Thursday, 07 February 2008 @ 4:57pm.

* I am not happy whenever I hear of a “bashing” story, especially when it’s in my neighborhood. Unfortunately, local police have not been able to stem groups (usually male teenagers and young men in their 20s) from beating up and stealing from innocent folks on the street. What really bothers me is the racial and ethnic component of the bashings where the victims as of late tend to be Indian. We have told our fellow friends of color, particularly the ones who work late shifts, to be careful when out and about on their own. Sigh…

* Today has been chilly.

* Starting yesterday (beginning of Lent), I am not eating chocolate, ice cream, potato chips, and instant noodles. I’m participating during this fasting period both for spiritual and health reasons.

* I enjoyed watching some of the Carnaval celebrations on television.

* I’m thinking of going camping along the Great Ocean Road at the end of this month.

* I’m slowly, but surely making progress on “DA DISS” (a.k.a. my dissertation).

* I have a wonderful puppy named “Pluto” and we are doing well in his doggy training classes. I’ve actually had him since the end of November, but wasn’t sure how to introduce him on my blog. He probably deserves much more fanfare than this little blurb. To see his adorable pictures, you can find a photo album on my Facebook profile.

* I have not been getting enough quality sleep. Suggestions are most welcome.

* I went to my first 20/20 cricket match. We were sorely disappointed that India lost to Australia. At the same time, though, Australia’s Brett Lee is a great bowler (”pitcher” for my American friends).

* My birthday is just around the corner. Where does the time go???

* I recently saw the films “American Gangster,” “National Treasure 2,” and “Juno.” Of the three, I highly recommend “Juno.”

* I like the following two quotes from Reader’s Digest:

(1) Stephen Fry, actor: “An original idea. That can’t be too hard. The library must be full of them.”

(2) Sir Winston Churchill, politician: “A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen.”