Christmas Season is upon us...

I'm not in a very Chrismassy mood this year.

Maybe it has to do with not knowing about my residency status yet.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that I haven't seen my family in 3 years and 9 months.

Maybe it has to do with the way the world is going in terms of economic crises, terrorism and all things negative.

Maybe it's just the cynicism that Christmas seems to be about presents and greed....

I feel like the Grinch (except I promise to not steal everyone's presents)

Read more...

Animated Animations

I have a confession.

I love cartoons. I always have.

In fact, when I was little, my two favourite cartoons were He-Man and Tom & Jerry. I had several videos of these two cartoons (and some of Mickey Mouse and the gang though they were never my favourites). I still remember my routine in kindergarten --- school, come home and eat, study, and watch videos of my cartoons. My grandfather was great --- he was the one who recorded them all for me from the telly.


I don’t know how I began to like He-Man. All I know is that I watched so much of it, I can still sing the opening tune. He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe (who otherwise, was Prince Adam, the wuss). Just so you know, it has not had an impact on the kind of guys I am attracted to today --- I would never go for a He-Man (in the big muscular sense, that is). I think somewhere back home, I still have the videos.


Tom and Jerry --- I could watch this even today as a 24 year old. And no, I'm not ashamed to say that I still giggle like I did as a kid. I know Tom & Jerry has copped flak for the violence and the supposed racial undertones, but to me back then as a kid, it did not have a negative influence. (True, I did think about what it would be like to get my sister into trouble like Jerry got Tom....but let's not go there.)

Some of my other all-time favourites include the Looney Tunes --- I love Bugs, Daffy, Sylvester, Porky Pig, The Road Runner and Wile E Coyote. And yes, I still watch them on Saturday mornings on the Warner Brothers show :)

As I've grown older, the cartoons have definitely changed from what they used to be. I find that I like fewer (and I doubt that has anything to do with me maturing; rather I think it's the fact that cartoons on Nickelodeon and Disney have lost their charm). I still enjoy Spongebob Squarepants and Fairly Odd-Parents and get a laugh out of them.

But it's Bugs and co. and Tom & Jerry that definitely take me back to that happy, carefree place I once was. With no troubles. And no worries.

Ah, to be a child again.

Unfortunately, these days, I doubt it's the same.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

Horrors in Bombay

It has happened again.

Bombay has been hit by terrorists.

Only this time, they also decided to gun down people and take hostages. Because the bomb blasts apparently weren’t getting the job done?

What is wrong with these people? Terrorists world over --- how in fucks name are they fighting for a cause by killing innocents? It is nothing but madness. Individuals who are brain-washed to think that their way is the right way and nothing else matters --- in fact, no one else matters. They believe they are being martyrs and fighting for a righteous cause. And that's what makes the entire thing scarier --- that they believe they are doing no wrong.

It’s been quite scary to see the pictures of the places bombed --- my sister goes to uni out there. Takes a train to and from VT station every day. Hangs out with her friends at Nariman point and Leopold’s. Sort of similar to stuff I did --- and back in 2003 when there were bombs set off in places I frequented, it hit me about how we could never prepare for things like this.

It is scary, living with that fear that anything could happen. A terrorist could strike any time.

To all the readers from Bombay or anyone with family there --- I hope eveyrone is well.

And yet, the people of Bombay have always seemed to bounce back and get on with their lives.

Or so it seems.

As for the current attack, only time will tell.

Until next time,

God Bless

Read more...

Faith restored

My friend JC told me about an incident that took place a couple of days ago, and I just felt like I had to share it.

JC during work, where she does home visits, lost her card holder some place. She carries credit cards, bank cards, driver's license etc in this. So you can imagine her anxiety when upon getting home, she realises it's not there. Anyway, she thought she may have left it at work or possibly at a doctor's office where she had stopped off. The next morning, she back-tracked the places she'd been to and saw no sign of it. It wasn't at work. It wasn't at the doctor's office. It wasn't to be found anywhere. Next step, out of a whim, she checked in at the local police station.

Lo and behold! Someone had dropped it in! And even more surprising, everything was intact.

It was not something she expected but it was a very nice surprise.

Goes to show, don't lose faith in human beings. Yet.

There's definitely some good people out there...

And since the Christmas season is almost upon us, thought I'd spread some good cheer about other human beings!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

Only in India?

I've been to the Indian embassy out here about 3 times so far. The most recent was today. And I couldn't help but notice one thing: I felt more discriminated against within the embassy (which is full of Indians and the odd Australian, American, Englishman....) than when I am out and about in Sydney.

I must point out --- it was not overt discrimination.

So, what is it that made me feel this way?

Well, the people working at the embassy --- at least the ones that come face-to-face with the applicants --- are all north Indians. And I noticed the change in their tones when they spoke to other Indians who talked to them in Hindi as against me (who hasn't spoken in Hindi since I've been here) and some others who spoke to them in English. I swear I'm not imagining this --- the lady at the counter would speak sweetly when talking in Hindi and her tone would change to this harsh tone and she was very short with me and some others speaking English. Of course, it was different again with the non-Indians ---- she was very nice to them.

I couldn't help but wonder --- why???

Why this discrimination?

Aren't we all Indians (by blood --- because I'll be first to admit I don't feel like one!)? Aren't we Indian first and only then south Indian or north Indian or east Indian or west Indian? Just because I'm south Indian and don't speak Hindi as perfectly as the north Indians doesn't mean I need to be treated differently. Particularly because we are in an English-speaking country at present for God's sakes!!!

I guess what pisses me off more is that Indians complain about racism from the 'whites'. Well, I have so far not felt discriminated against by a single Aussie --- 'whites' included. I have even been to the likes of Newcastle where I stand out big time due to the colour of my skin --- and even out there, I did not feel eyes on me in a discriminatory fashion. I do not have Anglo sales-persons talk to me rudely. In fact, it has been the opposite.

Why is this, I wonder?

These are Indians, in another country, and yet, they treat other Indians who they reckon are different, in a discriminatory fashion.

I wish I knew.

What I do know is this makes me want to live here in Australia all the more.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

One year ago...

I've been reminiscing recently.

Just a year ago, I had finished my coursework and all my assignments for my Masters. I was also frantically collecting data for my thesis and I had completed my introduction for the thesis.

How time flies!

The Masters sped through so quickly, although it didn't seem that way then. The stress about juggling assignments, research, placements and work was almost constant. But in a funny way, I miss all that now.

I miss the excitement of getting all the assignments.

I miss the adrenalin rush when planning the assignments.

I miss procrastinating when working on assignments.

I miss checking the word count every 5 seconds.

I miss the anxiety I constantly seemed to have during these times.

Bottom-line is, I would do it all over again. I would go back to uni to study further.

Just to have the same adrenaline rush of learning.

And yes, I know, I am a nerd. But I'm not ashamed of being one. :)

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

Mumbai Musings

I finally finished the book 'Shantaram' by Gregory David Roberts. I reckon, this is the longest I've ever taken to read a book. I started in March 2008 and finally finished it in November 2008 --- with 3 breaks in between as it was too bloody long!

I have heard great reviews about it from Aussies and Indians alike. Unfortunately, it didn't do it for me. It was too long. It was too detailed and dry in some cases, which I personally felt were not needed. And, it was too unrealistic. It was only when I was three-fourths into the book that I found out it was not 'real' but based on some experiences of the author. In spite of knowing that, I felt that it was a bit too fantastic. Don't get me wrong --- I love fantasy (Harry Potter is one of my favourites). But when an author is trying to base the story within a real society, you expect a bit more realism.

The experiences with the underworld, the bits about going to Afghanistan in the war, and I guess, almost, the lack of emotions (to me) didn't do it. On the other hand, I did enjoy the sections when the main character lived in the slums and the way in which he talks about Bombay.

Bombay --- in India, it is the city where you go to make your dreams come true. I think the author has depicted Bombay quite well. The sights, the sounds, the smells --- they are all very vivid in the book. For me personally, the description of some places brought back find memories.

Leopold's --- that was where I had my first drink

Cafe Mondegar --- was where my friends and I hung out sometimes after college

Colaba Causeway --- I've walked through there heaps of times.

Fort --- yet another long walk for me on some days

So while the book did bring back some memories, it didn't do much else in terms of substance and storyline.

Who knows, maybe Hollywood might change things around?

I would like to hear what others who have read the book thought of it.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

My Role Model...

Imagine my delight this morning at work when I found out that my blog was going to be featured on Where the Blog are you! (Thank you so much!) And then, just as things to me seem too good to be true --- work has blocked the ability to access blogs! Looks like I'm only going to be able to check out blogs when I get home tonight.

In the mean time, I figured I could sorta post through the Blogger Buddy on my sidebar. Fingers crossed it works out. The down-side is that I can't insert hyperlinks etc...so looks like that can only be done tonight.

The current entry is something of a post-script to my previous one.

When I was a teenager, I don’t think I had any female role-models in terms of women who were successful in the world in the media’s eyes. Yes, I looked up to Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie, but they were way before my time. As for J. K. Rowling, she didn’t come till much later. Instead, I looked up to Adam Gilchrist and Steve Waugh and admired their grit and determination and honesty in times of strife.

However, there is one woman I always did view as my role-model.

She probably will never make on a list of the 100 women that have changed the world. She may not be considered as the top 10 most influential women in the world. Nor is she likely to be recognised on the streets by every Tom, Dick or Harry.

This woman, my role-model, has been a home-maker most of her life, catering to the needs of her family. She had to give up what she wanted to study to comply with parental wishes. She later had to give up her educational pursuits when her family underwent financial strife and a choice had to be made. After having an arranged marriage, she gave birth to two daughters --- one four years after her marriage, and the other 5 years following that.

She tried to make her daughters’ life comfortable. She was there to see them off to school and there when they got back. She instilled important values such as honesty and respect and friendship. She helped them with their studies. She egged her daughters on to achieve the very best. Most importantly, she stressed the significance of education since she knew first-hand that the lack of one limited your choices. She always made her daughters believe they could achieve anything if they tried hard enough and put their minds to it. She encouraged them to strive for great things and supported their decisions in terms of their career paths. She sacrificed a great deal for her family. While she had her regrets, she tried teaching her daughters to learn from that.

She is my mum.

My mum has been a great inspiration and it’s because of her, I am in Australia today.

Thanks to her, I have always strived to be independent.

Thanks to her, I have not given up.

Thanks to her, I am where I am.

Thanks to her (and dad), I am who I am today.

Read more...

Go Aussie Go

This squad of fifteen members
Is surely on a roll
The whole world will remember
The way they field, bat and bowl.

Starting up-front with Gilly,
The world’s best keeper and most dangerous bat;
He will make the bowlers feel silly
By hitting even the best balls straight down the track!!

Partnering him up the order
Is none other than Haydos
Whose shots are so damn powerful,
That they keep the fielders on their toes.

At one down comes Ponting,
The guy whose been leading this Aussie team;
An awesome fielder and right-hand bat,
His stint as captain has been a dream.

Next in line comes Damien Martyn,
Who is quite important at No. 4;
He can be a bit slow till he gets his eye in
And then beware, for the runs will start to flow!

At No. 5 comes Darren Lehman
Known to his mates as Boof
A gritty fella’ with the bat
Although his bowling is not all that tough!

At the No. 6 position is Michael Bevan
The world’s best finisher of the game;
Taking quick runs in ones and twos
He puts the opposing fielders to shame!

No. 7 is an important one for all
And the Aussies have Symmo here
He’s an awesome hitter of the ball
And on the go he’ll reduce the opposition to tears!

After this come the Aussie bowlers
Of whom each and every batsman fears
They start firing with their tails high up
And help the Aussies win several cups!

Glenn McGrath – the ever reliable guy
With a naggingly accurate line and length
And though he may not be great with the bat
His balls nearly always take the batsman’s edge!

Binga is arguably the fastest in the world;
His bouncer’s can take off the batsman’s head
He is also a big hitter with the bat;
He’s a guy whom they all really dread!

Gillespie’s the one whom they call Dizzy
It’s no wonder ‘coz he keeps the batsmen busy.
He looks quite fierce when he‘s bowling
And is not bad with the bat at the end!

Andy Bichel used to be a useful 12th man
Until Dizzy was out injured;
Then he showed us his strength with the bat
And even came up with best bowling figures!

Brad Hogg – the left arm spinner
Entered the line-up with Warney gone
He showed the world that he can be a winner
By bowling accurately and not batting badly at all!

Maher, Harvey, Hauritz and Bracken
Are just some others who are part of the squad
They rarely get their chance in
Because the rest are all top-notch!

One thing to remember about these Aussies
- Apart from their great bench strength;
Is their never-say-die attitude
That keeps them going till the very end!

They’ve shown their critics how tough they are
By winning even without the Waughs and Warne;
For their fans they put up a great show
Thus going on to win their second World cup in a row!

And one day when I am grey and old
To my grandkids I shall say,
“These blokes in green and gold
Were surely there to stay!!”



(A poem written by me in 2003 for the Aussie cricket team --- it was after they comprehensively beat India in the finals. Boys, we need the same stuff back again!!!)

Read more...

Who Women Worship...

On Friday, I read a disturbing article in the Mx newspaper.

According to a survey conducted with 600 14 to 24 year old girls on a website called Bellaboobabe.com, Paris Hilton, Mischa Barton and Kate Moss are among the top role models for women (only beaten by J. K. Rowling and Cathy Freeman).

Imagine that --- Paris Hilton. A role model. Somebody, please wake me from this nightmare!!!

So we have a bimbo, an anorexic and an alcoholic who are among the top role models for young girls these days. I can see where the future is heading!!

The article talked about how girls said they didn't have enough women as role models. Apparently, the website has featured Sarah Murdoch (model), Catriona Rowntree (TV personality) and Elka Graham (swimmer) as some role models for women.

This begs me to ask the question: Why do we only need TV personalities, models or sportspersons as role models???

Whatever happened to promoting women scientists and researchers working towards finding cures for cancer or mental health issues, or even politicians like Julia Gillard and Julie Bishop? Why can't we teach girls to look around them to find other women to look up to --- their mothers or aunts or teachers? Why do we have to focus on looks or medals? Is this what we want adolescent girls to aspire to? To have their 15 minutes of fame without needing to exercise their brain or by just being bitchy? Next thing you know, we will have the likes of Zoo weekly girls being promoted as role models for teenagers! Or Sarah Palin.

What is wrong with the world? Why are the likes of Paris Hilton or the Olsen twins being promoted by the media? The cliche "any publicity is good publicity" has got to stop!

And then we wonder about the rise in mental health problems in adolescent girls or body image problems or self-harm!

Teenagers are at a stage when they soak in anything and everything the media gives them. Most of them are not capable of thinking critically. And the media capatalises on that.

It's high time a change comes around --- promote researchers or entrepreneurs or women helping the society or even intelligent politicians.

Stop the stupidity.

If only.

Read more...

True Colours: My Life

I have finished reading the book. And I can’t say I have been disappointed. Gilly, in my opinion, has shown us his true colours. He takes us on his journey --- from the time he was a kid who wanted to be the fastest bowler for Australia through to the trials and tribulations in getting selected to finally, all the ups and downs that come with being away from the ones you love and the intense media scrutiny.

Gilly comes across as being as human as the next person, as fallible as the next. He is a worrier. He has had months of being down in the dumps. No, he does not say he suffered from depression, but it is heartening to know that a person held in such esteem is not afraid of telling us what he went through. This, in spite of putting on his ‘cape of bravado’ (as he calls it) during his career. He is not shy of expressing his emotions. He talks about the number of times in his life that he has broken down and cried.

He has openly discussed his pessimism (which comes with being a worrier --- as I should know!). He has talked about his problems with the manner in which the ICC has handled things, as has Cricket Australia. He talks about his friendships and the times when he has had a fall-out with friends (especially Michael Slater). He talks about his relationship with Warne (which had undergone intense media speculation).

On the more personal side, he takes us into his family life --- his relationship with his parents, his siblings, his wife, his kids.

He talks about the joy of touring to the likes of England and India (after the initial shock, that is). And of course, he tells us about the highs and lows of his career. Most importantly, he talks about his stance on walking and his perceptions of those that don't (he has nothing against them and doesn't think they are dishonourable).

In short, it is an amazing window to his life. He does not claim to be a saint in any way whatsoever. And I think, that is the most appealing aspect.

It is great to see someone so idolised being as human as I am.

Making mistakes.

Feeling worried.

Feeling depressed.

Feeling confused.

Feeling shitty about things.

Feeling thankful for all they have.

Thank you, Gilly, for showing us your true colours.

Read more...

True love?

As I stood there waiting
On a cold winter’s morn
I saw coming down the street
The best that path would ever adorn
He came up towards me
And looked me in the eye
He looked as handsome as could be
In his coat of black and white
I knew I wanted him there and then
And he seemed to feel the same
I decided I’d take the first step
And took him home down the lane
Once inside we were unsure
Whether t’was the right time
But as he came up next to me
His eyes told me he was mine

Five years on we are still going strong
My little pup and I
We’ve had great walks, runs and fun
Since each other we first did espy
I am glad I took the first step
In giving this homeless pup a place
He’s been my mate ever since
And always brings a smile to my face

Read more...

Thoughts on Teachers

This week at work, I conducted group programs for high-school students. It was about peer relationships. Basically, given the topic, I was catering to a whole class. Due to time constraints, I ran 2 sessions with 2 groups --- one group of 25 and one of 15. I could not control the first group at all. They were off! This, in spite of me having a good relation with the kids. They didn't harrass me or anything but they knew I am not a disciplinarian (read: not a teacher and therefore, will not hand out punishments). They are good kids, but they obviously get out of hand.

Anyway, my experience made me think back to my school days, when we did give a couple of teachers a hard time. However, more importantly, it made me think back to some of the teachers --- from school and through to uni --- that have made an impact on my life. I guess, I would like to pay a tribute to them --- to the unsung heroes. Since it'd be appropriate to view some of these teachers of mine chronologically, that is exactly what I am going to do:

SS: In Primary school in Salalah...he was a Chemistry teacher and never did teach me. However, he did travel in the school bus that I did and encouraged my reading ability. At that young age, I was always seen with a book, either borrowed from the school library or one that had been added to my own library at home. His nickname for me was 'Bookworm' and for some reason, that only enhanced my interest in books and the world of fiction. When I left Salalah at the age of 9, he wrote in my 'autograph book' back then about pursuing my dreams and continuing to read and build my library. Guess what, SS, I still love reading and I have also engaged in creative writing thanks to your encouragement.

RV: My Maths teacher from the 7th till the 10th. Maths was never my favourite subject as I was never great at it (except for statistics!). The only time I think I did well with RV was in the 10th when I got an 80-something. But the main thing is that all thought the years, she continued to encourage me and appeared to have more faith in my mathematical abilities than I ever did! She always told me she thought I was capable of doing so much better. And when in my 10th Board exams, I managed to get 91 percent, I think she was happier than I was upon hearing the news. In fact, due to her encouragement, I ended up choosing maths as an elective in the 11th and 12th even though I was in the Arts stream. Thank you for your faith in me, RV, and for all the good things you had to say about me. At a time when my self-esteem was not developing too well, she along with a couple of other teachers, kept me sane.

PS: She was my English teacher in the 9th and 10th. English was always my favourite subject and I continued performing well with her. What stood out though, was her encouragement in other areas --- such as telling me to participate in extempores and debates. Back in school, I suffered from severe stage fright (which I have only begun to manage recently i.e. in my Masters). I was so scared of evaluation that I didn't participate and if I had to, I'd sweat, speak realllllll quickly, feel sick...you name it! Anyway, PS spoke to my mum and told her about my potential. She also told me that. She also supported my decision to take up Arts and sort of convinced my mum who was doubtful. I thought she was a great teacher and it was a shame that I didn't have her earlier when I could have done something about the stage fright. But, thanks to her, I pursued Arts in one of the best colleges for the stream in India.

RP: Moving on to college, RP taught me Psychology throughout my Bachelors. Right from Introductory psych to Developmental psych to Organisational psych. But it's not the stuff on psychology that she taught that I remember. I remember other things. She was the most positive person I had ever met. And still is. For a cynic like me, that was a strange experience. But she had the ability to uplift everyone. She would do her best to end the lesson with little anecdotes or sayings or platitudes...and on a stressful day, they were really nice to hear. On a more personal note, she was a big help when it came to my research in the second year. She took the time out to assist me with the area and delve further into it. More importantly, she helped me with my anxiety surrounding the research and having to present it in front of a group. Finally, she was very helpful when it came to giving me a reference for further study in Australia. She had some really nice things to say about me, although like most of my teachers, she did think I had the potential to do better.

FW: My first year in Australia --- pursuing my postgraduate diploma in psychology --- I had FW as my supervisor for my research project. She was a delight to work with. While her area of psychology was the least of my interests (biological and perceptual psychology to be precise), the experience working with her was amazing. She was the most relaxed and easy-going persons I'd known. Me, being the highly anxious perfectionist, had to clarify the research question a zillion times and FW was only too willing to patiently explain it all to me. She was so supportive all the way through. She could tell every time I was stressing out and would reassure me no end. She was almost like a friend to me and the person I was working with. She has an amazing sense of humour and kept our spirits up throughout the tedious research project. She believed we would do a great job. And we did not disappoint. So thank you, FW for making the research seem so worthwhile in the end.

TH: Last but not least, TH, my lecturer and supervisor during the Masters. He still is my supervisor. Right from the first pass out (where you administer a psych test to him), where he told me that he thought I'd be great working with children, to encouraging me during my thesis, TH has made me believe in myself. He made me realise that I was pursuing the right career path. He helped raising my self-esteem. He bore with me during my panic attacks regaring the thesis. He constantly encouraged me. And he is great in his area of teaching. He told me I could use him as a reference for any job. He agreed to be a reference for my immigration application. He has even said some really nice things to me (e.g. I should get residency as I will increase the average intelligence and niceness of Australia :P). I don't think he realises the impact he has had on me but it is so great that I don't have enough words to describe it. So thanks heaps TH...for supporting me and for believing in me all this time.

I certainly appreciate these teachers who have come through during different phases in my life and I am so grateful to have had them. They have all had an impact on me, my development, my self-esteem in more ways than one.

I wish they knew just how much.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

Blogging Blunders

I love the templates that have been created by a number of computer geniuses and that are available to the blogging community for free.

I am currently using one designed by Amanda at Blogger Buster. I thought about changing it yesterday --- y'know, because change is good. Anyway, in trying out templates, I ended up losing stuff on my current blog! I did as I was told --- I 'downloaded full template' and yet, I ended up losing my widgets and my blogroll (luckily, nerdy me keeps the url of my blogroll on a word document!) and pretty much most of the stuff except my posts.

I tried and tried to figure out the 'errors' but to no avail.

I guess if there were an IQ test for purely computers, I'd be severly intellectually disabled. Or moderately, considering I can use basic computer stuff.

Oh well, just thought I'd have a rant.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

Withdrawal symptoms

I have been away from blogging for about 3 days and have been suffering from withdrawal symptoms. The internet at home is not working and Telstra is NOT being helpful.

I have been having dreams at night that involve me blogging and/or reading blogs. Does that mean I am addicted to blogging?

So hopefully now, I can get back in the groove.

Will start by catching up on reading the blogs I follow.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

The grass is always greener...

She was the girl
Other girls wanted to be
She was the girl
That guys turned heads to see

She was the girl
Who was never short on money
She was the girl
With a rich guy for her hubby

She was the girl
That had perfect looks
She was the girl
The kind talked of in mags and books

She was the girl
Dressed in the finest of frocks
She was the girl
Whose finger sported the biggest-ever rock

She was the girl
That always had a smile
She was the girl
Who was well-known from a mile

She was the girl
With a mansion for her home
She was the girl
That travelled to the likes of Rome

She was the girl
Who used to be my best friend
She was the girl
I lost to her husband

She was the girl
Who wore a mask for the world outside
She was the girl
Trying to make sense of her life

She was the girl
Filled with hurt and pain
She was the girl
Who was treated with disdain

She was the girl
Who hid bruises black and blue
She was the girl
Who had no idea what to do

She was the girl
Too scared to ask for help
She was the girl
Entrapped in this web

She was the girl
Who thought it was her fault
She was the girl
Suffering from physical assaults

She was the girl
Who no longer could cope
She was the girl
That hung herself with a rope

She is the girl
Whose story will be told
She is the girl
Whose real face is shown to the world

Read more...

History has been made...

...by President Barack Obama

Rarely have I ever taken an interest in politics (apart from enjoying comedians taking the piss out off Dubya over the years)...but this time it was crucial.

History was going to be made either way. And fortunately, it wasn't the gun-toting, pro-life air-head's day.

Thank you America, for learning from your previous horrific mistake. A mistake that has cost the world at large.

Congratulations Barack Obama!! For making history.

Here comes Change.

And here's hoping a new DVD series featuring all of George Bush's bloopers is out early next year!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

Temper Tantrum Time

The BCCI does it yet again. I don't know why it surprises me because they are the kings when it comes to evading or refusing decisions handed down to them. They will scream racism. They will scream favourtism. They will scream bloody murder. And then get their way.

How many more times are we going to see them get away with this farce? Earlier in the year, they held the cricketing world to ransom. They got away because of course, the ICC (read: Indian Cricket's Chamcha; Chamcha means people who suck-up) batted for their team. They cheated. They withheld information. And they got their way.

In South Africa some years ago, they screamed racism when most of the team members were fined and one suspended. They threatened. And they got their way.

Now we see the same things played out again. Gambhir did something wrong, something unacceptable. It's something he did before and repeated his actions; hence the consequence. It should be pretty straightforward --- Commit the crime, do the time. But with the BCCI, it never is.

It's like some kids I see at work; they behave in an unacceptable manner but they are in denial and will not accept the consequences of their behaviour. That's what the Indian cricket team is like. That's what the BCCI is like. Little kids who will not accept their punishment but will try and blame it on everyone or everything possible. And the ICC is like a bad parent --- giving in to the child's tantrums, which only reinforces the negative behaviour because the child knows they can get away if they throw a tantrum the next time.

I just wish though, that the rest of the cricketing world would decide on not giving in to the tantrums and ignore Indian cricket. That't how the child throwing the tantrum learns it's not going to work again. If only...

It wouldn't surprise me to see Gambhir play in the final test. Why? Because like I've said, the BCCI get away with everything. Unless the ICC pulls up it's socks and teaches the BCCI who lays down the rules, the little child is always going to get it's way and is going to walk all over the parent.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...

For want of a magic wand

My job can be very frustrating.

I have teachers who hope I can fix a kid who has behavioural problems.

I have parents who think the teachers are not doing their job.

I have other parents who think I can fix their child.

I have kids that think they do not have a problem.

I have other kids that think their parents and teachers are the problem.

And at the end of the day, few want to actually do the work in order to solve the problem. Few are willing to put in the effort required. Few are willing to take responsibility.

All I can tell them when it comes to this, "I don't have a magic wand which I can wave and fix everything..."

Sometimes though, I wish I did.

Read more...

A dream come true

30th October 2008 --- a dream of 10 years finally came true. (No, I haven't got my permanent residency yet...still waiting on that dream/goal) It's a day I will never forget.

I MET ADAM GILCHRIST!!!!

Yes, I finally met Gilly after all these years of waiting.

I went for his book signing at Dymocks at Penrith. It was scheduled for 6 p.m. so I left straight after work (3:15) to reach Penrith, which took me about 2 hours. Anyhoo, I got there and the line was quite long. And it was only 5:30. While standing in the line, I got some weird looks by the security guards at Westfield ---I think that's because I was the only Indian in the line. Everyone else was Anglo. Given all the recent 'Sachin fiasco', I guess they may have just been wondering whether I was there to throw something at Gilly. As if!!!

Gilly arrived at around 6:30 due to traffic (that's what you get for having it out at Penrith, I guess) and he passed by me to get in to the store. He smiled at me and said "Hi" in reply to my nervous one. That in itself, made my day. I would have been ok if he didn't get to us people far back in the line just because he spoke a word to me and was an arm's length away.

Finally, about an hour later, I was there --- getting my copy of 'True Colours' signed by my idol. And standing next to him posing for a picture (thanks to the lady I met while standing in the line for taking the pic...don't know what I would have done otherwise). And then, having him look at me and say something (I think he said "Hi, how you going...and nice to meet you"). I was in such a daze that all I could say was "It's really nice to meet you".

I guess I am just glad I didn't say or do anything stupid. Like give him a hug. Or squeal with excitement. Or tell him how I have followed his career since the start to the very end. Or how my room used to be filled with his posters. Or how I have collected heaps of his pictures. Or how much of an inspiration he has been to me. Or how much he influenced my ability to go for my dreams, no matter what other people may say or think.

Gilly, I am just glad you are what you are. You are the person as on telly. Just as an example of his niceness, he signed t-shirts and bats for kids that were present (in spite of Dymocks informing us that he would only sign copies of the books).

Gilly, you are genuine. I could tell from the smile you gave me (and probably everyone else). Anyone else in your position would not bother to actually pose for the picture but would keep signing to finish off the 'chore'.

If anything, I have more respect for him. I admire him even more than I did. I am even more inspired by him.

Thank you, Gilly, for all you have done.

And for finally making my dream come true. You are exactly what I hoped you would be, and more.

It was worth the wait.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Read more...