Monday, October 20, 2008

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!!!

Monday, October 6, 2008

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.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

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 :-)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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")

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

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

Saturday, July 26, 2008

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!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

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.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Weekend again??

I need to get a new title for my saturday posts - hahaha. Time has really been flying this week and its already Saturday. Got Babush's B'day party tonight at Nahur - meeting the whole family after a long time. It should be fun.
I am actually dreading tomorrow.. there is going to be a lot of house-work with setting up of mirrors and packing/un-packing. I am going to make a list after this post and mail it to Mom.. I love lists!!!!

BTW, Central Railway rocks... I took the train to Nahur and the ride was a breeze. Firstly they have these kickass huge compartments.. secondly the slow trains move at such promptness and speed - It will put Western Railways to shame. Only grouse is that the crowd is wierd.. there was shouting and screaming at pratically every station.. entertaining but irritating at the same time.

All else is fine. Will be planning my IELTS exams soon..saw a guy reading a practice book and it looked real simple. I have three books and a cd of my own to go through.. train journey zindabad.. will study on the train.. Steve Job's iCon will have to wait a few weeks to get completed.

I have some ideas which I always get - but am a little apprehensive about putting them down here. what if they are stolen and implemented - hahaha.. Nah.. I'll start a post section called "Ideas for Free" and write them down as they strike me.

I'll get back to work then.. I love saturdays..cheers

Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Boss is Back!

The Big Bad Boss of Bhandup is coming back to Mumbai.. and he's getting Damien with him:-)

Luia should be reaching Mumbai anytime soon now - he's driving all the way from Goa in his jalopy i.e. maruti van alongwith stuff and a dog. The last time i drove that vehicle - doors were spoilt, wipers weren't working and less said about the headlights, the better. It's really commendable how Luia still manages to drive that.

Can you believe he once got caught in Mulund for Speeding!!!!!!

The Malad house is getting ready day by day. .. Got all appliances also now.. so that is cool. The weather in Mumbai sucks man.. its so freaking hot during the day and cold during the night.. should be opposite..grrrrrrr

Can't wait to see the Mahabarat between Damien and Pepito Snowflakes.. though all are of the opinion that Damien will not even be concerned about the cat. My only grouse is that I will have to take the dog down for walks. Though scaring the hell out of the building crazy dog will be a consolation.

Anyway thats all till now.. real busy at work.
Cheers

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The Weekend

Wow.. its been three days since the weekend and it feels like nothing has been done at all!!

We had a full-on weekend.. I just don't know how time flew. Saturday went in completing the tasks on my "list" and sooner than I knew - It was time to leave for Ulhasnagar to my good friend "Dinesh's" house for a visit. We reached there at around 11.30pm and sat a while chitchatting before the saturday night bug eventually reared its lovely head ;-)

Dinesh took Tony and me out for a quick dinner of chinese and beverages which we relished.. I still love places like Ulhasnagar and Vasai where you get good stuff for the proper rates.. unlike Bombay where everyone only pay for "god knows what".

The next day we got up early at 8.30am for a trip to our farmland at Karjat. It was a relaxing drive with awesome weather and good roads. Our properly looks wonderful with so much greenery and the farmer couple are already busy weeding out shrubs and preparing the land for trees etc. This place really looks wonderful and all credit for my mom for painstakingly investing and following its progress!!

We also had the good luck of going to Hariharan's (Colonial Cousin's singer) farmhouse. Boy - its huge and has got almost everything. Coconut plantation, swimming pool, huge house with gigantic glass doors (around 15 feet high) which make the place awesome and beautiful surroundings. Not to forget the 10 feet wide stream that flows just outside his property.. It will be around 3-4 feet deep so you can literally just enter it anytime.. like a private river.

On our way back, we were searching for a lunch place right from Karjat to Airoli and finally settled for Sadhna Again (The Sports Bar section) since the asia cup finally was on. The famous prawns koliwada was rubbish (Big prawns with no taste) - Maybe the night cook is different. Checked out our under-construction office too - development is going good - interiors are remaining and should be complete by October - inshallah.

All pictures are on my phone and I'll upload them asap when i get the time.
Been really busy otherwise - Went to Amanda's dad house on Monday for dinner.. had a nice time. Also went to Dad's house at Kandivali on Tuesday for dinner.. I always love the food there.. the beef especially was great.

Anyway I'll sign off now.. please look back for pictures.

Cheers!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

The Week is almost over

The week is almost over and the weekend is at hand. I just can't seem to stress enough on LISTS!! I've got a couple of small papers which have a list of all jobs on hand and I must say that it has made the week so much more organised!
Everything from fixing a phone to setting up an Indyarocks account - all was listed and got promptly erased as the task was completed.

Mom and I are off to Karjat over the weekend to oversee the Farm House work. I'm so glad Mom has decided to get this thing started.. and I've pledged full weekend support towards it.. What better way to spend alternate weekends away from the hustle-bustle of Mumbai :-D

Amanda is doing good in Australia.. settling down. I too have to get started on my paper-work for OZ.. will do that soon enough.

BTW - I started my gym and have gone for all days since I started - but sadly Mom hasn't started her walks (Everyone who has her number, take a minute off and call her and get her to start her walks.)

Rest all is good.. Office is cool, have a great Mentor and good colleagues - hope the same continues in all other offices I work in or run :-D

Till my next post - cheers!

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Gym has begun

Mom finally gave up on her Gym Plans for the year. Now states that she will do walking (churchgate to Charni rd) BEST OF LUCK with that - it'll be good for us both :-D

Good for me since I got the membership transferred to me. Checked out the Gym - Spirit Gym (was a lot smaller than People's Gym) - but as ppl say (size doesn't matter)

Hopefully I can get to the gym today (Since it's Wizi aunty's b'day tonight - talk about distractions) Can't depend on the rains too.. But i will try my best - sat down and made a gym clothes drawer too also last night.

Other than than, nothing much going on. Also Ramona Aunty's (Caroline's Mom) b'day today so made it a point to wish her.
So hopefully mom and me are on the way to good health with her walking and my gyming..

Byeee

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Goa - Dec 07

Had an awesome Goa trip this december. Amanda, Cynthia, Clive, Deepak, Dharmesh, Sunny and me headed out to Goa on the 28th night. As usual, we got a rubbish car and driver but the trip made up for that hiccup. We stayed at Maneddie's porvorim flat (thanks you uncle once again) - and partied at baga for all the nights. The time really flew by but we did have a lot of fun.

The partying at Tito's and Mambo's were courtesy of my dad... and the last day shower after the beach was all thanks to Mandy :-D
It was Dharmesh's first time in Goa and he had a blast. Deepak was his usual funny self.. Clive was the cashier - making sure we didn't have money on one night - ass ;-)
Cynthia was the baccha of the group - we really enjoyed her company and Sunny was our contact man for goa locals and the driver. (less said about the driver - the better) Amanda and me had a great time too and looking forward to a goa trip real soon.

It was a pleasant experience - the food was delicious and the Feni was divine!!! Can't wait to make our next trip there.

Back to Work

Clive and me decided to go the 9 to 5 way for work now. The whole flexitime was anti-productive - we didn't work at home and neither got time in office. We've just started this method a few days ago - getting up at 9 and getting ready is the biggest problem so far - but i guess once mom gets back and mandy too has a job, then that should get easy.

The best part about this is that we have the whole evening free. Clive can do his tennis and I can finish off my gym. This will still leave us with ample time for family and friends and movies.

Now that Goa is over - it's time for some serious work. We'v got a new project lined up and i'm too busy with work among other things. So lets hope it all goes well. 2008 seems to be a good year - am looking forward to it!!!

Rain Rain, Go Away!!

Got my first Rain blues today. Had already been absent from work for 3 days and there was no way in hell that I could afford another bunk. Mom and me were waiting for the rain to get slow but to no avail. We headed out the station, missed a train, took two hrs to reach Churchgate from Borivali.. but have finally reached office now!

Mandy has reached Melbourne too at around 9am today. Will contact her soon.. Got to get started on my paperwork too now.
Had a good couple of weeks with Amanda.. stayed at the Intercontinental The Grand and drank for FREE at China House.

Got to kill the cat!! He has scratched my shoes now... uurrrgghh. Got a busy week ahead and will try and keep all of it recorded here..

Bye for now.. Rain - just kidding - don't go away!!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Welcome Back

Hii there,

Aahhhhh.. It feels great to be back online. So much has happened since January 2008!!!

Febuary was uneventful... the usual life. I did thoroughly enjoy Valentine's Day.. Went with Mandy to Dahanu, great MTDC Bungalows almost on the beach.

March was eventful.. I started working at Chaturvedi and Shah, the CA firm for Reliance :-D. This was due to my future plans to go study in Australia. This was due to my futurer plans to join Amanda there - hahaha

April was good.. quite a few b'days. Been busy with work and all. Clive left for New Zealand in May.. Mrugesh took over the Cricket Sites.. and I got busy with work and Amanda (All's good that goes well)

And now it's JUNE!! The rains are here, Amanda is in Dubai enjoying a holiday in a kick-ass villa with her bro and family. I watched the Portugal-Czech game last night with Reinaldo (My portuguese friend from Lisbon).. had a great time - lovely match and good company.

There are quite a few new pics that I need to upload here. will start when I get settled at home. Till then chao and have a nice rainy day.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Mom's Golden B'day

Had a great weekend.. Mom celebrated her golden b'day and it was rocking. All and everyone who mattered were there - right from Saturday night. It started with a quite dinner at night - but once goretti and the gang arrived - the party went on till 5am!!

The next day i.e. Sunday was the big day!! 50 guests was an apt number - and it was a rocking party. All really enjoyed themselves with the dancing and the singing too. Cheers out to Dwayne (th DJ), Eddie and Clarence (the singers) and Mala/ Luia (the dancers)

Looking forward to many more such celebrations..Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!