Happy birthday iVes. iPad helps.

Yesterday was Ivy's birthday. And all of us, Reia, Freia and me were in the US. Reia arrived yesterday and it was unfortunate that for the first time in the time since we were married Ivy was going to be spending her birthday without us.

But we weren't going to allow that to happen. And so had planned to be with her. Virtually, if not physically.

On the stroke of midnight in India, which was 2.30 here on the East Coast, we called her. And asked her to open her present. She had no clue what we were talking about. Over the previous few days, we had organized a present to be purchased, wrapped and then packed in a cardboard box so she wouldn't know. It was dropped off a few hours earlier saying it was a package to be sent to our office. After a few minutes it dawned on Ivy that it was a present.

She opened it and there was silence as we anxiously waited. Suddenly we heard a shriek. It was Ivy. And luckily it was a shriek of joy and excitement. She has just realized her present was an iPad. Something she had mentioned, but did not want as she felt it was too expensive. As you've figured out by now, the further the distance the more expensive the gifts get.

Ivy was anxious to get started on her iPad, thanked us and wished us Good Night very quickly and hung up. Until she called a couple of hours later, to say THANK YOU.

No, THANK YOU Ivy. You've been an amazing wife and mom, and have enabled each of us to do what we wanted most, by not only being completely selfless, but going beyond and encouraging us. Have a great birthday and an even greater year ahead.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Improv Eveywhere

Life revolves around a purpose. Each of us wants to achieve something and we go through life finding ways in which we can achieve our goals. And so when I came across something whose sole purpose was to have fun, I was intrigued.

This completely new, well new to me since its been around for a while is the brainchild of Charlie Todd. And they explain what they do better than I ever can. 

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About Us

Improv Everywhere is a New York City-based prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 100 missions involving tens of thousands of undercover agents.

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You can read more about the man himself at :

http://improveverywhere.com/charlie_todd/

And whilst I could go on about what I love about the whole thing, it seems like whilst a picture says a thousand words, a video says a million. An so let me share a few of my favorite videos of the concept.

Charlie on TED

Where's Rob ?

Spinning Beach Ball of Death

And do visit the Improv Everywhere to keep in touch with their latest pranks.

http://improveverywhere.com/

Kickstarter

In the last week, we've been toying with the idea of funding one of our projects through Kickstarter. And when I discussed it with a few of my colleagues, the question was "What's Kickstarter". And that's what led me to write this blog post.

Kickstarter has been described as "Pardigm-shifting", "Pioneering" and a zillion other things, all extremely positive. But I guess the words that describe it best are "crowd funding'.

To put it simply, if someone has a great idea but no funding to execute it, they could put up the idea on Kisckstarter, where potential backers could read or see about it and if found exciting back it. Typically the project creator promises something back to the backer such as a signed copy of the novel or a first edition of the new watch or a ticket to the premiere of the movie or ...

Oh and now for the million dollar question. How does Kickstarter make its money ? And its the simplest method in the world. It takes 5% from all projects that get funded. Which is win-win. No upfront costs to get funds, just a 5% fee if you do get funded.

Kickstarter describes "What is Kickstarter best". You can read about it at
http://www.kickstarter.com/hello?ref=nav

I'll let you explore kickstarter and see for yourself some of the wonderful projects out there.
www.kickstarter.com

And whilst out there I definitely recommend you check out the best of 2012.
http://www.kickstarter.com/year/2012

Eating out in Mumbai

The last 3 weeks has been a food fest for me. I've eaten out almost every alternate day and the food's been amazing. I guess when you've been away for almost a year, you start appreciating Indian restaurants even more. And the price has been the best part. Great food at a great price What more could one ask for.

It goes without saying that whilst all of the restaurants were awesome, none were as good as "Home cooked Indian food". The simple Chapati, Bhaji, Rice and Dal. Yummm. But here are the 5 places I enjoyed most.


5 - Westin

This is a star property and I attended a conference. And the buffet lunch that was served was quite good. A large spread. Lots of options. And all in all good food. The part I liked best, the Dessert. The Mango Souffle and Dudhi Halwa stood out and the several helpings I had isn't helping me achieve my weight targets.


4 - Laxmi

A simple South Indian restaurant. And for breakfast I decided to have a Idli Wada Sambar and a Onion Rava Masala Dosa. Hot, Fresh, Crsipy and Tasteee. The Chai topped off a complete breakfast.



3 - Jugheads

Continental food, with an Indian flavor. The Chicken sizzler I had was very good. And I had bites from the others I was out to lunch with. Fish, Lamb and Veggies. All very good.


2 - Global Sigri

This was my first time at Global Sigri, a newly opened restaurant at Powai. The buffet consisted of several veg and non veg starters, a main course spread that was generous. And a unhealthy but tasty dessert line-up. I enjoyed the spread and I wished I could go home for a nap as opposed to back to work.


1 - Mainland China

On most trips, Mainland China ends up as being one of the most memorable. And this time was no exception. We had the Unfixed Menu. It starts with wontons followed by a soup. And then 4 main courses. Ending with a delectable dessert. And what makes this the no. 1 place was that each of the dishes was very, very tasty.