June 3, 2009

Live Music for Charity in New York-June 5th, 2009

swatikardani_saveamother_drom_june5-2

May 27, 2009

I want us to see the sky

another one of my cheesy lunchtime creations:

I want us to see the sky,
probably a striking blue,
but every time we try,
we seem to have no view,

You remember a rain,
grey clouds all around,
making my memory wane,
it’s dragging me down,

Please tilt your head up,
There might be a rainbow,
instead your eyes are cupped,
and your head hung low

Away from you I’ll run,
just can’t stand the stress,
I know there’s a sun
to clear the gloominess.

March 24, 2009

free stuff

I WAS compiling a list of websites that offer freebies, but stupid Yahoo beat me to it and it’s more extensive, so alas:

stupid yahoo link

another one

February 19, 2009

Really, New York Post?

02182009

Naturally there was outrage in the african american community. The editor’s comment? “The cartoon is a clear parody of a current news event, to wit, the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. It broadly mocks Washington’s efforts to revive the economy…Again, Al Sharpton reveals himself as nothing more than a publicity opportunist.”

It seems the New York Post is the real publicity opportunist. Shame on them for resorting to this.

Update: Huffington Post had their own take on the situation:
2009-02-19-leecamp_nypost

February 17, 2009

St. Martin

DSC05793
This little island is divided into a french (St. Martin) and dutch (St. Maarten) side. It’s romantic seeing the french culture still intact on its side but totally absurd the two sides have not reconciled inane differences like cell phones services, electric outlets, and acceptable forms of cash. Be prepared to deal with these annoying inconsistencies. The most beautiful beaches are on the french side and all the casinos and night clubs are on the dutch side. We decided to live on the french side and party on the dutch side. party on the dutch side. party on the dutch side.

Housing-Our trip was 10 days long so we opted for a condo rental over a Hotel. Best idea ever. Also happened to be my idea. I searched many websites, but eventually found it through www.loperimmo.com. I thought it was a little risky when I was asked to wire over cash for a reservation, but it turned out to be the cutest furnished apartment on the marina.

Car Rental-It is imperative that you rent a car while you are there. The island is small enough for driving not to be too difficult, but large enough so that walking everywhere isn’t really an option. Don’t bother reserving your car ahead of time, it’s smarter to rent straight from the airport because the car rental booths are all set up next to each other so you can arrange your own price bidding war. We were lucky to have found an SUV with Avis for about $20 a day.

Food-We ate on too many occasions at the row of overpriced tourist infested restaurants on the Marigot Marina, mostly because of it’s convenient location. Apparently when your muscles are sore and your stomach is growling, you’re not too picky about where you eat. I highly recommend the “Lolos” in Grand Case. For those of you that know what I’m talking about…”can I get a YUM YUM?” The best darn barbecued ribs and chicken on the fly. Bonus Tip: The mouth on fire salsa that will change your life is the one that lists “scotch bonnet peppers” as its first ingredient.

Recreation-
Rhino Riders-Ride your own two person water craft in a 2.5 hour tour through boths sides of the island and spend an hour snorkeling on Creole Rock. Much better than jet skiing. You get to ride through rough waters at ridiculous speeds. Warning: The faster you go, the higher your boat flies up into the air and the harder it slams back. My jaw misaligned after one such jump. TOTALLY WORTH IT.

Loterie Farms-An extreme zip-line tour, treetop. It wasn’t just a series of zip-lines (approximately 10), but also an obstacle course of rope swings, and log bridges. Definitely an amazing experience to be flying through air 1000ft above ground.

Beaches-Once we found Orient Bay, it became our beach of choice. In my opinion, it is by far the best beach on the island, not only for it’s vast size, and beach bars, but mostly for the people watching…The beaches on the french side allow total nudity, but don’t require you to be of a certain age or physicality, ifyouknowwhatImean…good times.

Fort Louis-originally built in the late 1700’s as a barrier to protect Marigot from invaders, now is a scenic historical monument with panoramic views. You climb a series of steep steps to a peak that overlooks the entire Marigot harbor. The sight is breath taking and you can even see Anguilla from a distance.

Marigot Market-Basically a flea market with a french flavor. Great area for buying crafts and fresh produce. Only open on wed, fri and sat.

Nearby islands-It is relatively easy to visit nearby islands such as Anguilla and Saba by ferry and catamarran http://link.ai. Plan this event in advance as the ferries only run on certain days and tickets need to be purchased in advance. We learned this the hard way :-(

Nightlife-The island is small with many bars and casinos but only a few could be considered “hotspots”. In our experience (jan23-feb1), Tuesday was *the* night to go out. Pineapple Petes is great for live music and pool playing and Bliss is the only “club”, packed every night, for those of you that like techno/house crap.

February 4, 2009

Tamil Genocide in Sri Lanka

Recent events in Sri Lanka have been so destructive that I feel the need to reach out and spread awareness. The Sri Lankan government has bombed hospitals and schools, and killed Sinhalese journalists who have sympathized with the Tamil cause. Please understand that most reports that you watch in the media are biased as the government limits movement of reporters. And of course almost 100,000 Tamils dead since 1983 and 250,000 currently displaced.
In case you haven’t seen any of the Sri Lankan war videos on the internet, the ones that show the real carnage of the Tamils get removed quite quickly from Facebook or Youtube. I spent quite some time looking through the leftover. Please create youtube accounts to watch some as many are graphic.

An example of the women and children,

AlJazeera report from Monday on the Internally Displaced Peoples

Facts re the Sri Lankan government bombing a RED CROSS hospital

these are Indians being interviewed, not even Sri Lankan. To give you a little history…

Ignore the tamil, just watch the footage

Thanks for Sharing Deepa!

January 15, 2009

I dare you to flick nickels off me

WAIT. Not yet….in a couple of months.

My vanity and laziness are a lethal combination that need special attention. The goal is to be toned by summer, however getting to a gym in New York during a cold winter, is a workout in itself. I’d much rather sit at home in my toasty apartment.

http://www.hulu.com/resolution-solution

January 12, 2009

high end designers with low end price points

True style is about perfect fit, quality workmanship, sturdy materials and balance of design. People spend so much time obsessing over brand names, that they often overlook quality and end up with brand named junk. When you shop for high-end labels, know you are paying for models, commercials ads, and hype. The average markup for fashion items is a lofty 400%! I know. I am a fashion designer.

It shouldn’t cost a pretty penny to look good if you have a true eye for style. For those of you less fortunate, I have compiled a few high end designers with a new low end price point:

Isaac Mizrahi-Target
Thakoon-Target
Jonathan Saunders-Target
Sigerson Morrison-Target
Botkier (handbags)-Target
Anya Hindmarch (handbags)-Target
Karl Lagerfeld-H&M
Comme des Garçons-H&M
Stella MCartney-H&M
Prada-Miu Miu (not so low end)
Norma Kamali-Walmart
Max Azaria (To the Max)-Walmart
Dana Buchman-Kohls
Vera Wang (Simply Vera)-Kohls
Ralph Lauren (American Living)-J.C.Penny
Liz Claiborne (Liz &Co.)-J.C.Penny
Kimora Lee Simmons-J.C.Penny
Todd Oldham-Old Navy
Patrick Robinson (previously designed Paco Rabanne)-Gap
Laura Poretzky (Abaete)-Payless Shoes Source
Lela Rose-Payless Shoes Source
Alice + Olivia-Payless Shoes Source

January 2, 2009

My St. Martin/St. Maarten Condo Deals

Hotels in St. Martin/St. Maarten are a RIP OFF, especially during high season. I have compiled a list of helpful website that offer luxury condo rentals for a fraction of the price. They were a pain to find, so I hope this is helpful for those of you traveling to St. Martin/St. Maarten in a recession bind.

http://www.vrbo.com

http://www.homeaway.com

http://www.st-martin-vacation.com/Budget-Rentals.html

August 2, 2008

I’m kicking my second chin to the curb!

 

www.faceliftingbyexercise.com/sample.html

Only god knows why he would give a skinny girl two chins. What did I ever do to deserve a gift like that? It’s something I’ve been plagued with since I was a little girl. “Hey look at the skinny girl with the chubby face.” Ok, so no one actually ever said that, but I am sure they were thinking it.

I’ve found a cure. I think. I stumbled across this website when I was looking for a possible solution to cure the chub. 

 

Correcting Flabbiness Under Chin
Step 1 Lift chin slightly upward.
Step 2 With flat point of index and middle fingers press against indentation (hollow) formed by the two upper nodules of the larynx located at the curve from chin to neck. Do not be concerned in the beginning as to the precise location of pressure which you will discover through practice. Regard finger pressure as the resistance against the working muscles.
Step 3 Now press your back teeth firmly together * and while maintaining this position.
Step 4 Press the tip of your tongue against the inside of lower front teeth (gum line) increasing pressure with the tip of tongue ** in 10 or more gradual and definite steps (Count to 10).
Step 5 Hold end position of pressure for 6 seconds (count slowly to six).
Step 6 Release muscle work for 10 gradual steps (count to 10).
Step 7 Remove finger resistance.
  Repeat 4 more times.
Results Note Suggestion
Visible in approximately one week. * If resistance is kept at the right place you will feel the muscles pushing against your finger resistance.** For each increase of pressure with tip of tongue you will sense a stronger push against your resistance. Since the pressure of the finger tips against resistance may be felt unpleasantly and also may slip, it is advisable to cushion finger tips with cotton.