Latte with Phoenix

                 A uniquely designed seat for two known as the ‘Kissing Seat’ or ‘Love Seat’ became popular in the Victorian era. It was a must in every manor and upper strata house, usually placed in the garden or in a corner of the hall. It was variously also known as a tête-à-tête seat, courting bench, kissing bench, gossip's chair, or conversation bench. Its design may have initially arisen in France. courtsy - Printerest It was any form of two-seat furniture where the two seats are arranged in an S shape, so that two persons can converse while looking at each other and being within arm's reach could kiss and embrace, while at the same time typically retaining a modest barrier between them. The Curved Seat Bench with the separation of two adjoined seats is very artistic and unique. The shape of the seats is such where you can face your partner. courtsy - Printerest The love seat gets its name from the idea that a couple (lovers, courting or otherwise) can share it, sitt

  Even in the same language, simple ordinary things are called by different names in different countries. As a result if one does not know the correct nomenclature when abroad, we may get something which we do not like, did not want or end up having to pay more. Indians travelling abroad or newly gone to reside there, unless they have done their homework, or are well read, face this problem. Afraid of being labeled as ignorant, most think it’s below dignity to have a new word explained. Social Media being a great informer, here are some of the brighter comments on the topic of drinking water, suffered by fellow Indians abroad. The names of the commentator have been left out to ensure privacy, but all of them are factual and un-edited.   * The first time I went abroad as a young engineer, at a restaurant, I was asked “Sir Mineral water or Sparkling water” Mineral water me to extra paisa lagta hai, so I ordered Sparkling water !   * Ordered a 30$ Sparkling water at the Ro

The Twin Towers of Noida were very much in the news just a few days ago, and their demolition on 28 th August 2022 was a whole day affair on all TV news channels. Twin Towers, Noida Before and after demolition there were hundreds of citizens, whether at Paan shops, Tea stalls, your acquaintances or netizens on social media from all over India and even abroad who raised questions on the decision of demolition. Their comments and questioning of demolition were mostly on these lines … 1.      Open a school or Hospital in the building instead of demolishing it. 2.      Allot the rooms of the building to settle slum dwellers, thereby clearing a slum. 3.      Move some government offices into it 4.      What a colossal waste of money if demolished, so use it for something. 5.      So much money has gone into it, so save it. And so on.   It would be suffice to say that all these commentators did not have the slightest knowledge of the background events that led to the court

                 A thing not in place is a thing lost is an age-old axiom. The mechanic and carpenter are sure where their tools are; they just reach out to retrieve the required implement. The surgeon requires particular instrument at every stage of the surgery and the nurse/OT attendant can hand it over in time only if they are properly kept. All these instrument & implements after use have to be kept back in their proper allotted place, so that they are instantly available for use the next time. This putting back of instruments/ implements - after proper cleaning if necessary – is of course done by an assistant or the mechanic himself if he is not very senior. The assistant not only learns the trade where he is assisting, but also the associated practices involved in it; ‘Putting Back in the Proper Place’ is one of them. courtsy - Printerest This person who puts back the instruments can be called  “The Putter Backer”. In case of surgeons, this person has to diligentl

                 Indian cuisine is liked the world over and to cater to the hungry people,   restaurants with Indian sounding names have sprung up all over, even in remote corners where you least expect them. Foreign nationals unless they have been to India or dined at an Indian’s home, hardly know the correct taste of Indian dishes. They do not know any better. This is where the con takes place, with various non-Indians taking   advantage and dishing   out rubbish to unsuspecting foreigners; giving a bad name to Indian food in the bargain. The scam comes to light when   Indians travelling abroad or newly gone to reside there   become homesick for Indian food see a restaurant proclaiming itself as serving ‘Indian food’, visit these ‘Indian’ restaurants   in their outings,   to enjoy the dishes offered. In nearly every case, the food served there does not meet their expectations, and later on they find out that the owners are either Bangladeshi or Pakistani masquerading as ‘Indi