% in the first quarter (Q1) of this year compared with the same period in 2024, according to data from Trade Map, which was crunched by the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) and released on Monday. It is an interesting trend that highlights several important points against the backdrop of a frosty diplomatic landscape amid US President Donald Trump's false claims about a 'white genocide' and the ruthless persecution of white farmers, which was on full display during his recent White House meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. For starters, as South Africa faces the prospect of exclusion from the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) – which provides preferential treatment to the US market for eligible countries – it is clear that there is American demand for agricultural products grown or made here. Specifically, these products are mainly citrus, grapes, wine, and fruit juices – South African products that could surely grow in the massive US market. Some might see America as a fairly small market in the broader scheme of things, with the 19% year-on-year rise in Q1 only amounting to $202-million – 6% of all South African agricultural exports in that period, which grew 10% to $3.36-billion. But 6% is material: this slow-growth, high-unemployment economy needs to pluck any fruit it can – and this stuff is low-hanging. Americans love citrus and fruit juice, a point underscored by the fact that global prices for these products are heavily influenced by the New York-based OJ futures market. Another important point that emerges from this data is that if the fictional 'white genocide' and land seizures of Trump's imagination were actually unfolding, then South African commercial farmers – who are mostly white – would not be in a position to grow their exports to markets such as the US. What this means: South Africa's commercial agricultural sector is a budding rose among the thorns of this moribund economy. It needs continued access to markets such as the US to grow and create badly needed jobs and investment opportunities while bringing in export revenue to help support the rand. South African farmers can find other markets, but the US, as the world's largest economy, remains the big prize. This does not mean that South Africa's agricultural sector isn't facing a range of serious political, economic and environmental challenges. The Expropriation Act is a red flag for South Africa's commercial farmers and investors more widely. That there are still glaring disparities in ownership – with only about 25% of farmland now in the hands of black South Africans, according to Agbiz estimates – is largely a reflection of state failure and dithering, corruption and incompetence under the ANC. Still, even in the face of other challenges such as climate change, South Africa's agricultural sector is prospering, a narrative at odds with Trump's view that a Zimbabwe-style mass land grab is under way. Americans clearly want to drink South African wine and fruit juice, and farmers here can meet that demand. Instead, Trump's racist resentment threatens to reap a bitter harvest from what should be fields of hope. BM
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stephen Curry's wife Ayesha flaunts her culinary skills on Instagram
Ayesha Curry via Getty Images Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry's wife, Ayesha Alexander, needs no introduction. A multi-talented personality, she is not only a hands-on mother but also a prominent name in the world of hospitality. From sharing a glimpse of her busy life to voicing out her opinion on a social cause, Ayesha Curry loves updating her million fans and followers about the major to minor updates of her life. Recently, she shared a glimpse of her relaxing weekend along with her culinary skills. Stephen Curry's wife Ayesha showcased her culinary skills on Instagram Golden State Warriors' star Stephen Curry's wife, Ayesha, is a prominent name in the world of food and hospitality. Recently, the entrepreneur posted about her relaxing weekend along with her culinary skills. Ayesha Curry is one of the most popular faces on social media, all thanks to her love for the food and beverage industry. Recently, Ayesha Curry posted a picture of a beef recipe and even expressed how she loves spending her Sundays. She captioned the snap of the dish with 'Sundays, I like to have a real breakfast. Today it's bully beef with onions, a hard, crispy fried egg, heirloom tomato, and side avocado. Vanilla cinnamon iced coffee and some OJ! Cook time: 10 mins.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 자신이 전략의 달인이라고 생각하시나요? 레이드 섀도우 레전드 무료 체험 Undo During an interview with the reputed media outlet Andscape in 2017, Ayesha Curry opened her heart while talking about her love for the food and hospitality industry. She said, 'It's been such a dream come true for me because as a little girl, that's what I would do; I would just watch people cook all day. It's so crazy for life to come full circle and for me to have this opportunity. It's been a great experience for me. I love it so much.' Chef Curry With The Pot She further mentioned 'I definitely learned from my mom and my grandma. I come from a Jamaican family. That's my background. The food is so full of flavor. There's no other option for you but to know how to cook. I was always in the kitchen from a little girl … watching them … helping them. I've just fallen in love with food and cooking time and time again. I love it.' Despite being an NBA wife and a hands-on mother, Ayesha Curry loves updating her fans about her life on social media. According to Mrs. Curry, being in the food and beverage industry has been one of her biggest dreams, and her undying passion for this brought her all the way to where she is today. Also Read: Tyrese Haliburton and girlfriend Jade Jones'' relationship timeline: Recapping key moments of Indiana Pacers' college romance Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry enjoy a relaxed outing amid NBA offseason break
Image credit: Ayesha Curry/Instagram Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha Curry are making the most of the NBA offseason. The couple enjoyed a day out with friends at an event on Sunday, and it seems they also enjoyed some good food and conversation. Ayesha has shared a glimpse of their day out on Instagram. This is the couple's yet another appearance after they recently walked the red carpet at the Time 100 Impact gala last week. Ayesha Curry shares a video featuring her and Stephen Curry Taking to her Instagram Stories, Ayesha Curry shared a video from a gathering which showed the couple having a chat with a guest. While Stephen chose a denim jacket over a T-shirt look and also wore a hat to beat the sun, Ayesha looked lovely in a beige dress. They seem to be deeply involved in a light conversation with a guest as they enjoy food and drinks. Image credit: Ayesha Curry/Instagram Ayesha is also an entrepreneur and shared a glimpse of her Sunday breakfast. Sharing a picture of her meal, she wrote, 'Sundays I like to have a real breakfast. Today it's bully beaf with onions, a hard crispy fried egg, heirloom tomato, side avocado. Vanilla cinnamon iced coffee and some OJ! Cook time: 10 mins.' A day before, Stephen had shared a bunch of pictures from the Time gala on Instagram. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo He drew attention for his oversized suit look as he joined Ayesha on the red carpet, who looked stunning in a black outfit. Talking about the purpose behind their appearance, he wrote, 'Beyond grateful to our entire @eatlearnplay team, all of our donor, partners, and believers for supporting us since 2019. From early pandemic response to our focus on lifting up the next generation of Oakland students, this is a testament to our community and the work that is needed to ensure every child has an opportunity to thrive. Thank you to @time for including us in the inaugural #time100 Philanthropy Impact event. We need to hear the work that so many amazing people are doing here at home and around the world!' Also Read: Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry look stunning together on the red carpet at TIME100 Impact gala, watch Stephen Curry had suffered a hamstring injury in Western Conference semifinals Game 1 as the Golden State Warriors faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round playoff series. He was expected to return, but the Warriors wrapped up early. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Buzz Feed
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
25 Of The Most Dramatic Falls From Grace In History
Recently, a now-deleted Reddit user posted to the popular Ask Reddit page to ask what I thought was such a fun question: "Who had the most dramatic fall from grace in history?" The answers ranged from recent celeb downfalls to truly momentous historical events, and all were entertaining; so, naturally, I decided to share! "Pharaoh Akhenaten. Man went from semi-deified ruler to being canceled so hard and thoroughly that it took until the 19th century to be re-discovered that he existed." "Jim Jones." "Henry VIII went from Defender of the Faith and a favored royal among the papacy to a dissenter who formed his own church that scraped dry the gold of the Catholic chapels and had several failed marriages ending in executions, divorce or death, along with rumors of madness and STDs..." "Napoleon. The dude was the emperor of Europe, and exiled for the rest of his life on an island." "Bill Cosby." "Benedict Arnold was quite literally an American hero, leading key victories at Saratoga. He was a celebrity amongst the American public. Meanwhile, he secretly negotiated to surrender West Point to the British and now his name is synonymous with 'traitor.'" "OJ. His trial was a cultural event, and when he died it was such a nonevent that many people don't even know he's dead." "Kevin Spacey had a fast one." "Lance Armstrong was quite the disappointment." "Philippe Pétain. He was the greatest hero of WWI in France; like, you can't imagine how popular he was." "Elon Musk. People were constantly wanking him off on Reddit a few years back, and look how drastically it has changed." "Harvey Weinstein. For good reason." "Was going to say Harvey Weinstein and Bernie Madoff. Both were absolute darlings of the rich, famous, politically well-connected, and then, overnight, neither had a friend in the world." "When I hear 'in history' I take a longer view, I guess. I mean, Robespierre went from all-powerful to executed in pretty short order." "I would say that Aung San Suu Kyi had a pretty dramatic fall from grace. She had won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, but in the late 2010s she started denying and defending a genocide (although I would argue that this was mostly to placate the military)." "Oscar Pistorius. One of the first Paralympic athletes to compete at the Olympic games. Highly respected globally." "Armie Hammer took one hell of a tumble." "Sejanus is my candidate. The Emperor Tiberius had moved away from Rome and never returned, and Sejanus was his guy in Rome. Sejanus made sure to only feed the emperor information he wanted, including stuff that would eliminate all enemies of Sejanus, and grant Sejanus more and more power, titles, and prestige." "Charles the Rash, Duke of Burgundy, takes some beating. He was the richest man in Europe. He was powerful. He then proceeded to alienate every state around him and fight three losing battles." "Honestly, Adolf Hitler. No question. From controlling almost all of Europe to hiding in a bunker, paranoid and defeated, dying in a miserable way." "Sir Thomas Cromwell. One day you're Henry VIII's right-hand man and fixer, then you arrange ONE marriage to a German princess and you're headless." "Anne Boleyn." "This is a post-mortem fall by a few centuries, but Christopher Columbus. As a kid, I was taught that he was the one who discovered America in 1492 and was the first to suggest that the Earth was round. He was one of the lionized historical figures." "Rudy Giuliani was a hero in New York and nationwide, and now he's disgraced." And finally: "Jimmy Savile. Guy was a genuine national hero. He was helping kids, and everybody loved him. Then he turned out to be a serial abuser of children. He was also reported to be involved in necrophilia." "Jimmy Savile was friends with the royals and friends with politicians, including Margaret Thatcher when she was Prime Minister." Okay, I want to hear all about who you think had the wildest fall! Or, if you can think of other people who had dramatic falls from grace, do tell down in the comments. I love reading this kind of stuff. If you want to write in but prefer to stay anonymous, you can check out this anonymous comments form! Who knows — your comment could be included in a future BuzzFeed article. Note: Some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity.
