Definition

Found the perfect song to define the current state of mind.

This is The Verve with Lucky Man. Take it away!

Btw - for more on The Verve, they are best remembered for Bittersweet Symphony from the OST - Cruel Intentions. Here's an ill remix of the track mixed with Jay Z's Dirt off your Shoulder. Also, Kanye West does a mean sing-along to Bittersweet Symphony.

(FYI - The original chord progression and percussion sample for Bittersweet is based off of The Andrew Oldham Orchestra's version of "The Last Time" by the Rolling Stones).

Jus one quos-chin

Remember that scene in Mukul Anand's "Hum" where Amitabh Bachchan and family pretend to be high-society folks and show up at Kader "General" Khan's place. Eventually, Kader Khan 'discovers' that Amitabh isn't the real deal when he sees a hole at the bottom of his shoe. Much abuse and disgrace ensues, followed by a song and dance, but that's besides the point.

Now I don't know about you, but wasn't it presumptuous to assume that AB was low-society because of a hole-in-his-shoe? I mean, it could have just been a bad shoe? Even then, Amitabh (urf Tiger) and clan lived in a rather upscale house in the hills - what was he doing with a torn shoe, anyway? How is it possible to believe that three alike looking kid brothers from the same dad (?) will grow up to be Amitabh, Govinda and ... Rajnikant? Some savaals that Bollywood films will never be able to give answers to.

Mega Star Rajni (*UPDATED*)

In my spare time, I subtitle hit Rajnikant movie scenes

I call this one - "Double Bagging"



Fresh off the bus ... campaign bus, that is!



Woodcutter needs some 'Axe'



"Shock Discovery at the Swamy Residence" - (3 part series)

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Make your own at BombayTV!

"We are seeing a historic hydrological event taking place with unprecedented river levels occuring. We're in uncharted territory -- this is an event beyond what anybody could even imagine". - Brian Pierce, National Weather Service in reference to the flooding in Iowa.

Sounds like something Morgan Freeman would say during a cliched press conference scene of a Hollywood disaster movie.

Truth is elaborately stranger than fiction. God bless Des Moines for what lies ahead.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Capt. Obvious @ FHM

FHM India voted Katrina Kaif as the Sexiest Woman in the World, ahead of Megan Fox, Kareena, Bipasha, etc. Duh - its about time?Granted there's a significant bias since its FHM India, I couldn't agree more vehemently. Go Kats!

So lets recap superlatives here. India has the sexiest woman in the world (Kats, as above). Also, we have the most beautiful woman in the world (Ash), a la CBS News. The Cheapest Car in the world (Tata's $2500 Nano). The World's Largest Commercial Employer (Indian Railways - 1.6 million employees).

And according to Forbes 2008, check out the list of richest men in the world:

1. Warren Buffett (US, $62bn)

2. Carlos Slim Helu & Family (Mexico, $60bn)

3. Bill Gates (US, $58mn)

4. Lakshmi Mittal (India, $45bn)

5. Mukesh Ambani (India, $43bn)

6. Anil Ambani (India, $42bn)

7. Ingvar Kamprad & Family (Sweden, $31bn)

8. K P Singh (India, $30bn)

9. Oleg Deripska (Russia, $28bn)

10. Li Ka-Shing (Hong Kong, $27bn)

So, lets get this straight. The 10 richest individuals in the world include 4 Indians and 1 Mexican - and just 2 Americans? And browns and beaners are struggling to get green cards?

Hmm.

Ode to the Squiggly Line

“Oh squiggly line in my eye fluid;

I see you there lurking on the periphery of my vision.

But when i try to look at you, you scurry away.

Are you shy, squiggly line?

Why only when i ignore you, do you return to the centre of my eye?

Oh squiggly line! It’s alright, You are forgiven.”

-Stewie Griffin

O Mealy-Mouthed Brit Enfant Terrible. You are my Wordsworth.

Butt Out, Bill

Could the invasive marketing team that created those annoying scrolling vignettes for the Bill Engvall show during Family Guy, drop dead? I mean, doesn't TBS get that publicizing a Step-By-Step type revival sitcom featuring that bearded, Blue-Collar buffoon, which is clearly scripted for screw-up, is taking away from the trance-like abilities of TBS' few remnant trump cards?

In other news, the sequel curse seems to losing steam, with Sarkar Raj. Gonna try catching this flick this week, but meanwhile, the music review's up here.

Saam. Daam. Dand. Bhed.

Its interesting to note that the central principles of what governs our business, social and political worlds of today, date back to early scriptures. The above four mono-syllables are from the Mahabharat, and the statutes for success by 'getting your work done' (applicable to war, diplomacy, business/trade, etc.)

You can get it done by influence (Saam) or by money (Daam). Or you can be murkier, and get it done by punishment/force (Dand). The last one hit me like a ton of bricks - "Bhed". By creating differences. By division.

The wicked concept of "Divide and Rule", which first helped the British conquer India in the first place, and secondly, was left behind to haunt the world of state politics in India for centuries. This age-old principle continues to ravage the world of Indian politics, as more borders are created, more states are formed, more hatred is nurtured and more differences are highlighted.

They came into the forefront while sampling the soundtrack of Sarkar Raj, where they form a pulsating background chorus. Check out the track "Subah" from SR - really mellow and dark. Reminds me a lot of "Aankhon Mein Raho" from Company - only more gloomy and less "love song"-ish. The singer (Pamela Jain - last remembered for Zindagi Hai Dua, from ARR's Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa) has a very Chitra-like voice, minus the bad Hindi pronunciation. The bass riffs and percussive loops in the background do have some influence from Sunita Rao's Paree Hoon Main. Now there's a track!

At $140 a barrel...

.. it was bound to happen.

What's your major malfunction,...?

Sameer Mishra and the audience of the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee get caught up in a curious misunderstanding. Hilarious!

Sameer went on to win the Bee, continuing the traditional 'spell' of desi kids cracking these bees. Doesn't come as a surprise at all, that there is soon going to be a South Asian Spelling Bee across the US. I'm tempted to end this post with a "spellbound"/"spellbinding"-type pun, but I'll hold myself back. I'm currently cleansing my cliche cache (say THAT 20 times fast).

Kabhi Na Kabhi To

My undying appetite for obscure (but good) music led me to chance upon the Boban Markovic Orkestar, a Serbian brass ensemble of exceptional trumpets and tubas. Given that brass is an acquired taste, and it does take a while to start to get over the jarring sound, (especially for fans of jazz who have audibly adapted to the gentler saxophone), I was introduced by a fellow musical aficionado to a certain track of theirs, that got me amusingly curious.

The track was called "Mere Yaara Dildara" (bear in mind, that BMO is a true-to-the-soil Balkan group). It was only upon listening to the track that I realized that it was a cover of A R Rahman's song of the same name, from the obscure and forgettable Priyadarshan flick Kabhi Na Kabhi (Pooja Bhatt/Anil Kapoor/Jackie Shroff).

And a rather unique cover as well, as they seemed to have sifted out the mediocre parts of the song (read: the chorus, S P Balasubramaniam's disgraceful pronunciation and Chitra's shriekage), and maintained the catchy interlude and verse into a really interesting fusion of brass and Bollywood. Bet there are all of two-and-a-half desis who have identified that this song exists. Another small sign that Bollymusic is slowly yet certainly becoming a global inspiration.

Here you go:

My Rhapsody Playlist

Coo-key

This one's about cookies. Who can resist them? Especially good, warm, soft and chewy cookies? Salivating, yet? So I tried these really awesome made-to-order, fine-baked cookies at work today. Really good stuff. Love the name of the place - Dough Ray Me. Try 'em out. (They do mail orders :-)

And in other cool cookie concepts in NYC, Insomnia Cookies just kicked off "late night home delivery" of their warm, fresh cookies, which are made onsite at their Greenwich Village location. Now that's a business idea, and a great way to kill that late night cookie craving at 3 AM.

Stewie Griffin: You didn't love me. It was my cookies! Its always been the cookies. Well, sugar, the bakery just closed. Go get your fill somewhere else, you oatmeal-raisin-loving freak!

Is it me, or is the PA music at NY Penn Station always sounded a lot like what the band played on the Titanic as it sank? Eerie.

You Can't Keep a Good N**ga Down! (Spellchecked Edition)

Obama-mania has officially made the ticket.

Finally, an end to this primary circus, as Barack Obama becomes the first-African American to clinch a major party's nomination. Now THAT is Change.

Tell them White House homies to stock up on Grape Soda. Tell the West Wing pantry to stock up on chicken.

Come Novemba, Capitol Hill's gonna go gangsta.

Your anguish sustains me

Stewie Griffin for President
2008

BabeWatch

The gorgeousness on the Yellow Book "tattoo removal" commercial caught my eye. Turns out to be model, Blanca Soto, former Miss Mexico World. Sizzle!

Mindless in Manolos

I admit that I have never been a fan of Sarah Jessica Parker, and her pointless pout. Frankly, the allure of S&TC has always been the glitz and glamour of it all. Quite like New York, it may not be the ability to party like a rockstar, but the accessibility to that ability, that makes all the difference. So when the movie's around the corner, I'm thinking - Snappy narrative decked up in Furstenberg, styled by Escada, to the backdrop of the sexiest city in the world. With script that esoterically and unabashedly oozes with Manhattan pride, dripping in sexy shock value, tailored with dialogue where designer labels are used more often than prepositions. But how are they going to cover the issue of substance? The TV show barely has enough of it, sufficient to keep your attention for 22 minutes, sans commercials. But here's a question I never thought I'd have to ask - who has ever watched S&TC for the intense emotional side of it all? Isn't that what Maury is for?

Emotionalization. This would probably be the iceberg on the route, and the most apparent, "elephant-in-the-room"-type mistake in the concept-level scripting of the movie. They deepened something that the world has come to love as shallow. For most, S&TC (the show) is a whipped-cream-laden hot-fudge sundae after a week on the South Beach diet. Its about fleeting indulgence. But when you pack it into a 2-1/2 hour "chic" flick, you don't expect to see a whiny tale of break-ups and make-ups, laden with tears, repentance and forgiveness. Unfortunately, S&TC is almost funereal (albeit well-dressed), for the most part. I mean, one of the montages actually had Auld Lang Syne in the background. Auld Lang Syne? Was this a documentary on the Irish potato famine? And the best part was that, as the end of the reel approached, I'm assuming one of the crew members (probably the SoHo intern) suddenly realized that they need to spice it back up. Everyone just magically cleans up their act and becomes happy again. The justification of the resolution is shorter than Thursday-night dresses in the MPD (a record which I always thought was tough to break).

On the show, the multi-layered vignettes of the 4 women that patch in together are absolutely key, but this is startlingly eliminated as the movie predominantly focuses on the trials and tribulations of Carrie Bradshaw, with almost apologetic diversions into the lives of the others (and significant sidelining of my boo, Charlotte. Yes, I said boo. Get over it).

Without the trademark romps around sleek Manhattan social nights (with the exception of an oh-so-obvious sponsored plug for Fashion Week), the hype around S&TC wrote a check that the movie just wasn't able to cash. Honestly, it felt more like watching an R-rated version of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, than the big-screen version of the TV show of the same name.

Pretentiousness and Promiscuity in Penthouses, Cosmopolitans in Sleek Lounges, Sexy People in Obscenely-Priced Clothes, Hot Parties in Obscenely-Priced Pads. With expectations like these, evidently built by the last few seasons, one was clearly ill-prepared for the movie's affected focus on the M-word, especially after setting the trend of being the most anti-commitment show on TV. S&TC had become many a viewer's partner-in-crime as they either fantasized about or related to facts like "everything is temporary" and "life is short". Why? Oh, why did the makers have to choose to suddenly play the "scruples and values" card on us? Its like day-traders playing long-only strategies? Its like the Gospel Channel playing on MTV After Dark? These, and many more questions, boggle one's mind while watching the disappointing travesty that is S&TC: The Movie. What should have been crisply edited and crafted as an exciting one-night stand, resulted in a long-drawn, bitter and painful relationship.

If trademark S&TC masala is what you expect on the grill, sauteed with not-so-subtle sarcasm, curb those expectations, and wait for the DVD.  And if you're a female and a big fan of the TV show, hide the chocolate cakes and your credit cards, because the post-watching depression will lead you to indulge on both.

Technorati Tags: Sex and the City,Movie Review,Carrie Bradshaw,Sarah Jessica Parker

The Suppression of Absence

Dubbed the "Telectroscope", New York's latest "Look-At-Me-I'm-Cool" exhibit is located at the Fulton Ferry Landing near Brooklyn Bridge.

The concept is centuries old - something that purportedly inspired the development of fiber optic technology - digging a tunnel under and across the Atlantic Ocean, and using a series of mirrors and lenses, simulate the working of a periscope. So that someone in London could see someone in New York, in real time. Many old wives tales claim that this tunnel was secretly built.

In true "Blair Witch"-style, the artist, Paul St George, continues to go with the hype that the Telectroscope is the completion of that very project. In reality, its a broadband live video transmission of images in London, with feeds at Tower Bridge (London) and Brooklyn Bridge (New York).

The goal? Suppression of Absence. Which to me, its sounds more like Suspension of Disbelief. I guess its a gentle reminder of how close and accessible things are today, and concepts like the Telectroscope, which may seem trivial to us today, in the era of YouTube and webcams and video-teleconferencing, was a "pipe dream" (pun intended) for people who, centuries ago, craved to be connected, globally.

Aside from all the fuss, its a typical NYC "David Blaine-ish" illusion-novelty, while I'm sure plenty of SoHo plastic bimbos would probably still dig the tunnel rumor, and spread it like its hot.

In other news, where are they now?

Technorati Tags: Telectroscope,Paul St George,Tunnel Vision

Jackson Heights

Remember Suleman Mirza and the unnamed Sardarji (Signature) who rocked Britain's Got Talent earlier this year? Guess they were able to come back with an act, that played on their strengths, and is making them a hot contender for the top prize. The act's pretty neat, but has significant potential of dying out, unless they come up with a new twist.

Needless to say, this is a big step up for desis on talent shows, from Fanjaya and Kashif "Hrithik" Memon.

Technorati Tags: Britain's Got Talent,Suleman Mirza,Bhangra,Michael Jackson,Signature

Crane-ial Issues

The city needs an immediate overhaul on its rampant construction industry. With condo-complexes and high-rises coming out of the woodwork, on an already overcrowded landscape, fatality-causing accidents like this are just unforgivable. Quite like the probe on the oil industry is going to result in the uncovering of a lot of foul play and manipulation, a deep-pronged and invasive investigation into the overtly political and unregulated real estate and construction business is long overdue.

(updated)

Windows Live Writer.

So far so good.

(upgraded to)

Loving it!

Trinity - Santana (Supernatural)


A heavenly guitar version of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's Tere Bin Nahin Lagda, by Carlos Santana and Kirk Hammett of Metallica.

Now that's what I call music.



In other news, Deep Purple's "Smoke" tops an informal but legit list of the 25 Most Infamous Guitar Riffs.

And off, again

In the words of General Berterelli (‘Allo ‘Allo), - “What a mistaka to maka”.

Does anyone know a good desktop blogging software, out there?

Rev-Ev is now..

... Rocketpost enabled!

Privyet!

Viewing the map of last week's visitors on RevEv, I realize that I need readers from Russia. The Cold War is Over, Rosnovski!

Здравствуйте!

(After a montage featuring the variegated medical conditions that John McCain has/is enduring, and the reporters still maintaining that he is in pristine medical condition, and quipping that "70 is the new 30")

Jon Stewart: ..... hmmm ..... So I guess "Dead" is the new "50"?

Spotted on the Subway


Part of the "Train of Thought" series on MTA NYC subways - a piece by the author of Charlotte's Web.

"There are roughly three New Yorks. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born there, who takes the city for granted and accepts its size, its turbulence as natural and inevitable. Second, there is the New York of the commuter - the city that is devoured by locusts each day and spat out each night. Third, there is the New York of the person who was born somewhere else and came to New York in search of something . . . Commuters give the city its tidal restlessness, natives give it solidity and continuity, but the settlers give it passion." - E.B. White (1899-1985) Here is New York

Gotta love this city!

In other news - is it me, or is Two and a Half Men getting way funnier?

Remember Jaago Zara? Yup, the track from Viva - the band of girls who won the Channel [V] hunt, who were geared to become India's answer to the Spice Girls. Well did they? Not so much. But, JZ did end up putting someone on the map - composers Salim-Suleiman.

Absolute Power

Have a strong feeling that this movie's gonna be a real live wire. Can already hear the background score going "govinda govinda govinda"...

Maane Tu Ya Maane Na

JTYJN - One of those soundtracks, folks. The ones that hook you so badly, that your IPod has them songs on repeat, over and over and over, and you still can't get enough. Love what ARR has done with this album. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is the good ol' classic, no-frills Rahman, with simplicity in his arrangements and ill chorus hooks that grip you tight. It brings back memories of Rangeela and Roja (still remember listening to Yeh Haseen Wadiyaan for the first time, and going - "daym, who is this guy?").

I haven't heard a melancholic anthem in recent times, as haunting and theatrical as "Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai". First the female version, and then the male Sukhwinder version. If heard in the right frame of mind, its capable of inspiring a lot of memories, and moving one to tears. Sheer brilliance! Complete review here.

In other news, the maladies of the current state of the investment banking universe in NYC is encapsulated brilliantly on Leveraged Sellout. Great read! Funny 'cuz its true :-)

Let's go outside

But not in a George Michael kinda way. Summertime in New York, means its time for rooftop bars and lounges to light up.

Recommended, this summer: Bookmarks @ The Library Hotel. 41st and Madison (14th Floor). Classy and non-pretentious. A great place for after-work drinks, leading up to dinner downstairs, at Madison & Vine. Phenomenal views of the midtown skyline.

"Once" upon a time

Swell Season
Marketa Irglova and John Hansard
of Once


Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, New York
Wed Sep 17, 7:00 PM

Tickets?

Be There!

Memorial Day Weekend - Soundtrack

• Jai Bhavani - DJ Cheb I Sabbah / Devotion
• Hawa Sun Hawa - Sonu-Alka/A R Rahman/OST - Ada: Way of Life
• Kabhi Kabhi Aditi Zindagi - Rashid Ali/A R Rahman/OST - Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
• Balearic Island - Chill Out Ibiza (The Balearic Edition)
• Lajjavathiye (Malayalam version) - Jessie Gift/OST 4 The People
• Don't Stop Believing - Journey
• Maari Teetri - Raja "SaReGaMa" Hasan/Vishal-Shekhar/OST-De Taali
• Beautiful - Triangle Sun/Cafe Del Mar IX
• Kahin Maut Se Bhi - Gaudi and Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan / Dub Qawwali
• Easy - Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale (feat. Norah Jones) / Breathing Under Water

Unsung



Bawri Piya Ki: A heart-rendered number by Sonu, that really didn't get its due, because it was part of a crash-landing by the B R Chopra camp, called Babul.

Although it is obvious that it takes a LOT of inspiration from Abhijit Pohankar's Piya Bawari. Right from the title, to the concept, to the music - and a significant part of the melody.

El Aura

An honest and well-crafted indie. It saddens one to know that this is the second, and the last film, of director Fabian Bielinsky, who died of a heart attack earlier this year. But if you think that The Aura is going to be anything like his last (Nine Queens), think again.

Premiered at Sundance, El Aura (trailer) is an Argentinian "film noir meets heist thriller" flick. Gloomy and dark. Ricardo Darin's character is sublime and mysterious. Although the title may make it seem like a "horror" flick, and the trailer and the stereotypical mysterious voice-over makes it seem like a "thriller/crime drama", El Aura is neither. Its comfortably pensive, understated and esoteric enough to be considered noir, and definitely requires you to be in the right frame of mind to truly enjoy Bielinsky's work. Films like El Aura are truly rare works of art.

In other news, living it up in Oyster Bay. Have a blast this MD weekend, folks.

The ultimate "long drive to nowhere" song

Craving for Simplicity

Was listening to the soundtrack of Haal-e-Dil, featuring a smorgasbord of MDs ranging from Vishal Bharadwaj to Raghav Sachar. Some of the Sonu Nigam tracks on it made me think of the simplicity of earlier times, and the musical compositions of the yesteryears.

The emphasis was on melody. There was no need for harmonies, and percussion, and parallel tracks, and 7ths, and complicated interludes, and chord changes. There was just magical simple melody. Today, music is a production. And its appreciable. Technology has advanced, and music is multi-dimensional. But, a Madan Mohan melody will remain just as timeless in the next decade. So will an "Ae Ajnabi". So will anything that's based on simple and sincere melody, that never has an expiration or renewal date. Technology, sadly, always does.

In other news, the title track of Haal-e-dil is haunting and a half. Something surreal about the way the raag works, along with the light electronica and ensembles at the back. Music by Vishal B who is brilliant in this genre, striking just the right balance between all the elements, and sung by Rahat (with background parts by Shreya). Love the raag, the rhythm and the build, and of course, Rahat's vocals. Grips you, the same way that Tanhai from Dil Chahta Hai did.

Hook, Line and Singer


David Cook - the new American Idol

Toldja. That's how its done, baby!

Why is breaking news off late never a good thing?

Why is it always devastation or death or impending doom? Why can't CNN go - "Breaking News: AIDS eradicated" or " Peace in the Middle East"? Guess that's just wishful thinking.

Next Vacation Spot: Atlantis, Paradise Island or the Isle of Capri, Italy.

The cheesiest movie that you won't be able to stop watching

P.S. I Love You. Sugary-Corn-chick-flick and all that. And to add to that, you have the intolerably butch Hillary Swank. But there's an undeniable grip that the screenplay has.

Have Mercy!

Bring it on, Cook!

Woot woot!

The guy's got spunk. The guy's got attitude. Lets face it - he's got the word "star" written all over him. And to add to it all - he's got a boatload of talent.

David Cook for Idol

Archuleta needs a few more years

After "Rock Hello" and Aerosmith, there's no doubt that its David Cook for Idol, all the way!

In other news, I LOVE BlueFly!

The Legend of Piya Bavari

Ever heard music that made you go, "Now that's what I'm talking about". Had the privilege of experiencing it live at a private listening party, entitled "The Legend of Piya Bavari", held at a desi baron's ridiculously lavish mansion in Watchung, NJ (ridiculous enough to have a private auditorium with stage/sound/lights).

The performers were Abhijit Pohankar and his father, Hindustani classical exponent, Pt. Ajay Pohankar. If you recall, the duo gave the world, one of my favorite all time tracks, "Piya Bavari", which was picked by Challe/Visan for Buddha Bar's Chillout in Paris Vol. VI. The performance also had a percussionist (drums/table/mridangam), acoustic guitars, saxophone, flute and Abhijit on the keyboards. The objective of the performance was to seamlessly blend Indian classical music with a new age world music feel, to make it more palatable to our generation.

To put it simply, it was brilliant. The concept and the conviction, and of course, the execution. After the performance, the father-son duo also gave a few of us a private unplugged session in the houses' piano room, with Abhijit on a grand Steinway. Songs like "Ka Karoon Sajni" and "Piya Bavari", along with several other thumris, were performed. Styles like qawwali and love ballads were interspersed delicately, while wholly maintaining the identity of the Indian classical foundation. In more simple words - they were not "remixing" classical music. This was not a sample alaap looping in the background, while rapsters slur on about 'getting it on tonight'. The music was truly enhancing and amplifying the principles of the song. And it is the sincerity of the attempt that makes it all the more beautiful.

The part that took my breath away - was the Begum Akhtar sequence. Its always interesting to hear a hardcore classical maestro singing a ghazal, because one would think that its almost blasphemous. But when you have such a mindblowing composition like "Ae Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya" with the legendary lyrics of Shakeel Badayuni, even maestros can make an exception. With light piano instrumentation in the background, Pt. Ajay Pohankar began this track with a little bit of another Begum Akhtar track, "Mere Humnafas Mere Humnava, Mujhe Dost Banke Daghaa Na De", which was in the same raag. And the rest was pure mesmerizing magic.

Look out for their upcoming works. This is the stuff legends are made of.

Immortal

Mere Daagh-e-Dil Se Hai Roshni,
Isi Roshni Se Hai Zindagi
Mujhe Darr Hai Ae Mere Chaaragar,
Yeh Chiraag Tu Hi Bujha Na De

Mere Humnafas Mere Humnava
Mujhe dost ban kar daghaa na de

- Shakeel Badayuni; Begum Akhtar

License to Remix

I have a bone to pick with DJs and MDs who think that everything should be remixed. Especially with this new fad of releasing two CDs of an album - one with originals, and the second with club-versions of the song. Fine, remixes of Manzar and Kajraa Re make sense - but Pehli Nazar Mein from Race? Tum Se Hi from Jab We Met? - they're pretty love songs that were never meant to be remixed. You've gotta be on some serious 'shrooms if you want to hear a techno-fied version of Pehli Nazar Mein. Argh!

In other news, the Mandarin Oriental on South Beach rocks.

Laila

The second teaser of Walt Disney/Yash Raj collab project Roadside Romeo (remember the first one with Saif?) is out, this time around with Kareena-voiced character, Laila. This one looks to have her "tashan" down right, nahin? *woof*.

Calling people with repressed Ch. 33 memories

Who remembers the show, Kidsongs? You know! The one with that opening montage of a bunch of hyperactive pre-teens taking over a decrepit radio station, and recording cheesy song videos. It used to be so revolutionary at that age, to be able to a have a music video show for your age group, before you grew into MTV/Channel [V].

In other news, how sultrily 1-900 was the voice of Doogie's girlfriend, Wanda Plenn?

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Gullible

To highlight the (for lack of a better word) stupidity of the undecided voter pool, I share this clip from one of the most intelligent social commentaries on television - Family Guy.

In this clip, Lois Griffin is running for Mayor and is advised by Brian to make small and simple statements, and the audience will lap it up. In the recent political conundrum, this clip is over-the-top but oh-so-apt.

Work Woes

Colleague of mine with a workaholic husband goes, "Damn! Its 7-o-clock already! I better get home soon, or my husband's going to run away with his laptop".

In other news - cheers Xinu, am in Boston today - and you're in Canayda. Qismat. You say goodbye, and I say hello.

mohabbat kar to le lekin, mohabbat raas aaye bhi,
dilon ko bojh lagte hain, kabhi zulfon ke saaye bhi.
hazaaron gham hain is duniyaa main, apne bhi, paraaye bhi.
mohabbat hi ka gham, tanhaa nahin .. hum kya karen.
tumhi keh do, ab, ae jaan-e-adaa, hum kya karen.
yeh dil tum bin kahin lagta nahin, hum kya karen....

- Sahir Ludhianvi, Rafi/Lata, Laxmikant Pyaarelal, Izzat (1968)

The original bass riff

Credited to John Deacon, NOT Vanilla Ice. An epic song that brought Queen and David Bowie together.

De Taali

Krishna kare to raas leela
Hum kare to character dheela?

Xinu's right.

Blackberry blogging is a pain. Even when you have a World Edition (shameless plug!). But its better than being labeled a statistic. Never!! Death before dishonor!

In other news, had the deep honor of Finding Mimoh. By which I mean, reviewing the upcoming surefire blockbuster of the millennium - Jimmy - featuring the launch of starson, Mimoh Chakraborty.

Bombay Goes Francais



A straightforward French ad for Volvic featuring the legendary Zinedine Zidane, with A R Rahman's Theme from Bombay as its background score. Sweet.

The Skyline Unfolds

The Burj Dubai At 629 m (2064 ft) in April. Already the world's tallest free-standing structure. What a monster!

Crotchgrabbing from Chandigarh


Awesome! Dance acts like these might help soothe the wounds from Sanjaya and that strange Hrithik Roshan wannabe from last year.

Newness

Checked out three new haunts last month, which are certainly cause for excitement, in a life which is otherwise turning out to be pervaded by workaholism.

(1) Gansevoort South: On a recent (unplanned and extremely short - don't yell, B) trip to the dirty South, hit up a sneak preview bash of Miami's latest and spanking new designer hotel. Modeled around the ultra-chic (and my ultra favorite) Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District in NYC (Home of Plunge), this one's brighter, sunnier and spacier and located on one of South Beach's largest private beaches. Ah, sexy.

(2) Ago, 377 Greenwich Street: Robert De Niro's latest edition to his national Italian Trattoria chain, opened its doors last month in NYC, at his own Greenwich hotel. After LA, Vegas and Miami Beach, its great to see Ago come home to where it belongs. The food is phenomenal, and an absolute epicurean delight! Highly recommended for lovers of Il Food Italia - err, however that's said.

(3) Bowery Wine Company: NY hangouts have started to become divided into three types - the tourist magnets, which are highly avoidable. The pretentious crowd-type, which are even more avoidable. And finally, the unpretentious, untarnished variety. These are usually shortlived, because once the pretentious crowd finds out that there's a new spot that they can corrupt with their faux-Hamptons stories - game's over. BWC is one such untarnished spot, opened in April - and a must-visit for lovers of the grape. Chic and sexy crowd, phenomenal wine selection. A great place to chill, that's bringing The Bowery back.

Tune-age

Bringing this baby back from the early '00s. Abhijeet at his best. Rahman at his usual.

Manhattan Lounge?

Try Mumbai Home.

Yup, its Monsieur Anil-bhai Ambani's new planned hacienda - Antilla - in downtown Mumbai.

Poised to be the world's first "billion dollar home".
Check it out.

In other news, the recession in the US continues.

Its not always rainbows and butterflies, its compromise

I realize that what I loved most about Juno, was how everyone was justified. The emotional, sensitive wannabe-mother who wanted a child more than anything. The jingle-composer who couldn't deal with graduating to a father, and letting go of his youth/rock dreams. The stepmom trying to fit in. The protective dad. The cheerleader best friend who dug older men. And of course, Juno, who threaded all of these elements together - living her life, one disorderly episode at a time, with an attitude of sarcastic maturity bordering on arrogance. But guess what? You can't blame her.

Highly recommend: Lars and the Real Girl.

In other news, moving beyond the opinion of the Cambridge-based newly eyeglassed lyric-maker, I am not statistically inclined. At least I don't have blogger-diarrhoea. Touche, Xe!

Yours Truly, Mystic Statistic

Not true, Xinu-meister. While busy with work, travel and website updates which are still in the pipeline, I was merely plotting my next big ominous blog post (i.e. this one). Am also mourning Billary's win in PA. Here's to higher taxes, a sucky economy, and overall political tolerance that fluctuates every 28 days.

In other news, if you haven't yet heard it yet, go sample Classically Mild (detailed review here).

Daym!

Masala-fy your lives!

Doses of glamor, glitz and fashion. Topped off with Bollywood. Snazzed up with the latest happenings in Dubai. That's Masala for you! New and online at masala.com.

Ahem, and those of you who want to keep up with tunes and albums from the des - don't miss out their music reviews. I've heard that they're written by someone who really knows his stuff. :-)

Hehe! If you like what you read, pass the word on, wouldya?

More like this, Bollywood

Why aren't more movies like this made? From the team that brought you the 'laugh till you drop' Bheja Fry, Mithya is absolutely awesome, in the wierdest kind of way. Its Don peppered with Satya, seasoned with Whole 9/10 Yards. Only difference is that the implant is sent by a rival gang, not the cops.

A darkly funny gangster movie. An interesting genre which I haven't seen experimented with too much, in Bollywood. It has all the cliches. The angry gangster lord. The gorgeous gun moll. The innocent bystander who gets sucked in. And the laughs are not typical - they're strategically placed all across the movie.

But what's awesome about Mithya is the fact that they finally got the dark comedy right. The ending is very noir and very nicely done. The second half does have its weak moments. Its by no means anything close to a perfect movie - but its so refreshing to see Bollywood throw us these googlies in the midst of the rom-coms and action movies that we get used to.

Makes one want to look the industry in the eye and say, "More like this, Bollywood"

In other news, try dialling 1-877-IDOL-AID on a Blackberry. None of RIM's phones have alphabets over their numbers. Add to the growing list of my phone peeves. Hmph!

Kite Runner: The Movie

There's understated socio-moral commentary that runs parallel to this film. There are so many potential take-aways that one could have after watching "The Kite Runner", because every visual has popped out into reality. When you read Hosseini's book, you are able to selectively extract every ounce of meaning that you "want" to concentrate on based on your perception. The backdrop of war, and torn lives that it results in. The injuries of lost innocence, that sustain a lifetime. Friendships that last beyond time, without actual contact.

But the essential element of The Kite Runner is the undisputed and internal battle between good and bad, within your soul. And hence the film's tagline, "There's a way to be good again".

There's not much that can be said about a film/book which were as genuine and touching as this one. Even if the viewer is unaware of the intricacies of the Hazara/Afghan communities, the movie is able to provide a clear and unbiased viewpoint - which all can perceive easily. The second half of the film is truly heartwarming, especially the last scene where Amir runs the kite for Sohrab, the way Sohrab's father used to.

What is creditable is that The Kite Runner is able to say so much, without talking. To teach so much, without preaching. To express so much, without overt display.

Its more about what's understated in this film, than what is shown on screen.

Memorable Turbulence

There's something sublime about an electric blue train cutting through the beige scenery of India. Darjeeling Limited may not be the most profound film you'll ever see, but then again, none of Wes Anderson's films (Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums) have ever had any form of deep philosophy - but what you can expect is one hell of a ride into his peculiarly funny world - a ride which you won't forget for quite a while.

Where Wes Anderson has sustained himself par excellence is in terms of creating his own characteristic visuals, cinematography and fashion, and as expected, D. Limited is like one long, gorgeous extension of Wes Anderson's "My Life My Card" American Express ad. Unlike most directors who shoot in exotic locales, Wes doesn't capitalize entirely on Indian scenery, but uses it as a mere backdrop and enhances upon it, with his comic book and almost-painted and animated visuals. Each character, no matter how inconsequential to the story (Bill Murray, Kumar Pallana), is sharply etched. His timely techniques grow on you after a while, as do the movie's color palette and the eclectic costumes and accessories (Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs).

Owen Wilson (and his pointless pout) and Adrien Brody perform well, although the script and story itself are adequate to bind your attention. Anjelica Huston is awesome in her short cameo.

The comedy is dry and wry, unique and situational, at the edge of being absolutely eccentric. Silence is a character of its own in this movie, as is the simple sarcasm. Its like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, with less acid and an Indian backdrop. While the movie pokes fun at the stereotypical American belief that one will find "salvation and spirituality" in India, it underscores brilliantly, especially through the usage of sub-characters like Sweet Lime, that at the end of the day, everyone has their own problems.

Note to Desis - do not watch this movie as someone who knows "India" - as its meant to be a visitation. Please don't go ga-ga over irreverent facts (Ooh! Look, its Irrfan Khan) as that is besides the point of the film. India and its lifestyle are both conveyed ever so gently in a movie that uses them as a foundation and builds upon them - a definite first, and its worth repeating.

But to truly love Darjeeling Limited is to love Wes Anderson's way of making movies, because I almost feel that one day we will find a way to link them all together. The way his camera roves. The way his scenes cut. The way he uses the same cliches in every film (the cigarette-smoking woman, drug/medicinal abuse, a constant color in every scene - blue in this case) and creates ironies. You can distinctly tell within a couple of frames that its him behind the wheel (like the BBDO/AT&T commercials which he created, where characters remain constant, and backdrops change).

I love the last scene that traverses different characters in each compartment of the train. Also creditable that he dedicated the film to his inspiration that led him to India in the first place, the legendary Satyajit Ray. While it may not be his best work, DL is a highly enjoyable film by a brilliant filmmaker.

.... apna apna?


Heard about this from one of our luxury sector IB analysts. Hyatt's been comparatively hush-hush about their new line, Hyatt Andaz. With one out in London, and the next batch expected for Midtown and Wall Street soon, and a few in Dubai by 2009, of course. Funky name! and their website's even more mysterious.

What a day!

India's Tata Motors buys Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford

First, the world's cheapest car and then, the other side of the spectrum as well. Is this the end of the British car industry, and the hyperlaunch of India's global appearance in this marketplace? Phenomenal.

Looking forward to this one.

After 2 trips to Vegas and several more to Atlantic City in the last year, I'm all Blackjacked out. But something about this movie looks cool - the whole MIT team mystique, Kevin Spacey, Lawrence Fishburne, the Oceans 11 glossy look, etc. - 21 better not suck!

In other news, beyond being a spam-magnet, what's the point of Names Database anyway?

3.2 Bedrock (Ambient Mix) by Humate

An awesome light electronica-ambient track from Cafe Del Mar. For fans of this genre, you'll notice the delicate build of pads and ensembles. Its a very patient track, which takes its time - very Jon Sa Trincha. This genre has seen its ups and downs - and been blended with techno and trance - but its nice to see it make a delicate comeback with tracks like these. Listen to this on full-on-surround - either home theater or headphones. Definitely not PC speakers, please.



In other news, encourage everyone to read Edward Luce's "In Spite of the Gods" - its an interesting take on India's resurgence.

Bhaag Daud

Oye Race Haters! I get your point. My two cents. Its ok to like a brain-dead movie once in a while cuz a whole lot depends on the timing and phase in which you watch a movie. I happened to watch Race after watching hard-core depressants like Ang Lee's Lust, Caution and re-watching There Will Be Blood, because I'm mentally masochistic like that. Hence, all the standard Abbas/Mustan schtick (a la Aitraaz, Ajnabee and Humraaz) and the lack of plot intensity coupled with lack of plot, seemed kinda breath-of-fresh-air-ish. Taking away my movie reviewing license? Now isn't that a bit much? :-( (Furthermore, who made you the authority anyway? Down with establishment!)

In other news, isn't Ramiele Malubay the cutest Filipino ever? Gotta admit that this year's American Idol crop is rather good looking, and talented. Without the Malakars and hoopla - its about serious performance, this time, making it fun to watch - when Family Guy's not on, of course. In Simon's words "more of a talent show, and less of a popularity contest".

Check it out! Check it out! David Cook's slowed-down blues/grunge performance of MJ's Billie Jean just blew me away (this rare arrangement was originally conceived and performed by Audioslave's Chris Cornell, last year). Its going to be the first video that I buy on ITunes because that performance was an absolute inspiration. Its evident. This dude has what it takes to be Idol.

Well Shuffled

One of my favorite Sunday evening, end of weekend activities is leaving my Nano on shuffle, on my JBL On Stage II (shameless plug) while I read and detox with some OJ and YoPlait (yes I'm strange like that). And it does have the ability to surprise me with some tracks once in a while, which I haven't heard in a while.

One such overlooked track surprised me today, which caused me to stop and listen. A beautiful piano theme; really well phased with thought-provoking movements and chord progressions. I almost thought it was classical, until I noticed some trademark Indian notations, and just had to check to figure out which song it was.

It was Ishaan's Theme from Taare Zameen Par. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have traditionally been brilliant with musical themes (remember the ones in Dil Chahta Hai?) that set the mood of the film. This is one such gem.

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA

Teri Deewani

Wow, young Aamer Hameez took this song to the next level! A magical rendition of one of the most brilliant Kailash Kher songs out there. Especially the additional movements that Aamer added on his own (notice the way Sonu catches and responds to it)

And try and ignore the rather annoying Shashi Kapoor lookalike whom the camera guy apparently has a thing for.

Harmonization

I don't know how many of you caught it, but in the Sonu Nigam track, Deewane Hoke Hum Milne Lage Sanam, from his album, Jaan, there's this killer off-harmony that he does when the verse comes back into the chorus.

Its phenomenal because its so unexpected, both in terms of arrangement and placement. I finally figured out the notes that he used (check out the vocal sample below) and its challenging - both to compose and to sing.

Race-ism

The Economic Times review says it best - "Abbas-Mustaan" is past the "who-done-it" phase, and now make movies in the genre of "why-done-it". Such is Race - their latest stylish visual delight.

One thing that has to be said about Race. The movie has style. Dripping oozing sizzling p'zazz. This is the old school Abbas Mustaan going Dhoom II. The plot is over the top, just like every James Bond/Mission Impossible flick out there.

Now folks, every movie doesn't have to be a dramatic masterpiece. The thrill of going to the movies at times is about being "visually entertained". There is no suspension of disbelief in Race - but there are hot cars, hot babes and a sinewy plot that does keep you sufficiently hooked. And, that too, in classic A-M style. Now many could come out of the theater and do their whole "it-was-difficult-to-believe" dance. I say, daym n**ga, you got the best cars money can buy, awesome songs (esp. the title track and that new Raghav-like song, Sexy Lady), a 'fruity' comedy track by Anil Kapoor, funky stunts. a crazy twisted plot - Katrina AND Bipasha both looking smokin' - I'm entertained, buddy. Call me simple, I guess.

What I like best about the men-in-white's movies, is that every character and every dialogue has a purpose, which is revealed at a later time. If at any point in the movie, you hear something that may seem like it was a bit off, rest assured that it will soon come back to haunt.

But the cake was taken by the First Day First Show-watching, desi simpleton being interviewed on AVS on what he thought of Race ... he sincerely said, and i quote ... "it was funtastic movie. Movie had many suspences. Not one! It had three, four .. FIVE suspences".

Ah, Abbas-Mustaan. Jacks of many suspences.

Pritam ... aan milo

This is just regretful. The guy's so talented and still has to resort to lifting tunes a la the Bappis and Anus of B'wood. This is the original of one of my favorite tracks of recent times, and its rather heartbreaking to see Pritam take the accolades for someone else's hardwork, and not share any of the credit.



Btw - this expose is courtesy Vishesh, who has a more detailed splash of Pritam's copycatting antics on his blog.

Slow Poison

That's what this track is. Grows on you, slowly and infectiously and surely. "Dheere Dheere" from the soundtrack of the new Rahul Bose/Minissha Lamba (hotness!) army flick, Shaurya.

The music's Adnan Sami. Its pretty much in the same house as every other Adnan Sami track, right from Kabhi to Nazar to Bheege Bheege - in terms of tune and raag. But its awesomely simple.

Although its a Sami/Chauhan duet, the song belongs to Sunidhi. The song features her calmer and sweeter voice, vis-a-vis the raunchy/naughty side. I've always pictured her to have a split personality. When you hear her sing Beedi from Omkara, and then Kehta hai mann kabhi from Chameli - back to back - its almost impossible to picture that its the same person. Brilliant stuff though!

Current Consumption on long rides

A few forgotten nice ones:

Sakhi Piya (OST - Khoya Khoya Chand)
Your Woman (White Town) - "blast from the past", no?
Is Pal (OST - Aaja Nachle)

Mobile blogging is back!! And it is here to stay! Mind it.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

In typical Pepsi-India style

Dead cheesy, but cute!

Seen in SFO


Pizza Orgasmica
The Original Sin
P.S. We never fake it!


In other news, its 70 degrees out here and I don't wanna go home.

FYI World

Falling Slowly" is the new anthem of my life, supported by "The Hill". Just thought I'd let you all know.

In other news, currently consuming "Classically Mild", the new semi-classical meets Indi-pop world album by Sonu Nigam. Requires a slightly challenging change of ear, because it’s a rather unique sound. Review upcoming.

Falling Slowly - All Rise!

Daym! Nailed them predictions, didn't I? Best Director, Best Film, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Had totally pictured Cate Blanchette winning for Supp. Actress, but Swinton bagged that one. But still - 5 out of 6!

• Jon Stewart was so much more confident and poised, this time around. He's truly filling Billy Crystal's shoes.
• Sheer hotness - Marion Cotillard!
  
• Diavlo (Juno) winning Original Screenplay - nice!
• Ratatouille bagging Best Animated Feature - tres bien!
  
• But without doubt - Best Original Song, everyone! All rise! Hansard/Irglova - you are both rockstars!
  

With stiff competition from Oscar legends like Alan Menken in one of the most intense categories, coupled with all that controversy about eligibility, Once emerged victorious. This goes to prove the immense power of honest heartfelt music. What a moving performance, and what a genuine and sincere award speech! Jon bringing Marketa back to complete hers was the sweetest thing ever!

Those who still haven't any of the following - Juno, Once, No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood and La Vie En Rose - please do!

Note from the Desi Oscars

Looking through the reports of the 53rd Filmfare Awards this year.

First of all, please examine the above selection of pictures that Indiatimes decides to put up to sum up the awards gala. There's Akshay with the misplaced heartache. What's with Shah Rukh and Saif in those bath towels and face masks??? These two have taken their gay/effeminate innuendo that they started off in KHNH too damn far. Kinda like a bunch of kids who've discovered something that their parents won't yell at them about. And Rishi Daddy looks like he's trying to hold a belligerent Ranbir down before he punches someone out - most probably Bhansali. So it looks like it was a semi-nude, raunchy and almost violent night. Fun! Sounds like last night's dream gone wrong. Dear God - why can't we have a classy awards show, made for television? Even the shadowed Indie Spirit Awards (which Juno swept) emerge with more eliteness.

But well, to give the black statuette her due, most of the actual awards were fairly attributed, with the exception of 3 glaring misfits (outlined further below), in order of increasing wrongness. Taare picked up Best Film and Story, and Aamir bagged Director (doubt he attended though). TZP's Darsheel Safary got a highly deserved critic's nod. Rahman won best music for Guru, Prasoon Joshi for his penmanship of Maa in Taare. Life in a Metro bagged the bridesmaids awards (supporting actor/actress) for Irrfan Khan and Konkona - well deserved again. Fresh new faces - Ranbir and Deepika. On the money, so far.

Questionable? Shah Rukh winning for Chak De India. One of his co-nominees was Abhishek for Guru. Fine, this is a slightly questionable turf. But although Guru had some issues with characterization and screenplay - Abhishek's performance was rock solid within those constraints. Shah Rukh's character was flawless, and so was his performance. But the question here is, the Actor's award is for performance, not for screenplay. And by sheer performance value - I would have to say that Abhishek's Gurukant Desai was miles ahead of Shah Rukh's Kabir Khan.

Shocking? Kareena picked up Best Actress for Jab We Met. Great performance by Kareena, but in the face of Vidya Balan in Bhool Bhulaiyyaa, which from what I've heard was one of the most challenging roles of the year. Bear in mind that BB was a remake of 1993 Malayalam classic Manichitrathaazu (try saying that after 4 Patrons), in which Shobhana's performance bagged her a National Award. So not too sure how that one went down.

Downright Abysmal!!! Shaan winning Best Playback Singer for Jab Se Tere Naina (Saawariya). Versus Sonu's heart rendered Main Agar Kahoon (OSO). Say what? Say WHAT? Jab Se was, first of all, a deflated composition. Had all the air sucked out of it. The song had the flair of a flat can of diet soda, and negative hummability. Basically, it was made for Shaan - who adds his smiley voice to such compositions and makes them slightly listenable. Main Agar Kahoon was the anti-thesis of this. Brilliant composition, immensely well sung, hugely popular. Now that, people, is just plain wrong.

In other news, check out this awesome Sonu track from Kannada film, Mungaru Male. What a voice!

Back and Psyched!

Rooting beyond belief for "Falling Slowly" (OST - Once) for Best Original Song - one of the most beautiful melancholic ballads of the year. Seeing this one performed live at the Oscars is going to be a MOMENT!

In other news, Hyderabad's epic Paradise Biryani now in New Jersey. Woo hoo - anyone been? So many memories of "double masala chicken biryani" and "bottle coke" (coke in a glass bottle tastes way zingier than can/recyclable bottle coke, trust me - its a desi thing) at 4 AM, postgaming, at Paradise Circle. And if you're ambitious, top it off with Double-ka-meetha. Or even early morning Irani Chai, on the way to the airport. It had its own lingo, even. If you wanted Irani chai to go at Paradise while you're on the move, you had to say "ek chalti phirti chai, jaldi". To which you'd get a busy 'hau, miyaan', in response. Hehe. Good times!

Oscar Predictions 2008

My '07 Prediction Score: 5 on 5 (see post here)

My '06 Prediction Score: 4 on 5 (was pleasantly shocked about Crash, see post here)

Not bad, no? Hopefully I should be back in time to catch the Oscars live, but here go my predictions.

As always, there's that eternal battle about who I think should and who I think will. But, having sampled most of the Oscar grub up for grabs this year, here goes:

Best Picture/Director: No Country for Old Men. Dark, disturbing and effortlessly beautiful. Judging by the Academy's history with dark movies, this should clearly bag it, without too much competition.

Best Actor: Hands down! Daniel Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood. Sadly, this is only the second Day Lewis movie I've seen, in nearly 19 years. And he won an Oscar for the last one - My Left Foot, back in 1989. A prolific actor, and a brilliant performance.

My Supporting vote goes to Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men.

Best Actress: Yes, yes, I know. A lot of people think this one should go to Ellen Page for Juno. Purely for complexity of character, and an effortless performance. She lived the role, we loved her in it. But will she win? I strongly doubt it. Even though Juno is the only happy movie of the lot of significantly "feel-bad" movies, this year. But the Oscars has almost always been about seasoned performance a pointe. The SAGs and Golden Globes may go for encouragement of new talent, but the Academy has been fairly regular about picking pedigree/experience over debuts. Therefore, I'm going to have to go with Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose). From what I hear, she could likely be upset by Julie Christie, but I haven't seen Away From Her, so cannot comment.

Supporting should likely be Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There), but could be upset by Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton). My vote's with Cate, cuz she's awesome. And it would be regretful if she swings out of both her historic nominations this year.

Rock out, Stewart!

Only in NYC

This is one of the most awesome stunts ever! Quirky creative stuff like this is the reason I love New York so much.