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Yearly Archives: 2014
The Emma G Days… a tribute to taking a chance!
Once upon a time there was a young lass, who had a crazy notion to run a late night vegetarian café! So she gathered her friends and friends of friends, they pooled their meagre resources, wrangled a Student Business Loan… And voilà! “Emma G’s Deluxe Eatery” was born 25 years ago!
It was a moment in time. Most of us were around 19 years old, we were fearless of failure, didn’t actually care about making money, just wanted a home for aspiring artists, musicians, writers, students and sundry misfits. (more…)
Bang! Bang! “Phhuulease let me in!”
For nearly a month I’ve been locked out of my WordPress account. The thundering silence was not deliberate.
And while the world blithely carried on without my posts… I’ve been an addict freaking out without my blogging faffery fix!
Quick synopsis of my month: (more…)
Canadian lass in Bollywood – Aspiring actress or dreams dashed?
A dear director friend asked if I could meet with a young Canadian woman contemplating moving to Mumbai to get into acting here. Mostly from the perspective of how I’ve adjusted, my experience with visas, etc.
East weds west on the small screen – read all about it!
Now it isn’t completely unheard of.. after all… in a country of a billion plus people there is a ONE new TV serial that actually stars a blonde haired blue eyed new bride “Firangi Bahu.” I’ve been a bahu or daughter-in-law and survived to tell the tale! It isn’t a completely preposterous idea…
But breaking into ‘The Bollywood Biz” ain’t easy… and while I’m no expert, I have watched on the sidelines off and on since 1990 with friends and family (partner) who have struggled and sometimes succeeded in film, TV and stage. Along the way have picked up a few insights and stories behind the stereotypes….
Yet I still felt like such a nasty horrible person dishing out the following reality check dashing starry eyes and hopeful smiles: (more…)
Behind the billboard… Daddy Cool
A couple of years ago, my partner got a real kick out of seeing this billboard plastered around Mumbai…
Aalim Hakim Poster – look closely at the lower left pic
Why? Though he spent 30 years in the ‘biz’, I was the one getting a tiny slice of ‘fame’ (notoriety?) thanks to the small square with my photo.
Today, he’s having the last laugh as billboards for his recent TV commercial can be spotted all over the country! And the ad is running not just in India but also in South & South East Asia, Africa and the Middle East. (more…)
Who keeps the house clean?
A friend sent a link to a new online publication he started called “Scroll.in – News that matters”. I love lots about it and while the current focus is on the Indian elections, an earlier article on domestic matters caught my eye:
“The dog ate my homework”
Wouldn’t it be convenient if I could use that excuse? The challenge with going independent is when things go wrong…. they go wrong!
And while a busted ankle isn’t a complete disaster, my immune system also took a beating with a crappy cold then yucky migraine (is there any other kind?).
So what?
Well…. I am in the midst of opening three companies and all are affected plus personal stuff! (more…)
Hopping home…
There is a reason for my ‘radio silence’… just not a very good reason.
What happened?
I came back from Jakarta early with a nifty new acquisition and insight into a very different mode of travel.
Re-wind… exactly what happened? (more…)
My home, my peaceful sanctuary… invaded!
Being away from home isn’t easy… however sometimes being at home isn’t either.
Though we rent, we’ve put effort into making our apartment a home – a peaceful sanctuary…
A couple of months ago that changed.
We were invaded! Sonically invaded in the worst way! (more…)
Auchentoshan, AnCnoc, Deanston, Tomatin
If I was in Mumbai right now (not Jakarta), would be enjoying sampling whiskies in our monthly private whisky club.
Alas I’m missing it! So I have pulled out tasting notes from our ‘archives’ – courtesy of another member – as this was another evening I missed! The dratted down-side of travel 😉
Tasting Notes from April 2012
The evening was delightful with a very special malt selection comprising of Auchentoshan 12 year 40%, AnCnoc 40%, a not so common Deanston 46.3% and a Tomatin 21% received as a gift from the distiller. (more…)
The taxman cometh…
What does a Canadian living in India on contract for a project in Indonesia then Malaysia through an Australian company do for taxes?
Before I flew to Indonesia, there loomed the 15th March deadline for “Advance Tax” payment – a critical “To Do” task akin to getting a root canal. Ugh!
While I have no regrets about going ‘independent‘, the simplicity of a salary is something I sorely miss.
So decided to share my pain by sharing my warped understanding of the Indian taxation system: (more…)
Everyday Asia 