- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 181
Santa climbed gingerly from his sleigh onto the roof of a home in Mumbai, “These Indian chimneys are stupid!” he cursed loudly to Mrs Santa Claus who was holding the reindeer while Santa went down to unload his gifts, “Why can’t they make them like we make them back home?”
“Stop grumbling Santa dear!” cried Mrs Santa, “You’ve become quite intolerant in your behavior lately!” “Oh stop criticizing me!” shouted Santa from inside the chimney and you could hear the reindeer snorting as they knew he was stuck. They heard a boom, the sound of Santa falling through the chimney and suddenly his cry. “Mrs Santa please come down? There’s something beautiful here!”
- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 175
As a child, something that used to puzzle me was why Jesus was born in a humble cattle shed? Why couldn’t he have been born in a palace?
Later, in that lowly birth, I realized what humility really is.
I like the story of a young woman who wanted to go to college. Her heart sank, however, when she read the question on the admission form that asked, "Are you a leader?" Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, "No," and returned the application, expecting the worst.
- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 172
Was watching a Carol Service this morning, and when the priest went up to pray, I saw two men climbing behind him with wires and cords in their hands and plugging in something. They were captured on camera and took away from the relevance of the words that were being said by the priest.
Seeing this happening made me remember so clearly another event a few months ago, when I was supposed to raise the toast for someone who had won the distinguished Padma Shri award. As I was into my talk, I felt the audience getting distracted, while looking at something happening at my side, but below the stage from where I was speaking. I continued speaking, thinking that whatever was causing their attention to be swayed would soon stop, but it was not to be and soon, found that not only had someone crept to the side of the stage, but was doing something that created the distraction, which was the opening of gifts and rustling of papers. The rustling and movement by that person continued throughout my speech.
- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 193
Years ago as a nine year old I decided to send a poem to a local newspaper and waited day after day for the postman. One day he did come and with him a letter. I eagerly opened it and found a note from the editor telling me my poem was not going to be printed, but I treasured that note; to me an editor was like a god and he'd actually deigned to write to me! Even if it was just a rejection slip!
History is replete with examples of writing that was rejected time and again that finally made the best sellers list, and it is with such tales ringing in our ears that we hacks plod on everyday, wielding the pen and hoping our stuff will one day not return with tell tale rejection slip but with payment cheque!
- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 159
There’s no doubt the reckless act by the five youngsters in Parliament is a very serious one. But just as a wise parent goes deeper into why his or her child caused a tantrum, we as a nation need to delve into this episode, especially after realising it was not meant to cause harm or injury to any of our elected representatives.
Why should we do this?
The reason is that once we treat something unusual as a symptom, then we will be able to deal with the disease.