Thursday, February 14, 2008
US$40 for a bottle of water?
If you can see yourself paying this for water, there is something seriously f***ed up with you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
It's possible to make $100K as a writer...
...it needs to be treated as a business.
A good dose from Science Fiction writer John Scalzi who made $164,000 writing in 2007.
It's the subject of my latest post on Written Road -- check it out here.
A good dose from Science Fiction writer John Scalzi who made $164,000 writing in 2007.
It's the subject of my latest post on Written Road -- check it out here.
Bush may move to Dubai?
Today's Gulf News says: "Sources close to the planning of the presidential trip reveal that Bush instantly fell in love with Dubai. He even alluded to the possibility of perhaps moving to the city as part of his White House plans."
Did anyone else catch this snippet of information while he was in Dubai? Did you have a reaction?
Anyway it's probably the most insignificant line in the entire article that focuses on Dubai's political neutrality, but I couldn't help imagine the possibility.
He would probably live a precious life in Dubai. I see him sipping expensive bubbly at the Bush Tent of the Dubai World Cup; with VIP seating at the Tennis Open, having countless photos with the Sheikhs; on page two of Gulf News business section playing golfing at the Montgomery; on the cover of Ahlan! as he decides to spend a night at Trilogy; running the Dubai Marathon; chief guest for sport's day at Choueifat International School; skiing down the slopes of the Dubai snowdome at Emirates Mall with a santa hat; smoking sheesha on a terrace at the Madinat; and being spokesperson for the American Hospital.
He would take up much space in the newspapers, so the Khaleej Times will come out with a weekly supplement called the Bush Times. Then 7-Days will come out with another one called the Bush-Basher.
He would drive the Lincoln Navigator. (Yaay, Ford -- weren't you always looking for an ambassador in the country?)
Blissful retirement refuge in luxury I'd say.
(Okok ridiculous line of thought. Will get back to work now)
Did anyone else catch this snippet of information while he was in Dubai? Did you have a reaction?
Anyway it's probably the most insignificant line in the entire article that focuses on Dubai's political neutrality, but I couldn't help imagine the possibility.
He would probably live a precious life in Dubai. I see him sipping expensive bubbly at the Bush Tent of the Dubai World Cup; with VIP seating at the Tennis Open, having countless photos with the Sheikhs; on page two of Gulf News business section playing golfing at the Montgomery; on the cover of Ahlan! as he decides to spend a night at Trilogy; running the Dubai Marathon; chief guest for sport's day at Choueifat International School; skiing down the slopes of the Dubai snowdome at Emirates Mall with a santa hat; smoking sheesha on a terrace at the Madinat; and being spokesperson for the American Hospital.
He would take up much space in the newspapers, so the Khaleej Times will come out with a weekly supplement called the Bush Times. Then 7-Days will come out with another one called the Bush-Basher.
He would drive the Lincoln Navigator. (Yaay, Ford -- weren't you always looking for an ambassador in the country?)
Blissful retirement refuge in luxury I'd say.
(Okok ridiculous line of thought. Will get back to work now)
Monday, February 11, 2008
Google.Org, Gandhi and Social Capitalism
I was wondering when Google will sprout with a philanthropic angle to it's functioning and was happy today to find Google.Org. I was happier to see it's inspiration -- none other than our very own Mahatma Gandhi.
The question that was posed to Google was the obvious one: we have loads of money we can give for good causes, and there are loads of great organisations all over the world who can benefit from our donations, how do we decide?
A good question to ponder for all of us wanting to donate.
The answer came from a Gandhi talisman: "Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it?"
According to an article on Google's grass-root efforts in Slate magazine: "...less than one-third of the money that people gave to nonprofits in 2005 went to help the economically disadvantaged. The world's poorest are virtually ignored by the philanthropic giving of some of the world's wealthiest citizens. So our first criterion had to be Gandhi's talisman: How will our work help the poorest and weakest of the world?"
The second question Google looked at was something that needed to fit in with it's philosophy of "think bigger": Is the potential initiative a big enough idea?
Basis that they say (in the article): "...the initiative now includes stimulating financing to small and medium-sized enterprises by finding ways to lower transaction costs, deepen capital markets, and catalyze the flow of other money along with our own."
And finally, in terms of addressing whether Google has the expertise to run such a philanthropic initiative successfully, it decided to use the efforts of its (close to 17,000) employees in an hybrid-philanthropic system where there is complete integration between Google and Google.Org.
A pretty straight forward 3-step plan huh.
It is very interesting to see such big organisations divert a good amount of time and energy towards social causes -- I think Microsoft takes the lead with that. It's also interesting to see the rapid rise of social capitalism and the growing importance of it being fundamental for the success of a company. The objective? With the huge recession in the global economy, organisations with a large amount of money and resources will have to play lead in large-scale social movements, not only to make a real difference in the world, but to be successful as an organisation. Much pressure for this comes from world leaders.
Perhaps there is much more hope for the world than we realize. All of a sudden, I don't despise the multinational monsters.
The question that was posed to Google was the obvious one: we have loads of money we can give for good causes, and there are loads of great organisations all over the world who can benefit from our donations, how do we decide?
A good question to ponder for all of us wanting to donate.
The answer came from a Gandhi talisman: "Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it?"
According to an article on Google's grass-root efforts in Slate magazine: "...less than one-third of the money that people gave to nonprofits in 2005 went to help the economically disadvantaged. The world's poorest are virtually ignored by the philanthropic giving of some of the world's wealthiest citizens. So our first criterion had to be Gandhi's talisman: How will our work help the poorest and weakest of the world?"
The second question Google looked at was something that needed to fit in with it's philosophy of "think bigger": Is the potential initiative a big enough idea?
Basis that they say (in the article): "...the initiative now includes stimulating financing to small and medium-sized enterprises by finding ways to lower transaction costs, deepen capital markets, and catalyze the flow of other money along with our own."
And finally, in terms of addressing whether Google has the expertise to run such a philanthropic initiative successfully, it decided to use the efforts of its (close to 17,000) employees in an hybrid-philanthropic system where there is complete integration between Google and Google.Org.
A pretty straight forward 3-step plan huh.
It is very interesting to see such big organisations divert a good amount of time and energy towards social causes -- I think Microsoft takes the lead with that. It's also interesting to see the rapid rise of social capitalism and the growing importance of it being fundamental for the success of a company. The objective? With the huge recession in the global economy, organisations with a large amount of money and resources will have to play lead in large-scale social movements, not only to make a real difference in the world, but to be successful as an organisation. Much pressure for this comes from world leaders.
Perhaps there is much more hope for the world than we realize. All of a sudden, I don't despise the multinational monsters.
Stop. We don't like it. Really.
Why do guys think that making kiss and hug sounds over the phone is better or more effective than saying "kisses", "besitos" or "big hug"? And whatever happened to a simple old-fashion BYE!?
I find it a complete turn-off, not to mention repulsive, when I hear a "muah" on the other end of the line. It doesn't sound natural, nor does it sound normal, nor do you make those sounds when you actually kiss someone on greeting them so why it's necessary over the phone is completely beyond me. (No it's not creative, nor is it original). Writing it is acceptable, but sounds over the phone...BIG NO NO.
Hugs over the phone are worse. OMG I used to have a friend (big on hugs, obviously) who would call me every morning and "sound me" a hug over the phone.
What does a hug over the phone sound like? I don't even know what a hug sounds like in person but this friend's imagination made it sound like the sound you make when you wake up in the morning and do a long cat stretch; this he would fill with words describing how I must imagine him coming out through the phone to give me a hug.
Yes, he was a bit mad. Yes, he did it with much love and affection (which I truly, truly appreciated), but yes, it was the most annoying thing EVER. Of course, I could never say that to him so I accepted it as part of a routine I had to deal with every morning.
So yeah, if you do any of these things, trust me, people on the other end unless they tell you that they love you doing that, THEY REALLY DON'T LIKE IT, and DEFINITELY DON'T think it's attractive, so just stop!
I find it a complete turn-off, not to mention repulsive, when I hear a "muah" on the other end of the line. It doesn't sound natural, nor does it sound normal, nor do you make those sounds when you actually kiss someone on greeting them so why it's necessary over the phone is completely beyond me. (No it's not creative, nor is it original). Writing it is acceptable, but sounds over the phone...BIG NO NO.
Hugs over the phone are worse. OMG I used to have a friend (big on hugs, obviously) who would call me every morning and "sound me" a hug over the phone.
What does a hug over the phone sound like? I don't even know what a hug sounds like in person but this friend's imagination made it sound like the sound you make when you wake up in the morning and do a long cat stretch; this he would fill with words describing how I must imagine him coming out through the phone to give me a hug.
Yes, he was a bit mad. Yes, he did it with much love and affection (which I truly, truly appreciated), but yes, it was the most annoying thing EVER. Of course, I could never say that to him so I accepted it as part of a routine I had to deal with every morning.
So yeah, if you do any of these things, trust me, people on the other end unless they tell you that they love you doing that, THEY REALLY DON'T LIKE IT, and DEFINITELY DON'T think it's attractive, so just stop!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Quote from Juno (the film)
I just watched Juno and it's one of the best movies I've seen in a LONG time. It's hilarious, yet not stupid, meaningful yet not heavy, it will often make you laugh out hard and sporadically make you cry as well. The script is fantastic; every other line was original and had impact.
Here is one of them that made me a bit teary eyed:
(Juno asks her father whether it's possible for two people to stay together for the rest of their lives. This is what he said in reply)
"Look, in my opinion the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what-have-you. The right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with."
Will review the movie shortly, (if not here, somewhere! :) will keep you posted once it's done.
Here is one of them that made me a bit teary eyed:
(Juno asks her father whether it's possible for two people to stay together for the rest of their lives. This is what he said in reply)
"Look, in my opinion the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what-have-you. The right person is still going to think the sun shines out of your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with."
Will review the movie shortly, (if not here, somewhere! :) will keep you posted once it's done.
Friday, February 08, 2008
How much I've been writing
Something randomly possessed to me calculate the amount of writing...ok ok...blogging I've been doing over the last few months.
For those of you who don't know: I write regularly for 4 travel blogs, and one magazine, and my own personal blog.
Over the last 4 months, I have been averaging around 16,000 words a month; 16,000
And that word count doesn't include my personal blog.
(why is my font getting bigger as I write?)
I am shocked. I really didn't realize that's how much I am blogging. I think it's a lot - it comes to almost 500 words a day, everyday, including weekends. Explains why I perpetually feel suffocated sitting at my computer, it's because I'm almost always looking at it!
Suddenly I feel like I've been very productive lately. Especially keeping in mind that I also teach about 15 hours a week AND still have a social life.
Wowza.
For those of you who don't know: I write regularly for 4 travel blogs, and one magazine, and my own personal blog.
Over the last 4 months, I have been averaging around 16,000 words a month; 16,000
And that word count doesn't include my personal blog.
(why is my font getting bigger as I write?)
I am shocked. I really didn't realize that's how much I am blogging. I think it's a lot - it comes to almost 500 words a day, everyday, including weekends. Explains why I perpetually feel suffocated sitting at my computer, it's because I'm almost always looking at it!
Suddenly I feel like I've been very productive lately. Especially keeping in mind that I also teach about 15 hours a week AND still have a social life.
Wowza.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
One of those days!
Today has been one of those days where you wake up bright and early, motivated, ready to seize the day and all that rubbish, make a constructive list of things to do, and land up doing everything BUT what's on that list. ARGH.
Not to say that what I did wasn't productive...ummm...well actually, it wasn't productive at all. But it's Saturday! That's what I'm telling myself. But when you work for yourself, everyday can be Saturday and that realization takes no time to ruin your evening as you are left full of guilt for not having accomplished much.
See, my time spent = money earned. I.e. no productivity, no money. Great way of living you'd say, but it's tougher than you realize. To be self-disciplined is one thing and to be motivated at the same time -- all the time(!!!) -- is another thing. To the extent, that today I almost envied people with a proper job, as they can afford to mess around some days, waffle and be completely unproductive -- it's not going to affect their paycheck.
Sigh. Oh well. There's my little rant for the day. I'm not going to try to be productive anymore and am going to cook instead. Tomorrow is another day.
Not to say that what I did wasn't productive...ummm...well actually, it wasn't productive at all. But it's Saturday! That's what I'm telling myself. But when you work for yourself, everyday can be Saturday and that realization takes no time to ruin your evening as you are left full of guilt for not having accomplished much.
See, my time spent = money earned. I.e. no productivity, no money. Great way of living you'd say, but it's tougher than you realize. To be self-disciplined is one thing and to be motivated at the same time -- all the time(!!!) -- is another thing. To the extent, that today I almost envied people with a proper job, as they can afford to mess around some days, waffle and be completely unproductive -- it's not going to affect their paycheck.
Sigh. Oh well. There's my little rant for the day. I'm not going to try to be productive anymore and am going to cook instead. Tomorrow is another day.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
New books!
I treated myself on Amazon today -- this is what I bought:
- "The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich" -- Timothy Ferriss: A book I've had in my head for a long time now.
-"On Becoming Fearless: ...in Love, Work, and Life" -- Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post is a personal idol. I'm motivated by her achievements and aspire to her; I can't wait to get my hands on this book.
- "Simpleology: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want" -- Mark Joyner
This book I honestly have never heard of before but it sounded up my street at this moment in my life and I wanted to get my bill to more than $25 so I can benefit from the free-shipper offer. But, for some reason I don't get that (!!?) and decided to stick with the complete order anyway.
Yes, they are all self-help books I seem to be desperately in need of.
AND DAMN! I THINK I'VE ORDERED THEM ALL HARD COVER! Argh.
- "The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich" -- Timothy Ferriss: A book I've had in my head for a long time now.
-"On Becoming Fearless: ...in Love, Work, and Life" -- Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post is a personal idol. I'm motivated by her achievements and aspire to her; I can't wait to get my hands on this book.
- "Simpleology: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want" -- Mark Joyner
This book I honestly have never heard of before but it sounded up my street at this moment in my life and I wanted to get my bill to more than $25 so I can benefit from the free-shipper offer. But, for some reason I don't get that (!!?) and decided to stick with the complete order anyway.
Yes, they are all self-help books I seem to be desperately in need of.
AND DAMN! I THINK I'VE ORDERED THEM ALL HARD COVER! Argh.
How do you get to my blog?
Google Analytics is like a God send for anyone who remotely cares about who comes to read their blog, from where, and what brought them there.
It's interesting to keep up to date with what posts most people are reading on your site, but what's more interesting (and possibly shocking) is to know what readers searched for and landed up finding your blog.
Here are some of the not popular (thank goodness), but truly strange key words that have lead people to my blog:
-Daniel Brühl Naked -- Huh?
- My perm
- 2008 Emails of Abha --- what sick person is trying to look for my emails? Whoever it is, FYI you cannot google people's emails.
- Dubai Hotel Sex -- I wrote a post on Dance Bars of Dubai that is one of my top 5 most read posts, so I guess this search is justified
- Miguel Ruiz De Elvira -- Who is he?
- Abha sexy girl -- Should I be flattered?
- ABCD Indian Girl -- Yeah, that would be me, except I wasn't born in Amreeka
- Ayesha Taka is fat -- Huh?
- Benidorm Boobs -- I wrote a post once about a Marc Anthony concert I went to in Benidorm, and I think I might have mentioned J.Lo's ass; that's the only explanation I can think of for this one!
- Cynicstan -- Hmm.
- Gira Aloo -- hahaha
- Good places to pee -- that's a great post idea, eh?
- Pathan Breakfast -- hahaha I'm sure they land on a post that describes a big breakfast I once had at a Pathan joint in Dubai (Ravi's in Karama)
And that's about all the amusing ones. I'm happy to know that these are the minority searches.
It's interesting to keep up to date with what posts most people are reading on your site, but what's more interesting (and possibly shocking) is to know what readers searched for and landed up finding your blog.
Here are some of the not popular (thank goodness), but truly strange key words that have lead people to my blog:
-Daniel Brühl Naked -- Huh?
- My perm
- 2008 Emails of Abha --- what sick person is trying to look for my emails? Whoever it is, FYI you cannot google people's emails.
- Dubai Hotel Sex -- I wrote a post on Dance Bars of Dubai that is one of my top 5 most read posts, so I guess this search is justified
- Miguel Ruiz De Elvira -- Who is he?
- Abha sexy girl -- Should I be flattered?
- ABCD Indian Girl -- Yeah, that would be me, except I wasn't born in Amreeka
- Ayesha Taka is fat -- Huh?
- Benidorm Boobs -- I wrote a post once about a Marc Anthony concert I went to in Benidorm, and I think I might have mentioned J.Lo's ass; that's the only explanation I can think of for this one!
- Cynicstan -- Hmm.
- Gira Aloo -- hahaha
- Good places to pee -- that's a great post idea, eh?
- Pathan Breakfast -- hahaha I'm sure they land on a post that describes a big breakfast I once had at a Pathan joint in Dubai (Ravi's in Karama)
And that's about all the amusing ones. I'm happy to know that these are the minority searches.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Dealing with the guilt of not having a career path when you vagabond
That's the topic of my latest Vagablogging post. Check it out here.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Unhappy in your relationship?
Over the last few weeks or so, I have been privy to many, MANY conversations about relationship problems (when girls get together, 90% of the time, this is, unfortunately, what we talk about).
The crux of it all has been that people are in relationships that make them unhappy. Boyfriends are dicks and make their girlfriends unhappy; girlfriends are distraught and not living their life because they are too affected by their boyfriends, who are being dicks.
There is just one thing I want to say about this:
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN HAPPINESS.
Yes, people you love have an effect, we are influenced by them. Their animo often becomes ours, and we have good days and bad days. Ups and downs are normal in relationships, people aren't perfect, everyone has issues. But having downs doesn't mean you are an unhappy person. Your temporary mood with a person is distinct (perhaps not exclusive) from whether overall you are happy or not.
Aside from this, if you find yourself unhappy for an extended period of time, honestly, it has NOTHING to do with anyone but yourself. It's YOUR FAULT that you are unhappy, not your boyfriend's. People may treat you badly, or unfairly, but you have the power to fix that, and it may be easier than you realize. You cannot depend on somebody else to make you happy.
So guys, stop blaming others for your misery, get a life, and find a solution so that you can make yourself happy. Life is too short to not be happy.
The crux of it all has been that people are in relationships that make them unhappy. Boyfriends are dicks and make their girlfriends unhappy; girlfriends are distraught and not living their life because they are too affected by their boyfriends, who are being dicks.
There is just one thing I want to say about this:
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN HAPPINESS.
Yes, people you love have an effect, we are influenced by them. Their animo often becomes ours, and we have good days and bad days. Ups and downs are normal in relationships, people aren't perfect, everyone has issues. But having downs doesn't mean you are an unhappy person. Your temporary mood with a person is distinct (perhaps not exclusive) from whether overall you are happy or not.
Aside from this, if you find yourself unhappy for an extended period of time, honestly, it has NOTHING to do with anyone but yourself. It's YOUR FAULT that you are unhappy, not your boyfriend's. People may treat you badly, or unfairly, but you have the power to fix that, and it may be easier than you realize. You cannot depend on somebody else to make you happy.
So guys, stop blaming others for your misery, get a life, and find a solution so that you can make yourself happy. Life is too short to not be happy.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Quote for the day
"Life is what happens to you while you are busy making plans" - John Lennon.
So ridiculously true.
So ridiculously true.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
What if...?
What if all of a sudden you had no money, no house, no nothing and you were on the street. What would you do to earn a living?
This thought often comes to my mind when I see that guitarist in the metro singing La Bamba, or jugglers jumping onto the roads in front of traffic lights, or the old man sitting on the sidewalk trying to sell some poems he has written.
I fell into a moment of neurotic panic when I could think of NOTHING I am capable of doing to earn a buck for bread, should I ever be in that position.
See, I can do many things, but none well-enough that I would get a dime for it if I did it on the road. And, in case you were wondering, although it would probably be my best bet, I would never, ever, get into prostitution.
After tossing and turning over what I could possibly do to not die of hunger, I came up with two sad, but possible options -- 1) I would dress as an esoteric gypsy and read peoples hands, stars and tarot cards. (I'm Indian, this wouldn't be hard to pull off) 2) I did a massage course YEARS ago, and actually got certified. I remember bits and pieces of how to give a good body massage, I could start with offering neck and foot rubs in the parks, like they do in Thailand.
What would you do?
This thought often comes to my mind when I see that guitarist in the metro singing La Bamba, or jugglers jumping onto the roads in front of traffic lights, or the old man sitting on the sidewalk trying to sell some poems he has written.
I fell into a moment of neurotic panic when I could think of NOTHING I am capable of doing to earn a buck for bread, should I ever be in that position.
See, I can do many things, but none well-enough that I would get a dime for it if I did it on the road. And, in case you were wondering, although it would probably be my best bet, I would never, ever, get into prostitution.
After tossing and turning over what I could possibly do to not die of hunger, I came up with two sad, but possible options -- 1) I would dress as an esoteric gypsy and read peoples hands, stars and tarot cards. (I'm Indian, this wouldn't be hard to pull off) 2) I did a massage course YEARS ago, and actually got certified. I remember bits and pieces of how to give a good body massage, I could start with offering neck and foot rubs in the parks, like they do in Thailand.
What would you do?
Saturday, January 12, 2008
That time of the month
I find it absolutely vile that we women have to go through drudging bouts of physical pain and emotional vulnerability for a few days EVERY month.
I hate the person that I turn into pre-menstruation. I am numb, neutral-bordering-cold, volatile, and suffer from 'I-hate-the-world' syndrome.
Very few people have the misfortune of seeing me these few days every month. It's awfully difficult but absolutely mandatory not act on your bitchy whims when you are with people who don't know you well; you are fully aware that they will not understand and their friendship means something to you so you have to suck it in, take a deep breath and do whatever else you need to, to assure that they will never see this beastly side of you.
Being far away from people you love is also advisable come this monthly massacre as they are the first ones you lash out at remorselessly. My parents (especially my father) and my brother are those who have really born the brunt of my absolute callous and often violently dramatic behaviour, come this time of the month. They know the symptoms so well that they can distinguish my general intolerance and anger from menstrual intolerance and anger, and have developed the amazing skill of making me laugh when I am at the brink of an emotional explosion. Mum, dad, Anish, how I love you for that. I cannot think of anyone else I can have an outbreak like that with, who will give me a hug rather than delete me from their life.
They are 7000-thousand miles away from me right now, and I'm sure they don't miss these monthly bouts of mine.
I always wondered why men and women couldn't share this time of the month. What did women do to deserve scheduled hormonal imbalance and bleeding from their private parts!? It's so unnecessary and unjust, all so that we can have babies. Shouldn't we be able to choose? If we don't want babies, we should not have to deal with the agitation and suffering of menstruation.
On the plus side, sometimes (actually, very few times) I think that menstruation is a great excuse to justifiably rant, vent, stomp your feet, cry, howl, get it all out and be excused for it because -- oh...she's pre-menstrual.
No. Bad argument. I hate this aspect of being a woman.
I hate the person that I turn into pre-menstruation. I am numb, neutral-bordering-cold, volatile, and suffer from 'I-hate-the-world' syndrome.
Very few people have the misfortune of seeing me these few days every month. It's awfully difficult but absolutely mandatory not act on your bitchy whims when you are with people who don't know you well; you are fully aware that they will not understand and their friendship means something to you so you have to suck it in, take a deep breath and do whatever else you need to, to assure that they will never see this beastly side of you.
Being far away from people you love is also advisable come this monthly massacre as they are the first ones you lash out at remorselessly. My parents (especially my father) and my brother are those who have really born the brunt of my absolute callous and often violently dramatic behaviour, come this time of the month. They know the symptoms so well that they can distinguish my general intolerance and anger from menstrual intolerance and anger, and have developed the amazing skill of making me laugh when I am at the brink of an emotional explosion. Mum, dad, Anish, how I love you for that. I cannot think of anyone else I can have an outbreak like that with, who will give me a hug rather than delete me from their life.
They are 7000-thousand miles away from me right now, and I'm sure they don't miss these monthly bouts of mine.
I always wondered why men and women couldn't share this time of the month. What did women do to deserve scheduled hormonal imbalance and bleeding from their private parts!? It's so unnecessary and unjust, all so that we can have babies. Shouldn't we be able to choose? If we don't want babies, we should not have to deal with the agitation and suffering of menstruation.
On the plus side, sometimes (actually, very few times) I think that menstruation is a great excuse to justifiably rant, vent, stomp your feet, cry, howl, get it all out and be excused for it because -- oh...she's pre-menstrual.
No. Bad argument. I hate this aspect of being a woman.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Bill Gates at the Consumer Electronics Showcase
I've always liked Bill Gates. Especially after all the work he is doing with his Foundation in India. I didn't realize he had such a great sense of humour though! This video is from his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Showcase currently taking place in Las Vegas, and it's hysterical! I love his super geekiness hehehe; a must watch!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
I think my blog is turning blah
Ok, my blog was meant for me to blah carelessly on in the first place, but lately it just seems to be super blah. But, guess what, I have a good excuse for this issue, but no solution.
I have been blogging my brains out on all the different websites that have allowed me to do so. For the last few months or so, I have been averaging 20-25 blog posts across 5 blogs all demanding high-quality, original content. Come time to write my own blog and a blah post happens. The extent of blah might have been noted by my few loyal readers (I love you guys so much!) when I wrote the most scintillating post on Winter Smells.
What on earth was that!? Anyway. I'm going to start posting links to some of my (what I think) better posts on other blogs, and hopefully write more noteworthy stuff here too.
In the mean time, check out two of my latest posts:
Gadling: Dubai Shopping Nightmare 2008
Written Road: Learnings from 2007, Writing Goals for 2008?
Happy Sunday.
I have been blogging my brains out on all the different websites that have allowed me to do so. For the last few months or so, I have been averaging 20-25 blog posts across 5 blogs all demanding high-quality, original content. Come time to write my own blog and a blah post happens. The extent of blah might have been noted by my few loyal readers (I love you guys so much!) when I wrote the most scintillating post on Winter Smells.
What on earth was that!? Anyway. I'm going to start posting links to some of my (what I think) better posts on other blogs, and hopefully write more noteworthy stuff here too.
In the mean time, check out two of my latest posts:
Gadling: Dubai Shopping Nightmare 2008
Written Road: Learnings from 2007, Writing Goals for 2008?
Happy Sunday.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Milan street map fly squatter. Huh?
You know how there are some products on the market that make you wonder: what on earth were they thinking!? Well, here's one of them: a plastic fly squatter with the target area designed as the street map of Milan.Created by award-winning home and dining accessories company Pandora Design, it is also, urrrr, designer! Available in black, blue, green, orange, violet and white, the squatter is priced at US$15.
Other than pure amusement value, perhaps it would be a great gift for entomophobes visiting Milan?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy 2008!
My New Year's Eve was supposed to be hot chocolate and movies. Turned out to be quite the contrary ;)
I enjoyed being blonde for a day. (I'm the short-hair blonde, and the girls are my flatmates.)
I enjoyed being blonde for a day. (I'm the short-hair blonde, and the girls are my flatmates.)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Adios 2007
Another year has gone fleeting by. Wow. I remember vividly the uproar for the millennium -- 8 years ago! Doesn't it scare you how time flies? It petrifies me.
Anyway, bottom line is that there is nothing we can do about that but realize it and make sure we are making the most of our time.
2007 has been a very eventful year for me:
- I moved to Madrid
- I got my TEFL certification
- I taught English
- I passed the intermediate DELE (official Spanish language exam)
- I blogged and vlogged
- I started writing for Vagablogging, Gadling, Written Road, European Vibe and Map Magazine
- My blogging contract for Gridskipper ended
- I presented a video for a Jon Spencer concert
- I went to Galicia (Northern Spain), Barcelona, Valencia, Granada,Paris (twice!), Malmo (Sweden), Copenhagen, and Rome.
- I joined a writer's group and a Vipassana (meditation) group -- both I made a point of staying in contact with
- I worked on the European Radio Awards in Barcelona
- I did some web consultancy for an online marketing strategy firm
- I was interviewed on Write-to-Travel blog
- I was featured in a travel e-book
- I salsa'd A LOT and started to (well, tried to) learn Tango
- I went through 4 pairs of dancing shoes
- I got mugged of 20 Euros
- My parents visited, and so did 3 of my close friends
- I dated a Spanish boy, and started dating an American one
- I watched the Rocky Horror Show
- I learnt how to make curry! (Yeeeeeeeeehaa!)
- I pierced my nose (TODAY!)
- I became an aunt
- My brother moved to Texas
- My grandmother died of lung cancer
- My grandfather's second wife died of a heart attack
What does this all mean? How do I feel? How have I changed? What is in store for 2008? Bugs Bunny knows.
Resolutions for 2008? I'm still letting 2007 sink in for the moment.
Thank you and cheers to all those people who have been reading my blog. I hope you stick around in 2008!
Happy New Year.
Anyway, bottom line is that there is nothing we can do about that but realize it and make sure we are making the most of our time.
2007 has been a very eventful year for me:
- I moved to Madrid
- I got my TEFL certification
- I taught English
- I passed the intermediate DELE (official Spanish language exam)
- I blogged and vlogged
- I started writing for Vagablogging, Gadling, Written Road, European Vibe and Map Magazine
- My blogging contract for Gridskipper ended
- I presented a video for a Jon Spencer concert
- I went to Galicia (Northern Spain), Barcelona, Valencia, Granada,Paris (twice!), Malmo (Sweden), Copenhagen, and Rome.
- I joined a writer's group and a Vipassana (meditation) group -- both I made a point of staying in contact with
- I worked on the European Radio Awards in Barcelona
- I did some web consultancy for an online marketing strategy firm
- I was interviewed on Write-to-Travel blog
- I was featured in a travel e-book
- I salsa'd A LOT and started to (well, tried to) learn Tango
- I went through 4 pairs of dancing shoes
- I got mugged of 20 Euros
- My parents visited, and so did 3 of my close friends
- I dated a Spanish boy, and started dating an American one
- I watched the Rocky Horror Show
- I learnt how to make curry! (Yeeeeeeeeehaa!)
- I pierced my nose (TODAY!)
- I became an aunt
- My brother moved to Texas
- My grandmother died of lung cancer
- My grandfather's second wife died of a heart attack
What does this all mean? How do I feel? How have I changed? What is in store for 2008? Bugs Bunny knows.
Resolutions for 2008? I'm still letting 2007 sink in for the moment.
Thank you and cheers to all those people who have been reading my blog. I hope you stick around in 2008!
Happy New Year.
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