A tragic side-effect of growing up in a former colony are the vestiges of colonial culture that make absolutely no sense to a developing mind. Like old English nursery rhymes.
"Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns, one a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns, If you have no daughters, give them to your sons, one a penny, two a penny, Hot Cross Buns"
After 30 years of existence, I finally know what the fuss is all about. Discovered at a bakery in St. Lawrence Market. Five minutes in a warm oven yields a delicious, crusty treat scattered with sweet raisins and the obligatory cross on top. I doubt this is the original English version, but hey - it's a hot cross bun!
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Thursday, July 20, 2006
We Are The World
Came across this interesting video that features an ensemble cast from Bollywood. It seems, from the red ribbon, that it's some kind of AIDS benefit. Could the readers in India enlighten us?
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Au Revoir
A hidden benefit of living in Canada is that you can visit another country without a passport. Québec, a mere 4 hour train ride north-east of Toronto, is culturally a world apart. Montréal is where it all comes together - a clash of Anglo-Saxon and French culture that explodes in majestic, tree-lined avenues, elegant parks and a joie de vivre that makes it the most vibrant city in Canada. I just returned from a very pleasant three days in that city and will surely be back for more. Meanwhile I have some French to brush up on.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
It's summer in Toronto, the city is awake, the tourists are back, the days are long and I have little reason to stay indoors. I am going to Montreal in a few hours. Packing is underway.
This is quickly turning into a movie review blog. That's not by design. I write about anything that's on my mind and this summer, movies are about the only thing I can focus on without distraction.
Last night I watched "The Devil Wears Prada". A slick, stylish well made movie with a lot of substance. Everyone looks gorgeous. Everything looks beautiful. The story resounds. I later found out that much of the "Sex and the City" team worked on this movie. It shows.
The movie is about a bright, exceptional young girl who gives up Stanford Law to leave her mark in the world of journalism. Instead she lands the job of second assistant to an icy high-priestess of fashion publishing, a job a million fashionistas would die for. She hates the scene, but, like anyone right out of college, is determined to prove herself and survive. She soon realizes the only way in is by being one of them - a Chanel-clad fashionista. Everything else takes a back-seat. This job could open doors for her. It's a cause worth sacrificing one's personal life, family and friends for. Or so it seems when one is 25 and living in the halls of power. The glamour, the parties, the celebrities. It's addictive. Will Andrea join the ranks of the clones, or will she walk away and pursue her real dreams? Read the book or watch the movie.
"That's all."
This is quickly turning into a movie review blog. That's not by design. I write about anything that's on my mind and this summer, movies are about the only thing I can focus on without distraction.
Last night I watched "The Devil Wears Prada". A slick, stylish well made movie with a lot of substance. Everyone looks gorgeous. Everything looks beautiful. The story resounds. I later found out that much of the "Sex and the City" team worked on this movie. It shows.
The movie is about a bright, exceptional young girl who gives up Stanford Law to leave her mark in the world of journalism. Instead she lands the job of second assistant to an icy high-priestess of fashion publishing, a job a million fashionistas would die for. She hates the scene, but, like anyone right out of college, is determined to prove herself and survive. She soon realizes the only way in is by being one of them - a Chanel-clad fashionista. Everything else takes a back-seat. This job could open doors for her. It's a cause worth sacrificing one's personal life, family and friends for. Or so it seems when one is 25 and living in the halls of power. The glamour, the parties, the celebrities. It's addictive. Will Andrea join the ranks of the clones, or will she walk away and pursue her real dreams? Read the book or watch the movie.
"That's all."
Monday, July 10, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Prime
Is it true that we peak in our 20s, and it's all downhill from there?
I just finished watching the movie "Proof" and it got me thinking. My academic life certainly went that way. My professional & personal life is heading that way too. Maybe I need to set more modest goals for myself.
I just finished watching the movie "Proof" and it got me thinking. My academic life certainly went that way. My professional & personal life is heading that way too. Maybe I need to set more modest goals for myself.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sobering Thoughts
Now that the festivities are over, it's time to reflect a bit. I consider myself immensely fortunate to be in a city and a country that espouses equality for all. It's not everywhere in the world that you find all tiers of government, law enforcement, public services, education and healthcare organizations come out and march in solidarity with the queer community. I never saw anything like this during my 8 years in DC.The parade began with a sombre reminder that there are parts of the world today where people are persecuted, tortured or killed for who they are. Today we enjoy the fruits of many years of activism by brave individuals who swam against the tide and earned us a legitimate place in society. What took years to achieve could be undone in a matter of months. We must never take these rights of granted. Every new generation needs to remember that.
What does it mean to have a "Pride" parade in this day and age? A pride parade is a continuous reminder to the world that we exist. That the majority heterosexual population cannot afford to ignore us and erode away our rights. That we've been around for a long long time, and that we'll continue to be around forever. Today, at least in major Western cities, no one's afraid to strut around and be themselves in the gay ghettos. However, it takes a certain courage to uphold the same ideals when suddenly you're not in the majority anymore. It takes courage to show your face to the world. That's what Pride is all about.
Five Seconds of Fame
During my days in the closet, I'd avoid obviously gay events like Pride fests, for fear of being seen, or worse still accidentally ending up in a newspaper photo. I opened today's Toronto Star, jumped to page A9, which featured a full-page spread on the Pride Parade. And there I was! On the sidelines. Smiling at the excellent photo op presented by the "lady" in white, on a shiny red car. Standing next to me is my dear friend S, who fought a hangover to come watch the parade with me.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Weekend Update
I'm chilling in my living room, feet up on the ottoman, wishing I had a personal masseuse at my beck and call. My lower extremeties hurt like hell. It's been a tiring, but fun weekend. The Pride festival rages on outside my windows.
Today I witnessed one of the longest, largest Pride parades ever. Yonge St was elaborately cordoned off. Shirtless men & women were strategically located on sidewalks, streets, balconies throughout. The porn studio had a rooftop party full of hot men with squirt guns aimed at the crowds. I clawed my way to a decent spot by the fence, camera in hand. Droves of proud people walked by in some of the most outrageous outfits, dancing, singing, yelling, having a good time. The local government came out in full support. I stood by watching the mayor, local MPs, police chiefs, mounties, city councillors and would-be PMs walk by showing their support for (and raking votes from) the queer community. The South Asian float was kinda disappointing. They drove by too fast and everyone seemed too self-obsessed. The drag queens were prancing as usual. No one reached out to the crowds. No one paused and smiled.
Yonge St has officially turned into a zoo. A quick foray into the gay village revealed utter chaos - it was packed with curb-to-curb people. A hasty retreat and a much need meal at Biryani House wrapped up a long and tiring weekend of festivities for me. The parties will go on into tomorrow but I'm done. I have over a thousand pictures to sift through.
Through all this craziness, I managed to find time to buy a condo! Yes - I am soon to be the owner of a nice condo on Bay St. It took a little haggling but we finally agreed on a price and the deal is done! We close August 1st, after which I have to decorate and move in. So much to do - so little time.
Today I witnessed one of the longest, largest Pride parades ever. Yonge St was elaborately cordoned off. Shirtless men & women were strategically located on sidewalks, streets, balconies throughout. The porn studio had a rooftop party full of hot men with squirt guns aimed at the crowds. I clawed my way to a decent spot by the fence, camera in hand. Droves of proud people walked by in some of the most outrageous outfits, dancing, singing, yelling, having a good time. The local government came out in full support. I stood by watching the mayor, local MPs, police chiefs, mounties, city councillors and would-be PMs walk by showing their support for (and raking votes from) the queer community. The South Asian float was kinda disappointing. They drove by too fast and everyone seemed too self-obsessed. The drag queens were prancing as usual. No one reached out to the crowds. No one paused and smiled.
Yonge St has officially turned into a zoo. A quick foray into the gay village revealed utter chaos - it was packed with curb-to-curb people. A hasty retreat and a much need meal at Biryani House wrapped up a long and tiring weekend of festivities for me. The parties will go on into tomorrow but I'm done. I have over a thousand pictures to sift through.
Through all this craziness, I managed to find time to buy a condo! Yes - I am soon to be the owner of a nice condo on Bay St. It took a little haggling but we finally agreed on a price and the deal is done! We close August 1st, after which I have to decorate and move in. So much to do - so little time.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Polite Cities
According to a Readers' Digest survey, Toronto is the 3rd most polite city in the world, after NYC and Zurich. Yes - NYC!!! Seems lopsided, doesn't it? They also ranked Montreal pretty low on the list, which is the complete opposite of my experience.
As big cities go, Toronto is unusually polite. Zurich I can understand, but we were beaten by New York??? New York????? Give me a break.
As big cities go, Toronto is unusually polite. Zurich I can understand, but we were beaten by New York??? New York????? Give me a break.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Condo Hunting
Inspired by my tryst with real estate two weeks ago, I called an agent and saw some condos this weekend. It's nice to see places and actually get time to think about them - unlike when I bought in DC where the sharks would start circling even before the "For Sale" sign went up.
My search began two blocks down from my current place on Bay St. Very nice building but the lobby felt like a fancy hotel. The unit was bright, spacious with a newly installed, gorgeous, dark wood floor. The walls were freshly painted a cheerful shade of yellow. A nice surprise was a large storage room right by the entrance. The kitchen and bathrooms looked spanking new but the design was more 90s.
After seeing a couple of nice, but dated, "Golden Girl" units around the St. Lawrence market area, we moved on to the RIchmond/Spadina area. First building looked quite modern but gave off a weird vibe. The build quality looked poor and the windows hadn't been washed in over a year. The unit turned out to be a 1+den, and decorated on a scrappy budget. Horrible. Next one was a really stylish building on the corner of Richmond & Spadina. The unit was in good condition, however looking out from the 4th floor, it felt like I could reach out and touch the Spadina streetcars. The noise was ok with windows closed, but unbearable with them open. Although the price was attractive, can you really put a price on peace-of-mind? That was it for Sunday.
Today took us to another unit on Richmond W. A real loft with 12' ceilings and exposed ductwork. Bright, spacious, modern and sexy. The condo reeked of money and man. You could smell the testosterone in the air. It was the kind of place that makes you want to just get naked, lie down and scream "take me"!! The space could totally work for me ;) Except one problem - huge redecoration effort - all my furniture/accessories would be horribly out of place. It's also a mixed-use building (a quick walk down the hallway revealed a modeling agency) - which mean strangers have free access to the building during the day. Not cool for security.
On we went to Radio City - a spanking new, high-rise complex that came up last year by the gay village. We walked past scores of rainbow flags draped across balconies, fags wearing rainbow Tees and a lesbian concierge to the 15th floor unit with southwest views of the financial district and the CN tower. Other than the views, and the gas-cooking (a rarity in condos), the unit was disappointing. That wrapped up another day of condo-viewing.
So which one will it be? I think you can guess. Stay tuned!
My search began two blocks down from my current place on Bay St. Very nice building but the lobby felt like a fancy hotel. The unit was bright, spacious with a newly installed, gorgeous, dark wood floor. The walls were freshly painted a cheerful shade of yellow. A nice surprise was a large storage room right by the entrance. The kitchen and bathrooms looked spanking new but the design was more 90s.
After seeing a couple of nice, but dated, "Golden Girl" units around the St. Lawrence market area, we moved on to the RIchmond/Spadina area. First building looked quite modern but gave off a weird vibe. The build quality looked poor and the windows hadn't been washed in over a year. The unit turned out to be a 1+den, and decorated on a scrappy budget. Horrible. Next one was a really stylish building on the corner of Richmond & Spadina. The unit was in good condition, however looking out from the 4th floor, it felt like I could reach out and touch the Spadina streetcars. The noise was ok with windows closed, but unbearable with them open. Although the price was attractive, can you really put a price on peace-of-mind? That was it for Sunday.
Today took us to another unit on Richmond W. A real loft with 12' ceilings and exposed ductwork. Bright, spacious, modern and sexy. The condo reeked of money and man. You could smell the testosterone in the air. It was the kind of place that makes you want to just get naked, lie down and scream "take me"!! The space could totally work for me ;) Except one problem - huge redecoration effort - all my furniture/accessories would be horribly out of place. It's also a mixed-use building (a quick walk down the hallway revealed a modeling agency) - which mean strangers have free access to the building during the day. Not cool for security.
On we went to Radio City - a spanking new, high-rise complex that came up last year by the gay village. We walked past scores of rainbow flags draped across balconies, fags wearing rainbow Tees and a lesbian concierge to the 15th floor unit with southwest views of the financial district and the CN tower. Other than the views, and the gas-cooking (a rarity in condos), the unit was disappointing. That wrapped up another day of condo-viewing.
So which one will it be? I think you can guess. Stay tuned!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Home
Sometime during my inebriated bar-hopping last night, I stumbled upon a "For Sale" sign outside an imposing attractive looking townhouse between Yonge & Church Streets - steps from the village. I joked to my friends that this would be a house worth keeping a high-stress job for. I guess they were sober enough to point out that there would be an open house today.
So this afternoon, on I went through the ornate, wrought iron gates into what turned out to be a cozy little courtyard of townhouses. The stone steps led to pretty front porches with flower planters and a very homely atmosphere. The house turned out to be a relatively new, beautiful 4-level townhome with a 2-car garage. Well laid out, bright, airy with 1800 sq.ft. of space to go around. All of the asking price of $639K, soon to be "reduced substantially". Now before anyone croaks, let me put this in perspective. A 2-bedroom, 1200 sq.ft. condo in a good building in Toronto will set you back by at least $450K, not to mention monthly maintenance. Considering the location, size and ambience, this house seemed like heaven. It brought back memories from my place in Virgina. Back then, I used to joke that if I could transplant my townhouse from the suburbs into the middle of DC, I'd never leave. This house seemed like just that. Barely two blocks away from my current place, it seemed like an oasis of seclusion and comfortable living. Happy, domestic thoughts came back.
I could afford this place if I rented out one or two of the bedrooms. It would still be steep, but not much more than I'm paying in rent right now. However, houses come with a lot of maintenance. Am I ready for the responsibilities again? What about my 6-month vacation plans? What if I find myself out of a job? Do I really need a place this big? Am I ready for domestic life again?
In a way, I feel lighter right now not having to worry about home maintenance. I write one check a month and that covers everything. I call maintenance if the door sticks. I can choose put my things in storage, leave this place and go away if I wanted. There's a sense of freedom. However, that house felt right. It felt good. It felt like I belonged. It woke up something inside of me.
Life is full of difficult decisions and most of mine have been impulsive ones. However, in this case, I'm going to let discretion win. I am going to step aside and let someone else make it their home. Sigh.
So this afternoon, on I went through the ornate, wrought iron gates into what turned out to be a cozy little courtyard of townhouses. The stone steps led to pretty front porches with flower planters and a very homely atmosphere. The house turned out to be a relatively new, beautiful 4-level townhome with a 2-car garage. Well laid out, bright, airy with 1800 sq.ft. of space to go around. All of the asking price of $639K, soon to be "reduced substantially". Now before anyone croaks, let me put this in perspective. A 2-bedroom, 1200 sq.ft. condo in a good building in Toronto will set you back by at least $450K, not to mention monthly maintenance. Considering the location, size and ambience, this house seemed like heaven. It brought back memories from my place in Virgina. Back then, I used to joke that if I could transplant my townhouse from the suburbs into the middle of DC, I'd never leave. This house seemed like just that. Barely two blocks away from my current place, it seemed like an oasis of seclusion and comfortable living. Happy, domestic thoughts came back.
I could afford this place if I rented out one or two of the bedrooms. It would still be steep, but not much more than I'm paying in rent right now. However, houses come with a lot of maintenance. Am I ready for the responsibilities again? What about my 6-month vacation plans? What if I find myself out of a job? Do I really need a place this big? Am I ready for domestic life again?
In a way, I feel lighter right now not having to worry about home maintenance. I write one check a month and that covers everything. I call maintenance if the door sticks. I can choose put my things in storage, leave this place and go away if I wanted. There's a sense of freedom. However, that house felt right. It felt good. It felt like I belonged. It woke up something inside of me.
Life is full of difficult decisions and most of mine have been impulsive ones. However, in this case, I'm going to let discretion win. I am going to step aside and let someone else make it their home. Sigh.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Where's Ameet?
Photo class is over. I now have a stack of beautiful black & white prints to admire, and maybe someday, frame. So what's next?
While the lessons I learnt in the darkroom are useful, they're not sustainable. Traditional photography is on its death-bed, and the trick is to transfer those processes to a digital darkroom. With a few tips from the instructor, I am now churning out near-professional quality prints out of my humble Epson.
Meanwhile, I've been trigger happy this weekend. A combination of good weather and the "Doors Open" heritage festival meant I was out the whole weekend clicking pictures. The processed ones are on flickr. Check them out.
While the lessons I learnt in the darkroom are useful, they're not sustainable. Traditional photography is on its death-bed, and the trick is to transfer those processes to a digital darkroom. With a few tips from the instructor, I am now churning out near-professional quality prints out of my humble Epson.
Meanwhile, I've been trigger happy this weekend. A combination of good weather and the "Doors Open" heritage festival meant I was out the whole weekend clicking pictures. The processed ones are on flickr. Check them out.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mommy's Day
... to all the wonderful moms out there who sacrified so much to bring us into the world. Spending a weekend with my sister and her 10 month old son gives me newfound appreciation for the art of child-raising. I knew it was hard - but not THAT hard. You girls rock!
Friday, May 12, 2006
Shrinking Sleeves
There is a conspiracy brewing against the biceps-challenged. Notice how shirt sleeves are getting shorter and shorter this summer? Makes my average arms look like chopsticks. Between my personal life and my job, time left over for pumping iron is a scarce luxury. I don't need to feel any more guilty about it. I will brave out this summer in last year's Tees. Sigh.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Hope
Today's Sex and the City line:
If the world's fattest twins can find love, there's hope for all of us.
If the world's fattest twins can find love, there's hope for all of us.
Colour Returns
There are two rolls of undeveloped black and white film sitting on my kitchen counter - mocking me. I won't know how they turned out till I print something in class on Tuesday. Seeking some instant gratification, I picked up my digital camera and went on a shooting spree. Click on the pic to see the results.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Foto
I'm taking a photography class to learn the darkroom process. We had our first printing session yesterday. Here's a scan of my first successful print!! It took about 5 tries to get it right, but it finally worked!
The picture is a clocktower on Yonge St. You can see the top of First Canadian Place (BMO tower) in the background.
Black and white pictures really force you to think about contrast, exposure and composition. I miss colour, but I need to get the basics down first.
The picture is a clocktower on Yonge St. You can see the top of First Canadian Place (BMO tower) in the background.
Black and white pictures really force you to think about contrast, exposure and composition. I miss colour, but I need to get the basics down first.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Guess Who?
Can you guess who's this celebrity enjoying (supposedly) private time? A friend sent this pic - but I'm not convinced. I'd like to see if any of my blog readers can guess.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Spring Cleaning
What does a single gay man do on a rainy, April weekend morning? Clean his wardrobe!
Anyone who lives in a temperate climate endures a bi-annual ritual known as "changing of the wardrobe". A long, arduous, linty, sneezy affair. It involves taking down everything from the hangers and folding everything into two neat piles, one for storage and one for Goodwill. That's only half the task. The other half is opening your storage boxes and taking out all those skimpy, short-sleeved summer clothes, trying them on to see what fits, discarding the ones that are oh-so-last-year and hanging up the ones that could still work. Ok - there is some washing and pressing involved, but how much can you do in one day?
There's a refreshing, misty, cool breeze blowing in through the open window. Perfect weather for some pakodas and chai.
Anyone who lives in a temperate climate endures a bi-annual ritual known as "changing of the wardrobe". A long, arduous, linty, sneezy affair. It involves taking down everything from the hangers and folding everything into two neat piles, one for storage and one for Goodwill. That's only half the task. The other half is opening your storage boxes and taking out all those skimpy, short-sleeved summer clothes, trying them on to see what fits, discarding the ones that are oh-so-last-year and hanging up the ones that could still work. Ok - there is some washing and pressing involved, but how much can you do in one day?
There's a refreshing, misty, cool breeze blowing in through the open window. Perfect weather for some pakodas and chai.
TV Wisdom
The Toronto Star ran this piece on all the "wise" things we hear on TV. Here's an interesting one from Brenda on Six Feet Under.
"Academia is one huge circle jerk. All the sequestered people defending the one good idea they've had in their lives."
Is that why they have tenure?
"Academia is one huge circle jerk. All the sequestered people defending the one good idea they've had in their lives."
Is that why they have tenure?
Monday, April 17, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
Literary Gem?
"His penis is so beautiful ... I just want to knit it a hat"
-from the movie "Prime".
That line threw me into a loop. When I see a penis, tiny woolen hats are the last thing on my mind. I don't knit either. I dabbled in some crochet as a kid, but that's another story. In fact, I don't look at penises that much. I don't find them visually attractive. I am more interested in the bodies they are attached to. And the only hat I want to see on a penis is a rubber one.
What to do - I'm like this only.
[A little inside joke - for those who watched MTV India in the mid 90s.]
-from the movie "Prime".
That line threw me into a loop. When I see a penis, tiny woolen hats are the last thing on my mind. I don't knit either. I dabbled in some crochet as a kid, but that's another story. In fact, I don't look at penises that much. I don't find them visually attractive. I am more interested in the bodies they are attached to. And the only hat I want to see on a penis is a rubber one.
What to do - I'm like this only.
[A little inside joke - for those who watched MTV India in the mid 90s.]
Saffron
That's the source. As beautiful as the aroma and flavor it exudes.
Came across this picture on Wikipedia and just had to post it.
Came across this picture on Wikipedia and just had to post it.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Washington Bound
It's been 9 months since I left the DC area. Washington DC has the most beautifully landscaped public spaces in North America. Every Spring, they reward us with a splendid display of nature's bounty. Starting with the cherry blossoms that blanket parts of the city, the manicured trees and lawns of the National Mall burst forth with fresh green foliage, rinsed clean by the April showers. Cool, crisp Spring breezes make exploring the city on foot a delight.
This April I have the opportunity to visit my beloved city once again. Following a training class on Thursday in Reston, I will be spending the long weekend (it's Good Friday) with my dear friends in Washington DC.
Meanwhile, here are some pictures I took around DC last Spring.
This April I have the opportunity to visit my beloved city once again. Following a training class on Thursday in Reston, I will be spending the long weekend (it's Good Friday) with my dear friends in Washington DC.
Meanwhile, here are some pictures I took around DC last Spring.
Spring
Spring is in the air. The mercury has been climbing. The sun's out in full force. The street musicians are back. So are the sketch artists and vendors. Most importantly, the tourists are back! Nothing says Spring in Toronto like the hordes of American tourists.
Random observation. There are two neo-classical edifices on Yonge St - just North of Queen. They're each about the width of a typical storefront. Separating them is a driveway leading to some uninteresting buildings. The gap seems oddly out of place - as if the structures were once connected - part of a larger structure. Got my curiosity going.
Another random observation. The area South of Bloor and just West of Spadina has some beautiful homes. Each decorated to the nines. Remided me of the homes around Dupont Circle in DC.
Random observation. There are two neo-classical edifices on Yonge St - just North of Queen. They're each about the width of a typical storefront. Separating them is a driveway leading to some uninteresting buildings. The gap seems oddly out of place - as if the structures were once connected - part of a larger structure. Got my curiosity going.
Another random observation. The area South of Bloor and just West of Spadina has some beautiful homes. Each decorated to the nines. Remided me of the homes around Dupont Circle in DC.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Walls Do Talk
She snuck into the building right behind me, carrying a tray of leftover sandwiches. About 5'2" tall and slightly overweight. She wore a bright red spring jacket. I had never seen her before. We both walked briskly towards the waiting elevator. She hit #15 - my floor. Could it be? I brushed aside the thought. The elevator stopped at #4 and the other guy got off. I began the small talk, "I guess that's dinner". ".. and lunch", she quipped. "I am stuffed, but my boyfriend is probably starving", she added. The elevator stopped at #15. "After you", I said. She walked out. I reached for my keys and walked to #1501. She stopped at #1502 - the apartment next door. We both looked at each other. A silent acknowledgement.
She fakes them quite well.
She fakes them quite well.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Random Thought
Isn't it ironic that when you have lots of time, you have no money to do stuff, and when you have the money, you have no time to do stuff?
Saturday, March 18, 2006
15 Park Avenue
My vegetative state last evening, thanks to a neck cramp, was a convenient excuse for some heavier TV watching. I popped in the DVD for 15 Park Avenue, mixed up some salad, poured me some wine and watched the movie. (On an unrelated note, when they say Ibuprofen and alcohol will give you stomach ulcers, they mean business. My gut feels sand-papered this morning).
Aparna Sen is a good director who, for untold reasons, happens to be obsessed with street addresses. 15 Park Avenue comes across as an attempt to bring art cinema to the Indian masses. Pick a contentious social issue, throw in some talented actors and film most of it in exotic locales. That Aparna Sen formula, which I first encountered in Mr. & Mrs. Iyer, has been carried forward to this movie.
The contentious social issue is mental disorders (with rape thrown in). The talented actors include Konkona Sen Sharma - who delivers, Rahul Bose - whose talents are completely wasted, Shabana Azmi - who mostly plays herself and Waheeda Rehman - who has limited opportunities to shine, but shine she does. Shefali Shetty (Ria from Monsoon Wedding) gives an highly underrated performance in a supporting role. The exotic locale is the Kingdom of Bhutan - rarely seen by the outside world.
The actors put in a good effort, however the end result comes across as uncoordinated. The cinematography comes across as too flat. This was probably intentional, as any creative use of lighting effect renders Indian cinema to the dusty depths of the"art-movie" pile. (My mom's words echo in my mind -"what a dull movie - it's always so dark".)
The plot is revealed slowly and carefully. The characters build up over time. We can soon put the pieces together. And just when we felt everything was coming together, the movie ends. Like a dangling sentence. Leaving us to stop and think, and reflect on Meethi's existence. This much-disliked ending was my favorite part of the movie.
Aparna Sen is a good director who, for untold reasons, happens to be obsessed with street addresses. 15 Park Avenue comes across as an attempt to bring art cinema to the Indian masses. Pick a contentious social issue, throw in some talented actors and film most of it in exotic locales. That Aparna Sen formula, which I first encountered in Mr. & Mrs. Iyer, has been carried forward to this movie.
The contentious social issue is mental disorders (with rape thrown in). The talented actors include Konkona Sen Sharma - who delivers, Rahul Bose - whose talents are completely wasted, Shabana Azmi - who mostly plays herself and Waheeda Rehman - who has limited opportunities to shine, but shine she does. Shefali Shetty (Ria from Monsoon Wedding) gives an highly underrated performance in a supporting role. The exotic locale is the Kingdom of Bhutan - rarely seen by the outside world.
The actors put in a good effort, however the end result comes across as uncoordinated. The cinematography comes across as too flat. This was probably intentional, as any creative use of lighting effect renders Indian cinema to the dusty depths of the"art-movie" pile. (My mom's words echo in my mind -"what a dull movie - it's always so dark".)
The plot is revealed slowly and carefully. The characters build up over time. We can soon put the pieces together. And just when we felt everything was coming together, the movie ends. Like a dangling sentence. Leaving us to stop and think, and reflect on Meethi's existence. This much-disliked ending was my favorite part of the movie.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Holi Hai
Wishing everyone a Happy Holi. Too bad I missed it by a few days.
Music: Rang Barse from Silsila
Music: Rang Barse from Silsila
Thursday, March 09, 2006
March Monsoons
It rained. In Bombay. In March!!! Never happed before in my 21 years in this city. The intense aroma of raindrops hitting parched earth. The thunder. The clouds. The respite from the harsh sun. The chilled monsoon winds wafting in through the windows.
I haven't experienced a Mumbai Monsoon since 1997. This was a bonus!
I haven't experienced a Mumbai Monsoon since 1997. This was a bonus!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Happy Women's Day
Today is International Women's Day. Here's a bow to all the fabulous women out there who make the world more bearable.
Bombay Rediscovered
Phew. I finally got a break from five, non-stop days of exploring this city from a whole new perspective, with a whole new set of people from all over the world. I haven't had this much fun in Bombay since 1996. Some cool new finds:
- Seijo: Fabulous lounge hidden away on the 3rd floor of an inconspicuous building on Waterfield Road. Equally yummy-looking resraurant next door, although I didn't get to eat there. Thanks Vik for dragging us out there!
- Salt Water Grill: So far, my favorite meal in town. Possibly THE best place in South Bombay for dinner and drinks on a good-weather day. Beach-chic ambience. We sat on the lovely couches in the bar area. The table was a rough-cut sheet of stained wood resting on coconut palm stumps. Great view of the Queen's Necklace. Soft sounds of surf crashing on sand. Eclectic lounge music. Tiki-torches and discreet mosquito coils keeping various flying objects at bay. Amazing Italian food. Great drinks menu. World-class service.
- Konkan Cafe (President Hotel): This is my comfort food. Fabulous fish delicacies. Equally fabulous vegetarian selections. Restaurant is decorated like a traditional konkani home - reminiscent of grandparent-era homes I had the fortune of visiting during my childhood. Memorable cocktails (thanks Alana and Andy):
- coconut water + Absolut Kurant
- fresh lime soda (sweet) + Bombay Sapphire
Memorable moments from the past five days:
- standing around in a huddle outside Elephanta caves, surrounded by an army of monkeys, and a few dogs, trying to eat a sandwich
- eating Black Forest cake at the Sea Lounge, as part of my early-birthday celebration. Thank you Manu, Andy, Mark, Alana and Ryan (not necessarily in that order). I couldn't have asked for a better way to turn 30! Well - almost 30. And did I mention they were playing elevator-ABBA in the background?
- the big-breasted woman at Swati Snacks with "Hooch" written on her shirt, which my dirty mind promptly mis-read and led to a Mexican wave of laughter around the table
A huge thank you to Andy for making that detour, to Manu for instigating this trip, to Mark for being my travel buddy through the first few days and putting up with that train-ride from hell, and to Alana and Ryan for taking the long train ride down from Kandivali almost every single day. Speaking of Alana and Ryan - you guys rock! This city is not for the faint of heart and I wish I was half as brave as you when I was your age. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
- Seijo: Fabulous lounge hidden away on the 3rd floor of an inconspicuous building on Waterfield Road. Equally yummy-looking resraurant next door, although I didn't get to eat there. Thanks Vik for dragging us out there!
- Salt Water Grill: So far, my favorite meal in town. Possibly THE best place in South Bombay for dinner and drinks on a good-weather day. Beach-chic ambience. We sat on the lovely couches in the bar area. The table was a rough-cut sheet of stained wood resting on coconut palm stumps. Great view of the Queen's Necklace. Soft sounds of surf crashing on sand. Eclectic lounge music. Tiki-torches and discreet mosquito coils keeping various flying objects at bay. Amazing Italian food. Great drinks menu. World-class service.
- Konkan Cafe (President Hotel): This is my comfort food. Fabulous fish delicacies. Equally fabulous vegetarian selections. Restaurant is decorated like a traditional konkani home - reminiscent of grandparent-era homes I had the fortune of visiting during my childhood. Memorable cocktails (thanks Alana and Andy):
- coconut water + Absolut Kurant
- fresh lime soda (sweet) + Bombay Sapphire
Memorable moments from the past five days:
- standing around in a huddle outside Elephanta caves, surrounded by an army of monkeys, and a few dogs, trying to eat a sandwich
- eating Black Forest cake at the Sea Lounge, as part of my early-birthday celebration. Thank you Manu, Andy, Mark, Alana and Ryan (not necessarily in that order). I couldn't have asked for a better way to turn 30! Well - almost 30. And did I mention they were playing elevator-ABBA in the background?
- the big-breasted woman at Swati Snacks with "Hooch" written on her shirt, which my dirty mind promptly mis-read and led to a Mexican wave of laughter around the table
A huge thank you to Andy for making that detour, to Manu for instigating this trip, to Mark for being my travel buddy through the first few days and putting up with that train-ride from hell, and to Alana and Ryan for taking the long train ride down from Kandivali almost every single day. Speaking of Alana and Ryan - you guys rock! This city is not for the faint of heart and I wish I was half as brave as you when I was your age. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Bombay Bound
Tumne bulaya aur hum chale aye
It's been 15 months since I got my last dose of the crazy megalopolis called Bombay (well - actually Mumbai - but we'll ignore that for now). Looking forward to an exciting week of friends, family, partying, shopping and culinary delights, not necessarily in that order.
Hope to see some of you in Bombay!
It's been 15 months since I got my last dose of the crazy megalopolis called Bombay (well - actually Mumbai - but we'll ignore that for now). Looking forward to an exciting week of friends, family, partying, shopping and culinary delights, not necessarily in that order.
Hope to see some of you in Bombay!
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Double Standards
Help! The Arabs are taking over our ports!
We like globalization but only when we can explot cheap third-world labor, and sell the product back to them at an enormous profit. Such is the double standard being exhibited by the US of A right now. Even the worldly literati (like Maureen Dowd in today's Toronto Star) are crying foul. I can't characterize this reaction as anything but selfishness. I'm sorry America, but you can't expect the world to let you lead when you portray such blatant double standards.
On one hand the argument goes something like this. We're the world's most powerful nation. We don't like Arabs. We feel very scared right now. So we must have everything our way. Well - guess what America - you don't have everything your way. Here's what the politicians are not telling you. Your enormous national debt is being financed by Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and many emerging economies. A fraction of your oil dollars are ending up in the hands of terrorists. Your own domestic oil industry is heavily owned and controlled by Arab oil interests. One of your biggest banks - Citigroup - is controlled by Arab sheiks. All your consumer goods are made in China - a communist nation. Many of your well-respected corporations are incorporated offshore - outside the clutches of US law. Do you feel scared now?
On the other hand, does the world cry out when the US Navy controls all the major shipping channels in the world? No. Does the world complain when Microsoft collects $99 on (almost) every PC produced in the world? No. Do we flinch when yet another American CEO collects a $100 million bonus? No. Do we complain when Wal Mart wants to set up shop in our backyards? Maybe a little.
Now one might argue that American busiiness are held to higher standards and accountability as compared to a shady Arab outfit. Well, first of all not all Arab outfits are shady. Citigroup is one of the world's largest, well-respected banks - with the biggest shareholders being Dubai-based sheikhs. Secondly, two of the world's largest bankruptcies happened in America: Enron and Worldcom. As far as the security question goes - America still has the world's largest military. They created the TSA because private airlines couldn't be trusted with security. Why are ports any different? Besides, guarding the ports is a well-defined function of the US Coast Guard anyway. So there you go.
Dubai is one of the largest, most efficiently run ports in the world. One would think they qualify based on merit to operate a large volume of the world's shipping trade. The only argument that should be raised here is the issue of consolidation. It's never a good idea to concentrate too much in the hands of one power group.
We like globalization but only when we can explot cheap third-world labor, and sell the product back to them at an enormous profit. Such is the double standard being exhibited by the US of A right now. Even the worldly literati (like Maureen Dowd in today's Toronto Star) are crying foul. I can't characterize this reaction as anything but selfishness. I'm sorry America, but you can't expect the world to let you lead when you portray such blatant double standards.
On one hand the argument goes something like this. We're the world's most powerful nation. We don't like Arabs. We feel very scared right now. So we must have everything our way. Well - guess what America - you don't have everything your way. Here's what the politicians are not telling you. Your enormous national debt is being financed by Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and many emerging economies. A fraction of your oil dollars are ending up in the hands of terrorists. Your own domestic oil industry is heavily owned and controlled by Arab oil interests. One of your biggest banks - Citigroup - is controlled by Arab sheiks. All your consumer goods are made in China - a communist nation. Many of your well-respected corporations are incorporated offshore - outside the clutches of US law. Do you feel scared now?
On the other hand, does the world cry out when the US Navy controls all the major shipping channels in the world? No. Does the world complain when Microsoft collects $99 on (almost) every PC produced in the world? No. Do we flinch when yet another American CEO collects a $100 million bonus? No. Do we complain when Wal Mart wants to set up shop in our backyards? Maybe a little.
Now one might argue that American busiiness are held to higher standards and accountability as compared to a shady Arab outfit. Well, first of all not all Arab outfits are shady. Citigroup is one of the world's largest, well-respected banks - with the biggest shareholders being Dubai-based sheikhs. Secondly, two of the world's largest bankruptcies happened in America: Enron and Worldcom. As far as the security question goes - America still has the world's largest military. They created the TSA because private airlines couldn't be trusted with security. Why are ports any different? Besides, guarding the ports is a well-defined function of the US Coast Guard anyway. So there you go.
Dubai is one of the largest, most efficiently run ports in the world. One would think they qualify based on merit to operate a large volume of the world's shipping trade. The only argument that should be raised here is the issue of consolidation. It's never a good idea to concentrate too much in the hands of one power group.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Raat Baki
Raat baki, baat baki
Hona hai jo, ho jane do
Socho na, dekho to
Dekho haan, janeja
Mujhe pyaar se
Kashti jawaan dil ki toofan se takara gayi
Manzil muhabbata ki ab to kareeb aa gayi
Aaa dekhle, hai kya maza, dil haar ke
Awaz yeh hai to anjaam hoga haseen
Deewane parwane marne se darte nahin
Aa dilruba, khul ke zara, mil yaar se
Downloaded and heard this song after AGES. Pretty fucking cool. It's like one of the earliest songs I remember taking a fondness to :) Parveen Babi swooning over something ... can't remember. Gawd I was gay!
Hona hai jo, ho jane do
Socho na, dekho to
Dekho haan, janeja
Mujhe pyaar se
Kashti jawaan dil ki toofan se takara gayi
Manzil muhabbata ki ab to kareeb aa gayi
Aaa dekhle, hai kya maza, dil haar ke
Awaz yeh hai to anjaam hoga haseen
Deewane parwane marne se darte nahin
Aa dilruba, khul ke zara, mil yaar se
Downloaded and heard this song after AGES. Pretty fucking cool. It's like one of the earliest songs I remember taking a fondness to :) Parveen Babi swooning over something ... can't remember. Gawd I was gay!
Friday evening
- Sleep all evening
- Wake up at 8:30pm after repeated wake-up calls from friends.
- Waste time till 9:15.
- Make 4-egg, 1-yolk omlette
- Enjoy with leftover wine
- Smoke a bud with a friend
- Head to Tangos at 10:30 - woo hoo ... no line
- Get insanely drunk
- Exchange sly glances with cute twinks on dance floor
- Let wisdom prevail and not pursue cute twinks
- Leave at the decent hour of 1am
- Stop by Pizza Pizza on the way back and load up on a cheese slice
- Write blog entry - anything to avoid sleeping :-)
- Wake up at 8:30pm after repeated wake-up calls from friends.
- Waste time till 9:15.
- Make 4-egg, 1-yolk omlette
- Enjoy with leftover wine
- Smoke a bud with a friend
- Head to Tangos at 10:30 - woo hoo ... no line
- Get insanely drunk
- Exchange sly glances with cute twinks on dance floor
- Let wisdom prevail and not pursue cute twinks
- Leave at the decent hour of 1am
- Stop by Pizza Pizza on the way back and load up on a cheese slice
- Write blog entry - anything to avoid sleeping :-)
Adsense II
This is getting interesting. I've made about a buck in one week. The ads have been interesting so far:
- plastinated human specimens
- Canadian cooking supply store
- weight loss
- Hong Kong relocation
- Canadian Fur
Let's see how this goes.
- plastinated human specimens
- Canadian cooking supply store
- weight loss
- Hong Kong relocation
- Canadian Fur
Let's see how this goes.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Associations
Notice how a particualr song, or piece music takes us back in time? Back to where we were when we heard it most? Your mind starts to feel the same way again. You can see flashes from your past. The sights, the smells, the tastes, the emotions start to come back.
Currently playing - "Let's Talk" by Coldplay. Takes me back to July 2005. This CD was in my car player on those long drives between Virginia, Pittsburgh and Toronto. Also in my car the day Siddharth was born - the long drive early on Tuesday from a sleepy overcast Toronto to a sunny, busy Pittsburgh, my only directions being to look for the Forbes/Oakland exit in downtown Pittsburgh. Later that week, trying to jump-start the car multiple-times with the dead battery and all. Huddled under the hood trying my hand at replacing a car battery (cause the Germans make their cars so complex, no one dares to touch them).
In a perfect world I would forget all this stressful stuff, but these memories are also mixed in with some very happy ones. Welcoming a new addition to the family. Watching in awe as this tiny precious life squirms, squints, takes one look at you and goes back to sleep, feeling safe in your arms.
So you don't know where you're going, and you wanna talk
And you feel like you're going where you've been before
You tell anyone who'll listen but you feel ignored
Nothing's really making any sense at all
Let's talk
Currently playing - "Let's Talk" by Coldplay. Takes me back to July 2005. This CD was in my car player on those long drives between Virginia, Pittsburgh and Toronto. Also in my car the day Siddharth was born - the long drive early on Tuesday from a sleepy overcast Toronto to a sunny, busy Pittsburgh, my only directions being to look for the Forbes/Oakland exit in downtown Pittsburgh. Later that week, trying to jump-start the car multiple-times with the dead battery and all. Huddled under the hood trying my hand at replacing a car battery (cause the Germans make their cars so complex, no one dares to touch them).
In a perfect world I would forget all this stressful stuff, but these memories are also mixed in with some very happy ones. Welcoming a new addition to the family. Watching in awe as this tiny precious life squirms, squints, takes one look at you and goes back to sleep, feeling safe in your arms.
So you don't know where you're going, and you wanna talk
And you feel like you're going where you've been before
You tell anyone who'll listen but you feel ignored
Nothing's really making any sense at all
Let's talk
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Movie Quotes
Some memorable movie quotes:
Auntie Mame: "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death"
Mommie Dearest: "NO WIRE HANGERS - EVER"
The Opposite of Sex: "(I feel) like the Baroness in The Sound of Music. While everybody's just singing and climbing an Alp. And I just wanna STUFF THAT GUITAR UP THAT NUN'S ASS!"
As Good As It Gets:
Carol: Why can't I have a normal boyfriend? Just a regular boyfriend, one that doesn't go nuts on me!
Mom: Everybody wants that, dear. It doesn't exist.
Melvin: "People who talk in metaphors oughta shampoo my crotch."
Breakfast at Tiffany's: "Well, when I get (the mean reds) the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!"
Auntie Mame: "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death"
Mommie Dearest: "NO WIRE HANGERS - EVER"
The Opposite of Sex: "(I feel) like the Baroness in The Sound of Music. While everybody's just singing and climbing an Alp. And I just wanna STUFF THAT GUITAR UP THAT NUN'S ASS!"
As Good As It Gets:
Carol: Why can't I have a normal boyfriend? Just a regular boyfriend, one that doesn't go nuts on me!
Mom: Everybody wants that, dear. It doesn't exist.
Melvin: "People who talk in metaphors oughta shampoo my crotch."
Breakfast at Tiffany's: "Well, when I get (the mean reds) the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!"
AdSense
Yayy. My AdSense account is up and running. And guess what? My blog has been viewed 158 times in the last two days (and there aren't the same people reloading the page). Hmm ... who would've thought.
So far I have made 11 cents - based on one ad click - which was probably just me fooling around :)
So far I have made 11 cents - based on one ad click - which was probably just me fooling around :)
Monday, February 20, 2006
Bhel
Just made some sweet-corn bhel. Except I have no bhel-mix - and too lazy to drive out to Gerrard St. Just realized what would've made this bhel complete. Chopped raw mangoes. I have to make do with amchur instead.
Body Worlds
My friends and I spent this afternoon at the Ontario Science Centre checking out the Body Worlds exhibition. It was a cross between an anatomy class and an art show. Carefully dissected and plasticized body parts in display cases. Entire bodies flayed out and arranged like art installations. Thinly sliced sections of body parts mounted on glass. Overheard comments like - "this is making me hungry". There was a section of a leg that looked like ham. Learnt something new about the male anatomy, and saw parts of the female anatomy for the first time.
Although I have a good stomach for this stuff, the only part that disturbed me was a 3 month old fetus inside a cut-open uterus. Got me thinking about abortions. Although I am a firm defender of choice in these matters, it will definitely make me think twice if I am faced with the situation.
Although I have a good stomach for this stuff, the only part that disturbed me was a 3 month old fetus inside a cut-open uterus. Got me thinking about abortions. Although I am a firm defender of choice in these matters, it will definitely make me think twice if I am faced with the situation.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Shopping Diary
Confessions of a brand whore.
H&M: Hasn't changed much. Found a fabulous floral-print fitted shirt. Checked if I could pull off a Small. Who am I kidding - swapped it for a Medium. A lovely shade of red catches my eye - full-sleeve shirt - more dressy than the other one but fits like a charm. Explore various varieties of dog tags. H&M is a great place for cheap accessories. Finally settle on a green-bead wrist thingy - and a cloth belt to match. Ran into Aman again - he probably thinks I'm stalking him.
Walk down two escalators to avoid the Sears labrynth. Blue Note tees looked too butch. Stiches had nothing for boyz. On I go. Now who the hell put up a tropical bar in the middle of Eaton Centre?
Hollister: If this is the future of shopping - I might as well take up 'sanyas' right now. Apparently Toronto winters aren't depressing enough so they build this dark, wood-paneled thing that looks like a tropical plantation home - at night. The only lighting in there is strategically placed spots on their wares. Walk in. Feel suicidal 30s later. Walk out. Stuff looks like A&F.
Club Monaco: Not much new since the holidays. Strut in. Check out the boyz. Try on jeans - wash looks interesting - fit is not. Strut out.
Browns Shoes: Interesting pair of Diesels. $180. Promptly return to shelf and strut out.
Mexx: Sad. No sale rack. Strut out.
Gap: Same old same old.
Le Chateau: Casual-wear is disappointing. Formal-wear is interesting. Shoes even more. Lone sales guy in mens' section too busy attending to Arab shopper. Strut out.
Banana Republic: The Canadian editions continue to disappoint. I won't return till I need more of their crew-neck colored tees. Those are the best. Awesome colors, snug fit and they keep their shape. Great for layering and color-coordinating.
Town Shoes: I see potential. Unfortunately my shoes situation is in a mess right now. Need to match up with some outfits.
Sephora: Nose overwhelmed the minute I walk in. They need better air-handling. Try about 30 different colognes. Nose numb. Settle for Hugo Boss - they've been good to me since the 80s. Mental note to look for Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet at Heathrow.
Closing time. Come home, make some cheese toast and enjoy with excellent Pinot Grigio to Salaam Namaste soundtrack.
H&M: Hasn't changed much. Found a fabulous floral-print fitted shirt. Checked if I could pull off a Small. Who am I kidding - swapped it for a Medium. A lovely shade of red catches my eye - full-sleeve shirt - more dressy than the other one but fits like a charm. Explore various varieties of dog tags. H&M is a great place for cheap accessories. Finally settle on a green-bead wrist thingy - and a cloth belt to match. Ran into Aman again - he probably thinks I'm stalking him.
Walk down two escalators to avoid the Sears labrynth. Blue Note tees looked too butch. Stiches had nothing for boyz. On I go. Now who the hell put up a tropical bar in the middle of Eaton Centre?
Hollister: If this is the future of shopping - I might as well take up 'sanyas' right now. Apparently Toronto winters aren't depressing enough so they build this dark, wood-paneled thing that looks like a tropical plantation home - at night. The only lighting in there is strategically placed spots on their wares. Walk in. Feel suicidal 30s later. Walk out. Stuff looks like A&F.
Club Monaco: Not much new since the holidays. Strut in. Check out the boyz. Try on jeans - wash looks interesting - fit is not. Strut out.
Browns Shoes: Interesting pair of Diesels. $180. Promptly return to shelf and strut out.
Mexx: Sad. No sale rack. Strut out.
Gap: Same old same old.
Le Chateau: Casual-wear is disappointing. Formal-wear is interesting. Shoes even more. Lone sales guy in mens' section too busy attending to Arab shopper. Strut out.
Banana Republic: The Canadian editions continue to disappoint. I won't return till I need more of their crew-neck colored tees. Those are the best. Awesome colors, snug fit and they keep their shape. Great for layering and color-coordinating.
Town Shoes: I see potential. Unfortunately my shoes situation is in a mess right now. Need to match up with some outfits.
Sephora: Nose overwhelmed the minute I walk in. They need better air-handling. Try about 30 different colognes. Nose numb. Settle for Hugo Boss - they've been good to me since the 80s. Mental note to look for Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet at Heathrow.
Closing time. Come home, make some cheese toast and enjoy with excellent Pinot Grigio to Salaam Namaste soundtrack.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Experiment - II
Ok. So there's more to this. After a sign-up process the Gods of Google have deemed that my account needs a 'review' before full activation. Until then, we will be goaded into helping hurricane victims untill one of us dies of shame, or OD's on crawfish and alcohol. Damn I should've attended Mardi Gras.
Experiment
Often, while browsing through the blogger dashboard, I've come across the little link called "AdSense". Today curiosity got the better of me and I enabled Google ads on my blog. Now before y'awll go all ghetto on my ass, I'm not doing this to make money - just attempting two answer two very important questions:
- what's makes Google ads so compelling?
- does anyone read my blog?
First up is a Public Service Announcement from Google goading us to help Katrina victims. Maybe Google hasn't finished digesting my blog yet? Or maybe my blog isn't worth anyone's advertising dollar?
I promise the ads will be gone soon. But meanwhile, don't hesitate to click if you see something you like ;)
- what's makes Google ads so compelling?
- does anyone read my blog?
First up is a Public Service Announcement from Google goading us to help Katrina victims. Maybe Google hasn't finished digesting my blog yet? Or maybe my blog isn't worth anyone's advertising dollar?
I promise the ads will be gone soon. But meanwhile, don't hesitate to click if you see something you like ;)
Rose By Any Other Name
More in the tradition of political hypocrisy.
Iranians love Danish pastries, but now when they look for the flaky dessert at the bakery they have to ask for "Roses of the Prophet Muhammad."
Freedom Fries come to mind. Hate the creator. Not the creation. Cause giving up unhealthy indulgences did not poll well.
Iranians love Danish pastries, but now when they look for the flaky dessert at the bakery they have to ask for "Roses of the Prophet Muhammad."
Freedom Fries come to mind. Hate the creator. Not the creation. Cause giving up unhealthy indulgences did not poll well.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Hidden Gems
Lately I have been complaining about the lack of aesthetic sensibilities in Toronto. Perhaps those 8 years in the DC area have spoilt me. Washington, DC, as many of you know, is a culturally vibrant city, with an artistic surprise waiting for you at every corner. The urban fabric consists of ornate mansions, richly restored townhomes and elegant apartment blocks from the heydays of the 20s, mixed in with ultra-modern condo conversions. The business district has its share of 70s bare-concrete edifices, but thankfully they're keep well-hidden by the height restriction. Overlayed on all of this are some of the finest landscaped parks and public spaces in the world, connected by criss-crossing avenues and parkways that're designed more for aesthetics than driver convenience. Every out-of-town driver in DC has at least once been stuck in this 'chakravyuh', only to end up in the ghettos of South-East. Even the ghettos are garnished with once-pretty townhomes, reminiscent of the vibrant residential neighborhoods they once formed - and will soon again.
Cut to Toronto. Largely ignored until the 70s, when paranoid bankers, fearing a separate Quebec, abandoned Montreal and relocated to anglophone Toronto. The urban landscape is dominated by 70s-style bare-concrete office blocks. Towering over these is the CN Tower - apparently the world's tallest freestanding structure. We're Canadian. We're big. We have penis envy so we erected the world's biggest phallic symbol. Whatever.
Largely absent from this landscape is green space (I'm sorry but High Park and Trinity-Bellwoods are sorry excuses). This city needs a heavy infusion of landscape artists, gardeners and nitrogen fertilizer. Heck - even Ottawa has some green patches in the middle of winter! Also absent are the grand residential neighbourhoods that grace every major North American city.
Anyway, the reason for my post is that lately I have been noticing a lot of urban art scattered around the city. Foil-cut figurines of kids climbing a large concrete column. Giant concrete sculptures shaped like buds about to bloom. Abstract sculptures that I can't even begin to describe. It makes me appreciate this city a little more. Also, today's wintry weather has left a silvery lining of wet snow on the bare trees, giving them an element of charm. Sitting in the back of a cab, riding up University Avenue, I was able to appreciate the architectural detail of the (somewhat) historic buildings with elegantly landscaped grounds. I just realized that's one thing I've been missing - being driven around the city, eyes free to wander and admire the hidden gems.
Cut to Toronto. Largely ignored until the 70s, when paranoid bankers, fearing a separate Quebec, abandoned Montreal and relocated to anglophone Toronto. The urban landscape is dominated by 70s-style bare-concrete office blocks. Towering over these is the CN Tower - apparently the world's tallest freestanding structure. We're Canadian. We're big. We have penis envy so we erected the world's biggest phallic symbol. Whatever.
Largely absent from this landscape is green space (I'm sorry but High Park and Trinity-Bellwoods are sorry excuses). This city needs a heavy infusion of landscape artists, gardeners and nitrogen fertilizer. Heck - even Ottawa has some green patches in the middle of winter! Also absent are the grand residential neighbourhoods that grace every major North American city.
Anyway, the reason for my post is that lately I have been noticing a lot of urban art scattered around the city. Foil-cut figurines of kids climbing a large concrete column. Giant concrete sculptures shaped like buds about to bloom. Abstract sculptures that I can't even begin to describe. It makes me appreciate this city a little more. Also, today's wintry weather has left a silvery lining of wet snow on the bare trees, giving them an element of charm. Sitting in the back of a cab, riding up University Avenue, I was able to appreciate the architectural detail of the (somewhat) historic buildings with elegantly landscaped grounds. I just realized that's one thing I've been missing - being driven around the city, eyes free to wander and admire the hidden gems.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
FOBjection
Ennis at Sepia Mutiny decides to write this oh-so-enlightened piece about how FOBs hate ice in their drinks. Could it be because ice-cubes 'over there' are loaded with germs and god knows what else? Could it be because one can get sick 'over there' from drinking a frozen beverage when it's too hot?
Boo Sepia Mutiny - you're perpetuating the same sterotypes that you're trying to demystify through your blog. Here's my response to this piece:
Filling a glass up to the brim with ice, and then adding an itsy bit of liquid to fill up the crevases is an American thing. I dislike it for the following reasons:
- I want a drink. If I wanted to eat ice, I'd ask for it. I prefer my drink to last more than three gulps, without having to wait for all the ice to melt and turn the drink into a watery mess. The only time that is a good idea is while drinking scotch on the rocks - or sambuca.
- Parts of this continent are frickin cold! I've just walked into a bar when it's 15F outside. I order a vodka tonic. He hands me a mound of ice that I'm supposed to hold for the next 20 minutes while trying to look cool and scaning the room for potential dates while my hands are being cryogenically preserved. Not a pleasant experience.
- It only takes about 3 decent sized cubes of ice to keep a drink cool until you finish it, without turning it into a watery mess. Maybe 4 or 5 if it's summer in LA.
- Loading a glass with ice simply continues the American tradition of excess at the dinner table - in line with the 2000 calorie entrees. Ice doesn't just happen. It has to be produced and the process consumes a *lot* of energy. Tossing 20oz cups of soda half filled with ice is just as bad as tossing a half-eaten steak, or driving Hummers. Maybe a necessary evil during LA/FL summers, but an unnecessary excess in NYC in January.
That's all. It has nothing to do with ingrained notions of ice being dirty, or cold drinks giving you brain-freeze in a hot country. It's a cultural difference. Once you're hooked on a soda glass filled with (gasp) soda, it's hard to settle for the frozen stuff.
There's a time for slurpies, and there's a time for sodas!
FOB
Boo Sepia Mutiny - you're perpetuating the same sterotypes that you're trying to demystify through your blog. Here's my response to this piece:
Filling a glass up to the brim with ice, and then adding an itsy bit of liquid to fill up the crevases is an American thing. I dislike it for the following reasons:
- I want a drink. If I wanted to eat ice, I'd ask for it. I prefer my drink to last more than three gulps, without having to wait for all the ice to melt and turn the drink into a watery mess. The only time that is a good idea is while drinking scotch on the rocks - or sambuca.
- Parts of this continent are frickin cold! I've just walked into a bar when it's 15F outside. I order a vodka tonic. He hands me a mound of ice that I'm supposed to hold for the next 20 minutes while trying to look cool and scaning the room for potential dates while my hands are being cryogenically preserved. Not a pleasant experience.
- It only takes about 3 decent sized cubes of ice to keep a drink cool until you finish it, without turning it into a watery mess. Maybe 4 or 5 if it's summer in LA.
- Loading a glass with ice simply continues the American tradition of excess at the dinner table - in line with the 2000 calorie entrees. Ice doesn't just happen. It has to be produced and the process consumes a *lot* of energy. Tossing 20oz cups of soda half filled with ice is just as bad as tossing a half-eaten steak, or driving Hummers. Maybe a necessary evil during LA/FL summers, but an unnecessary excess in NYC in January.
That's all. It has nothing to do with ingrained notions of ice being dirty, or cold drinks giving you brain-freeze in a hot country. It's a cultural difference. Once you're hooked on a soda glass filled with (gasp) soda, it's hard to settle for the frozen stuff.
There's a time for slurpies, and there's a time for sodas!
FOB
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Sunday Musings
1. It's winter here again. We had a respectable snowstorm this week and temperatures have dropped.
2. Margaret Cho is funny - no matter how many times you watch her. On a related note, Bjork is a very easy target.
3. I need a cleaning lady. I have no time for housekeeping anymore.
4. Desperate Housewives has gone downhill - but then you knew that.
5. Apparently lots of people have a morbid interest in dissected human bodies. The exhibition was sold out today. On an unrelated note, Casa Loma closes at 4pm.
6. Staying in on a Saturday night once in a while is good for you.
7. I think my car's suspension is giving away again. There goes my next paycheck. Damn city roads.
2. Margaret Cho is funny - no matter how many times you watch her. On a related note, Bjork is a very easy target.
3. I need a cleaning lady. I have no time for housekeeping anymore.
4. Desperate Housewives has gone downhill - but then you knew that.
5. Apparently lots of people have a morbid interest in dissected human bodies. The exhibition was sold out today. On an unrelated note, Casa Loma closes at 4pm.
6. Staying in on a Saturday night once in a while is good for you.
7. I think my car's suspension is giving away again. There goes my next paycheck. Damn city roads.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Sunday Musings
1. Who knew bookstores could be fun? Normally, they're quiet hangouts where you can commune with your inner thoughts, load up on caffeine or impress a date with your literary knowledge. Today the Indigo Books at the Manulife Centre felt like a fiesta (minus the food of course). They had a live band playing fabulous salsa music. Feet were tapping, bonbons were shaking and the place was buzzing with life. I now have a newfound respect for salsa music :)
2. What is it with me and fried chicken? The southen-style, batter-fried boneless variety. It'll kill me someday but I can't stay away from it.
3. It would be nice if Toronto had at least one real snowstorm this winter. We've had piddly dustings so far. I want to see at least one nasty mofo of a winter storm - the kind where I can walk out onto the street behind and make a respectable snow angel. Of course, I wouldn't be saying this if I had to shovel any of it :)
4. Seinfeld is still funny.
2. What is it with me and fried chicken? The southen-style, batter-fried boneless variety. It'll kill me someday but I can't stay away from it.
3. It would be nice if Toronto had at least one real snowstorm this winter. We've had piddly dustings so far. I want to see at least one nasty mofo of a winter storm - the kind where I can walk out onto the street behind and make a respectable snow angel. Of course, I wouldn't be saying this if I had to shovel any of it :)
4. Seinfeld is still funny.
On Turning 30
It just hit me. In another 7 weeks, I will have to say goodbye to my 20s :( It's that sick feeling in your guts. All along I've been consoling my friends by saying 30 is the new 20. Sounds cool - doesn't it? Yet - when its your own turn, that sick feeling takes over. If I had any food left in my stomach, it'd be out by now.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Brokeback Mountain
Ok. Everybody is talking about it. You can't pick up a newspaper these days without finding some reference to it.
I don't like bragging but I was one of the few early birds to watch this movie at the Toronto Film Fest back in September. Ang Lee had just won the Venice award and skipped the Toronto premiere, but he was back in time to watch the screening I attended. It was the middle of the day. I skipped work, bought tix and went to Paramount Cinemas on Richmond/John. The huge line full of industry professionals, critics and press-types should have been a give-away. I sat next to this particularly chatty Jewish ex-New Yorker. She was interested in Bollywood and I gave her a list of must-see movies. The Chinese girl next to her only spoke sign language, and was glad to find someone to 'talk' to (not me, the ex-New Yorker).
And then the movie began. The starkness of the scenery had me mesmerised. The meadows brought back memories of 'Legends of the Fall'. Heath Ledger was entirely convincing as a cowboy. Jake Gyllenhaal less so. The storyline brought back a flood of emotions. Like one of the newspaper critics said, the movie felt like someone kicking you in the guts.
I usually don't cry during movies, and I'm not sure I did at this one. It feels like I did at some point - or was at least about to. The music was mesmerizing - specially this guitar piece called "The Wings". The movie ended. The credits rolled. Ang Lee appeared - back from Venice. He answered a few questions and then we all left - everyone visibly shaken in some way.
Brokeback Mountain is a good movie, that also happens to be a gay movie. I hope it teaches the world that being gay is a feeling in your heart, not a lifestyle.
I don't like bragging but I was one of the few early birds to watch this movie at the Toronto Film Fest back in September. Ang Lee had just won the Venice award and skipped the Toronto premiere, but he was back in time to watch the screening I attended. It was the middle of the day. I skipped work, bought tix and went to Paramount Cinemas on Richmond/John. The huge line full of industry professionals, critics and press-types should have been a give-away. I sat next to this particularly chatty Jewish ex-New Yorker. She was interested in Bollywood and I gave her a list of must-see movies. The Chinese girl next to her only spoke sign language, and was glad to find someone to 'talk' to (not me, the ex-New Yorker).
And then the movie began. The starkness of the scenery had me mesmerised. The meadows brought back memories of 'Legends of the Fall'. Heath Ledger was entirely convincing as a cowboy. Jake Gyllenhaal less so. The storyline brought back a flood of emotions. Like one of the newspaper critics said, the movie felt like someone kicking you in the guts.
I usually don't cry during movies, and I'm not sure I did at this one. It feels like I did at some point - or was at least about to. The music was mesmerizing - specially this guitar piece called "The Wings". The movie ended. The credits rolled. Ang Lee appeared - back from Venice. He answered a few questions and then we all left - everyone visibly shaken in some way.
Brokeback Mountain is a good movie, that also happens to be a gay movie. I hope it teaches the world that being gay is a feeling in your heart, not a lifestyle.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Escape
Yayy! I'm going to Bombay - in less than a month! It's only for a week - but I'll have some of my friends there! I've always wanted to party in Bombay with my close friends and now I'll finally have that chance. Can't wait. So glad February is a short month.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Bitch Session
Things I don't get.
- Gay desis who live in the rural bible belt and spend all their lives on gay.com. If you have so much fucking time, MOVE!!
- Drink glasses filled to the brim with ice - in winter. The ice is supposed to chill the drink, not cryogenically preserve the person holding it!
- People on MSN who constantly set their status to "Away". We know you're there and screening! Why don't they just add a status message that says "Screening"?
- Double-bagging. I'm only going home with that stuff - not climbing Mt Everest.
- Pictures of fags on dating sites, flanked by zany looking hags. Ok - you have friends - you have a life - we get it! No need to expose your unwilling friends to the voyeuristic world of gay cruising.
- People who get on the subway and just stand near the entrance. Hello! There're people behind you. Make room you morons!
- Pleated pants. Who invented those pleats anyway? People with XXXL dicks? or at least wanting to give the appearance of XXXL dicks?
- Impossibly good-looking, airbrushed posters of semi-naked TV stars. No one's that perfect in real life!
More later.
- Gay desis who live in the rural bible belt and spend all their lives on gay.com. If you have so much fucking time, MOVE!!
- Drink glasses filled to the brim with ice - in winter. The ice is supposed to chill the drink, not cryogenically preserve the person holding it!
- People on MSN who constantly set their status to "Away". We know you're there and screening! Why don't they just add a status message that says "Screening"?
- Double-bagging. I'm only going home with that stuff - not climbing Mt Everest.
- Pictures of fags on dating sites, flanked by zany looking hags. Ok - you have friends - you have a life - we get it! No need to expose your unwilling friends to the voyeuristic world of gay cruising.
- People who get on the subway and just stand near the entrance. Hello! There're people behind you. Make room you morons!
- Pleated pants. Who invented those pleats anyway? People with XXXL dicks? or at least wanting to give the appearance of XXXL dicks?
- Impossibly good-looking, airbrushed posters of semi-naked TV stars. No one's that perfect in real life!
More later.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Photography Fads
Here's the latest one. It's called camera tossing. You set the exposure to 1 second, toss the camera in the air, catch it before it shatters into a million bits and then marvel at the resulting exposure. If you don't feel like playing yo-yo with several thousand dollars worth of equipment, there's help.
It's all here.
It's all here.
Hong Kong
I have been urged to post some pictures - so here they are.
Hong Kong by night
From Victoria Peak
The Peninsula Hotel
A city of shop-a-holics
Big Buddha of Lantau
More to come
Hong Kong by night
From Victoria Peak
The Peninsula Hotel
A city of shop-a-holics
Big Buddha of Lantau
More to come
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
A Tale of Two Cities
Hong Kong is now a permanent part of my persona. Although I am no longer scheming to move there anytime soon, it has left an indelible mark on me. Soon I will return to my daily grind and forget the pleasures of a warm, tropical island city that simply throbs with life. The views from Victoria Peak will be a foggy memory. So will be the bright lights, fabulous boutiques and yummy bakeries of Causeway Bay. The neon lights will fade and the dim-sum carts will roll away. All that remains will be questions, and more questions. About the choices one makes in life.
There is another city that throbs with the same intensity. A city whith cullinary delights on every street corner. A city with cool sea-breezes and warm sands. A city with bustling markets and trendy shopping. A city I used to call home. A city that's calling out to me right now.
There is another city that throbs with the same intensity. A city whith cullinary delights on every street corner. A city with cool sea-breezes and warm sands. A city with bustling markets and trendy shopping. A city I used to call home. A city that's calling out to me right now.
Winter Blues
I wish I was lying on a beach in a balmy place somewhere, surrounded by lush greenery. Or in the middle of a dense city throbbing with life. Far away from the blandness that has overtaken this town during the winter months.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Elections
You don't really understand a country until you live through an election. All that political rhetoric reveals the true personality of a nation. Elections force people to evaluate what issues they really care about.
Canada went to the polls today. Everyone's predicting a Conservative lead, but not a clear majority. We will wake up to a new Canada tomorrow. Harper has worked hard over the past few months to soften his image. However, like all politicians, he can turn on a dime. His conservative christian backers are going to call in their favors soon. Will the realities of a minority government keep him in check? That seems to be the question on everyone's mind.
Meanwhile the Liberals get to sit in the penalty box and reflect on all the wrongs of the past 12 years. They better be ready next time around.
Canada went to the polls today. Everyone's predicting a Conservative lead, but not a clear majority. We will wake up to a new Canada tomorrow. Harper has worked hard over the past few months to soften his image. However, like all politicians, he can turn on a dime. His conservative christian backers are going to call in their favors soon. Will the realities of a minority government keep him in check? That seems to be the question on everyone's mind.
Meanwhile the Liberals get to sit in the penalty box and reflect on all the wrongs of the past 12 years. They better be ready next time around.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Musings
My friends have been giving me flak about not updating this blog. I can never decide between writing frequent frivolous posts, or occasional gems (not that I've succeeded in creating any gems). So here I am, sitting in bed on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The day started out sunny but quickly turned overcast. I woke up too early with an obvious hangover. A siesta should do me good.
Usually I don't care much about the New Year - it's just another day that comes and goes. Life goes on. This year is different. I rang in the New Year on a different continent - a place miles apart geographically and culturally. That trip stirred something up inside of me. Made me question my life choices. Made me yearn for more adventure. Perhaps it's just boredom. Perhaps it's something real.
2006 also marks the beginning of a new job for me. I am not running on autopilot anymore - I actually have to work for a change :P On the bright side, I don't have to travel. Despite the trips to Waterloo and Niagara, I get to come home every evening to my own home, and hopefully, a life.
The last six months of 2005 seem like one long party. I had just moved to Toronto. I was living downtown. I wasn't a slave to my job. Good times don't last forever and I took full advantage of this new found freedom. Life seemed like an endless stream of parties. Well - it's 2006 and the party's definitely over. I've made a conscious decision to bring some focus back into my life. I have a job that I can actually make something out of. I need to buy a condo soon. I have to think about my future plans. And of course, I have to give some serious thought to who I want to share my life with.
And through all of this, I must not forget to stop and smell the roses :)
Usually I don't care much about the New Year - it's just another day that comes and goes. Life goes on. This year is different. I rang in the New Year on a different continent - a place miles apart geographically and culturally. That trip stirred something up inside of me. Made me question my life choices. Made me yearn for more adventure. Perhaps it's just boredom. Perhaps it's something real.
2006 also marks the beginning of a new job for me. I am not running on autopilot anymore - I actually have to work for a change :P On the bright side, I don't have to travel. Despite the trips to Waterloo and Niagara, I get to come home every evening to my own home, and hopefully, a life.
The last six months of 2005 seem like one long party. I had just moved to Toronto. I was living downtown. I wasn't a slave to my job. Good times don't last forever and I took full advantage of this new found freedom. Life seemed like an endless stream of parties. Well - it's 2006 and the party's definitely over. I've made a conscious decision to bring some focus back into my life. I have a job that I can actually make something out of. I need to buy a condo soon. I have to think about my future plans. And of course, I have to give some serious thought to who I want to share my life with.
And through all of this, I must not forget to stop and smell the roses :)
Saturday, December 17, 2005
LJ-style
Since I'm really bored, here's another random post. Stolen from imperfectmanx on LJ.
A. FOUR JOBS YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE:
1. Sales engineer
2. Teaching assistant
3. Research assistant
4. Kid?
(pretty bad eh?)
B. FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:
1. Kal Ho Na Ho
2. All About My Mother
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's
4. Touch of Pink
C. FOUR CITIES YOU'VE LIVED IN:
1. Toronto
2. Northern VA
3. Baltimore County
4. Bombay, India
D. FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH:
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Will & Grace
3. Sex and the City rerurns
4. Golden Girls reruns
E. FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION:
1. Florida
2. London
3. Las Vegas
4. Rehoboth
F. FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY:
1. Bloglines
2. Toronto Star
3. Gmail
4. My Yahoo
G. FOUR OF YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:
1. Alma de Cuba, Philadelphia
2. Cafe Atlantico, Washington DC
3. Spring Rolls, Toronto
4. Straits Cafe, San Jose, CA
H. FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS:
1. Pad thai
2. Egg burji
3. Moong lentil fritters
4. BK chicken sandwich
I. FOUR SCHOOLS YOU'VE ATTENDED:
1. UMBC, Baltimore
2. TSEC, Bombay
3. Jaihind College
4. St Xaviers, Bombay
J. FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. Toronto
2. Bombay
3. Rio
4. Goa
K. FOUR THINGS YOU FIND YOURSELF SAYING:
1. OMG!!
2. WTF???
3. Seriously?
4. Totally
A. FOUR JOBS YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE:
1. Sales engineer
2. Teaching assistant
3. Research assistant
4. Kid?
(pretty bad eh?)
B. FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:
1. Kal Ho Na Ho
2. All About My Mother
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's
4. Touch of Pink
C. FOUR CITIES YOU'VE LIVED IN:
1. Toronto
2. Northern VA
3. Baltimore County
4. Bombay, India
D. FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH:
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Will & Grace
3. Sex and the City rerurns
4. Golden Girls reruns
E. FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION:
1. Florida
2. London
3. Las Vegas
4. Rehoboth
F. FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY:
1. Bloglines
2. Toronto Star
3. Gmail
4. My Yahoo
G. FOUR OF YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE RESTAURANTS:
1. Alma de Cuba, Philadelphia
2. Cafe Atlantico, Washington DC
3. Spring Rolls, Toronto
4. Straits Cafe, San Jose, CA
H. FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS:
1. Pad thai
2. Egg burji
3. Moong lentil fritters
4. BK chicken sandwich
I. FOUR SCHOOLS YOU'VE ATTENDED:
1. UMBC, Baltimore
2. TSEC, Bombay
3. Jaihind College
4. St Xaviers, Bombay
J. FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. Toronto
2. Bombay
3. Rio
4. Goa
K. FOUR THINGS YOU FIND YOURSELF SAYING:
1. OMG!!
2. WTF???
3. Seriously?
4. Totally
Saturday Night
Saturday night and I'm home. Totally random post. "Saturday Night" by Whigfield is playing in my head. It would've been playing on actual speakers - but I'm not at my home. I'm stuck in middle America. The sister has retreated with husband and kid to their quarters. The father is glad he found something on TV he recognizes - "The Sound of Music". The mother is cold and feigning interest in the movie. She'd rather be under a warm blanket right now. The son is trying to get over the horrors of a white-trash holiday party he was just forced to attend. Drunk women with bad haircuts and worse outfits dancing to rock-n-roll. Two black women that no one talked to. A skanky bitch in a crotch-length leather skirt (did I mention it's -5C outside?) A pastor who invoked Jesus not once but half a dozen times. A bored Indian girl - home for the weekend - her face betraying her desperate urge to go running back to New York.
And now the Von Trapp family is singing a bad medley of "Do Re Mi" under the watchful eyes of Nazi soldiers. That quickly gives way to Christopher Plummer over-pronouncing the 'v's in Edelweiss - ok you're Austrian - we get it! Oh and now he wells up and is joined by his lovely wife ... Charlotte York ... oops... Maria. So long farewell ... auf weidersehen .. adieu. Just fucking leave!!
Somewhere between age 12 and now, I must've become really jaded and bitter. I actually used to enjoy "The Sound of Music". I know all the lyrics. I can sing most of the songs. I guess time has taught me that life is a little more than running around meadows singing songs and swinging from trees - and escaping from abbeys to dress other people's kids in drapes and to sing your way into marrying their father. And time has taught me that I'm neither Austrian nor white.
There's a new series premiering on ABC - "InJustice". I wouldn't care except the promo spot had Sarah Mclachlan's angelic voice singing "Angel".
I just turned down an offer of more greasy delicious Indian food for tomorrow's lunch. We'll have something delicious AND healthy for a change - yes it IS possible with Indian food. I feel so distended from my two day feeding orgy. It'll take a week of dieting to lose this extra weight. Or a weekend at Fly.
Now Rolf is pointing a gun at Captain Von Trap but just melts under his sexy stare. Oh Rolf, it's ok. We know you're gay and Liesl is just a cover. Phew - they finally climb the mountain and make it across to - I never quite figured out that part. Anyway, the nice folks at ABC were nice enough to edit out the inconsequential details. The TV's finally off.
The battle of the thermostat continues and I should tuck myself under a blanket before the living room gets too cold. Adieu.
And now the Von Trapp family is singing a bad medley of "Do Re Mi" under the watchful eyes of Nazi soldiers. That quickly gives way to Christopher Plummer over-pronouncing the 'v's in Edelweiss - ok you're Austrian - we get it! Oh and now he wells up and is joined by his lovely wife ... Charlotte York ... oops... Maria. So long farewell ... auf weidersehen .. adieu. Just fucking leave!!
Somewhere between age 12 and now, I must've become really jaded and bitter. I actually used to enjoy "The Sound of Music". I know all the lyrics. I can sing most of the songs. I guess time has taught me that life is a little more than running around meadows singing songs and swinging from trees - and escaping from abbeys to dress other people's kids in drapes and to sing your way into marrying their father. And time has taught me that I'm neither Austrian nor white.
There's a new series premiering on ABC - "InJustice". I wouldn't care except the promo spot had Sarah Mclachlan's angelic voice singing "Angel".
I just turned down an offer of more greasy delicious Indian food for tomorrow's lunch. We'll have something delicious AND healthy for a change - yes it IS possible with Indian food. I feel so distended from my two day feeding orgy. It'll take a week of dieting to lose this extra weight. Or a weekend at Fly.
Now Rolf is pointing a gun at Captain Von Trap but just melts under his sexy stare. Oh Rolf, it's ok. We know you're gay and Liesl is just a cover. Phew - they finally climb the mountain and make it across to - I never quite figured out that part. Anyway, the nice folks at ABC were nice enough to edit out the inconsequential details. The TV's finally off.
The battle of the thermostat continues and I should tuck myself under a blanket before the living room gets too cold. Adieu.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Food
A couple of interesting cooking blogs I stumbled upon.
Naughty Curry
White chicks experimenting with Indian spices and everyday foods.
One Hot Stove
Lots of recipes from Maharashtra
Naughty Curry
White chicks experimenting with Indian spices and everyday foods.
One Hot Stove
Lots of recipes from Maharashtra
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Fortress USA
A trip to the US Embassy in Ottawa cast a new light on America's isolation in the world. If there's such a thing as a modern day fortress, there a prime example at 460 Sussex Dr, Ottawa. I won't get into details - but the overall effect is that of intimidation. I feel sorry for the men & women who work in this building. There are signs posted all around, describing the different audible alarms - one for a fire, one for an imminent terrorist attack.
On one hand, it's important to protect the lives of innocent Americans serving their country abroad. On the other hand, don't policy makers realize how much they've pushed themselves into a corner? Something's really wrong if all your overseas missions - even peaceful ones - have to be places under so much security. It sends out the wrong message. That there's something evil and dirty going on inside. Is there?
Outsourced Scam?
I got the strangest telemarketing call today. Some chick (with a heavy Bombay accent) tells me that as a US taxpayer, I am one of 1000 people selected to receive a $7,500 grant from the federal government. Hmm. This was too good to brush off :P
Being as bored as I was, I let her finish her script, while being careful not to divulge information. I learnt that to receive this wonderful freebie from Uncle Sam - just for being a good taxpayer - I'd have to pay a small processing fee of $249.99. She gave me an address in St. Petersberg, FL (which I just verified as non-existent). Finally - out comes the important question: "Who do you bank with?" I learnt that I would have to give her my bank account number and routing code. When she learnt she's not getting anything out of me, she got defensive and aggressive. I pushed her and she pushed back. Finally I hung up.
Ten seconds later it's our desperate salesgal on the phone again. This time she only wanted the last 4 digits of my social security number :) This was more entertaining than anything else at work so I let her talk her lungs out. A few minutes later when she realized she's not getting anywhere, she promptly hung up.
Is this the new era of scams? Was this a homegrown scam from India? Or was this an American scam artist getting stuff done on the cheap?
Oh - and the caller ID was 1-559-0802. Deliberately hacked.
Being as bored as I was, I let her finish her script, while being careful not to divulge information. I learnt that to receive this wonderful freebie from Uncle Sam - just for being a good taxpayer - I'd have to pay a small processing fee of $249.99. She gave me an address in St. Petersberg, FL (which I just verified as non-existent). Finally - out comes the important question: "Who do you bank with?" I learnt that I would have to give her my bank account number and routing code. When she learnt she's not getting anything out of me, she got defensive and aggressive. I pushed her and she pushed back. Finally I hung up.
Ten seconds later it's our desperate salesgal on the phone again. This time she only wanted the last 4 digits of my social security number :) This was more entertaining than anything else at work so I let her talk her lungs out. A few minutes later when she realized she's not getting anywhere, she promptly hung up.
Is this the new era of scams? Was this a homegrown scam from India? Or was this an American scam artist getting stuff done on the cheap?
Oh - and the caller ID was 1-559-0802. Deliberately hacked.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
New Drink
Black Cherry Caipirinha
- black cherry infused cachaça
- sugar syrup
- lime juice
Alma de Cuba
Philadelphia, PA
Confessions
This is who I am
You can like it or not
You can love me or leave me
Cause I’m never gonna stop, no no
- Madonna
Friday, November 11, 2005
Crash
"It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something."
When a movie opens that strong, you know you're in for a treat. THAT is good writing.
Great movie - highly recommend it.
When a movie opens that strong, you know you're in for a treat. THAT is good writing.
Great movie - highly recommend it.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Dufus
US Immigration Agent at YYZ - looking at my passport:
"Republic of India .... are you lost?"
WHAT THE FUCK???
I'm so glad these assholes aren't between me and my life anymore.
"Republic of India .... are you lost?"
WHAT THE FUCK???
I'm so glad these assholes aren't between me and my life anymore.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Illusions
As I was watching a movie today, I had my first you-know-you're-from-Toronto-if experiences. I recognized fake scenes of New York - shot in Toronto. York St ducking down under the train tracks. Union Station. Yorkville. One scene actually had a short glimpse of the CN tower.
This got me thinking about why people draw parallels between New York and Toronto. Hollywood has been passing off Toronto cityscapes as New York for years now. It is possible that we're subliminally conditioned into seeing glimpses of New York in Toronto?
This got me thinking about why people draw parallels between New York and Toronto. Hollywood has been passing off Toronto cityscapes as New York for years now. It is possible that we're subliminally conditioned into seeing glimpses of New York in Toronto?
Monday, October 31, 2005
Shubh Deepavali
Here's wishing all my blog readers (all 5 of them) a Happy Deepvali .. or Divali .. whatever you prefer. Today marks a year (by the Hindu calendar) since my last trip to Bombay. Time flies. I've got the itch again - but I guess I'll have to wait.
I miss the excitement that rings in the air this time of the year in Bombay. Colorful paper lanterns dotting every little home. The smell of fireworks in the air. Delicious mithai. Shopping sales. Garlands of marigolds adorning every entrance. Little clay lamps. The one time in the year when you don't have to feel guilty about spending money on indulgences (not that I ever do :P ) Oh well... I guess I'll have to wait another year.
Meanwhile today's Halloween!! Can't wait to see the madness on Church St tonight.
I miss the excitement that rings in the air this time of the year in Bombay. Colorful paper lanterns dotting every little home. The smell of fireworks in the air. Delicious mithai. Shopping sales. Garlands of marigolds adorning every entrance. Little clay lamps. The one time in the year when you don't have to feel guilty about spending money on indulgences (not that I ever do :P ) Oh well... I guess I'll have to wait another year.
Meanwhile today's Halloween!! Can't wait to see the madness on Church St tonight.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Rants on Religion
My response to some controversial, somewhat hateful emails on the KhushDC mailing list.
Power politics is all about controlling people and directing them to your advantage. Happy, content people cannot be controlled, hence politicians have to come up with innovative ways of creating paranoia. The easiest way to do this is to fuel the fear of the unknown - be it another religion, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation (as we saw in the 2004 election). Religious fundamentalism is just another aspect of this power politics - leaders seeking to control their constituency in order to further some vested interests.
I am not a religious person, and I respect everyone's personal belief system. However, I do urge everyone to question their belief system the minute it calls upon you to HATE or KILL in order to ensure its survival.
The conflicts we see in the world today are a perpetuation of age-old conflicts, religious, territorial or otherwise. Terrorism is an aspect of asymetrical warfare. It's moot arguing whether the weaker power is more justified than the stronger power - bottomline is they're both causing hurt and anguish. Hate only begets hate, and war only breeds more wars. Somewhere along the way, we have to break this vicious cycle.
I'll concede that the neo-cons are abusing the US's position in the world as the only superpower. They need a counter-balance, but the answer does not lie in terrorism. The answer lies in replicating the economic and political success of the US as one of the world's most hard-working, open-minded free societies.
Power politics is all about controlling people and directing them to your advantage. Happy, content people cannot be controlled, hence politicians have to come up with innovative ways of creating paranoia. The easiest way to do this is to fuel the fear of the unknown - be it another religion, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation (as we saw in the 2004 election). Religious fundamentalism is just another aspect of this power politics - leaders seeking to control their constituency in order to further some vested interests.
I am not a religious person, and I respect everyone's personal belief system. However, I do urge everyone to question their belief system the minute it calls upon you to HATE or KILL in order to ensure its survival.
The conflicts we see in the world today are a perpetuation of age-old conflicts, religious, territorial or otherwise. Terrorism is an aspect of asymetrical warfare. It's moot arguing whether the weaker power is more justified than the stronger power - bottomline is they're both causing hurt and anguish. Hate only begets hate, and war only breeds more wars. Somewhere along the way, we have to break this vicious cycle.
I'll concede that the neo-cons are abusing the US's position in the world as the only superpower. They need a counter-balance, but the answer does not lie in terrorism. The answer lies in replicating the economic and political success of the US as one of the world's most hard-working, open-minded free societies.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
New Celebrity Refuge
From today's BBC News:
Pop star Michael Jackson has received a jury summons at his Neverland ranch in California - four months after he was acquitted on child molestation charges. But it is likely he will be excused from serving due to the fact that he has lived in Bahrain since the trial.
Have we discovered a new refuge for celebs and potential pedophiles? Or just a new fetish?
Pop star Michael Jackson has received a jury summons at his Neverland ranch in California - four months after he was acquitted on child molestation charges. But it is likely he will be excused from serving due to the fact that he has lived in Bahrain since the trial.
Have we discovered a new refuge for celebs and potential pedophiles? Or just a new fetish?
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Who Cleans Up?
Anti-war rally? Good
Mounties? Probably can't hurt.
Mountain of doo-doo on the streets after mounties leave? BAD
Who's responsible for the cleanup? That stuff isn't just going to evaporate.
Mounties? Probably can't hurt.
Mountain of doo-doo on the streets after mounties leave? BAD
Who's responsible for the cleanup? That stuff isn't just going to evaporate.
Bleak-onomics
It's hard not to be wowed by the consistently high economic growth rates posted by India over the past few years. Many factors have contributed to this, howerver an underappreciate one is the sheer demographics of India. Over half the country's population is under the age of 30. That not only translates to a larger workforce and smaller burden of supporting the ageing population, but it also means that people are more willing to embrace change. That's a darned good thing because guess what? The world is about to change dramatically in the next few decades.
India has a unique opportunity to use this natural advantage to emerge from the throes of poverty and correct the economic balance in the world. However we must do everything we can to make sure this young population grows up healthy and educated. There are disheartening stories out there, one of which prompted me to write this post. I hope we can build a new world where this never happens.
India has a unique opportunity to use this natural advantage to emerge from the throes of poverty and correct the economic balance in the world. However we must do everything we can to make sure this young population grows up healthy and educated. There are disheartening stories out there, one of which prompted me to write this post. I hope we can build a new world where this never happens.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Walk on Water
I braved the rain & slosh (twice - once I forgot my wallet) and made it out to the local independent video store. Over a smoked salmon sandwich and some Pinot Noir (they don't go together btw - bad decision), I watched an interesting Israeli film called "Walk on Water". It's about a Mossad assassin, Eyal, who's tasked with being a tour guide to a young German, Axel. Turns out Axel's grandfather, Alfred Himmelman, was a Nazi and may still be alive. "I want to get to him before God does", says Menachem - the Mossad bigwig. It's more of a personal mission - Menachem was one of the few survivors of Himmelman's cleansing.
Axel is visiting his sister, Pia, who we learn is estranged from her family and lives on a kibbutz. Axel is an exhuberant young man, spontaneous and full of life. Eyal is cold and colorless - probably the result of years of Mossad training. The movie is about contrasts - between Axel and Eyal, gay and straight, Mossad agents and kibbutz farmers, Arabs and Jews, Germans and Jews, older Germans and younger Germans. It's also about the friendships and bonds that develop between seemingly opposite characters. It seems like a lot of material for a feature length movie. Although it feels rushed at times, the issues are all laid out there one by one.
I won't give away too much, but towards the end we find that the movie's two main characters have rubbed off on each other. I'd highly recommend it if you need a break from Hollywood and Bollywood drivel. Along the way, we're also treated to some interesting scenery from Turkey, Israel, Palestine and Berlin.
Axel is visiting his sister, Pia, who we learn is estranged from her family and lives on a kibbutz. Axel is an exhuberant young man, spontaneous and full of life. Eyal is cold and colorless - probably the result of years of Mossad training. The movie is about contrasts - between Axel and Eyal, gay and straight, Mossad agents and kibbutz farmers, Arabs and Jews, Germans and Jews, older Germans and younger Germans. It's also about the friendships and bonds that develop between seemingly opposite characters. It seems like a lot of material for a feature length movie. Although it feels rushed at times, the issues are all laid out there one by one.
I won't give away too much, but towards the end we find that the movie's two main characters have rubbed off on each other. I'd highly recommend it if you need a break from Hollywood and Bollywood drivel. Along the way, we're also treated to some interesting scenery from Turkey, Israel, Palestine and Berlin.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
So I'm an Uncle
The phone rang at 3:30am on July 26th. The caller ID said it was my sister. After about 5 seconds of staring at the cellphone in agony - the agony of a disturbed slumber - a lightbulb went off in my head and I knew what that call was about. My sister was in the hospital, awaiting labor, four weeks too early. Sleep was then just a distant memory. After about 30 mins of vain attempts at rational thinking, I decided couldn't talk myself out of driving down.
A hurried breakfast, shower, and packing later, I found myself on the QEW at 6am. At 9:15am, somewhere in at a rest stop in PA, my mom called sounding more confused than ever. The event she spent the last 2 months planning for had just happened - and she wasn't there! Oh - the tussle between disappointment and joy!
At 11:15am I finally made it to the hospital. He was lying on his side in the incubator. The most precious little thing I've ever seen. I realized this is the closest I'd ever come to having my own child. I secretly conferred on myself the status of parent #3. I watched him take his first drop of food. I watched him open his eyes and take in the world. I took his first pictures.
The next week was an excercise in adaptation and perseverence. We were getting used to him - he was getting used to the world. By day 4, he didn't care for it too much, insisting on the comfort of a human cradle all day long.
By day 7 it was time for me to say goodbye and return to my world - one I had barely begun to grapple with. Next week, I'll get to meet my family again - new addition included. I wonder if he'll remember me.
There are lots of books on parenting - but none on uncle-ing. What role am I supposed to play in this kid's life? Friend? Playmate? Teacher? Guardian? Only time will tell.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Oh Canada
I've been here two weeks - wondering what all the fuss was about. I think the hard part was extracting myself from Herndon. Settling in is proving much easier. I don't think in DC terms anymore. I'm taking this city for what it is - trying to find all the things I'm used to.
So far it's going well. I already had a packed weekend. Living downtown works great. Why didn't I do this before? Oh well - I know why.
My stuff gets in Friday. We'll see how it feels once I'm reunited with my "baggage".
So far it's going well. I already had a packed weekend. Living downtown works great. Why didn't I do this before? Oh well - I know why.
My stuff gets in Friday. We'll see how it feels once I'm reunited with my "baggage".
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Almost There
All my stuff is on a truck, or in my car. I don't have any keys on my keyring. I am officially homeless :) I feel a lot lighter. These two days in Pittsburgh are really helping me unwind.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
The Day Nears
Tonight my house is officially un-liveable. Computer's unplugged, the fridge has been cleaned out, and there's very little food left. All that remains is to pack some bags for the next 2 weeks, and head out.
Tonight I am gloomy. Undoing three years of hard-work hurts more than you'd think - like a dull throbbing pain. Walking back from the curb today, I looked up at the cherry tree and almost cried - it felt like I'm leaving behind a loved one. I paced through the living room and could almost hear the party chatter.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Tonight I am gloomy. Undoing three years of hard-work hurts more than you'd think - like a dull throbbing pain. Walking back from the curb today, I looked up at the cherry tree and almost cried - it felt like I'm leaving behind a loved one. I paced through the living room and could almost hear the party chatter.
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Home No More
Today I parted with my home - legally and mentally. I felt nothing as the buyers walked through the place and spoke of remodeling and changes they plan to make. As of today, I cease to be an owner, and will live here as a tenant until moving day. I bid goodbye to my little parcel of America.
Owning property is such a strange state of mind. It grounds you and gives you a stake in the world. I have forgotten what it's like to be free of this responsibility. I am about to rediscover it.
Owning property is such a strange state of mind. It grounds you and gives you a stake in the world. I have forgotten what it's like to be free of this responsibility. I am about to rediscover it.
It Finally Feels Like I'm Moving
Sold some furniture yesterday - and I already feel lighter. One couch gone, and the dining set gone. For the first time it feels like I'm actually moving. Craigslist rulz!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Capital Pride
Today marks a big milestone in my life. I walked in the Capital Pride parade. I held my head up high, smiled, waved, hooted and showed my gay Indian self to the world. There must've been a thousand cameras clicking away in my face. Families cheered on; couples cheered on; kids cheered on; desis cheered on. Someone said I looked "really high" :P
Next year - Toronto!
Next year - Toronto!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)