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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

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:

It’s true, Indian men hardly do any housework (more…)

“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…)

Happy Holi + St Paddy’s Day

When away from ‘home’ it is easy to forget the rhythms of ‘home’ festivals and celebrations.

Like missing Chinese New Year celebrations in India… and catching the tale end in Malaysia.

St Patrick’s day wasn’t even on the radar until I went to Bluegrass in Kuningan, Jakarta for dinner with a fab gal pal and saw the St Paddy’s themed F&B specials appealing to the ex-pat crowd. (more…)

Confessions of a reluctant entrepreneur

While working in Malaysia, another contract for Jakarta came through – yippee!

I’ve mentioned – more than once – that I’m a highly reluctant entrepreneur! However by some brilliant stroke of luck (or two!) am somehow surviving with independent work.

Knowing there is nothing certain in life, I’ve been preoccupied with – don’t laugh – opening 3 companies! Yeah, like the paperwork and hassles for one isn’t enough, hmm?

Sounds fancy but isn’t really. Just have 3 very different types of work on the go… (more…)

“It was a pleasure not sleeping with you!” – Part 2

Last weekend was a brilliant – if sleepless – experience with my partner and a couple hundred other folks at The Company Theatre Workspace at Kamshet, Maharashtra, India.

While it was bloody cold it definitely delivered and was worth a little zzzz deprived night! (more…)