Back to blogging!
So, here I am racking my non existant brain thinking, what should I write about, what should I write about, when the topic literally floats through my head.
So, me racking my brains does not necessarily mean that I have devoted my entire concentration mediating it. Rather it means that, in between fits of distraction, I make my mind wander through the fog that is the 'issue in question', whatever that may be.
The process of mediating leads me to the path breaking conclusion that when the fog lifts, my mind will still be blank! Aah, I can see a few smirks, freeze it right there. My thought process might look exactly like my expression at many a time- absolutely vacant, but yet, at many of these moments, my mind is experiencing a euphoric sensation of wonder contemplating a strain of melody. So my dear friends I take a decision to write about something that has become innate in me- Music.
Many a time, we all think that such and such a thing is an extension of our personality. In my case, its a part of it. From as far back as I can remember, I have always quenched a part of my creative thirst in the sea of music. This, however, does not necessarily mean that I understood the opportunities to further my musical journey. As a kid, I repelled efforts on the parts of my elders to hone my musical sense. While I rejected organized musical teaching, I tried to grasp whatever I could. The result is a passion for music that is deep seated.
Coming to think of it, music is one of the things in my life I have displayed contstant commitment towards and its something I seek to better with every passing day. I dont think I have displayed an abiding interest to anything else in my life, at least not to the extent to which it is evident in my music. Doesn't say much for me, but then it is an inescaable fact. So without any further ado, let me list some of my favourite songs. Oh C'mon!If you've gotten this far, you can read a bit more!!!!
My Top 10, in no particular order
Ilaya Nila- Payanangal Mudivathillai, hits the spot anytime!
Jadoo Teri Nazar- Darr, love the lyrics
Kadhalin Deepam- Thambi Ku Endha Ooru, One of the most romantic songs ever!
Valaiosai- Satya- SPB, Ilayaraja, Kamal, need I say more?;)
Ithadil Kadhai- Unnal Mudiyum Thambi- Ditto;)
Poonguyil- Nammavar- ditto;), I think I have a one track mind!!!!!hahaha
Ninukori- Agni Natchatiram- Picks me up everytime!
Thottal Poo Malarum- New, evergreen always
Like a Prayer- Madonna, Amazing voice, amazing song!
Last Christmas- Wham, one of the most beautiful songs!!!
There are tons more I can add to this list, but this space is just not enough!!!!!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Hmm,which one are you?
Witnessing our team's 'wonderful' performance in the world cup and observing the barrage of brickbats thereafter, has set me thinking about this phenomenon that I will call the 'taking fanaticism to ludicrous lengths' phenomenon.
I must admit, I was totally shocked at the performance and lapsed into depression the day after myself, but never once did I think of undertaking the sort of character assassination that I have seen undertaken by all and sundry who pose to be 'critics' and worse, responsible media, a term I think is fast losing credibility in this country. So I decided to pen down the various prototypes of fans I have observed. I'm sure there are many many more... Anyway, here goes:
1) I will die for the game-
I mean this literally!Needs no exlanation. I'm shocked at the value given to human life.
2) I will vary between volcanic extremes-
India has won????!!!! yippee yaay, best team in the world, bengal tiger, karnataka lion, mumbai cheetah all walk the earth like a colossus in my estimation. India has lost- banish the team! Throw them into the depths of the pacific! The 'system' has to be changed.
3) Iam a fan of the game-
The result does not matter, its the game that does. Sagely wisdom about the state of the pitch or that little extra bounce that made all the difference bursts forth in a sort of dignified fury.
4) I knew the team would lose-
Good for nothing, paper tigers, arm chair critic par excellence, but not so offensive. A resigned sort of pessimism rules. I dont know why we bother to watch this godforsaken game and yet (in an aside all to myself), next time India is on TV, I'll watch from the tarot card forecast and of course criticize everyhting from the batsman/bowler ratio in the side, to that chap fielding at mid-on who seems to be lacking that 'fire in his belly' and moves as if a 100 pound weight has been chained onto his foot. Will I secretly pray for that victory?!of course!!!!!!
5) I'm the superstitious one par excellence-
Oh god,lets have a private deal-let India win, no I'm sorry, India has to win, I mean its fated right?!!! Its written in the stars, These are our demi gods, our superhero's. The must slay the enemy.
6) I'm the cool dude-
Hey chill yaar, its just a game, win some lose some. Is it so surprising, its our beloved Indian team after all. Hehehee, meanwhile, I will go to office and create those forwards or wait for those forwards that so usefully make my company's coffer jingle and jangle!
As for me, I fall between 3,4 and 6 with a bit of 5 thrown in depending on the situation. Its difficult to typecast to the nth degree, these are like sunsigns I guess, just basic patterns of behaviour.
My aim here was not to offend anyone or to defend myself, but just to share some of my observations, with which you may or may not agree. The only thing that I would like to reitrate here again and again is give those poor boys a break, they are our own and if we dont support them who will?
I must admit, I was totally shocked at the performance and lapsed into depression the day after myself, but never once did I think of undertaking the sort of character assassination that I have seen undertaken by all and sundry who pose to be 'critics' and worse, responsible media, a term I think is fast losing credibility in this country. So I decided to pen down the various prototypes of fans I have observed. I'm sure there are many many more... Anyway, here goes:
1) I will die for the game-
I mean this literally!Needs no exlanation. I'm shocked at the value given to human life.
2) I will vary between volcanic extremes-
India has won????!!!! yippee yaay, best team in the world, bengal tiger, karnataka lion, mumbai cheetah all walk the earth like a colossus in my estimation. India has lost- banish the team! Throw them into the depths of the pacific! The 'system' has to be changed.
3) Iam a fan of the game-
The result does not matter, its the game that does. Sagely wisdom about the state of the pitch or that little extra bounce that made all the difference bursts forth in a sort of dignified fury.
4) I knew the team would lose-
Good for nothing, paper tigers, arm chair critic par excellence, but not so offensive. A resigned sort of pessimism rules. I dont know why we bother to watch this godforsaken game and yet (in an aside all to myself), next time India is on TV, I'll watch from the tarot card forecast and of course criticize everyhting from the batsman/bowler ratio in the side, to that chap fielding at mid-on who seems to be lacking that 'fire in his belly' and moves as if a 100 pound weight has been chained onto his foot. Will I secretly pray for that victory?!of course!!!!!!
5) I'm the superstitious one par excellence-
Oh god,lets have a private deal-let India win, no I'm sorry, India has to win, I mean its fated right?!!! Its written in the stars, These are our demi gods, our superhero's. The must slay the enemy.
6) I'm the cool dude-
Hey chill yaar, its just a game, win some lose some. Is it so surprising, its our beloved Indian team after all. Hehehee, meanwhile, I will go to office and create those forwards or wait for those forwards that so usefully make my company's coffer jingle and jangle!
As for me, I fall between 3,4 and 6 with a bit of 5 thrown in depending on the situation. Its difficult to typecast to the nth degree, these are like sunsigns I guess, just basic patterns of behaviour.
My aim here was not to offend anyone or to defend myself, but just to share some of my observations, with which you may or may not agree. The only thing that I would like to reitrate here again and again is give those poor boys a break, they are our own and if we dont support them who will?
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Jaldi se Alvida Kehna!
Karan Johar movies generally remind me of spot jogging- you can get up take a walk and come back after an hour and yet, the movie would not have progressed. Let me make a disclaimer here- I realy like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and in comparison with kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, it seems like Black!!
The concept is not bad, its the execution that I found very shallow, to say the least. Not even one of the characters in the story looked even remotely realistic. Each was jarringly unreal.
The director has tried to represent each charactar just like any other normal day to day person, but then again, the gloss just overpowers everything else. Its the glitz, the background music, the costumes, the makeup, the locales that occupy centre stage. The charectars, though larger than life, are hardly well etched.
Take Abhishek and Rani for instance. How many times have we seen that poor li'l spoilt rich kid routine? Oh, I'm so spoilt, I have the maturity level of a 2 year old kid, but yet I will mouth earth shattering dialogues in the middle of the night.
Then there is the new age career woman, who has a high flying career and is very secure about whom she is, and yet will say "I had to become the man in this house!"
Finally, there is the role of the Pariarch who apparently misses his wife by hanging out with PYT's and suddenly does a volte face and talks about Indian culture.
Another aspect of the movie that fascinated me was how there was no chemistry at all between shahrukh and preity at all or even a sense of remorse as to how the relationship had deteriorated.
All in all, its a different theme that has been taken through every cliche in the book. Whats new?
The concept is not bad, its the execution that I found very shallow, to say the least. Not even one of the characters in the story looked even remotely realistic. Each was jarringly unreal.
The director has tried to represent each charactar just like any other normal day to day person, but then again, the gloss just overpowers everything else. Its the glitz, the background music, the costumes, the makeup, the locales that occupy centre stage. The charectars, though larger than life, are hardly well etched.
Take Abhishek and Rani for instance. How many times have we seen that poor li'l spoilt rich kid routine? Oh, I'm so spoilt, I have the maturity level of a 2 year old kid, but yet I will mouth earth shattering dialogues in the middle of the night.
Then there is the new age career woman, who has a high flying career and is very secure about whom she is, and yet will say "I had to become the man in this house!"
Finally, there is the role of the Pariarch who apparently misses his wife by hanging out with PYT's and suddenly does a volte face and talks about Indian culture.
Another aspect of the movie that fascinated me was how there was no chemistry at all between shahrukh and preity at all or even a sense of remorse as to how the relationship had deteriorated.
All in all, its a different theme that has been taken through every cliche in the book. Whats new?
Saturday, February 3, 2007
6 weird stuff about me...
hmm, are there only 6?=)) Here goes:
1) I have this utterly irritating habit( only to myself ofcourse) of virtually analyzing everything as I say it, like some second person sitting on top of my head, makes me lack sponteniety many a time.
2) I can be extremely lethargic to the point of not being able to lift my little finger and what makes it worse is the fact that I feel as if something is dying inside my brain because of the inactivity, but yet, I will not try and occupy myself!This is something I have been struggling with myself with from a looong loong time...
3) I have a strange relationship with the TV- if it is off, I won't turn it on, if it is on, I somehow act captivated by it, no matter what nonsense is playing and cannot turn it off!
4)I forget stuff that might have happened a day before, but will remember in intricate detail some weird little thing that happened eons ago, which no one else will be able to recollect.
5) Innocuos things that I may see and not really notice during the day will play a central role in my dreams when I sleep!!!
6)I'm atrocious about keeping in touch with people to the point of being non sociable but for no reason at all!and ironically if someone actually gets in touch with me, I can talk for hours on end without feeling any strain or restraint, but will lapse into being nonsociable almost immediately thereafter!
hmm, are there only 6?=)) Here goes:
1) I have this utterly irritating habit( only to myself ofcourse) of virtually analyzing everything as I say it, like some second person sitting on top of my head, makes me lack sponteniety many a time.
2) I can be extremely lethargic to the point of not being able to lift my little finger and what makes it worse is the fact that I feel as if something is dying inside my brain because of the inactivity, but yet, I will not try and occupy myself!This is something I have been struggling with myself with from a looong loong time...
3) I have a strange relationship with the TV- if it is off, I won't turn it on, if it is on, I somehow act captivated by it, no matter what nonsense is playing and cannot turn it off!
4)I forget stuff that might have happened a day before, but will remember in intricate detail some weird little thing that happened eons ago, which no one else will be able to recollect.
5) Innocuos things that I may see and not really notice during the day will play a central role in my dreams when I sleep!!!
6)I'm atrocious about keeping in touch with people to the point of being non sociable but for no reason at all!and ironically if someone actually gets in touch with me, I can talk for hours on end without feeling any strain or restraint, but will lapse into being nonsociable almost immediately thereafter!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Federar
What was it that converted me from a nonchalant observor into a believer? I beleive it was that magical backhand flick he made on the run, with an arrogance with which one swats a fly. Roddick had not done anything wrong- except that he had the gall to try and produce a winner against the emperor himself!
In that one second, I was transported into a transcendental world where mere mortals are but dots in a collective consciousness that only the great master could comprehend.
Do I sound like a bumbling idiot?I guess Federar makes fools of not only his opponents!I'm usually a big supporter of the under-dog in any situation. I'm not particularly sure of why this is so. Some of it definitely has to do with supporting the Indian cricket team since the cradle, but a persistant larger reason is non existant!Federar though, has a dramatic effect on me- I want him to crush all his opponents!Perhaps I am able to comprehend that his talent has a divine quality attatched to it. When Federar plays, there is no run of the mill 15,30, 40 game- its a work of art.I beleive Federar's game is a hand crafted work of art that has the capacity to transport the viewer into a parallel universe where each backhand, each forehand and each drop volley is created not so much to titilate, as to reaffirm that indeed this is how these shots are played in universe Federar.
Matches with opponents, therefore become less of competition and more of a master class. This brings me to another interesting observation I made. His opponents look less like challengers and more like imposters, who are trying desprately to usurp Federar from his rightful position at the zenith. Many come with a false bravado(Roddick) but walk away with their tails tucked in between their legs. Many certainly produce some superlative shots(Gonzalez), but the result is inevitably the same.
Are there no other talented players in the field?Certainly not.Men's tennis is peppered with talented players and exciting youngsters, but Federar edges out the opposition with his mental toughness and his unbeleivably high level of anticipation. I wish to make a distinction here between anticipation and general quickness.There are and there have been many players who have scampered around the court tirelessly, staying in the point for that extra shot and sometimes winning because of their persistance(Chang and Sanchez-Vicario). Federar, most often than not is off the block like a rocket, anticipates the opponents shot and reaches in enough time to create a comfort zone for himself, from which he can dictate the point, be it running the opponent around from the baseline itself or creating a strong opening to come in and finish off the point. And then again, when he is in a spot of bother he produces a magical lob or a breathtaking pass on the dead run that leaves you panting for more.
Why won't I love this guy I ask myself? The sport of tennis has seen many kings, but seldom an emperor who has ruled with such auhority as to stamp out the identity of the other players(almost, except Nadal of course).Yet, will he conquer the dusty red clay of Roland Garros and truly prove himself to be a celestial being?I'm waiting for May!!!!
In that one second, I was transported into a transcendental world where mere mortals are but dots in a collective consciousness that only the great master could comprehend.
Do I sound like a bumbling idiot?I guess Federar makes fools of not only his opponents!I'm usually a big supporter of the under-dog in any situation. I'm not particularly sure of why this is so. Some of it definitely has to do with supporting the Indian cricket team since the cradle, but a persistant larger reason is non existant!Federar though, has a dramatic effect on me- I want him to crush all his opponents!Perhaps I am able to comprehend that his talent has a divine quality attatched to it. When Federar plays, there is no run of the mill 15,30, 40 game- its a work of art.I beleive Federar's game is a hand crafted work of art that has the capacity to transport the viewer into a parallel universe where each backhand, each forehand and each drop volley is created not so much to titilate, as to reaffirm that indeed this is how these shots are played in universe Federar.
Matches with opponents, therefore become less of competition and more of a master class. This brings me to another interesting observation I made. His opponents look less like challengers and more like imposters, who are trying desprately to usurp Federar from his rightful position at the zenith. Many come with a false bravado(Roddick) but walk away with their tails tucked in between their legs. Many certainly produce some superlative shots(Gonzalez), but the result is inevitably the same.
Are there no other talented players in the field?Certainly not.Men's tennis is peppered with talented players and exciting youngsters, but Federar edges out the opposition with his mental toughness and his unbeleivably high level of anticipation. I wish to make a distinction here between anticipation and general quickness.There are and there have been many players who have scampered around the court tirelessly, staying in the point for that extra shot and sometimes winning because of their persistance(Chang and Sanchez-Vicario). Federar, most often than not is off the block like a rocket, anticipates the opponents shot and reaches in enough time to create a comfort zone for himself, from which he can dictate the point, be it running the opponent around from the baseline itself or creating a strong opening to come in and finish off the point. And then again, when he is in a spot of bother he produces a magical lob or a breathtaking pass on the dead run that leaves you panting for more.
Why won't I love this guy I ask myself? The sport of tennis has seen many kings, but seldom an emperor who has ruled with such auhority as to stamp out the identity of the other players(almost, except Nadal of course).Yet, will he conquer the dusty red clay of Roland Garros and truly prove himself to be a celestial being?I'm waiting for May!!!!
Tagging along:)
Ah! my very first entry, and even though I'm 'tagging' behind someone, its a start. Beginning of something great?! wishful thinking I hear you say. That's fine- gives me the luxury to act 'miss-understood'...ok, ok I'll stop!!!
1. Were you named after anyone?
Not That I know of:)
.2. Do you wish on stars?
shooting stars yes.
3. When did you last cry?
I cry whenever I get angry.
4. Do you like your handwriting?
yup!
5. What is your favourite meat?
No meat, no mean for me!
6. What is your most embarrassing CD on your shelf?
How can one have an embarassing CD?!
7. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you?
Interesting!yup, I guess so.
8.Are you a daredevil?
nope.
9. How do you release anger?
I dont have one single method-part go wild, part scream, part throw a tantrum, part sulk.
10. Where is your second home?
Milwaukee,Wisconsin:)
.11. Do you trust others easily?
Paradoxical, because I behave like I do, when I actually don't!
12. What was your favourite toy as a child?
My big fat white teddy-I still love him!
13. What class in school/college do you think is totally useless?
Academically lots, for sheer entertainment value none :p.
14. Do you use sarcasm a lot?
I give as good as I get.
15. Have you ever been in a mosh pit?
Dunno what it means.
16.What do you look for in a guy/gal?
Approachability and the lack of 'I know-it-all attitude'.
.17. Would you bungee jump?
Easy from far,far from easy!so I really can't comment on this one.
18. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
99% of the time-NO!
19.what's your favourite ice cream?
chocolate here, chocolate, chocolate everywhere!!!!!!
.20. What are your favourite colors?
Prefer red, black and white, but doesn't mean I dont like blue, green, yellow, orange, mauve, purple and everyhting in between and outside!!!!
21. What are your least favourite things?
Changes according to the mood and depends on the object of my angst at that given time.
22. How many people do you have a crush on right now?
I dont keep count:P
.23. Who do you miss most right now?
All my wonderful pals in the US and my grandpa!
.24. What are you listening to right now?
Some nonsensical song from a Sneha movie I don't recognize.
.25. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
depends on my mood- right now something dark
26. What is the weather like right now?
Pretty pleasant.
.27. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Preeti, my friend.
28. The "first" thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Nose, hair and eyes.
29. Do you like the person who sent you this?
I don't answer trick questions:p
30. How are you today?
pretty happy with life in general.
.31. Favourite non alcoholic drink?
Any fresh juice.
32. Favourite alcoholic drink?
RUM!!!!!!
33. Natural hair colour?
Light brown.
34. Eye colour?
Light brown
35. Wear contacts?
Nope.
36. Siblings?
Elder bro
.37. Favourite month?
October!
.38.Favourite food?
South Indian veggie- almost anything!
.39. Favourite day of the year?
Oct 30
.40. Have you ever been too shy to ask someone out?
Not applicable
.41. Scary movies or happy endings?
Mostly happy endings
.42. Summer or winter?
Summer in the US, winter in Madras:)
.43. Holi or Diwali?
Diwali.
44. Do you like your name?
Yup!
45. What book/magazine are you reading?
Filmfare
.46. What's on your mouse pad?
Some weird design I don't understand
.47. What did you watch on TV last night?
last bit of the aussie-NZ one dayer-awesome match!
48. Favourite Smell?
Powder and Oil of Olay
49. Have you ever regretted breaking up with someone?
Never been in a relationship.
50. Most tiresome thing you’ve ever experienced/done?
The 6 months I spent at home looking for a job- mentally tiring, and energy sapping, made me a mere shadow of myself!
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