Addiction to Life

HOW TO: Optimize Marketing Copy For Mobile

2011-06-14T13:17:00.000-05:00

HOW TO: Optimize Marketing Copy For Mobile

Jesse Schell: When games invade real life

2010-09-25T11:28:00.006-05:00

PC Games - E3 2011 - Guitar Hero 5

2010-09-25T11:28:00.001-05:00

This is broken

2010-09-25T11:24:00.003-05:00

About this talk

Why are so many things broken? In a hilarious talk from the 2006 Gel conference, Seth Godin gives a tour of things poorly designed, the 7 reasons why they are that way, and how to fix them.

Seth Godin at Gel 2006 from Gel Conference on Vimeo.

Fabian Hemmert: The shape-shifting future of the mobile phone

2010-09-25T10:35:00.003-05:00

Julian Treasure: Shh! Sound health in 8 steps | Video on TED.com

2010-09-25T10:30:00.001-05:00

Bail Out Chase Bank, and this is the THANKS We GET!!

2010-09-15T20:43:00.001-05:00

So I have been unable to access my Chase Bank Account all day today.  I thought it might have been an internal issue at work.  But I get home and still have the same issue!!!

I call Chase bank for an explanation, and some assistance transfering money.  They apparently have been down ALL DAY TODAY!!  WTF!!!

They of course couldn't help me over the phone.  I just have to wait for it to come back up.  They promised me it would be back up tomorrow, but no specific time is mentioned.  This is what there website states in a small hidden link on the Chase Bank site.  

To our customers:  Please accept our apology for the difficulties that recently affected Chase.com.  Giving you 24-hour access to your banking is of the utmost importance to us. This was not the level of service we know you expect.  Thank you for your patience and for the opportunity to work harder to serve you in the future.

Thank you Chase!  For taking our hard earned billions of dollars, and giving up noting to work with.  I appreciate you!!

Negative Mojo

2010-06-21T12:51:00.003-05:00

I was taught by Linda yesterday that constantly thinking about negative traits, experiances, and plans will only lead down the path of depression. Boosting your confidence with positive traits, knowledge, and thinking more positively will help you grow and succeed in anything you put your mind too.

This Is Apple's Next iPhone

2010-04-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

This is freaking amazing. Some drunk individual who is probably in jail, or being beaten to death by Jobs left the prototype in BAR!

Check out this link!
This Is Apple's Next iPhone

War Against Integra Telecom

2010-01-12T00:42:00.002-06:00

I have worked with Integra Telecom for 3 years, and it has been the worst 3 years of my life. I want to make sure that all of my readers do not work with Integra Telecom. Especially my sales rep Mark Boyson, who promises one thing, and delievers something completely different. I WILL NEVER WORK WITH THEM AGAIN!!

Eye Surgery!!

2009-12-12T21:04:00.002-06:00

I finally got the eye surgery to help remove a birth mark I had. It was such a big part of my life, and it was removed in 45 mins. LOL. I glad its gone, and hope to look forward, with two clear eyes.

Apple Tablet Magazine! Sports Illustrated

2009-12-02T23:06:00.001-06:00

Dick Towel!!

2009-11-06T22:50:00.002-06:00

So one of my favorite TV Shows, has a small informercial online. Tell me what you think?

And the winner is... ME!

2009-10-29T15:02:00.002-05:00

IES Halloween Party - Voting Video. LOL!!

Zionized - Cameron Bentley

2009-10-22T00:27:00.000-05:00

Recently posted on craigslist In the Portland area (Funny!)

2009-04-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

To the woman that crapped in my car. (NE Portland ) We met on Craigslist so I am hoping that this post finds you. I know that it could quite possibly be the most humiliating first date that you have ever been on, but I am willing to look past that. I thought we had chemistry sitting at McMenamins sharing that basket of Cajun Tots while drinking the Terminator Stout. I really felt like there was a connection there.

I found you to be intelligent and witty and looked forward to further conversation with you. At some point in life, everyone has gambled on a fart and lost.. It just happened to be on a first date in the passenger seat of my car. Please don't feel bad. The package I sent you with Pepto the next day and the note that said "First dates are always a crap shoot. Call me" was meant to be funny, not offensive. I have gambled on a fart and lost on multiple occasions. The first time I did it was very memorable. It happened when I was five and sitting on my uncle's lap. I am lactose intolerant, but love cheese. I probably win 95% of the time, but I don't think anyone wins 100% of the time. That's why they call it "gambling". I'm the last person to judge you for crapping your pants. In fact, I am impressed by your boldness. The timing on the other hand, could have been a tad bit better...like when you're not sitting on a heated leather seat... What I am trying to say is that I f you want to go out again, I would be more than happy to take you someplace where we can get a meal that is high in fiber and less taxing on the digestive tract.

I await your call,TadP.S. - If you shat yourself on purpose to end the evening early. Touché

Janesville Motel 6

2009-03-08T04:41:00.002-05:00

My brother's amazing Motel 6 property in Janesville Wisconsin. Tell me what you guys think!

Im Back...

2009-03-08T04:39:00.006-05:00

I'm Back!! After a very long vacation, I will try to make an effort to commentate on our lives.

Watchmen

2009-03-08T04:39:00.005-05:00

Just watched WATCHMEN. Very good, very surprising ending. I must say that the full frontal nudity was not plesant, but the story was excellant. I would totally recommend it to any one of my friends.

Great Source of Knowledge

2009-02-21T12:55:00.000-06:00

Evolution Of A Megaphone 3

View more presentations from psambrakos. (tags: sambrakos panos)

Nilay Patel

2008-03-19T14:41:00.000-05:00

"What error?", "my life is an error", "it should have been an abort error"

Rave's Amazing Work!

2008-03-19T08:42:00.004-05:00

Rave's Amazing Work at the Motel 6. The rooms look great, and Rave's Hard work finally is being shown off.

Amazing Life of Mark Browning

2008-03-14T13:14:00.004-05:00

Installed Vinyl Siding
Clean Office Buildings for FREE
Picking Rocks as a kid
Plays Guitar from Mexican Guy at 15
Log Mill Worker
Painting
Landscaping
Running Fork Lift
Maid at Jackson Hole
Mission to Phili
Speaks Spanish and Portugese
Stock Boy at Grocery
Tutor
Caterer
Amazing Snowboarded at 15
Skater at 10
Dollar Rental Car
Starbucks (doesnt Drink Coffee)
Zumi's
Home Depot
Delivery at 4 different flower stores
AE (American Eagle)
Window Washing
Screen Printing
Team Manager
Motel Desk Clerk

AN OLD Family Photo - FOUND!!

2007-12-31T20:37:00.000-06:00

hey, my cousin from London found this picture, and I thought it was amazing! Check it out. It is a picture of my grandmother, and her sister. The little girl, is my oldest aunt.

Fingerpainting

2007-12-31T20:27:00.000-06:00

Damn its almost been a year. Check out these cool pics

India Day 27 – Enchilada’s in INDIA??

2007-01-24T23:00:00.000-06:00

Well I have seen it all. Today my family was invited to my cousin’s home to have MEXICAN ENCHILADA’S. What my cousin’s did was buy the tomato sauce, cheese, and beans from a local city. The corn tortillas were brought over from America, and I must say that they were very delicious. The sad thing was that it all reminded me of home.

India Day 27 – I’m done packing!!!

2007-01-24T17:00:00.000-06:00

Finally after a long day of traveling to other cities for last minute shopping, my bags are packed and I’m ready to be in Salt Lake City. Can you tell how excited I am?

India Day 27 – 1 DAY LEFT!!!

2007-01-23T23:45:00.000-06:00

All that we are doing today is prepping our bags, and cleaning our house and getting it ready to be closed for a year or so. Since we leave around 1 or 2 p.m. on Wednesday, most of the prep work will have to be done today.

India Day 26 – My long lost 2nd cousin from London!!!

2007-01-22T23:43:00.000-06:00

So, before the end today, my cousin and my grand aunt came by to visit our home. It was fun seeing Nilisha and my aunts from London. Check out the photo.

India Day 26 – 2 DAYS LEFT!!!

2007-01-22T16:45:00.000-06:00

Today we went to Anaad to pick up some items that the tailor had made for my father and my brother. On our way there, I was curious, about the Super Bowl, and who had won the NFC & AFC Championships. So, I decided to call Harley and find out who won. Harley was glad to let me know that the Bears won, and the Colt’s won. It will be an AWESOME SUPER BOWL!!!

After talking to Harley for a minute, he notified me that he was being called to duty in Iraq. He will be leaving for training in June, and be off to Iraq in September. I am still kind of in shock over the news, because he will be my first good friend to be leaving for Iraq!!

India Day 25 – 3 DAYS LEFT!!!

2007-01-21T23:45:00.000-06:00

Did absolutely nothing!! We stayed home for the day, and invited my parents friends over for lunch. Afterwards, about 3 hours later, my Sangeeta Mami & Papal Mama came over to check out our new house. Afterwards, we went to a near by temple, and picked up some souvenirs. Basically, I was in bed by 9 p.m., woo hoo!!

India Day 24 – 4 DAYS LEFT!!!

2007-01-20T23:45:00.000-06:00

WOOOHOOOO!!! Only 4 days left. Can you feel my excitement?

India Day 24 – Found Another Suit

2007-01-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

When we arrived yesterday night, my cousin’s wife Amisha, told me that the tailor had called her to tell her that he didn’t have the fabric for my suit, and so we had to go back and pick up another fabric so that it can be ready for me before I leave in 4 days.

As we went back, we were all so frustrated with this tailors work, and I decided to ask for our money back. I was going to deal with the fact that I didn’t have a suit for myself, and probably go back to America and buy one there. But my brother saw another tailor across the street, and mentioned to me to go and see if he can help me out.

Thanks to my brother’s keen eyes, the other tailor was willing to help me, and guaranteed me the suit in 2 days. Oh, I forgot to mention that he told me that he would make the suit for me for ½ the price the other tailor had quoted me.

India Day 23 – Flat Tire #3

2007-01-19T18:00:00.000-06:00

Yes you heard me right, ANOTHER FLAT TIRE!! That’s number 3 for our car, in the past week. That just shows you that the roads here are horrible. Luckily, we had fixed our spare tire, so we were not stranded.

India Day 23 – Rave PUKING?

2007-01-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

We left early Friday morning around 8:00 a.m., grabbed a cup of chai (Indian Tea) and headed back down the mountain. Since no one was on the road we arrived at the bottom of the mountain in 1 hour. Unfortunately, with the bumpy roads, and only tea in his stomach, Rave needed us to pull over so that he could throw up!! He was fine, he was just in the back of the SUV, sleeping, and with just a few cups of chai in him with no food, he had to puke it up.

There is nothing more to this story, but I thought I would just mention it to piss Rave off. HAHAHA

India Day 22 – Ambajhi & Mt. Abu

2007-01-18T18:00:00.000-06:00

We started off on our 8 hour journey to Rajasthan, an neighboring state. On our way to Mr. Abu (Resort Town), we stopped by a town called Ambajhi, which is known for a large and well know temple. We arrived there around 1p.m., unfortunately, they do not allow pictures of the temple, mainly due to security reasons. But if I can find images online, I will post them with this blog. Our next stop was Mt. Abu, approximately 30 km away.

Now you would think that since our destination city was 30 km away, we would arrive there within 20-30 minutes, I wished it to be true. Unfortunately, the 30 km involved a SUV ascending up a one lane road to the top of a mountain top. With absolutely no guard rails, no median, and only one mountain wall to the right of you, and a LARGE GAAPING CLIFF to the left of you. I have to admit, I was so scared that I had to put myself to sleep. As we arrived at Mt. Abu 2 hours later, I was glad to have my family around me ALIVE and viewing the beautiful city of Mt. Abu. Check out the pictures below.

India Day 22 – Flat Tire # 2

2007-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Before our trip to Mt. Abu, our driver called us to notify us that we had a flat tire that we will be leaving an half an hour later than planned. Luckily it happened in our hometown instead of on the road.

India Day 21 – Anaad (Wrong Suit for me)

2007-01-17T16:30:00.000-06:00

So I arrived at the tailor with my brother, father, and bhabhi (Amisha). When the tailor presented me with the suit, my suit’s fabric was completely wrong. COMPLETELY WRONG. Luckily we have corrected the problem, and he stated that he did make the mistake and that he will get me a new suit in 3 days.

India Day 20 – Nikhil’s surprise attack!!

2007-01-17T00:46:00.000-06:00

While nearing the end of Janku’s wedding, Nikhil (My Cousin from Los Angeles, Age 25) was asked to a family friend. As I was sitting with my friends and other family members, we all noticed that after talking to the group of people for 15 minutes, Nikhil and another girl approximately the same age started walking to the other end of the wedding hall. As we all stared on, we knew exactly what was going on. He was being setup for a wedding interview on the stop. From afar, he seemed to be having a good conversation with the girl, and they sat talked for about 30 minutes. As he was done, he walked over to our group and said “That was a Surprise Attack!!”

India Day 20 – Rave steals the Jaan’s (Groom’s) Shoes

2007-01-17T00:35:00.000-06:00

The following story may take a while, but it is REALLY FUNNY!

A really quick history about Indian wedding’s. Every wedding comes with a lot tradition. For example, the bride’s side usually pays for the wedding, along with paying for the wedding, they are asked to provide the groom’s side with any facilities that they need. May it be food, drinks, chairs, napkins, basically while the wedding is going on, the brides side is suppose to make sure that the groom’s family members are all well taken care of. Well one of the fun games of an Indian wedding is where the brides family members are suppose to steal the groom’s shoes. Yes you heard me right, STEAL HIS SHOES!! This tradition takes place when the groom is supposed to take off his shoes when he enters the altar, and stays barefoot for about 3-4 hours. Typically the shoes are given to the groom’s best man, and his other best friends for safe keeping. All the while, the brides side is suppose to find the shoes, and steal them.

Now the story takes place during Janku’s wedding. It was about 6:00 p.m., when the wedding started, and the Jaan (Groom) took off his shoes, everyone’s eyes were on that prize. Typically the person who recovers the shoes hold them for ransoms for a certain amount of money, not for a lot of money, it’s more for the fun of the chase. As the shoes were removed they were placed in a white bag, and given to the Jaan’s brother. After a few minutes the bag was given to the groom’s grandmother in the first row. Typically, this is not common; usually the shoes stay with one person the whole wedding. And if they are given to someone else, it is someone of younger, healthier stature. When the bag was given to the grandmother, I guess they were thinking, “Who would steal it from our sweet grandmother?” I guess they thought wrong, because all of us were conniving ways to steal the bag from the grandmother.

Around 8:00 p.m., we decided to send our troops in to help do our dirty work for us. Our two agent’s names were Aneri & Sejel Patel. Both of my cousins walked past the bag around 8-9 times, always hesitating to snatch the bag, because they didn’t want to be caught with nothing in the bag. After some encouragement from some other people, Sejel went to the grandmother and leaped for the bag. As she grabbed the box from in inside the bag, 3 adults, including the Jaan’s mother started attacking Sejel with tickles and pinches. When Aneri saw that, she jumped into pile to try to help her cousin. As we all stared on in amazement, Sejel’s older brother Hiren saw the commotion, and went into the dog pile to help steal the shoes. After 30 seconds of tugging back and forth, the Jaan’s brother asked us to stop the fighting, and then told Hiren to open the box, if the shoes were in there, he was welcome to take them. As Hiren opened the empty box, my brother Rave was watching in disappointment from one row back, behind the grandmother.

As Rave watched all the chaos in front of him, he noticed that the people sitting next to the grandmother were moving the shoes. They had separated the shoes from the box, and they were shifting them from one person’s back to another person’s back. After moving the shoes to an elder gentleman, at the end of the bench’s, Rave stood there pointing at the man from behind his back. Now, no one had noticed this, everyone’s eyes were still in the large dog pile. As I turned my head from the dog pile to Rave, I saw him leaping into the elder man’s seat. I didn’t know what was going on, but 5 second’s later, my cousin’s Jigu & Tejel, were in the same fight, even though no shoe was yet to be seen. About another 10 seconds later, my cousin Hiren jumped into the new fight. A few second’s later I saw Jigu come out with one of the two shoes, as he clutched the shoe he started running the opposite direction of the tugging match. About another second later Rave had recovered the other shoe, and he was also running the opposite direction of the fight with the shoe as if his life depended on it.

As we all laughed and cheered in enjoyment, I knew this had to a great story for my BLOG!! Check out these pictures… LOL

What did you think? I hope it made sense.

India Day 19 – Soniya Leaves

2007-01-15T21:45:00.000-06:00

My sister left for America today, almost 10 days before we are leaving on the 24th of January. She had to get back to Logan, Utah, so that she can get back into class. The weird part was that typically people are said to leave there family and vacation behind, but Soniya was happy and eager to be headed back home. And shhh!!, don’t tell anyone else, but I was kinda envious. All she would repeat to me and Rave, was that as soon as she landed in Salt Lake City, she was going to Taco Bell. DAMN YOU SONIYA!! I LOATHE YOU!! (j/k)

India Day 18 – Utrang (National Indian Holiday) (Kite Day)

2007-01-14T19:00:00.000-06:00

Today was the National Indian holiday for Utrang, also known as Kite Day. It is a HUGE holiday. All the local shops are closed, due to the fact that the business owners are at home with there families flying kites from dusk until dawn. While people are flying kites on there roofs, people usually rent large speaker systems and play music for the whole town to listen to. I really was amazed at the age gap of people flying kites, from young 1-2 year olds, to 40-60 adults.

I must say that I really suck at flying kites, and can admit to the fact that I flew 1 successful kite for the complete day, compared to Rave and Soniya’s 20 kites each. Check out the photo’s below.

India Day 17 – Hanging out with Cousin’s & Naked Man

2007-01-13T19:29:00.000-06:00

After our traditional house blessing, my cousins and us left the house to hang out at a local city. As we were driving to the other city, we noticed a completely NAKED MAN walking the streets in the opposite direction. Now typically a naked man would hide in the bushes, or at least try to hide his shame, but that this specific guy. NOPE!! He felt so secure with his masculinity that he walked down the street with his head held up high!

After that unusual sight, we went to a local pharmacy to pick up an Asthma pump for my brother. Luckily in India you don’t need a prescription to pick up any sort of drug at any time. After the pharmacy we went to my cousin’s house and flew kites on their roof. Check out the photo’s below.

India Day 17 – Spoke with Teri & Flynn

2007-01-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

Flynn (Friend/Boss) called me today to see how things were going on my trip. It was good to hear from him and Teri. They said that they missed me, but I really do think everything is fine down at Integrated. Maybe I should stay one more month, what do you think they would say? LOL

India Day 17 – Khatha

2007-01-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

Since our house was completed a few days ago, we had to do a traditional house blessing. Usually my father and mother do the blessing, but they decided that we kids (Rave, Soniya, & I) should do the blessing. It basically involved sitting Indian style on the marble floor for two hours while the priest does his thing.

Check out the photo’s below.

India Day 16 – Guru

2007-01-12T21:02:00.000-06:00

We watched a new release movie named Guru at a local movie theater. It was very nice, it felt as if I was watching a movie in America. The only difference was that in India, it is ok to yell at the movie theater. You can yell if you enjoy an actress, or if you didn’t like a certain line in the movie, basically anything you do in the theater is OK!! It was amusing and a unique experience!!

India Day 16 – Last Minute Shopping for Soniya

2007-01-12T19:22:00.000-06:00

Since today was Friday, and my sister was leaving on Monday, my sister got in her last minute shopping. We picked up bangles, and shoes from different bazaars. I seriously am getting tired of shopping here in India. I just want to go home.

India Day 15 – Flat Tire?

2007-01-11T14:00:00.000-06:00

I gotta say that ever since my mom’s friend Meera was in the car with us, we have two car problems. Could she be cursed, because this afternoon, we had a flat tire in the middle of a LARGE congested street.

On our way to the train station to drop off my mother’s best friend Meera, our family car got a flat tire. Now typically in America we pull over the vehicle to the shoulder and control the problem in a safe location. NOT IN INDIA!! Because all my driver did was stop the car, and started to fix the flat tire, while a horrendous traffic circled us.

India Day 14 – Accident on the Highway

2007-01-10T19:18:00.000-06:00

While we were driving back from Surat, our driver Khaibhai was swerving in and out of traffic, so that my aunt could get to a train station on time. Around Varodora, the vehicle had cut us off, and then immediately braked his car to a complete stop. Now one thing to remember Seat belts are only available for the driver and the passenger next to the driver, which was me at this time. Any one sitting in the back of the vehicle usually doesn’t wear a seat belt, and typically nothing really happens. But when the vehicle in front of us stopped, our Khaibhai immediately stopped the car, but unfortunately he didn’t stop our car in time, and slammed our car to the one in front of us. As we sat there for a second, everyone was ok, and then the car from behind slammed into us and completely ruined his car. Luckily everyone was okay, even my brother who was sitting in the back of the vehicle, with no seat belt on. As we pulled over to the shoulder of the highway, a police officer stopped by to see if everyone was ok, and then moved on his marry way!!

Check out the photo’s below.

India Day 14 – Movie call Dhoom 2

2007-01-10T03:16:00.000-06:00

We just got out of a Hindi film called Dhoom 2. It was a movie that was released about a month ago, but with all of traveling, and other pertinent things that needed to be done, today was the only time I could catch a movie here. The movie is a great action movie, and a lot of twists and turns. The most surprising part about the movie is that two of the BIGGEST ACTORS in the Bollywood business KISSED!! Now, I won’t say who, but I was in complete shock!! Check out the poster below for the movie.

India Day 12 – Spoke with Linda & Flynn

2007-01-08T03:00:00.000-06:00

Around 2 am in the morning my father walks into my room and hands me the phone. I seriously thought it was a dream but apparently Linda was on the phone for me. She stated, LOL… that she was very sorry for calling so late, and was wondering what I was doing. I said that I was sleeping, and that it wasn’t a problem. After a few minutes of talking, she handed the phone to Flynn (Friend/Boss), who had some questions about work.

India Day 9 – Club Squeeze

2007-01-05T21:00:00.000-06:00

After a speaking to the concierge desk, he recommended that we all go to Club Squeeze on Friday Night, and go to Club Enigma on Saturday Night.

India Day 9 – Trip to Mumbai

2007-01-05T06:13:00.000-06:00

Now I know you’re asking what we need for the past five days, absolutely nothing but shopping for Indian cloth’s mainly for my sister. Mainly for the purpose of having them tailored before we went on our trip to Mumbai (Bombay) on the 5th.

We arrived extremely early at the train station to meet our cousins. We took the 6:00 a.m. train to Mumbai, which would allow us to arrive there at 2:00 p.m. Luckily we all had an A/C Coach ticket, which means that we all have individual reclining seats, with Air Conditioning all the way to Mumbai. The trip was quite comfortable, and we didn’t have any problems coming in and out of the train station.

We arrived at the Grand Hyatt at 4:30 p.m., checked-in and went to dinner at Pizza Hut. Now remember how I mentioned how bad the driving was in Ahmedavad, well multiply that situation by 5, and add in the fact that we are in Rikcha’s the whole time. You will then notice the fear I was facing every time we are driving in Mumbai. When we arrived at Pizza Hut, we found ourselves in familiar grounds with new twists. We couldn’t find any pizzas with sausage, or pepperoni, only chicken. And all the pizza had a curry taste, which if you are Indian was DELICIOUS. Seriously one of the best meals I had here in India. After we got back to our hotel, we all took showers and got ready for a night of clubbing.

India Day 4 – Jigu’s wedding

2006-12-31T20:00:00.000-06:00

The wedding was fun. Especially since I haven’t seen one for 12 years, it was fun getting use to the cultural aspects of the wedding. Check out the pictures below to see what had happened during the wedding.

India Day 4 – Lunch with the Indian Soprano’s

2006-12-31T15:00:00.000-06:00

After speaking to my cousins, we realized that we had to be in the bride’s city at 9:00 a.m. Oh I forgot to mention that bride’s city was Ord, the same city that I met Pooja, and her elders, the Soprano’s. We hung out at the groom’s quarters where we sat there until noon, we then left him to go have lunch that the bride’s family hosted for us. The lunch was held at the local temple.

While we were eating lunch Rave noticed that one of the Soprano brothers was lurking in the background, staring at me. I noticed him and kept on eating. Then my brother noticed another two other Soprano brothers in the opposite corner. As we quietly ate, one of them came closer to me to say hello. I greeted him with a smile, while in my mind I was praying for a quick and painful death. While he was chatting with me, he had noticed that I hadn’t tried a specific kind of sweet treat, so he pointed to it on my dish and DEMANDED ME TO EAT THE FOOD, he didn’t ask, HE MADE ME EAT THE SWEET. I stared at the sweet, and then looked at all my cousins who were looking at me in anticipation…………..

As I chewed on the piece of sweet I thought about how my life would have been if I had said yes to Pooja. It would have been a life full of servitude to people who think too highly of themselves. Anyways, as we were finishing up eating, the same person came and told my cousin Hiren to eat the same item he asked me to eat. As we all smiled in enjoyment, he ate it and under his breathe he said “Thank You Nilay.” As for some reason I had made this all happen. Then my brother asked for an item from the waiter, and the Soprano uncle yelled at the waiter to make sure we got what we needed. As my brother received his food, he also whispered, “Thank You Nilay.” We quickly finished up and left to meet up with the groom for the wedding ceremonies.

India Day 3 – Vharghodo

2006-12-30T19:00:00.000-06:00

We went back to Sunov to help do a Vharghodo for the Jigu’s (Groom’s) side. A Vharghodo is where a group of 100-200 people, tell the city (Sunov) of the grooms side that the groom is ready to get married. The communication is spoken through a marching band and a group of singers that sing current pop hits while the 100-200 people dance and sing. Check out the pictures below.

India Day 3 - Two Quick Girls

2006-12-30T12:45:00.000-06:00

The next morning I had to be up early to meet with two different girls in two different cities. The first appointment was at Ord with a girl named Pooja. When my driver took me to the place, I found myself in a Large Mansion like home. Outside sat five large men, all dressed in different attire, but one stood out as the Don. When I greeted these people, it felt has if I was walking in to the Sopranos. And the head person, Pooja’s father was Tony Soprano. Here I met with the father ‘Tony’ and the 4 different uncles. Luckily my parents and my siblings were there to help out the situation. After chit chatting with them for 5 minutes, they decided we should all leave and go to there second home where Pooja was sitting and waiting for me.

Come to find out that this family owns a large tobacco company, where they sell packets of chewing tobacco to the country of India. They had a lot of money, A LOT OF MONEY, on the way to the other home; it felt like I was in a police escort. People stopped, and stared at me from all different directions. When I finally met Pooja, we talked for about 5-10 minutes, and I realized that she wasn’t interested in helping our family grow and expand our home business. She was too use to the fact that her father had handed her everything in her life, and that she wasn’t use to manual labor. So I left knowing I was going to say no to her and her family.

The next girl I met, I actually don’t remember her name either, but we literally met 30 minutes after I met Pooja. She was nice, but I didn’t feel the click that I imagined I would feel when all this was going on. When we left, I went home and took a nap for 2-4 hours and got ready for the Vharghodo.

India Day 2 - Jigu’s Garba

2006-12-30T00:45:00.000-06:00

We arrived in another city ‘Sunov’ for my good friends pre-wedding dance night, also known as ‘Garba’. It was a gathering of family, friends and other people. We danced our night way, with everyone and just mingled. Check out the photos.

India Day 2 - Some Random Girl

2006-12-29T11:00:00.000-06:00

One girl comes to my house to see me. I am really annoyed for the fact that I have only been in the house for less than 12 hours. The entourage arrived at 10 a.m. When they arrived I couldn’t tell which girl was the person I was supposed to meet. It included one mother, one father, one uncle, one grandmother, the bride to be, and a cute little girl. When they arrived my parents mingled for 10 minutes and then decided to place me and the lady in a separate room so that we could talk.

I was very nice, and I asked her about 10 questions, all in English, but of the general knowledge of America, her education, and hobbies. After I was done drilling her, I asked if she had any questions for me. Apparently she was too nervous or I was too hideous, but she said she didn’t OUT.

We walked out of the bedroom in 2 minutes, and the family left 2 minutes later. I was relieved to know that my obligations with my family were done for the day.

India Day 1 – A Series of Unfortunate Events!!

2006-12-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Stench of Death – As soon as I land in India, and walk out of the plane smell B.O., and the famous line from Seinfeld, “The Stench of Death!”

Time of Arrival – We arrive in Bombay at 2:30 a.m. on the 28th of December, after a 24 hour flight. My whole family is exhausted and ready to get home and sleep. The one catch was that we had to grab our bags, and transfer them to another airport for a domestic flight.

2 hours to receive bags – The temperature must have been at least 80-90 degrees in the airport, with absolutely no fan or A/C running at all. Our connecting flight at the other airport was at 6:30 a.m. We had plenty of time to grab our bags and transfer them to our connecting flight. UNFORUNATELY our bags arrived in a 2 hour span. We had received our bags by 5:15 a.m.

Indian Customs – With our bags in hand we needed to go through the dreaded Indian customs. The Indian Custom Agents were known for there tendency to ask for bribes or take away personal items of yours. Typically the process takes about 30 minutes and usually involves a pain staking ordeal where they open your bags and pick through everything you own.

But with the help of my uncle and $200 American dollars, we were able to get through customs with absolutely no hassle.

Jet Airways fiasco – As we exited the Custom’s department, we typically hand our bags over to a Jet Airways office, and they are then in charge of transporting our bags and us to the other airport. BUT, the local office at the airport had decided to take there one and only bus and send it to the other airport without all of its passengers. So, we were left at the airport to find our own transportation to the other airport with our 70 lbs bags.

Rikcha’s – I wonder if anyone has ever seen a Rikcha. It’s basically a tri-cycle with an motorcycle engine attached to it, I also call it a Death Trap. Well in our party from Los Angeles, we had about 15 people, and about 30 bags. Since there was no transportation from the Bombay Airport to the other local airport, we had to take these rickety old things to the airport. Now, typically these vehicles can barely hold 2 large bags, but since we were in a time restraint, we just found different way to slam all the pieces of luggage on to 6 different Rikcha’s. Since it was a huge scramble, everyone took 2-5 different bags, including hand carry’s on the rikcha’s. I was chosen out of the masses to go by myself in the rikcha to the other airport, with 4 bags, and two carry-on’s. As I was alone in the car with the driver, I realized I didn’t know how to speak Hindi, only knew how to speak Gujrati. I was so screwed.

Late Arrival – We arrived at the other airport at 5:45 a.m. Our flight left at 6:30 a.m., and we still needed to check-in our bags, and get through security. As I arrived at the airport, none of my family members were around me, and the Rikcha driver wouldn’t help me with the bags, so I was forced to find 2 luggage carts, and throw 4 bags on the two hand-bags. All the while, the driver just watched me in amusement. So as I getting into the airport, I was heading for the security screening where I met up with the rest of the family. A few of them had left to the ticketing counter to ask about departure times and where to check our bags. Hiren, Rave, & Me rushed the bags through security in a record 3 minutes for 22 bags, and 16 hand carry-on’s. Only to find out that we were to late to check in our bags because this certain airport has a policy, for individuals to check-in 2 hours prior to lift off. Since we had 30 minutes left until our flight left, our only other option was to re-schedule our flight for a later time during the day.

From 6 a.m to 4:55 p.m. – You heard me right; we were stuck at the airport for 10 more hours. I don’t know if you have ever been stuck in an airport for that long, but it is RIDICULOUSLY boring, absolutely nothing to do. Also, the airport wouldn’t let us check in our bags, since the flight was so far out, that we had to keep track of our on bags. Check out the photo’s below.

Indian Toilet’s – This is a warning to all my bloggernite’s, the following subject matter may seem graphic to a few, please skip this section, if you are of faint of heart. I’m sure I haven’t told you all but Indian’s are known for there toilet systems. What they consist of are large holes in the ground with foot pedals on the ground. There is no such thing as toilet paper here in this country, all there is a water spout and a bucket. The idea is to squat and do your business, and fill water up in the bucket and clean your self with that. Since it had been 30+ hours since I had last used a bathroom, I knew I had to use one, and it wasn’t going to be pretty, luckily I was well prepared with my own packet of TP. As I walked into this little stall, I found the floor to be very wet, and the aroma was something I will never forget. I must admit, I almost fell a few times due to the wet floors, but I did my business and was out of there in 30 second’s. Never again will I do the dirty business in the public area’s. I will have to hold it for 48 hours if I have to, but I will do it in the peaceful surrounding of my home.

Clipper Lounge – My cousin, and my brother were the only one’s nearest to my age. We were all really exhausted and were looking for a drink. So around 2 p.m., we started scouring the airport for a bar, or a lounge. Luckily we asked a few people that they stated a place that would be of some interest to us, call the Clipper Lounge. It was located on the first floor of the airport. Since the airport seemed like one large floor, we searched the complete area and couldn’t find the restaurant/lounge. As we asked more and more people, everyone would state that the bar is on the first floor. After 20 minutes of searching the first floor, we decided to go upstairs, and we noticed that the second story of the airport was called the 1st floor!!! Ask we walked towards the Clipper Lounge, we were giddy with excitement for an opportunity to drink alcohol. About 45 minutes in the lounge, and 2 drinks per person later, our total bill came out to be $100!!!! But it was worth all the trouble.

Driving in Ahmedavad – When we arrived in Ahmedavad, at 6:45 p.m., we were greeted by my father, and a few of my cousins. We all traveled in two cars to our destination an hour away. When we got on the roads in India, we noticed that it was complete and utter CHAOS. I was completed scared for my life, the whole drive. Cities in India do not have signal lights, road signs, traffic courteous, or painted roads (To help distinguish boarders between the two sides of traffic). So when were headed home, I was so scared for my life, along with my brother and my sister, I just made myself go to sleep.

Home Sweet Home – We arrived at home at 8:45 p.m., the exhausting travel time was almost 48 hours long. But I was glad to be in India.

Rise of Taj

2006-12-03T17:24:00.000-06:00

Hello All!!

I just went to go see National Lampoons, Van Wilder - The Rise of Taj. I tried to go to the movie to help support a fellow DESI (Indian Person). But unfortunately, the movie was horrible. If you guys are up for a good original movie - GO WATCH BORAT!!

Rave Rafting??

2006-12-03T17:01:00.000-06:00

What has the world come too? I forgot to place these images online 4 months ago, but my brother Rave and my friend Cameron went to Jackson Hole to go White Water River Rafting on the 4th of July. As you can see the two of them are hard at work... HAHA. All I know is that the two of them had a blast rafting the river.

A Website Everyone must check out...

2006-12-03T16:25:00.000-06:00

Hey I found this website a few days ago, check it out. Its pretty cool and I think a little but of a stress reliever too.

http://www.jacksonpollock.org/

The Death Star

2006-11-05T23:27:00.000-06:00

So for my friends B-Day everyone in our company went to a restaurant names "El Chiwawa". At the restaurant, they served a mean ass drink named "the Death Star". Now I do recommend this for anyone looking for a wild night of drunkness. Ask for Vic, he is the owner, and long time party promoter of the Chiwawa.

Halloween Party

2006-10-27T23:57:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I am glad to say that I am 2006, IES Halloween Costume Party - Best Costume Winner!! OOOHOO!! Now it was a stiff competition, but I did come out ahead. Keep an eye out for this post, I will have pictures up soon.

Life = Busy

2006-08-12T20:00:00.000-05:00

Life is has been good, and yet very busy! I'll post some stuff in a few days.

Chalk Festival

2006-07-01T01:33:00.000-05:00

I have officially finished my first attempt at the Utah Children's Foster Foundation Chalk Festival. It was hot, but a lot of fun. Look over the images and let me know what you guys think.

Also, if you have any ideas for next year, I am up for anything. Just send me a comment.

ForeWarning!! The following email might be GRAPHIC

2006-05-07T00:11:00.000-05:00

Im going to post an email message I rec'd from a friend today. The email did come from my close friend Harley Sisson's University of Utah email account. But from the looks of the email message I do believe it came from his girl friend Jessica Zimmer. She is a brillantly unique and hilarious person. Please enjoy the following email! LOL!!!

Harley's First Email - (Remember its from Jessica Zimmer)

2006-05-06T23:26:00.000-05:00

Hey dude.. so I need your help with something...

see, I have this incredibly sexy teacher named David Jackson this semester.. Cam has him too... and the thing is man, I am really turned on by the way he plays with his hands... its like he is waiting for me to unzip my pants and give him something to caress... thing is dude, I think Jackson has a thing for Cam...

but since Cam doesnt want it, do you think its cool for me to hit that?
Jackson, I mean... he's so sexy... do you think it'd be cool with Cam dude?

thanks man,
hogg.

Harley's Second Email... (HAHAHA) - (Remember its from Jessica Zimmer)

2006-05-06T23:02:00.000-05:00

Dude- thanks man. I went for it... Jackson was all over me like hot fudge on virgin vanilla ice cream... but I wont bore you with the hot and horny details... because I have pictures.

I cant send them over the internet because theres laws against the wild hot man love he and I shared just moments ago... but dude, first thing monday...

Thanks again dude, if theres uh... any way I can repay you for your good advice... Jackson taught me a trick. If you have a roll of duct tape, a hamster and a potato peeler I promise that I will take you to pleasure town my friend....

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Hogg.

P.S. Can we keep this between us, Jackson, and the hamster? Joe might call me gay...

TDH

2006-05-04T00:55:00.000-05:00

So today at work, a customer called me TALL DARK & HANSOME. I will not go into detail about who this person was so how it came about, it was very funny!

If you guys see me, feel free to ask me about the TALL DARK & HANSOME story, and I will let you know all about it!

Metal Gods

2006-04-13T22:23:00.000-05:00

I can finally say it! I have officially watched the Metal Gods. Check out this website.... (www.nigelspearlnecklace.com)

Johnny Tight Lips

2006-04-08T00:03:00.000-05:00

Went to go watch Johnny Tight Lips tonight at a local watering hole. My good friend Spencer Sutherland, whom is the lead singer and guitar front for the band.

I ended up going by myself to the Captains Quarters, on 400 S and W. Temple.

I must say that the show was pretty impressive. Loved the attitude of the band, and enjoyed the music too. If anyone is interested in listening to this up and coming band, check out the following website.

http://www.myspace.com/tightlips

the NEW ipod Rumors

2006-03-14T09:35:00.000-06:00

So I am thinking about purchasing a new iPod, but wanted to read the rumor mill to see if I should wait. Check out the following link as well as the image below and let me know if you think I should wait.

http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2006
/GearNGadgets/February2006/VideoIPod/
RDMGG_VidPodMockUp.htm

Now I'm a Super Star (HA!)

2006-02-20T21:02:00.000-06:00

Utah Business Magazine - February 2006
The Right Health Plan

Check out this article a close friend of mine wrote.

It takes more to draw in quality employees than just a competitive salary. As health costs rise, your small business will need a good health plan to stay in the game. If your business doesn’t have a health plan, the question becomes “where do I begin?”

Company owners never have to search far to find someone who wants to sell you insurance—just type “small business health insurance” into Google. Do the 49 million results seem daunting, or just a bit ridiculous? The Internet is a great way to compare prices and plans, but it’s often difficult to know what you should be looking for.

Know Your Employee Base

Randy Schouten, director of the Salt Lake Regional Small Business Development Center says the first step in finding a plan is to take a retrospective look at the current and future employee base and ask, “How attractive do I want my company to be?” Schouten says that if the employee base is mostly composed of entry-level workers who aren’t used to receiving coverage, high-end health benefits won’t be much of a draw and may not even be necessary. However, Schouten says, if a business owner is trying to draw in senior-level employees, the benefits he offers may be the difference between a potential employee choosing to work for him or for his competitor.

Trade associations can be a great source of information on industry standards for pay and benefits and may offer some insight into what the competition may be offering. Many trade associations also offer health insurance plans for small business owners and their employees. Because trade associations cover so many people, they can negotiate better coverage and lower rates. By aligning your small business with a trade association policy, you can enjoy the same amount of health care options as a big company.

Another question to ask yourself, Schouten says, is a bit more personal: “What do I want in a health plan?” Think about the type of coverage that you would like to have, including waiting periods, co-pay, prescription prices and maternity coverage. Chances are good that the things you want in a health plan will also be attractive to current and future employees. After thinking about your own family’s medical needs, ask your friends or other business owners about their plans. Having solidified your needs, it is time to start shopping around.

Insurance “Agent” vs. Insurance “Broker”

The Internet is a quick and easy source to look at a wide range of providers and plans, but it often lacks the human interaction an agent or broker can provide. Beyond being able to answer questions, an agent can also help set up a customized insurance plan for your business. It is important to note, however, that the words “agent” and “broker” are not necessary interchangeable. An agent works for a specific insurance company and will only be able to help you with products or plans provided by that company. A broker works for the policy holder. An independent agent is not tied to any one insurance provider and thus is able to look at a wide range of providers to find exactly what you are looking for.
Small Business Insurance Pitfalls

According to Nilay Patel, insurance director at Integrated Employer Solutions, the biggest mistake for a small business is “starting too big, too soon.” Often, companies with just a handful of employees, Patel says, want to purchase full package insurance—with low co-pays, low deductibles and maternity coverage—and get in over their heads. While an attractive health care plan is a great incentive to future employees, it is important to choose a plan that will be sustainable throughout a bad financial quarter.

Patel says it is important to look at how much coverage you really need. If the staff is only making a few trips to the doctor each year, it would be more cost effective to pay for those visits out of pocket, rather than pay high monthly premiums. Though this sounds like a raw deal for employees, it could actually save them money as well; employees generally have to cover 25-50 percent of their total monthly premium. Patel says that flexible spending accounts or “cafeteria plans,” where employees pay for their own insurance through salary reduction, are also a good alternative for companies starting to offer health coverage. “There is a plan out there for everyone,” Patel says, “You just need to know what your options are.”

Spencer Sutherland (my good friend) is a Salt Lake-based public relations specialist and freelance writer.

BOOOoo to Freedomland!

2006-02-18T01:58:00.000-06:00

About six months ago, I had seen a preview for Freedomland. It looked quite interesting, almost a murder mystery. The basic plot that was given was a mother was car-jacked. All the while her child was also abducted from the back of her car.

Well the movie premiered today. So my sister and I went to go watch it today. And let me just tell you all to SAVE YOUR MONEY. THE Movie was HORRIBLE!! Thee WORST acting performance by Juilanne Moore. Multiple times throughout the film, I wanted to walk out and ask for my money back.

So again, please let all your friends know that Freedomland = HORRIBLE.

So it Begins!

2006-02-05T02:17:00.000-06:00

One of my close friends just got engaged yesterday. If you don't know already, Ms. Tejel Patel is no longer on the market.

Thanks to Jadi, the pressure is on for the rest of us to start looking. Thank for you Ms. Patel.

Thats all I have to say about that. Good Luck Jadi.

360

2005-12-27T00:03:00.000-06:00

I just helped design this logo from scratch. My friend Thurl helped animate the image. Let me know what you guys think.

Future Me

2005-12-25T14:28:00.000-06:00

The ideas that emerge from the World Wide Web are very interesting. Recently I read an article of a college student designing a website that allows anyone to send an email to the future.

The basic premise is that you are allowed to send an email to a friend or family member and express to them anything you feel, and allow you to set the receipt date of the email.

Everyone should check out this website.

http://www.FutureMe.org

KING KONG!!!

2005-12-15T01:17:00.000-06:00

I just got back from watching KING KONG.

Peter Jackson did an amazing job with this picture. Visually the images of Skull Island, and of all the mystical creatures were very realistic. If you are in any way frighten of dinosaurs, bugs, dark cannibalistic natives, & a LARGE GORILLA, then this movie is probably not for you.

The movie was well put together. If you don't know already the movie run about 3 hours long. I totally recommend this movie to all my friends. Comment back to me once you have seen this movie.

Peace OUT!

Longest Drive

2005-12-06T21:31:00.000-06:00

Snow Storm of the Year. hell... the Century!!

Well it was a long day. We started the day off at 6a. Picked up the UHAUL at 6:15a, and drove our happy asses to Best Western. A location where 20 mattress & 20 boxes were waiting for us. We arrived at BW at 6:30 and started packing our UHAUL to the rim. A few of our friends arrived a little late to help carry the load. We were basically done at 7:15, and were on I-80 heading towards Evanston to drop off our package.

There was absolutely NO snow in Salt Lake City. While driving through Parley's Canyon it had started to sprinkle. About 2 miles in, as if we had drove through another dimension, the snow became HORRIFIC!! Complete and utter white out conditions.

As I drove the UHAUL, I had lost control of the vehicle about 3 times. After everytime, I had called my brother, and asked if it would be alright if we could turn around and head back to slc. Everytime I asked, all Rave could say was, "It's not that bad, we can make it."

Typically a drive from Salt Lake to Evanston took about 1 hour. But this scary as drive took 3.5 hours.

When we finally arrived, I leaped out of my car and kissed the ground. Afterwards, I gave my brother Rave a hug for the simple fact that we had survived.

Roulette and the number 24.

2005-11-28T23:30:00.000-06:00

Roulette and the number 24.

First of all, let me tell you that my lucky number is 24. Why 24? Basically it is my birthdate, no more no less reason than that.

While in Las Vegas, the weirdest thing would happened to me. While I was standing around watching my brother play roulette on Thursday, I noticed that the first number that would appear while I was at the table would be 24. I litterally walked away not really thinking about it. But I did tell a friend, and he just smilled at me.

On friday, while I was walking around with my same friend. I walked by a table I decided to play at and I noticed that the number 24 hit. Surprised, Jigu and I laughed. While I sat there, the number 24 hit again! two in a ROW! We were running late so i didn't play.

The following day, I decided to test my luck. After playing for about half an hour, I was up $150. With a big smile on my face I walked away a happy man.

Los Angeles Garba

2005-10-19T10:02:00.000-05:00

Long Weekend.

Rave, Soniya, & I arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday. Before the whole group arrived on Friday. So on Thursday night, the three of us and Nikhil and Hiren went out to dinner. It was the first time we had dinner together, (just the five of us) for about 5 years. Usually we would have a distant relative with us, or other children with us. It was nice. We caught up on old times. I enjoyed it immensely.

On Friday, we basically sat around and waited for our other family members, and friends to show up for GARBA. For the million of "Daily Addictonites" out their, GARBA is basically a traditional dance that occurs in the Month of October to celebrate the birth of one of many gods, Krishna. But in laymans term, it is a good excuse for us to together to meet old friends, and maybe NEW girls!...

ON Saturday, we waited around for 7 pm, that is when we went to dinner and a horrible Mexican restaurant. Afterwards we all got ready and went to Anaheim Convention Center to a massive garba. Typically, we would stay at the garba until 2 a.m., but it became so crowded that half of us decided to leave early. Apparently it was a wise decision, because my brother decided to stay and was smacked on his head a few times by a newbie, with a dandia.

When Sunday came around I was exhausted. The three of us made it to the airport with plenty of room to spare. But the flight home was thee most scarest airplane ride ever. The ride was so bumpy that no drinks were given during the flight, and no one was allowed to get up the whole trip. Not even to use the restroom. Besides the flight, I had an amazing time. Look forward to doing it again next year.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

2005-09-25T15:25:00.000-05:00

Long day. Yesterday was a VERY long Day. From about noon to 7 p.m., I basically watched half a season of Lost. For you fans out their that are wondering how interesting LOST is? Well lets just say, IT IS AMAZING!! anyways, back to my story....

Around 7 p, we went to SLC to eat at Bombay House. Harley and Joey met up with us for dinner. Both of them enjoyed their meals, even though it might have been a little too spicy. (oops)

After dinner we drove back to Evanston, which is about an HOUR drive. After we arrived in Evanston, me and Rave took off to Salt Lake City to go drinking with Hogg. We arrived in Salt Lake City around 10 p.m.

When we arrived in Salt Lake City, we went over to Tiaphoon, for some drinks with a friend whom is a bartender. Cameron bought us a couple of drinks, and then we headed over to Port O Call.

While at Port O Call, I was given an array of drinks. From 2 Long Islands, 1 Kamakzie Shot, 1 Pitcher of Beer, and Finally, 2 shots of Patron!! From my boss Flynn!! After the second shot, I felt the puke coming up quick!! Luckily, my boss pointed me towards the direction of a trash can. Where I puked up all of the drinks I had that night.

At 2 a.m., Rave and I drove back to Evanston all the while I was puking. It was the longest drive ever.

Mitul in SLC??

2005-09-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

Mitul is finally in the SL - to the C.

What did we do?

Nothing much, just caught up on some old times. We went to Evanston, I took the man to my place of work, and probably the most fun was Wendover. Where we all lost a lot of money.

It was good bonding with the kid. We enjoyed some laughes, and basically chilled.

Here is a good pic of us just chillin at my place.

Keg Stand!!

2005-08-21T00:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, I can officially say that I have done a Keg Stand. But for how long, about 10 seconds tops.

At my bosses backyard party, I was told by two friends (Erik & Tiago) that I must do one Keg Stand! Without a moments hesitation, I was hoisted upside down. Luckily the crowd chanted, "One, Two, Three, Four,... Ten." By TEN, beer was coming out of my nose.

Let just say that I had so much fun doing the Keg Stand, that I did it again. But the second time I only lasted 7 seconds. =(

Surprise I'm Getting Married!!

2005-07-27T20:51:00.000-05:00

Everyone I worked with, expects me to get be getting married by an arranged marriage. They are all thinking that this trip was for me to find a wife.

Well while was is D.C., I met a girl by the name of Trishna. Whom I got to know for a brief moment a night before a huge party a for friend. While I was sitting on the porch with a friend, Trishna sat down besides me and we started talking, and wouldn't stop talking. I found out that she was a pharmacist, and that intrigued me to ask her how a pharmacy works. I asked her about billing questions, the mark-up on pharmaceutical drugs, salaries, EVERYTHING. After about a half an hour with my friend and Trishna, I had to walk away because she was a TALKER!!

Well, the following day, my cousins in D.C., told me that a girl really liked me. I knew who it was, and I was afraid. SO i completely avoided her during the party, and ignored her the following day after the party.

But when I got back to Salt Lake City, Trishna had called all three of my cousins (more than 3 times per person) asking for my cell phone number. I told them all, under no circumstance, are they allowed to give my phone number to her. Then she called my cousins parents!!! who are best friends with my parents!!! asking for my phone number. By the time I go home to see my parents, they were asking me about Trishna!! my WORSE NIGHTMARE has come true. I just told my parents the complete story, and they were o.k. with the whole scenario. I'm sure all my fans out their are dying to see who this Trishna girl is.... well check out the picture below.

A Blessing in Surprise

2005-07-25T20:49:00.000-05:00

New Shoes!

My cousin Vishal, accidentally packed my shoes in his bag and took them to Dallas, TX. DAMN him!! =) Now I have no shoes for all the formal occasions, which is one of the main reasons why I came up to the East Coast. Well lucky for me, I needed to buy new shoes, so I went out to Journeys, and picked up some new Steve Maddens. I am LOVING THEM. It's kinda of cheesy, but here are the pic's...

Fire N Ice

2005-07-24T00:49:00.000-05:00

As you may or may not know, I'm on the East Coast until Aug 1. Yesterday night my cousin asked if we wanted to go to a Huka Bar name Fire N Ice. They said it was the place to be. So we get to the Huka Bar, and the lounge area was closed. The only place we could relax at was in the club portion of the bar.

So me and my cousins walk into the Club area, to find old Auntie's and other 40 year old people trying to dance on the dance floor. WEIRD!!! I was freaking out, I couldn't stop giving Sagar (my cousin) crap about the Club.

To all my devoted fans out their, NEVER GO CLUBBING IN NEW JERSEY!!!
ACTUALLY, NEVER LISTEN TO MY COUSIN SAGAR ABOUT CLUBS!!! =) you know I love Sagar... but that was some funny shit.

Out with the BOYS!

2005-07-19T00:55:00.000-05:00

Two of my good friends were down in E-town from out of state. Unfortunately I was leaving for my vacation to New Jersey in a few days so I couldn't make it down to Evanston to see them. So I asked that they come up to Salt Lake City for the night and I would take them around town to drink and relax. The last few days have been really hard for me since I am on absolutely no sleep. With the concert, the drive back from Las Vegas, I haven’t had a good night’s sleep for the longest time. But my boys were coming up, so I made the time to hang out. When Kyle and Ernie arrived in Salt Lake, I took them to Café Rio for dinner, which both of them loved.

After that, we headed over to Port O Call, for a few drinks and relax time. Harley joined us at Port O Call, where we drank the night away. That night, I got about 5-6 hours of sleep. Still exhausted, I headed to work the following morning.

Going, Going, & Going!!

2005-07-19T00:53:00.000-05:00

After the long ordeal with the airlines. Rave and I only slept for about 2 and half hours, before we were summoned to work. With blood-shot eyes, and a quad-shot latte in hand, I walk into work, expecting it to be long day. Luckily, the day wasn't too busy so I had time to rest my eyes.
After work, I headed over to Cameron's apartment, for a concert. You heard right!! A CONCERT! Your probably thinking 'Nilay, what the hell are you thinking?' Well I hadn't been to a concert for the whole year. Cameron also said that 'Brian Jonestown Massacre' is the once in the lifetime concert. So I went to the concert, and the music was pretty good.

Guess what time I got home today? 2:30a

The Comforts Of My Home

2005-07-18T06:35:00.000-05:00

Just got Home!! Yes that's true, after a fun yet crazy weekend, I am finally home, and it's only 5 o'clock in the morning.

Yesterday, Sunday July 18, our flight was scheduled to depart from Las Vegas at 3:30 p.m. We arrived at the Las Vegas Airport around 1:00 p, to check-in early, and relax. Unfortunately, the complete Air Conditioning system was down all through out the airport. The stench of B.O. roamed through the airport. It was complete unbearable especially since the weather outside was nearly 120 degrees.

Well around 3:30 p.m. we were all notified that due to the heat, our flight was unable to take off. Hour after hour our flight was delayed 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6, 7, 8, and at 9 p.m. America West finally cancelled our flight. Luckily, the airline stated that due to the weather delay they would provide lodging for all the customers. About 5 minutes later, our flight attendant stated that our flight was unable to take off due to weather conditions, and that America West would not pay for our lodging.

Well, Rave and I were quite upset! We asked the America West Attendant for a full refund, which we did receive. Then we met up with a couple of Computer Engineers from Salt Lake City, Jamie & Neresh. They both needed to be in Salt Lake City by monday morning. So we all chipped in for a car rental and drove back to Salt Lake City. Rave and I arrived at our apartment at 5:00 a.m., monday morning. The comforts of my own bed, and the things we do to get their.

FIGHT!!!

2005-07-16T16:56:00.000-05:00

While at Club PURE, me and my friends were dancing with a group of girls from California. I think one of the 5 ladies was engaged to be married in the next few days. Well one of the many ladies started to dance with my friend Ravi, basically freak'n him. After a few songs she moved over to my friend, so I walked away and grabbed a drink. Twenty minutes later I come back and she was freakin another one of my friends, Samir. AGAIN, Twenty minutes later, she finally ended up on my cousin Nikhil, and she was freak'n him.

While I was dancing, my friend Samir came up to me and told me that she is engaged, and fiancée was watching the whole thing behind us. Well I felt it was my job to tell Nikhil that the girl he was dancing with was engaged to be married. I leaned over and told him, but he didn't seem to mind, and said one thing to me, "You got my back if something happens right?" I nodded to my cousin, and walked away to dance with another girl. Not even two minutes later, I turn back to look at my cousin, and notice the fiancée was in my cousin's face. He was mouthing something to the effect of "Why are you all up on my fiancée?"

Without thinking twice, for the first time in my life, I leaped at the guy, yelling, "Your girl was all over my cousin, me, and my boys." I don't know what is was, but I really wanted to fight the guy, but luckily my cousin caught me and told me calm down. If I had swung my fist into his face that night, I would have been kicked out and probably sent to jail. While my cousin was talking to, the girl took her fiancée outside of the club to talk, and that was the last we saw of him.

The Rain!! And the Mysterious Phanny Pack?

2005-07-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

Friday night in Las Vegas with me and my boys, and we all decide that Club Rain, at the Palms Casino is the way to go! We arrived at the club about 11:00 p, to find ourselves in the back of a mile long line. My cousin Nikhil, went to the front of the line to speak to a bouncer to see if he could grease us through to the front of the line. Around 12:00 a, Nikhil finally got us in the club, where we danced the night away. While we were in the, looking at the crowd above in his own suite, was the one the only HULK HOGAN and his fanny pack. Now, I am not a fashion expert, but a fanny pack, wasn't that the cool thing to do back in the 80's. WHAT POSSIBLE REASON WOULD HOGAN have to bring a fanny pack into one of the hottest clubs in the U.S. Could he be hiding a wad of money? a GAT? Steroids? WHAT could it be, I was racking my brain all night, even today - WHAT COULD IT BE?

Hogan, you may have won this war, but some day, SOME HOW, I will figure out what is in that damn FANNY PACK!!

CLUB PURE!! A Night to Remember!

2005-07-16T04:54:00.000-05:00

Club Pure?

What is PURE? PURE is the hottest club in Las Vegas, and maybe one of the top clubs in the U.S. from the many articles I have read online. The club is located in Las Vegas's Caesar's Palace. Apparently, it is owned by Shaq, and many other athletes.

The line was so ridicules that we almost didn't get in. Mind the fact we arrived at the club around 11:30 p.m. Again, Nikhil and one of my good friends Tejel went out to talk to a group of Indian guys to see if we could cut in with them. Luckily they were nice enough to get us in. Right before we got into the bouncer stopped us so that Jermaine O'Neal (Indian Pacer Center) and his entourage could get in through the front door.

As soon as I walk in through the door, the club gives your three options. You can basically go to a room to your left, go straight, or go a room on your right. I choose my left, and walked in the the PUSSYCAT DOLLS room. In this room, about every half hour the Pussycat Dolls, with lead singer Willa Ford come out and do a number in lingerie. Let just say I was speechless about what I saw that night. I would totally recommend this club to anyone going to Las Vegas.

Rave's Birthday!!

2005-06-15T16:57:00.000-05:00

Man I'm getting old, it was Rave's Birthday a few days ago. To be more precise, it was yesterday. If we are trying to keep a tradition alive then we are doing a great job. Because last year for my brother's 21st birthday, we spent all night drinking, and spent the following day puking. And this year we wouldn't miss a beat!

I started the night meeting my brother at a bar downtown. A small bar that could probably hold 75 to 100 people. When I arrived at the bar, I noticed my brother was wearing a t-shirt that said "2 bucks off" on the front, and "lil hindu" on the back. Apparently, Rave's co-workers make t-shirts for everyone's birthdays, and make the birthday person wear it all day. About 20 people gathered together to celebrate the 22nd birthday for Rave. Drinks were being bought by the hand full, and passed around all night long.

Around midnight, I was complete and utterly plastered. That is when we decided that the best plan would be to sleep at a friends house downtown. We literally walked about 2 1/2 miles to get to my friends apartment in the avenues. When I arrived at the apartment, it was 3 a.m. From that moment on, until around 9 a.m., I spent about every 15 minutes in the bathroom.

For Rave that is a completely different story. One of the girls at the bar, was a good friend of Rave's and decided to drive Rave home. Apparently, Rave was so hammered that he also spent that next 12 hours praying to the porcelain bowl.

What a wonderful day, when two brothers in two totally different locations are doing the exact same thing. Enjoy a 22nd birthday in the bathroom.

A Good Day for Gambling

2005-05-22T22:14:00.000-05:00

Good day for Gambling

I went to Wendover, NV this past weekend. Now for the readers out there that don’t know where Wendover? Let’s just say that it’s a small gambling town 100 miles outside of Salt Lake City. I have been their around 5-6 times, and have lost a few hundred bucks. So when my friends suggest going, I’m a little weary.

On Friday the 20th of May, Jeremy and I arrived at Wendover around 2:00p. Straight to the tables we went. Around 7p, we decided to join a blackjack tournament, for an entrance fee of $50. I was kicked out of the tournament in the first round, and was extremely disappointed. But, luckily the casino splits the entrance fee pot into two categories, one half went to the winner of the tournament (approximately $500), and the other half went to the drawing (approximately $500). And GUESS WHO WON the drawing – ME!! YEAH ME!!!

I’ll have the cheesy picture of me with the Pit-Boss later this week. You will all get a great laugh out of it.

Salt Lake City Marathon

2005-04-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

What a LONG DAY!!

I found out about a year ago that my friend Harley "HOGG" Sisson was planning on running the Salt Lake City Marathon. Of course, I might have been a little skeptical about the whole thing, but still encouraged him to pursue his dreams. As the months past, I noticed a total change in demeanor. He would literally run almost 10 miles a day. FIRST OF ALL how does that sound like fun! He would run at the gym until the treadmill would turn off on him (Safety Feature found on every treadmill)!! Again – INSANE!!!

Well the big day came and it STARTED off EARLY!! I was up around 5:30 a.m., to go pick up a few friends from their hotel. We arrived at the starting location around 6:30, TOO early for anyone to be up, on a Saturday morning. As we stood their, looking at the sea of runners taking small strides so not to trip over each other, a thought came running into my head – WHAT THE HELL ARE WE GOING TO DO FOR FOUR HOURS!!!!

For the first hour of the race, we spent eating at a lovely breakfast nook, named Denny’s. MMMmmm…. Good EATS!! We were all wondering what Hogg must be experiencing, while we were enjoying our delicious meal. The next THREE and HALF hours were the longest hours of my life; we spent the whole time at the Gateway Mall. I must say, that marathon running is the worst spectator sport in the world. For the hundreds of adoring fans waiting at the finish line, I would guesstimate probably 99% are more ecstatic to see their four hour wait over, than actually see their loved one cross the finish line.

- Breakfast with friends… $15.00
- Gas to drive around town… $10.00
- Money spent at the mall… $50.00
- Seeing my friend cross the line, so that I may go home and SLEEP… PRICELESS!

Congrats HOGG!! I’m real of proud of you!

Two Completely Different Stories, One unusual weekend (Part Two)

2005-04-18T11:31:00.000-05:00

This story actual occurs on this past Friday. The two friends would like to remain anonymous, so I will not be using their names. Anyways, Snoop Dogg and the Game had a concert in Salt Lake City. Two of my friend’s had bought tickets to the show, as well as got on the VIP list for the after party with Snoop and Game. The two friends decide to grab some pizza, at their apartment before the show. While eating dinner, the two of them decide to smoke up, to prepare for the concert. When I mean prepare, the two of them prepared a couple of “to go wrappers (Joints)” for the show.

They arrived at the show around 8:30 p.m., exactly when Game came out to do his performance. While watching the show, the two of them polished off one complete joint. About an hour into the concert, Snoop came out, and asked everyone to “Blaze it up.” While they were finishing up the last bit of the second joint, the event security grabbed my two friends and asked them to step outside. As soon as they were outside of the arena, SIX Salt Lake City Gang Unit policy officers were standing outside waiting for them. The two were complete searched, from head to toe.

Luckily, the policy officer just gave them a warning and asked them to go home. My two friends were so freaked out about the experience, they didn’t even want to take the chance and go to the after party. One of the two friends has vowed never to smoke the sticky green substance ever again.

Two Completely Different Stories, One unusual weekend (Part One)

2005-04-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

My friend Joey asked me to post his story for all my friends and family to hear.

Friday (Tax Day). My buddy was asked to come to a friend’s house to help an individual with his taxes. While driving to the house, Joey started noticing that anti-freeze fluid beginning to leak on the inside of his car. Then the car stalled out, and completely stopped running. Frustrated, Joey decided that he needed to purchase another vehicle. Mainly due to the fact that his current vehicle was very old (1970’s), and it was on it’s last leg.

Saturday. Joey decided to get up early, and make some breakfast. Joey, cooked the typical eggs, bacon & toast for a meal. After breakfast, he got ready to purchase a new car. While getting ready, he noticed an incredible disgusting pain in his stomach. He quickly realized that the bacon he had for breakfast might have been under cooked. But the trooper Joey was, he left soon after to buy a new car. About four hours later, and with one newly car purchased, Joey decided to head to work. The rest of the day was peaceful for good ol Joey.

Sunday. Around 7 p.m., Joey picks up his date in his barely 24 hour old vehicle. The two long lost lovers (actually it was their first date) decide to grab dinner and watch a movie at the Gateway. Around 10 p.m., while Joey and his date were walking toward their vehicle, Joey noticed that one of his windows were broken in. Around 100 CD’s were stolen, his 40 Gig iPod, the date’s purse, and many other important items were stolen from his car.

Now I must say, I have never heard anyone have such a “WONDERFUL” weekend like Joey experienced. Joey, keep your head up bro, things can only get better.