eid mubarak !

pretty people

I placed this post on UAECB.

The post is about an increase in cosmetic surgeries in the UAE, especially amongst men, and people from conservative cultures. Personally, I do not know of men who considered or discussed going under the knife. Most folks I know, diet and exercise to stay in shape and feel fit. Hence, reading this piece in Gulf News, had a few surprises, sort of. Perhaps in some ways, it also shows the changing ways of life of people living in the UAE / GCC.

My personal view, is that, if somebody wants to change the way they look and consequently feel about themselves, and are willing to take the risks under the knife, it is their choice. I may not support such ways amongst close friends or family, however I wouldn't get all righteous on them, or perhaps I shall -- depends on the situation.

That said, in some instances, things might just work out quite well!

hmm..

the view

The *Ahem* "view"... outside of the office I am working from currently. That's Brooklyn Decker, tennis ace, Andy Roddick's wife. Lovely couple, very simple, giving and down to earth. Brooklyn's granny was mighty proud she was chosen the 2010 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl. Apparently it's a big deal.

The picture I posted is much smaller than what I'm actually looking out at BTW. I don't think I'd get any work done this afternoon.

a morning story

This morning on my way to work, I popped into the BR store at Grand Central to purchase a shirt. The one I was wearing didn't feel right..no reason. Whilst in the queue to the cashier some gorgeous stuff (right there in that picture) caught my fancy. I admit to staring at them more than I should have, definitely captivating. I am referring to those pair of gold necklaces hanging on that bar at the counter, of course.

# 4 on the current wish list

Now, only if they'd apply the rule to all public transport systems, Starbucks stores, most local restaurants & eateries, Banana Republic & J Crew stores..hell just about everywhere in this city. Attempted to knock down a tourist lady on my way to work this morning. Felt good, like evil goody good..muhahaha!

frusTrATed

OK, so a complete MORON had his failed escapade last weekend (and chose to fly Emirates, my fav f***ing airline) home. This afternoon, the weather being fantastic, a few colleagues and I skipped over to TSQ for some lunch & stress-break from work and it's DejaVu!

This is frustrating, to say the least. Can everybody (and I mean EVERYBODY) please grow up and start being civil, think and just be for a change! It's hard enough being single, dealing with the drama and the dating scene in this city. So let's please cleanse away any further shitty drama (or action) and have some peace and quiet, shall we? Please.

It is (or was) such a brilliant & gorgeous spring day here...


...blah

SAC 2 and AUH

"Abu Dhabi tourism is set to get a boost from the film ‘Sex and the City 2’, despite not a single scene having been shot in the city, analysts have said."

"However, the National reports on Monday, analysts said scenes like the women riding camels in the desert and at a local market – filmed in Morocco – will promote Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector."

Links
Here
Dubai refuses Sex and the City filming.

Not sure if this a good thing. I cannot imagine Carrie or Samantha making it through week one without.. well, you know. OK, seriously, I think it'd work if they strike an appropriate balance being contemporary, yet decent and civilized.

On SAC the movie -- I haven't watched all SAC episodes, however couldn't escape the shows appeal since most single folk in this city inevitable throw around SAC in conversations. Once I caught on, I could tell the show was a healthy casual comic, not just for girls, but the guys + had more than some true to life story telling of the NYC dating scene. Sarah J has (or had) an amazing "chick appeal" -- a feel good fusion of being contemporary and an appealing old fashioned vulnerability you'd love to see in most women these days. And so did each of the other characters. The show hit well with singles in this city. Personally, I think the series had more soul back in the day to the movie.

bling bling!

Ay Caramba! Is this for real?

much love

Despite the cooking lessons and more, I've not 'developed' beyond the burnt toast, jam and the coffee phase -- yes, I am 'challenged', with cooking. Hence, the primary survivor instinct in this city -- make friends with folks (read, mostly women) who are brilliant cooks. Despite the drama & diva DNA, they whip up the most amazing stuff effortlessly. This weekend a couple of girls baked a birthday cake for a close common friend. It was sort of girly looking thing, however pretty well made. Someone had a slice of the 'bitch' (the cake). It was delicious, so good - almost evil. Here's the before picture.

it's that day of the week

OK, so it has been a few 'light' years since the last post. I have no excuses for the blog absence, so shan't put forth any :-) I've been in Kansas City the past few weeks on work. We've had a 'blessed' amount of snow, sleet and slush, that's turned to frozen ice. There's plenty of sliding, slipping -- going off the roads and all that good stuff on the white shite (sorry, it has been a bad winter) And when I'm back in the city this weekend, more snow awaits! Whoo hoo! Anyway, all thoughts aside, I leave you with this picture, which I'm assume articulate a thought most Tuesdays. Hopefully shall get a smile from you. Hope things are swell, wherever you are.

sinane ya sinane :)

Occasionally, there are the bouts of the growing years, the times with friends, the innocence, home / homesickness of all the good stuff from the days of the old (love that song!) Thankfully, there are a few kind folks on the YouTube that help revive some of those carefree moments. Have a look at what I found today -- brings back a flood of just about everything. I think (most) kids today could use some of that innocence from the days -- they grow up way too fast.

allo allo..

I should blog more often. I apologize for ignoring this blog - not a nice thing to do. I've got no excuses, except, work and travels. Travels take much away from time to self. I'm not quite liking business travels anymore. They say the world's become smaller. I find my days, weeks (and life) have become shorter, for the most part.

Summer's here in the city. I'm no fan of summer, especially in NYC. Tons of tourists. Often they'd get and walk about (S-L-O-W-L-Y) in midst of morning (and evening) rush hour, taking pictures, casual chat & strolls - Oh fun! And people refuse to wear clothes. I've never understood when the once fine line being comfortably clothed and blatant nudity vanished..?

I have thoughts to pen, however it's past One in the morning. I need to call mom & dad, short chat, say prayers and hit the sack. THANK GOD for the weekend! I'm going to be lounging by the pool (it's on the 58th floor, with a view into Central Park - nahahaa!) soak up the sun, enjoy that subtle breeze, read a book and let the soul come out and live for the day.

Nighty-night.

sights

I'm often critical of adverts, especially on Television. This post at UAECB has an interesting comment thread, well so far.

Topic revolve around level of nudity associated with print adverts in UAE Media. Below are some pictures in debate, as well as my comment at UAECB.






'Run yourself slim' hmm..seem to focus on the chest, shouldn't the tummy be a focal point?

'Dental health' - I'm not sure if she's got the healthiest teeth? She doesn't seem to have any at the left-end corner? But hey! cleavage rocks!

'Summer style updates' - get into a pool with all the jewelery (safety), whorish make-up, adorning micro-miniature 'swim wear' - a pair of stunning eyes and provocative pout! yum yum!

'Girly getaway' - let's not even go there..

Here's what I don't get. Ever seen one of those car adverts where you've got a pretty girl lying on top of the car, twirling around the car, throwing her hair and smile at you, enticing you to get that car? Does she come with it?

*sarcasm over*

When did a little modesty go out of fashion? A picture is worth a thousand words, they say. Sort of defeats the purpose of having media or journalism censorship and restrictions when this stuff is out in the open.

a radio advert

A Mashreq Bank radio advert goes - "We do banking, you do Life"!!

Am not sure, as a customer, if I'd ever want to do life, in prison! :)

Who ever did the creative, probably should get life.

hello..

I should blog more often. I've been home for almost 6 weeks - not sure why I haven't had a post. Am leaving back to the Apple, coming Saturday. It's been wonderful being home for this long. Am not sure if there'd be many more opportunities to visit, be with mom & dad, family, friends an' all - just like old times. The place has changed beyond recognition - mostly at the surface, or so I believe.

Christmas & New Year's were fantastic. Family gatherings, parties, being with friends - driving around SHJ's town center - into the mountains & desert brings the soul all those goodies it craves. I realize, there's an entire world out there to experience. However, am never sure what it is about this time of the year in the UAE - there's an amazing energy that draws me back to this town every year.

The weather is absolutely brilliant this morning. Am sitting in mom's garden and savouring breakfast and some tea. Her garden looks heavenly - plenty of flowers in full blossom and colours that bright up life. Why can't some things just be the they they are, whilst some perhaps just work out for the better.

Today, my folks celebrate 35 years being with each other.

merry christmas

It is that time of the year again, when you are thankful for everything merry and bright. May joy and happiness snow on you, may the bells jingle for you and may Santa be extra good to you! May this Christmas be a delight!

Wishing you - your near & dear a Merry Christmas and an exciting New Year!

americans in the emirates

Browsing blogosphere, I came across this post at young, Blog Sheikh's.

The post, and a linked article talks about lack of Americans in the UAE. It's true, sort of uncanny yet funny in a way. I mean, there really hasn't been many Americans living in the UAE, in fact very few. Yet, we've always had KFC & Pizza Hut - Coke & Pepsi. We've had all that amazing music & the movies. However, for those growing up back in the day, television shows perhaps had a larger impact in our lives. Shows that often opened up our world in ways other medium couldn't - sometimes by actually bringing to life American ways of life, stories, people and places we may never have known or actually venture to ourselves. In strange ways it helped connect with ways people live, think and feel - help us think outside the box and outside of ourselves.

I grew up on shows like - Maude, Leave it to Beaver, The Waltons, Starsky & Hutch, Charlie's Angels, Newhart, Fat Albert, Knight Rider, Murder she wrote, The Full House, 21 Jump street, Knots Landing, Dallas, Falcon Crest, The Simpsons, G I Joe, B&B, Golden Girls, 90210 and tons more! OK, so perhaps, some of those weren't the best shows. However, I think, we definitely had Americans in the UAE. Perhaps not in flesh and blood, but they certainly were amongst us :)

chuckle a little

Have a chuckle or two over at Nick's. Heads up! Must have fair share of humour and an ability to laugh at self :)

fall is in the air

It's Fall again, I am starting to feel that chill in the air. It lifts spirits and helps place a few aspects of life in perspective. Pretty soon it's time to go from sweaters to bringing out the coats and hats, gloves and boots. Yet there is something so calming and tranquil around this time. Not much else to say that hasn't been said before. I love this time of the year. I hope it stays on and colours up people's days & lives.

Past few months have been a weee bit crazy - work & travels and a few other issues, mostly in my head - nothing serious :) I seem forgetful, than usual. Last Saturday, I spend about 20 minutes looking for keys all over the apartment. Realizing I was running late for dinner with friends, I decided to continue search when back. Rushing out the door - viola! Just realized, I left 'em on the door back from work last evening! I am getting old heh. I can hear mom's thoughts across the oceans, "get hitched!"