Oscar fever is taking over bird flu...till the results are let out on March 5th. While I dont exactly agree with all the choices that have made it to the nomination list.. I am really dissapointed that most of these movies have not yet been released in India. Take alook at some of the nominations we coud'nt treat our eyes with so far:
Brokeback Mountain( For Best Film)
Good Night and good Luck ( For Best Film/Lead Actor)
Munich ( For Best Film)
Hustle & Flow ( For Best Lead actor)
Syriana (For Best Supporting Lead actor)
North Country ( For Best Lead Actress)
It is a fact that more and more Hollywood movies have been releasing almost simultaneously in this part of the world, which.once upon a time could happen only in your dreams. However towards the end of the calendar year, local distributors choose to wait for the oscar nominations for releasing movies that make headlines. An " Oscar Nomination" obviosly earns the movie a brownie point and helps draw more crowds especially away from Bollywood movies, which is a not an easy proposition at all times.
I'm eagerly waiting for the release of "Munich" (everybody's raving about Eric Bana's tremendous performance) and "North Country"( for Charlize Theron and Sean Bean, of course!)
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Consecretion or Desecration ???
Out of the blue, I decided to pay a vist (and my respects) to a Devi temple consectrated last week by a well-known Seer of national stature . Many, like me, was thronging to get a glimpse of the deity of the all-powerful-goddess but was utterly shocked and even outraged to see the closed doors of the temple. It was around 5.00pm and it is supposed to be "peak hours" for these places of worship. On persistent questioning , one of the priests gave away something he couldnt keep long " The Seer who consecrated the temple is actually (resting) within the temple"..
Why would a Seer of national fame seek accommodation in a temple and commit sacrilege..Can the sanctity of the sanctum-sanctorum be put at stake ? Why not stay in the endless condominiums/mutts/dorms etc. that were bustling in the same precinct ?
These days all these sadhu-sants are under tremendous media scan..Many of them are fighting chargesheets, court cases and even uprsings from the Commies...What better place to hide from the eyes of the spies than within the temple?? safe from spycams, media and the public.. But one thing is for sure...You can never hide from GOD(literally!)..can you?
I had to wait long barefooted on the floors scorching under the afternoon heat till the Seer emerged out of the temple ...in the company of a troubled famed politician seeking his blessings for rejuvinating his sagging career!
Holding temple at ransom? I really felt sorry FOR GOD's SAKE, for once!
All's well that ends well..
Why would a Seer of national fame seek accommodation in a temple and commit sacrilege..Can the sanctity of the sanctum-sanctorum be put at stake ? Why not stay in the endless condominiums/mutts/dorms etc. that were bustling in the same precinct ?
These days all these sadhu-sants are under tremendous media scan..Many of them are fighting chargesheets, court cases and even uprsings from the Commies...What better place to hide from the eyes of the spies than within the temple?? safe from spycams, media and the public.. But one thing is for sure...You can never hide from GOD(literally!)..can you?
I had to wait long barefooted on the floors scorching under the afternoon heat till the Seer emerged out of the temple ...in the company of a troubled famed politician seeking his blessings for rejuvinating his sagging career!
Holding temple at ransom? I really felt sorry FOR GOD's SAKE, for once!
All's well that ends well..
Monday, February 20, 2006
Giggle and Wriggle
The Greatest Search Engine?
You were an American Icon....till the day you sold yourself to something that contradicts what you are and what you believed in? FREEDOM...Just to add billion new accounts? Just to jump into the bandwagon?
You suck and I speak for a billion!
You were an American Icon....till the day you sold yourself to something that contradicts what you are and what you believed in? FREEDOM...Just to add billion new accounts? Just to jump into the bandwagon?
You suck and I speak for a billion!
Down in the hole
The past week was a horrendous 7 days for me. Consecutive late sittings at work wreaked havoc on my back leaving virtually no time or spine free for my fav passtime. I also added to this misery by upsetting my tummy royally..Its always a risk when you eat your own cooking. A mild flu was the cherry in the pie. I used to feed a crow of f my kitchen regularly and so I got paranoid about Bird flu ! Well ..when ur health goes out of order..your sanity hangs by a thread...your head goes for a toss..you become delerious.I heard that My cousin blogger was also down with a viral.But she was better off--bunking boring mechanical lectures and watching TV at home!
That was the the week that was.. Today when I was just planning on starting a healthy new week, my good-old fellow blogger reminds me of a dear departed's B'day..My mind is down in the hole...again...
That was the the week that was.. Today when I was just planning on starting a healthy new week, my good-old fellow blogger reminds me of a dear departed's B'day..My mind is down in the hole...again...
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Tagged and Jagged
- Creep aka Bhanuj tagged me.
He enlightened me: "And a tag means you have to fill out that list... fast... so tell us what the soundtrack to your life would be..."
I like a fool, filled out my life on his blog..He lols at me and asks me to put it in my blog..
Hey Creep, You are the boss and your wish is my command. I dont have any mushy song taking over any part of my life.. Grunge rules me, rules over me.
And I reproduce what I meant:
This album of FNM sums up my life as I see it.
King for a day, Fool for a lifetime!
Opening Credits- "Junkyard" - Nirvana
Average day scene: "Man in the box" by AIC
Mental status: "In bloom" -Nirvana
Falling in Love Scene: " Swap Meet"- Nirvana
Heart break Scene: "Aneurysm"- Nirvana
Death Scene: Come on Death- Nirvana
Closing Credits - "All apologies" - Nirvana
I know I need therapy(pun intended..can u tell me what it is Mr creep?)
He enlightened me: "And a tag means you have to fill out that list... fast... so tell us what the soundtrack to your life would be..."
I like a fool, filled out my life on his blog..He lols at me and asks me to put it in my blog..
Hey Creep, You are the boss and your wish is my command. I dont have any mushy song taking over any part of my life.. Grunge rules me, rules over me.
And I reproduce what I meant:
This album of FNM sums up my life as I see it.
King for a day, Fool for a lifetime!
Opening Credits- "Junkyard" - Nirvana
Average day scene: "Man in the box" by AIC
Mental status: "In bloom" -Nirvana
Falling in Love Scene: " Swap Meet"- Nirvana
Heart break Scene: "Aneurysm"- Nirvana
Death Scene: Come on Death- Nirvana
Closing Credits - "All apologies" - Nirvana
I know I need therapy(pun intended..can u tell me what it is Mr creep?)
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Simon says..
I Hate to Be Rude, But... Simon Cowell's Book of Nasty Comments (2006, UK)
I really really want to read this book. I cant get enough of his nasty, acerbic and corrosive remarks (read judgements) that have left many an American Idol contestant in utter bitterness,not to mention tears.
Many like me admire him for the sheer & blunt honesty and a touch of brutality never killed anybody.His criticisms are more controversial than constructive and he cares not for the consequences..His potshots have become part of the show's trademark, but this season has some people wondering and worrying that his putdowns and humiliations are getting out of hand and setting a bad example for teenagers. The Whole of America hates him as they wonder why a Brit should be judging their music skills in the first place. This love hate relationship has unfolded one of the biggest success in the reality television. The american idol as well as Simon have become overnight stars for different reasons..
Simon says:
"If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.."
If you would be singing like this two thousand years ago, people would have stoned you.
I'd make plastic surgery compulsory for every women over 40.
[on N Sync]
It would be true to say that two of them are really ugly."
I love this guy !
I really really want to read this book. I cant get enough of his nasty, acerbic and corrosive remarks (read judgements) that have left many an American Idol contestant in utter bitterness,not to mention tears.
Many like me admire him for the sheer & blunt honesty and a touch of brutality never killed anybody.His criticisms are more controversial than constructive and he cares not for the consequences..His potshots have become part of the show's trademark, but this season has some people wondering and worrying that his putdowns and humiliations are getting out of hand and setting a bad example for teenagers. The Whole of America hates him as they wonder why a Brit should be judging their music skills in the first place. This love hate relationship has unfolded one of the biggest success in the reality television. The american idol as well as Simon have become overnight stars for different reasons..
Simon says:
"If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning.."
If you would be singing like this two thousand years ago, people would have stoned you.
I'd make plastic surgery compulsory for every women over 40.
[on N Sync]
It would be true to say that two of them are really ugly."
I love this guy !
Friday, February 10, 2006
I just called...to say.....Its real CHEAP!!!
Our Telecom Minister is taking the Cell Cos and net Phones for a head On!! It was announced today that starting March 1, you can talk to your distant cousin ( pun intended) in any corner of India with a One-Rupee Sikka in your hand. Had it been April 1, I would have passed it for a April Fool Joke.While the modalities are awaited, it would be miracle if those red piggy back pay phones in your Kirana shop could help you mend your bond with the distance in relationships! STD till a few years back dreaded for its high cost. (Today, its still dreaded, albeit for different reasons). 1-rupee STD call is almost a reality... a fortnight away.
With the advent of cheap cell phones & prepaid schemes, parents are increasingly worried about excessive phone conversations their children indulge in. I guess this news is no breather...
Rationalisation of calling rates across the board was always a long pursued and long pending issue in the Govt Controlled basic telecom sector but they should concentate more on increasing the telephone penetration (basic) in rural areas. We are way behind in comparison to developed countries as also some developing counties. All the statistical achievements of the past decade was predominantly due to GSM/CDMA phone penetration.
Well then...I think its the last nail in the coffin as far as snail mail( India Post) is concerned... It was already dying a slow death. Even a simpleton would realise now that its cheaper to call than to write ( not recommended all times!)
Talk on!
With the advent of cheap cell phones & prepaid schemes, parents are increasingly worried about excessive phone conversations their children indulge in. I guess this news is no breather...
Rationalisation of calling rates across the board was always a long pursued and long pending issue in the Govt Controlled basic telecom sector but they should concentate more on increasing the telephone penetration (basic) in rural areas. We are way behind in comparison to developed countries as also some developing counties. All the statistical achievements of the past decade was predominantly due to GSM/CDMA phone penetration.
Well then...I think its the last nail in the coffin as far as snail mail( India Post) is concerned... It was already dying a slow death. Even a simpleton would realise now that its cheaper to call than to write ( not recommended all times!)
Talk on!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Saffron saga
So I went to a " Culture Exhibition" featuring the original and pristine products made by our crafty Kashmiri artisan. Commuting from Andheri West to Powai (East) is no simple task..Its more like an excursion as in Mumbai. Travelling from West to east, across those railway tracks is more like travelling back in time....for 2 hours..Saffron ( Saffron Crocus) is well known for its aromatic & coloring properties besides its medicinal values and is an integral part of Indian Sweetmeats and desserts. In fact every Indian would hold it closer to his heart than his mouth as its forms the brightest part of the tricolor!. The Saffron grown in the Sylvan settings of Kashmir has its own glory. A tiny box priced at a whopping Rs 90/- for one Gram of this herb could tell you that. Looking for a bargain, I pointed to a slightly bigger box of 5 Grams ( of the size of a matchbox) and pat came a reply from the culture vulture that took me by total surprise..
Rs 455/-
I was never good atmath but any sane consumer would look for somethin more like 400 bucks. Who would have thought that " The law of economies of scale" had no exceptions..
When I reasoned with him on this gross miscalculation he hesitantly said that the product will have to be sent back to the warehouse ( where? Kargil?) for price clarification/reprinting if any an will be available tomorrow. He probably forgot that it was already the last day of the exhibition!
He could extend it but I ain't goin back there. Ill rather go to Kashmir!
I returned home with that Big Brown Bag full of unwanted shopping I did to get my spirits up and just to kill the time and money I saved ( or did I ?) from the Saffron Saga. Whoever said that Consumer is the King? ...King for a day, Fool for a lifetime!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Accoustic Pissings
I entirely forgot to tell ye all of the latest addition to my music room....A Brand new SemiAccoustic Guitar (Imported Granada, costing just over 5k)!! Well! I broke my first guitar (Definitely not the kurt cobain way!). The bridge had given away due to wear and tear and for the past six months I had to console my music urges by just listening to those chords.
I had to strum my way thru 15 different guitars to zero on this one. In fact I guess I was the first and last customer at LM Furtado's that evening! The guide there was of great help.He patiently played several of them( albeit the same chords) over and over again to help me choose the right one.I got a good deal though..For all of 5Ks I got a lovely full length guitar, a case, a beginners book( I did'nt need that though), a complete set of strings, cord for amplifier, a belt, and not to forget a cool T shirt!
Kurt Cobain has always been my inspiration. Repeat airing of "Come as you are " and " Lithium" had drawn me into Rock Music in general and Grunge in Specific. SLTR was like an anthem!. Since I learned playing the Guitar in DIY mode, I am no compares to KC, but can strum along for most of his compositions. I could have certainly replaced Pat Smear playing Rhythm on the Unplugged!
Today I relished and sunk into the accoustic version I generated for "Territorial Pissings". It has only 3 chords(A7 , F & D) and sounds mesmerising if the chords are played slowly and fully. Of course, Unlike the chords, Kurt's lyrics were never as decipherable and that left a great room for interpretation or imagination. But it always had some underlying and eternal truths...like this one:
RIP
I had to strum my way thru 15 different guitars to zero on this one. In fact I guess I was the first and last customer at LM Furtado's that evening! The guide there was of great help.He patiently played several of them( albeit the same chords) over and over again to help me choose the right one.I got a good deal though..For all of 5Ks I got a lovely full length guitar, a case, a beginners book( I did'nt need that though), a complete set of strings, cord for amplifier, a belt, and not to forget a cool T shirt!
Kurt Cobain has always been my inspiration. Repeat airing of "Come as you are " and " Lithium" had drawn me into Rock Music in general and Grunge in Specific. SLTR was like an anthem!. Since I learned playing the Guitar in DIY mode, I am no compares to KC, but can strum along for most of his compositions. I could have certainly replaced Pat Smear playing Rhythm on the Unplugged!
Today I relished and sunk into the accoustic version I generated for "Territorial Pissings". It has only 3 chords(A7 , F & D) and sounds mesmerising if the chords are played slowly and fully. Of course, Unlike the chords, Kurt's lyrics were never as decipherable and that left a great room for interpretation or imagination. But it always had some underlying and eternal truths...like this one:
"..Never met a wise man....Kurt Cobain (1967-1994)
If so.. Its a Woman..."
From Territorial Pisings, Album - Nervermind, 1992.
RIP
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