Ajaira Pechaal

2010-03-17T18:52:00.002-04:00

My To Do List for 2010

- Write an Op Ed for Slate
- Write a short story that I can live with
- Shoot a travel show
- Start a business
- Take carpentry lessons
- Figure out whether I am PhD material
- Learn to live more healthy
- Start a wikipedia project to document the lives of the 100 influential Bangladeshi women
- Stand up against domestic violence

2009-06-24T10:32:00.003-04:00

Graffiti Art Goes Mainstream

In the olden days, graffiti art was unwanted. It was the work of renegades who defaced property without the owner's consent. Now the tides have turned. A mural created by graffiti artist Banksy was defaced and community volunteers are cleaning it up.

Don't believe me? Check out the BBC article

2008-11-07T11:20:00.003-05:00

YES WE DID! - Top 3 Election Night Moments

1) In Washington DC’s U Street neighborhood, from where we watched the elections, Obamania knew no bounds. It was no surprise since 93% of Washingtonians voted for him. The jubilant crowd danced, hugged and cheered. Honking cars and fireworks added to the festivities. In 1968, this neighborhood was the scene of mayhem and destruction when racial riots erupted in the aftermath of Martin Luther King’s assassination. Who would have thought that forty years on a diverse crowd would gather at the same spot to celebrate the first African-American President. I was proud of my adopted homeland for coming full circle.

2) As a new Virginia resident, I was thrilled to see the once staunchly Republican state go blue. Virginia hasn’t backed a democratic presidential candidate since 1964. So this was HUGE!

3) On a split screen, CNN showed two victory celebrations – one in Grant Park, Chicago as the crowd awaited Obama’s speech and the other in his ancestral village in Kenya. The Kenyan President actually declared a public holiday in honor of Obama’s landslide victory!

2008-11-04T15:40:00.002-05:00

Things That Make You Go Hmmmmm

Most Americans have not had the pleasure of laying their eyes on the US Immigration and Citizen Services ' I-485 application. In this form, people who are applying to be a permanent resident are asked a range of "interesting" questions. Here's a taste:

Have you ever engaged in, conspired to engage in, or do you intend to engage in, or have you ever solicited membership or funds for, or have you through any means ever assisted or provided any type of material support to any person or organization that has ever engaged or conspired to engage in sabotage, kidnapping, political assassination, hijacking, or any other form of terrorist activity?

Have you ever engaged in genocide, or otherwise ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the killing of any person because of race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, or political opinion?

Do you intend to engage in the US in
a) Espionage?
b) Any activity a purpose of which is opposition to, or the control or overthrow of, the Government of the United States, by force, violence, or other unlawful means?

Do you plan to practice polygamy in the United States?

Within the past ten years have you been a prostitute or procured anyone for prostitution, or intend to engage in such activities in the future?

Some lawyer somewhere probably got big bucks to come up with these questions! The thought of answering "YES" just for kicks did cross my mind. But spending the rest of my life behind bars would have been too high a price to pay for curiosity.

Here's a question that may be added to the list in the unlikely instance of a McCain-Palin win - Do you harbor or intend to spread liberal or socialist values?

2008-11-04T13:17:00.001-05:00

Honoring the Dead

Here's an interesting bit of trivia - Barack Obama's grandmother passed away on Nov 3, a day before the nationwide polls. However, she sent in an absentee ballot in Hawaii on Oct 27. Does this count?

ANSWER: YES!

Not all states allow "ghost votes". California, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia are among those that do. USA Today made an interesting observation about "ghost voters" in 2004:

"Considering that an average of 455 voting-age people die in Florida every day, and that the 2000 presidential election was decided by a mere 537 votes, dead votes that slip through the cracks could become a meaningful bloc."

2008-10-30T15:13:00.000-04:00

Fork It Over

Despite our "no gift" policy, we amassed multiple sets of spoons, forks and other paraphernalia. Given that our supply of utensils exceeds demand, I am looking for alternative uses. Here are a few:

Construct furniture

Build a chandelier

Make jewellery

Tune an instrument

Make up a Halloween costume

Create a piece of art

2008-10-29T18:14:00.000-04:00

What a Drag

Wedding festivities were in full swing and my friends whisked me away to get my hair and make-up done. I was sitting in my favorite hair salon, getting my short hair coaxed into a bun and praying it won’t look like a butt on my head. The hairdresser was particularly flamboyant. He wore a flower-patterned shirt, sported a big hat and had impeccable eyebrows. I am rather promiscuous when it comes to hairdressers and have tried out almost all the stylists at that salon. However, this particular guy had never done my hair before and I was pleasantly surprised that he managed to put my hair up in a bun without making me look like a sinister school teacher. Noticing that I was rather impressed with his concoction, the stylist gave me his sales pitch. “Would you like me to do your make up too? I have been doing bridal make up for 25 years,” he bragged. For good measure he added, “In fact I also dress up as a woman all the time.” Drag queens are great fun and I wouldn’t quite mind getting made up like one. But it’s best to save that urge for Halloween instead of trying it out at my wedding. However, on second thought, that probably won’t be too far from the look of a South Asian bride.

2008-03-20T17:28:00.000-04:00

In Loving Memory of Arthur C Clarke (December 16 1917 – March 19, 2008)

He took me to a realm where imagination was boundless like the universe itself. Unfettered by gravity or the humdrum realities that tie people down, I could be an explorer on a quest for the impossible.

The world will remember him as a humanist…. a visionary…. an astute scientist…. a literary genius… an avid underwater explorer and more. I will remember him as the man who taught me to dream.

Here’s a link to one of my favorite Arthur C Clarke short stories “Nine Billion Names of God”

2007-11-16T12:13:00.000-05:00

Bangladesh Cyclone: How Can You Help?

A Category 10 cyclone has hit Bangladesh's southern region, which is home to 10 million people! According to the Daily Star At least 496 people were killed and thousands but tolls are expected to increase. An estimated half a million people are in shelters.

I am compiling a list of organizations that are accepting donations and working with displaced people. I will update the list as I find more information:

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
http://www.bdrcs.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=5

Save the Children – US
https://secure.ga4.org/01/bangladesh_cyclone_1107

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
http://donate.ifrc.org/?navid=02_02
http://www.ifrc.org/Docs/News/07/07111602/index.asp

If you know of other organizations please add their names and link in the comments section.

2007-10-26T12:36:00.000-04:00

Pizza Hut Meets Muslim World - Part 2

The Pizza Hut in Giza offers the best view of the pyramids. But it also takes away from it....... I arrived on the pyramid site waiting to behold the grandeur of one of the best known wonders of the world but right across the street was an eyesore of a Pizza Hut (and KFC).

2007-10-26T11:38:00.000-04:00

Pizza Hut Meets Muslim World

I had the unique opportunity to experience iftar at Pizza Hut in Dhaka. I should mention that Pizza Hut is a luxury restaurant in the Bangladeshi context, where one individual-sized pan pizza can cost up to $10, which is a LOT of money in taka (the taka is the only currency on the face of this planet that is still depreciating against the dollar). Among others, it is frequented by aid workers and embassy officials craving for food they can relate to. They occupied around half of the restaurant, clad in shalwar kameez and kurta, and waited expectantly for the azaan in an effort to be respectful to the "locals". A mechanical waiter came to take down our orders and insisted on addressing us in garbled English despite our attempts to steer him to Bangla. Next another waiter stepped out with a regal air, rang a bell ceremoniously and announced that we can break out fast. The food arrived but it wasn't pizza.... it was dates and lebur shorbot! Turns out it was part of the iftar special. Only in Bangladesh.........

2007-10-05T15:33:00.000-04:00

Quid Pro Quo

Wondering how to pay for your stay at the space hotel or purchase prime real estate on the moon? Now you can use the Quasi Universal Intergalactic Denomination, or Quid. It has been especially designed by scientists for foreign exchange company Travelex. One Quid is worth £6.25 (that's gazillions in dollars given the drastic devaluation). The Quid coins are made out of a special polymer used in non-stick pans so that they are not damaged by radiation or don't injure unsuspecting astronauts if they float free accidently.

Don't believe me? Read more on BBC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7029564.stm

2007-10-04T13:50:00.000-04:00

Ramadan Giving

I would like to point out the Global Giving's Ramadan Giving site to those who are looking for channels to donate their zakat and sadqah money. Global Giving compiles a list of credible development projects around the world and ensures that they meet IRS and anti-terrorism regulations:http://www.globalgiving.com/ramadan.html

If you would like to donate to Bangladeshi projects you can go to:http://www.globalgiving.com/ac/ctry00bangla1.html

2007-10-01T11:51:00.000-04:00

They Met and it was Electric.....

I enjoyed reading this interesting exchange between the two Nobel laureates, Rabinranath Tagore (Literature) and Einstein (Physics), on the nature of reality.

http://www.mukto-mona.com/Articles/einstein_tagore.htm

2007-09-28T16:46:00.001-04:00

Birds and Bees.... and Beluga Whales

A trip to the Georgia Aquarium proved to be more educational than we had fathomed. The Beluga whales are the biggest attraction there. Nico, the male Beluga, is the resident Romeo and shares his tank with three female Belugas (Maris, Natasha, and Marina), who are on breeding loan from the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium.

We stood in front of the exhibit and watched the playful antics of the majestic marine mammals. But the Belugas ended up being more of a show stopper than we had imagined.... After fooling around for a bit, things started heating up and we watched a National Geographic moment unravel before our eyes. The soft lighting and mood music added to the ambiance and the crowd cheered on Nico.......

2007-09-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

Conversations with a Desi Cab Driver – Part 2

He was one of the strangest cab drivers I have encountered. He was in his 50s but thought of himself as a 20-something year old latino lover. He sported a hat and injected words like “mamasita” in the middle of every other sentence. Here’s the conversation that ensued:

Delusional Desi Driver: You beautiful lady

Me: Thanks

DDD: You should put on make-up in the morning…. Maybe pink lipstick to go with your shirt

Me (slightly amused): I am beautiful with or without make-up… how come you are an expert on make-up anyway?

DDD: I was married to American lady once. I get divorce since she want me to move to the country with her but we are still friends. She teach me about respect and hygiene. A lot of Indian lady and Pakistani lady don’t wear deodorant. You come to America. You find everything in store. Why not use it? My real estate lady wear no deodorant. She stink. I don’t like. I just sell my land on Tuesday. Here’s her picture. (he hands me a business card which contains a picture of a heavily made-up woman).

Me (not amused any longer): You trusted her to sell your land. She has to be good.

DDD: You married?

Me (definitely not amused): I don’t feel comfortable disclosing personal information

DDD: You should introduce me to Bangladeshi girl… maybe 25-30 year old……

Me (pissed off): If a 25 year old married you it would probably be for your money

(At this point I had arrived at my work)

DDD: Are you going to have coffee before you go to work? Maybe I can buy you coffee.

Me: No thanks (as I slam the door shut and march off angrily)

It wasn’t till I got on the elevator that I realized I had forgotten to pay the fare……

2007-09-24T17:25:00.001-04:00

Mama Barir Abdar

Here's a poem with a twist for a special friend......

Tai Tai Tai

Mama-r mansion-e jai

Mama dilo Quizno's Baja Chicken sandwich

Pet bhore khai

Mami elo Swifer Jet niye

Palai palai

2007-09-12T10:04:00.000-04:00

Disturbing Facts on Inequality in the US

Many workers got a break on July 24, 2008 when the federal minimum wage was increased to $5.85 from $5.15 -- the first increase in the federal minimum wage in 10 years. But the minimum wage is still 7% below where it was 10 years ago, adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, CEO pay has gone up 45%, adjusted for inflation, in the same period.
CEO pay in the U.S. has grown to become 364 times the average worker's pay.
U.S. execs make three times as much as their European counterparts, even though these European bosses manage companies that are 40% bigger.

2007-09-11T11:30:00.000-04:00

Pet Peeves

I would like to see the term “boyfriend” abolished from the dictionary once and for all. Not only does it sound juvenile, it barely captures the fact that you are in a romantic relationship with a grown man. So the million dollar question is what do you call a guy who is not a “boy” and not a “friend”?

Of course there is also the gender neutrality dimension politically-correct people harp on, which opens up a whole new can of worms. The terms “partner” and “significant other” are often used. “Partner” gives the impression that you have entered into a business contract with someone while “significant other” can make one feel like the insignificant one in the relationship. “Lover” or “sweetheart” is somewhat revolting, “suitor” sounds very nineteenth century while “date” sounds non-committal. “Companion” could work perhaps but it conjures up an image of Paris Hilton’s pet Chihuahua. So the search for a suitable word continues.

2007-08-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

A Word on South Asian Cab Drivers

I love Desi cabbies! Everytime I hail a taxi I secretly hope that there is a desi driver behind the wheels. Usually I do not appreciate unsolicited advice or familiarity from strangers but I have come to accept and expect it from desi cabbies. Unless I am in a particularly sour mood, I love the lively banter that ensues and enjoy bonding over Bollywood jingles or Quran telawat.

Last week, I decided to make a quick trip to Georgetown to get a pack of my favorite tea. The otherwise friendly desi driver gave me a disapproving look as he dropped me off at the street corner and curtly inquired – “Are you going to that restaurant?” It turns out that right next door to my tea shop was Washington DC’s premier sex-toy store. I felt a pair of eyes following me as I walked out of the cab, waiting to see which way I go.

Rodrigo Y Gabriela's Video 'For Diablo Rojo'

2007-08-30T12:58:00.001-04:00

Went to Baltimore to witness a jaw-dropping performance by the guitarist duo.... Their music is an intoxicating blend of jazz, folk, funk, metal and Latin. They started off playing in the streets and at small bars in Mexico and then Ireland. Now they are chart toppers in the UK and US.

Allah Made Me Funny

2007-08-23T14:33:00.001-04:00

This comedy group proves that humor is one of the best ways to combat islamophobia and the negative stereotyping of Muslims. Their official website is: http://www.allahmademefunny.com

2007-08-21T15:49:00.000-04:00

How Many Ways Can You Wear a Headscarf?

The possibilities are endless..... (Source: BBC)

2007-08-21T11:21:00.000-04:00

Sunflowers can spread sunshine on a gloomy Tuesday......

2007-07-23T16:43:00.000-04:00

My Theory Falls Short

I was trying to find a scientific explanation for why northern Europeans are taller than people from the southern part of the continent. And why an average Bangladeshi is often dwarfed by people from pretty much any part of the world.

My theory indicates that the contrary should have been true. The spinning of the Earth on its axis causes it to bulge at the equator. Bangladesh is pretty close to the equator (24 deg latitude). So any country that is further up north (like Norway, which has a latitude of 62 deg) should experience a slightly stronger gravitational pull than us since they are closer to the Earth's center. All things being equal, the extra gravitation force experienced by those living in higher latitutes should make it harder for them to grow vertically. Why then are Norwegians taller than us?

2007-06-13T15:50:00.000-04:00

Dhallywood Clamour

If you are refined and discerning then look elsewhere. Dhallywood will surely make the faint-at-heart cringe.

A not-so-palatable bangla movie song is stuck in my head. It goes.....

Ami Michael Jackson

Tumi ruposhi Madonna

Ami tough McGyver

Tumi Princess Diana

The emaciated actor was sporting a mullet and wearing a sleeveless, unbuttoned leather vest. The corpulaent actress was in a white, poofy, wedding cake-like dress. To make the scene complete, a dozen or so extras were flailing their arms in the air as they attempted to dance with gusto.

Bap re bap... ki mood.... doraisi!

(This post is decicated to ruposhi juboti - Ms SS)

2007-06-04T16:41:00.000-04:00

Free Vermont!

I urge the millions of people who read my blog to take immidiate political action and sign a petition advocating "Vermont’s peaceable secession from the U.S. Empire" :-)

http://www.freevermont.net/

I did consider retracting my endorsement when a friend pointed out that if Vermont is independent, Ben and Jerry's will become an imported product and the price of Chunky Monkeys will soar.

More seperatist groups listed here:

http://middleburyinstitute.org/registrynorthamericanseparatists.html

2007-06-01T11:17:00.000-04:00

To B or Not to B

Finally there is an “uprising against the tyranny of early rising”! A B-Society has been established in Denmark and they argue that some people are genetically programmed to be more productive later in the day. They are encouraging workplaces and universities to be more flexible and providing “B-certification” to those accommodating people with different daily rhythms. In their own words, they strive for “equality between early birds and night owls”.

2007-05-25T12:03:00.000-04:00

Butterflies are Free

You see a light

You hear the call

And if i don't let you fly

I don't know you at all

So go on and roam

See all that you can

Born unto this earth a curious soul

You and you alone

Can make you feel whole

But don't i add truth

You've never known

(Lyrics by Debbie Gibson)

2007-05-16T12:12:00.000-04:00

Life is Short

I am vertically challenged and that has always been a bit of a sore point. In my passport I lied about my height and added two inches to my soaring five feet stature to make it look a little more respectable. Here are some of the everyday inconveniences and indignities I am subjected to because of my height:

1) Since my last name is high up on the alphabetical order my mailbox at work is at the very top. Even in my heels I have a hard time reaching it.

2) I have to stand on my toes to reach the handrails on the metro bus and sometimes I end up hanging from the bar like a monkey.

3) I have to scurry to keep up with people with long legs. Otherwise, they inevitably leave me in the dust.

4) People have to stoop or crane their neck because they can’t hear me speak. A friend recently told me that I was literally “a pain in the neck”

5) When I go shopping for clothes nothing fits and I need to spend extra $$ to get trousers shortened.

To all the vertically challenged people out there I have a message. Do not despair! At least we make better astronauts. Given the cramped conditions, it’s easier for shorter people to make it out there.

Here’s a link to the Short Persons Support Group http://www.shortsupport.org/

2007-05-15T19:18:00.000-04:00

Dumb and Dumber

In this lawsuit obsessed nation, people have to be warned about all potential dangers in order to avoid getting sued. So a coffee cup reads "Contents are Hot" and "Slippery when Wet" signs are put up outside when it rains.

At a baseball game yesterday a friend was buying water from the food stand. The vendor removed the cap and handed him the bottle. Apparently the top was a choking hazard for children who may be present!

Common sense is not just optional..... it's redundant these days.

2007-05-03T15:18:00.000-04:00

A Kiss is Just a Kiss....

What could Iran's President Ahmedinejad and Richard Gere possibly have in common? Both have gotten a lot of flak lately for kissing women in public! So who are the lucky gals?

In Richard Gere's case it was Shilpa Shetty. He was attending an HIV/Aids awareness event when he went up on stage, dipped Shilpa and kissed her several times on the cheek in feigned passion. This resulted in public outcry and an arrest warrant for the "obscene" act. Shetty was summoned to court for not "resisting". Why on earth would she resist the sexiest man on the planet?..... and surely a peck on the cheek should be acceptable in the land of the Kama Sutra!

Ahmedinejad was caught red-handed kissing his former school teacher. But it's not what it sounds like..... He was graciously kissing the woman's hand. The lady in question was at least 80. She was covered from head to toe and was even sporting thick gloves. A conservative newspaper declared that it was indescent behaviour on Ahmedinejad's part and proclaimed that it went against Sharia law. Now Ahmedinejad can defend himself Bill Clinton-style and say "I did not kiss that woman". Afterall does kissing someone's hand REALLY count as kissing?

Everyone's familiar with the French kiss but there are some other varieties out there:

- Eskimo kiss consists of two people rubbing their noses

- Butterfly kiss comprises of people placeing their eye close to each other and fluttering their eyelids

- Caterpillar kiss entails people rubbing their eyebrows against each other

2007-03-23T13:04:00.000-04:00

Unlikely Duo

2007-03-16T16:18:00.000-04:00

The Interesting Thing About Rain Is.....

Depending on when, where or how much it's raining, it can be considered despondent, romantic, intoxicating, jubilant or even apocalyptic.

2006-12-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

Double Standards

Iran just got slapped in the wrist by the UN Security Council for its nuclear program. President Ahmadinejad claims it's for peaceful purposes, which is highly doubtful. But put yourself in his shoes for a minute..... If the country on your left and the country on your right were both attacked preemtively and you had reason to believe that you were next on the list - what would you do?

Interestingly the Security Council has always turned a blind eye to Israel's nuclear program, which has been an open-secret for years now.

Why should some countries have nuclear weapons and not others? The two most millitant nations in the world (US and Israel), which have a history of attacking other countries preemtively, possess nuclear weapons. The US is the ONLY country which has used it in the past. Why aren't we going after them? Are they really more responsible with their nuclear weapons or is it because some countries are more equal than others? President Bush's main goal these days is to spread democracy around the world. How about starting with the UN Security Council, as Hugo Chavez (my favorite nut job) rightfully pointed out.

2006-12-21T15:25:00.000-05:00

Eid Moo-barak

The Muslim festival of Eid-Ul-Azha is coming up at the end of this month. It marks the end of Hajj (Muslim pilgrimage) and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to reliquish his son for God. To honor this spirit on self-sacrifice, Muslims around the world sacrifice animals and distribute the meat among friends, relatives as well as the poor and needy. However, growing up in Dhaka I noted a dearth of altruism. In fact, the sacrifical animal was treated more as a status symbol - the BIGGER the BETTER.

Although I have yet to come across a Muslim vegeterian, there must be a few scattered ones around. How do they commemorate Eid-Ul-Azha - by cutting down a tree?

Thanks to the internet "korbani" (sacrifice) is just a mouse-click away. You can now order a LIVE cow online and have it sent to your near and dear ones in Bangladesh. I would have a COW if someone had one delivered to my doorstep.... pun intended. This is what the advert reads:

Many sacrifice animals (like goats or cows) for this Eid. Large size LIVE cow (size may very) will be delivered to recipient house. Cow size depends on the availability of the market. 2 days advance order required. Regular price: $709.99 Sale price: 689.99

2006-12-18T13:43:00.000-05:00

Miss Piggy Says.....

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it may be necessary from time to time to give a stupid or misinformed beholder a black eye."

2006-12-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

Two Inspiring Speeches Delivered This Week

Dec 10 - Prof Yunus' acceptance speech at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony
Dec 11 - Kofi Annans final speech as Secretary General of the UN

Here's what they had to say about the war on terrorism.....

YUNUS: "The new millennium began with a great global dream. World leaders gathered at the United Nations in 2000 and adopted, among others, a historic goal to reduce poverty by half by 2015. Never in human history had such a bold goal been adopted by the entire world in one voice, one that specified time and size. But then came September 11 and the Iraq war, and suddenly the world became derailed from the pursuit of this dream, with the attention of world leaders shifting from the war on poverty to the war on terrorism. Till now over $ 530 billion has been spent on the war in Iraq by the USA alone.

I believe terrorism cannot be won over by military action. Terrorism must be condemned in the strongest language. We must stand solidly against it, and find all the means to end it. We must address the root causes of terrorism to end it for all time to come. I believe that putting resources into improving the lives of the poor people is a better strategy than spending it on guns."

ANNAN: "Human rights and the rule of law are vital to global security and prosperity. As President Truman said, "We must, once and for all, prove by our acts conclusively that Right Has Might."

That is why this country has historically been in the vanguard of the global human rights movement. But that lead can only be maintained if America remains true to its principles, including in the struggle against terrorism. When it appears to abandon its own ideals and objectives, its friends abroad are naturally troubled and confused.

And states need to play by the rules towards each other, as well as towards their own citizens. That can sometimes be inconvenient, but ultimately what matters is not convenience. It is doing the right thing."

2006-12-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

Another Gum Episode

This was not the first time a random guy offered me gum. At least this time it was not a chewed one. I was on the Tufts University bus when this over zealous stranger approached me. This is the conversation that ensued:

Mr Screw Loose: What's the best way to approach women?

Me: (rolled my eyes)

But that didn't burst his bubble.......

Mr Screw Loose: Do you know how many women I have been with?

Me: How many?

Mr Screw Loose: FIFTEEN!

Me: good for you...... (I ain't Ms Sweet Sixteen)

Mr Screw Loose: Women only want one thing.....

Me: Oh yeah.... what is that?

Mr Screw Loose: They want your money.....

Me: Yes absolutely.... you've figured out women alright.... we are all gold diggers.... no money no honey

2006-12-05T11:21:00.000-05:00

If I Were a CEO

I would ban timesheets and expense reports. We lose precious time filling them out and as we all know "time is money". So timesheets are time-consuming and expense reports are expensive.

2006-11-22T01:37:00.000-05:00

More Than Just a Hair Cut

For the last year I have been getting my hair cut at VSL salon in DuPont circle, which draws a predominantly gay clientele, and so far I have been more than content. I have a confession to make.... I get my tresses trimmed way more often than I need to these days. While VSL has some great stylists that's not what keeps me going back. It's the flamboyant shampoo guy I miss. He gives the best scalp massage on the planet.

A couple of weeks ago, as I was having my curls snipped, the catchy Pussycat Dolls number "Dont cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me..." started playing on the radio. A fine-looking fellow with a jet-black mane was sitting across from me. His stylist (who was a guy by the way) started to serenade him by singing along. Although the guy appeared flattered to be the center of attention, the stylist's efforts did not bear fruition in the end. Mr Handsome was straight and his girlfriend was waiting for him at the counter.

2006-11-16T18:14:00.000-05:00

One Hundred Blog Entries Later....

I still haven't managed to land a book deal. Here are some tips on how to get a book deal with your blog:
http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=41991

The good news is that the number of readers have gone up by 200% from 1 to 3 (including myself).

2006-11-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

Show me the Money

I may be broke but I am still very rich :-) Check out how you stack up against the rest of the world on the global rich list:
http://www.globalrichlist.com/index.php

According to the UN University, the richest 2% of adults own over half of the wealth in the world while the poorest half of the population has less than 1% of the global wealth.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6211250.stm

2006-11-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

Madrassahs, Monastries and Roman Catholic Churches

The Vatican has decided to uphold its ruling regarding celibacy of Catholic priests. I made a conscious decision to shun religion since so many religious institutions are run entirely by (sexually-deprived) men. If married men and women were not barred from some of these institutions, there might be more tolerance, compassion and common sense in this world.

2006-11-16T12:46:00.000-05:00

Chocolates to Melt Fidel's Heart

The longer I work in the international development arena, the more jaded I become. People who are not involved in this field seldom grasp the fact that poverty alleviation is usually a peripheral objective for aid agencies. Their primary goal is to promote the foriegn policy agenda of their own country. For instance, USAID has a sizeable program that seeks to promote democracy in Cuba. Aid money is channeled through various Cuban exile groups in Florida and many of the expenditures (including chocolates and cashmere jerseys) are questionable at best. Some people even argue that this is just a ploy to win the hearts and minds of Cuban American voters.

2006-11-15T20:12:00.000-05:00

Cuteness Factor

How can you hate them when they put up a cute error message like this? Ufffff..... Now I need to find an unsuspecting victim to vent my anger.

2006-11-14T19:16:00.000-05:00

Say My Name! Say My Name!

You can get your cyborg name here:
http://cyborg.namedecoder.com/

2006-11-12T19:57:00.000-05:00

Glorious Fall

On this indolent Sunday afternoon, the chill and wetness lingered in the air long after it stopped raining. As I walked down Mount Pleasant to meet my friends for brunch, I fell in love with my neighborhood all over again. The dramatic colors of Fall.... the puffed-up brooding pigeons..... the quiet side streets meandering into oblivion. It was truly enchanting.

Here are some snapshots I captured with my new super high-resolution camera.

2006-11-12T12:14:00.000-05:00

Down with Organized Religion
Sir Elton John, who sees organized religion as a barrier to gay rights stated in an interview: "The reality is that organised religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate." (Lemming is a type of rodent, mostly found in or near the Arctic.)

I would even argue that those who do not subscribe to organized religion and live ethically without fear of retribution or expectation of being rewarded are more moral individuals.

2006-11-11T17:04:00.000-05:00

Macaca has the Last Laugh

Not too long ago George Allen was riding the waves of success and was rumored to be the frontunner for the Republican nomination of the 2008 presidential election. Now he has fallen from grace, lost his Senatorial re-election bid and has become a liability to his party. A big round of applause for the "macaca" who brought down Allen on his knees and changed the political landscape of the US in the process.

2006-11-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

Four Reasons Why ZiZou Should Relocate to Bangladesh

1) There is no country on this planet where he is adored as much
2) He has been offered $30,000 to model in a lungi commercial
3) If he wants to practice a headbutt we can make our politicians available as targets
4) President Iajuddin has extended him a job as an election observer

2006-11-06T11:48:00.000-05:00

Can't get you out of my head.....

2006-11-05T15:05:00.000-05:00

Message to Mars

The Phoenix lander scheduled to reach Mars in May 2008 will carry a message for Earthlings, who might roam the red planet one day. The message will be contained in a durable silica glass DVD that is designed to last for centuries. The Planetary Society is now giving the general public an opportunity to add their name on this DVD and be part of this message to the future, alongside visionaries like Asimov and Arthur C Clarke. Enter your name here.

2006-11-03T14:11:00.000-05:00

Going home to Bangladesh in a month. Yaaayyyyy!!!!!!

2006-11-02T19:41:00.000-05:00

Time is a relative concept.... Some weeks are longer than others.

2006-11-02T18:55:00.000-05:00

A Message to Chavinistic Men

I do not need you assistance. I can take care of myself (and five others like you). When I need a helping hand I will use the one attached to my arm.

2006-11-01T02:28:00.000-05:00

Windows Bangla Interface

2006-10-31T21:41:00.000-05:00

For Development Geeks

Global Giving - "E-Bay of Development"
http://www.globalgiving.com/ac/browse.html

Development Gateway's dgCommunities - "Google for Development" http://topics.developmentgateway.org/

2006-10-30T01:32:00.000-05:00

Political Chaos

Media coverage in Bangladesh has improved significantly in the last couple of years. The past few days we accessed NTV on the web and watched the political chaos unfold right in front of our eyes. Mob violence.....rioting.....people pelting stones at the police and the police throwing even bigger rocks back at them. The NTV correspondent stood in the middle of this mayhem and reported the incidents with perplexing composure. Bullets were being fired and political opponents were engaged in street clashes just a few feet away from him, but the nonchalant reporter made it look like it was just a movie set.

A fragile peace has been established after the controversial nominee, backed by the ruling party to head up the interim government, stepped down. The current President, Iajuddin, volunteered to fill the position since there were no other takers. So now we have a 70 year-old man with heart-ailment, trying to fend off bitter political rivals, prevent a political debacle and ensure free and fair elections in 3 month's time. When quizzed by reporters he said "Pray for me."

2006-10-29T21:11:00.000-05:00

Fat is not Phat

Tough choices lie ahead. My waisteline is expanding at an exponential rate. There are two ways to counter this - 1) deprive myself of chocolate or 2) subject myself to exercise. I might just weather this out till womankind comes up with an easier way of shedding unwanted pounds.

2006-10-26T19:51:00.000-04:00

Black and White

My neighbor throws her arms up in the air in feigned exasperation and exclaims "I can't believe there's apartheid in my own home!" She has two cats - a furry white one and an elegant black one. Her mother unabashedly gives preferential treatment to the white cat. Hence the apartheid remark.....

2006-10-26T13:14:00.000-04:00

Shopping in the 21st Century

A friend's birthday is inching closer and I was surfing the net trying to find the ideal gift. I love shopping on worldstock.com. It's a segment of the mega online-store, overstock.com, and features products from disadvantaged artisan communities. 60-70% of the revenues generated from sales go back to the artisans. My purchasing decision is not just based on the "feel-good" factor. The products available on worldstock.com are quite exquisite and being able to shop from the comfort of my couch makes the whole experience effortless.

But today the site pulled a boo-boo on me. Here's the error message I got:

2006-10-23T01:48:00.000-04:00

A Day in the Life of Pooh

Warning: Do not try to hang yourself from a floor lamp at home!

2006-10-22T23:39:00.000-04:00

Fool-Proof Weight Loss Program

Diets don't work and exercise is a drag. Getting a haircut is the sure way of shedding some extra weight.

2006-10-19T12:10:00.000-04:00

Window Shopping

I just spent the money that I don't have to buy new windows for my birdcage of a condo. Since shopping for windows has put me on a negative balance, I will be restricted to window-shopping for a long time to come.

2006-10-18T15:30:00.000-04:00

A Giant Step Backward for Humankind

The US approved a space policy that asserts that it has the right to block access to space for countries/groups that it deems hostile. It also puts a hold on proposals to ban the use of weapons in space.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6063926.stm

2006-10-17T23:39:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Day

I braved the bad weather this afternoon to attend a symposium. Although the speaker was a luminary in his field, the talk was mind-numbing. The articulate moderator was the saving grace. As I was weaving my way through the crowd at the end of the session, I overheard the moderator talking to a companion - "The more I get immersed in the bureaucracy of international organizations, the more I believe in dictartorship." That's an interesting statement coming from a high-ranking World Bank official!

2006-10-13T23:55:00.000-04:00

Linux Geeks Take on Bill Gates

2006-10-13T23:31:00.000-04:00

Friday the 13th

Professor Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize and Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe in a cricket match..... That's great news on a "Friday-the-thirteenth".

2006-10-10T07:47:00.000-04:00

Dance Monkeys, Dance.

2006-10-10T05:27:00.000-04:00

Mirror Mirror on the Wall..... Who's the Most Unphotogenic of Them All

I don't photograph particularly well but looking at these two unfortunate creatures gives me solace. Both would have benefited from a kinder face and softer features.

When my friend and I were at the Vatican, we saw a plethora of souveniers containing pictures of the Pope hugging babies. If it were John Paul, the images would have evoked compassion and tenderness. Pope Benedict on the other hand, looked like he was trying to bite their heads off. So my natural reaction was dread, followed by guilt for thinking he looks scary and then back to dread when I realized I am surely going to hell for harboring such impure thoughts.

"O Lord, if there is a Lord.... Save my soul, if there is a soul."

2006-10-06T19:50:00.000-04:00

Kangaroo in Austria?

Vienna's souvenier stores are stacked with T-shirts and caps with the words "No Kangaroos in Austria" printed on them. This is not intended to offend Australians in particular but rather a broader attempt to educate ignorant tourists.

Here's a news story that contradicts the kangaroo slogan:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4813976.stm

2006-10-06T18:32:00.000-04:00

Enchanting Vienna

Vienna was definitely the highlight of my whirlwind 2 week, 6 country trip. I am terrified of heights but a tour of Vienna is not complete without hopping on the gaint Prater ferris wheel. As we remained suspended in air, 200 feet above the sprawling urban landmass, I summoned all my inner strength to keep myself from digging my claws into my friend's arm. The view from cloud nine was breath-taking. But like all good things in life, this too was transient.

2006-10-06T14:43:00.000-04:00

The Art of Eating Cake

It is another beautiful day in Vienna. We find ourselves in a business lunch with a peculiar duo - an endearing Polish man with a delightful sense of humor and a nonchalant Tunisian with a poetic tinge. The Tunisian man tells us that he has laid Vienna at our feet. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows we see the cityscape gleaming in the autumn sun. This is unusually good weather for this time of year and in that moment global warming seems to be a blessing.

As the men load up on caffeine, I give in to temptation and order a chocolate cake. It sits in front of me looking more like a piece of art than food meant for consumption. I feel guilty at first but it's too delectable. So I devour most of it. The Tunisian man looks at the plate with the half-eaten cake and says "You started off with Dali and ended up with Picasso."

2006-09-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

Get Your Bearings Straight

My sense of direction is quite appalling to say that least. If I go slightly beyond a well-trodden path or my regular bus route, I am completely lost. The good news is that I don't drive.

One of my friends makes an assertion that women in general have a bad sense of direction. In defense of womenkind, I like to point out that when we get lost, we are at least in the right continent unlike Christopher Columbus. The poor chap wanted to get to India and ended up in North America!

2006-09-12T21:31:00.000-04:00

Adam's Morgan Fun and Festivities

It was the last weekend of summer and all the DC residents came out to play. The Adams Morgan street festival was a hodgepodge. A no-nonsense Asian lady selling Jamaican food.... Beef kebabs at the Thai-food stand..... a caucasian woman, dressed in gaudy jewellery and a garish ghaghra-choli, vending Indian jewellery...... It was mind-boggling. Belly dancers taught little kids to shake the "endowments" they don't possess while an elderly woman, with the oomph of a young girl, stole the karaoke scene.

Politicians descended amidst this fanfare and handed out freebies in an effort to clinch precious votes. Unfortunately, 90% of the people partaking in the festivities were not registered DC voters. Upon realizing this, the contenders averted their gaze and their smiles turned plastic and eventually disappeared.

Other than that, it was a marvelous spectacle!

2006-09-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

Hungry=Angry

According to BBC there are six types of anger: explosive, argumentative, judgmental, helpless, adolescent and nutritional.

2006-09-05T01:49:00.000-04:00

Flaming June

This piece by Frederic Leighton is a rare treat for the senses and seemingly filled with contradictions. It's intense yet tranquil, sensual yet guileless. I finally caved in and bought myself a good reproduction so that I can wake up to it every morning. However, her indolent posture doesn't quite inspire me to rise and shine.

2006-09-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

Moon Rocks!

Just returned from yet another pilgrimage to the Air and Space Museum. For me, the moon rock is always the highlight of the visit. Most of the lunar samples we have today were collected during the six Apollo missions between 1969 through 1972. When I think of the billions of dollars and thousands of human hours spent on the lunar missions, I feel truly privileged that just by taking a short bus ride, I can touch a piece of the same moon. Since the moon has very little geological activity, most of these rocks are as old as the Earth itself (i.e. over 4 billion years old)!

2006-09-01T15:39:00.000-04:00

Dreaming of churros and hot chocolate..... Mmmmmmm

2006-09-01T12:34:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Song for a Rainy Day

Ei meghla din-e ekla
Ghore thake na to mon
Kache jabo, kobe pabo
Ogo tomar nimontron

Somewhat pensive and somewhat playful - this is definitely my favorite Hemanta tune. It's the kind of song that makes you want to fall in love (even if it's only a fleeting thought and lasts as long as the rain does :-))

Here's a link to it:
http://www.dishant.com/album/Best-Of-Hemant-Mukherjee.html

2006-09-01T03:06:00.000-04:00

Organ and Tissue Donation

We often hold back from becoming a donor because of preconcieved notions that age and/or illness might rule us out as perspective candidates. The truth is that very few medical conditions would cause your organs to be unsuitable for transplantation. Donated organs and tissues can help various kinds of patients:

- Lungs, heart, liver, pancreas or kidneys
- Corneal grafts to restore failing eyesight
- Skin to treat serious burns
- Bone, when bone grafting is necessary
- Heart valves for use in heart surgery

If you wish to be an organ donor fill out a Donor Card and carry it in your wallet:
http://www.organdonor.gov/signup1.html

2006-08-31T11:31:00.000-04:00

Made in China

These days EVERYTHING is made in China - Murano glass, Ghanian fabric, Indian shawls..... Nothing is off limits. From American flags to statues of Hindu gods, it's all being manufactured in China.

2006-08-31T10:14:00.000-04:00

Panda Lady

Talk about being pampered!

2006-08-30T14:16:00.000-04:00

Steer Clear

My allergies are back with a vengence. I miss the good old days when everytime I sneezed my co-worker would sneeze back in response from the other side of the cubicle. Now that she has left, the drugs trade has come to a halt and I am stuck with only one variety of allergy medicine.

Apparently we use so much force when we sneeze that if we did not close our eyes they would pop out of their sockets. With each sneeze we release thousands of drool droplets containing bacteria into the air. So if you see me coming - DUCK!

2006-08-25T19:02:00.000-04:00

The Best Way to Cope with Stress.....

is to get a drastic haircut.

2006-08-24T14:58:00.000-04:00

Pluto is no longer a planet
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5282440.stm

Soon it will disappear from the textbooks and we'll go about our lives acting like it never existed.

2006-08-22T21:31:00.000-04:00

Explosive Combination

I stopped listening to "real" news many months ago. For a while I resorted to the Daily Show to get the headlines. These days I just count on cab drivers to fill me in on the latest word on the streets. This evening my informant told me that Osama has the hots for none other than Whitney Houston! Who knew there was an ardent lover behind this cold and unfeeling terrorist. Now the CIA can call off their manhunt and have Whitney scream out his name from the mountain tops of Tora Bora. The world would be a much better place if Osama devoted his time and energy to making Whitney "feel like a natural woman". Whitney in turn will always love Osama if he can supply her with freshly produced heroin.

2006-08-22T15:15:00.000-04:00

Once Upon a Time on a Greyhound Bus

I had no choice but to sit beside a pothead (that was the last empty seat). He was in a very chatty mood although he could barely sit up straight. As a gesture of friendship he asked me whether I wanted gum and I politely declined. Before I knew it he was taking out the gum he had been chewing from his mouth and handing it to me. When he sensed my distaste, he got upset and grumbled about how standoffish and unsociable I was till he lulled himself to sleep.

2006-08-15T13:21:00.000-04:00

Food for Thought

There are more obese folks (1 billion) in the world today than undernourished people (800 million)!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4793455.stm

Fat acceptance movements are springing up within the US to protect the rights of overweight people and change societal attitude towards obesity. They see themselves as an extention of the civil rights movement and are spreading their message through magazines, fat performance arts and conferences. However, many of these groups choose to deny that obesity is a growing health hazard:

National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance
http://www.naafa.org

The International Size Acceptance Association

http://www.size-acceptance.org/

A group called Fat Underground has even drawn up a Fat Liberation Manifesto, which ironically ends with the words:
Fat people of the world unite! You have nothing to lose
http://www.largesse.net/Archives/FU/manifesto.html

2006-08-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

On Common Sense

Horace Greeley: Common sense is very uncommon

Albert Einstein: Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.

Anon: Common sense is what tells us the Earth is flat and the Sun goes around it.

Douglas Adams: The last time anybody made a list of the top hundred character attributes of New Yorkers, common sense snuck in at number 79.

Victor Hugo: Common sense is in spite of, not as the result of education.

2006-08-14T16:36:00.000-04:00

Yours Faithfully

So I was having a chat with my friend about the boundaries in a relationship and what constitutes cheating. Then I recalled this story a cab driver had once told us. He was showing off the new GPS unit in his car and telling us how it comes with 3 voice options - a male voice, a mechanical female voice and thirdly a sexy woman's tone. Obviously he preferred the last one but his wife objected to it. She did not want some raspy-voiced chick (even if it's only a device) telling her hubby where to go while she was sitting at home guarding his nest.

2006-08-14T14:23:00.000-04:00

Global Village

The world has over 6 and half billion people today. I am reading a fascinating children's book, which tries to promote a "one world" view. It starts off with the question - if the world were a village of one hundred people what would it look like? More than half the people in that global village would come from the 10 most populated countries in the world.

21 from China
17 from India
5 from the US
4 from Indonesia
3 from Brazil
3 from Pakistan
2 each from Bangladesh, Russia, Japan and Nigeria

This book has temporarily put me in a "lets-all-hold-hands-and-sing-kumbaya" mood. So these days I am trying to be a little more friendly and smiling till my lips reach their elastic limit. Very soon this spell will wear off and I will return to being angry, disgruntled and jaded ME.

Here's the link to "If the World Were a Village" by David J Smith, if you want to check it out
http://product.half.ebay.com/If-the-World-Were-a-Village_W0QQprZ2214136QQtgZinfo

2006-08-10T03:21:00.000-04:00

In the Lime Light

Today's public speaking training has made me quite self-conscious. The instructor recommended that speakers are allowed no more than 3 distractions in their head, neck and shoulder area. Apparently my dangley earrings took up two of those points. She did try to make up for it by complimenting me on my "naturally happy disposition". I had chocolate before I walked into the room. So go figure.

Tomorrow she has threatened to video tape us while we speak on a topic of our choice. To top it off, our co-workers will sit around the table and take pot shots at us while we present.

One interesting fact I learnt is that if you lock your knees, it cuts off circulation and causes you to keel over. People in the military (esp beginners) often buckle their knees while trying to maintain their posture and this leads to fainting spells.

2006-08-06T15:22:00.000-04:00

Deadly Cocktail

The Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi recently found that the pesticide levels in Pepsi and Coke drinks were more than 36 times higher than the limit set by the European Economic Commission! In some instances, Indian farmers have actually started spraying Coca Cola on their crops instead of paying high prices for patented fertilizers. Other uses of Coke include cleaning toilet bowls and removing rust.

Before 1906, the popular soft drink contained traces of cocaine. It was initially sold as a patent medicine, which was used to cure a variety of ailments starting from headaches to impotence.

2006-08-06T14:51:00.000-04:00

Significant Bother

As I hurtle towards the wrong side of thirty, my parents (and the whole extended clan) are making a last ditch effort to help me tie the knot ("noose" might be a more appropriate word). Given that I am no longer 18 and don't rank among the "fair and lovely", here's what I am likely to spend the rest of my life with:

2006-08-02T00:42:00.000-04:00

What Do Coffee, Ginger and Green M&Ms Have in Common?

They are all aphrodisiacs! Since sex sells, the candy company Mars Inc decided to cash in on the tantilizing urban legend to boost sales of M&Ms. The ad campaigns featured teasers like "What is it about the Green Ones?" or "She Melts for No One". Since the green M&Ms character is essentially trying to seduce kids, does it make her a paedophile?

http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20010914/3632950s.htm

2006-07-30T12:59:00.000-04:00

Three Things Banned in Malaysia

1) suicide scenes in Indian movies
2) use of botox by Malaysian muslims
3) naming children after animals, insects, fruits, vegetables, colors, numbers, royalty or Japanese cars (Maruti, Ford and Hyundai have not been struck off the list yet).

What's next - green eye shadow? wiggling your ears?

Read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5229060.stm

2006-07-28T15:17:00.000-04:00

Passports and Blonde Bangladeshis

I am renewing my passport ahead of time since I ran out of pages. Thanks to increased security measures following 9/11, Bangladeshis have to get transit visas everytime they pass through a country. So the pages get filled up very fast. Last year I travelled to 4 countries during a whirlwind trip but ended up having to get 6 visas! So taking a spontaneous vacation is not possible if you are the proud owner of a Bangladeshi passport.

As I was filling out the renewal form, I noticed that many of the questions are somewhat pointless. What's the use of asking someone about their eye and hair color when both can be changed so easily? Wearing colored contacts and dyeing one's hair is quite the rage in Dhaka.

2006-07-28T02:48:00.000-04:00

Supah Stah

Remember Jeetendra? This Bollywood sex god pioneered the jumping-jack dance move and the "white shirt- white pant - white shoe - red tie" look. He did irreparable damage to an entire generation.