CityMasala October 2009
Transcription
CityMasala October 2009
CityMasala www.citymasala.com FREE COPY A Lifestyle and Entertainment Magazine for Today’s South Asian L1 Visa Cricket Hitting a Googly! Bollywood Masala Page1.indd 1 10 Rules for Flat Belly! Rani Mukherjee LookingForSomeAction! 9/27/2009 10:25:54 AM October2009 Monday, September 28, 2009 14:53 CALL Naz 813-318-2117 Email: nborachi_wikleproperties@yahoo.com CONVENIENCE STORE IS TAMPA BAY AREA GREAT LOCATIONS EXTREMELY HIGH VOLUME BRANDED STN IN TAMPA, GREAT NEIGHBOURHOOD LOCATION, INSIDE 170 OUTSIDE 120, MANY MORE INCOMES, ASKING 560+INV EXCELLENT NEW LISTING IN FLORIDA INSIDE 90,000 PLUS OUTSIDE 60,000 NICE AND CLEAN PROPERTY WITH REAL ESTATE 1.1M POSSIBLE OWNER FINANCING WITH 25% DOWM • • • • EXCELLENT MONEY MAKER HIGH INSIDE MARK UP • SUNOCO STORES IN FLORIDA • • • • • • • • TAMPA AREA INSIDE 90,000 OUTSIDE 100,000 WITH REAL ESTATE 2.4 M TAMPA AREA INSIDE 90,000 OUTSIDE 100,000 BUSINESS ONLY 475,000 TAMP AREA INSIDE 85,000 OUTSIDE 100,000 WITH REAL ESTATE 1.7M IN ORLANDO HWY LOCATION INSIDE 45,000 OUTSIDE 160,000 WITH REAL ESTATE 1.2M IN ORLANDO INSIDE 50,000 OUTSIDE 50,000 WITH REAL ESTATE 1M IN SOUTH FL INSIDE 70,000 OUTSIDE 180,000 WITH REAL ESTATE 2.1M IN SOUTH FL INSIDE 90,000 OUTSIDE 90,000 WITH REAL ESTATE 1.6M TAMPA AREA SUNOCO WITH REAL ESTATE CALL ME FOR DETAILS THREE 15 STORE PACKAGE DEAL IN FL MONEY MAKING AREA CALL ME FOR DETAILS TAMPA BRANDED INSIDE 80,000 OUTSIDE 130,000 ASKING 325,00 W/CARWASH PL INV CLEARWATER BRANDED INSIDE 60,000 OUTSIDE 100,000 ASKING 250,000 W/CARWASH PL INV OWNER FINANCING INSIDE 45,000 RENT ONLY 1500 FIXED FOR 5 YRS ASKING 150,000 PLUS INV INSIDE 60,000 RENT ONLY 3800 ASKING $145,000 PLUS INV INSIDE 45,000 RENT ONLY 2450 ASKING 135,000 PLUS INV INSIDE 48,000 RENT ONLY 2800 UHAUL AND LOTTO PAYS THE RENT ASKING 130,000 PL INV INSIDE 45000 RENT ONLY 2500 ASKING 125000 PLUS INV CITGO IN TAMPA WITH PROPERTY 1.050000 C-STORE WITH PROPERTY IN TAMPA GOOD LOCATION, INSIDE $60,000+, ASKING 850K+ INVENTORY. LIQUOR STORE WITH PROPERTY IN FL LOTTO COMMISSION ALONE IS 65K/YEAR, 1.1M INCLUDES PROPERTY PLUS LIQUOR LICENSE PLUS INVENTORY 2 STRIP CENTERS IN TAMPA AREA BOTH THE C-STORES INCLUDED IN PRICE, CALL ME FOR DETAILS EXCELLENT NEW LISTING IN FLORIDA INSIDE 140,000 OUTSIDE 70,000 CHECK CASHING INCOME PLUS OTHER INCOMES. VERY HIGH GAS AND INSIDE MARK UP WITH REAL ESTATE THE PROPERTY ALSO INCLUDES A 4 BR HOUSE ONLY SERIOUS BUYERS WITH STRONG FINANCIAL 2.2 M ALREADY IN 2009 COMPLIANCE DO YOU NEED ANY OF THE ABOVE DEALS FINANCED? IF YOU NEED HELP FINANCING THESE DEALS OR ANY OTHER DEALS, PLEASE CALL SULEMAN MAKHANI 813-368-7700 ROZINA CHANDRANI FOR FORECLOSURES/SHORT SALES 813-810-4176 GEORGE PAPPAS ATTORNEY AT LAW FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE AND CLOSING SERVICES 727-447-4999 CALL NAZ BORACHI FOR DETAILS: 813 813--318 318--2117 Pakistani, South Indian, North Indian & Middle Eastern WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF FRESH VEGETABLES, GROCERIES, MEAT AND THESE PRODUCTS AT THE MOST COMPETITIVE PRICE Fresh RasMalai & Gulab Jamun $3.99/lb All Sweet Supari $2.99 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ SHAAN DEEP ASHOKA PARIVAR LAXMI AHMED MTR GITS NATIONAL GOLDEN TEMPLE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ BASMATI RICE VEETEE All DAAWAT Shaan All the Laziza Masala Masala INDIAGATE Buy 1 Get 1 Free $0.79 VISHWAS ADORARICE EBM Brand Biscuits SUJATA Marie Biscuit Party Biscuit TILDA Butter Puff New RIO Rio Double Treat Glucose Plus ROYAL Peanut Pik ZAFRANI RESERVE Peanut Pista PEEK FRANCS Orange & Lemon Biscuits, Chocolate, Wheat Full Line of Grocery and Meat Compare and SAVE on Groceries & Meat ♦ Lamb * Goat * Chicken * Beef * Fish * Veal * Boneless Chicken * Boneless Thigh & Many More We will handcut the Meat While You Enjoy Your Meal at Sabri Restaurant Open 7 Days a Week 10 AM to 10 PM 100% Zabiha Halal Meat Free Paan with Dinner while you Shop Delivery Available Call—941-0000 Nihari Chicken Tikka Chargha Chicken Beef Kabob Kadai Ghosh Butter Chicken CityMasala A Lifestyle and Entertainment Magazine for Today’s South Asian October 2009 Published By CityMasala LLC 3439 Pine Trace Circle Valrico, FL 33596 Phone: 813-476-5415 Fax: 206-203-4573 Email : Info@CityMasala.com On the Web www.CityMasala.com CityMasala magazine subscription is available for free to all Florida residents. Please visit us on www.citymasala.com to register. ——————————————Editor and Publisher Chhaya Sanghavi Advertising Sales 813-476-5415 Junior Graphic Artist April Stern In This Issue 8 ChaatMasala 10 Rani Mukerjee Looking For Some Action! 14 Quiz Can You be Your Own Boss? 16 Bollywood Masala 18 The Parent’s Chatroom 20 Legal Corner Intra-company Transferees Flat Belly - 10 Rules 22 24 25 Daru Ka Nasha Cricket Hitting a Googly! 26 Horoscope CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com TEAM MASALA Anushree Nakkana Ashish Jain Ben Tripp Judi Silva Dr. Maulik Trivedi Neelofer Syed Raj Modi Roshni Mulchandani Sanjay Puranik Savneet Singh Sheniz Janmohamed Tracey Porpora On The Cover: Rani Mukherjee Photograph: Jeff Vespa/Wireimage Toronto Film Festival ———————————————————CityMasala is published by CityMasala LLC. The opinions and viewpoints of our contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of CityMasala’s. CityMasala disclaims any liability with respect to the use of our reliance on any such information and further disclaims any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, negligence, accident or any other cause. CityMasala reserves the right to reject any advertisement they deem unacceptable or inappropriate for publication in CityMasala. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and originality of content. CityMasala is not liable for products and services advertised. Copyright © 2009 CityMasala LLC. All rights reserved. Reprinting of any material without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Please contact info@citymasala.com for reprint permission. 6 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:51 ΄ͲͷͷͿ͑ͺͿ͵ͺͲͿ͑ʹΆͺ΄ͺͿͶ͑ ΄ΒΧΠΣ͑ΥΙΖ͑ΖΩΠΥΚΔ͑ΗΝΒΧΠΣΤ͑ΒΟΕ͑ΤΦΓΥΝΖ͑ΥΒΤΥΖΤ͑ΠΗ͑ͺΟΕΚΒΤ͑ΗΚΟΖΤΥ͑ΔΦΚΤΚΟΖ͑ΣΠΠΥΖΕ͑ΚΟ͑ΥΙΖ͑ΣΚΔΙ͑ΙΖΣΚΥΒΘΖ͑ΠΗ͑ͺΟΕΚΒ͑͟ͶΟΛΠΪ͑ΒΟ͑ ΒΦΥΙΖΟΥΚΔ͑ΕΚΟΚΟΘ͑ΖΩΡΖΣΚΖΟΔΖ͑ΥΙΒΥ͑ΨΚΝΝ͑ΝΖΒΧΖ͑ΪΠΦΣ͑ΥΒΤΥΖ͑ΓΦΕΤ͑ΨΒΟΥΚΟΘ͑ΞΠΣΖ͑͟Best of all, our prices are very reasonable! ͲΦΥΙΖΟΥΚΔ͑ͺΟΕΚΒΟ͑ʹΦΚΤΚΟΖ͑ Visit our expanded facility with a seating capability of 250! Use our party hall for your next event WE CATER TO ALL OCCASSIONS AND EVENTS Contact Us For Wedding Catering Lunch Buffet: Tuesday-Friday 11.30-2.30 Saturday and Sunday Noon to 3 Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 5-10 Friday and Saturday 5 to 10.30 ”Our Specialties: Goan Fish Curry, Goat Xacuti, Lamb Vindaloo, Butter Chicken. Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Butter Masala, Bhindi Masala” **Coupon** $1.00 off Lunch Buffet Weekdays & Weekends **May not be combined with other coupons or offers. Limit 4 Vulcal.indd 3 Bringing back TUESDAY NIGHT BUFFET By Popular Demand **Coupon** $10 off on your dinner On Week Days *minimum $50 purchase *May not be combined with other coupons or offers.* 9/26/2009 3:27:15 PM CityMasala readers - remember, if you have an interesting tidbit to pass on to us, don’t forget to write to info@citymasala.com. Pictures make it more interesting, so do remember to attach pictures to your email. It’s All About Women!..Our 5th Women Entrepreneurs Networking Tea An Evening Event Victorian Grace Tea Room & Gift Shop 616 N Parsons Ave, Brandon, FL (813-653-2662) An elegant setting to connect, promote, grow & enhance your business. Each attendee will have the opportunity to address the Group on what is unique & special about her business. (Special spotlight time for each attendee) Exchange Business Cards, Flyers, Brochures, Giveaways or Promotional materials! Date: Oct 15, 2009 Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm Price: $29.95 per person (includes tax) Gratuity not included Bridal Show Fusion Bridal Orlando 2009 was a success. Brides that were looking for the industries finest and elite vendors were able to find them at Fusion Bridal 2009. From Drapery to lighting, wedding Fashion to jewelery , to catering and everything in between. Fusion also presented the latest trends that will be present in 2010. The vendors present were Quest Drapes, Unique Option Furniture, Nikun Events, Occasions by Shrangrila, Fine Arts, Digital Dreams, Elegant Occasions, Arshwaard, Tabla, Rajbhog, Khubsoorat, La Trend, Plantinum Weddings, and Kisna Decor. The Fusion Vision is to help provide brides, grooms, and their families an avenue of the best in the industry, exposing the following year’s hot new trends. Our goal is to provide to our potential couples wedding vendors who will help assist their unique and special wedding. For additional information visit www.fusionbridal.com. If you are interested in getting a copy of the Fusion Bridal Guide please subscribe on www.fusionbridal.com or email info@fusionbridal.com. Fashion Show Lush, modeling agency will present a fashion show to celebrate Diwali 2009. Tickets are $15 with buffet included. It will be a night of fun and frolic along with fashion show by great models. The modeling class enrollment will be taken on the spot - $50/week which includes ramp modeling, print commercials, personal grooming and at the end of the level 3 (three month course) a portfolio by famous photographer will be given to each student. Age no bar Ramada Inn (727) 525-6581. 5005 34th St N Saint Petersburg, FL 33714 Brandon Diwali Diner Saturday, October 24th, 2009, 5pm-11pm $15 per Adult $5 per Child (3-15 yrs old) Please bring 1 appetizer per family. For Valrico, contact Bella Shingala (496-2196), For Brandon/Seffner, contact Mina Patel (684-5256), For Plant City, contact Tina Patel (643-8092), For Riverview, contact Mina Padalia (685-1229), For Providence/Lumsden, contact Archana Patel (661-3006) HINDU TEMPLE OF FLORIDA ANNOUNCES ****FREE VIDYALAYA CLASSES**** Great opportunity for High School and Middle School students: 1. SAT English preparation, 2 hours* 2. Comparative Religion and Culture education , Public Speaking , and Debate training, 1 hour (Attendance is mandatory)* 3. SAT Math preparation, 1 hour or as needed* 4. College application and essay writing coaching (if requested) 5. Project based community service hours and financial Grants may become available 6. FREE LUNCH For more information, please call: Dr. Korabathina Rao (727) 9371893; Gayathri Chandra (813) 814-2966; Dr. Kalyani Derasari (813) 977-6695; Sudha Nadimanti (941) 400-9036; or Nainan Desai (813) 931-7442 Mango Recreation Center Time: 10:00 am to 2:00pm. Sundays Place: Hindu Temple of Florida, 5509 Lynn Rd, Tampa, FL 11717 Clay Pit Rd, Seffner, FL 33584 Phone: (813) 962-6890 CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com 8 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 20:27 FREE FREE CALLS TO INDIA TO Get 60 Minutes for FREE * 3 Restrictions apply .9 ¢ CALL RATE Call anywhere to INDIA No Credit Card Required No Catches Call PAKISTAN No Obligation To Buy Get No Contracts No Surcharges CALL minutes MORE FREE MINUTES UPON PURCHASE! 8 .7¢ 30 RATE for FREE Call 1-888-868-2414 Don’t miss this offer! RANI MUKHERJEE - ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SOME ACTION By: Preeti Thandi Rani Mukherjee always plays her parts well - so much so that now she can pursue an alternate career in cricket! She is so convincing in her role as a cricketer and a man in disguise in Dil Bole Hadippa that you can’t help but wonder at her acting prowess. She has been recognized right from her very first blockbuster hit Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to more challenging roles like Black. May it be a bubbly character, an oppressed woman of circumstances (Laaga Chunri Mein Daag) or a disgruntled housewife (Saathiya, Chalte Chalte and Yuva) Mukherjee always creates an extremely plausible on screen chemistry with her co-actors. She has the distinction of not only working with the best actors in Indian cinema but also with a broad spectrum of directors. Always looking for roles that excite her, she is now on the lookout for a role in action. In her latest film she keeps up her own tradition of working with a first time director. Hoping to re-create magic with her talent and persona, Mukherjee was in Toronto for the gala world premiere of Dil Bole Hadippa at the Toronto International Film Festival 2009. In the film she wows co-star Shahid Kapoor both as Veera, a stunning Punjabi girl and Veer Pratap Singh, an enthusiastic cricketer. Preeti Thandi connected with the very remarkable Rani Mukherjee for CityMasala. CM: How do you feel about being able to do more female centric roles? RM: I won’t say female centric roles. I would put them as main protagonist and every film has a protagonist. It’s good at times to play the protagonist, not that it’s the most important thing to do in a film. It’s also good to be a part of the film. I’ve also played roles where I am just the character. Playing the protagonist comes with a lot of responsibility because you have to play the part really well because if the audience don’t connect to the main protagonist, they don’t connect with the film at all. But I like to challenge myself in most kind of roles. CM: To what extent would you say have directors and coactors contributed to your growth? RM: I think tremendously. I think each film of mine has taught me something or the other. When you work with actors who are much senior and experienced, then you learn from their experience - the way they conduct their professional life, the way they are on the sets and how they worship their work. When you’re working with great directors like Mani Ratnam or Sanjay Leela Bhansali they kind of direct you completely differently. They have another take on the way you should perform so you learn with each director. It’s always very good and if you have a wide spectrum and if you can work with diverse personalities, you end up learning a lot. CityMasala October2009 CM: What scares you more – success or failure? RM: I think success because with success comes a lot of responsibility, a lot of expectations soar high. With failure people are not really expecting anything from you and if you surprise them with a little good work, they feel happy. wood or Hollywood, it’s about doing more world cinema and tomorrow if I am offered world cinema I would love to jump and do it. CM: Given the opportunity would you like to work with directors like Deepa Mehta or Mira Nair? RM: Absolutely! For me what’s important is the role. It’s important CM: What do you think about what they’re offering me. More Bollywood actors wooing Hollythan anything it’s also the experiwood? ence of working with directors like RM: It’s great. them. Again, it will be a learning CM: Would you like to go that experience for me. But most imway? portantly, it is the kind of roles RM: I think, it’s not about Bollythey will offer. www.citymasala.com 10 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:00 30-50% Discount! th ber 7 m Nove Ameer Lakhani 727 776--6200 727--776 Ameer@Pinnaclerg.com Sofia Lakhani 813 843--3778 813--843 Sofia@Pinnaclerg.com 813-925-0200 Over 10 yrs of Experience CHECK OUT OUR NEW LISTINGS BELOW! 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Low Rent, Long-term Lease. $225,000 Call for Price and Terms POLK CO - BRANDED 1,500 – 5,000 SF OFFICE CONDOS – BUY OR LEASE Tampa Westchase Commons, Oldsmar, Wesley Chapel $100K Store, 100K Fuel, Plus Misc Income Call for REDUCED Sale and Lease Prices Heavy State Road Traffic. $225,000 CALL US TO SEE HOMES DISCOUNTED 30% – 50% IN HILLSBOROUGH, PINELLAS, AND PASCO COUNTIES Vulcal.indd 1 9/26/2009 3:30:42 PM RANI MUKHERJEE - ON THE LOOKOUT FOR SOME ACTION don’t think people who want to work with me believe in those rumors. But it might be a problem for film makers who don’t know me or haven’t worked with me before. For them to approach me, they might think that there is one percent truth in it so they might hesitate to come to me and so that becomes a negative. I would like to clear all those rumours and give a knock on the head to all those people who have been spreading rumors for the last three years. And please, I persuade journalists to stop taking the baton from one hand and passing on the same baton to another person without realizing that there is a need to clarify with the person concerned. So it’s quite sickening because for the last three years I have been clarifying but they just want to see me married and I don’t know why they romanticize my marriage so much. CM: Are you working on any projects currently? What do you have lined up? RM: I am reading three scripts that I have to give the green signal to but because of my extensive shootCM: I’ve read you have a close ing of Dil Bole Hadippa and promobond with your father... tions for the film, I have not been RM: Yes, I think my mom and dad able to. Besides, I was busy with have been very important in my my dad’s health, he wasn’t well. life. They have been people whom After the movie gets over and done I, in a way idolize because they with, I will sit down and decide brought us up and the way they which film I want to do. I am really are as people. But I wouldn’t say I not inclined to do anything at ranCM: But do you want to see have an idol in my life. I get indom. I want to do something that yourself getting married? spired even by a normal person on really excites me. RM: Of course I want to get marthe street. CM: What are your goals? ried. Every girl wants to get marCM: What’s your favourite vaca- RM: Something I want to do is acried. I also want to get married, tion spot? tion but I don’t know if film makers have kids, have a complete family RM: London are ready to cast me in action right but I think there’s a time for everynow. CM: Who’s your favourite dething and in today’s day and age, CM: Are rumors of your marsigner? it’s important that the person who riage affecting your career in RM: It has to be a tie between wants to get married should be the any way? Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi. one to decide whether she wants to RM: I wouldn’t say it is affecting or doesn’t want to get married. So CM: What were you wearing on my career because here I am with I hope they leave the decision to the red carpet? my new film Dil Bole Hadippa. I me. RM: Franco Ferrara CM: Who has inspired you the most in your life? RM: I think everybody in my day to day life inspires me so I don’t have a particular idol. CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com 12 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:55 West Hampton, beautiful home on one of the largest lots in gated community, built in media room. $429,900 F$ Enclave - Beautiful 5Bdrms, 3&1/2Baths, Media rm, bonus rm and more 3,000 sqft $329,900 Available for Rent: Home with swm pool & a huge lot within walking distance from Lynn Mandir rent for $1,300 irst time home buyers your time is running out 8000 tax credit ends on Nov 30 2009 Rozina Chandrani Future Home Realty Cell: 813-810-4176 srchandrani@yahoo.com Bringing the World of Real Estate to Your Doorstep Extraordinary Service for Extraordinary People If you are ready to purchase a new home and would like a private consultation, or are interested in selling your existing home, please call me Buying a home is one of the most important personal and financial decisions you'll ever make. That's why I want you to have the step-by-step guide to help you find and buy your first home. I want your first real estate experience to be both hassle-free and rewarding. I specialize in helping people find their dream homes or sell their homes for top dollar with ease. Don’t Forget To Ask Me About The Buyers Rebate Programme page13.indd 1 9/25/2009 9:15:24 PM Can you be your own boss? By: Tracey Porpora With all the changes in the economy, you may find yourself making less money than you did a year ago, and earning an even smaller paycheck than you made two years ago. Is this a time for a career move? Should you jump in and start the business you’ve always dreamed of owning? Or should you simply seek a better job opportunity at a larger company? Take our quiz to learn if you have what it takes to start your own business or if you should stay with a secure job! A. People who take charge, and lead a work team towards success. B. People who just like to show off because they think they are better than everyone else. 5. When it comes to taking risks, you: A. Weigh the pros and cons. If the pros outweigh the cons, you go for it. B. Shy away from any type of risk even if it could make you wealthier, and happier in the future. 6. When you were a kid and your parents told you to be anything you wanted to be, you: A. Were inspired to become someone who made a difference in other people’s lives. B. Thought they were being nice, and just hoped you’d be successful doing something one day. 7. When given a project to complete by your boss, you: A. Try to get it done to the best of your ability, and as quickly as possible. B. Do what you can in the time allotted to you. Give yourself five points for every “A,” and three points for each “B.” 1. You have a great idea for your own business, so you: A. Write up a business plan, and apply for loans and grants to fund the business. B. Dream about it often, and think that one day you’d like to come up with a business plan when you aren't so busy at your job. 2. When you wake up in the morning, you: A. Think about all the things you want to get accomplished at work that day. Whether it’s obtaining new clients or increasing revenue, you want to get started on making your goals a reality. B. You wonder what assignments or projects your boss has in mind for you today, and hope it won’t be too cumbersome. 3. You’ve always dreamed of: A. Owning your own business so you could do what you love, and make money doing it. B. Owning your own business so you could be your own boss, and not have anyone to answer to. 4. When you hear the words “self-starter,” you think of: CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com Results If your score is 25 or above, you’re ready to start your own business. “A self starter is a person who does not need anyone's permission to follow their entrepreneurial dream,” says Elizabeth Wilson, of EW & Associates, Inc. (www.elizabethwwilson.com ), a small business expert. You are likely a person with a “high degree of motivation to keep working when others may not be; i.e., evenings and weekends,” says Shari L Frisinger, keynote speaker, facilitator and consultant for CornerStone Strategies LLC in Friendswood, TX. The key to success for any business owner is to honest with yourself, and about your capabilities. In fact, you need to recognize your strengths and your weaknesses. “Know what you are good at, and what you are not good at,” she says. If you scored 24 or below you are better of as an employee rather than an employer, due to your inability to take charge and risks in a given situation. “Being a good employee involves some of the same traits as being self-employed,” says Dick Barnes, a founder and consultant with The Freeland Group, a management consulting firm based in Gig Harbor, WA. “But overall, if a person needs structure in his or her work life, and can't provide his or her own, he or she will be happier as an employee. If a person is easily stressed out, panics, falls apart emotionally, or reacts too negatively when things get hot, he or she will likely be happier as an employee where you’re mostly exempt from those issues.” 14 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Saturday, September 26, 2009 16:20 By: Roshni Mulchandani Rani Mukherjee in a slim avatar As the summer monsoon comes to a close in B-Town, a number of films are gearing up to hit cinemas across the world which means even more dishy juicy news/ gossip will be making rounds. First up for release is much awaited Dil Bole Hadippa which will feature Rani Mukherjee in a slim avatar. Check her out in the Hadippa remix video. The award winning actress has never looked so fit and while a segment of the industry claims it is a desperate attempt, you have to hand it to the girl. Rani confessed to Salman Khan on national television that she lost over fifteen pounds! Word has it, that she took up a yoga regime which is similar to that of Kareena Kapoor and in fact has used the same yoga instructor. Hopefully Rani doesn’t choose to walk down the size zero lane. Rani’s best bud Karan Johar who has been immersed in finishing up My Name is Khan, is yet again at loggerheads with “best bud” Ram Gopal Varma. When will this overly drawn out feud end? Varma, who heralds from a rather unique genre of films— yes, yes, more recently they have been dud after dud, claims that he would rather make a thriller film than make NRI love stories. Of course smarty Karan Johar – sans koffee, has gone on to claim that since RGV’s films ain’t working at the box office, he should consider a different career option…diet biscuits! What a great idea. With Karan’s Koffee, Ramu’s biscuits would be the perfect combo. And diet ones do work best for the always dieting celebs. Talking about weight-watching, Sushmita Sen has lost oodles of weight. She will next be seen in the upcoming comedy Do Knot Disturb with Govinda, Ritiesh Deshmukh and Lara Dutta. Of course, the rumor mills were working overtime with reports of the two ex-Miss Universes, who are normally pretty friendly with their co-stars, weren’t getting along. Okay, so there was no massive drama-filled confrontation - boring, but apparently, the two didn’t speak to each much beyond the occasional “Hi.” What’s the deal? Sush claims Lara has a more “prominent role” while Lara argues, Sush has been “overshadowing” her in the promotional campaign. What a case of been-there-done-that! These beauty queens need to start finding more innovative reasons to pick cat fights already. wasn’t until they met with some mutual friends and the plot was narrated, that K-Jo was floored and agreed to produce the film. Quite a Wake Up Call this one is turning out to be - everyone from the actor to the producer were woken up by the young debutante director. Talking about wake up calls, when will Mallaika Sherawat wake up and realize her fake put on American accent is not impressing the Americans or anyone else for that matter. She is still in the U.S., lodging at a swanky apartment in Beverley Hills and is often seen driving around in a chauffeured Jaguar. Her next film Hissss, where she plays a snake, is getting ready for release and is postproduction stages as of now. More importantly, she was felicitated by the city of Los Angeles as an Honorary Citizen where she displayed her newly found American accent. Needless to say, she is in dire need of a language tutor. How does Shahid explain cozy candlelight dinner with Priyanka Chopra? Salman Khan is gearing up for three releases in the coming months: Main Aur Mrs Khanna, Wanted and London Dreams. He will, however, still be hosting his successful show Dus Ka Dum simultaneously. Recently old archenemy Shahid Kapur was a part of the show when he joined his co-star Rani Mukherjee to promote Dil Bole Hadippa. While Salman was all hugs and kisses for Rani, he kept it cold and formal with Shahid who was clearly uncomfortable. They danced, they played Dumb Charades and spoke heaps about the upcoming flick. Then Salman looked left and teased Shahid about his new body and his numerous romantic link-ups. Shahid has of course, maintained he is very much single. Preity Zinta is pulling an Aishwarya Rai in Main Aur Mrs Khanna. Imitating, and pretty closely too, Zinta will be sporting a red-lengha and prancing around in an item number much like Ash did in Bunty Aur Babli. To Ash’s Kajra Re, Preity says, Happening - which is the title of her dance number in the film. Watch the promo of the film and you will spot major similarities from clothes to accessories and even certain steps in the film to that of the popular Kajra Re. Preity gave in to good friend Salman Khan’s Ranbir can’t act??!! Let me tell you about the movie that I’m request when he asked her to dance and match steps with the entire super excited about: Wake Up Sid! Interestingly, first-time director cast for the movie. The once enemies now friends, Preity Zinta and of the film, Ayan Mukherjee who is also a cousin of Rani Mukherjee Kareena Kapoor will be seen in a frame for the first time. Our take? and Kajol, took on the young Kapoor because he thought he fit the Preity looks pretty as ever. But who cares about what we say… more importantly, we want to know, what does Ash think? role to the T. However, during the shoot, the director discovered that Ranbir couldn’t act and gave him a crash-course in acting. In- And we are all Bollywooded out this month! terestingly, Ayan actually drunk messaged producer Karan Johar Don’t forget to check back next month to catch up on more loaded and let him know about his script which the producer put off. It masala from the world of the Desi stars. CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com 16 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:51 ED BY ATTEND N HA MORE T PLE O E P 0 10,00 AR! E Y T LAS COMP E ENTR TITION Y! Ca ll ( 81 3)931- 1980 Advertisement & Sponsorship Dr. Harish Patel Dinesh Gandhi Vikas Ghiya (727) 858 4123 (813) 971-7788 Harish Patel Namrata Amin (727) 667 1449 (727) 251 1366 Rupa Shastri Judging Stage & Sound Dr. Gargi Patel Dr. Ashok Patel Dr. Sonal Shah Mahesh Patel Parimal Butala MC Coordinator Nila V Patel Web Designer Smita Patel Geeta Kapadia Co-Chair Vendors P.D. Patel (813) 935 2591 Nikunj Patel (813) 264 4638 Editor Gautam Thakkar Jyoti B Patel Nimisha Chheda Exec Vice Chairman & Treasurer Kanti Bakarania (813) 653-4981 Media Relations Swapna Shah Dr. Gaurangi Patel Scoring Kamlesh Patel Hitesh Adhia Co-Chair Entry Malti Pandya (813) 931 1980 Sadhana Makati (813) 966-2884 Stage Mgmt Raju Gandhi Yogesh Shah Kuleen Shah Co-Chair Trophy Meenaxi C Patel Parul D Patel Namrata Patel Host Committee Jyoti Gandhi Jyotsana Patel Sejal Punjabi Roshni M Patel Himmatbhai Parekh Vidhya Patel Dedicated Volunteers: Upendra Upadhyay, Jimmy Punjabi, Jaymin Patel, Bhogilal Patel, Mahesh Modha Marketing & Ad Committee Dr. Kirit Patel Dr. Rakesh Shah Dr. Vijay Patel Dr. Rajesh Dave Dr. B U Patel Dr. Sanjay Navadia Dr. B Padalia Dr. Samir Shah Dr. J. Chokshi Dr. P. Machhar Dr. Vrajesh Shah Dr. Chirag Patel Dr. Deepak Shah Dr. Mahesh Amin Dr. Ashok Modh Dr. Hitesh Patel Dr. M Derasari Dr. Chetan Desai Dr. Sidhdharth Shah Dr. Kirti Patel Dr. Vipul Kabaria Chhaya Desai Dr. Pritesh Patel Dr. Hemant Chheda, Dr. Nand Kishor Shah Dr. Nihal Shah THE PARENTS' CHAT ROOM By: Dr. Maulik Trivedi Q: Dear Dr. Trivedi, I have been married to my husband for 6 years and we have a wonderful 5 year old son. Unlike most Indian families, we live by ourselves even though both the sets of grandparents live within 20 miles. We try to have our son spend a few hours on weekends with both the grandparents. My husband's parents get very upset if I am not able to take Rahul (our son) to their home on the decided upon day. Rahul is now older, he has birthday parties and playdates and he does not always want to go to the grandparents' home. My mom understands and does not give me grief. My husband's mother on the other hand, taunts us about it, tells my son that. "oh, you don't love me, you love your friends more etc." and it hurts everybody's feelings. I have tried to reason with them but I am at my wits' end and have no idea how to deal with this situation! Please help! A: In most cultures, family relations have the potential to lead to sticky scenarios. Being Indian is no different. Most of the time, having ready accessibility to grandparents works out to be a win-win scenario for the child, the parents as well as the grandparents. Parents can count on the grandparents to be reliable, trust-worthy and always eager baby-sitters. The child can experience unconditional love from grandparents while the grandparents get to savor the joys of grand-parenting. This scenario is likely to have more proven positives than negatives in the bigger picture. Nevertheless, your dilemma is a frequently encountered situation in multigenerational family interactions. Everyone feels the strong bond with the child and wants to get as much time as possible with the child. Sometimes, the loving bond shared between a child and a grandparent can lead to awkward situations like the one you describe. One grandparent’s perception of missing out on their fair share of the quantity or quality of your child’s time leads them to cry foul. The situation does need to be addressed, albeit, sensitively. First, acknowledge the grandparent’s needs by positively reframing the seemingly taunting remarks. Addressing a taunt with the anticipated defensive remark only validates the negative interaction making it last longer and repeat itself. You always have the option to address a taunt with unexpectedness kindness. You may reply to this grandparent by saying something like, “It is so nice to have grandparents who have so much love to offer our child.” Simultaneously, you can express sincere interest in assuring that both sets of grandparents have equal and open access to their grandchild while allowing time for the child to attend to his social calendar. You might offer this grandparent some feasible options for opportunities to spend more time with the child. For example, you might encourage them to partake in some of your child’s social activities. You can also involve the grandparent in volunteering at your child’s school as a way to get to spend more time with the child. Since you all live close by, you may come up with ways CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com to involve the grandparents in one of your child’s after school activities. As the involved grandparent begins to participate and interact with the child in his growing daily routine, they will feel more involved. The child will have stronger family ties and loving atmosphere and you will have a helping hand, and hopefully, some extra free time. The taunting and awkwardness has a potential to melt away in this atmosphere of welcoming family spirit and validated feelings. Good luck. Q: Dear Dr. Trivedi, I am 16 years old, I have a girlfriend and we are planning to move in together when we are in college. I think her parents will be cool with it, mine will have my hide! I can try to lie to them, but I know they will find out because 3 of their friends' kids will be at the same university and someone or the other will tell. How should I approach this with my parents? They are very conservative; they get mad at me even when they see a girl talking to me! A:To be 16 is full of wonder along with a new sense of mastery over life and ever-increasing need to be independent. It is truly a special experience, and everyone passes through the stage that you are currently experiencing. Amusingly, most people who have hit adulthood would agree that what they imagined for themselves at 16 was mostly a fantasy. You see, when we are just out of childhood by a few years and about to reach adulthood in a couple of years, we feel as if we see our life very clearly ahead of us. In fact, we can be quite certain of our future life. There is nothing wrong with this kind of healthy outlook for the future. The only things you want to be careful about are the choices that you make that can impact the rest of your life. Some of these choices are related to your educational path, your company of friends and experimentation with drugs and sexuality. These seemingly easy and temporary choices have the potential to impact your long-term picture. It makes best sense to take your time before jumping in. Some matters are best decided after reaching adulthood, as they require emotional and judgmental maturity that we as humans do not normally possess at age of 16. As a part of your research, you may want to talk to others who may have tried what you are about to embark upon. You can seek advice from a school counselor or a grown-up that you have a trusting relationship with. Since you are addressing a cultural belief issue which may pose conflict with your parents, it is wise to consult an individual that both you and your family have a respectful relationship with. This assures the best possible outcome while preserving healthy relations in the long run among all involved. At some point, you may seek professional guidance to accomplish your well thought out and intended goals. Dr. Trivedi is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist. He treats children, adolescents and adults. Please send your questions to parentschatroom@citymasala.com 18 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Saturday, September 26, 2009 16:35 70+ Locations in Sunny Florida PATEL PETROLEUM in alliance with Phillips Oil Supplying Fuel in 48 States Golden Business Opportunities Available in Sunny NW Florida - Near the Beach 70 + Locations: All Major Branded Gas Stations with C-Stores Available for Lease at Reputed Locations in Florida Panhandle Area The Emerald Coast About Patel Petroleum: Patel Petroleum is a dynamic, Florida-based Company that supplies branded and unbranded fuel to stations across 48 States. It is also one of the largest independent fuel distributors in Florida. • • • • Locations Include: Destin - Panama City Pensacola Fort Walton Beach Tallahassee This is an untouched area of Florida that has great growth potential Fuel Distribution available in all 48 States Branded & Unbranded F inan c ing Ava ila b le H ig h Vo lu me Locat ion s Patel Petroleum Jayesh A. Patel & Ashok K. Patel Directors N ear th e B ea ch P r i me P ro p e rt ie s Contact us immediately Contact Chirag Patel 850-849-2553 chirag@patelpetroleum.com PATELPETROLEUM.COM 808 Highway 90 West Crestview, FL 32536 Legal Corner - Intra-company Transferees By: Neelofer Syed, Esq. A number of people considering various options for business related visas inquire about the L-1 visas, and that is the topic for this article. Now that we have tackled the B1/B2 Visa procedures and requirements, here are key factors for the L-1 visa. There can be several nuances which an Attorney or the Applicant deals with when putting together the submission for an L-1 visa. This article, however, is only aimed at covering the main guidelines so that a number of common misconceptions as well as frequently asked questions can be addressed. The L-1 intra company transferee category is one of the most useful categories available to international companies seeking to transfer high-level and essential employees from operations outside the U.S. to a related operation in the U.S. The services provided must be to a "related" and "qualifying" entity in the U.S. L-1 status is available to persons who have worked abroad for the related entity for 365 days within the three years preceding the filing of the L-1 petition in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity. The foreign national must be coming temporarily to the U.S. to work in the same capacity for a qualifying, related business entity. We will now deal with few key concepts/requirements pertaining to the L-1 visa. national's U.S. stay. "Doing business" is defined as the "regular, systematic, and continuous provision of goods and/or services." The general rule for determining if the correct "relationship" exists between the foreign and U.S. companies is that one company that is party to the transfer must have "effective control" of the other party, or both must be "effectively controlled" by a third company, individual, or group of individual shareholders. Examples of effective control include: • The U.S. and foreign entities are branch offices of the same corporation; • One entity owns 50% or more of the other entity; • 50% or more of both the U.S. and foreign entities is owned by a third company or by the same individual; or • Both entities are owned by the same group of individuals in the same percentages. 3. One year of foreign employment required The L-1 beneficiary must have been employed by the related entity outside the U.S. for at least 365 days year within the three years preceding the admission to the United States. A. Employment: The beneficiary can meet the definition of employment regardless of whether or not the beneficiary received a salary from the foreign entity. It is the power of control of the employee's activity, rather than the payment of a salary, that establishes the employer-employee relationship. However, if the beneficiary was "outsourced" by another agency, then the requisite employer-employee relationship may not exist. Also, the employment had to be full-time, 1. Qualifying Position for L-1 rather than part-time. B. For 365 days: While trips to the U.S. do not break the contiThe employee to be transferred must currently qualify, have held nuity of the employment, they do not count toward the 365 an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge position with days of required employment. For example, if the beneficiary the foreign entity and be coming to work in a comparable capacity spent one month in the United States, s/he would need to for the U.S. entity. show other months of employment abroad since the one month in the United States does not count toward accrual of A. Managers and Executives (L-1A): Managers and executives the requisite days of foreign employment. are permitted to remain in the U.S. for seven years, and have a C. During the three year period preceding admission to the fast route to Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status if deU.S. The foreign national's 365 days of employment with the sired. related foreign entity must have occurred prior to the filing of B. Specialized Knowledge (L-1B): Specialized knowledge perthe L-1 petition. sonnel's stay in the U.S. is limited to five years and they do not qualify for the fast track to LPR status. Individuals qualify Owners as L-1A Transferees for this category if they have a special knowledge of the com- 4. pany's product, or have an advanced level of knowledge of the The transfer of a majority or substantial shareholder under the Lprocesses and procedures of the company. 1A classification is permissible. 2. Qualifying Relationship between U.S. Company and Foreign Affiliate 5. Type and Size of Companies There is no requirement that the related companies be in the same The statute and regulations define "qualifying organization" as one business. Additionally, there are no size limitation or requirethat is doing business in the U.S. and one other country during the ments that the entities be generating a certain amount of income or profit. entire period of the transfer. The transferring company must con(Continued on page 30) tinue to do business abroad during the entire period of the foreign CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com 20 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 20:24 October2009 Friday, September 25, 2009 23:07 10 Rules For a Flat belly By: Savneet Singh Vanity and good health make most of us very concerned about the belly fat hanging over our waistbands. The frustrating reality is that the midsection is one of the trickiest and the most difficult areas to tone. Even people dedicated to regular exercise often can't iron out their abs. You need to have some kind of a tummy flattening plan. The "inch you can pinch” around your belly may be harmful. A moderate amount of fat is essential for life since it keeps you warm in the winter. Too much of it, however, can be bad, starting with the fact that fat functions as a visible sign of being overweight or obese. Worse, it makes us lose confidence in our body image. Maintain calorie level of your body: there is a calorie level which can be maintained in the way that you neither gain weight nor lose weight. Observe your body. You can also find it by multiplying your body weight (lbs) by 11. You can figure this out by the trial and error method. This gives you a rough estimate of your daily calorie requirements. Once you find out your maintenance calorie level, start reducing your food consumption very gradually which must not be more than 10% of the calories consumed. You may be tempted to drastically cut down on food consumption but that will not prove to be effective in getting a flat stomach since this may send the body into starvation mode where the body thinks that it is starving and it initiates the body’s starvation response by storing fat. Make an Exercise Regime that focuses on Weight Resistance Training Lifting weight to shed 'weight' is a good way to go. Weight training tells you how fast you will burn fat. Strength training helps with both, building muscle and increasing the efficiency in burning calories burning. For each pound of trained muscle on your body, you can burn 35 to 50 calories of energy per day. Each pound of fat requires only 7 to 10 calories to maintain it. When you lift weights, you need more calories to feed those hungry muscle cells. That's why weight training is key for trimming fat around the belly. Core strength training Excess fat has been linked to a long list of adverse health conditions, including: • • • • • High blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease High cholesterol Diabetes Breast cancer Dementia One of the main reasons fat is so deadly is the role it plays in inflammation, a natural immune response that has lately been tied to almost every chronic disease there is. Fat also contributes to insulin resistance, an early precursor to diabetes. In order to have a flat belly you may want to try the following: CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com It is very essential to have core strength training to eliminate fat around the belly. Become aware of your abdomen. This mental awareness helps you stay focused on your goal - to eliminate the excess inner abdominal fat and achieve your goal of a trimmer waistline. Core training also builds a stronger calorie burning furnace when you build more muscles. Having a strong core is key to all kinds of daily activities like sitting down, picking things up, carrying groceries and even walking. The abs and the back work together as a team. The stronger the abs - the stronger the back. Tighten up your abs sit on the chair and pull your stomach inside as if you are trying to pull up a tight pair of jeans. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat at least 25 (Continued on page 30) 22 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Saturday, September 26, 2009 16:39 MEN & WOMEN Laser Hair Removal • Skin Rejuvenation FREE CONSULTATION Debi Stillwell, C.C.E, CME, Laser Technician • Advanced Dual ALEX/ND YAG Cynosure Laser Treatment • Procedure Performed by Laser Certified Professional • Physician Supervised 727-343-9004 Meena Jain M.D., FACOG 3275 66th Street North • Suite #7 St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Let me talk to the bank, before they talk to you. Nishad Khan, Attorney Office in Baldwin Park 907 Outer Road, Suite B Orlando, FL. 32814 With the economy changing, many business owners are finding it difficult to make their monthly mortgage payments. Lenders are realizing that working with the debtor will help them survive during these economic times. I will personally meet with you to discuss alternatives and possible workout programs provided by various lenders to business owners despite their size. Loan Modifications Foreclosure Defense A Loan Modification may allow you to live in your home with a possible reduction of your monthly payment. Many lenders are willing to reduce interest rates or make other adjustments to make the payment affordable. Federal, state and local agencies have implemented programs to help homeowners in default. I will personally meet with you to explain the loan modification process and help determine whether you qualify for these government programs. 407-228-9711 page23.indd 1 Commercial Loan Workouts As popular as short sales have become, many homeowners are unaware of the negative consequences that may occur during and after the short sale process. A short sale may impact your credit and result in tax liabilities. I will gladly meet with you to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a short sale, as well as explore other alternatives. In the event a lawsuit has been filed against you, I will personally meet with you to explain the foreclosure process and discuss your alternatives. Your lender may have violated various State and Federal laws or regulations. These violations may provide excellent defenses to your foreclosure lawsuit. I will personally review your loan documents to determine whether you have any defenses. For more information, go to NishadKhanLaw.com info@NishadKhanLaw.com “Se Habla Español” 057285601 Short Sales 9/26/2009 8:56:07 AM Daru Ka Nasha By: Ashish Jain What is the Origin of VODKA? Vodka is a drink, which originated in Eastern Europe, the name stemming from the Russian word 'voda' meaning water or as the Poles would say 'woda'. The first documented production of vodka in Russia was at the end of the 9th century, but the first known distillery at, Khylnovsk, was about two hundred years later as reported in the Vyatka Chronicle of 1174. Poland lays claim to having distilled vodka even earlier in the 8th century, but as this was a distillation of wine it might be more appropriate to consider it a crude brandy. The first identifiable Polish vodkas appeared in the 11th century when they were called 'gorzalka', originally used as medicines. Medicine and Gunpowder During the Middle Ages, distilled liquor was used mainly for medicinal purposes, as well as being an ingredient in the production of gunpowder. In the 14th century a British Ambassador to Moscow first described vodka as the Russian national drink and in the mid-16th century it was established as the national drink in Poland and Finland. We learn from the Novgorod Chronicles of 1533 that in Russia also, vodka was used frequently as a medicine (zhiznennia voda meaning 'water of life'). In these ancient times Russia produced several kinds of 'vodka' or 'hot wine' as it was then called. There was 'plain wine' (standard), 'good wine' (improved) and 'boyar wine' (high quality). In addition stronger types existed, distilled two ('double wine') or more times. Since early production methods were crude, vodka often contained impurities, so to mask these the distillers flavoured their spirits with fruit, herbs or spices. The mid - 15th century saw the first appearance of pot distillation in Russia. Prior to that, seasoning, ageing and freezing were all used to remove impurities, as was precipitation using it in glass ('karluk') from the air bladders of sturgeons. Distillation became the first step in producing vodka, with the product being improved by precipitation using isinglass, milk or egg white. Around this time (1450) vodka started to be produced in large quantities and the first recorded exports of Russian vodka were to Sweden in 1505. Polish 'woda' exports started a century later, from major production centers in Posnan and Krakow. From acorns to melon In 1716, owning distilleries became the exclusive right of the nobility, who were granted further special rights in 1751. In the following 50 or so years there was a proliferation of types of aromatized vodka, but no attempt was made to standardize the basic product. Types produced included: absinthe, acorn, anisette, birch, calamus root, calendula, cherry, chicory, dill, ginger hazelnut, horseradish, juniper, lemon, mastic, mint, mountain ash, oak, pepper, peppermint, raspberry, sage, sorrel, wort and water melon! A typical production process was to distil alcohol twice, dilute it with milk and distil it again, adding water to bring it to the required strength and then flavoring it, prior to a fourth and final distillation. It was not a cheap product and it still had not attained really large-scale production. It did not seek to compete commercially with the major producers in Lithuania, Poland and Prussia. In the 18th century a professor in St. Petersburg discovered a method of purifying alcohol using charcoal filtration. Felt and river sand had already been used for some time in Russia for filtration. Vodka marches across Europe The spread of awareness of vodka continued throughout the 19th century, helped by the presence in many parts of Europe of Russian soldiers involved in the Napoleonic Wars. Increasing popularity led to escalating demand and to meet this demand, lower grade products were produced based largely on distilled potato mash. Earlier attempts to control production by reducing the number of distilleries from 5,000 to 2,050 between the years 1860 and 1890 having failed, a law was enacted in 1894 to make the production and distribution of vodka in Russia a state monopoly. This was both for fiscal reasons and to control the epidemic of drunkenness which the availability of the cheap, mass-produced 'vodkas' imported and home-produced, had brought about. It is only at the end of the 19th century, with all state distilleries adopting a standard production technique and hence a guarantee of quality, that the name vodka was officially and formally recognized. After the Russian Revolution, the Bolsheviks confiscated all private distilleries in Moscow. As a result, a number of Russian vodkamakers emigrated, taking their skills and recipes with them. One such exile revived his brand in Paris, using the French version of his family name - Smirnoff. Thence, having met a Russian émigré from the USA, they set up the first vodka distillery there in 1934. This was subsequently sold to a US drinks company. From this small start, vodka began in the 1940s to achieve its wide popularity in the Western World. CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com 24 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:14 Cricket Hitting a Googly by Roshni Mulchandani Indian cricketers in the past have done the country proud. Kapil Dev took team India through to the World Cup final back in 1983 which of course, they won; Sachin Tendulkar went on to become the world’s greatest player and India is now regarded as the best One Day team in the world. But amidst all the glory and pomp, there have been moments of shame and dishonor; instances that the Indian cricket world would rather not remember. Interestingly some of the greatest and most talented cricketers in Indian cricket have actually chosen to take the high road to success only to realize, perhaps too late, that while it brings in monetary happiness, it did eventually did cost them their reputation, success and their position in Indian cricket. CityMasala takes a look at some of the best Indian cricketers who chose to hit a six only to fall short and get caught at mid-wicket. Mohammad Azharuddin was the Indian captain for most of the nineties and broke many world records: 22 centuries in Test Cricket, a century in his first three Tests, 156 catches in One Day International cricket and so on. With everything going in the right direction for the cricketer, he chose to indulge in heavy amounts of match-fixing which gave birth to the downfall in Azhar’s life. The entire issue was bought to the forefront when the late South African player, Hansie Cronje confessed, after also being caught for the same, that it was the Indian Captain who had introduced him to a number of bookies. The case went to trial, immense proof collected and finally Azhar was convicted of match-fixing. And if that wasn’t enough to tarnish his name, evidence also pointed out that he was appointed by the Indian underworld to fix matches on their behalf. He eventually admitted to fixing three One Day International matches and Azhar was then banned for life from cricket. But that wasn’t the end of his ordeal. As a rebuttal, the cricketer came out to claim that he was in fact being “targeted” because he was from a minority community. This bought about enormous amounts of negative criticism from all over the country which caused the now ex-cricketer to publically apologize and withdraw his statement. The cricketer is now a Member of the Indian Parliament. Azhar not only pulled himself into a web of mess but also brought with him ace Indian fielder Ajay Jadeja. The cricketer was known for being one of the more aggressive and entertaining cricketers in Indian cricket—hitting 45 off 25 balls and taking 3 wickets for 3 runs, to cite a few examples. His saga, however, ended when he too was caught befriending bookies and providing them with core information CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com during vital matches. Jadeja is also believed to have exchanged monies with bookies for match-fixing services. While he was punished with a five-year ban from the sport, this was later lifted. Jadeja now heads the Rajasthan team and is a television cricket commentator. Ajay Sharma was one cricketer who gained a reputation of being a “big time punter” and thus his career will be marked as one of the biggest disappointments in Indian Cricket history. An all-rounder who excelled in both batting and bowling arenas, it was his case which really put Indian Cricket into a complete frenzy. Sharma is said to be the man who introduced Azhar and Jadeja, both to a number of bookies for which he received much money. Such is the case for Manoj Prabhakar; well-known bowler, who too was caught taking money from bookies. In fact, the ex-cricketer was paid more for introducing foreign players to the bookies. Similarly, he too was sentenced a life ban from cricket. Prabhakar attempted to join Indian politics only to lose out very early in his campaign. All the above mentioned ex-cricketers were involved in a single case which ultimately brought the reputation of Indian cricket to an all time low. It did take time for the cricket world to regain its credibility especially since the cricketers were all well-known established reputable men in the field. Cricket is a religion in the sub-continent and by definition is a “gentleman’s game.” And while the above mentioned have not lived up to the status of the sport, one can certainly hope that the current and future players of Cricket will not flaw the sport and instead play it laurels intact. 25 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:14 Horoscope rd nd Zodiac of the Month Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 Ruled by Venus; Gemstone: Diamond; Lucky Day: Friday; Lucky Number: 6 With the elegance, charm and good taste that you naturally possess you tend to be naturally kind, very gentle, and lovers of beauty and harmony (both in music and social living.) A pleasure to those around you, you are readily accepted in any mold you step into. Never afraid to speak your mind even you may see a conflict of interests and opinions turn into battles. In the end, this proves to be futile. This can prove to be insightful as you may realize who your true friends are, the kind of people you wish to relate to. Goodbyes to a few could be on the cards as you understand whom you have outgrown. Aries: Mar 20th - Apr 19th Ruled by Mars Gemstone: Red Coral Lucky Day: Tuesday Lucky Number: 9 Leo: Jul 23rd - Aug 22nd Ruled by Sun Gemstone: Ruby Lucky Day: Sunday Lucky Number: 1 A month full of hectic schedules and added responsibilities which can take a toll on your physical well being. Balance the workaholic in you with a break. An opportunity at work can easily be missed if you don't keep your ears and eyes wide open. Make the decision, break loose and take a chance. Never the one to sit back and let someone else shine, this is your moment at work or in a relationship to take charge and make it happen Taurus: Apr 20th - May 20th Ruled by Venus Gemstone: Diamond Lucky Day: Friday Lucky Number: 6 You feel like you’re being pulled in two different directions between your home and career, or yourself and your relationships. This may spin out of control unless you put things into perspective for yourself. Reflect on the areas you want answers to. Gemini: May 21st - Jun 20th Ruled by Mercury Gemstone: Emerald Lucky Day: Wednesday Lucky Number: 5 Put on your party clothes and paint the town red! Enjoy the time you an spend with a good selection of friends. This is the time when you are more than likely to attract your share of admirers that could spark new opportunities. Cancer: Jun 21st - Jul 22nd Ruled by Moon Gemstone: Pearl Lucky Day: Monday Lucky Number: 2 Daydreaming about what you seek to achieve will not produce results. Your drive and motivation have to get you there. The simplest solution is to put your foot forward, not to look back and to give it your all. CityMasala October2009 Virgo: Aug 23rd - Sep 22nd Ruled by Mercury Gemstone: Emerald Lucky Day: Wednesday Lucky Number: 5 The roadblock you see may actually benefit you. Time to do a bit of self-analysis and personal improvement to better your physical and emotional well being. Walk away from worn out situations and people that need to be broken free from. Seize the chance to attract new opportunities and broaden your horizons. Scorpio: Oct 23rd - Nov 21st Ruled by Mars and Pluto Gemstone: Red Coral Lucky Day: Tuesday Lucky Number: 9 A quick vacation or a trip to the coast can do you good as you need time away to reflect upon where you are heading in life. Recent events may have left you rather scathed so it's important to question the life choices you have made so far. Rectify your life wisely. Sagittarius: Nov 22nd - Dec 21st Ruled by Jupiter Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire Lucky Day: Thursday Lucky Number: 3 You will make great progress on the career ladder. Savor the long awaited rewards of projects in action. There may also be a scope for a promotion, pay raise or even a new job. Just remember to put your foot forward to www.citymasala.com 26 ask, otherwise you may not get it. You have the power to make it happen. Capricorn: Dec 22nd - Jan 19th Ruled by Saturn Gemstone: Blue Sapphire Lucky Day: Saturday Lucky Number: 8 The feeling of fun and spontaneity needs to be brought back into your life as you may feel that you are being taken for granted and are bogged down with responsibilities. Matters at home take center stage now as you focus fully on the people and situations in your immediate environment. Be good to yourself and pursue hobbies and interests that you enjoy. Aquarius: Jan 20th - Feb 18th Ruled by Saturn and Uranus Gemstone: Blue Sapphire Lucky Day: Saturday Lucky Number: 8 Now that the period of struggle is over, enjoy what you have achieved and bask in limelight. It is the time to finally let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Nothing can stand in your way as you are under a lucky star. It is best to wish wisely and utilize this energy to plan for the future and upcoming projects. Pisces: Feb 19th - Mar 19th Ruled by Jupiter and Neptune Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire Lucky Day: Thursday Lucky Number: 3 Vigorous sports and exercise will help you to channel your energy productively rather than losing yourself in idle daydreaming. Nutrition can also be important as you realize what foods are best for you and what need to be avoided. You will also have extra time to follow your dreams, for only you can turn them into reality. www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:14 CityMasala Be a part of the most exciting magazine! We are always looking for Writers and Models Email us: Talent@CityMasala.com Or Call: 813-476-5415 October2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:14 HELP WANTED BOOK KEEPER, PAYROLL/PAY RECEIVER. ABB GROUP are in need of employee in these category: Our salary is attractive plus benefits and takes only little of your time. Requirements -Should be a computer literate, NO age discrimination, must be efficient and dedicated. For more info, Contact Gary Warnock at Warnock00@gmail.com BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Dynamic Business Opport. Requires between 15K and 25 K Extensive travelling required. Call 954-817-6899 for more info SALES Confident, aggressive people. No experience necessary; flexible hours Call 813-476-5415 or email resume to jobs@citymasala.com PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS HERE ONLY $25 FOR 30 WORDS. SEND IT TO SALES@CITYMASALA.COM OR CALL 813-476-5415 October2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:14 Free Subscription to CityMasala Name:_____________________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ City: ______________________________ State/Zip: _________________________ Email:_____________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Mail this form to: CityMasala 3439 Pine Trace Circle, Valrico, FL 33596 October2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:14 Legal Corner - Intra-company Transferees (Continued from page 20) 6. Limitation on the Period of Authorized Stay There is a 7-year maximum for managers and executives and a 5year maximum for specialized knowledge. 7. Availability of Premium Processing approval, and then the foreign national applies at the U.S. Consulate for an L-1 visa based upon the approved petition. Large companies with U.S. subsidiaries or affiliates and combined annual sales of at least $24 million or a U.S. work force of at least 1,000 employees, or companies that have previously obtained approval for at least ten "L" managers, executives, or specialized knowledge professionals during the previous 12 months, may apply for blanket certification. If approved, the foreign nationals can go directly to a U.S. Consulate for visa issuance without obtaining prior CIS approval. CIS will take action on an L petition within 15 days of receipt upon the filing of a Request for Premium Processing (Form I-907) and payment of the Premium Processing fee of $1,000. Form I-907 may Hopefully this article will help a lot of readers needing a clearer be filed with the petition or separately at a later time while the peti- understanding of the requirements for an L-1 visa. tion is pending. Ms. Syed is a practicing attorney with Perez and Associates, specializing in immigration law. Please send your questions concern8. L-1 Blanket Petitions ing immigration issues to legal@citymasala.com Normally, the U.S. employer files the petition with CIS, obtains an Flat Belly (Continued from page 22) times a day to see the results. Add MUFA to your dietStudies have shown that a core group of healthy fats-monounsaturated fat known as MUFAs can prove to be effective in shedding fat. Those good-for-you fats help protect you from chronic disease and, according to new research, can help you get a slim waistline. There are five major categories of MUFAs- oil, avacado, nuts and seeds, chocolates and olives. Eating one serving of any of these foods at every meal will help reduce accumulation of dangerous belly fat. Include fat burning food in your diet low the daily activity needs. When we reduce the number of the calories, we draw from our fat stores to obtain energy. By replacing meals with specialized complete meal formula, we lose fat and weight. Substituting meals for regular snacks can increase your meal frequency and control the weight, since the low-calorie meal replacements limit calorie intake. Meal replacements have become a popular way of helping many people successfully start losing weight. Meal replacements can be a good therapeutic approach to weight loss but only if, they are used in combination with lifestyle and diet education and professional support. Have a positive attitude Instead of focusing on the failure of your past habits, consider focusing on 30 minutes to a flat stomach. Set attainable goals. This means goals that you have control over. If you set a goal to lose five pounds in a week, which you may have no control over, you are setting yourself up for failure. Instead, set a goal to exercise 30 minutes a day five days a week. Along with that set a goal to stay within your calorie count. As you achieve these goals each week, your motivation will increase. Other tips include: Measure DON’T weigh This includes bananas, apples, beans, citrus fruits, broccoli, grains and grain products, cabbage, melon, pasta, tomato, zucchini, pine- Measure your waist and stomach before you start the weight loss program and continue to do so every six weeks since weight can apple, root vegetables and peppers. fluctuate as fat gets replaced by water or muscle. A tape measure Commit to your target shows the inches melting off your If you start a diet and exercise regime, make it for good. Eating midsection. healthy foods and exercising only until you hit your target weight Dont shop when hungry will not result in long lasting happiness. Getting healthy is a lifeNever go food shopping when you style choice that needs to last. are hungry or you will end up buyPicture yourself ing more fattening food. The best Stick a “before and now” picture of yourself on your refrigerator thing to do is to eat before you go door or you can have a picture of someone who inspires you. This food shopping and always have a will help remind you of why you should stick with healthy foods, grocery list. Only buy food that relates to your weekly diet program. exercise and an overall healthier lifestyle. Meal Replacements for Weight Control For losing weight, we need to reduce the intake of the calories be- CityMasala October2009 www.citymasala.com 30 www.citymasala.com October 2009 Sunday, September 27, 2009 10:14 WIDE SELECTION OF QUALITY BRAND FlLTERED CIGARS STARTING FROM $6.25 PER CARTON MIX & MATCH ANY 60 CARTONS & GET FREE SHIPPING IN FLORIDA BEACH PALM DOUBLE DIAMOND CLIPPER HAT’S OFF VAQUERO DARK HORSE MURANO HOMBRE REMINGTON RICHWOOD SANTA FE VENDETTA SWISHER STAMPEDE And many more great savings brands to choose! 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