Articles from the author

Carson City, Nevada recently held the World Beard and Moustache Championships. Our local newspaper carried a picture of a proud owner of a fully grey, gravity defying, hirsute contraption attached to the face.

Off The Cuff: 'Mothers in arms'

Off the Cuff: Cricketmania - Indian 'Ishtyle'

Off the Cuff: Grandfathers, gurus and geckos

Off The Cuff: And... it was all just around the corner

Off The Cuff: Cricket? And girls?

Off The Cuff: Cartoon Network - a 'real life' telecast

Off The Cuff: Basketball for the young and old

Around the corner, and a five-minute walk away, lives Khalid in his shawarma stand cocoon. He is there every evening until late into the night. In brief, but frequent interludes, he emerges butterfly-like to flit from customer to boss and back again.

They're dying," I said, dull and matter-of-fact, accepting the inevitable. "I can't bear to watch it happen. We need new plants."

Persuasion is a powerful tool. Those who haven't mastered it, try the next best thing - begging.

Off the Cuff: Blankety-blank