Starspeak

DEC 17- DEC 23

ARIES
Mar 22-Apr 20
You might look for opportunities outside the country. There is a great ambition to realise your potential completely and you look at challenges and growth. The intellectually oriented ones may consider opting for advanced studies in a different location. Lucky Gem: Red Coral; Lucky Colour: Crimson; Lucky Number: 9

TAURUS
Apr 21-May 21
You are likely to have some difficulty in understanding personal emotions and finding ways of coping with it. It could even be the effect of a dull atmosphere at work. Financial matters look a little bothersome. You may need to sit down and count your blessings to regain balance.Lucky Gem: Diamond; Lucky
Colour: Green; Lucky Number: 6

GEMINI
May 22-June 21
Its a mixed week ahead. There may be associations made with various people. You travel and look at fun times. Keep a close watch on your expenses. Later, it may seem like something you could have avoided. The health of an elderly family member could cause worry. Lucky Gem: Emerald; Lucky Colour: Yellow; Lucky Number: 5

CANCER
June 22-July 23
Its a fairly easy-going time. There are several plans for holidays and celebrations up your sleeve, but emotional gratification forms a large part of your agenda. It would be nice to do one thing at a time. Do not try to cram too much into a small timeframe and achieve little. Lucky Gem: Natural Pearl; Lucky Colour: White; Lucky Number: 2

LEO
July 24-Aug 21
You make concentrated efforts to curb your own tendencies which may actually be sabotaging growth. You are conscious about treating others well. There could be opportunities for travel but you may take time assessing the financial ramifications before saying yes. Academic pursuits yield good results. Lucky Gem: Ruby; Lucky Colour: Orange; Lucky Number: 1

VIRGO
Aug 22-Sep 21
You are filled with pride as you accomplish a big task. There could be travel for a well-deserved holiday with loved ones. The financial situation looks good and you may be in an indulgent mode. You are not one to make a big noise about what you have achieved, so you quietly enjoy lifes gifts. Lucky Gem: Emerald; Lucky Colour: Blue; Lucky Number: 5

LIBRA
Sep 22-Oct 23
It may be a time where you are pleasantly surprised by some friends from different parts of the world reaching out to you. You are thrilled and there could be plans of spending some time together. This is a good phase professionally also, as there is recognition or gain of incentives. Lucky Gem: Diamond; Lucky Colour: Sky Blue; Lucky Number: 6

SCORPIO
Oct 24-Nov 21
You could be in a different frame of mind now. Notwithstanding what you have faced in the year thats fast fading away, you may want to retreat into a rejuvenating sanctuary now. Theres focus on spirituality. Without a break, the burnout could affect your potential. Lucky Gem: Red Coral; Lucky Colour: Maroon; Lucky Number: 9

SAGITTARIUS
Nov 22-Dec 21
There is a sense of calmness about you. While there may be lots going on around, you sense a need to stay grounded. You are grateful for the good energy you build up. A spiritual retreat, charitable activities and conversations with friends brighten the week. Lucky Gem: Yellow Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Purple; Lucky Number: 3

CAPRICORN
Dec 22-Jan 20
It is a brand new week full of excitement and possibilities. You break some mental barriers and try something new. There could be international travel and memorable times with loved ones. Equations between partners get stronger and better with a little bit of effort. Lucky Gem: Blue Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Dark Blue; Lucky Number: 8

AQUARIUS
Jan 21-Feb 19
You are happy-go-lucky individuals now. There is a greater amount of stability that you feel. Some may travel solo during this time, and if not, there could be mixing up of agendas: work as well as relaxation. You have a keen nose for business and understand that you cannot let an opportunity slip past. Lucky Gem: Blue Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Black; Lucky Number: 8

PISCES
Feb 20-Mar 21
There could be pressure created by yourself to follow norms and please people, which may create resentment. But simply lay them aside and embrace change without any explanations. You want to get away from it all and have some time to yourself. Rivals at work might create problems for you. Lucky Gem: Sapphire; Lucky Colour: Sea Green; Lucky Number: 9

While travelling across India is quite a high by itself, in all our forays, we love trying out the local tipple whenever its been offered to us. Be it feni or urak in Goa, bhang during Holi, apong in Arunachal Pradesh during the Sollung Festival, kyad on a trek to a living root bridge in Meghalaya, chhang to combat the Ladakhi winter, raksi in Sikkim and Nepal, taadi and handia with tribals in Jharkhand or saraph (salfi) and mahua in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha; we have happily imbibed Indian spirits in all its glorious forms wherever we have travelled…

The history of intoxication in India is as old as its gods. Like the Greek ambrosia or nectar, Hindu texts mention amrit or soma, the divine elixir that gave Vedic gods immortality. Agni consumed it in copious quantities and Indra drank rivers of soma for strength to overcome Vrittra, the fearsome three-headed dragon. Soma, a Vedic Sanskrit word, literally "to distill, extract or sprinkle", is derived from the juice of the soma plant, ephedra vulgaris. The golden-hued drink was imbibed by mortals as well, since it enabled hallucinations and ecstasy. It often accompanied sacred rituals, helped warriors overcome battle nerves, and inspired painters and poets into bursts of creativity. In fact, soma was considered a divine bridge between the mortal world and the realm of the gods.

In the backyard

Alcoholic beverages were known to the Indus Valley Civilisation and appeared in the Chalcolithic Era during 3000-2000 BC. Wormwood wine was quite popular in India around 1500 BC. Sukla Yajurveda describes the preparation of two stimulating drinks â€" parisrut and sura, popular among kshatriyas (warriors) and peasants alike. Agriculturists often set aside a portion of their produce for the fermentation of home brews. Made of rice, wheat, sugarcane, grapes and other fruits, sura was prepared with germinated paddy, germinated barley, parched rice and yeast.

Katyayana Srauta sutra too gives a comprehensive description for preparing sura. Boiled rice or barley was mixed with the ferment and the entire mixture was kept in a jar, which was placed in a pit for three nights into which cows milk and powdered parched rice were poured. Sometimes the fermenting vessel was covered with horse dung, or placed on a pile of grains, or exposed to the sun, or fumigated.

Another drink popular from pre-Vedic times is bhang, which has been consumed since 2000 BC. In the ancient text Atharva Veda, bhang is hailed as a beneficial herb that releases anxiety. An integral part of Hindu culture and often associated with Shiva, ascetics often used bhang or cannabis as food, drink or smoke to boost meditation and achieve transcendental states. From the streets of Mathura to the ghats of Benares, the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant are ground into a paste in a mortar and pestle and shaped into balls or pedas. Milk, dry fruits and Indian spices are added to make a bhang lassi or thandai, widely consumed during Holi.

During the time of Kautilya, popular Mauryan era drinks included medaka (spiced rice beer), prasanna (spiced barley or wheat beer), asava (sugarcane beer) and arista (medicinal tincture). However, modern-day distillation of alcohol scaled new heights with widespread use in the Delhi Sultanate by the 14th century. Over time, many royal families and thikanas in Rajputana concocted their own signature brews for recreation or medicine, based on ingredients available locally and climatic conditions. Spices, saffron, fruits, dry fruits and stimulative agents were added for flavour and therapeutic value, distilled through copper pots and matured in wooden casks.

Back in the day, many princely states had a separate department for liquor. Broadly, three types of liquor were prepared based on strength and refinement - ikbara for the common man, dobara for officers and upper middle class, and aasav, reserved only for royalty and nobility. Often referred to as baap-dada ki daru in Rajasthan, some of these liquors even had aphrodisiacal qualities. As per legend, Rana Hammir of Ranthambore, the 14th century ruler of Mewar, had 11 wives but didnt have the stamina to satisfy them all. One day, a saint gave him the recipe for a potion that would give him "the strength of a 100 horses". And, like a blissful royal tale, they all lived happily ever after. However, not all the royal brews were reserved for kings. It is said there was a honey-based brew with 21 spices that was meant for royal ladies, which could make a 60-year-old behave like a 16-year-old!

One royal bastion that stands out for its heritage liquors is Mahansar, a thikana in Shekhawati founded in 1768 by Thakur Nahar Singh, second son of Thakur Nawal Singh of Nawalgarh. The Mahansar royal familys legendary saunf was brewed by fermenting gud (jaggery) and ber (Indian date) in an earthen pot for 15 days, distilled by adding milk, misri, saunf and other spices, stored in a ceramic vessel and matured for six years. The resultant brew was aromatic, spicy and clear, with a dash of pale yellow.

Mahansar has maintained its heritage liquor brewing tradition and old royal formulae. In 2006, Shekhawati Heritage Herbals began brewing gulab, saunf and orange, mint and ginger royal liqueurs under three brands - Royal Mahansar, Maharani Mahansar and Maharaja Mahansar. During mid-18th century, ably guided by his kulguru Thakur Karni Singh Shekhawat, descendant to a clan of Mahansar thikana, prepared various aasav using herbs and spices like fennel, cardamom, mint, coriander, fruit extracts like orange, apple, watermelon, berries, and liqueurs like cider grape wine and rose. The word julep was supposedly derived from an English mispronunciation of gulab.

Royal brews like Rohitaasav, Kumari aasav, Kankaasav, Dus mul ka aasav and Mahaverlane were made exclusively for the use of the royal families of Bikaner, Kashmir and Nepal, mainly for medicinal benefit.

In 1862, Thakur Zorawar Singh, part of the Champawat clan of Rathores, founded the prominent Kanota thikana. As a tribute to the royal houses of Jaipur, the Kanota family created the drink Chandrahaas in 1863 and named it after Lord Shivas indestructible sword.

Since then, they have meticulously followed the original recipe of using nearly 165 herbs and spices like kesar, awlah, safed musli, jaiphal, amla ki chaal, white sandalwood and dry fruits.

Amar Singh of Kanota thikana is known for writing the worlds longest continuous diaries. Maintained in English for 44 years from 1898 to 1942, these precious notes include detailed recipes for dishes and heritage liquors. His heir Mohan Singh and his sons Man Singh and Prithvi Singh offer special royal thalis and Chandrahaas at their Jaipur hotels Royal Castle Kanota and Narain Niwas, built by Amar Singh in 1928. Legend has it that Amar Singhs son-in-law, Rajasahib Karni Singh of Gadi thikana, was on his deathbed, and all the efforts of the royal physician to cure him proved futile. When nothing seemed to work, the royal brewer requested for a chance and administered Chandarhaas. Sure enough, Rajasahib was back on his feet!

The Shyopurs, who were in charge of the household affairs of the Kachhwahas (Jaipurs royal family), have over three dozen recipes like angoor, ananas and narangi, which is made with oranges and 18 herbs. The drink supposedly keeps the body cool in scorching summers, and can be consumed "from dawn to dawn", and one still feels fresh as a daisy in the morning, without a hangover. Shyopur Narangi Ginger is made from fruits, two dozen spices and pineapple flavours!

Jagmohan, an ancient recipe from the royal house of Marwar in Jodhpur, is made of herbs, spices, dry fruits, seasonal fruits, murabba and bark, finely blended with milk, desi ghee, saffron and crystal sugar. Distilled in the royal cellars for the use of kings and princes, it was a drink for winters. It could be consumed on the rocks in summer as a post-meal dessert liqueur, though citrus and acidic drinks are best avoided with it. Similarly, Kesar Kasturi is made from exotic ingredients like saffron, dry fruits, herbs, nuts, seeds, roots and spices, blended with ghee, milk and crystal sugar.

Another liqueur Mawalin, from the royal house of Sodawas, 90 km from Jodhpur towards Udaipur, has 38 different ingredients including dates, dry fruits, herbs and two dozen spices. Local folklore says Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur gave the recipe of Mawalin as jagir (aristocratic fiefdom) to Thakur Sahib Bishan Singh of Osian. It is typically served "in a liqueur glass on a bed of crushed ice in summer, and in a bowl of half-inch deep lukewarm water in winter." A good appetiser, it has curative and medicinal properties when taken in small doses.

To keep these unique traditions alive, Rajasthan State Ganganagar Sugar Mills (RSGSML) has launched Royal Heritage Liqueurs as a tribute to the states royal brewing legacy. The fermentation and distillation process used by the ruling thikanedars have been strictly adhered to with the use of earthen pots, copper and brass utensils. We got to savour some of these brews with Raghavendra Singh at Fort Amla, a rustic-style heritage retreat in western Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan.

While royalty elevated intoxication into an art form and a science, alcoholic brews were not the exclusive domain of palaces but were widely consumed by the proletariat. Across the adivasiheartland of tribal India, weve encountered local ladies selling handia in weekly village markets by the roadside. Rice is fermented with bakhar, a yeast prepared with roots, bark and leaves of more than 20 plants to produce handia, which is named after the handi (earthen pot) in which it is stored and usually served in makeshift cups of sal leaf. Weve glugged it from large brass vessels in a Santhal home near Shantiniketan during the Sohrai festival, accompanied by dancing and thrumming of the mandhar (drum).

Perhaps the most well known Indian distillate is Goan feni, made from cashew, a plant that was introduced to India by the Portuguese (we still call it by its Portuguese name caju). With the advent of summer, the hillsides come alive with the heady aroma of ripening cashew fruits. The fruits are plucked from the trees and the nuts are separated from the cashew apple and consumed after roasting. The cashew apple is squashed in a rock cut basin to extract niro, a non-fermented sweet juice best served chilled. All the collected niro is allowed to ferment and transferred into a big earthen pot where it is boiled for distillation. The first distillate is called urak, which is low in alcoholic content while subsequent distillates yield feni. Quite potent and smelly, feni is best enjoyed with lime and soda though many bars in Goa stir up feni-based cocktails!

Across Central and Eastern India, flowers of the mahua tree are collected and fermented to make a desi liquor mahua, jokingly referred to as ABCD or Adi Basi Cold Drink. Similar to it is salfi or the chheen tree, whose sap is tapped to make a local brew, hailed as Bastar Beer. It is considered a sign of prosperity and can be found in almost every tribal household. In Bihar and Jharkhand, taadior sap from the palm tree is equally popular, known as neera in the south. We tried salfi at the village haats at Onkudeli and Chattikona with the Bonda tribesmen in southern Odisha, as they offered it to us straight from their unique ridge gourd cup with a spout to gulp it! Needless to say, it was a heady experience.

Alcoholic brews have always been closely related with festivals and merriment, as we found out. In the North East, during Etor or Chhota Sollung Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, we danced with members of the Adi Padam tribe. Wherever we went, villagers handed us kala (black) apong in hollow bamboo stems, and the songs and laughter echoed across the hills. The local brew is made of fermented millet and rice.

At The Grand Dragon Ladakh in Leh, huddled in a traditional sit-down Ladakhi-style restaurant in winter, our host Danish gave us a crash course in Ladakhi cuisine. If endless cups of salty gur gur cha with yak butter aint your cup of tea, try the local tipple chhang, made from fermented barley. The drink was poured into our kore (cups) with a snack of churpe (hard cheese) served in a pheypor or decorative lidded bowl, often used to store tsampa or barley.

A thousand miles away, we had discovered chhang at Sonams little shack at the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar. It tasted like wine, had a high like beer, and cost as much as water. After a round, you only had to add water to the fermented millet, leave it for 10 minutes and voila, your next serving was ready! We used to pick up sacks of millet to drink it at leisure at home in Bengaluru. Little wonder then that the local authorities banned it. The next time we went to Bylakuppe, there was no whiff of chhang anywhere!

Perhaps the most popular intoxicating brew across India is bhang lassi or thandai, sold at government-authorised bhang shops. Weve tried it in Allahabad, Varanasi, Pushkar and Omkareshwar, though the craziest experience was at the famous bhang shop in Jaisalmer. Located at the base of the fort since the early 1970s, the tiny shop was immortalised by Anthony Bourdain. Chander Prakash Vyas or Babu, better-known as Doctor Bhang, represents the tech-savvy third generation and has a YouTube video, an FB page and a killer spiel to hawk his potion to foreign tourists. We laughed as he rattled off the variants - "We have a light Baby Lassi for Japani-Korean people, then Medium, Strong and Super Duper Sexy Strong â€" full power 24-hour, no toilet, no shower!" Besides bhang lassis in banana, chocolate and other flavours, they also had bhangchocolates and cookies. As we pored over the menu, Dr Bhang took a long look at us and said, "Better you take Super Duper Sexy Strong!"

There is a century-old organisation in Kolkata called Artemis Fountain Foundation that has taken up the cause of uplifting the lives of trafficked survivors of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, by providing them with an alternate source of livelihood through art.

Spearheading the setup for three years now are septuagenarian Shipra Banerjee and young Arpita Roy. The survivors are trained in the craft to make appealing and innovative decor items from newspapers by rolling them into various shapes.

In a first, newspaper-rolling and fabric painting are done on the items displaying the famed pattachitras of coastal West Bengal. So, the organisation is doing its bit to revive the dying art of the region. Pattachitras are the ancient folk art of rural Bengal (and Odisha) that date back to the 13th century. The craftsmen make use of organic paints, and the artworks are biodegradable and durable.

Newspapers are cut and rolled out, glued, and once their binding is done, the sketches are drawn on the surface and painted with organic paints. The paintings are sun-dried.

Most paintings portray the women of West Bengal, and it takes around one-and-a-half days to complete one artwork.

One comes across an amazing variety of home decor showpieces made of newspapers like fruit baskets, jewellery box, flower vase, ashtray etc. They are priced reasonably, the range being Rs 250 (fruit basket) - Rs 300 (vase).

By the looks of it, its difficult to tell these are crafted from newspapers. The artworks have many takers including corporate companies.

One would think it is unlikely that a group of raucous, high-energy kids would actually look forward to learning odissi - a classical dance form that demands studied movements, grace, focus and a kind of discipline that is often alien to children of a certain age. "But they do," odissi exponent Vandana Kasaravalli, née Supriya, insists.

Its yet another implausible idea that Vandana has managed to bring to fruition. The young lady is not unfamiliar with far-fetched ideas. When she was all of seven, she decided she would learn dance in Nrityagram, near her home. So she took it upon herself to board a bus to the dance school alone! Vandana attributes her adventurous spirit and out-of-the-box thinking to her non-formal schooling at Sita School in Hesaraghatta. Her mother was a teacher there and Vandana spent her formative years with mentors who forged in her a spirit of independence and freethinking.

Going traditional

Eventually, she underwent formal training in dance at Nrityagram. "Initially, I was learning mohiniattam, but my teacher quit and I shifted to odissi," she recalls. Learning the dance under the traditional guru-shishya parampara method made a huge difference, believes Vandana. "We have forgotten what it means to immerse ourselves in something rich; how it changes our very persona and thinking. For me, dance became everything - it was in my mind-space day and night," she says.

Nrityagram not only ensured that dance was an integral part of her life, but also made her aware of how important it was for her to convey her passion for the art form to the world at large and help spread its wings as it were. "Bharatanatyam is everywhere in South India and I have nothing against the beautiful form, but its time we let our children explore other art forms in a more wholesome manner," she says.

She started the Anandi Arts Foundation two years ago to do precisely that. The foundation hopes to make Odissi accessible to more people.

As part of the foundations activities, Vandana decided to approach a government school near her home in north Bengaluru. Initially sceptical, the school later allowed her to conduct odissi classes for free for all its 150 students. "It has been the most rewarding experience of my life," says Vandana. She is planning to hold Anandi Arts Festival next year, where she intends to make all the 150 children perform on stage.

She says her intention is not to make them professional dancers but to just let them experience the joy of learning an art form. "I dont behave like a guru with them… I am like their friend. I play games and run around with them. They love it," she narrates. I wonder how such young children can be interested in a dance form that demands high-level concentration. "The trick is to make it look like a game - I narrate a story and tell them to dance it out for me. This way, they enjoy the process of learning."

In fact, Vandana believes learning has to be constant and organic. After her stint in Nrityagram, she pursued a diploma in choreography from the Natya Institute of Kathak and Choreography. Her learning did not stop there. Vandana is also trained in kalaripayattu from the Kalari Grama in Puducherry. The danseuse has performed at several prestigious festivals in India and abroad including at the International Dance Festival in Malaysia and the Natya Mela in Kuwait. She has been honoured with several awards for her talent including Nritya Shiromani and Odissi Jyothi awards, which she received in Odisha, Natya Shree award in Kuwait, Sanskar Bharathi in New Delhi, among others.

Support system

But odissi continues to be her foremost passion. "It is a difficult art form no doubt, because it demands the dancer to move her torso, eyes and neck in opposite directions and sit in the same position for a long time. For me, though, it is like a spiritual journey," she says. She feels, despite how difficult the form is to learn, experimentation should rely more on thematic changes than anything else. "I have explored themes like gender equality and LGBT rights with odissi. I believe art has a social responsibility, too - artistes must send out a social message if they can."

Her passion for art finds resonance in her family, full of illustrious artistes and performers. "My father-in-law, Girish Kasaravalli, is most supportive of my ventures - he is happiest when Im travelling or passionately exploring a new idea," shares Vandana, who is married to the directors son Apurva, a director himself. Not surprising, then, that Vandana is keen to explore her acting abilities. "I am up for the challenge if a good script comes along," she says.

A Few Good Friends

Swati Kaushal

Hachette, 2017, Rs 399, pp 310

At the 20th-anniversary reunion of a batch from a prestigious college, things go haywire as ex-lovers reunite, old grudges resurface and long-held secrets come tumbling out. In this trip filled with nostalgia, one message comes true: friends are fallible,
friendships arent.

The Last Girl

Nadia Murad & Jenna Krajeski

Hachette, 2017, Rs 399, pp 306

This is a memoir of Nadia Murad, a Yazidi woman who lost her family in a war, and was enslaved by the ISIS. It records her struggles during the period and her fight against the genocide of her community.

The Soul

Anurag Sharma

Roman Books, 2017, Rs 295, pp 200

Set in Indore, this tells the tale of Ramu, a carriage owner, and his children. Ganga is hearing-impaired and mute; she struggles with her illness; she survives rape. Its also about Harsh, Aryan and Palak, and their journey in the face of societal expectations.

The Only Life

Rashid Maxwell

Simon & Schuster, 2017, Rs 350, pp 307

This book is a biography situated in spirituality. Its a life story of a woman, Laxmi, who blazed a path for herself around the international movement of Osho, touching upon her ostracisationand resilience in the face of trials.

Mountains, Rivers, and Soldiers

Binoy Varakil

Roman Books, 2017, Rs 295, pp 170

Emmanuel is a commissioned officer in the Indian Army. Torn between the love for his beloved and his homeland, he soon transforms into a hero who sacrifices everything for his beliefs. Aside from this, the lives of his father and grandfather are entwined with his and the tragedies of the family.

Never Marry a Woman with Big Feet

Mineke Schipper

Speaking Tiger, 2017, Rs 599, pp 443

This book collates experiences of women through proverbs from over 245 languages. The vivid and earthy proverbs also reflect womens life stages - from a girl to a bride, from a wife to a co-wife, or widow to grandmother. The proverbs delineate the feminine ideal.

Season of Crimson Blossoms

Abubaker Adam Ibrahim

Speaking Tiger, 2017, Rs 499, pp 290

This novel is set in Abuja, Northern Nigeria. Binta Zubairu is a widow and yearns for intimacy. Hussain Reza, 25 years old, seeks to fill the void left by his estranged mother and a distant father. The two embark on a secret relationship. What follows is a confrontation between Bintas wealthy son and Reza.

Is Your Mind really Yours?

Ajay Sachdeva

Niyogi Books, 2017, Rs 395, pp 179

The author asserts that life, at its core, is centred
around the relationship one has with ones self, with their thoughts and emotions. These influence ones relationship with their family and friends. This is a self-help book that evaluates stereotypes and perceptions that affect the human mind. It hopes to help the reader to break free from toxic stereotypes and limits.

The old cookbooks - as Lizzie Collingham reminds us in her joyously delicious account of Britains gastronomic influence on the world - employed Christmas recipes like this to offer children a geography lesson. The currants, we were told, were Australian, the raisins from South Africa, the suet from New Zealand. Demerara sugar was shipped in from Barbados, the eggs came from chickens in the Irish Free State. The cinnamon was from Ceylon, the cloves from Zanzibar. There was Malayan nutmeg, Cypriot brandy, Jamaican rum. Only the bread crumbs, the flour, and the porter came from home, from England.

My mother would buy all these ingredients each Christmas season, invariably at the closest thing to a supermarket in the London suburb where I grew up - which was called, appropriately, The Home and Colonial.

It was one of a chain of grocery stores so familiarly central to English life of the 1950s that it came to be memorialised in poetry. John Betjeman, known for his sentimental odes to the ordinary, wrote of his Welsh sylph Myfanwy with a still-remembered stanza:

Smooth down the Avenue glitters the bicycle,
Black-stockinged legs under navy blue serge/
Home and Colonial, Star, International,
Balancing bicycle leaned on the verge.

Few here in America could imagine the Safeway or the Piggly Wiggly to be deserving of such verse or such sentiment.

Neither do many see romance in the origins of these foods, nor of their passage across the ocean. Except for Kipling, of course:

Oh, where are you going to, all you Big Steamers,
With Englands own coal, up and down the salt seas?
We are going to fetch you your bread and your butter,
Your beef, pork, and mutton, eggs, apples, and cheese.
And where will you fetch it from, all you Big Steamers?
And where shall I write you when you are away?
We fetch it from Melbourne, Quebec, and Vancouver -
Address us at Hobart, Hong-Kong, and Bombay.

As Kipling then, so the historian Lizzie Collingham today. In her original and supremely captivating book, she has cleverly recreated the fine details of some 20 meals, consumed over four-and-a-half centuries in a variety of homes and ships and tented encampments far from the motherland. Her technique - already displayed in earlier books on the history of curry, the importance of diet and physique in the running of Imperial India and the role of food in wars involving both Germany and Japan - is to examine the minutiae of daily kitchen life and to extrapolate from them a greater image of historical sweep.

And so we learn much from such matters as the 17th-century churning of butter between the thighs of a half-naked Irishwoman in Connaught; from the weekly budget of a 19th-century New Zealand farm labourer; from a tea party in a Manchester slum as described in an Elizabeth Gaskell novel; and from a British infantrymans diet in the North African desert during World War II - gooseberry jam preferred to strawberry, Egyptian sweet potatoes cordially loathed, as were the bully beef from the Fray Bentos canning factory in Argentina and the hardtack from Carrs of Carlisle.

From such lavish depictions, we derive with infinite pleasure a pointilliste picture of the worlds food economy in all its magical complexity.

Many of the books portraits are charming, and some are especially important in their reach. "Freshly bathed, Kamala set about preparing her familys evening meal," Collingham writes of an Indian family living near Patna in 1811. "First she smoothed fresh cow dung in a circle to define a purified cooking space and sprinkled it with a few drops of water. Then she took some of the chillies she had plucked from the plants that grew near the familys hut and cast them on the grinding stone with a few drops of safflower oil, made from the seeds of the thistle-like plants that formed a picturesque hedge surrounding their plot of land." As is characteristic of the book, there is rather more to this particular sojourn in India than one might initially suppose, and as the context will eventually make clear.

For it has been a conceit of some historians to make a connection between seemingly unconnected phenomena, like the consumption of tea and the dropping of the atom bombs on Japan. The linkage goes like this: so beloved was tea back in Britain that the East India Company ran out of silver bars to pay the currency-suspicious Cantonese and instead plied them with India-made opium; the Chinese Empire went to war to stop this grubby trade in what they called "foreign mud"; it lost and was forced to cede Hong Kong to Britain; a thus-weakened China was then first nibbled at, then serially gnawed into further humiliating submission by Russia, France, Germany, America - and Japan, newly open to the outside world.

Japan acquired a liking for easy imperial adventure, decided unwisely to attack Pearl Harbor, whereupon America responded with sustained might - and lo!, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were eventually and cruelly laid waste.

A world away, Kamala, peacefully making her chhattu pudding and her currant chutney, turns out to be a tiny cog in the mechanism of this very story, for the simple reason that she and her family "belonged to a small sub-caste of market gardeners who specialised in the cultivation of opium poppies."

By relating a moment in Kamalas little life, the dry facts of history - in this case, the basis and results of the Opium Wars - are enticingly leavened by the presence of ordinary humanity.

We may loathe the British trade, we may shudder at its terrible consequences, but we easily grow fond of the young woman who cut poppies during the day and then came home in the afternoon to create a pudding for her husband and children.

There are precious few Kamalas in Erika Rappaports sturdy A Thirst for Empire, in which she tells with authority how tea and the culture of tea drinking have influenced the greater history of the British Empire and the British influenced-world beyond. Despite being a somewhat drier work than Collinghams, it is nonetheless fascinating: Rappaports description of the ways in which tea has been marketed over the years is entirely absorbing, especially for an academic audience.

Absorbing and, to some, unsettling. To learn, for instance, that the Anglo-Dutch giant Unilever, one of the worlds largest consumer-goods companies, had by the 1990s achieved control of a third of the world tea trade is dismaying to those who unfashionably recall with affection the imperial planter life of Assam and Ceylon and the hills of Kenya. Still more unsettling is the coming reality that coffee - quelle horreur! - is fast overtaking tea as the national drink of England. That is seen as a sea change of as much significance as Brexit and the rise of Jeremy Corbyn, the decline of the five-day cricket match and a slipping national fondness for Marmite and Gentlemans Relish.

When news like that accumulates, only one thing can soothe the English soul - and that is to reach for "the cup that cheers."

But in making it, be sure to bring the pot to the kettle and not the kettle to the pot. I suspect even the Netherlanders who run Unilever know how to make a decent cuppa these days. Which is rather more, I regret to say to my new-made compatriots, than they do here in America.

The New Market in Kolkata is arguably the oldest supermarket in India, offering everything from food to clothes to sewing material. It was founded during the British colonial days with the name Hoggs Market. Despite many dazzling malls in the city, the New Market remains a favourite shopping destination.

Old-timers, expats and food aficionados make a beeline for one of New Markets most popular food items with a touch of Europe, the Bandel cheese - plain or smoked, a Portuguese concoction.

The Portuguese are believed to be the first Europeans to settle down in Bengal. They also built the first Christian Church in Bengal.

Vasco da Gama arrived in Kerala in 1498. Within 100 years, Portuguese settlers were seen living on the banks of the Hooghly river. Their stay was rather brief, overwhelmed as they were by other European powers who made a beeline for the Bay of Bengals hinterland because of its proximity to the lucrative market in the Far East.

But the Portuguese left behind a culinary tradition that changed the platter of Bengali cuisine and dessert-making. Bengal is famous for its sweets made of cottage cheese, chhena. The art of cheese-making was introduced by the Portuguese. Prior to that, food historians say, there were only fried sweets made of rice powder, refined flour, or other ingredients. The salted Bandel cheese is another legacy they left behind.

A bit of the Portuguese legacy can be discovered in Bandel, about 50 km from Kolkata, which is today known for the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. It was constructed in 1599, making it the oldest Christian Church in West Bengal. The Mughals had demolished it in 1632, but it was rebuilt soon.

A giant tale

In 1632, Emperor Shah Jahans army attacked the Portuguese settlement, including a small fort. They could not stand up to the might of the Mughal army; their fort and the church were destroyed. Father Joan De Cruz was taken a prisoner to Agra. There, he was to face death by getting trampled under the feet of an elephant, a royal punishment common in those days. But, as the legend goes, the elephant stopped in front of the priest and instead of killing him, lifted him by its trunk and placed him on its back.

The miracle convinced the king that the priest was a holy man. He not only set him and his followers free but also provided tax-free land for the construction of the new church at the same spot.

There are other miracles associated with the church. During the siege by the Mughals, a local Christian named Taigo, desperate to save the statue, dived into the Hooghly river with it. He was never seen again. But on the day of the churchs inauguration, the statue appeared on the Hooghly banks.

On the same day, a Portuguese storm-battered ship reached the banks. The crew, however, survived. When the storm engulfed them, the captain promised that he would offer the main mast of the ship to the first church he came across, and so he did. The Portuguese word for mast was bandel, so the church was called Bandel Church. The mast, somewhat in a diminished state, is in the churchs compound. It has been declared a heritage item by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Of what remains

When you visit the church today, it does not seem that old, because it has been reconstructed several times. The rather over-bright paint on the façade also mars its aura of antiquity.

Inside the church, the atmosphere is sombre, and the prayer hall, with its wooden pews, reminds you of the olden days. The church was declared a mini basilica by Pope John Paul II, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, in 1988. Besides her altar, the other two on the side contain a statue of Jesus and St John Bosco. You can enter the prayer hall even if a Sunday mass is going on, but respect the devotees privilege and maintain silence.

A spiralling staircase leads to the top balcony where devotees are seen lighting candles in front of the image of the statue depicting Mary with baby Jesus on a boat.

From the balcony, theres the view of the beautiful Jubilee Bridge spanning across the Hooghly. In 1887, it was built to mark the golden jubilee of Queen Victorias reign; its also one of the oldest-operating rail-bridges in the world.

Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit the Bandel Church during Christmas.

When we were children, my friends and I eagerly looked forward to the Sunday school Christmas pageant. It was directed by our spiritual mentors who taught us the scriptures through story and song while our parents were at Weekly Worship. Rehearsals were held at the building near the church where we had our classes, which was also the venue of the production.

The plays the thing, declared Shakespeares Hamlet. Had we heard of that hapless prince back then, we would have disrespectfully disagreed. We were less concerned with the nativity narrative than with who would enact it on stage. At variance with the humility of the infant in the manger, each of us wanted a plum part.

The central one was not available. Baby Jesus was a doll, and I provided it. Once more, the sin of pride reared its head. Although everyone knew that the lifelike little figure belonged to me, I would repeatedly affirm that it was mine, adding that I had acquired it abroad. I strutted around with it, reluctantly handing it to Mary.

Every girl in Sunday school aspired to be Mary. Year after year, we hoped that our teachers would perceive how beautiful wed look in blue, and, year after year, they selected Ramola.

What made her an intensely irritating - albeit absolutely appropriate - choice was that she resembled an artists depiction of the Madonna. We knew nothing about Renaissance painting but reluctantly admitted that, with her creamy complexion, fine features and striking stature, Ramola was stunning. Worse still, from our envious viewpoint, Ramola seemed unaware of her attractions. Thus meek and modest must the mother of Jesus have been, when visited as a young woman by Angel Gabriel.

Talking of Gabriel, many who hoped to play that heavenly messenger were disappointed. Angels aplenty were required to appear to those tending their flocks at night, but, while everyone had a gown, only Gabriel wore a crown.

On the whole, we were a disgruntled bunch. The shepherds wished to be wise men, for the not-so-simple reason that the trio would be attired in glamorous garments. Joseph complained that he had nothing to do but stand beside Mary. "That is just what he did," explained our teachers. "He was loyal, loving and supportive."

"But I have nothing to say," the boy protested, voicing the general discontent. We might not have minded trailing around in whatever strange costumes we were given if only we had speaking roles. Unfortunately, there were not enough of those to go around. On one occasion, two non-biblical characters (traditionally seen in Christmas theatricals) had a significant scene. I was the wife of the irate innkeeper, who earnestly pleads with him that weary Mary and Joseph be given shelter, if only in a stable.

"Twenty rupees a night, and make sure you dont light a fire," growled my husband. Half a century later, his words and tone resound in my memory. He is now married to my cousin!

To excel as a sportsman was the burning desire of my youth, a dream that, sadly, burnt out faster than a firecracker, thanks to a conspiracy of circumstances.

Cricket, I was bluntly told, wasnt for the likes of me(,) after I took a mighty swipe at a full toss, missed the ball altogether, and saw my bat fly unerringly towards the fielder at short square leg, who wouldve been decapitated hadnt he ducked in time.

In hockey, I proved to be a wizard at keeping my trotters unscathed. Short of levitating, I agilely hopped out of harms way whenever necessary - even at the cost of letting our opponents wallop home a goal. My preoccupation with self-preservation ensured my early exit.

In football, I quickly became a liability to my team with my instinctive urge to foul opponents about to score. The consequent penalty kicks invariably resulted in goals. When this happened once too often, my skippers face turned a shade redder than the referees red card, and he unceremoniously ordered me off the field.

Never one to give up, I was beckoned by tennis. However, despite my best efforts, my serves just failed to clear the net. And when, as a last resort, a fellow trainee jocosely suggested that the infernal impediment be lowered a little for my benefit, I came dangerously close to grand-slamming him with a racquet. Tennis, too, turned out to be a damp squib.

Soon the leisurely charms of golf hooked me. Then I saw a grim-faced tyro viciously ploughing up clods of earth with his club to the accompaniment of unprintable profanity, while the ball sat primly on the course, unmoved. Certain that I couldnt better that, I backed out.

Next, I gravitated to weightlifting, hoping it would lift a weight off my mind at being an abject failure as a sportsman. The brawny instructor at the gym eyed me as if Id just fled some famine-stricken country.

Anyway, bending, I gripped the barbell he grudgingly assigned me and tried to heft it.

It refused to budge, remaining anchored despite my repeated efforts. Ten perspiring minutes later, I straightened up with difficulty to hear the instructor rasp, "Tomorrow, well see if you can lift it as far as your ankles!"

Stung to the quick, I gracefully bowed out.

Then, recalling that in school Id excelled in vaulting the compound wall while bunking class, I decided to give pole vault a try. I joined a sports training centre, where I set a record - still unbroken - for the number of times I sailed under the crossbar rather than over it.

So, if India lost a spirited sportsman, it certainly wasnt due to lack of effort on my part.

As the mighty Danube meanders majestically across Central Europe, an imposing city sitting on one of its bends reigns across its two banks.

Buda, regally perched on a hill and crowned by an imperial castle, and the east bank Pest, its modern alter ego with pockets of history, together make up the city aptly named the queen of the Danube.

Budapest is the perfect marriage of the Orient and the Occident. At the peak of winter, I discovered the past and the present of this great capital.

Leaving my backpack at my host Laszlos flat, I started my visit at the iconic Halászbástya or Fishermans Bastion in Buda. Towering above the river and dominating the entire landscape, this landmark offers spectacular views of Pest. The jewel that stands out on the opposite bank is the Hungarian Parliament. This immense white Gothic-Revival-style edifice topped with a cupola was an impressive sight despite the evening haze.

In the centre of this viewing platform is the green equestrian statue of King Saint Stephen I, the founder of Hungary. Nearby is a statue of Turul, a huge eagle that symbolises the Arpáds, the Magyar ancestors of present-day Hungarians who trace their origins to someplace across the Urals in Central Asia.

Some claim they descended from Attila the Hun who invaded swathes of Europe in the 5th century. In fact, almost everyone I met pointed out their purported Asian origins, proudly underlining their uniqueness since even their musical language has no relation to any other European language.

As the winter sun descended into the horizon, lights illuminated the city.

I climbed down the hill and reached the Széchenyi Bridge or the Chain Bridge with stone lions guarding it on each side. Crossing this historical structure, I reached Pest and wandered around the beautiful Szent István Basilica, built in honour of the first Magyar king.

First comes dessert

Not far from here is Gerbeaud, a pastry shop standing proudly since 1858. Central and Eastern Europe being famous for pastries, I couldnt resist taking a seat in the elegant interiors of this cafe to enjoy a slice of delicious sachertorte or chocolate cake before dinner.

Crossing the Danube once again, I returned to Laszlos flat, where the heady scent of the other Hungarian speciality, paprika, filled the air. We shared a bottle of red Hungarian Eger wine, which perfectly accompanied the dish of potatoes and sausages in a red paprika sauce.

The next morning, crossing another bridge, I reached the Great Market Hall with its sloping green and yellow tiles. Apart from clothes, lace and souvenirs, the market was filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, meat, pastries and of course, red chillies, and at around 11 am I could smell paprika once again.

Aromas of meat and vegetables cooked with paprika wafted from several stalls enticing passersby and whetting my appetite. As it was still early, I opted for a small piece of flódni, a Jewish cake made with apples, nuts, poppy seeds and plum jam. Eating dessert before my meals was becoming a habit here.

The Jewish population of Budapest used to be so high that it was once called Judapest. The Moorish Islamic-style Dohány Street Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter is Europes biggest.

From here I walked to the parliament, and on the quay in front of it is a poignant memorial to the victims of the Nazi era - rusted iron shoes nailed to the ground in remembrance of the Jews who were lined up by the river and shot, and their bodies collapsed into the Danube.

Staying with the historical theme, I wandered around Andrássy útca, the main avenue of Pest, and decided to visit Terror House, an eerie museum describing the horrors of the Nazi and the Soviet times. Hungarians had the misfortune of siding with the Third Reich during World War II with the aim of recovering territories it lost to practically all of its neighbours - Serbia, Austria, Slovakia, Poland and Romania. Along with land, nearly two-thirds of Hungarys population instantly turned into its diaspora. At the end of the war, Budapest was liberated by the Soviet army and another period of authoritarianism ensued.

This educational tour was rather depressing, but it wasnt long before my spirits were lifted, for a group of couples dressed in traditional costumes danced to cheerful music on a small square. These little unexpected concerts in city squares are what make Europe so charming.

I continued exploring some of the architecture of Pest, and some façades with their Oriental-style arches reminded me of the nearly-150 years of Ottoman presence. I imagined camel caravans at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, walking past towering minarets, whirling dervishes and hammams. While the mosques and minarets have long disappeared, having been converted to churches, the bathhouses have survived, and this culture thrives to this day in Budapest.

The Budapest skin

As I studied my map to find a metro station, a couple of young men who were standing at the corner of the street approached me. I got slightly suspicious; moreover, I had been warned on many occasions that Hungarians were cold and unfriendly. One of them said in perfect English, "Excuse me, sir, do you need any help?" I was immediately ashamed of my own suspicion and told them what I needed. They guided me to the nearest station and I took the metro back to Buda, kicking myself mentally for falling for a stereotype, albeit remotely.

Back near the Fishermans Bastion, I visited Matyas Templom or Saint Matthias Church, easily recognisable thanks to its colourful, sloping tiled roof. The interiors are sumptuously decorated with frescoes on all of its walls and ceilings.

In the afternoon, I picked up my bags and headed to my friend Emanueles place. He had just returned to Budapest, where he lived, from a trip abroad. We decided to go to the stunning opera to watch Mozarts Italian comedy Così fan tutte. Since it was an opera, my Italian friend did not understand everything, and the subtitles were in Hungarian. Luckily, Aniko, a friendly doctor sitting in front of us, explained what we missed during the intermission. I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent performance and was surprised at the amazing quality of the show for the unbelievable price of four euros.

For dinner, we went to a good restaurant called Frici Papa, where I had already appreciated the national dish, goulash. This time, I had a chicken paprika dish, and for dessert savoured Gundel palacsinta, delectable crêpes smothered in chocolate sauce, a dish perfected by Károly Gundel, one of the fathers of Hungarian gastronomy.

I ended my trip with a relaxing visit to the Széchenyi baths. After sampling several saunas and various pools at different temperatures, I stepped out into the freezing winter and entered the open-air pool whose hot water formed wisps of steamy mist in contact with the cold air, wondering what it might feel like if it snowed just then.

Watching people playing chess in the water, I reflected on my days spent in the land of the Magyars, whose descendants rough nature is often misconstrued as curt smugness. Personally, I didnt mind the brutal frankness and admired the nostalgic resilience that reigns over the Great Hungarian Plain.

Admit it: You had a feeling it would happen. I had a feeling it would happen. How could anyone not? Chris Froome, the four-time Tour de France winner, confirmed last Wednesday that he tested positive for excessively high amounts of the asthma drug salbutamol during the Vuelta a España in September, on his way to victory in that Grand Tour. The level of the drug found in his urine was twice the amount allowed by anti-doping rules.

This news comes as no surprise. Not necessarily because it was Froome, the 32-year-old rider for Britains Team Sky who has dominated cycling in recent years. But because the revelation fits right in with a Tour tradition.

So Froomes name now goes on the growing list of cycling champions turned infamous for failed drug tests or doping admissions: Lance Armstrong. Floyd Landis. Jan Ullrich. Alberto Contador. And on and on.

The last time there were back-to-back Tours de France without the winner becoming entangled in a doping scandal was 1995, when Miguel Induráin of Spain won his fifth and final Tour. (Yet he too, once failed a test for an asthma drug but was not punished.)

Thats an entire generation of embarrassment for a sport and its biggest stars. Three of those riders - Armstrong, Landis and Contador - have been stripped of some or all of their victories, but those falls from grace didnt happen without a fight. And it looks as if Froome is preparing to dig in for one, too.

Froome, who has had asthma since childhood and has often used inhalers in public, may face a suspension of a year or more. But dont think for a second that he and his powerful, often sanctimonious team are going to roll over and accept a ban.

Be prepared for explanations and excuses, and they had better be good, because cycling investigators have heard some doozies. Tyler Hamilton once blamed a doping positive on a vanishing twin in his mothers womb. Landis once attributed a suspicious surge in testosterone on too many swigs of whiskey.

For the moment, Froome is free to continue racing, and he isnt panicking. At least not publicly.

He told The Guardian and Le Monde that his asthma had worsened during the Vuelta, so he just followed a Team Sky doctors orders to increase the amount of salbutamol he was already taking.

The drug opens airways - an undeniably helpful result in a sport like cycling - and some argue that if a handful of riders can take it for asthma, then every rider should be allowed to do the same. And why wouldnt they? Salbutamol has been used to increase endurance, burn fat and increase lean muscle mass - basically the reasons the World Anti-Doping Agency affixed a limit to the amount an athlete could have in their system.

But even if a doctor told Froome to take more of the drug, Froome should have known better - he must know better - because that isnt going to fly with anti-doping experts.

To be even clearer: If Froomes version of events is true, he made a rookie mistake. It would also be a surprise if Froome couldnt feel the difference between the regular amount of salbutamol he takes, and twice that amount. And the consequences of getting caught doing so should have been obvious to an athlete who - as he admitted - knew he was going to be tested repeatedly.

So right now we know this: Something went very wrong for Froome at the Vuelta, and that something, now and perhaps forever, has put a black mark next to his name in every record book.

"I am confident that we will get to the bottom of this," Froome wrote on his Twitter page. "Unfortunately I cant share any more information than I already have."

As you read this sentence, Dave Brailsford, Team Skys principal and founder, is becoming an expert on salbutamol, which is a twist. Over the years, he has talked a lot about drugs - but only about how none of his riders use them, and often - despite increasingly unexplainable incidents - with how-dare-you-insinuate-that-they-are-not-clean indignation.

In 2016, he brushed off the revelation by Russian hackers that the 2012 Tour winner, Bradley Wiggins, had gotten official clearance to use more than his fair share of otherwise restricted or barred drugs. That same year, he dealt with the fallout from the delivery of a mysterious medical package to Wiggins at the 2011 Critérium du Dauphiné, a critical Tour de France warm-up race.

Froomes failed test could be different, though. Team Sky was founded in 2009 on the pompous premise that the organisation had a zero tolerance for performance-enhancing drug use and that it would fire anyone with a doping past. It was quite a bold and somewhat ridiculous idea, and the sideways glances only multiplied as Froome and Team Sky ascended mountain after mountain with improbable ease.

Well find out now if Team Skys stated zero tolerance applies to its best rider. If Froome cant wiggle out of a suspension with an acceptable explanation, does it mean his time with Sky is over? My guess is it wont - at least not if Brailsford can help it. After all, cyclings rules are often broken or, at the very least, bent to fit the needs of a team or its star.

But if history has taught us anything, it is that the most dominant riders in cycling are the ones who fall the hardest.

In todays age of reliance on advanced technology, it is seemingly normal for even teenagers to be glued to the latest smartphones or tablets. Keerthana P, though, chose to be addicted to a slightly different tool, a cue stick.

Things could have been different if her father wasnt an avid snooker player himself, but as fate would have it, she eventually followed in his footsteps and even began to outshine him.

Off the table, Keerthana displays a calm demeanour and isnt a girl of many words, sticking to exactly what she needs to say and doing so with immense poise. But come competition time and she turns into a fierce opponent with a strong winning mentality.

Making waves at the recent Junior and Sub-junior snooker/billiards championship in Bengaluru, Keerthana claimed three titles -- sub-junior snooker and billiards and junior billiards, ending a whisker away from completing a sweep of all the categories she had entered in.

From winning just the solitary title in the Sub-junior girls billiards event at the Nationals in Pune earlier this year, Keerthana finished 2017 with four National titles under her belt. And all this after picking up a cue just over two years ago.

So how exactly did this 15-year-old make her foray into the world of cue sports and take it by storm was the question.

"My father plays snooker as well. That is how I was first introduced to the sport. I used to accompany him whenever I got the chance and happened to try it once. It was an experience that I really enjoyed, so I decided then that I wanted to pursue it."

Her father Pandian, an employee of BEML in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), and the man responsible for it all, offered a more detailed explanation.

"I used to visit Bengaluru to play inter-club team events at Century Club. My family used to come with me since they needed an outing as well. She happened to see Varshaa (Sanjeev) playing and Keerthana was surprised and asked me how is that akka playing? So I told her that there were no restrictions and that anyone could play.

"After that, she used to come with me to the BEML club and sit and watch. All of a sudden, on one day, she asked if she could play as well, rather just get a taste of it. I asked the marker to teach her some basic techniques but wasnt too keen. Never did I imagine that she would reach this level. She then kept pestering me to take her to Bengaluru for coaching. I saw how interested she was and eventually gave in," he said.

It hasnt been all honey and roses for Keerthana in her pursuit of excellence in the sport and juggling it with her education.

"On weekdays I am forced to practice in the club at KGF. But I ensure I am here (KSBA) every weekend to train her under C Ravindranath. My school is shut on second Saturdays so the other two, I am forced to take leave and come to Bengaluru by train. I finish practice and then, my mother and I take the train back to KGF. On Sundays my father usually drives the family down," said the tenth grade student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, BEML. "Im trying to manage studies and sports. Lets see how it goes. I cant say too much right now," she added.

With early ambitions of taking up medicine as a profession, Keerthana now leans more towards getting a degree in engineering. That was a sacrifice she had to make to continue playing the sport she loves.

"For a very long time, she wanted to do her MBBS. But that was much before she started playing. Once she decided that she wanted to play at a competitive level, I told her that if she wanted to become a doctor, shell have to concentrate on that fully and will not be able to engage in the sport. That is when she changed her mind and said I cant stop playing, so Ill do engineering," revealed Pandian.

Keerthana bagged a sports scholarship with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and receives a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000. But that wasnt enough to convince her father to let her take it up as a profession.

"I dont think this sport can be a full-time option for women in India.The encouragement received isnt the same as the men players receive. Of course, the government looks after her expenses internationally. But when I need to travel with her, it gets expensive. I need to pay for myself," he said.

If the ripples she has created in her nascent career are anything to go by, Keerthana could be a formidable force to reckon with on the cue sport circuit. Looking up to Pankaj Advani is sure to enhance that process and she even gets timely tips from the winner of 18 world titles.

"My favourite player is Pankaj sir. I really like his cueing style and his stance. Whenever I meet him, I seek advice and he always helps. He had asked me to slow down my cueing and also said that I need to reduce the distance of my bridge. My game changed after that and I could really feel a difference," she says with an infectious smile.

A ground rich with cricketing history but wanting of modern comforts will take its final Ashes bow when the third Test between Australia and England concludes at the WACA.

Future Ashes contests will be held at the shiny, new Perth Stadium on the opposite bank of the Swan River, a 60,000-seat arena that will use a drop-in pitch, host rock concerts and share tenancy with two Australian Rules football teams.

The 22,000-capacity WACA will remain a cricket venue but only host lower-profile internationals, having fallen behind the standards of rival stadiums around the country.

Fans seeking a state-of-the-art viewing experience may be glad to head across the river and leave the WACAs bland terraces and ageing facilities behind.

England may also be happy to move on from a venue where they have won only once in nearly 50 years of Tests. Of the rest of those matches, most have been painful defeats, including the last visit in 2013/14 when Michael Clarkes side thrashed Alastair Cooks tourists by 150 runs to reclaim the Ashes.

England, despite making more than 400 in their first innings in the latest Test, face the same predicament that weighed on Cooks men and Joe Roots team can draw little inspiration from recent history. The last time the English won at the WACA was in 1978, against an Australia team left threadbare by the World Series Cricket rebellion.

As forgettable as the WACA experience has been for England, it has been mostly glorious for Australia, and the backdrop for some classic, comical and quite bizarre Ashes moments since the first Test between the teams in 1970.

England batsman Brian Luckhurst holds the distinction of scoring the WACAs first Ashes century with his 301-ball knock of 131 in that drawn first Test.

Australians, however, may remember the match as the arrival of one of the games rarest talents when Greg Chappell, batting at number seven, scored 108 on debut.

Adam Gilchrists 57-ball century in the 2006 win against England set an Ashes record that still stands and ranks as one of the most destructive batting displays in Test cricket. Fast bowler Denis Lillee made his mark in Australias win in the 1979 Test by striding out to the crease with an aluminium bat made by a business partner.

He faced a few balls from Ian Botham before the match paused for 10 minutes as the umpires demanded he swap the metallic bat for a wooden one.

"It was against, if not the rules, all expectations," said Tony Barker, a historian commissioned by the WACA to write a book about the ground. "He got into a lot of strife about that -- and a lot of ridicule from the English team at the time."

In the heated atmosphere of the 1982 Test, Australia seamer Terry Alderman suffered a calamitous shoulder injury when he tackled a crowd invader after a number of spectators leapt onto the turf.

Greg Chappell led his team off the ground and police arrested dozens in the crowd for unruly behaviour. The injury set Aldermans career back years.

Alderman notwithstanding, seam bowlers have usually thrived at the WACA where an afternoon sea breeze known as the Fremantle Doctor provides additional assistance to the pace and bounce.

"Never underestimate how important that sea breeze is because when youre batting from the far end and theres a fast bowler running from behind it, its quite intimidating," former Test batsman and Western Australia coach Justin Langer told Reuters. Left-arm pacemen, particularly, enjoy the conditions, as Mitchell Johnson would attest.

The retired quick took six wickets to help beat England in the 2013 match and had nine victims in 2010, Australias only win in the dreary 3-1 series defeat.

The WACA may yet be the backdrop to further definitive moments in international cricket but will only welcome fans, ironically, when not enough of them are expected to turn up to the new stadium.

Western Australia states sports minister Mick Murray said the two grounds could co-exist but suggested the WACA would need some measure of renewal.

"Over a period of time I think the interface between the two stadiums themselves will become special," he told Reuters.

"Nobody wants to go to a big stadium if theres only 10,000 people there ... Youve lost that atmosphere. But you put 10,000 at the WACA, if theres redevelopment there, youll make that a place to be."

As cricket in Western Australia enters a new era, Langer expressed a personal desire for the ground where he scored 711 Test runs, including two centuries, to continue hosting matches. "I hope it remains the hub of cricket in Western Australia, thats very important," he said.

Manchester City are not just off to the best start in Premier League history; their record as they near the halfway point of the schedule is also among the best in the history of Englands top division. Through 17 games, City already have an 11-point lead at the top of the standings. They have scored 52 goals and have conceded only 11. Their record is imposing: 16 wins, 1 draw and - perhaps most important of all - zero losses.

With an improved defence and fearsome attackers like Sergio Agüero, David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne at the teams disposal, fans, players and the news media are thinking not just about the title, which seems assured even before Christmas, but about something bigger: an undefeated season.

The English have a name for a team like this: Invincibles.

The term dates to the very first season of the Football League, English soccers original top league, in 1888-89. Preston North End, a team based in Lancashire, roared through the league season with a record of 18-0-4 to become the original Invincibles. To top off that season, Preston won the FA Cup, too.

John Goodall (20 league goals), who also played top-level cricket, and the Little Demon, Jimmy Ross (19), led the way alongside their sharply mustachioed teammates. Prestons innovative 2-3-5 formation, though bizarre to todays eyes, soon became the league standard.

Preston would repeat as league champions a year later, but the club have not won the title since. (They currently plays in the Championship, the English games second tier.) But if followers of the nascent league believed that an unbeaten season would be a regular thing, they were wrong.

There were good teams and great teams over the years, but all of them lost at least once in league play. In fact, English soccer went through the entire 20th century without another invincible team in the top division.

Then in 2003-04, the term Invincibles returned to the headlines when Arsenal, with striker Thierry Henry pouring in 30 goals, matched Prestons feat. And they did so playing 38 league games, rather than Prestons 22.

On the other hand, Arsenal couldnt match Prestons league-cup double. They were knocked out in the semifinals of their two domestic Cups and in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. (City have lost this season, in a Champions League match to Shakhtar Donetsk, although it came after the team had clinched advancement to the knockout stages. City are unbeaten so far in the domestic cups.)

Arsenals 2003-04 team had 12 draws, making their record far from perfect; indeed, Chelsea surpassed Arsenals point total each of the next two seasons. But those Chelsea teams sustained losses in the league, so while statistically they stack up better than Arsenals champions, no one ever calls them Invincible.

The achievement is not unique to England. Celtic did it just last season in Scotland, and added both domestic cups. AC Milan failed to lose in Serie A in 1991-92, a season in which they surrendered only 21 goals in 34 games with a lockbox defence featuring Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta.

But in the English top flight, there are still just the two Invincibles. For City to join them this season, they must negotiate a schedule that includes some very difficult games. In the new year, they still have home games against Chelsea and Manchester United, and trips to Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs. And they must not lose focus even as they balance those fixtures with games in their chase for a bigger Continental goal: victory in the UEFA Champions League.

After five games this season, bookmakers were already setting a line on an undefeated season for City: typically about 40-1.

Coach Pep Guardiola has tried to cold-water the chance at an undefeated season.

"We are not going to break it," he told reporters recently, though he quickly added, "To stay unbeaten in the Premier League is something fantastic."

But that was in early November. And as the wins have continued to mount - 15 in a row after last Wednesdays 4-0 rout of Swansea City - and as the perfect season inches closer, Guardiola and Manchester City will not be able to avoid thinking about their chance at immortality, and invincibility.

Actor Chiranjeevi Sarja believes in working on projects and characters that he is convinced about. Chiru, as he is fondly called, has always made a conscious effort to play different characters and this is evident in all his previous projects like Varadhanayaka, Kempegowda, Chirru, Aatagara and Aake.

Chiru will soon be seen essaying the role of a visually-impaired person in Samhara, a carefree young lad in Rajamarthanda and a son in Amma, I love you.

The actor also wishes to go beyond just doing one movie to working on at least four projects in a year. In an interview with Nina C George, Chiru talks about his upcoming projects and more.

What is your role in Samhara?

For the first time in my career, I am playing a visually-impaired person. The most challenging part was the fight sequences because I had to learn how to fight my opponent without being able to see anything in front of me. I remain visually-impaired for only about 25 percent of the film and my vision is restored towards the second half.

How was it to play the role?

I had to learn how to walk, talk and look every bit like someone who is visually impaired. One is so used to blinking ones eyes often. But I had to learn how to blink less and keep looking straight. I watched a couple of videos to understand how those who are visually impaired find their way around.

What genre would this film fit into?

This is an action-thriller and the fight sequences by Ravi Varma are something to watch out for. I had a lot of blindfolded practise sessions. It helped me confidently fight my opponent.

Whats your role in Amma, I love you?

The film explores the relationship between a mother and son. It throws light on what a son can do to make his mother feel happy and secure. On a personal level, I could relate to some of the instances in this film and I am sure everybody who watches it will also be able to do so. I dedicate this film to all women.

What impressed you about your next project Rajamarthanda?

I liked the characterisation. I play a carefree lad who is loved by everybody for his easy-going ways and happy-go-lucky attitude. My character has a neat mix of comedy, sentiment, action and emotion.

Any changes that you want to make to your career in the New Year?

I have been working on one film a year but now I want to increase that to at least four. I want to have my hands full and deliver exactly what my fans want.

Shahid Mallya started his career as a playback singer for Indian television serials. A few years later, he made his debut in Bollywood with Gurbani from Yamla Pagla Deewana.

But recognition came when his lyricist friend Kumaar introduced him to Pritam who had him sing Rabba Main To Mar Gaya Oye and Ik Tu Hi Tu for Pankaj Kapurs directorial debut Mausam.

Since then, he has churned out hit songs in films like Gunday, 2 States, Udta Punjab, Jab Harry Met Sejal and now Fukrey Returns.

He speaks to about his journey in the industry so far.

Your songs in Fukrey Returns are becoming very popular. How do you feel about that?

Its always great when you are recognised for your work and this is just one of those recognitions that I am proud of. Im glad that my hard work is paying off.

What do you think makes your songs interesting for listeners?

Its a different flavour when it comes to the songs I sing. Over the years, Ive learnt what are the important aspects of the song and deliver what is asked of me.

What are some of the other songs that youre working on?

Im in the studio every single day working on songs. However, I dont know which film the songs are for. But I am working with Amit Trivedi and a few other composers at the moment.

Who was your driving force to join Bollywood?

I came to Bollywood to fulfil my dads dreams. He was a well-known singer in the 80s. He came to Mumbai to pursue his dreams but he got into an accident which forced him to go back home. I learnt music from him and performed a few shows with him. Soon enough, I moved to Mumbai to follow my dreams.

Whats the best advice youve received so far?

Do whatever you want to do, whether its big or small, with all your heart and work hard for your dreams. I believe that the city of Mumbai has accepted me but now its up to me to continue my good work.

Who do you consider your competition in the industry?

I truly believe that everyone has their own time. Luck is the deciding factor for many in the industry. Having said that, there are many good singers and there will always be better ones.

What is your opinion about songs being remixed these days?

People should really stop making remixes. It feels like you are disrespecting the artiste who originally sang the song. There were so many factors that made the original song what it was. So when you remake the song, youre taking the entire credit away. I wouldnt like it if people did that to my songs.

A few years down the line, what would you like to have achieved in your career?

I want to travel around the world and introduce my music everywhere I go. I want to be recognised for my work.

Neither the night nor the mild chill was a deterrent for the large number of men, women and children who turned up at the 11th edition of Bengaluru Midnight Marathon at KTPO, Whitefield on Saturday.

Hosted by Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor, the marathon turned out to be a carnival of sorts. People enjoyed the live performances by bands Rock Paper Scissors, Pineapple Express and Raqeeb, while the food stalls served piping hot beverages and short eats.

Most of the participants had registered for the marathon almost a month in advance and had been working hard for the big day. Having completed a successful 10k Run, 36-year-old Shabarish Rao, an employee with Manipal Global, said, "I wanted to push my limit and test my stamina. And I am glad that I have been able to complete the run without a hitch."

He said that he felt energised because of the vibrant atmosphere. "I hope more people embrace running and fitness as a way of life." Thirty-year-old Varun Rathi accompanied a team of eight to participate in the corporate run category. "Most of us had been preparing for the run for the last three weeks. Even those who have never run in their life, successfully completed the marathon. It was amazing to be running with so many people," he said.
Binita Agarwal of Hunger Box, a startup, said that the large turnout only showed that Bengalureans are making fitness an integral part of their routine. "I completed the 5k Run. Marathons are a way of motivating and educating people to take to a healthy lifestyle," she said.

Goda Ramkumar, a data scientist, completed the 5k Run with her seven-year-old daughter Avani and husband Hemanth Sridhar.
"The best part was holding our daughters hand and keeping pace with her speed. The idea was to expose Avani to fitness and show her what a marathon looks like. We want her to understand the importance of fitness," she said.
The half marathon too had registered a good number of participants.
Pranav Mehta, Abhishek Rao and Mehul Jain, all fourth-year students of National Law School of India University (NLSIU) participated in the half marathon.

"This is our second time and I think this year the numbers have increased. We started a runners club at NLSIU and have been doing our bit to stay fit and inspire a lot of people to follow suit. Our participation in this marathon is also a step in that direction," concluded Pranav.

Christmas is here and its the season of sugary treats and high calories. What better way to ring in the festivities than with some tasty and healthy treats? Set aside the plum cakes as cookies, macarons, desserts in a jar and rolls are taking over this season.

Colourful cookies are a great way to celebrate, says Parrejat Boraah, a homebaker. "I love making these cookies with toppings that depict stars, bells, snowflakes, trees, Christmas wreath and more. They can be made with royal icing or fondant," she says. Parrejat has used colours like red, green, white and even bright blue to depict the themes of the season.
"These sugar cookies are used as Christmas tree ornaments in the West. I also make gingerbread cookies which have spice in them," she adds.

Says Sandhya Parthasarathy, a homebaker, "Apart from fruit cakes, I am making Christmas special macarons. Raisins that have been soaked for a year in rum and brandy is used as the filling for the macaron."

Though desserts in a jar are a common, she has made them more festive by dishing out a Black forest cake. "It is made out of chocolate cake and cherry compote with whipped cream. The season demands warm and fruity goodness. I also make Rich chocolate truffle for the season," she says.

"We also make gingerbread cakes which are seasoned with clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and crystallised ginger," she adds.

Ashel Dimi, a homebaker, is trying to give a healthy twist to Christmas desserts. She has made Sweet potato cream cheese rolls for the season and says that organic items like fruits or vegetables combined with seasonal flavours work great.

"People love having desserts and if it is healthier, it makes the festivities merrier. I love how sweet potato goes well with cream cheese and spices like cinnamon and clove," she says.
She adds that these rolls can be tricky to make but the binding feature of items like sweet potato or pumpkin works in its favour.

"I am also making Pumpkin spice bars and Apple fritters for the season," she adds.

Small bites with a load of flavour works great for the season, says Rubina, who is baking Christmas tree brownie shots. Her brownie shots are rich in taste with Belgium chocolate, cocoa, butter and caramel drizzled on top.

"Cream is used to make the Christmas tree design." She also makes Dates and rum bundt shots.

"I love bite-sized food as it is cute and helps keep a check on calories. It is also more intimate when compared to a full cake," she adds.

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza described just married Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma as an "amazing" couple but also asked them to learn to deal with constant media scrutiny.

The wedding of Indian captain Kohli and Bollywood actor Anushka, away from the media glare in Italy, had taken the social media by storm. #Virushka is still a trending topic, days after they exchanged vows.

"High profile marriages are obviously a little bit complicated in terms of dealing with so much
of outside stuff, its not just internal," Sania said.

"They obviously realised how the media hype would be here so they went to Italy. At some point, they have to face it," added Sania who herself forms a high-profile couple with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik.

Terming wedding as stressful, Sania said, "I dont cherish media hype at all. Shaadi gives enough stress anyway. My sister got married, it was not high profile yet still it was very stressful."

Known to both of them, Sania was one of the firsts to take to Twitter and congratulate Kohli and Anushka on December 12.

"The fact is, its really amazing - Virat and Anushka. Its known that theyve been together for a long time and what better it is when two people who love each other get married," she said.

"I know them both personally, they are amazing together. They are amazing separately as well. They are amazing people and I wish them all the best."

Asked whether she would make it to their reception slated for December 21 in New Delhi and December 26 in Mumbai, she said, "I dont know. I will not be in the country. I am leaving on December 21, Ill be in Dubai."

Hes known for his witty performances in the improv comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? but Jeff Davis has made a mark with his work internationally. Also an actor and singer, one of his popular acts is impersonating actors like Christopher Walken and Jeff Goldblum.

Jeff was recently in the city to make Bengalureans laugh as part of the Black Dog Easy Evenings which was held at Manpho. He took some time off to speak to about his experience performing here.

How has Bengaluru treated you?

Its been great. The people were very polite. The traffic is fantastic and I loved how everyone has laid off the horns here. They really know how to be calm here (laughs).

Did you find anything weird on the road though?

Oh, yes! There was a cow walking down the road and absolutely no one cared. I wasnt sure if I should have either.

How do you think the comedy scene has changed over the years?

Well, I can only speak for America because thats where Im from. Comedians are becoming respected in the political world and theres a lot of satirical humour. And I think we really need it, especially with how things are right now. We could all laugh a little more these days.

But where should one draw the line between insulting someone and just being funny?

I say that you should be really funny so that the person youre insulting will think its funny.

According to you, how helpful has social media been for new comedians?

Its a lot easier now because back in the day, you had that perfect five minutes to be hilarious, get noticed, be asked to perform at a festival, get an agent and then get a television show. Now, you have your own set audience. You are your own agent, network and producer. Social media allows you to decide what you want to do with your content.

Is there a kind of comedy that you dont enjoy?

Theres a way in which you approach a joke but the moment it becomes mean, thats not comedy anymore. Trying to be fake edgy and saying bad things is just you being an idiot.

You were mistaken as the writer of Teen Wolf and Criminal Minds. Whats it like being him on social media?

Yes, a lot of people think Im Jeff B Davis and he is a very smart man. He doesnt have a Twitter account. So every time something happens to one of the characters, I get all the death threats and abuses.

Whats the best compliment you received for being thought of as Jeff B Davis?

Since its on Twitter, I get a lot of teenagers tweeting 140 heart emojis. Now its increased to 280!

Have you ever thought of writing your own television show?

Oh, no. I am way too lazy to do that. Thats why I just stick to doing improv.

Whats something your audience has taught you?

Weirdly, I learnt calculus from the audience. I dont know how, but its true.

What do you do when you goof up on stage?

I dont know, I havent had a moment like that yet (laughs).