Sunday, October 28, 2007

naaaoooo :)

I've been hit with a severe case of HEARTBURN :)

Why's this stinker happening in the UAE? Is that woman wearing winter boots, in blithering dry summer heat? Oh wait, it's B'wood, nothing "should" make sense - blah fook!

Saturday, October 27, 2007

visiting ontario

Been in Toronto, the past week (and will be here) thru this weekend into the next week - it's one of those travels given my work. I like coming into Toronto, 'cause there are many ex-UAE folks who now reside in Toronto and parts of Southern Ontario -plus my mom's aunt lives in Ottawa, I'll visit her next Friday for some quality time.

It's been raining off and on yesterday and into this morning. I am scheduled to meet with some friends at another friend's new home this afternoon. She & her better half are remodelling their new home - in Brampton, a beautiful suburb of Toronto. Brampton and north of Brampton is quite mind blowing & beautiful during fall. I can't wait to see my her new home - she says, their backyard looks out into open miles of colourful trees and pine trees. She's put up a new deck, and we'll be doing some paintwork on that, plus help fit & paint some windows across the home.

I am staying at downtown TO, and there isn't much to do aside the usual downtown activities - most of which I've experienced, when I lived here a few years ago. Personally I prefer the countrysides of Brampton, Barrie, Peterborough and when I retire Muskoka - much more to the city life. I think when you live in a city for too long, it just makes one perhaps more materialistic, and hard from within - life tends to pass by much quicker.....and perhaps we lose in touch with all that really matters in this short period of life on beautiful earth.

Ah - the rain has stopped for now, the sun seems to be coming out. I better change and get driving to my friend's place. She's cooking some amazing Pakistani/Arab dishes this evening, given my visit. Can't wait to sit on that deck (it's going to be a bit chilly) have drinks, food and just splurge on good times with friends.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

oh?

Came across this post on Local Expat's blog.

It's true and funny at the same time. I relate a lot to what he says. It is strange how many newer folks are moving into the UAE today, and more strange that some think the place was perhaps uninhabited 2 decades ago :)

When I was in the UAE this past March-June on project work, every single person at work, would ask - "is this your first time to Dubai" and I'd say, "no, I was raised in the UAE". With a perplexed look, most would ask, rather inquisitively -"how long was that ago, and how old are you?". And to be honest, some are quite fascinated/happy to meet people who were born or raised in the UAE, primarily 'cause, today one hardly comes across many who've been in the UAE for more than 5 years or actually come from the UAE.

I remember this one time last Christmas, whilst at a desert safari campfire & dinner, my friends and I were introduced to some newer expats who've been in the UAE between 2-3 years, mostly from the UK, EU, India and Canada. When friends & I said we were raised in the UAE, they went - "Finally! some people who actually from this place".

The next question/phrase usually goes - "I didn't know people lived here back then, how was it here back in the days".

Saturday, October 20, 2007

tag time

I've been tagged by blogosphere bud BuJ on 5 reasons why I wish I was 3.

1. zero worries, lotsa similes, laughter and TLC
2. naps on granny's lap, listening to her lullabies (miss her lots)
3. a much younger & healthier dad & mom
4. uae was a young, beautiful 8 year old
5. kindergarten days with toddlers, some of whom are my friends 4 life, today

I've got to tag a few people - due honours to,

i* - spill 'em princess :)
7S - feel free to detail it all on this post :)
Al - am sure it was quite colourful :)

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

united blogging

Loved this post. Atleast someone is saying it with a balanced perspective to those around the globe.

Friday, October 12, 2007

golden memoirs

An outlet which has remained unchanged, given the *change wave* across the UAE today, is this tiny bakery on SHJ's Al Wahda** street. Since the early 80's (I was about 5 then) most Friday mornings Dad would bring me along to the Golden Loaf. Friday mornings is perhaps the only morning, when one can drive around the city and feel its ambiance and tranquility.

Back to the future. When back in the UAE every Christmas, I drive along certain spots of the city on early Friday mornings. The roads are empty and people still in bed. I try and catch remains of that old city ambiance and memoirs. Stop by at the Golden Loaf for some simple, yummy and fresh fruit cakes and chicken patties, the very similar ones we had back in the day. What captivates, is that the treats cost as much it did back in the 70's /80's, but also that the bakery interiors remain pretty much intact with the original decor / architecture. Often, when I step into the building, it feels like nothing has changed through the decades and time has sort of stood still, in a good way. Some may find this boring or dull, however, I do not. Sometimes it's the simple things that help relive those precious memoirs and nostalgia, which I think, is a good thing. So, I shall visit the Golden Loaf when back in the UAE this Christmas, for some more cake, coffee and good ol' memoirs.

**correction - Al Wahda was miss pelt, stands corrected (thanks i*maginate)

Friday, October 05, 2007

match makers

OK, so everyone knows New York City is the place for singles - single men & women move into the city from all over to meet prospective partners, hopefully for life. Whilst we all have specific thoughts on the better halves, there are also a fair share of wild ducks amongst the sane ones.

Below is an advert (and the response) from a single woman, on craigslist. There is much debate going on at the moment, between friends & I. I think the advert is honest to the point, it's a bit obnoxious, whilst the response is sorta funny & fitting ......well, I think :)

Advert Reads:

"What am I doing wrong?

Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful(spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy. I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think I'm overreaching at all.

Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around $200K - $250K. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

-Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars,restaurants, gyms
-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my
feelings
-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?
-Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east side so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story there?
-Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?

-How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY

Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth."


Response from a guy

"Dear xxxx

I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament. Firstly, I'm not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here's how I see it.

Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a crappy business deal. Here's why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here's the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity...in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!

So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold...hence the rub...marriage. It doesn't make good business sense to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease. In case you think I'm being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It's as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.

Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So,I wonder why a girl as "articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful" as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K hasn't found you, if not only for a tryout.

By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then we wouldn't need to have this difficult conversation.

With all that said, I must say you're going about it the right way. I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease,let me know."

Thursday, October 04, 2007

mind matters......

"Great minds discuss ideas - Average minds discuss events - Small minds discuss people."

Given the "Britney" coverage and all sorts of celebrity related media coverage these day, I personally believe, the above phrase, sadly says a lot about the common man.

Personally, there is an overwhelming media coverage on rather redundant and petty celebrity news/events. From Britney's MTV appearance, to losing custody of her kids -the O J Simpson 90's trial flashbacks to his recent arrest - Halle Berry's pregnancy, Brangelina and another buncha countless trivial stuff.

To me, it's all mind boggling - the extent of coverage for such petty issues and the number of *analysts* who come on these shows to give their *quantum physics* take on the chain of *events*. Top it all with million dollar paychecks of clowns who manage to *sensationalize* such trivial news to the average Joe & Jane.

Likewise, more recently in the UAE, I've noted Gulf News and other broadcast media covers similar redundant news on Bollywood. Personally, it's quite upsetting to read or watch stuff about a bunch of clowns with zero substance or talent - dished out much media coverage. I cannot understand, why someone would need to know if two actors are shacking up, wearing designer clothes, having each other's babies or just climbing trees. Aren't there alternative news & events of substance to cover within the UAE? Surely our minds need to know more than just celebrity news?

As soon as I sense anything remotely celebrity related on television, I switch channels. Sadly, there aren't many more channels to switch, given most of them broadcast such stuff.

Which brings me to ask - what is wrong with the picture tube today? Why do the average Joe & Jane love such such coverage - why let the media continue to cover such *stories* - especially, given there are a hundred alternative news events of substance happening across the world?

When Oman went thru Gonu, causing much havoc to life and property - here in the US, we had to a 15 second comment from CNN and FOX. The worst part - the FOX lady, read that portion, like it was *unimportant* - similar to how grannies discuss laundry or something. Instead, we were dished with coverage of some drunken, partied out, top heavy Blonde gone missing - with all sorts of analysts and private detective clowns giving their take on - "what could have happened to her" -mind you, these are national TV stations.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

thoughts.....

I am not sure what the tomorrows bring, hence suppose, we must simply take each day as it comes and be thankful for today? Wallah, I know, it's easier said than done, but we've got to try.

This is what got me thinking. Such announcements are not new, since they have propped up in the past, hence it's no secret to the hundreds who've lived in the GCC for many years/decades. However it's quite hard to reconcile and grasp. It's a sensitive topic for the citizens, as much as it is for folks like myself.

I speak from experience - as someone born and subsequently raised in one nation for the first 25 years of my life, I admit, the possibilities of an uncertain tomorrow has affected me in more ways than I'd want it to, and even though I've moved out of the UAE, live & own a home perhaps in the most happening city in the world, have fantastic friends and a career going - the feeling of *not* being home lingers on. It's like I try and wash it off and it's still there, I rinse and repeat, and it stays in me! Wish it'd just get out of my system, so I can go on with my life and be least affected given such news, however remotely possible such policies are.

At this very moment, if I had a choice, I'd let go, because am sick of being neither here nor there, kinda guy. I wrote this post a while back. Reading it, helps calm down. As much freedom and joy there is, living on your own, after a while it's equally hard being away from home.

Am not sure why am I even writing this post past midnight on a weekday - probably just venting away, before going to bed? Tomorrow is another day, shall see what another tomorrow brings - positive thoughts, positive events. Right now, tired & sleepy am off to bed. Good Night yall :)

ps: a huge *Shukran* to BuJ for his warm/understanding thoughts and an opportunity to vent.