Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Monday, July 09, 2007
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
What is wrong with this statement?
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In the place where Dreams Come True, more than 1,000 immigrants from dozens of countries will realize their dream of becoming United States citizens during a Naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. The ceremony will be presided over by Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Emilio Gonzalez.
Emilio ..... Gonzales???? Head of the ... (gulp) ... USCIS??? Boy, can you imagine the pressure on this muchacho?
In other news ... people, saw Angelina Jolie on The Daily Show. It is illegal to be this unbearably beautiful, phenomenally talented and piercingly brilliant! Talk about a coup. She IS beauty and brains .. she absolutely defines it. I quote Jon Stewart - "Can the burqah contain your hotness?"
Song of the Moment: Bol Na Halke Halke (OST - Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Mahalaxmi Iyer, Music: Shankar/Ehsaan/Loy) - Rahat's songs in Hindi films just get better and better - especially 'cause he adds so much of his own element to the song, musically and vocally. Each one of his songs, right from Paap and Kalyug, to Omkara and Namastey London, has been a brilliant balance of catchiness through a hook melody, and some great singing.
Tracked a killer mix of the Bacardi Mojito song, the song from that ad that just makes you wanna grind some mint, and sip a cold one. (No, its not a song. The loop was produced specifically for the commercial, and is referred to as 'The Muddle'). Check out the original, here, and the remix, here.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In the place where Dreams Come True, more than 1,000 immigrants from dozens of countries will realize their dream of becoming United States citizens during a Naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. The ceremony will be presided over by Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Emilio Gonzalez.
Emilio ..... Gonzales???? Head of the ... (gulp) ... USCIS??? Boy, can you imagine the pressure on this muchacho?
In other news ... people, saw Angelina Jolie on The Daily Show. It is illegal to be this unbearably beautiful, phenomenally talented and piercingly brilliant! Talk about a coup. She IS beauty and brains .. she absolutely defines it. I quote Jon Stewart - "Can the burqah contain your hotness?"
Song of the Moment: Bol Na Halke Halke (OST - Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Mahalaxmi Iyer, Music: Shankar/Ehsaan/Loy) - Rahat's songs in Hindi films just get better and better - especially 'cause he adds so much of his own element to the song, musically and vocally. Each one of his songs, right from Paap and Kalyug, to Omkara and Namastey London, has been a brilliant balance of catchiness through a hook melody, and some great singing.
Tracked a killer mix of the Bacardi Mojito song, the song from that ad that just makes you wanna grind some mint, and sip a cold one. (No, its not a song. The loop was produced specifically for the commercial, and is referred to as 'The Muddle'). Check out the original, here, and the remix, here.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Purposefully Obfuscatory
... in an effort to not just boggle the mind, but simulate a dream-like fantasy, and in the process, tell a story. There was S. Dali for the world of art. There's D. Lynch for the world of motion pictures. Just watched "Lost Highway", and am rediscovering the world of disconnected film-making, and starting to appreciate it a lot more than when I discovered Mulholland.
These films are so much more raw, and before this realm was commercialized and prettily packaged by films like Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Nay, I wouldn't really refer to it as the same realm even.
BTW, I've discovered that watching Mulholland, Doors and Lost Highway back-to-back over three days is very crystal-meth. I see colors. And there are ninjas on the lawn trying to kill us all. And I'm using words like "Nay!". What am I? a horse? Jeez.
In other news, I'm hitting up the Accomplice adventure, this weekend. I even got my anonymous phone call, giving me the location of the secret rendezvous point. Ooh! International mystery and intrigue, here I come.
... in an effort to not just boggle the mind, but simulate a dream-like fantasy, and in the process, tell a story. There was S. Dali for the world of art. There's D. Lynch for the world of motion pictures. Just watched "Lost Highway", and am rediscovering the world of disconnected film-making, and starting to appreciate it a lot more than when I discovered Mulholland.
These films are so much more raw, and before this realm was commercialized and prettily packaged by films like Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Nay, I wouldn't really refer to it as the same realm even.
BTW, I've discovered that watching Mulholland, Doors and Lost Highway back-to-back over three days is very crystal-meth. I see colors. And there are ninjas on the lawn trying to kill us all. And I'm using words like "Nay!". What am I? a horse? Jeez.
In other news, I'm hitting up the Accomplice adventure, this weekend. I even got my anonymous phone call, giving me the location of the secret rendezvous point. Ooh! International mystery and intrigue, here I come.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
We couldn't get much higher To portray a bohemian, Atlas Drugged, fallen prima-donna like Jim Morrison is far from elementary. To do it well is difficult. But, to do it realistically AND convincingly, is exemplary.
New respect for Val Kilmer, as I'm still trying to figure out how this 1991 Oliver Stone flick, The Doors, got past me. Its so challenging to portray the world, as seen through the eyes of a supercoked-up phenomenon like Morrison. A delicate but effective performance by Meg Ryan, in an extremely out-of-character role for her.
You can see the humble beginnings of Stone's Dali-esque visual tactics, which he used unabashedly in Natural Born Killers. While it tells the true tale of one of Rock & Roll's greatest legends, it also makes one think about the people we idolize. Morrisson, Cobain, Hendrix - all around the age of 27 when they died, under mysterious circumstances, all attaining pedestals of fame which are near-mythical. And, because of their reckless, devil-may-care attitudes and lifestyles, we have the modern correlated triumvirate of sex, drugs and rock & roll.
Regardless of whether Morrison was idolworthy or not, this movie does not preach that his lifestyle was wrong, or whether his end justified his turbulent lifestyle and habits. In an alternative template, it makes you feel that Morrison lived his life, completely, the way he wanted to, the only way he knew how, and, from the chilling and abrupt final scene, - almost, opening the door of death when he wanted to, when he knew his time had come.
Song of the moment: Riders on the Storm (The Doors)
Work Blogging is Back!
Yes! Finally! I knew they couldn't keep it up for longer! Blogger is back in the workplace. See, its one thing to blog. Its a completely other thing to get paid to do it :-)
In other news, here's the AFI's "top 100 movies of all time" list. I've got only 32 down :-( Netflix, here I cometh!
And its finally, summer in New York! Which means Summerstage, Shakespeare in the Park, Movies in Bryant Park, and tonnes of such events that make NYC the place to be! (Of course, throwing projectiles at the not-so-pressed-for-time cretins waiting in line, through rain and shine, for the IPhone at the Apple store is particularly engaging. Its JUST an overpriced device, mineons!)
Yes! Finally! I knew they couldn't keep it up for longer! Blogger is back in the workplace. See, its one thing to blog. Its a completely other thing to get paid to do it :-)
In other news, here's the AFI's "top 100 movies of all time" list. I've got only 32 down :-( Netflix, here I cometh!
And its finally, summer in New York! Which means Summerstage, Shakespeare in the Park, Movies in Bryant Park, and tonnes of such events that make NYC the place to be! (Of course, throwing projectiles at the not-so-pressed-for-time cretins waiting in line, through rain and shine, for the IPhone at the Apple store is particularly engaging. Its JUST an overpriced device, mineons!)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Amanat Ali from Dubai
Spotted this guy on SaReGaMaPa Challenge 2007, a show that has degenerated infinitely in format since the golden Sonu Nigam days. But, its singers like him and performances like this one that bring life back into the show. Seriously - what a performance! As Vishal Dadlani put it - "pure singing" and simply "mindblowing". Right from his song selection (Yeh Hausla - Dor) to his effortless rendition of a really vocally-challenging song - this guy is really inspiring.
Spotted this guy on SaReGaMaPa Challenge 2007, a show that has degenerated infinitely in format since the golden Sonu Nigam days. But, its singers like him and performances like this one that bring life back into the show. Seriously - what a performance! As Vishal Dadlani put it - "pure singing" and simply "mindblowing". Right from his song selection (Yeh Hausla - Dor) to his effortless rendition of a really vocally-challenging song - this guy is really inspiring.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Mar ke kaise jeete hain, is duniya ko batlaane,
Tere laal chale hain, maaye, ab teri laaj bachaane..
If patriotism were packaged into a song, this would be it. A challenging composition, and an even more challenging song to sing. I gave it a shot, with a simple string ensemble background. Updated in the music section of my website. Check it out (recommended listening: on a pair of good surround headphones).
Tere laal chale hain, maaye, ab teri laaj bachaane..
If patriotism were packaged into a song, this would be it. A challenging composition, and an even more challenging song to sing. I gave it a shot, with a simple string ensemble background. Updated in the music section of my website. Check it out (recommended listening: on a pair of good surround headphones).
Monday, June 18, 2007
Dream
Enchanting. Completely short of words to describe the "3rd Dimension Tour" performance of A R Rahman in New York, at the packed Nassau Coliseum (14,400 people).
More respect for the Yamaha Tyros, which formed his central musicstation for the evening. What a piece of work!
Rahman's show packaging was lethal, with a great line-up of supporting artists and musicians. I feel that after much experimentation, Rahman's musical troupe has arrived and truly give a complete musical experience. Yes, there's a lot of pre-recorded tracks, but they are supported significantly by live musicians, percussion and vocalists, under the able tutelage of Rahman and conductor, K Sridhar. Watching him at soundcheck was an experience, as it was amazing to see how his team was in absolute awe and respect for this genius. A simple few words from him, were enough to motivate everyone to try harder, and do better. Each time they'd try something new, they'd look to him to see if they've impressed him sufficiently. Sometimes, he'd just continue to stare at his keyboard, sometimes he'd look back and let out a subtle smile. I bet that smile meant more to them than a National Award - acknowledgement from a true musical exponent.
Among the best performances of the night were Sukhwinder's Chaiyya Chaiyya which was one of the most comprehensive performances, as he blended it seamlessly with Thaiyya Thaiyya. The other would have to be Ramta Jogi - a song that one almost forgets when one thinks about the amazing soundtrack of Taal. But in live performances, one realizes how many intricacies of the song were painstakingly brought together to create it - the blowing sound in the beginning, the water splash sound in the background, the way the bass kicks in late and gives the song energy, the brass set in the middle - all in all, it can easily be one of the most unconventional songs ever in Indian music. No parallels. Quite like many of Rahman's other hits. Some of his Tamil songs, including Thee Thee, and the Sivaji tracks (especially Sahara and Vaji Vaji, which had a unique chord progression when performed live), were awesome as well.
One of the most energetic performers of the night was Rahman's new protege, 
Naresh Iyer (inset), who sang many of the Rang De Basanti songs, including one of my favorites, Roo-ba-roo. With longer hair on stage, he looked so much like Sanjaya Malakar, that it was almost scary.
Naresh Iyer (inset), who sang many of the Rang De Basanti songs, including one of my favorites, Roo-ba-roo. With longer hair on stage, he looked so much like Sanjaya Malakar, that it was almost scary.You start to love a lot of Rahman's songs once you hear them live. Like the Ghanan ghanan track from Water (not Lagaan). The energy involved in the live performance makes you completely fall in love with the rise and fall of the santoor and the interplay with the vocals which make this song lethal. The "Kesariya Balma" solo by the Rajasthani folk singer was really powerful as well.
Sivamani - no words for this man. He's a revelation.
What amazes me is that, if actually considered, Rahman doesn't have a strong stage presence. He doesn't interact too much with the audience, he's really shy, he's always so deeply engrossed in his own world while singing, he speaks barely a few words to the audience. One would think that these factors would go to turn people off. But yet the love and adulation when he comes up to sing, is epic. Rahman solos, Dil Se and Vande Mataram, were the clear winners of the night.
Rahman's fans and true aficionados are unlike any other cult in the world. They either love his music for the energy, the way it makes them feel or the intricacies which make him eras ahead of his time. They recognize his songs right from the opening chord. They love him to death. We've all seen singers and musicians fall with simply a few bad tours, or unpopular soundtracks. Even in musical attempts which seem to be a little lack-lustre or unlike his usual work, his fans find appeal in the subtle bits of genius that emerge in all of his songs, and even make excuses for him ("he was too engrossed in his broadway and west-end work, that's why this seems a little out-of-character for him"). And it will take neither hell nor high water to prevent them from coming together for a performance of his - as is clear from his 12 sold-out shows across the US.
I don't think any other artist in Indian history, has actually had this much international love and appreciation. Is it his sincerity? His simplicity? His genius? His sheer love for his art that emerges in everything he does?
Perhaps its all of it put together. Which makes him who he is.
Legendary.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
What I don't get...
When people say "congratulation" instead of "congratulations". What .. do I not deserve more ... is there a shortage ... or has your country imposed an embargo on best wishes?
People walking around with the bluetooth earpiece. I mean, how crucial is the mere potential of a call, that you require an annoying blue-blinky-blink in your ear all the time? Do you even realize that it doesn't even look like you're important, but more like you're impaired?
Best Airplane Read: Frederick Forsythe's No Comebacks - intricate short webs spun by an ever-so-brilliant story teller.
And my incomparable quote of the week - spoken by the one and only Ms "I-Can't-Believe-How-Much-I-Love-Chicago", at our recent intriguing encounter, over wine and over-herbed tzatziki dip at an unpronouncable sports bar at the O'Hare Hilton. "I'm so sickeningly educated" - How subtle, no?
When people say "congratulation" instead of "congratulations". What .. do I not deserve more ... is there a shortage ... or has your country imposed an embargo on best wishes?
People walking around with the bluetooth earpiece. I mean, how crucial is the mere potential of a call, that you require an annoying blue-blinky-blink in your ear all the time? Do you even realize that it doesn't even look like you're important, but more like you're impaired?
Best Airplane Read: Frederick Forsythe's No Comebacks - intricate short webs spun by an ever-so-brilliant story teller.
And my incomparable quote of the week - spoken by the one and only Ms "I-Can't-Believe-How-Much-I-Love-Chicago", at our recent intriguing encounter, over wine and over-herbed tzatziki dip at an unpronouncable sports bar at the O'Hare Hilton. "I'm so sickeningly educated" - How subtle, no?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Getting Some California Love....
Lovin' the weather. Livin' it up in SFO!
In other news, I think I've grown accustomed enough to the NY/NJ crowd to classify. Not judging, but there are a few generalizations in the species.
Manhattan Desis: Work in the Financial District/Midtown or creative artists, Live on the UWS or Chelsea, Mostly ABCDs, Grocery Shop at Gristedes, Party around Bowery, Constantly on the prowl for new brunch spots on Sunday mornings, Don't believe there is a need to leave the island for any reason, Don't own a car, Rent a minimalistic apartment ('cuz its cheaper, but pass it off as artistic), Experts at working the subway system, Walk at the speed of light, even when there's no reason to, Can expertly pair Ferragamo separates with Brooks Brothers accessories, Shop exclusively at premium outlets and occasionally, on Fifth Avenue, Mentally divide hangout places into After Work, Late Night, Must-go and Too Desi 4 Me, Actively facebook with a wide NYC network of friends. Constantly living abhorrently over their means, Don't feel that a savings account is their style, or that a word called retirement will ever affect them.
Only reason they venture out into Jersey: Ikea
Only reason they venture out into Queens: Desi food crave day - Jackson Diner
New York City Pride: Immense!
Wardrobe color: Black, black and more black.
Conversation Points: Party spots, Who's-sleeping-with-whom, Random hookups, or other random stuff that starts with the line .. "ok last night I was so wasted....."
Ask a ManhattanDesi where to go, and they'll say: Take the Z down to 17th, switch to the Q and its 3 stops.
Jersey Desis: Work in the Financial District/Midtown, Began life in Jersey by measuring their distance from NYC as justifiable, but slowly blended into suburbia, Grocery Shop at at all those places which have the word 'Shop' in them, Party at home, Constantly on the prowl for Costco deals, Own a home with more bedrooms than people - and center their life on its maintenance, Experts at maneuvring the turnpike, Shop at designer-second warehouses and Macys (only on sale), Occasionally 'trek' to NYC, Own 2 cars, lease another 4, Have a constant-repeat, limited circle of friends, have block and potluck parties with said friends. Constantly living abhorrently within their means, Have a savings account and plan for retirement.
Only reason they venture out into NYC: To party like New Yorkers, and wrap it up by 1 AM 'cuz they have the gardeners coming the next morning.
Wardrobe Color: Exotic, and almost hawaiian at times.
Jersey Pride: What's Jersey Pride? Is it a new home improvement store?
Conversation points: Bollywood, Immigration, Gas prices, Rising rates of homeowners insurance/tax, The latest killer discount deal at Costco and Traffic.
Ask a JerseyDesi where to go and they'll say: Take 195 to the 452, go 4 miles to I-55, exit 66.
Lovin' the weather. Livin' it up in SFO!
In other news, I think I've grown accustomed enough to the NY/NJ crowd to classify. Not judging, but there are a few generalizations in the species.
Manhattan Desis: Work in the Financial District/Midtown or creative artists, Live on the UWS or Chelsea, Mostly ABCDs, Grocery Shop at Gristedes, Party around Bowery, Constantly on the prowl for new brunch spots on Sunday mornings, Don't believe there is a need to leave the island for any reason, Don't own a car, Rent a minimalistic apartment ('cuz its cheaper, but pass it off as artistic), Experts at working the subway system, Walk at the speed of light, even when there's no reason to, Can expertly pair Ferragamo separates with Brooks Brothers accessories, Shop exclusively at premium outlets and occasionally, on Fifth Avenue, Mentally divide hangout places into After Work, Late Night, Must-go and Too Desi 4 Me, Actively facebook with a wide NYC network of friends. Constantly living abhorrently over their means, Don't feel that a savings account is their style, or that a word called retirement will ever affect them.
Only reason they venture out into Jersey: Ikea
Only reason they venture out into Queens: Desi food crave day - Jackson Diner
New York City Pride: Immense!
Wardrobe color: Black, black and more black.
Conversation Points: Party spots, Who's-sleeping-with-whom, Random hookups, or other random stuff that starts with the line .. "ok last night I was so wasted....."
Ask a ManhattanDesi where to go, and they'll say: Take the Z down to 17th, switch to the Q and its 3 stops.
Jersey Desis: Work in the Financial District/Midtown, Began life in Jersey by measuring their distance from NYC as justifiable, but slowly blended into suburbia, Grocery Shop at at all those places which have the word 'Shop' in them, Party at home, Constantly on the prowl for Costco deals, Own a home with more bedrooms than people - and center their life on its maintenance, Experts at maneuvring the turnpike, Shop at designer-second warehouses and Macys (only on sale), Occasionally 'trek' to NYC, Own 2 cars, lease another 4, Have a constant-repeat, limited circle of friends, have block and potluck parties with said friends. Constantly living abhorrently within their means, Have a savings account and plan for retirement.
Only reason they venture out into NYC: To party like New Yorkers, and wrap it up by 1 AM 'cuz they have the gardeners coming the next morning.
Wardrobe Color: Exotic, and almost hawaiian at times.
Jersey Pride: What's Jersey Pride? Is it a new home improvement store?
Conversation points: Bollywood, Immigration, Gas prices, Rising rates of homeowners insurance/tax, The latest killer discount deal at Costco and Traffic.
Ask a JerseyDesi where to go and they'll say: Take 195 to the 452, go 4 miles to I-55, exit 66.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Unusual for WSJ
I've never seen the Wall Street Journal cartoons make references to socio-political no-nos like caste, religion, etc. Then this cartoon popped up, and made me think that people out here still have a very limited world-view.
No, this joke isn't funny. I'm not dissing the fact that its an India-referenced joke - I'm the first one to laugh at brown jokes. In fact, I make a lot of them as well. I completely understand the reference, and I even understand the thought process of the writer - but I don't think I understand what kind of a point he's trying to make, or even what the humor angle of the joke is. In addition, and most importantly, I feel the cartoon highlights a very limited understanding of social India - and almost reminds me of something a a couple of bully-type kids would snigger about, when a nerd walks by - picking on an attribute that they don't completely perceive at all.
Deriving humor out of non-comprehension is not something I expected from institutions of the repute of WSJ/NYT, etc.
In other news, fun weekend coming up. Hitting up the Sonu/Asha/Kunal/Kailash makes it all the more enticing. concert at the Trump Taj in Atlantic City. Been a while since I hit up the desi event scene - I've tried to stay away as much as possible over the last year. But this concert sounds inviting - especially Sonu's performance, which is always legendary. And of course, trekking up to big bad Atlantic City. Don't miss me too much - shall be back in the spin of the roulette wheel.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Song of the Week-end
Aakhri Alvida - Strings (OST - Shootout at Lokhandwala) - pleasantly mellow and rising.
Its so Coldplay. Its just so Coldplay.
And to add to it, Anwar Maqsood's words are truly heart-rendered. Best I've heard in a while. Here's a sample:
Sab yaad hai, jo bandhe the bandhan
Kaajal bhi diya haathon mein kangan,
Mehki rehti thi mehndi,
Gaata rehta tha saawan,
In yaadon ko saapno mein rehne do,
yeh Aakhri Alvida na ho…
Is dard ko dil mein, dil mein rehne do,
Jo khauf hai ankho mein, ankhon se kehne do,
Dukh ki nadi, chup chap behne do,
Jo kehna hai tum dheere se kehdo,
Yeh Aakhri Alvida na ho
Beautifully penned.
Aakhri Alvida - Strings (OST - Shootout at Lokhandwala) - pleasantly mellow and rising.
Its so Coldplay. Its just so Coldplay.
And to add to it, Anwar Maqsood's words are truly heart-rendered. Best I've heard in a while. Here's a sample:
Sab yaad hai, jo bandhe the bandhan
Kaajal bhi diya haathon mein kangan,
Mehki rehti thi mehndi,
Gaata rehta tha saawan,
In yaadon ko saapno mein rehne do,
yeh Aakhri Alvida na ho…
Is dard ko dil mein, dil mein rehne do,
Jo khauf hai ankho mein, ankhon se kehne do,
Dukh ki nadi, chup chap behne do,
Jo kehna hai tum dheere se kehdo,
Yeh Aakhri Alvida na ho
Beautifully penned.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Cultural Self-Enhancement...
... this weekend, at MoMA. Loved the Andy Warhol exhibits.
followed by 230 Fifth - one of the most spectacular rooftop lounges in the city! Check out the view (for even more awesome views, check out the updated Top of the Rock posting)
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Let's Get It Done!
In case you're wondering about my temporary hiatus from regular blogdom, this is what I've been up to. Its been such a gargantuan task for the last few months, that we've needed to haul up all our marketing/strategy resources (especially since a large part of them got chucked during the C-Armageddon). But now that its through and launched, and a good, strong Saketini is the order of the weekend.
FYI - The order of last weekend was dodging Abhiwarya mourning. Crap! Say it ain't so :-(
Speak easy!
In case you're wondering about my temporary hiatus from regular blogdom, this is what I've been up to. Its been such a gargantuan task for the last few months, that we've needed to haul up all our marketing/strategy resources (especially since a large part of them got chucked during the C-Armageddon). But now that its through and launched, and a good, strong Saketini is the order of the weekend.
FYI - The order of last weekend was dodging Abhiwarya mourning. Crap! Say it ain't so :-(
Speak easy!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Top of the Rock!
By far, the world's most spectacular skyline. What a city! Tourists can now beat the 2 hour wait in lines at the Empire State, by checking out this beaut - 69th floor of the Rockefeller Center (affectionately called The Rock).
*UPDATED* Went back again a few days later ... check out the morning views.
By far, the world's most spectacular skyline. What a city! Tourists can now beat the 2 hour wait in lines at the Empire State, by checking out this beaut - 69th floor of the Rockefeller Center (affectionately called The Rock).
*UPDATED* Went back again a few days later ... check out the morning views.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Spellbound ... again!
Remember this? Guess they figured out their folly, and changed it. Spotted on the E train:
Monday, April 30, 2007
Dard mein bhi yeh lab muskuraa jaate hain,
Beete lamhein humein jab yaad aate hain
Heard this song on repeat, at least 50 times, while driving to New York over the weekend. Its brilliant, as is Mausam.
I'm a total proponent of the "sample-it-on-Raaga/MusicIndiaOnline/Smashits and-if-you-like-it-buy-it" philosophy. The last 3 Hindi music CDs that I've picked up have been phenomenal:
(1) Bas Ek Pal
(2) Life in a .... Metro
(3) The Train
Beete lamhein humein jab yaad aate hain
Heard this song on repeat, at least 50 times, while driving to New York over the weekend. Its brilliant, as is Mausam.
I'm a total proponent of the "sample-it-on-Raaga/MusicIndiaOnline/Smashits and-if-you-like-it-buy-it" philosophy. The last 3 Hindi music CDs that I've picked up have been phenomenal:
(1) Bas Ek Pal
(2) Life in a .... Metro
(3) The Train
Sunday, April 29, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Suit YourselfPicked 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.
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.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
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!
Friday, April 20, 2007
RelaxiTaxiPart 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
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
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!
(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.
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.
Friday, April 13, 2007
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".
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".
Thursday, April 12, 2007
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".
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".
Monday, April 09, 2007
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.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
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
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.
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.
Friday, April 06, 2007
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!
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!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
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!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
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 :-)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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.
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!
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.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
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!
.. 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!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
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!
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
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!
- 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.
"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!
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!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Visual PoetryThat'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.
Friday, February 16, 2007
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!"
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
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!
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!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
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 #%$^&*@?<>
Foodles were first used by comic book and animated book writers back in the 1960s along with the invention of censorship. Little boys around the world spent countless non-productive hours trying to find the code hidden deep within the foodles, trying to decipher the exciting 'Holy Grail' that would supposedly project them into post-puberty.Unfortunately, there really was nothing to the foodles, although certain children were rather certain that they saw Jesus, while some claimed that if they stared at it cross-eyed, while levitating and maintaining a strict diet of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia for a month, you would see
Just VOUD it!
Foodles (n., usually plural): Defined as serious of symbols (usually of Font, Wingdings) used to simulate cuss words. As in, I think Paresh is a #%$^&*@?<>
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.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
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*)
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.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007
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
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?
This won't be taken lightly, people
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.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
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!
...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!
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