Must Listen

Soundtrack of The Train. Been a while since I heard a soundtrack, which stuck to the definition of the term "soundtrack". Instead of the usual disjointed tracks to follow different themes and situations in the movie (the happy song, the sad song, the club song, the shaadi song).

Listen here. (Watch out for pop-ups)

Mithoon (this kid is soon to be a force to reckon with! Serious composer-watch on this guy) - he's the guy who brought us Tere Bin from Bas Ek Pal, and the soundtrack of Anwar - puts together a really interesting collection. Two tracks that stand out are Beete Lamhein and Mausam (try and catch the piano sequences and interludes, they're brilliant).

The lounge version of Beete Lamhein is awesome too.

Even the other tracks are decent - they take a while to grow on you, but altogether, they resonate a common sound. And its a really unique sound. Can't classify it entirely, because of the diversity of influences on them. Enjoy!

In other news, will be rockin' the Tribeca Film Festival today (for the uninitiated, this is like New York's Cannes - only, more terse, smart and crisp, in contrast to long-drawn and melodramatic), and catching up on some phenomenal shorts - staying away from pro-Iraq propaganda, that seems to have infiltrated the previously-untouched TFF.

And women .. please remember .. not all men are egoistic, arrogant and annoying. Some are dead.

Suit Yourself

Picked m'self up a spanking new Hugo Boss to celebrate my one-year with the big C. Inaugurated it with this combo of a Thomas Pink pink shirt, and a blue Perry Ellis Portfolio tie. Now, here's my point - wearing a pink shirt and a blue tie is a multi-dimensional statement. To me, it was just an interesting pastel-ish combo, but it stirred up a rather interesting debate. Is it - a blend of the feminine emotional side of a guy, with a touch of masculine aggression? Is it - a way to tone down the embarrasment of semi-in-closetness, with a stroke of trademark Hetero-ego? Is it the mark of a metro-sexual? Is it blueberry with strawberry coolwhip? All in all - my peeps have way too much free-time on their hands.

In other news, the arrivals area of an international terminal is a fascinating place. Utterly fascinating. Doesn't it have a catwalk-kinda feel to it? First of all, they guard the incoming passengers behind closed doors and walls as if they were supermodels about to emerge with a haute-couture spring collection. On the other side of these doors, are a group of eager, enthusiastic and comparatively well-rested and groomed 'fans' who are, for some reason, behind a rather pointless steel barricade. And although they are travel-weary and cranky while behind the doors at baggage claim - once the Airplane Posse is out in the open, with their oversized trolley of baggage - it doesn't matter how bad they look - they're on display now.

This is their moment to shine.

They do the walk.

Their wild imagination can almost visualize clickety-cameras, frantic paparazzi, thong-throwing crazed women. They have a hundred sixty two people staring them down, with pretty much a hundred sixty two of them going "That's not him".

You see all varieties. The business traveler looking for the car pick-up placcard with his name mispelt for the eleventh name - Won't they ever get it right? The hot mom (who was hot 30 years ago, and now she's just ... not), who just re-did her makeup in the restroom before baggage claim, heading over with a mile-sized smile to her rather embarassed son and his shocked friend. The people who start fake cellphone calls as they walk on their battery-dead phone, just so they appear like ultra-busy businessmen to the waiting flock.

While trying their level best to look cool in their wrinkled-wear as they do their little-turn on the catwalk, their eyes search, rather casually and matter-of-factly, through the crowd for their consort/ride/family/friend. Their casual glance turns slowly and painfully into a nervous hunt. Oh oh. The catwalks over. They're in front of the crowd. Pointless announcements are being made over the public-address system. Their thoughts are racing. "Shoot. No one's here. And I'm being stared down. Everyone here thinks I'm a loser whose come halfway across the world, to be stood up, in an international intrigue-type airport drama. They're still staring at me. Drat, what must I do. Should I do the pretend wave as if someone's here. Ok... Damn, now everyone's looking back to see who I'm waving it. Why do they care? Idiots. Now they know that I'm not waving at anyone. Now they think I'm a loser who sees things. Crap! This is not good. Maybe I'll just mosey over to the coffee shop, while I still have my dignity".

Too late, sonny boy. They've already seen your 'Hello Gooseberry' boxers sticking out of your overstuffed fake-Delsey. Dignity is a rumor to you.

Ah. Airports. Life would be rather grounded without them.

Respect your Romaine!

I'm serious, its by far one of the most disrespected greens, in terms of spelling. Look at the above atrocity, for instance, spotted at a local Jersey grocery (yes, one of the million). Tsk tsk. Placed next to the boondocks of potato bags, and with a constant increase in bhaav to create fake demand in the market. Price hiking AND mis-spelling? Not accepting.

I actually had a Bengali colleague once who used to call it Le Tush (as in, French butt?). I've seen Lettis, lettus, lattis, lattes ... and the uber-creative, but utterly disconnected, Lattice. Join me, in the Coalition To Give Lettuce Its Self-Esteem Back.

Go Green!

RelaxiTaxi

Part of Bloomberg's vote-motivation, campaign-trailblazing, revolutionary changes - the new crop of taxicabs in the city have these giant touchscreens in the backseat, with a host of features. You can watch movie trailers, check movie showtimes, check the weather (in contrast to looking out the window), listen to the top 10 songs in different genres, and check on events happening in NYC.

Also makes good advertising space, and one can see that Nike is already on the bandwagon. Ah, the need for information will always be supplemented by the drive to capitalize lucratively off of that very need.

In other news, anyone hitting up LiveEarth on 7/7/07. Its literally right in our backyard! What a lineup, folks. Take a deep breath - here goes:

AFI
Akon
Alicia Keys
Bon Jovi
Dave Matthews Band
Fall Out Boy
John Mayer
Kanye West
Kelly Clarkson
KT Turnstall
Ludacris
Melissa Etheridge
Rihanna
Roger Waters
Smashing Pumpkins
The Police

Only in America...

... will a major conglomerate's billing department send you 2 snail mail reminders (costing them $0.78) to clear a balance due on your account, of $0.22.

The recession special, anyone?

Saturday Morning Post-Hangover Playlist

(1) Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall (Eye to the Telescope)
(2) Sweet Pain - Michael Brook & Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Night Song)
(3) Christmas Eve (Sarajevo - 12/24) - Trans Siberian Orchestra (Thanks to P for introducing me to these commies)

In other news, brunch at Tavern on the Green in Central Park rules - try their Spring menu (my suggestion - Lobster Bisque and Eggs Benedict). Yum!

Man of the Year??

No, seriously. What was Levinson thinking? More than being one large mishmash of the Best Standup Jokes of Robin "Verbal Diarrhoea" Williams, the movie has one of the worst screenplays of the year. If it was meant to be a riches-to-political-fame saga, it needed far more believable follow-through than it was endowed with. Highly disappointing fare. Especially from the makers of Wag The Dog, and particularly, since the realm of political satire has experienced more than its fair share of coming-of-age in the recent few years.

I find it fascinating that our generation prefers fake comedy news to the real deal. I'd pick Daily News over Fox News any day of the week, because that way I'm still in touch with current news, and I'm also stocked with smart quips for coffee-machine-conversation the next day.

In other news, our last governor was a closet gay, the current one doesn't wear a seatbelt. Wonder what crack-smoking hillbilly they're going to elect next.

Rock you like a Hurricane

Songs like that take me right back to college. Classic rock was so in-demand! Wonder where that correlation of Indian college life and Iron Maiden-esque rock culture came about. Maybe its the whole anti-establishment feel of it.

On that note, the soundtrack of Life-In-A-Metro. A pure-Indi-rock soundtrack, with generous flavoring of good electric guitar-work, with dabbles and dashes of electronica. Years past its acceptability, or perhaps years prior to it. It might just go right above the heads of many "Ta Ra Rum Pum"-type music lovers.

A lot of the tracks need to grow on you, as does the fact that its a complete sausage fest with no female singers at all. Pritam has outdone himself to the hilt, though.

The track that really stands out is 'In Dinon', sung by the Sa Re Ga Ma dude, Soham. Very reminiscent of Zubeen Garg. Almost feels like the song was written for Zubeen. But an awesome composition - very tastefully sung. Can't help but notice the Champagne-Supernova-influenced harmonica solo, around 03:55 of the song.

Soundtracks like LIAM (or should I say LIA....M) are necessary to break the mould sometimes. Just about when you have had it with Ladka-ladki-prem-aggan type songs, you have something like this to make you feel that .. its not so bad .. not so bad at all.

In other news, check out the awesome things that a loop machine can do for a one-woman show.

"Hasta Lasagna. Don't get any on ya".

Columbia discovers Acoustic

An article in the Columbia Spectator about the Josh performance at Tamasha, Columbia's SAS show.

Highlighting what they said about our set in the article: "At the heart of the show was Acoustic, a four-piece band which featured electric guitar, harmonium (akin to the accordion, but with its player seated on the floor), and two guest vocalists from University of Pennsylvania's renowned Hindi a cappella group, Penn Masala. The fusion group seemed to be a crowd favorite, winning lengthy applause".

The next level...

This is it. The next level of fusion music. Nathan Lee's flute-beatboxing.

Absolutely sick!!!

In the Memory of Johnny Hart...

Just 'cuz B.C. was one of my favorite strips, right from Dubai - a few excerpts

Q) What is the most flagrant oxymoron of all time?
A) "Politically Correct"

Q) Define 'Deadline'
A) What you're left holding, when you call your girlfriend the day AFTER her birthday

In Awe..

Have any of you seen that RGX Body Spray commercial? Isn't that girl absolutely gorgeous?

Her name's Rachel Specter, and I say, new starlet alert. She's got that perfect blend of appeal and attitude.

The commercial is absolutely nothing to write home about, except for her. And unlike the Axe/Lynx series, if you notice, she isn't a scantily clad hoochie. She's actually very delectably clothed. And yet she's a chockful of subtle, aggressive charm.

More like this, God.

I-Can't-Believe-Its-Butter

Hit up the Revival Theater in Manhattan to see one of the most controversial films ever made - Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider in Bertolluci's Last Tango in Paris.

Daddy had told me that this was a "different" film, when I was a kid, and of course, too young to watch it. But, this self-destructive romance is much more than an art-house movie. It explores needs on a much more meta-physical level. Of course, its sordid and graphic, but sometimes that's what life is. Marlon Brando outdoes himself, especially in the wake scene, by his wife's deathbed. The ending is a kick in the shins. Altogether, this piece of art from the '70s still has as much of spunk and tight-fist-punch potential to your psyche as any movie that this millennium will ever see. Although most say that this can be attributed to its graphic nature, I would have to attribute it to its realism. Its ability to bring some of the most tucked-away thoughts onto centerstage.

Although I disagree with Roger Ebert ,when he said that this was the end of its genre. Many of Kubrick's and Polanski's sequences, especially Bitter Moon, were more or less inspired by Tango. It was pretty much an awakening, where directors became less afraid to depict. Wake-up call.

Also, paid homage to THREE classic Jean-Georges joints for brunch, cocktails and dinner - 66, JoJo and Nougatine. Much respect to the Sultan of Ambience and Foodery.

Turban-icious

Strange convo with A at da afterparty

A: Don't you think pushpins look like sardarjees?
V: Uhh .. what???
A: I'm serious ... just look ... in profile, it looks like a sardarjee
V: Ok ok .. 1 ... why do you have a pushpin at the afterparty ... and 2 ... i'll have what you're drinking
A: No seriously ... I like my Sardar Pushpin.... I'm gonna call him Pushpinder

Mahive mahive arz karaan....

It wasn't really your average Friday night. We opened for Josh, and rocked Columbia U. It was ridiculously tight!


Hung with Q and Rup (shared a dressing room with them) who threw some light on their 10 year struggle to get out there. As was evident, Rup's a much nicer guy (and a better singer). Q's a musical badass, but rather attitudinous. He raved, ranted and yelled through soundcheck (pic above). As a live act, they're not too bad, but they have miles to go before they arrive. Wish they had a band to support them, instead of a turntable dude.

Was great to get back up there again. Dum Mustt Qalandar was off-the-hook.

Spellbound...

To add to T's Scarry Spellings post (hell yes, T. That can be extremely annoying) ... guess what ... the lack of spellchecking is even hitting the world of advertising. I kid you not. In a land where good copy is key, big brands like Reebok makes crappy mistakes like this (spotted on the E train, a.k.a. the "minority" express):


I spent a while trying to figure out if this spelling error was intentional, but its pretty evidently a typographical disaster.

Are you smarter than a 5th Grader?

What a tongue-in-cheek way to headline the non-awareness of the average American to events around him/her, including basic science and world history. Everytime, Jeff Foxworthy congratulates a sweaty, nervous contestant for getting a question right, he reminds them, ever so sardonically, that they are celebrating getting a 3rd-grade question right! Must say, this is quite a step up for Foxworthy (personally, couldn't stand Blue Collar Comedy).

Ooh ooh, opening for Josh tomorrow at a show for Columbia University. Its me, along with a fellow singer from Masala, and 2 other mega-talented Columbia University student musicians - harmonium and electric guitar. The track blends a light rock version of Nusrat Saab's "Sanu Ik Pal Chain Na Aave", with Junoon's Jugalbandi, and ends with a high-powered version of the Massive Attach revision of Dum Mustt Qalandar, complete with some killer beatboxing, Masala-style. :-) Can't wait to get up there again, will try to get you a video clip soon! Wish me luck!

Harsh Reality... at the Golf Club

Memories.... and the Group!

Words were never truer...

Andrea: Sorry. It's a busy day. My personal life is hanging by a thread, that's all.

Nigel : Oh, join the club. That's what happens when you start doing well at work, darling. Let me know when your whole life goes up in smoke. That means it's time for a promotion

- The Devil Wears Prada

Man, I love this city!

Pehchaan...

A complete album. Enough said. And too wild a weekend for blog-details. Lets just say, what happens in Philly, stays in Philly :-)

Song Alert! do check out "Main Jahaan Rahoon" from the OST of Namastey London - sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Krishna. The kicker is the line "teri yaad saath hai", and the wicked chord change. Unfortunately its only available on Smashits here, so watch out for annoying pop-ups. And if you do venture onto the "Mehfil" mix of the song, watch out for Lispy Javed Akhtar's outpours (sic!) of poetic lines in the middle. Would recommend you stick to the original.

Heading to Philly tonight!

Another weekend of mindless hedonism and good music.

The PM spring show. Tomorrow nite. Irvine.

In other news, blackberry blogging rules!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.

Ek zara haath baDha le to, pakadle daaman,
Uske seene mein samaajaaye, hamaari dhadkan,
Itni qurbat hai to phir, faasla itna, kyun hai?

Get that song outta my head!

Yeah, its still Sajnaji vari vari from HTPL. And its worse after seeing the movie. Dozen remixes of this song, and they're all brilliant. Reminds me a lot of Dhol Vajda, 'cuz of the breakbeat.

So, a busride to Goa with a desi dozen? This movie was rather neat, more so because of the adequacy of the characters and the free-flow of the film, which seemed rather unscripted. I loved the picturization of the track, and the way Bollywood has awoken maturely to themes like homosexuality and real-life superheroes (no, they do exist, I assure you :-)). Minnisha Lamba was a pleasant surprise, Shabana was a tad bit overtly preachy, but tolerable being the legend that she is, Sandhya Mridul's face looks like a badly-kneaded caricature, and I'll have whatever the guy who dubbed for Vikram Chatwal (?) was drinking or smoking or both. Also, Ranvir's role was mercilessly short and Amisha should be mercilessly shot. But all in all, glad I took the busride, and the movie belonged to two individuals - Boman Irani and Kay Kay Menon. Performances A Pointe!

Sonu's events in Dubai are always mystical. Almost spiritual, because they remain with you for eons. Its more than his voice, its more likely his aura, his intense love for his art, his music that becomes an integral part of the evening.

Especially the events he does with Dad, because those nights are the product of two die-hard music aficionados.

Salaam Dubai is going to be another one such night.

Thursday.
March 22nd.
@ the glitzy-ritzy Madinat Jumeirah.

If it wasn't for my breakback schedule, I would've definitely flown down for this one.

More info here.

All the best, Team OME, and congrats on your 50th Event :-)

Technocrazy

Notice when two people from a common technical background meet, its almost natural for them to exchange words or phrases completely ununderstandable to people around them - purely in an effort to prove their esoteric commonalities. Almost like they're trying to justify to themselves, to the other guy, and to people around them, that they worked their bezonkers off to get to their technical mantle.

Like say, two computer programmers?

Hey, Hi, I'm Arun, I'm a programmer.
Hi Arun, I'm Shyam, I'm a programmer too?
Really? Tango-Charlie BCD+ QQWERTY QWERTY.... and then they go off on some wierd blimpy language to establish that they are one, find common ground, and then return to earth to talk to the commoners. Meanwhile everyones standing around them with a short circuit.

Even two university students?
Hey, meet Alex, he went to University of Yonkers too, just like you.
You did? What about that Prof. Lieberman. What a hard-ass, no? Didn't breakfast at the Quad suck?

Yeah I know. Didn't have too much of a point there. But its a thought, no doubt!

In other news, Penn Masala Spring Show, March 24th, 7 PM, Irvine. Launching Pehchaan! Looking forward to a ridiculous weekend with the crew!

Many an Overcoat

Images from the recently attended talk/book signing of Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake, also promoting a short coffee-table picto-tour of the making of the movie by Mira Nair.

Basically a book about a film about a book.

In attendance were ice-princessy and monotonic Jhumpa Lahiri and the ever-so-gregarious and sweet Mira Nair (hmm, you're probably wondering whom I like better). Jhumpa went on at length about the inspirations behind the book, while shoving under the carpet several things that she couldn't remember, blaming bad memory as the book is nearly 4 years old (ignoring the fact that all she's done ever since is bask in its glory). Mira, on the other hand, spoke entertainingly about the making of the film (which was phenomenal, undoubtedly). She added, much to Lahiri's chagrin, that Jhumpa had one scene as an extra in the movie, which was edited out in the final cut. Hyuk hyuk!

Without a shadow, I feel that the book and the film, together, are beacon testimonials of the Indian immigrant experience. No two individuals have effectively captured, visualized and represented emotions and nuances, with the epic perfection and class of Mira and Jhumpa.

While I was getting my book signed by the two talented divas, I asked Mira what made her pick Nitin Sawhney to do the background score for Namesake. She replied "The Boatman Song". Its on the soundtrack, listened to it later that night, and its outstanding! Strongly recommended and in this order - read the book, watch the film, then buy the soundtrack. Its so very rare, but in this case, capital, that all three products will either meet or exceed your expectations.

In other news, what self respecting parent would name their kid Jhumpa, and which self respecting adult would still stick with the name for the rest of their existence (Jhumpa claims that her name doesn't mean anything, by the way). *sigh* you need a big hood on that Overcoat, sweetheart.

The song that defined...

.. the trip was, without doubt, Sajnaji Vari Vari (OST - Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd.) Outstandingly addictive!

Still recovering, bloggizens. Will be cranked up into form on Monday. Until then, here are a few points to ponder:

* If a man with multiple personality disorder is threatening to commit suicide, is that considered a hostage situation?

* What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?

* Whose sadistic idea was it for the word LISP to have an S in it?

Man walks into a library and asks the librarian "Can you tell me where the self-help section is?". Librarian says, "No, I can't, because that would defeat the purpose".

Later!

Bombay Awakens

6 AM view from the Taj Lands End on Bandstand, looking out at the new bridge (the same one which was shown on the India Poised video). The view of the city is lost in the morning mist.

And I'm off... ... to London/Mumbai for work.

Conference in Aamby Valley (picture inset) in Lonavala. Supposed to be pure paradise on earth. Will testify once I taste the goods, for myself.

Will try and post from there. (Who am I kidding, right?)

Back on Fri 3/9!

Stay cool, cats!

Church vs. State

5th Avenue. See this everyday, but it doesn't cease to fascinate me.

Make that....

5 out of 5! Departed picked up Best Pic, and Scorcese won Best Director.

Martin Scorcese's first Oscar, ladies and gentlemen. How sheerly and truly deserving indeed. I mean, 5 time nominee for films like Raging Bull, Last Temptation of Christ and The Aviator .. and GoodFellas. 5 nominations over 27 years. Christ! Now there's a career.

Awesome moments:

• Jack Black and Will Ferrell, that was awesome.
• Beyonce Knowles solo of 'Listen' during the Dreamgirls medley. Magical!
• The Leonardo DiCaprio/Al Gore sequence, where Leo keeps asking Gore to announce his candidacy, and then the music starts to play. Nicely done!
  

Disasters:

• Clint Eastwood fumbling beyond defumblement.
• Crazy drunk guy hanging on to Al Gore during award for An Inconvenient Truth
  

The ceremonies were lack-lustre though. DeGeneres was subtly humorous, quite similar to the tongue-in-cheek humor of Stewart last year, but nowhere close to the magic that Billy Crystal brought to the plate. Feel that American humor on the whole, has just ... fizzed out. But it was a ceremony of diversity. Italians. Spaniards. An out-of-the-closet lesbian MC. Another married lesbian winner wins for Best Original Song (Ethridge), and thanks her 'wife' during her speech. Best Actor wins for the portrayal of a Ugandan dictator. Best Actress wins for the portrayal of a British royal.

Regardless of dimness, the 79th was truly a melting pot of a ceremony.

Can I call 'em or can I call 'em?

Whitaker, Mirren and Hudson. Awright!

3 out of 3 predictions right, so far!! Woo Hoo!

My fortune cookie said...

In order to make the cart go, you must grease the wheels

"And the academy award goes to ...."

Having kept up my resolution of watching all the major Oscar contenders this year, my picks:

Actress: Helen Mirren, Jennifer Hudson for supporting (Although I personally think Meryll Streep's Prada was much more deserving)

Actor: Hands down, Forest "Idi Amin" Whittaker (what a performance!), no choice for supporting (I don't know why people consider Wahlberg a favorite, his performance was aight)

Picture/Director: Although my heart wants Scorcese to win both of these, I have a strong feeling he may share this duet with Dreamgirls. Ok, ok, don't go all 'double standards' on me, I know my post on The Departed wasn't exactly deep appraisal, but my subsequent 3 viewings of the movie, swayed my opinion. I remember every scene, every dialogue. The Departed, although it takes a while to circumvent the variance, eventually is an unforgettable experience, in true and inimitable Scorcese style.

And there you have it.

Melody AM

Am totally in love with the song, Remind Me by Royskopp. Am not usually an electronica fan, but this song is so subtle that its universal. First heard this on the Geico caveman commercial where the guy is on the moving walkway at the airport, and been hooked ever since. The simple yet catchy sound is something that musicians aspire for! Reminds me of the one-song-wonder, Everything but the Girl.

In other news, Oscar bash at the Mandarin Oriental in 'nhattan tonight. Go DeGeneres!

Simply Wow!

R Balki, the ad man, takes the wheel on this one. Illayaraja's music. Despite the title, this movie looks real 'sweet'.

Now hear this

 

If you can read this, note that I have conquered the methodology of e-mail blogging!

 

In simple words.

 

I rule

Visual Poetry

That's Eklavya, for you. One of the most intense and unconventional films to emerge out of the deep pockets of Bollywood. Films like this make you feel that there is room for diversity, hope for new boundaries to be crossed.

Eklavya is the harbinger of "coming of age" Indian cinema.

Unfortunately, its a movie, far too sonorous and deep in vertical simplicity, to be accepted by the 'masses'. Take for example, the audience at the theater where I watched the movie, predominantly techies and a few ABCD couples trying to get the dose of 'justification' Bollywood, reading subtitles in a realm where they laugh at the wrong moments and constantly cross-compare Hindi flicks to Hollywood. Depressing to say the least. If they really wanted a movie to laugh at, there's plenty of Govinda-Dhawan stock.

But Eklavya is far more meaningful than its first viewing represents. Its a film that battles with basic social morale and ethic foundations. Towards the backdrop of the gloomy world of royals, lost in abeyance in a now-democratic India - almost still reeling from the shock.

Picking such a backdrop for the movie, ensures an esoteric level of pseudo-mysticism to the movie. Almost like Anastasia or Zubeidaa - any movie to do with fallen royals always has a mystic and curious aura to it.

Vinod Chopra has begun to break conventions like no other. There are scenes that make you feel like you've never scene(sic) anything like this before. Especially out of Bollywood. The Amitabh-Sheirgill sequence where the lights go out - is handled almost Tarantino-like.

But if one has to truly enjoy and appreciate Eklavya - one should not expect any degree of traditional Bollywood. The movie is a ballad. A stage play on camera, if you will. Some may consider certain scenes to be slow and long-winding, but it is basically Vinod Chopra setting his stage. His story is simple. Doesn't have the usual thousand twists and turns. But it doesn't need them either. Because Eklavya's magic lies in its vertical simplicity.

If the trailers of Munnabhai Chale America and Talisman are anything to go by, this man is on a rampage to change the face of Bollywood. But its all good. How many weepies, shaadi-films, extra-marital films or family dramas can you actually watch. Oh, and don't miss the trailer of Cheeni Kum (Amitabh, Tabu - Balki, the ad guru, on the mantle and Illayaraja's music). Wow!

But even flawlessness has imperfection. Several downsides. Raima Sen is a pest. The ending leaves a lot to be desired.

The true hero of Eklavya? The camera. Sheer brilliance in terms of cinematography, lighting, sets and basic handling of the visuals. Especially the scene where a motion-less Amitabh holds a lifeless Boman Irani, to the backdrop of the sunset and desert, and shots of the fort with rolling clouds.

As Raja Sen puts it best, Eklavya is almost fluid.

Sheer visual poetry.

Exception to Tharoor

Did anyone catch Shashi Tharoor on the Colbert Report, last night? The man was dignified, but subdued. Although Colbert tried to sarcastically-lapel pin accusations to Tharoor's coat, Tharoor took it in stride.

One of his responses was world-class, when he was askedhe quoted Charles Talleyrand-Perigord as saying, "The only thing you can't do with a bayonet is sit on it!"

VOUD #3: Bonus Edition

Seatspooling (n.): The complex algorithm that goes through our heads, when we're trying to figure out where to sit on a crowded train/bus.

"Not next to the Chinese lady, she probably smells like General Tso's socks".

"Not next to the whale, don't wanna rely on the armrest for survival"

"Not next to the obnoxious phone guy, he'll probably be talking all through the ride about which tax software he uses"

"Not next to the sleepy, bespectacled dude. He looks like a snorer"

"Not next to the guy with the afro, with the I-Pod, who has his leg on the seat next to him, thinking that it creates a coat of invisibility on the seat, as if we can't spot an empty seat because his bony-ass leg is on it. At least its better than that pierced Shaniqua on her way back to the hood, with the long fake braids, who puts her K-mart wintercoat and Chinatown purse in her glorious attempt to invisibilize the seat next to her, while she chats it up with Laquisha on her pink studded Razr about her 4 children with different fathers. (and of course I know this, cuz by now, the whole freaking train knows this)"

"Not next to the nerdy Indian software engineer, cuz he's gonna go clackety-click on his laptop, as he talks annoyingly softly in an ununderstandable tongue-twisty language to his homebound wife, telling her which curries he wants to go with his rice by the time his patriarchal butt gets home".

So many options, so little time. That leaves one with the coal car or the driver's lap. The things one does to avoid paying for New York City Parking.

All Quiet on the Western Front

Sorry for the silence. Was busy dodging enemy fire.

Dudes! Performancing still requires me to download a little thingie onto Firefox, is it not? Can't download anything cuz of company firewall. Way around this? Either that, or am not getting this right, or am just plain menopausal.

We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering – these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love – these are what we stay alive for. - Robin Williams, Dead Poets Soceity

Note: Big Brother has officially denied access to Blogger at work. They may take my access! But they can't take ... my FREEDOM!

Not to worry, loyal fiefs! We shall prevail!

Vishal's *Online* Urban Dictionary
Just VOUD it!

Foodles (n., usually plural): Defined as serious of symbols (usually of Font, Wingdings) used to simulate cuss words. As in, I think Paresh is a #%$^&*@?<>

Foodles were first used by comic book and animated book writers back in the 1960s along with the invention of censorship. Little boys around the world spent countless non-productive hours trying to find the code hidden deep within the foodles, trying to decipher the exciting 'Holy Grail' that would supposedly project them into post-puberty.Unfortunately, there really was nothing to the foodles, although certain children were rather certain that they saw Jesus, while some claimed that if they stared at it cross-eyed, while levitating and maintaining a strict diet of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia for a month, you would see

(Couldn't read that? Hmmm, guess you would have to try to simulate said conditions, no?)

As censorship became more and more lax, writers started to get more and more ambitious and kept pushing their limits at every stage. Foodles were soon out of the market, as books and movies became more explicit with time. With the development of Adult Swim, Foodles were pretty much #*&$ed.

By the early 90s, Foodles were replaced by Asterfixes - their new-age cousins. Asterfixes were basically "*" symbols, which were strategically placed within cuss-words to obliterate them beyond comprehension. So basically, asterfixes would give the reader/viewer the complete visual experience of the expletive, while saving him/her the moral guilt of having sinned. Kinda like a modern-day church confession box, just without the leather and cardinal lube.

Asterfixes were usually used to fuzzy-up words which would be taken as offensive, like n**ga or G***ge B*sh.

Vishal's Urban Dictionary (VUD)
Have you checked out VUD today?

Prook (v.): Surreptitious glance-away, usually conducted when person next to you is typing in a e-mail password or ATM pin.

So .. what are you trying to prove? Like, hey man, I'm not going to check your mail or steal your money. I may, however, rat on you to the boss, steal your phone charger or get your wife to cheat on you though. After all, there are gracious limits to my niceness.

Prooking is rather common, and considered to be socially polite, in most cases.

Also see: De-prooking: Immediately returning to stare at screen once said subject has completed secret word-entry. De-prooking is done in most cases to highlight the prooking, and to validate the fact that you weren't just checking out some girl, or looking for a clock - you were indeed prooking, and respecting the privacy of your fellow human. De-prooking is usually done to enhance self-esteem, and to make one feel good about themselves - kind of like injecting a "I'm-a-good-person-I-think-about-others" dose, prior to proceeding with your selfish endeavors that make your life ever so meaningless.

Have a nice day.

Thank you for using VUD.

(Brought to you in part by Bud. *Glug*)

High on Information

On the IPod-supported, caffeine-injecting, semi-conscious commute to work, one visual made me do a double-take (you know the kind, rapid shaking of the head from side-to-side, along with rubbing of eyes and staring again, usually backed up with cartoon-like jingling noise) on the New Jersey Turnpike.


A Kaun-Banega-Crorepati hoarding with SRK towering over. Mind you, this is not JUST an Indian neighborhood. This is the NJ Turnpike. The primary connecting artery between New Jersey and New York City. It traffics over 1.1 million vehicles a day (over 350 million a year!).

That's prime visibility, people! Any more such epidemic growth, and SRK will have one hell of a Mardi Gras head.

In other news, you know what the world needs? One great, big jaadu-ki-jhappi ;-)

And note, as you can see below, I'm blank-posting these days. You know what they say about blank posts. If you stare very carefully at the blank post, you will be able to get a glimpse of Paris Hilton's ethico-moral values. Just a glimpse, mind you.

This proves it...

Children are evil!!

Don't believe me?

Voila...

(PS: Graciously borrowed from Crumpled Nothings. Thanks, Sach!)

Boy's screaming kills chickens?

BEIJING, Jan 24 (Reuters Life!) - Hundreds of chickens have been found dead in east China -- and a court has ruled that the cause of death was the screaming of a four-year-old boy who in turn had been scared by a barking dog, state media reported on Wednesday.

The bizarre sequence events began when the boy arrived at a village home in the eastern province of Jiangsu in the summer with his father who was delivering bottles of gas, the Nanjing Morning Post reported.

A villager was quoted as saying the little boy bent over the henhouse window, screaming for a long time, after being scared by the dog."One neighbor told police that he had heard the boy's crying that afternoon and another villager confirmed the boy screaming by the henhouse window," the newspaper said.

A court ruled the boy's screaming was "the only unexpected abnormal sound" and that 443 chickens trampled each other to death in fear.The boy's father was ordered to pay 1,800 yuan ($230) in compensation to the owner of the chickens.

End of story

"Why chickens? Why?

They could've been pigs.

Or pigeons, for chrissakes - those birds don't do crap, but crap.

*sniff* but chickens?

(Ominous Sound)

This won't be taken lightly, people

(*Cluck* *Cluck*)

MorePowerToPoultry.com

Move over, Plunge...

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel is home to my new most-favorite hangout spot - MOBar. Although we met clients there for some afternoon tapas and wine, this place has a vibe. Its like a bass-inspired-breakbeat at the back of your head - you just know its groovy. Chic, classy and exclusive - what makes an NYC lounge, a true NYC lounge. And what truly delineates midtown from SoHo. The mojitos are murderously awesome, as are the martinis.

Reservations highly recommended, and please get seated in the lounge area - the bar isn't too much to write home about.

Online Existence...

.. is here. With Second Life.

This is cool.

Wow... an Indian Lolita....

... without being overtly crassy?

Only RGV can carry that of.

Do you suffer from....

...Reptile Dysfunction! Has the lizard let you down?

Hahaha... Anti-Geico ads. Gotta love 'em.

Hit up the AdAge Marketing 50 Awards at the Hilton this afternoon! Quite a revelation - what an industry!

Microsoft Humor (r) 2007

Can you believe that this man can buy Africa with his checking account balance?

Mustt-Listen

* Finally Found and Downloaded the album "Night Song" from I-Tunes - the legendary album by Michael Brook and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Was guided to understand that this year marks the 10-year death anniversary of the Ustad.

After 12 consecutive listens to this glorious album, this is what I have to say.

If you are dying, starved, destitute, thirsty and hungry, and all you have left is $9.99 from now till eternity - go to ITunes.com and buy this album. It'll get you through.

Unbelievably trippy, after just the second listen, this album becomes the soundtrack of your life. Almost seamlessly, it just slips into the fabric of your being.

Its excellent. By far.

Genre Bender

New genre: Completely engaging, without being overtly preachy.

There are movies that preach. Unabashedly preach. Deepa Mehta's Fire as well as Water, for example. There are movies that are completely engaging, which don't really preach at all. (too many in this category).

There are also films that sometimes get so wrapped up in their preachery, that they get obscenely obfuscatory (read:Hey Ram!).

Then there are films that remain flat center at the middle of the philospectrum. Movies with high preach-potential, but still remaining engaging enough for the viewer to remain tensely involved. Basically subtle-crucial messaging through a brilliantly gripping storyline.

Two movies that achieved this superlatively in recent times were Rang De Basanti and Guru.

Ok Ok Ok Ok....

Somebody explain this to me. ..... WHY???

And please do this in order ---

First watch this : CLICK HERE

And then watch this ....

My God .. she is so mainstream

Now that's what I call a campaign!

This is pure brilliance! Well scripted. Simple, crisp yet comprehensive. And delivered adeptly in a style that only the Big B is gifted with.

Leader Line

The mark of genius is indelible. Sometimes its obvious. Sometimes its subtle. But in an effortless and somewhat magical way, Mani Ratnam always manages to leave his mark on his works of art.

Guru is no exception to his legacy.

As always, Mani Ratnam manages to draw that ever-so-grainy line between sticking to traditional movie format, and breaking conventions altogether. Although to many, Guru may seem like your typical sinusoidal-success, feel-good, rags-to-riches story, it still manages to break away from the mould of the "typical" Indian film - a definition that gets more and more hazy with the coming-of-age of Indian movies over the last few years.

As Mom rightly pointed out, you can see the love and magical chemistry between Aishwarya and Abhishek - more from her side - in Guru. She has clearly never stared into any co-star's eyes with the passion that she looks into his with (*sniff*). (She had the exact inverse with Hrithik in Dhoom 2).

I love Mani's new technique. The cutting-flash slow-motion-feel that is applied to various song sequences, and especially the courtroom tirade where its most effective. He always seems to have a new toy to play with (In Dil Se [and Alai Payuthe], it was the reverse-shot technique - remember? - when Manisha's dress keeps flowing the other way in the Satrangi sequence). Especially when it comes to period drama, he never overdoes it in terms of costume and location, unlike other wistful directors who keep their mother's name. The torn posters of Naya Daur, and the usage of old Hindi songs in the background, is intricately researched keeping the story years in mind (he's on the money, folks). Guru also portrays Gujarati culture, language and fashion subtly - noting that this is one Indian sub-culture that has been kept at the back-burner in terms of on-screen portrayal (that is, if one can forget the 5-second G-U-J-J-U song-and-dance in Kal Ho Naa Ho). Its usually been Punjabi, Rajasthani, and even, Bengali (Devdas et al).

The downside? This is the first time in a Mani Ratnam movie, that I felt like joining the damned folks who take a bathroom break when a song comes on. The songs sincerely didn't flow with the film, with the exception of Hairate (brilliant) and the "Baarish" song. Although, the background score, with the "dum dara" bit was heartwarming.

And what puts the wax seal of Rahman on this movie is the drum solo (heavily inspired by the remix of Jagged Edge's Lets Get Married, no I'm serious!!), that accompanies most of the heavy scenes. The dialogues needed more punch. Especially when Gurukant speaks at the first hearing, and he just goes "namaste!". The thud doesn't justify the hype, there.

Completely completely agree with P when it comes to the ridiculous side-tracks that go completely tangent to the story (both the Madhavan-Vidya angle, and the brother-in-law bit, which I feel could've made a glorious comeback later).

The lyrics of the songs.... *sigh* .... you know what? I really feel that before beginning every new project, Gulzar does this. He vigorously searches and locates the rarest, wierdest, most forgotten words in Hindi/Urdu/any regional language's history, and says, "lets bring this back!". With Guru, get this - "bosa", "besuaadi" and "kaature" are making a comeback. Never heard of them? Get in line. Gulzarjee! Why the desperate need to be different, by being incoherent? Why does it take you 20 lines and dozens of dismal, lost-in-history verbs to say what Javedsaab can say in 2 lines? *Sigh*. We'll never get some answers, will we?

With Guru, Abhishek Bachchan, the actor, has arrived. With Guru, he completes a story which was left untold in Yuva, the last time Mani directed him. In the last scene, as Abhishek delivers his courtroom tirade, one was left to look into his eyes and see both glimpses of the trademark Bachchan raw anger, and his own originality as an actor. Taking on a role that most actors would choke considering, given the weight gain and deglamorization involved, Abhishek completes his circle of acting with this role. And like his father, its now time for rediscovery and many more such concentric circles, before he is established as a superstar.

After all.....

"Happiness isn't Happiness without a violin playing goat"

New found fascination for Marc Chagall.

(Image: La Mariee by Chagall)

"Art picks up from where nature leaves off" - Marc Chagall

Visuals that make you glad to be alive: Atop the winery in Adams County, PA.

Images from Gettysburg: Back in the '30s

I loved...

Sacha Baron Cohen's acceptance speech at the Globes.

Assume the Position

Sundance-recommended and as part of my self-inflicted series of serious cinema and dark comedies - Watched James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Steven Shainberg's The Secretary, a dark comedy-drama that throws a little light into the nether worlds of the dominant-submissive romance world, within the intricately-bonded S&M community.

Would put this flick right up there with Eternal Sunshine, but the pace of the film prevents me from doing so. Instead of using the BDSM tinge in a darker or negative sense as in the past (serial killer, repressed individual), Secretary evaluates the realism associated with people of this alternative community. NYC has become more and more accepting of this sub-culture, as you find a lot of leashes and collars down the East Village these days.

As is usual with society in this century, the exception soon becomes the norm.

Amazing background score by Angelo Badalamenti (David Lynch's favorite). Sample it here on Amazon. The recommended track is of course, the main title - one of the most haunting pieces I've heard in a while.

Picture Perfect

Most of you know of my aspiration to delve into photography, time and instinct permitting, of course. But I draw serious inspiration from the not-so-dabbling and elegantly-named Dabboo Ratnani.

You totally totally HAVE to check out his 2007 calendar on his site. Its one of the most magical pieces of works ever.

In other news, why would you name your kid Dabboo?

Now hear this! You haven't grasped inanity until you've seen My Bollywood Bride. It is beyond mere mortal comprehension as to why 'cute white guy' travels all over India to find his lost love - who, you ask? - Kashmira Shah - and yet, who, you ask? My advice to 'cute white guy'. She's lost, bro. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And at the hallmark of that inanity, is the opening credit track, *ahem*, "My Freakin' Bollywood". No, I'm serious.

In totally unrelated news, after our 4 AM lamplight vigil, Didi's response to my offer to a stick of gum at 7 AM on our way to work - "I'm too tired to chew" - now that's really tired.

Gogo-jee? .... aapka ghaghra...

The week trails on like a reluctant ghaghra. On and on again.

I had the cutest conversation with J this morning - went like this...

J: Workin'?
V: Vigorously
J: Hmm rough, innit? Ate summin'?
V: No... say ... what about 'breakfast at tiffany's'?
J: Well ... I remember the film.... and as I recall ... I think we both kinda liked it.
V: Well, that's one thing we got.

Ah, forgotten melodies. Who was that band anyway?

And remember .... Only a true South Indian can see a "Nathan Lane" billboard and go "Wow.. that says Nathan .. as in Swaminathan".

In other news, Irish fans are now burning effigies of Big Brother producers to outpour their love for Shilpa Shetty.

Hmm.

The world is truly moving in an interesting direction.

'Twas Miss Scarlett in the Conservatory with the Candlestick!

Hence was the mood all across the murder mystery weekend at the ultra-scenic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as the whodunnit unfolded at the Ragged Edge Inn. Met some really interesting and diverse people. Didn't manage to solve the murder, but its all in the game. Dabbled in civil war and pre-civil war history - the whole inns and taverns and cannons and battlefields of Gettysburg. All in all - a great B&B experience! Recommend this to everyone, especially the spa-B&B kind, throughout winter.

Pictures up soon.

In other news, it took a non-Indian company to pay tribute to him, but I'm glad someone did it. Awesome ad. A true wake-up call.

Many Lives, Many Masters

Highly recommended reading by Dr. Weiss, which highlights one of the only documented true stories of mortal reincarnation. Doesn't really make you a believer, and its definitely not Hindu religious propaganda. Its just a series of events, and potential hypotheses, and then the reader is left to extract his/her own meaning out of it.

Sometimes, the truth is eternally stranger than fiction. Book review here.

On that ominous note, off to Haunted Gettysburg. Have a great MLK weekend '07.

Cost of Iraq War: $357,000,000,000

Holy oilfields, batman! That would've bought a whole lotta chickens, wouldn't it?

A Man Apart

If anyone remembers Angoor - the Gulzar-icized Comedy of Errors - the scene where Ashok (Sanjeev Kumar) is being escorted to the bus stop at the plantation by Mastaan (random guy). And he's trying to portray to Mastaan how capable of violence he is, and he says "ek ultaa haath pade, to pata chal jaayega", followed by a "kya? .... pataaa chal jaayega". The second time around its done with a significant Utpal Dutt impersonation twang. Which is cool, cuz Utpal Dutt is Sanjeev Kumar's father in the movie, and Gulzar was trying to show that streak.

Gulzar was once known for his exquisite subtleties. Of course now, he's known for vicious inanities - talking about how wet the water is, and how green the greenery is. Ah, what mindlessness age hath wrought.

Lost City of the Incas

With Peru pushing for Machu Picchu to be nominated as another wonder of the world, it raises more interest in this amazing civilization which parallels the Indus Valley Civilization in terms of growth and adaptability.

After re-watching the Motorcycle Diaries, really makes you feel that this is one of those places where you can truly feel the power of an early civilization, and perceive centuries of development that have gone into making our planet what it is. Conversely, its surprising how a few brick walls help you understand the vagaries of our needs, and the wastefulness that technology has preached to usher in a new techno-millennium.

A civilization so distinguished. that time mercilessly extinguished.

Quite a Tall "Odor"

"New Jersey eyed as source of stench" - CNN, this morning

I resent that remark!

Anyhow, most major corps shut down and shipped employees home/to safety in fear of bio-terrorism due to the surreal stench that stalked Manhattan yesterday.

So get this. NYC, the world financial capital, shut down cuz of odor issues. If this should be a worldwide phenomenon, I don't think New Delhi should ever be working ;-) (Extremely Colonial and Sensitive Delhiites - yes all 9 million of you - I would've said Mumbai too, but ND stinks a helluva lot more. Maybe its the stench of corrupt politicism).

Back in action, back to work.

Songs to start '07 off with...

Bavari Piya Ki - (OST - Babul): Sonu croons magically through this classical track. Aadesh Srivastav is heavily influenced by Abhijeet Pohankar's Piya Bavari, but offers a significant amount of originality to this track. Worth a listen!

Javeda Zindagi (Tose Naina Laagey) - OST-Anwar : Two rather unknown singers. A rather unknown music director. Rather confusing movie trailer with people dipped in blue paint chasing each other around rocks. Awesome song though.

Ya Rabba (OST - Salaam-E-Ishq) : Either give Kailash Kher a higher octave, or let Rahat Fateh Ali Khan do this song. Brilliant composition though. Typical S-E-L.

Bolo Na (Album - Sona, Artist - Sona) : Highly addictive!! Must-listen!

Nikhil Chenappa's mix of Bhagam Bhag is legit too! ;-)

26

very few people have the privilege of celebrating their birthday across two continents :-) proud to be one of them.

return to blogdom scheduled for tomorrow.

Tower Power

Images of the new Dubai Marina - towering residential and commercial skyscrapers surrounding a yacht enclave, miles into Sheikh Zayed Road - and part of the new breed of Dubai constructions. What used to be the deserted road to Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi, is now what will be referred to as "Downtown Dubai". Over 250 new skyscrapers are being developed here.

In other news, one will be back on the 4th, instead of the 31st.Yes, yes I know, most of you said that I wouldn't be able to leave Dubai before New Years. You were right. Catch you all soon!! :-) Those celebrating NYE in NYC, live it up!

Cruisin' Dubai is always easier..



... when you have the right vehicle.

Happy New Year, folks.

Dilli ki Sardi

A few discoveries about Delhi, thought I'd share:

(1) Parallel cars on the road will try to get as ridiculously close to you as possible, just because they can. Kinda like a game. Wish the girls were like that.

(2) Talking of games, the medieval ages had jousting where knights would ride their horses towards each other. In Delhi, cars do the same, by sneaking on to the opposite side of a no-barrier road in an effort to overtake. The opposite traffic car doesn't change path, appears non-plussed that there is a car directly in its path, coming the other way. Actually, it speeds up. Both cars speed up. And merge back into their respective lanes at the last minute. And go on driving as if nothing ever happened.

(3) Traffic signals are like the Rajya Sabha - no impact whatsoever on the moving population.

(4) Gurgaon - a force to reckon with. The growth in this city is amazing. The malls, the skyscrapers and the MNCs that have made it their home.

(5) In Nai Dilli, Fog is a way of life. Its also helps the proliferation of extra-marital affairs. "Raj, who is that girl with you, where is she running, I can't see her face! Dammit!"

(6) Creditworthy: All auto rickshaws and buses in Delhi are CNG-equipped. As eco-friendly as it gets.

Back to Dubai in a few hours.

Guten Tag!

Greetings from Frankfurt. Yes, I had to do it, cuz Airport-blogging is fun (and free for T-Mobile Hotspot users - paid plug, that one)

The deutschness is almost sinking in and smelly like sauerkraut. Not to worry, am not chewing carpets just yet, although my pseudo-denial for the Holocaust is heightening. Perhaps it will substantiate while flying over erstwhile-Persia as well!

Anyway, off to sample some bitter, (its 11 AM, people). Laterz

Homeward Bound!

Leavin - See you guys in another timezone

You know how you know the world is ending?

When Himesh Reshammiya sets forth to be a hero......

in a movie .... called .... Aap Ka Suroor: The Real Luv Story.

Set to rock the Bollywood in June 2007.

Dear God.
Have Mercy.
*Sniff*,
Vishal

Trailer coming up.

Its things like this that make it all worth it in the end

The Citigroup Award for Star Newcomer and Breakthrough Performance for 2006. Supported by a generous cash prize, and Bellagio chips. The way they kept it a secret for all this while is wonderfully adorable - as is the fact that the award was the last one announced, as I was the one that put everything together for this conference. Having our Area Director acknowledge my initiatives was a plus.

I can sleep now, after 72 straight hours of work.

In other news, for all my Hyderabadi lovers out there, check out Angrez!

Climbatize

Ok. Beyond the fact that I'm actually in Vegas for work, I think that the fact that I choose to take the time to update my blog, and utilize the room internet access for WORK, is a pure sign of my eternal geekdom. Time to join the squad. Orange car, here I cometh.

In other news, is complex verbosity the pre-requisite to being a news journalist? I feel that the text of news articles is getting more and more unnecessarily contorted. Quite like the news stories themselves i guess.

sinfully yours,
vish

The Bellagio Dancing Fountains (a la Oceans 11)

Venezia

Room with a View

There's no business like show business..

.. and apparently no publicity like bad publicity.

White Christmas

Talking of Christmas collections, picked up this album while in Minnesota - Christmas Chillout by Crystal Theory. And its grown on me like stubborn algae. It blends some of the most popular christmas carols (only lyrically of course) and gives them tender electronica, lounge and jazz feels. Brilliantly produced album, especially the track, White Christmas. Got a very David Visan meets Nacho Sotomayor feel.

Am on the hunt for more by Crystal Theory.

In other news, why are they making such a big deal over De Vito drunk on The View. I think he was amazing coherent (more than when he's not so wasted ;-)

"All You Need Is Love"Performed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
"Take Me As I Am" Performed by Wyclef Jean
"Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)" Performed by Bay City Rollers
"Sweetest Goodbye" Performed by Maroon 5
"River"(Mitchell)Performed by Joni Mitchell
"Here With Me" Performed by Dido
"Rose"(Horner)From the Original Motion Picture Score "Titanic (1997)
"Like I Love You" Performed by Justin Timberlake
"Turn Me On"(Loudermilk) Performed by Norah Jones
"Songbird"(McVie)Performed by Eva Cassidy
"Smooth" Performed by Santana featuring Rob Thomas
"Wherever You Will Go" Performed by The Calling
"White Christmas"(Berlin)Performed by Otis Redding
"God Only Knows" Performed by The Beach Boys
"The Trouble With Love Is" Performed by Kelly Clarkson


What a soundtrack!!

OST - Love Actually! Great to hear especially around Christmas!

How you doin'?

10 years of 'Friends' in 90 seconds. Worthwhile watch for hardcore fans of the sitcom.

Last night's dream left me with a potent, fully-loaded question. If we were all to die, in a cataclysmic Armageddon-esque meteor-type thing, and we had to have four people (2 men and 2 women) to begin to create a gene pool again, assuming that they cross-breed like Stanley Kubrick's pet bunnies - which 4 visionaries would we choose. Its hypothetical, so dead or alive , don't matter. I'm still contemplating that one.

In other news, watch Khosla ka Ghosla. The movie is a riot! Boman Irani proves his substance yet again. I know this movie didn't get its due at the box office, but its one of the most ideal DVD-movies I've caught in a while. Especially for those who are familiar with Delhi-ites and their ludicrous Delhi-ness.

Off to sin city. Will be back (and broke) shortly.

Ooh brokeback.

Yeesh.

Perfect time to take a cruise to the Caribbean, eh?

Sales Tales

My titles are beginning to sound suspiciously like the titles of those Archie's one-pager animations. Gag Bag, Fun Run. Jeez.

Been off the radar for a while, cuz of travel and some reviews that have pervaded my life in entirety. Now that I have some time to breathe, decided to plot my return to blogdom.

What's interesting to note, are the sales tactics of vendors who distribute free copies of newspapers like New York Metro by the subway. Especially during the morning commute. The traditional lot just holler out "free paper, free Metro" and distribute it, but obviously have a lower hitrate because commuters are in such a rush to get out there. Most of these distributors are homeless New Yorkers, who have been given this task through the outreach program, and usually earn a commission off the number of papers they get out there, beyond their target.

But I couldn't help but notice the sales acumen of one of these guys. At 42nd street-Times Square, which is the busiest subway terminal in the city, there are a batch of glass doors. Obviously these doors are usually opened by commuters, and then, half-assedly, held open for the next commuter, who rushes towards the door as if you're giving him your kidney, followed by a profuse thank-you (well, unless he's a kallu woman, who'll probably walk through the door without acknowledging you. skank!). This manner of etiquette does get tiresome, as does the process of opening a glass door every morning.

What the smart sales guy does? He holds the door open, stands on the other side with a big smile on his face. Naturally, by the basic law of human etiquette, you are thankful to him for holding the door open. What does he ask for in return? Take a paper, he says. And his hit-rate is alarmingly high! But of course. Not only does he employ that tactic, but he also comes up with clever ways to convey the paper's headlines. A few days back he was caught singing, "Enron-ron-ron, En-ron-ron".

Little things that make a big difference. The guy is clearly delivering numbers that are 120% better than his closest competitor, and all 'cuz of a simple methodology.

"Genius means little more than the faculty of perceiving in an unhabitual way" - William James