First words, outstanding and hilarious, from two American performers who return to the spotlight after losing their houses. Read excerpts from US President Barack Obama’s speech in Delhi, and the opening monologue (and TV clips) from Conan O’Brien’s new show titled Conan – because “Oprah was taken” - on TBS’s late-night slot.

US President Barack Obama’s Speech to the Joint Session of the Indian Parliament in New Delhi

“And we believe that when countries and cultures put aside old habits and attitudes that keep people apart, when we recognize our common humanity, then we can begin to fulfill these aspirations that we share.  It’s a simple lesson contained in that collection of stories which has guided Indians for centuries —- the Panchtantra.  And it’s the spirit of the inscription seen by all who enter this great hall: “That one is mine and the other a stranger is the concept of little minds.  But to the large-hearted, the world itself is their family.”

What: Jaya: An illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik, available at leading bookstores, Rs 499.

Why: Raise a boast to this illustrated version of the Mahabharata, studded with interesting pearls – the epic’s original title, names of all 100 Kauravas, actual dates of the war. Spread over 108 chapters are also lesser-known stories of men and women, men who made women and men who became women.

When: You want to receive Dev reviews.

What: Graphic Ninja posters by Life on Mars, visit www.lifeonmars.in or call 07738649869 to order, Rs 300 for the small size, ship nationally.

Why: Hate the world and everyone in it? Wall in with matte posters of fierce Martian bandits, sci-fi Aladdins and a chain-toting bear designed by graphic artist Jas Charanjiva. Watch out for her T-shirts, coming next month. Haiya!

When: You want to make a paper plane(t).

Going to Goa and … studying? Is that what we’re suggesting? Seriously?

Seriously. But before you divorce us forever, wait to hear the rest: if you choose to visit Art Escape, Goa, you get to stay in bamboo huts with colourful porches, take classes by the sea, swill mojitos with arty types at a mosaic-floored bar. And the lessons themselves? Workshops in djembe and beer-making, photography and tai chi, design and experimental theatre (schedule for the season opens on November 9). Movie buffs can also check out film screenings and supper theatres.

Most importantly – you can participate in all these fun-yet-uber-productive activities and still find time to grab a beer and chill on the beach, doing absolutely nothing. Hatch – 22!

I Like Big Huts and I Cannot Lie

What: French Bibliothèque, B-24 /1-6, Adarsh Society, Sector 8, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai, call 9867369397 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , membership starts at Rs **.

Why: Set up a secret rendezvous at this home-run library that specialises in French literature – fiction, graphic novels and fashion magazines. Perfect for a sexy night in, when you and your book want to get Sarkozy under the covers.

When: You want a bookmark de Triomphe.   

Leaf Justice: Big Red Tent's new camp site is bigger, better and greener.

Get Out of Town!

If the October heat and unexpected showers kept you in for most of the month, your frolic forecast is about to change. Staring first week of November, Big Red Tent moves out from its old site, and to new and improved location in Khopoli, one that wins bpb’s camp of approval.

Your sneak peek at Gaia, the hottest new restaurant in Goa. PS: We've heard rumours of topless chefs.

Beaches and Cream

If we didn’t know any better, we would have dismissed them as hippies, Chinu and Christophe from Mumbai and Switzerland respectively - they’ve named their North Goa restaurant, launching on November 8, Gaia after Goddess Earth; they plan to grow their own herbs and veggies; and hope their space becomes a community for free spirits. They’re one chillum and a few good vibrations away from the H word.

But we do know better: Chinu, aka Shilarna Vaze is a Le Cordon Bleu, Paris graduate who’s worked Goa’s culinary scene for over four years, has her own cooking show and ran a kickass sushi delivery service in Mumbai. She will be executive chef at Gaia. Christophe is a (cute) horticulturist, and therefore well equipped to tend the organic garden. Until it blooms, the restaurant will source veggies and herbs from organic farms around Goa. Pair- fait!

What: Masala Meanders culinary tours, visit the website here or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , customised tours available for groups of four or more, price on request.

Why: Conceptualised by food blogger Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal in collaboration with her family’s travel agency, these half-day tours take you through vegetable markets and spice lanes, a utensil maker’s workshop and grain-grinder’s wheel. Your hungry bum is then deposited at an authentic little restaurant or kitchen where you learn home-style cooking. Also sign up for the month-long food journey across India, coming up in February 2011.

When: You want a delicious caper. Schedule for half-day tours goes up on November 10.

What: Super cute graphic food blog, visit www.donteatthepaintings.com.

Why: Because Philadelphia-based artist Haley Harmon’s whimsically pretty food drawings and uber-easy recipes (Earl tea cookies, guacamole, Caprese salad, shrimp kebabs) are sure to land you in strange and hostile territory – the kitchen. You have been warmed!

When: You want to smile at the Momo-Lisa.
 

What: Banana bag from Tuesday Afternoon,  available at Attic, Mumbai and The Orange Bicycle, Bangalore, free shipping nationally, call 9820543957 / 9619391419 or view the Facebook page here, Rs 3,950.

Why: The time is ripe to buy this glossy yellow duffel, perfect for the gym or a quick weekend getaway. Banana tote!

When: You want to peel the love.