Bale on the ball

Christian Bale's core competency lies in effecting a paradigm shift for his audience; a best practice that is scalable to the burning platform of any movie franchise.

Best Letter

Come December and nostalgia rears its pensive head like clockwork. wknd. added to the reflections with a tribute to the old Dark Knight (Following the Money Trail, Dec 25). Christian Bale may claim to disregard finance, but he has certainly negotiated powerful deals (as even Jennifer Lawrence noted in her candid article on female Hollywood salaries). I can understand his diffidence to corporate jargon though - Bale's core competency lies in effecting a paradigm shift for his audience; a best practice that is scalable to the burning platform of any movie franchise. In simpler language, he moves his audience, whatever the role may be. While my jargon was honed by an MBA at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, Bale learned it from the original Mike Burry.
It's even more inspiring that Bale has accomplished such drastic body transformations with a vegetarian diet - a lifestyle choice that closed doors to most of Lucknow's culinary legacy for me (explored in your Travel piece (On the taste trail in Lucknow, Dec 25). But vegetarianism isn't an elitist pastime anymore. Extend Justin Trudeau's idea of freedom (refer Closing Credits, Dec 25) to animals and you have a very convincing argument for vegetarianism.
» Incredible India
A hardcore foodie and traveller, food and travel blogs are my staple. The travel story On the taste trail in Lucknow (Dec 25) was, therefore, a combo treat that made my day. It really evoked nostalgia in me about my home country, India. No other country is as blessed with such diverse offerings of locales, cultures, history, and cuisines.
Ever since I moved to Dubai many years ago, my visits to India have been limited to visiting my husband's and my hometown. Due to time constraints, I have not been able to explore Indian villages and cities to my heart's content and have always pushed such trips to a later date (read: after retirement). Every time I read travel blogs about the lesser-known locales in India, I make a note in my travel planner. The list has now grown really long and, unless I retire early, I may not be fit enough to see all the wonderful places on my list.
During my annual visits to India, I make it a point to visit some of the nearby unexplored locales, experiment with their cuisines and purchase some local artefacts. Mumbai, Chennai, and central Kerala top the list of places I've covered extensively. Like Lucknow, each of these cities has their own unique street food. In Mumbai it is pav bhaji, missal pav, usal, vada pav, bhel puri, and pani puri. In Chennai, it is masala dosa, set dosa, idli, and vada sambar and, in Kerala, it is appam and stew, puttu, kadala, banana fry, jackfruit fry. the list goes on.
I am indeed privileged to be an Indian.
Salaam India!
S Joy, by email
» Jingle Bells
I loved your 'Season's Special' features. Christmas was most definitely in the air last weekend and the features in the magazine captured it wonderfully with the round-up of the best Christmas trees in town (Deck the Halls!, Dec 25). I had no idea people in Dubai celebrated the festival with such fanfare. What fabulous ideas each family had. I thought it was especially wonderful how the families lent such a personal touch to their tree. Whether it was Shaun Majoor and his family who celebrated with a simple handmade tree or the Vellez Oyson family who went all out, it was a reflection of their unique personality. Moreover, I liked how the article was sprinkled with nuggets of wisdom, like when Shaun pointed out that we must all 'give from the heart and not the wallet'. Because that is what Christmas is truly about.
It was great to read about, because I miss the white Christmases we used to enjoy when I lived in the States. In our family, we tend to decorate a small tree, play Secret Santa (where we exchange gifts) and enjoy a celebratory dinner at home. I foresee a much bigger deal - and tree - next year!
Elna John, Dubai
» THE FUTURE IS HERE
I always start reading the magazine from the last page. Your inspirational quotes page is my personal fave. I was doubly delighted last week though, because you chose to feature Justin Trudeau (Closing Credits, Dec 25).
Canada's second-youngest prime minister ever is making serious waves and, as rightly pointed out by your team, offers a most refreshing view on politics. Everything he does - from the perfectly represented Cabinet he's chosen to personally welcoming refugees at the airport - gives us, readers, hope that all is not lost in the political world. Here's hoping Mr Trudeau does not let go of his dream for a "positive, optimistic" future.
Jayraj T, via email