Racial Rant on NSW Train

http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/womans-racist-rant-against-asian-woman-filmed-on-train-from-central-coast-to-sydney/story-fni0cx12-1226976118971?nk=f7274e571e6967e8717c1a9da54cd828

As strongly as I feel against racism.. Not everything is clear as black and white.
I am not condoning what Karen did.. And she will be judged as a racist. But there is always something more than what she did.

Triggers, bad day gone worse, children not giving up their seats - all words used by Karen but the  mere fact that she was ready to snarl at kids says that she was going through something more than just a bad ego n a penchant for racism.

She is definitely going thru something more than a bad day.. People are known to retaliate badly when cornered.. Doesn't help when tens of smartphones are now shoved in your face. And this is a classic case of making a bad situation worse by not  keeping quite/backing down.

Mental stress might be something that accompanies someone all the time.. We don't see it as an illness but I feel it eventually will be. It might resurface only when a trigger is activated.. But then it takes the form of an illness..  And no one wants to admit it, take steps like medication or actions to stop the stress.. This includes not only the sufferer, but everyone around them.

People on that train could only see the racist.. But some might have seen something deeper.. As cliched as it sounds, "a cry for help"

So people, just look out for your loved ones.. Don't be quick to judge but also don't be complacent. Bad attitudes should be reprimanded .. But bad people should be helped.

The Godfather

What can one do without a Godfather in India??? Nothing as is apparent from the arrest of Raj Thackeray from Ratnagiri.

Apart from sporadic incidents from small pockets in MNS controlled areas, the arrest of Raj Thackeray was byfar without incident. Even though he was arrested all the way from Ratnagiri and brought to Mumbai via road, there was no scope for violence or any bandh called by his members.

This can only mean one thing - the hand of the Godfather is no longer sheilding the young 'wanna-be' tiger. If Shri Bal Thackeray was infavour of Raj, and Raj was still in the SS, then there is no way in hell that the police convoy from Ratnagiri to Mumbai could come so easily. But alas, Raj has fallen out of favour from the Shiv Sena and importantly also fallen in the eyes of his head boss, Balasaheb.

By continually trying to upsurp the Shiv Sena and trying to break its ranks, the MNS Leader thought he'll get the same support as his Uncle, Balasaheb - but he fell short by a long way. Now he is isolated from his own people, the outsiders, his old party and everyone else who wants to live in Mumbai with dignity and pride.. not under fear and humility.

Now all he can bank on is his ragtag team of supporters, the sympathy of the Jet employees, the fleeting support of a few shiv sainiks empathic with his cause - Other than that, he is an ousted tiger even before claiming his pride!!!

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???

This must be the question in everyone's mind after reading about the Bombay 72 Degree Fiasco!
How could these youngsters even think of attending a Rave Party in the heart of Mumbai City.. Their stupidity and brazeness has to be lauded.

Firstly - A big thanks to the NGO Duo.. They used their brains and got this thingy stopped. Which Club charges Rs.700 on a Sunday Night?? Most of the biggest clubs too have minimal attendance on Sunday nights and hence have free entry.. So if parents are going to defend their wards going for this party by saying that they weren't involved in this drug party - they are lying. Everyone there who paid the cover knew something was going on and hence it's good they been caught.

If the youngsters are so-called innocent - then why hide their faces and run like criminals.. Everyone has a right to party and should show their face openly if they aren't part of the drug brigade - But that's not the case with this Party.. they were all there to do what was advertised - DRUGS!

In days when even Smoking is banned everywhere, the organisers have some b**ls to have this party.. that also in such a open area.. i can understand Farms and Forts, but a Club - tsk tsk - talk about stupidity.

BTW - Isn't the word 'Bombay' banned?:-) Maybe the MNS should use this incident to break some windows and get the name changed. Anyways it won't matter - Bombay 72 Degree or Mumbai 72 Degree, this place is gonna be empty for a while.

Wellness - Here I come!!

October has started good and hopefully it should continue till the end.
Got myself all focused and dedicated to Wellness and Health from this month onwards. Firstly its the gym that is gonna face the brunt of my determination. Secondly the ban on smoking couldn't come at a better time... We've joined the civilised world in respecting the rights of non-smokers.. plus part-time smokers now have the inclination not to smoke.

The heat is here in Mumbai.. and a guaranteed window seat in a First Class Compartment doesn't guarantee a good journey. I'm out of ideas to reach office non-sweaty!!!!

Weekends are going good nowadays - Started my long weekend with something I love doing - Going to the Movies: Watched HellBoy II @9.30am... must say that there are quite a few maddies like me who sacrifice morning sleep for a good movie. Spent the rest of the Day at Bashula Aunt's place where a very enjoyable session of cards was played.. I should have joined in seeing the competition :-) The night party welcoming our very own Sheikh Vernon was a fun-filled one.. Bashula Aunt's starters oriented dinner was a total yummy experience.

Sunday was laid back.. albeit Mom was again on her house-cleaning missions. Went for a early Lunch to Dad's place with an all fish menu spread... His place can be likened to Malwani Kalvan or Krishna - Fish rules all the way (Ofcourse thanks to Helen for the preparations)

Couldn't chat with Amanda since she's busy with her assignments so headed out for a dinner @ Ekta Woods. It was fun too and thus ended a eventful but enjoyable weekend.

Now its Monday and time to hit the workscene again... this week too we have midweek holiday on Thursday - Thank God for festivals :-)

End of The Marlboro Man!!

The 2nd of October is gonna be one helluva happy day for me:-)
I've been breaking into smiles while reading the news leading to this great day.. and I hope its a success.

Personally being one who is tempted by the Stick of Death occasionally, I can't wait for the ban on smoking to come into effect. There are temptations, and then are dangerous temptations. Smoking is super dangerous and if the temptation is taken away..the addiction will follow - simple.

Some ppl are crying themselves hoarse about banning the cigarette, why ban the smoking... Do we want the world to ban meat, crispies and cheese to stop obesity?? - NO, Ppl just shouldn't eat too much of either.

Similarily - people should save themselves from cigarettes. I'll be particularly glad to see coffee shops shut down wherein youngsters just splurge money on exhorbinantly charged coffees and finish off packs of ciggies - whiling away hours on end for no reason at all. Clubs used to rip off smokers by charging ciggies @ almost 200% extra.. Now they can concentrate on clean air and proper drinks. Social smokers too will benefit... Now the non-serious smokers will surely not make the effort to leave a pub or disco to go out and smoke on the road like a bunch of outcasts.

With Discoteques surely not being able to have smoking rooms - the whole place will just depend on smoke machines to get their hazy look :-)

I would like to empathise with addicted smokers.. but for the rest out there who make a fool of themselves puffing away for nothing.. too bad suckers!!!!!!!!!!!

SO GOODBYE CIGARETTES - AND MY FELLOW SMOKERS - HAHA! (Like Nelson from "The Simpsons")

Finally got my IELTS information.. tom is the big day.. the IELTS Test. What a scam btw!! 7K for nothing..

The Gym is going good.. there are evenings when I am just tempted to stay home and watch a movie, but then all it takes is a little discipline and I'm off to the gym. Getting there is the hardest part - once I get there, then its so much more fun than lazing at home. My new gym "Spirit" is a lot smaller than "People's Gym" but it has a good feeling to it. The trainers are good and its pretty accessible to me.

Had a nice Independence Weekend. Started off with a afternoon luncheon at Mulund - had wonderful stuffed chicken and Faustine's home-made Biryani. It was real good. The next day was "rakhsa-bandhan" - a day for brothers and sisters. I kept the day aside for personal work and later went over to dad's place. Annette (my sis) and I went to watch "The Mummy" - in HINDI!!!!! it was good, the theatre was nice and she enjoyed herself. Lucky to have her since she doesn't like to eat and drink.. saving money for myself and her dada :-D

Saturday was a nice dinner at Dad's place.. Beef, Mutton, Veg and Feni - the combination I love so much. Entertainment is always there with Annette and Dad play-fighting as usual.

I left for Borivali the next day to celebrate Eddie Uncle's belated b'day. Aunt Jane prepared a wonderful feast as usual.. roast beef, fried fish, chicken, veggies, noodles, manchurian... the list was endless.

Mom and the ladies later went to Goretti's house for dinner - But I was too tired and spent a peaceful night at home before sleeping like a baby - all ready for a new week :-)

All's good otherwise.. see ya later.

The rains are here!!

Finally We've got respite from teh sweltering heat. The rains are back in Mumbai with a vengeance.. and we enjoying it. It's been pouring since Saturday in Mumbai and the whole place is wet, cold and green. The weekend went by quick.. watched Naqaab - its a nice movie.. the story line is good but that stupid Akshay Khanna really should do something about his sour face..and receding hairline.

Was saddened about the bomb blasts though in India. Begalaru first and now Ahmedabad. I just keep wondering when is it going to strike closer to home..shudder at that thought!!

Well, the week is back and so is work. I hope that we have a nice week ahead. Am planning to watch "The Dark Knight" during the week.. heard its a great movie. Also tried watching "Be Kind Rewind" yesterday - sad movie.. couldn't go thru more than half. That black actor really has a irritating voice and medicore acting.

I've got quite a few movies to watch now.. once a week or maybe twice..lessee.

See ya ppl around then..cheers

Book Review

Book Review: From Sex to Superconsciousness - Osho

Hey ppl,

I just finished reading Osho's Book "From Sex to Superconsciousness".
What a load of crap! This guy just goes on talking about all stupid things (his books are just a typed version of his lectures) I can't believe ppl read this crap and ppl gift this crap. I have another book of his at home.. will dare not touch that. All he can do is bash "religious leaders, etc". Nothing at all useful in his book.

This guy is all what people have made him out to be - a scamster. He just opened up a resort in Pune and gets all foreigners (who will do anythign to wear orange and dance) to come there and enjoy themselves. It's all a farce I'm sure.. These gora ppl are bored of the nude beaches and just come here to experience debauchery in another form.

The book itself is very boring. I read it because I wanted to finish it and put it back in the cupboard - otherwise it has nothing there at all. he talks of creating super-humans.. and calls the now generation of children sick and weak and all. Glad he's out... he's a bum!

Monday Blues

It’s another week of gymless activity for me I guess! The bike clutch-wire is broken and there is no time to go get it fixed. The rainy season is not helping and moreover I’ve got dinner plans tonight.. How will I ever get this started??

Any suggestions on this matter will really be appreciated J

Had a wonderful party over the weekend.. Vernon is off to Saudi Arabia.. Lets hope he has a good trip.. God be with him ;-) Or should I say Allah?

Apart from this, nothing much going on today.. just busy at work.
BTW, I read the book “iCon” on Steve Jobs and I must say – he is really someone you will love to hate! The book is an unofficial autobiography on the Apple Head and the information is really eye-opening. I never knen he started Pixar and I never imagined that cartoons could earn someone so much. This is a good book and worth the read.

Will be going home tonight to select my next “train” read.. maybe I WILL wait a while before buying that MP4 player..rather read than watch movies while traveling.

Will be back later then..adios.

P.S. I have got pictures online.. will soon upload them here.