Mumbai Dairy Page: Monday Musings

Mumbai Diary, Mumbai Cricket Association, MCA, signboard, No Media Allowed, Air Cool, Mumbai

A sign (board) of the times?
THE Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) thought they had hit upon a new way to avoid the media, at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday. A board at the gate said ‘No Media Allowed'. But it's not so easy to keep journos out. Besides, it led many to wonder whether the MCA was trying to hide some wrongdoings from the media. It was only after intervention by the MCA's maidan secretary Nadeem Memon that the board was removed and the waiting media allowed to enter the hall, where some controversial topics emerged from Pandora's box one by one, only to be avoided by the chair and kept pending for a special general meeting.

The unkindest cut
REGULARS who got their spiffy haircuts at the Churchgate landmark, Air Cool, are in the doldrums. The men's salon is downing its shutters as of today, and has not yet found a new place to hang its hat.

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW: Literally so, as Air Cool suspends operations due to a change in location. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Unfortunately, the premises occupied by Air Cool and its next-door neighbour, a restaurant, are to be filled with a fast-food franchise. That may be good news for the college students in the area, but for customers who travelled from all over the city to Air Cool for the facial-like results that a shave and massage gave them, it will be a worrisome period until the parlour finds another parking spot.

Air Cool has been running for 57 years and many of its customers are old regulars. For them, it is like losing a friend.

Fresh blooms at historic plant show
IF FLOWERS are what make your day, then head over to Matunga on February 7 and 8. The National Society of the Friends of the Trees (FOT) is holding its 54th Annual Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Show at the Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute (VJTI) in Matunga (East).

BY ANY OTHER NAME: Visiting the flower show may put roses in your cheeks too

The society has a long history, having been founded in 1957 by leading citizens in order to conserve trees and promote planting. The show will feature flowering plants, including a large variety of roses, ornamental and medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables, flower arrangements and flower rangoli. In a separate section, plant lovers can also buy plants of their choice. So let the gardener in you blossom. For more details you can email friendsoftrees16@gmail.com.

Child's play at meeting
WE'VE heard of "bring your child to work day" though the concept may not take off - or work - in India, where things are chaotic enough at the workplace as it is, without having to manage one's kids too. But at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, a child came not just to work but even to a meeting along with her father. Actually, corporator Prakash Gangadhare's daughter is not exactly a small child, so she did not cause any disruption, but it was a surprise to see her attending the Improvement Committee meeting on Thursday, and taking notes as well. In fact, she was occupying one of the seats meant for visitors and others (including media), so officials who did not know who she was asked her to move, as she did not "belong". Eventually her father arranged for a chair to be brought in for her. Perhaps she was making observations to help her decide on a career choice?