Yes! I need a break – this republic day long weekend came just in time.
This time it is to coorg… I remember the last time I visited the place… Man! It’s been 3 years since.
Pictures when I return. Tadaaaaaa
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Oscars - Here we come eventually…
10 Oscar nominations for slumdog millionaire…. Awesome or what!!!!
It does deserve it and guess what I knew it would make it that far… I cant be happier than this but unfortunately it hasn’t even been mentioned in any of the Indian award ceremonies so far… we have just made it to all the debate in all the news channels for now again discussing the basis whether this can truly be called an Indian movie or not… what crap.
Sad story as usual, how conveniently we forget to appreciate good cinema and rather brag on stupid useless Shah Rukh khan movies… senseless.
I hardly have any regards towards any of the Indian awards and I am in total agreement with Aamir khan for his behavior towards them.
But then Oscars are a class apart, they don’t think twice to appreciate good cinema… sadly we have to go that far off to get our movie respected.
One thing that really couldn’t make it to the Oscars is our very own Taare Zameen Par… I wanted it to win – I still can’t stop my tears every time I watch the movie…
But nevertheless I am satisfied with the recent nominations and I hope we bag it all…
To AR Rahman… way to go dude, you rock! This man never ceases to amaze me with his music and he is taking India to different heights altogether.
Make way ladies and gentlemen… we Indians have finally arrived.
It does deserve it and guess what I knew it would make it that far… I cant be happier than this but unfortunately it hasn’t even been mentioned in any of the Indian award ceremonies so far… we have just made it to all the debate in all the news channels for now again discussing the basis whether this can truly be called an Indian movie or not… what crap.
Sad story as usual, how conveniently we forget to appreciate good cinema and rather brag on stupid useless Shah Rukh khan movies… senseless.
I hardly have any regards towards any of the Indian awards and I am in total agreement with Aamir khan for his behavior towards them.
But then Oscars are a class apart, they don’t think twice to appreciate good cinema… sadly we have to go that far off to get our movie respected.
One thing that really couldn’t make it to the Oscars is our very own Taare Zameen Par… I wanted it to win – I still can’t stop my tears every time I watch the movie…
But nevertheless I am satisfied with the recent nominations and I hope we bag it all…
To AR Rahman… way to go dude, you rock! This man never ceases to amaze me with his music and he is taking India to different heights altogether.
Make way ladies and gentlemen… we Indians have finally arrived.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What would you do?
1. If the husband constantly annoys you by working long hours in spite of your repeated futile efforts to remind him about his family?
2. If he runs away from small domestic responsibility though you continue to jog his memory on them each day?
3. If he keeps rambling about his work yet is engrossed in it day in and day out?
4. If he ruins your weekend by working from home (WFH) while you get bored!
5. If you still cannot get back home early and end up reaching around 9pm every day?
6. If you have to wake up early cook breakfast and lunch and get to work by 10am?
7. If you continue to put your best efforts both at work and at home and yet get unnoticed.
8. If you have a long list of to do things and they conveniently still remain to do.
9. Finally and the most important when he doesn’t let you shop?
I am not sure why the sudden outburst but I am certain it is very easy to guess where it is coming from. Looking back at my list the culprit is clearly strewn across.
*sigh* if only he realizes… Ohhh Darn him!
2. If he runs away from small domestic responsibility though you continue to jog his memory on them each day?
3. If he keeps rambling about his work yet is engrossed in it day in and day out?
4. If he ruins your weekend by working from home (WFH) while you get bored!
5. If you still cannot get back home early and end up reaching around 9pm every day?
6. If you have to wake up early cook breakfast and lunch and get to work by 10am?
7. If you continue to put your best efforts both at work and at home and yet get unnoticed.
8. If you have a long list of to do things and they conveniently still remain to do.
9. Finally and the most important when he doesn’t let you shop?
I am not sure why the sudden outburst but I am certain it is very easy to guess where it is coming from. Looking back at my list the culprit is clearly strewn across.
*sigh* if only he realizes… Ohhh Darn him!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Who wants to be a millionaire?
That's the entire story summed up for you in the movie slumdog millionaire. With all the golden globe awards and the entire hullabaloo being thrown up I had to get my hands on this cd, and after a lot of trying I finally got to see it last weekend. What’s my take on the movie – well here it is,
Story – mind-blowing – I just love the way in which Jamal (Dev Patel) goes around unwinding how he knew the answers to all the questions in such a gruesome yet truthful way that you just stand amazed. And all for his lady love Latika (Freida Pinto). Now I have lived in India forever and never imagined such a disturbing lifestyle the slum or rather the below poverty line people have to spend each day, it's making me think and yet the movie just flings back the harshness on your face without shame.
Actors – well I guess the success of it says it all… it has some of the finest actors like Irfan khan who is of course my fav though in a very small negligible role and Anil Kapoor who is somehow like this unconventional villain, I like that I haven't seen him in that avatar. And of course the new comers Dev and Frieda and his brother Salim (I dunno his name). Mahesh Manjrekar – there isn't anything familiar with him and I choose to ignore.
Direction – literal Perfection, no wonder it is bagging all the awards. It is beautifully done and the harshness is because the story demands and revolves around it. Danny Boyle just strikes that perfect sentimental emotional twine. I was touched at the same time moved at the sheer fact of poverty.
Music – Another AR Rehman’s creation. Dint get overexcited with the music except for Latika’s theme and Jai ho. Having said that, it is no secret that AR Rehman’s Music grows over time, you might not like it the first time you hear but definitely it parasites on you till you actually start loving it. RDB, Jaane tu ya jaane na are among the few.
There has been lot of gossip and criticism going on with regards to this particular movie but then hey it is their opinion. I hear that even AB didn’t like the movie criticized Slumdog Millionaire for portraying India as a "Third World dirty underbelly developing nation". But that’s what we really are – all the glamour has overshadowed the real truth. In fact I know a lot of people Indians moved out of here to different first world countries and when they return to homeland they haven’t one single good thing to talk about it. This is Sad – this is where we got our basics no matter how it is. The westerners never say that about their country do they?
I am not critical in saying he is wrong in doing so but sure that wasn’t the director’s motive. I totally agree the movie’s concept of celebration of human spirit.
I am not a critic but I am a movie buff and in saying so I am not unenthusiastic and unobliged to give my final verdict on the movie - It is a must watch whether you are an Indian or not and if you are an Indian you’ve got to see it for it reflects the true Indian spirit – never give up! I wish and pray that this movie bags an Oscar cos it is worth the entire hullabaloo. And it is the Brit’s gift to us!!! If I may say so…
Story – mind-blowing – I just love the way in which Jamal (Dev Patel) goes around unwinding how he knew the answers to all the questions in such a gruesome yet truthful way that you just stand amazed. And all for his lady love Latika (Freida Pinto). Now I have lived in India forever and never imagined such a disturbing lifestyle the slum or rather the below poverty line people have to spend each day, it's making me think and yet the movie just flings back the harshness on your face without shame.
Actors – well I guess the success of it says it all… it has some of the finest actors like Irfan khan who is of course my fav though in a very small negligible role and Anil Kapoor who is somehow like this unconventional villain, I like that I haven't seen him in that avatar. And of course the new comers Dev and Frieda and his brother Salim (I dunno his name). Mahesh Manjrekar – there isn't anything familiar with him and I choose to ignore.
Direction – literal Perfection, no wonder it is bagging all the awards. It is beautifully done and the harshness is because the story demands and revolves around it. Danny Boyle just strikes that perfect sentimental emotional twine. I was touched at the same time moved at the sheer fact of poverty.
Music – Another AR Rehman’s creation. Dint get overexcited with the music except for Latika’s theme and Jai ho. Having said that, it is no secret that AR Rehman’s Music grows over time, you might not like it the first time you hear but definitely it parasites on you till you actually start loving it. RDB, Jaane tu ya jaane na are among the few.
There has been lot of gossip and criticism going on with regards to this particular movie but then hey it is their opinion. I hear that even AB didn’t like the movie criticized Slumdog Millionaire for portraying India as a "Third World dirty underbelly developing nation". But that’s what we really are – all the glamour has overshadowed the real truth. In fact I know a lot of people Indians moved out of here to different first world countries and when they return to homeland they haven’t one single good thing to talk about it. This is Sad – this is where we got our basics no matter how it is. The westerners never say that about their country do they?
I am not critical in saying he is wrong in doing so but sure that wasn’t the director’s motive. I totally agree the movie’s concept of celebration of human spirit.
I am not a critic but I am a movie buff and in saying so I am not unenthusiastic and unobliged to give my final verdict on the movie - It is a must watch whether you are an Indian or not and if you are an Indian you’ve got to see it for it reflects the true Indian spirit – never give up! I wish and pray that this movie bags an Oscar cos it is worth the entire hullabaloo. And it is the Brit’s gift to us!!! If I may say so…
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Music
To borrow a few words from Berthold Auerbach
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”
And so true it is… Music just drains everything out. Some of them are so captivating that you can immediately forget everything.
Music for me from the start of my life has always been an essential element – be it Ma humming bhajans of Anup Jhalota while I would get ready to school
Or
spending all my pocket money in pick and pack dept store buying the latest albums and then bullying my sister for her pocket money
Or
now with the guitar strings killing me out as Sunil tries to master the instrument and listen to this - I sing the verses for him (ouch!) I am surprisingly more and more inclined towards it.
I was mostly westernized on the music front then, I loved the then rock bands or the romantic songs of the new boys band but never was I keen towards Indian music. That’s a change now after living with Sunil that I have become more apt towards Indian music. My personal interest has taken a rapid drift.
I am now familiar with the Indian singers and to such an extent that I can actually recognize their voice and Sunil does his bit by constantly checking that on me lol…
I am not a trained singer but then am not bad at it either. Sunil who has learned carnatic can definitely vouch for that, he is a fabulous singer btw and very apt when it comes to music. It’s his Joy :-) if i can say that. I am forcing him to take it up more seriously now. I feel if you adore something that dearly then you shouldn’t really give up.
There is so much to say but then am sure the feeling is mutual when it comes to the topic. I’ll just leave a few favorites of mine which has defiantly left an impression on me!
A sneak peek at what’s running in my Ipod these days!
Albums
Vaaranam Ayiram – Just pure melody… I have no other words to describe the music and I don’t want to waste writing on it as I have decided to dedicate a post whole and exclusively on it.
Jodha Akbar esp.Khwaja Mere Khawaja – yet another master piece from AR Rehman, he has won the award for the year 2008. I am a huge fan of Sufi music and AR Rehman is wonderful with Sufi composition. Another one that I can think of is Haji ali and of course who can forget dama dam mast kalender.
Siliunnu oru kaadal – Just simply love it – it has it all from folk (I love Tamil Folk btw) to AR Rehman’s NewYork song, simply marvelous!
Umrao Jaan – unchained melody – if I can borrow that from Todd Duncan…. It doesn’t stop captivating even after 30 years and Asha bhosle’s created history with it… she doesn’t get better than this.
Dor – A classic movie again and wonderful music, it’s inspirational that’s all there is to it.
Rock On – what Music – am surprised that we Indians can rock :-) as I said earlier I love the western touch to music and Rock on does just that – watch out for Farhan Akhtar, an entertainer, I can’t believe that he isn’t a singer by profession. He should be.
Masoom – That’s very close to my heart, I’ve been brought up with Lakadi ki katti and Do naina aur ek khahani, Huzur is kadar, tujhse naaraz nahin zindagi. I realized that it has more meaning to it as I grew up. Ghazals are always important to me; I feel it is untainted in itself, though I am sure Sunil wouldn’t agree to this – Ghazals are one thing he isn’t familiar with.
ABBA – nothing new here, whoever has heard it can vouch for me.
Pudhiya Mugham– I can only smile when I think of this – I sang netru illada maatrum the day I got married and what perfect way to start the new life :-)
KanduKonden Kandukonden - I love the movie and the songs... There is something more to it but each time I listen to this album I really feel refreshed. AR Rehman is just too good.
Solos
Ek Chalees ki last local
Meri Kahani by Atif Aslam
Apadi Podi from the movie Gilli
Graduation song friends forever – Vitamin C
Haji Ali – Fiza
Superstar by Jamelia
Alai Payuthey from Alai Payuthe
Sneghidane again from Alai payuthe
Pachai Nirame:-) I have very fond memories connected to this one.
Hero by Mariah carey
Tumse hi from Jab we Met
Looking back at my list I can clearly see that Indian music dominates my list. I guess it is a matter of choice really.
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”
And so true it is… Music just drains everything out. Some of them are so captivating that you can immediately forget everything.
Music for me from the start of my life has always been an essential element – be it Ma humming bhajans of Anup Jhalota while I would get ready to school
Or
spending all my pocket money in pick and pack dept store buying the latest albums and then bullying my sister for her pocket money
Or
now with the guitar strings killing me out as Sunil tries to master the instrument and listen to this - I sing the verses for him (ouch!) I am surprisingly more and more inclined towards it.
I was mostly westernized on the music front then, I loved the then rock bands or the romantic songs of the new boys band but never was I keen towards Indian music. That’s a change now after living with Sunil that I have become more apt towards Indian music. My personal interest has taken a rapid drift.
I am now familiar with the Indian singers and to such an extent that I can actually recognize their voice and Sunil does his bit by constantly checking that on me lol…
I am not a trained singer but then am not bad at it either. Sunil who has learned carnatic can definitely vouch for that, he is a fabulous singer btw and very apt when it comes to music. It’s his Joy :-) if i can say that. I am forcing him to take it up more seriously now. I feel if you adore something that dearly then you shouldn’t really give up.
There is so much to say but then am sure the feeling is mutual when it comes to the topic. I’ll just leave a few favorites of mine which has defiantly left an impression on me!
A sneak peek at what’s running in my Ipod these days!
Albums
Vaaranam Ayiram – Just pure melody… I have no other words to describe the music and I don’t want to waste writing on it as I have decided to dedicate a post whole and exclusively on it.
Jodha Akbar esp.Khwaja Mere Khawaja – yet another master piece from AR Rehman, he has won the award for the year 2008. I am a huge fan of Sufi music and AR Rehman is wonderful with Sufi composition. Another one that I can think of is Haji ali and of course who can forget dama dam mast kalender.
Siliunnu oru kaadal – Just simply love it – it has it all from folk (I love Tamil Folk btw) to AR Rehman’s NewYork song, simply marvelous!
Umrao Jaan – unchained melody – if I can borrow that from Todd Duncan…. It doesn’t stop captivating even after 30 years and Asha bhosle’s created history with it… she doesn’t get better than this.
Dor – A classic movie again and wonderful music, it’s inspirational that’s all there is to it.
Rock On – what Music – am surprised that we Indians can rock :-) as I said earlier I love the western touch to music and Rock on does just that – watch out for Farhan Akhtar, an entertainer, I can’t believe that he isn’t a singer by profession. He should be.
Masoom – That’s very close to my heart, I’ve been brought up with Lakadi ki katti and Do naina aur ek khahani, Huzur is kadar, tujhse naaraz nahin zindagi. I realized that it has more meaning to it as I grew up. Ghazals are always important to me; I feel it is untainted in itself, though I am sure Sunil wouldn’t agree to this – Ghazals are one thing he isn’t familiar with.
ABBA – nothing new here, whoever has heard it can vouch for me.
Pudhiya Mugham– I can only smile when I think of this – I sang netru illada maatrum the day I got married and what perfect way to start the new life :-)
KanduKonden Kandukonden - I love the movie and the songs... There is something more to it but each time I listen to this album I really feel refreshed. AR Rehman is just too good.
Solos
Ek Chalees ki last local
Meri Kahani by Atif Aslam
Apadi Podi from the movie Gilli
Graduation song friends forever – Vitamin C
Haji Ali – Fiza
Superstar by Jamelia
Alai Payuthey from Alai Payuthe
Sneghidane again from Alai payuthe
Pachai Nirame:-) I have very fond memories connected to this one.
Hero by Mariah carey
Tumse hi from Jab we Met
Looking back at my list I can clearly see that Indian music dominates my list. I guess it is a matter of choice really.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Resolutions for 2009
Every year I try to make a list of to do things and just like everyone and by practice I try to make up a list on the day one beginning of the New Year, and I usually do this mentally. Well that just stops at that after marking the requirements/ for the year I somehow misplace the paper rather the Mind loses it as we progress further into the year ;).
And just like every year this year too I have thought of a few things that I’d like to change. And this time around I am trying to be very determined to hold that thought and do not want to overlook the list (how funny, I say that every year)… that’s why I decided to blog it away so that I DON’T FORGET IT. I hope!
So here is my record of out with the old bring in the new and a little explanation as to why it makes it into the list of 2009.
1.To wake up early – early to bed early to rise makes Sapna healthy, wealthy and wise.
In the whole of my 28 years there have been just a handful of times when I’ve actually got up early, so handful that I can barely count. I have hardly seen the sun rise! And as I advance into the later wedlock years I have realized how important it is to have time on your side.
The inspiration actually comes for the dear husby who makes it a point to rise early each day. I am so jealous.
2. To save Money – a penny today makes a rupee tomorrow, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Sigh don’t we all want to do that! I think the world has become so materialistic that everything revolves around liquidity.
3. To read a lot of books - "Woe be to him that reads but one book." Herbert.
I love books any kind, make it a mystery novel or a comic or even a teen book… I love reading them all. This year I want to read a lot of it. I feel nothing else relaxes me other than a cup of fresh coffee and a nice book. I’ve decided that I’d want to read a minimum of 50 books.
4.To take up another craft hobby – My quest to learn something new never quenches. Last year it was crochet and this year I am trying to learn new different crafting techniques. There are two of craft ideas that come to my mind, pottery and wire jewelry. On pottery am yet to find the source but for the later I fished out a book from my sister’s craft library and now I seek resources to start.
5. To travel to a minimum of 10 destinations- Though I am not a travel freak but would still like to see new places. This change in me is attributed to the dear husband who craves for travel. I just thought I’ll add this entry to heep him happy.
6.To walk/exercise - Yes this is again an inspiration drawn from the husband, who am sure will be the most happiest if I try to take this up seriously. I want to wake up early and go for a nice little walk. I used to do that once I moved into my new place but then as I got used to the new cozy bed I abandoned the idea altogether. When it comes to excercise I hate to admit that I am extremely lazy. I'd run a mile when spoken on the subject.
7. Control on my expenses – Thanks to internet I managed to spend all my salary last year on a lot of things by shopping online. E-money can be dangerous you know, esp when you have access to it all through the day. you wouldnt believe how much I spent on online stores and by the time that realization struck me the damage was already done. Well better late than never.
8. To cook different recipes – This is coming from a very tired cook – I face this difficulty each day trying my best to crack my brains to eat something new and different. I am bored of the stuff I eat L… this one goes out especially to the husband. No matter how much I plead him he refuses to come up with ideas and then I am left with no other option to cook the same usual recipes time and over again. I feel like drawing up a time table every start of the week as I just know what to cook each day. Mind you the timetable never changes!
9. And finally to be more regular on the blogging front J now that’s a challenge.
So far the activities seem pretty small but mind you this list isn’t exhaustive. As I think of many more changes I’ll defiantly try and share it all.
Now I have tried my best to keep me happy as well as the husband cos here are a few things am sure he’d want to see them change in me… are you in agreement now dear?
And just like every year this year too I have thought of a few things that I’d like to change. And this time around I am trying to be very determined to hold that thought and do not want to overlook the list (how funny, I say that every year)… that’s why I decided to blog it away so that I DON’T FORGET IT. I hope!
So here is my record of out with the old bring in the new and a little explanation as to why it makes it into the list of 2009.
1.To wake up early – early to bed early to rise makes Sapna healthy, wealthy and wise.
In the whole of my 28 years there have been just a handful of times when I’ve actually got up early, so handful that I can barely count. I have hardly seen the sun rise! And as I advance into the later wedlock years I have realized how important it is to have time on your side.
The inspiration actually comes for the dear husby who makes it a point to rise early each day. I am so jealous.
2. To save Money – a penny today makes a rupee tomorrow, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Sigh don’t we all want to do that! I think the world has become so materialistic that everything revolves around liquidity.
3. To read a lot of books - "Woe be to him that reads but one book." Herbert.
I love books any kind, make it a mystery novel or a comic or even a teen book… I love reading them all. This year I want to read a lot of it. I feel nothing else relaxes me other than a cup of fresh coffee and a nice book. I’ve decided that I’d want to read a minimum of 50 books.
4.To take up another craft hobby – My quest to learn something new never quenches. Last year it was crochet and this year I am trying to learn new different crafting techniques. There are two of craft ideas that come to my mind, pottery and wire jewelry. On pottery am yet to find the source but for the later I fished out a book from my sister’s craft library and now I seek resources to start.
5. To travel to a minimum of 10 destinations- Though I am not a travel freak but would still like to see new places. This change in me is attributed to the dear husband who craves for travel. I just thought I’ll add this entry to heep him happy.
6.To walk/exercise - Yes this is again an inspiration drawn from the husband, who am sure will be the most happiest if I try to take this up seriously. I want to wake up early and go for a nice little walk. I used to do that once I moved into my new place but then as I got used to the new cozy bed I abandoned the idea altogether. When it comes to excercise I hate to admit that I am extremely lazy. I'd run a mile when spoken on the subject.
7. Control on my expenses – Thanks to internet I managed to spend all my salary last year on a lot of things by shopping online. E-money can be dangerous you know, esp when you have access to it all through the day. you wouldnt believe how much I spent on online stores and by the time that realization struck me the damage was already done. Well better late than never.
8. To cook different recipes – This is coming from a very tired cook – I face this difficulty each day trying my best to crack my brains to eat something new and different. I am bored of the stuff I eat L… this one goes out especially to the husband. No matter how much I plead him he refuses to come up with ideas and then I am left with no other option to cook the same usual recipes time and over again. I feel like drawing up a time table every start of the week as I just know what to cook each day. Mind you the timetable never changes!
9. And finally to be more regular on the blogging front J now that’s a challenge.
So far the activities seem pretty small but mind you this list isn’t exhaustive. As I think of many more changes I’ll defiantly try and share it all.
Now I have tried my best to keep me happy as well as the husband cos here are a few things am sure he’d want to see them change in me… are you in agreement now dear?
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