Kurma

Today my old Nokia clunker of a mobile phone (US readers: read 'cellphone') gave up it's vital functions. It was time to get a new one, quick smart.

I went to the Vodaphone shop at the cavernous Westfield complex in Bondi Junction and was confronted with a strange scene: masses of people all squeezed in to the tiny store, and dozens of staff members all with matching t-shirts. How odd, I thought - all these staff tending to all these people who were all getting a new phone on the same day, and with such, well, gusto.

It turned out that today was the world launch (outside of USA) of the new iPhone. Thousands had lined up all night outside Apple stores to get one. These people were doing the same thing.

Finally I was able to attract the attention of a staff member who was very helpful. And I walked away with - not an iPhone, but a new Nokia. Fine. I can't watch TV on it, nor can I read my emails. But it's a phone, and that's good enough for me.

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour

God Appears & God is Light
To those poor Souls who dwell in Night
But does a Human Form Display
To those who Dwell in Realms of day

-beginning and ending lines of “Auguries of Innocence”, by William Blake

Jacqueline from Los Angeles writes: Haribol! I am looking for a recipe for Rita - it's made with cucumber and yogurt.

My reply: That's Raita :) Here's a nice recipe:

Cucumber Raita

This is is usually served in small servings in little bowls as an accompaniment to bold-flavoured main courses.

1 large Lebanese cucumber
1 cup thick natural yogurt (I like Greek-style)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (dry roast seeds first in frying pan until fragrant)
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
Salt to taste

Cut cucumber in half and with a teaspoon scrape out seeds.

Grate coarsely.

Squeeze out the excess liquid using your hand.

Combine cucumber flesh with yogurt, cumin, mint and salt in a medium bowl; stir well to combine. Check seasoning. Serve as a cool accompaniment.