Evuhleen's Corner

2011-08-02T19:53:00.000+05:30

Living with the Frenchman has been a wonderful experience so far. And just like I dreaded, it has changed our relationship radically. But I’ve recognized that that isn’t a horrible thing. It’s interesting how we have progressed from the enjoyable stage of being completely enamored and mushy all over each other to the random damning moments of frustration. What’s even nicer is the fact that we can snap at each other and not feel like the whole world is being lost.

Being around each other day-to-day has just given us the chance to see each other in uncomplimentary lights – and continue to love each other. In fact, from time to time I think the unappealing fragments are what help us to love each other plenty more. It allows us to be honest on a much deeper level, shedding away our need to always look flawless and unspoiled to the other and just be 100% of ourselves. The person that feels particularly lazy on a weekend or when she has a feminist moment or does something thoroughly unladylike and absolutely humiliating? She is the same creature that wakes up next to the Frenchman every day. And he knows it (and still loves me!).

Now in spells when our affectionate attitudes are swapped with slicing sentences that are uttered out of anger or sadness, it hurts less than it would have earlier. So he snapped at me over something I said, or I teasingly made sure he’ll never repeat certain behaviours. The comfort we have come into with this new chapter of our bond has permitted there to be flawed chunks while still retaining essential tendencies of love and admiration. Our link isn’t weak. And we can walk away from those horrid moments and move on with the rest of our day.....of course there is always music to be had.

“Hold you in my arms” is this stunning, gorgeous effort by Ray LaMontagne. And for whatever reason it’s been months and I still find myself coming back to this captivating track. It has been my favorite song to sing along to (alone, at work, at home, in the bathroom). It captures the essence of the vocalist. There is something throughout this song that speaks a familiar language with enough nuance and substance to keep you listening as it unfolds.

2011-06-22T16:41:00.005+05:30

Hiya, Internets. I don't know if you've noticed but lately I've felt a smidgen well, distracted. Maybe that's the best way to explain it. And having a lot of fun too. And when I get distracted I start doubting myself and that never ends well. I feel kinda like I'm whirling uncontrollably at life. And the thoughts that run through my head? Usually sound something like oh shit everyone hates me and I'm a horrible wife and what kind of person am I because I'm sure even the Internet hates me because I've totally abandoned my site and I have, finally, jumped the shark and none of those thoughts are ever enjoyable.

The other day I went back to some of my older entries. I pulled up the comments and noticed that some of people reading me a year ago are still dropping by. And, in addition to all those wonderful people, there are new people poking their heads in everyday! So, while all of this is running through that dodgy place I like to call my brain, thank you for reading anyway. I bow to you, fine people. Really, I do. You guys rock. How else could I explain the fact that you stop by and read even when it’s just crap likes this? I’m going to try getting back to writing as often as I used to and if I skip a couple of days, it’s probably because I’m honing my ninja skills.

Bjork : Army of Me

2011-05-18T00:39:00.001+05:30

Life has been moving pretty fast lately. Outrageously fast. I have now been married almost two months. And as evidence that married life directly affects the amount of free time a person has I submit this blog post. It has been very busy for me. A lot of things happened at nearly the same time, an odd collision of random events some of which were good, some not.

First, I love being married. I aced it. I made it my bitch.

Second, the Frenchman ended up in the hospital. At the end of the his 35th b’day party, we stayed awake to clean the apartment. My husband insisted on cleaning an area of the floor that contained our glass centre table and while moving said table, it shattered into a million pieces slicing the thimbles of the Frenchman’s hands. We headed right to the emergency room and a few hours later, he was admitted.

Surgery went well. My parents and I tried our best to hold it together but we were so worried. I’m still worried about the healing process since the surgery but in between The Frenchman can't help but be his charming self. So I suspect that everything is as it should be. My Frenchman who is - though I know I am somewhat biased - the most gorgeous creature upon whom I have ever laid eyes. He amazes me. And I’m hoping that we don't see the inside of the hospital anytime soon.

And anyways, as I was sitting at work today the sometimes awkward tunes of Grooveshark’s random playlist kept me focused and working hard. To be sincere, it was one song in specific that really kept my attention today. Due to an awesome person who I live with, I have had the pleasure of being introduced to a few great French artists. Zazie may sing in a language I still understand very little of but her music is quite universal. If I was forced to offer up a convincing little review this is all I have to say. Take your favorite parts of the female vocalist canon {leaving out all the annoying bits}, put them with french vocals, and play that fantasy out for a full hour.

Trust me when I say that if you like the track below you’ll simply love the rest of her music. It really is that good; the French seem know what they’re doing. And special thanks to the Frenchman who introduced me to her music. You should thank him too.

Hoping to get this blog up and running again here in a few weeks.

Zazie: J'envoie Valser

2011-03-28T19:49:00.000+05:30

The weekend was too short. I realize that's pretty much the most apparent declaration ever made especially since most of you out there are thinking the exact same thing. But I'd be thoughtless if I didn't mention my disappointment with the world coming from the fact that it is, indeed, a Monday. I'm further disappointed by the fact that my beloved Frenchman had to leave for Paris 20 days after getting married, to attain a work visa that would allow him to work in India. Not for one day, not for two days, not for a week, not even for two weeks, but… FOR ONE WHOLE MONTH!!! We were devastated. And even though he has to do this for the both of us, so we can be together, I miss him terribly and want him back. Now.

Even though this time apart is good for some me-time. It’s not relaxing. That's not to say it isn’t fun. It is. But I’m in love and hopelessly screwed. However, I’m surviving - though I'm sure there will be flashbacks and some lingering post-traumatic stress - until my Frenchman arrives home. Heck, in the days of being married, we have been together almost 24 hours, 7 days a week. We eat all our meals together, we go to the same functions and parties… oh yes, and we even sleep together. The only times we’re not together is when I’m in the office or when we’re at home and he’s watching TV in the living room and I’m journaling in my work area. And since the Frenchman is the cook in our little family, I’m surviving on take-outs and Maggi.

So him returning home would be nice. I'm just sayin'.

For the past 3 years (wow) I've recapped events, weeks and brought you music I've listened to, things I've read, discovered and seen and other random things. Today, however, I've got to shift gears.

The Frenchman. For those of you who aren't in the loop, my husband is the strongest, kindest and smartest man on the planet. He's a fantastic cook, a wonderful husband and an all-around incredible person all while being smoking hot.

Mr. Perot. I love you.

Just who is the Two Door Cinema Club? To be honest I’m not entirely sure. I know their music was randomly dropped into Grooveshark playlist last week. But other than that I don’t know much. I know in pictures the lead vocalist looks like a very sweet ginger headed boy, but in video it feels like he’s trying to come across as Indie Rock.

I also know that their music is worth a listen and will probably interest most of the people who read this blog. Including you. So, here’s ‘Two Door Cinema Club’ with “What You Know”. Enjoy the music.

2011-03-15T19:16:00.001+05:30

Good news, everyone

Since the last time I updated, I got married. Twice! I liked it so much. I might just do it again.

We had an outdoor wedding. The place had been decorated by a friend’s mom and was very pretty, all lace and flowers and nice lighting, and it was fun to see all my friends and family waiting for me to walk down the aisle. So our real wedding, the day we’ll count as our anniversary, was Saturday the 5th of Feb. But our wedding day – March 5th - this date was chosen mostly due to the fact that we wanted to get married on the first weekend of March and also, because we wanted to live with each other as soon as possible and start our married lives. I think I was remarkably chill about letting my dad dictate my order of events for the wedding, because it didn’t seem like that big a deal.

Pic credit: Cynthia Sapna

The Frenchman’s background infused with mine brought for quite a fun event, with my best friend’s boyfriend, Tony playing Tommy Emmanuel’s ‘Angelina’ as I walked down the aisle, guests were seated at dinner tables and we had dancing….the wedding décor was gorgeous, flanked with the wedding theme – off white and chocolate brown!! Amazing and fun!

Pic Credit: Peter Christopher

Pic Credit: Remy Denis

The walk down the aisle was probably one of my favorite parts of the day and my life in general and the most nerve wrecking. Dad held me close down the aisle and when I looked up, there he was, my most lovable person in the world, staring back at me, he in his stunning black suit and tapered shoes. It was like one of those old movies set by a countryside. I have never loved B’lore more.

The ceremony was perfect. A good way to cry is to stand in the presence of everyone you hold close and have the person you love most in the world promise nice things to you.

Then we kissed, everyone cheered and asked us to kiss again. And then after standing for a few pictures we walked to a friend’s car, had a couple of drinks and say to each other OH MY GOD WE DID IT.

Pic Credit: Remy Denis

The only thing lacking was the fact that a few people we love who were out of the country could not make it on such short notice.

So now I’m in my new home finally getting down to blogging while my husband plays the piano. I wanted to write all of this down and share it with the internet, because the internet is really, really great when you have happy news. Thank you, internet! I hope you all have a great week.

This song was played while I walked down the aisle. Granted, this song isn’t typical wedding fodder, but it’s an amazing track. It also fit the mood of music that is both interesting and captivating while also being of a similar aural aesthetic.

Enjoy the music. I know I did. One of the greatest comments I received at my wedding was a repeated phrase, “That song you walked down the aisle to, was really good.” It gave an already amazing day an even more special shine.

2011-02-28T22:30:00.001+05:30

Frenchman & I: Mom, Dad: We would like to get married.

Mom: *Sniff* *sniff* Lovely, lovely!

Frenchman & I: Mom, dad, we would like have a simple wedding.

Mom: Yes, your wedding will be small and simple. We will only invite immediate family and close friends. There’s your two sisters and brother-in-law and your fifty cousins, your dozens of uncles and aunties, all your classmates from college, your colleagues, all your other friends, our neighbors…

Me: What? What happened to small and simple?

I’ve always wanted a simple wedding. In fact, if I had my way, my wedding reception would be on a beautiful shore with my closest friends, my twin and her boyfriend, my older sister, her husband and their kid, the Frenchman’s friends, his parents and mine. But I didn’t want my Mom to hate me.

And hence the last days of my sanity ended and our crazy wedding planning began. We had to be creative in making our wedding meaningful and elegant.

We chose a place that my father had no problem booking with a good discount. It’s a small ground. And we decided to have an outdoor wedding with a minister present to solemnize the occasion.

Getting my wedding dress made at the same place my best friend, Runa, got hers done.

The bridesmaids went ahead and got their dresses stitched in the colour I chose.

I got my wedding cards custom-made according to the wedding theme. The Frenchman designed the content. And my dad and bro-in-law got them printed out.

My sisters got all the souvenirs (thank you cards) made.

My folks and the Frenchman took care of the wedding rings.

Sound systems are going to be provided by a good friend from my local church.

Three of my friends are going to sing at the wedding for free.

We’re going to have three friends who will photograph the entire event and so they were free too.

A friend’s mom from church will arrange the flowers and the décor needed for the wedding.

We’re going to hire a nice white car and decorate it according to the theme of the wedding.

So for a whole month, we deliberated, booked, designed, invited, mailed, budgeted, paid, you know the lot. We also had to do the socials that came with every wedding like the bachelorette where I received kinky products and lingerie from my well-meaning friends, apparently to teach me…umm… how to be kinky?

If all that wasn’t stressful enough, we also have to prepare and process all our documents: marriage certificates, visas, clearances (that was the bloodiest), etc.

On top of everything, I continued working in the office… until today. Eeeeesh!!

4 days before the wedding and I’m packing up my stuff to move out after March 5th (while Mom sniffles at the corner). Here, the Frenchman and I begin our journey of a lifetime for our life together.

So here’s to me and my Frenchman! (Clink!)

To the people who read this page, don’t think that I’ve disappeared… I’m still here… lurking on your blogs… laughing out loud, nodding, shaking my head, tut-tutting, being proud of all of you and egging you guys on.

And now, I’ve got a handful of days for the big ceremony that’s approaching. Will be back to blogging a little after the weddings (I hope…) for next time… the Miss Married Chronicles.

The past month was filled with unforgettable music. As I was pouring over all of the great songs I began agonizing (often vocally to my husband) about how I was possibly going to choose which songs I like that would make the wedding list. So below I present to you the one such fruit of this labor.

This track titled 'Coming Home' by Diddy sits at number one on my list because every time I hear it, it contributes something new, yet cohesive, to the listening experience. The following track is an Arion Dubstep remix and it’s one of my new favourites.

To my husband.

2011-02-15T20:43:00.002+05:30

Dear Perfectly Lonely Life,

I won’t argue, there are times I think I will miss you. We had a good run together these last 27 years. The embarrassing dates, the chase, the all-girls weekends and the comedy as well as the tragedy of it all. Oh, how I loved the drama. I dated the excitement, hankered after it, and persuaded myself I had feelings for it too. Perfectly Lonely Life, you helped me gain an education, start a career, get out of my comfort zone and travel. I am not sure I would have done any of those things without years of practice on my own. Without you I would never have been brave enough to do things on my own, crossing over - ‘attraversiamo’ and wanting my appetite for life back, which all led to finding my husband.

Mostly I am grateful, for the years that shaped me. For the experiences I have had that brought me to where I am now. This place where I start a brand new quest. The biggest quest of my life: Marriage.

It will be tough. I know it will be. It will be difficult. But I am all set for it, because Perfect Lonely Life NOW it is Me and The Frenchman vs. the WORLD! We are geared up for whatever you have for us. This new life, this married life will also be astounding, amusing, thrilling, blissful, tender and worth it.

So I will miss you, for a while and then I will snort at all the experiences because Perfect Lonely life I am ready to move on.

Couple life, why hello! I am excited to see the relationship we will have, how we settle in and transform and mature.

So for now, here are a few pictures of our court wedding

♥ Perfectly Lonely No More
AKA Mrs. Perot

Well this is what it feels like to post on EC. It’s been so long I was concerned I would lose my usual panache. Worry not. I have been busy. Busy with planning a wedding ceremony which is exactly 17 days from now. Fortunately, I find myself with a free evening. And as we transition into summer I only thought it appropriate to post this track as I sip on an iced drink.

Louis Armstrong - La Vien Rose

Guess what

2011-02-03T20:57:00.002+05:30

The Frenchman asked me to marry him, and I said yes!

And the reason I haven’t told you guys sooner was because that I couldn’t go five minutes without my phone ringing. I had no idea how many friends and family I had until my new relationship status was announced.

For the record, this weekend was not the first time The Frenchman has suggested we get married. The first time was approximately 48 hours after we’d met. Even then, my first reaction was, “I would absolutely marry this guy,” which was a stretch even for me. I could never even think of marriage with any of my previous boyfriends without having an anxiety attack.

So! On Saturday night, he asked me out for dinner before spending the entire weekend together and was super casual about it, like he hadn’t already planned on this. I suspected he was going to propose but not so soon. It had been a really rough couple of weeks, what with the meeting of the family, the questions and such.

So we sit at our table and eat our delicious meal, drink our wine and have a lazy chat, and then he stretches his hand across the table to hold mine. Of course, I was wearing one of my favourite pieces of jewelry - A massive black ring. He proceeds to take off my ring, saying that it’s much too uncomfortable to hold my hand with it on. And after a little argument I say okay and wear it on my other hand. What I do not realize is that while I was occupied with wearing my ring on the other hand, The Frenchman produces a box slyly on the table.
I sit up and look down at the box and say, “Wait, what?” and then he smiles and says, “Will you marry me?” and I shout OH MY GOD! CRAP!? But then I said yes.

We’ve had a million conversations about getting married in the past, basically since the day we met, so I knew this was coming at some point, but it was a completely wonderful moment and just what I’d always wanted. A surprise, and private, and simple, and an almost sort of natural feeling. And it was all of that, it was absolutely faultless.

So yes! I am totally going to marry this guy, a month from now. Thank you in advance for being so glad and encouraging, blog readers. I always knew you guys were all right.

While I’m already talking your ear off and being as sappy as possible, here’s some music to wrap this post up. At some point over the last three months I stopped looking for new music. But fret not I won’t be that way for too long now. I know that I’m risking losing you forever and seriously, you guys deserve some love. So here’s Train with ‘Marry Me’... Yes, cheesy, I know. But it’s so good, so instantly timeless, that my subconscious filed it away with songs I’ve loved over the last 15 years of my life. Now bear with me because this is my blog, so I’m allowed to indulge occasionally.

I love this song, I hope you will too.

2011-01-23T20:49:00.000+05:30

I woke up on Thursday morning feeling weird. Not about life or vegetable prices hitting the roof but weird health-wise. Like hey, jump back, body, you're about to run out of steam on me, aren't you? By evening, at my dinner with the Frenchman, it was less weird and more excruciating pain. At 10:30 pm I hit some sort of wall. I hurried back home with the thought that I'd be much better the next morning. I had to be. I felt dreadful. Very important Friday meeting, don't you know.

I spent the entire night rolling around in bed - freezing to the bone with a throbbing pain - in a fever-induced sleep into which I managed to slink in some incoherent fever-dreams.
I woke up every hour feeling worse than I had before; it became copiously apparent that my superhuman effort at getting to work would not be happening. I rolled out of bed, worn out, at 7:30 am. Dressed up and headed to work.

I sat at work for barely an hour or two, when my body decided to finally break down and I went home. It seemed like a terrible stomach bug. I've been popping pills and I feel better. Except for some bizarre reason, I have difficulty swallowing. I'm kinda hoping that goes away soon.

But once the Frenchman heard about it he proceeded to make his way to my house to see me. And finally meet the parents. It was adorable. All I needed was the man I love, my mum’s awesome remedies and it was a perfect Friday except for the nagging stomache-ache. I fought the good fight the remainder of the day...and night. With any luck, I'll be planting my ass (and the rest of me) in bed soon but before that I want to introduce you guys to this delicious song I came across - ‘Hola’, and it served to pique my interest in the band - The Sunday Drivers. Now that was on Monday. Then they settled on my playlist and jet-setted my world all week long. Pay special attention to the song. It's glorious.

The Sunday Drivers - Hola

So,

2011-01-11T21:55:00.001+05:30

I’ve been sort of busy.

I spent the weekend, being witness to the wedding of my best friend Runa and her boyfriend, Tonez of 7 years - two of the very best people I know. I’m not quite sure what led them to believe I should be trusted to get up in front of a bunch of people and bear witness to their church wedding. Me – a person who had a permanent damage in confidence or sanity. To be fair, the last time someone said “I love you” to me, my response was to bury my head in my pillow and then say, “Uh… thank you?” Smooth. Anyway, I didn’t just see the love during the wedding; I was also overwhelmed by it and said the word “awesome” at least twice. There was not a dry eye in the house. The couple was so perfect; it was a really beautiful and really fun wedding: close friends and family, homemade wedding cake and wine. I got to be with the Frenchman I love on this day. So it was all in all, an A++ experience and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.

Here are some pictures from the weekend. Highlights include a beautiful bride, a crazy fun groom, dancing to retro music, and pure, unadulterated happiness.

Hurray for Runa and Tonez!

Yeah, that's me with the camera. Pic. taken by Peter Christopher

I trust you’re doing well.

Natalie Cole with ‘This will be’

2010-12-30T20:38:00.000+05:30

To all of you who are working this week, I'm sorry. Me? I have the week off. But that doesn't mean it's all sitting around the pool with beer and a Stephenie Meyer book. Why?

a) I'm not a 13 year old kid...and I don't think Twilight technically counts as writing.
b) It's cold outside.
c) I don't have a pool.
d) The very thought of reading something penned by Stephenie Meyer frightens me.
e) Kid in the house! Kid in the house!

This was my first Christmas with The Frenchman. This year, Christmas was quite the huge celebration we'd hoped it to be. This year, despite a super nasty cold, I was all fully functional and totally grooving on the Christmas spirit and it was quite enjoyable but very tiring.
I've only shot a couple of pictures, been to a few get-togethers hosted by my family and friends, spent Christmas eve at my boyfriend’s, wrapped and opened a colossal amount of gifts, and eaten an amount of food that would be apt only for someone planning on running five uninterrupted marathons and then bench-pressing Santa. And it was all amazing.

This Christmas was lovely, but now I'm thinking, "Wait, it's over? Already?" Can you believe that another year has passed? It seems like just yesterday (or, a few weeks ago at most) that I was talking about how quickly 2009 flew.

But as we get to 2011 and leave behind 2010, I just want to say thank you. Thanks to all of you who drop by and read whatever it is I've chosen to ramble on about. I hope 2011 treats you right and sees your dreams come true. Me, well, I'll be right here as always. I hope to see you around. Spread the word and be good to each other.

And now for my gift to you all. This track needs no pithy introduction; no clever phrase could encapsulate all that it is. Just look at the title. It’s Elton John's 1970’s classic "Your Song" and a good cover by Ellie Goulding. Get some rest, spend time with family, and most of all enjoy the music.

Happy New Year.

2010-12-20T21:28:00.002+05:30

Click on picture to enlarge

It's officially Christmas, for us, at least. Our tree is up, Christmas music is playing and of course, my niece has developed a passion for undecorating the tree. Which is fun. And not at all bothersome. Gifts are all acquired, though none of them are wrapped. You know what? I absolutely love this time of year.

The best part is the music. So great. And the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Gives me the warm fuzzies.

In the grand, year-end tradition here is The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Christmas-themed heavy metal rock opera) with ‘Carol of the Bells’. One of my favourite Christmas songs and this version by the band is, in a word, awesome. Get yourself the album as it’s something you can see yourself listening to constantly for years to come. Also, the most criminally overlooked album. Who knew those classics need a little guitar solo.

2010-12-12T17:12:00.005+05:30

Yeah, so, I didn’t mean to just ditch this space, but suddenly everything else in my life became 100 times more important, so, you know, the internet goes on to not count. Things have been really good and really busy: I’ve got this new dude, and I’ve been attending so many weddings, and also it’s been winter, so I’ve been alternating between going out and getting all drunk and tired and then coming home and not leaving my warm bed except to sit on the couch and watch this new show called ‘The Walking Dead’.

Some highlights of the past month or so: Ck and Bhavs, two of my collegues and good friends got married, and asked me to attend their wedding ceremony with my new boyfriend. This means I get to make an honest woman out of myself because I dressed in proper Indian-wedding attire. This also means that my new man gets along with my crazy colleagues. Life goal achieved: check, check.

I told my parents and sisters that I was seeing someone new.

Then I had to be like, whoa, whoa, whoa, guys, it’s cool, he’s our religion: Music.

I think I’m going to stop there, because anything else just feels like overkill. I have to go now, because I have to get something to eat, but I’ll try to be a little better about updating from now on.

This is what happens when you get the band Third Day to sing a Christmas song. And if this doesn’t make your heart ready for Christmas I don’t know what will. Play it, you won't regret it. It gives me goosebumps every time.

Enjoy the run up to the Christmas season. I’ll bring you musical presents as soon as I can.

The Frenchman: Part II

2010-11-29T21:31:00.002+05:30

Of course my first impulse when I heard him say, ‘My girlfriend is so pretty’, I wanted to sprout wings and fly to the moon. I'm sure only a minute or two went by, but it sure as hell felt like I remained mute for the length of conversation.

It turns out that the days following our first date were full of extraordinary moments of honesty and letting people in and fear and facing your emotions and telling other people what you really think. None of these things has ever been my forte. But it has been wonderful.

To detail the actual feelings would be too heavy for even the most devoted readers, and, besides, they're more or less contained in the narrative of this blog. So I'll sum up: significant, marvelous, affectionate, all mixed up together.

I'm excited and nervous and terrified and full of hope and doubt. I wish there were a way on the computer to dot the "i"s in "likes" with hearts.

And with that, you're all current. So far, this story has no ending.

It's just to be continued.

The Frenchman: Part I

2010-11-25T21:52:00.001+05:30

There is a reason posting has been irregular of late.

I don't quite know how to say this. It has certainly come as a shock to me. I considered trying to ease into the news, but all my efforts in that course proved useless. So I'm just going to give it to you straight, as it were. I met someone!

About two weeks back I was forced to make it to my company’s annual party, with every intention of leaving the venue before noon.
I realize that the words "I cannot stay another minute at this party," "I hate it here," make no sense to my bunch of colleagues who I hang out with. And yet they're absolutely smart, every one of them.
Since my plan of bailing out of event was by no means secure, I settled down in despair, most importantly not recovering the mind that I had obviously lost.

The one small mercy in that day’s event was that I got my eyes settled on a rather amusing foreigner, (a Frenchman) who I thought had entered the wrong party, which meant that I was sitting down and belting out comments every 5 minutes. The problem was that he was working for the same company I was, just out of a different building. Hence, I hadn’t seen him before. And he also happened to have a friend who was a part of my audience. Yeah, after I got to know that piece of news, five minutes of silence and embarrassment seemed like an eternity.

I met him a few minutes later as he smiled and shook my hand. I stuttered about how nice it was to meet him that I wanted to put my eyes out with a carving fork.

The days following our meeting he has asked my friends about me and then finally picked up the phone and asked me out on a date. It would have been a little braver of me if I answered him by not pitching my voice higher.

Baby steps, Eve. Baby steps.

Stay tuned, in any case, for my next post of Drink Poison, Drink Poison, Explode with Joy.

I'll be the one drinking poison.

There are days when it’s hard to comprehend the impressive talent that was The Cure. I’m not sure the world will ever see another front man that literally owns the audience in the way that Robert Smith could. I’m not even sure it’s possible anymore. All that aside this is a fairly awesome track of The Cure titled ‘Lovesong’.

To the Frenchman

2010-11-16T21:49:00.002+05:30

The past week was so exhausting. Overworked. And dragged myself around the office this morning. Needed tea. And writing.
The worst thing about the past week was pulling a 14 hour day at our company’s annual showcase on Thursday, and then realizing that I needed to be at work the next day all bright and early.

The best thing about last week – I had many seemingly successful interactions with human males. Haha. That rocked. Also, my best friends, Tony and Runa got engaged. It was simple, beautiful, private and sweet. That's about the most perfect engagement I have heard about in a long time. “Congratulations to you both. I am so glad you have found each other.”
Marriage scares me to the point of an anxiety attack. But when my best friends finally decided to take the plunge it made me well up. Tear, sniff.

Runa and I decided to spend some time together over Friday at this swanky new restaurant on our side of the city and then I bought myself a few books for this month - Milan Kundera's ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’, that I have read in college but I felt like owning a copy of this book. Kundera’s writing is fantastic, as always. Stieg Larsson's ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ is one of my latest buys. I picked it up for the most part because the book seems to be all over the place - everyone is talking about it, everyone is reading it and everyone is commending it. If everyone jumped into a well, I wouldn't follow them but I'm more interested about books than I am plunging to my death. I also own a Batman comic by Bob Kane now. I love graphic novels so I couldn't resist this. Would I recommend reading it? It's Batman - you bet.

The music this week – Santana’s and India Arie’s ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ is excellent. Thanks to Ajay for the recommendation. It is, lush shoegazing blues-rock at its insanely, very good best. I've owned the original Beatles version and always loved it. But I suddenly realized just how genius this one by Santana is. It’s totally different than I expected and I’m duly impressed. It, no doubt, is worth repeat listens.

Keep listening to good music.

2010-11-09T21:45:00.001+05:30

I might sound like I love going to the gym but the idea of going after a blissful vacation is not pretty. For the last few years I’ve been getting by on a recipe of being blessed with a great body type and being a continual activity machine. Except now my life isn’t really providing me with the high intensity cardio like it used to, at least not in enough periods to cancel out my love of meat, chocolates and any other fat-related foodstuff.

So I’ve resumed my sessions at the gym after two weeks which got my almost-rusting muscles moving again and I’ve got back some of my missing energy. Of course, the dilemma only arrives when my work-out routine becomes boring and the pain, post-workout.
I was ready and anticipating feeling like I had the flu after the first couple of workouts. Oh my god, I really expected less.

My thighs, MY THIGHS! I discovered that this evening after the second workout. I was halfway to sitting on the toilet when my legs failed; I landed on the seat wrong, and nearly ripped my shorts trying to save myself.

It definitely felt like I had the flu, if that meant the sickest you’ve ever felt and then someone beats you up one side and down the other with a baseball bat and steals your cough syrup.

I’m hoping after day three I feel a tiny bit better, like the way you feel with a hangover. I still can’t walk without saying ‘Ow’ a couple of hundred times, but I’m determined to do the entire run-up to Christmas and then take a break. And if by some miracle the exercises work as I imagined and my arms start to look like this one below, I’m hoping someone will tell me I still look pretty and buy me a dozen donuts.

Photo By Rokovor Vihienuo

Mr. Big is easily my favorite band that I cannot seem to describe to others. Or for that matter get other people to listen to. They’re a band out of the land of California and lead singer Eric Martin sings in one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard. If the angels from on high sang in American then this is what the leading vocals would sound like. This release was part of their fourth studio album labeled ‘Hey Man’ containing this track called "Dancin' Right into the Flame".

For those of you who just found my blog take a minute to peruse other posts here at EC. I hope you enjoyed yourself this past month, November is sure to bring something amazing to everyone.

On Gangtok

2010-11-03T21:55:00.002+05:30

Rescheduling travel plans has its good side and bad side, as most choices made after a couple of Jim Beam shots. Originally, this was planned as a trip to Sikkim, with a short beginning holiday to Darjeeling. Then, life happened. An opportunity presented itself to us when there were warnings of landslides in Sikkim and I decided to stay longer in Darjeeling. But changes to a plan are much more than a pleasant phone call to different hotels in Gangtok, asking for a vacant room. It is truly a pain, but I am of the certainty that it is well worth it.

After something like four hours of periodically interrupted sleep in one of Darjeeling’s most accessible modes of transportation – the taxi, I reached the hotel in Gangtok. It was the front desk, informing me that they would arrange for all necessary papers and permits for my travel to the beautiful Changu Lake and the Nathula Pass (the trading post between India and China). May God bless them, for pretending to give me time to get back to them and being so nice about it. The hotel belonged to a friend’s friend so they quoted about 1200/- per night (from the usual 2,500). I took it. The room was lovely and the view spectacular. It could have been a lot worse, the rooms could have been unavailable or the new rate (season time) could have been astronomical. The hotel was situated 2 minutes away from M.G Road and is highly rated as one of the best in Gangtok.

The city’s dining options are similarly impressive. Allen’s Kitchen, as I would find out later, is one of the popular restaurants in Gangtok. The food was some of the best I’d had all trip.

From there, I took off to drive around Gangtok, to see my friend’s school, the Tsuklakhang Palace and Monastery, various view-points and then back into the city to get ready for the evening out. If ever there was an almost instant way to fall madly in love with Gangtok, it is to walk it, sans map, just losing yourself in the area.

The nightlife in Gangtok is exactly what we needed to fall for the city. Little Italy was easy to like at first sight with its bohemian interiors and crowd.

And when they say the restaurants close early in Gangtok, it just means they won’t have tables available after that time.

From there, I went to Café Live and Loud to discover a new brand of fabulous. With flashing lights and a crowded bar, which we were told is the most popular club in the city, was packed with friendly people, all drinking, all singing along to a number of familiar songs performed by the band Route 66. You should know that by familiar I’m talking specifically about the following songs: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, Layla and finally, and perhaps most importantly, Wild World, dedicated to yours truly.

And to end my trip in Gangtok, I went to a club called Orange, which was quite far from the city. This place was underground and filled up fast, and by filled up, I mean there was not a single inch of floor on which to stand and with only two bartenders the wait time between drinks became significant. It was around the time that we decided to dance that the DJ announced the last song was playing. Pfffft! But I will be back. Absolutely.

I had fun, unabashed fun. It was one of those trips I will be saying to my friends, “Remember when we were in Gangtok and…” for quite some time.

For those of you who frequent these pages you’ll notice something odd about this post. I literally never post videos, ever. But this performance by the band Route 66 was awesome enough and the recording is interesting enough that I thought today I would make an exception. The song is ‘Layla’. So how could I refuse to post this video? It’s shot with my phone camera in Café Live n Loud in Gangtok (Sikkim) …it turned out pretty okay I think.

See Darjeeling Like Nobody’s Business – Get the Best View

2010-10-29T21:44:00.002+05:30

Darjeeling is a beautiful town located in the state of West Bengal. Well known for its tea estates, this small town has a typically busy market center lined by British architecture.

Tea Estates

Darj. has a history dating back to the 19th century. It has good connectivity by road and rail with the other towns around it. The Bagdogra airport is 4 hours away.

Most of Darj’s attractions are concentrated in and around the city center and it is best to walk along the narrow winding paths. Just keep an eye on the traffic.

Start with the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, the most famous zoo in India, built in the 1958. It’s the home for many species in danger of extinction like snow leopards, red pandas, gorals (mountain goat) and Siberian tigers.

A Red Panda

The Market Square contains the Capital Theatre, which I was told, was once a movie theater.

Keventers (breakfast joint) and Glenary's which houses Darj’s most famous pub, Buzz is also situated in this Market Square, just opposite the Capital Theatre.

Meat Platter at Keventers

Friends made during a pub crawl.

I think I need an "I ♥ Darjeeling" t-shirt!!

The city is also home to some of the best schools in the country with the most gorgeous architecture and surroundings.

Loreto Convent

Chowrasta

Aloo Dum - Darj. Tea - T-Momo - Tai Po

If you do plan on taking a year-end vacation there then enjoy the food, rich culture, including drinking the local beer, Dansberg Blue Premium Lager Beer (founded by Sikkimese Bollywood Actor Danny Denzongpa).

Another one of the things to do in Darjeeling is a trawl around the traditional open markets held in Chowrasta. Shop till your heart’s content, the next great bargain may be just round the corner!

Ten glorious days of authentic Tibetan cuisine, alcohol, Aloo Dum, history, music and more. (Notice how food was listed first? Priorities, right?)

As much as internet on my cell phone allowed, I shared "What I Liked" along the way on FB. I hope you will join me for the rest of the journey in my next post on Gangtok!

This song just felt right for the mood of today. It’s cloudy, there’s a slight chill in the air, and it’s a lazy evening complicated by the decisions and planning associated with what to do during this long weekend. Thanks to Silversun Pickups for making this track – ‘Rusted Wheel’ that essentially is the soundtrack for my life. This song hails from an album the band put out in 2006 titled ‘Carnavas’. It’s one of my favorite tracks of the band and if you are reading this you should totally listen to the song right now.

See you soon!

Adios.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

2010-10-17T16:59:00.005+05:30

Wikipedia: Crows Lake in Sikkim

Tonight I head off to the land of tea and Lepchas and Bhutias for a visit and to meet two old college friends. Darjeeling is wonderful at this time of the year, but I have to stock up on Benadryl and warm clothes somehow. I’m also going to spend a few days in Kalimpong and Gangktok, Sikkim, where my top priority after seeing my friends is to get to see as many places as possible, then regrettably drunk for what may be something like we did back in college. My friend told me she’d understand if I wanted to chain myself to the bar.

I am also going to eat every possible meat I can lay my hands on and have some decadent fun that involves alcohol and Valium.
Well, I shall trust my old friend to deliver the goods, or fun in this case. Now, it's off to bed early and a prayer that a good, long sleep awaits me. Making a note that it is past my bedtime now, I shall presume that a long sleep may not be applicable, but I'll hope for a good, restful one anyway.

To all you who sleep tonight, I bid you good night! And to God, I'm really a nice, harmless girl; please let this journey be as painless as possible.

It's not often that I feel like a glamorous jet-setter.

But every once in a while I do.

Like now.

This has been a glorious week. I gave the band Vampire Weekend another listen - 2 albums (21 songs, and a full 60 minutes of new music) earlier this week (Thanks to Ajay). Just listen to this track ‘The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance’ below. That, quite decidedly, does not sound like anything you’ve heard before. It also, quite decidedly, got me very interested in what the rest of their music would sound like.

As we transition into the greatest season (yes, I do declare that the melancholy days of B’lore Winter are the best of the year) I only thought it proper to post this track as I watch the leaves fall outside in the wind.

I’ll miss you almost as much as you’ll miss me. Have a fun week and enjoy the rest of your October. Cheers.

2010-10-11T20:34:00.001+05:30

Over the weekend I watched the movie ‘Eat Pray Love’, created by Ryan Murphy's cinematic adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's allegedly beloved memoir which keeps me aloft, because I imagine what it must have been like for ‘Liz’ to struggle with locked-in syndrome, and takes heart that she one day, breaks away from it all, and has the ability to move and express myself. It leaves the same effect on pretty much everyone who watches it or reads it - a huge smile and no small wonder (and envy) at the places she's been to. How many of us get to cut loose and take off like that? How many of us dare to? Watching the movie made me happy. It made me want to travel again. It made me want to step out of my cloak of inhibition.

(Skip to the next paragraph if you don't want to read any spoilers.)

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Although, there are some parts of the movie I find hard to comprehend; that a successful, good-looking writer journeys the world for a year and still can't find happiness until she meets a similarly attractive and successful partner in the final part of the movie.
This sort of "voyage to finding oneself" was because she was rolling in the dough. In fact, this entire movie reminded me of all these foreign yuppies, I constantly run into in the city that would try to sound cool about their meeting with a yogi blah blah blah blah. I'm going to say that most of her readers could not (even if they wanted to) leave their careers and families to go on a year-long vacation to alien lands. Her experience is not based on reality for a large amount people. Nevertheless, the writer eggs on audiences to live richly through her, feeling the charge of self-empowerment and individual transformation, without getting off their couches and truly doing something exciting or significant with their own lives.
*********************************
Yeah, much as I dislike coming off as a hater of this movie, I can say that this genre, mainly the food variety, speaks to me, if it's any comfort to fans of food-porn self-discovery travelogues. This brings us to what I did after the movie.

I’m at this new burger joint called ‘Peppa Zzing’. I clear my throat and smile. “Yes, I’d like a cheese-burst beef burger and a cold coffee, please.”

It only takes a few minutes before I’m handed my basket of yum-yums. I dig into the chips, but that’s just a distraction. I get started with the burger and within seconds make a sticky sweet disaster of the burger and myself. I devour the burger but have problems finishing it.
I don’t give a damn about calories but I can’t seem to continue eating the deliciously wonderful, fattening, bad-for-you, so-tasty-it’s-gross burger. I think that wonderful patty is doing amazing things for my face (or so I believe). I highly recommend having lunch/dinner there soon. You deserve a break today. I know I did last night.

Until next time I wish you all the best with the eating and the praying and the loving.

Before

Sure, he kind of looked like a Backstreet Boy then. But can you believe that this is the kid who’s played with people like Buddy Guy, Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Santana, Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, Aerosmith, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and Sting?

After

Now 29, he may have traded in the haircut, but he's no doubt ready to show you the money. As talented as he is handsome, Jonny Lang has got it down. Here’s now-grown blues wunderkind Jonny Lang with the song that started it all thirteen years ago.

“Lie to Me”

To Long-Distance Guy

Well.... It's Monday already, Fuuggg!!

2010-10-04T20:02:00.000+05:30

Monday again, huh? I can't say I'm too thrilled about that. And my brain, it's not functioning too well. I've got all kinds of things I shouldn't talk about but nothing I should.

I can't even begin to go into telling you about the weekend I had. Part of it was cool - I hung out with some of my best buds. But mostly it was disturbing. For some reason I seemed to have gained the weight I lost over the week in two days.

Finally, I can't tell you how many pints of beer, glasses of champagne, midori and whiskey I had. I don't have that many fingers and, since it’s Monday, my ability to count is based solely on the number of fingers I have. If you see me walking around with my shoes off, just know I was called on to do higher math.

I took it this past weekend, during our drinking session. Sadly, it appears as though the view teased us with a glancing blow. Oh well. Can't last forever.

Due to an awesome friend, Ajay, who left a video of this song on my FB wall on my birthday I have had the pleasure of spinning Mutemath’s ‘Peculiar People’ quite a bit lately and have landed on this as the stand-out track this week. It comes out of the gate with a frantic drum line that’s heavy and angular at times and melodic at others. The brisk vocals add to the song’s energy and the fact that it’s all so hooky and catchy and upbeat just makes it irresistible. It’s a whirlwind of a track and an example of Electro-Alternative-Rock at its most vital. Downright explosive guitar riffs, the song hits climax after breathtaking climax as the band’s impossibly loud, vehemently fuzzy power chords make your head spin. And special thanks to the soul who introduced me to them. You should thank him too.

WELL IT'S TIME TO TELL YOU THAT MY BIRTHDAY DID ROCK

2010-09-28T20:43:00.002+05:30

I want to thank you for all the nice birthday wishes. I had a really great day. Thanks to having slowed my roll to a near-standstill, I managed to have a lovely dinner on Friday with some of my closest and coolest friends from work and woke up the next morning hangover-free, so I’d have to say that I’d really recommend 27 so far.

Runa decorated me up and I had my favorite dinner (smoked pork at the Naga Kitchen, in case you're curious).

It rained! It has rained on two out of my last two birthdays. I'm originally from the south and the rain hasn't lost its novelty. Although it took us awhile to get to the restaurant and back but because it rained, I got to have more cups of that enjoyable hot black tea.

Behold the new Oxelo Scooter. Thanks to this guy.

Saturday. My best friend came down to our fair city. It’s been three long years since I last saw him. It was hilarious and moderately frustrating to smile at the fun we were having together and the fact that we had missed so much of each other’s lives which erased said smile. Fun was had by all, especially by me who got to terrorize everyone without having to worry about the consequences.

Sunday. Throngs of people dressed in beach wear populated Palace Grounds. Yeah. We went to the Flea Market called ‘The Sunday Soul Sante Bazaar’. It was a perfect day for it - sunny, warm, slight drizzle and insanely gorgeous. Pity a lot of B’lore decided to visit the Bazaar at the same time. I mean, seriously people, there are other places to see bazaars, like your television. Aside from the invasion of an asshat who felt the models at the fashion show rehearsal were strutting all wrong, the market was fun. After that we went to Ice & Spice and had these –

Then we went home. And I collapsed.

I know lots of people who have a tradition on their birthdays. You know - people who take the day off, people who go clubbing, people who go out for a fancy dinner. I don't really have a tradition. Do you?

On this Tuesday evening I bring to you the AWESOME Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, a trombone and trumpet player from New Orleans, with ‘Hurricane Season’.

I love this track as it just never seems to quit. The music is spit fire and it drives along in a jangly bouncy mess of fun from start to finish. I seem to gravitate towards music that sounds as if they’re having a ton of fun making it, and this is just such a track.
It serves as a great kickoff to the winter. This is what Jazz-Funk has always been for me, and in this track you’ll find more of the same. The bottom line is that it’s a great tune from this musical kid genius.

Me Me Me Me Meeeeeeee

2010-09-24T09:40:00.002+05:30

Today is my ~~19th~~ ~~22nd~~ 27th birthday, and I will be actually completing my 27th year anytime now (comes from being born awesomely early). What I really want for my birthday is to have my wonderful friends next to me, get up really late and have my breakfast in bed, or hold onto the arms of a really handsome hunk when I wake up first thing (not gonna happen); to sit on the couch and watch a movie of my choice with my entire - 6 member family (not gonna happen); and thirteen uninterrupted hours of sleep (not gonna happen). But, I am typing this after talking to so many friends who constantly make me feel loved.

If you would like to give me a gift, and you know you would, you can leave me a comment. This is a lovely present because I am obsessed with getting comments from y’all and it will score me a little easy entertainment today.

I have a friend who always gets himself a present on his birthday. I mean a really nice present. One year it was a camera, the next year it was a new Engine system for his car. (Or something like that, I generally stop listening whenever anyone uses the words "carburetion" and "four-stroke internal combustion.") I decided to take up that tradition myself this year and got myself a little something. Tickets to Bagdogra… from where I shall go up to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and finally to Sikkim.

Now, hurry and give me an internet-Hug.

Also a fabulous 4 pack of Chap Stick and a new purse. I’m not too old to pretend that I’m 22, right?

Here’s a song that I love and I hope you love it to. It always brings back the best of all memories, however I’m currently remembering it, and I hope it hits a warm spot in your life too. This is a song from one of my favourite artists that ever lived – Jeff Buckley. If you’ve never heard of him you better either live across the pond, be under the age of 13 {in which case it’s obvious your parents don’t care about you, I mean you are reading this blog, so go ahead hit play, it can’t hurt}, or be on your way to the closest retailer to fix this mistake in your life. I recommend the albums - Grace and Sketches for my Sweetheart. They’re both classic.

"AND I'LL RISE JUST LIKE AN EMBER IN YOUR NAME"

Man that would make any girl feel like a goddess...

Another One Down

2010-09-20T21:01:00.002+05:30

As with most weekends, this one was just way too short. I could have used an extra day and, perhaps, a little more sleep. I did, however, get some stuff done this weekend, including a little day in the life photo set on Saturday.

Aside from the collected photographic substantiation, the weekend played out the way most do. Even though this one had some extra-added bonus live music. On Saturday night, I attended this concert:

It featured a friend on vocals as well as the soon-to-be newlyweds - my best friend, Runa on the paino and her fiancé Tony on the guitars. There was a great deal of screaming going on at around the same time.

So that's it. Another weekend down. These weeks, and months, seem to be passing a little too quickly for my comfort. Anyone know how to slow the world down a bit?

I'm not sure if it's a sign of basic delight or lunacy, but I characteristically wake up with a song running through my head. It moves around my brain until it finds a way through my lips in a hum or whistle and it generally fastens itself to me most of the day. As you can imagine, this can be a good thing or a nuisance. Here's the track list for the past week or so.

Favourite Things (Pomplamoose)
La Vien Rose (Pomplamoose)
Mister Sandman (Pomplamoose)
Nature Boy (Pomplamoose)
September (Pomplamoose)
Single Ladies (Pomplamoose)
Always In the Season (Pomplamoose)
Be Still (Pomplamoose)
Centrifuge (Pomplamoose)
Mrs. Robinson (Pomplamoose)
Twice As Nice (Pomplamoose)
If You Think Need Some Lovin’ (Pomplamoose)
You’re So Gay (Katy Perry)

A few questions. First, do you sense a theme? Second, when my brain finally decided to break the cycle of Pomplamoose, why the fuck did it go with lame pop girl Katy Perry? That ain't right.

As much as I'd love to hate Pomplamoose- Jack Conte and Nataly Dawn - I really can't. Seriously, I'd love an excuse. But they're pretty awesome. The tunes are quite clever, the songs are infectious and I love them with a fiery passion that burns with the strength of a thousand suns. But I am positive - absolutely convinced beyond any doubt whatsoever - that the geniuses behind this band have somehow injected it with the mental, audio equivalent of crack. How else could you explain the unconscious force that wakes me up with their songs in my head? Were I to be kept away from the music of Pomplamoose, I know I would first experience the shakes, enter a violently convulsive state and end up chopping up my music devices, snorting it and praising the gods of rock. And I'm fine with that. But god forbid I wake up singing Katy Perry again.

What kind of crap is stuck in your head?

Oh, and I turn 27 in 3 days, and I don’t know what to expect.

Pomplamoose – If You Think Need Some Lovin’

WHY I LOVE THIS GIG

2010-09-15T20:40:00.002+05:30

A blogger's job is never done. This month I had the task of reviewing a mobile phone sent to me by Nokia. Specifically, the Nokia X6 music touchscreen smartphone. Nose to the grindstone, I poked, prodded, charged, loaded, and listened and I can now give my verdict.

This regular-sized sucker's pretty cool. Almost the same size of my earlier cell phones and quite a bit lighter, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much. But I was wrong.

Turning on the mobile brought me to an appealing comprehensive 3.2 inch splash screen where I was able to navigate through the several categories of music player, media and supports. Audio files, messaging, dialer and contacts are all available from this screen. Navigation to each is simple by running your thumb or any other favourite finger across the screen. I was most curious about the audio (since I am, chiefly, a huge music lover) so I checked that out first. Having loaded a few of my favourite MP3s. Sound was all right, not too great. And even when it was bumped up by enhancements made through the equalizer it didn’t really sound too awesome. That was pretty much the only drawback noted here. The navigation between artists, albums and songs is trouble-free.
Next, I tried the video. It was crystal clear and the details are sharp.

The storage – 16 GB - is impressive. The rechargeable battery stays alive for quite a while (the box advertises 35 hours of music playback time and I've found nothing to prove that wrong). Stereo headset is provided, as well as a car charger cable and a phone holder. A USB cable is made available as is additional software. Of course, I can tell you much about that. I installed the music I love listening to when I’m at the gym or on my way to the office. Add your media files through the Nokia Ovi Suite and you're good to go.

Perhaps the greatest selling point? The OVI services. One of them being free downloads from the Nokia Music Store and the 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics - I know, I know who really cares about cameras in phones... but I’ll tell ya what, it's nice to have the option.

I love the way this phone operates. And if you're in the market for a nice phone that everyone else doesn’t have or won't break the bank, this is a good deal. My final admission. I've had this thing for a couple of months now. Who knows how it'll work over time. From my point of view, you're getting a lot of features for a pretty awesome price.

It's also probably worth mentioning that I love reading or checking my blog and other blogs from this phone.

And if you're wondering what to get all those people on your Christmas lists, give this a try. You can check the phone out at http://www.nokiax6.org
Some additional info can be found at YouTube.

At first I thought I'd just show you my mobile phone. Then I had an idea...

HI!!!!

My disappointment at realizing I’m a full 48 hours further from the weekend than I’d been led to believe was quickly tempered by the fact that I discovered a new band called ‘Pomplamoose’ (The name of the band derives from the French word ‘pamplemousse’ – incidentally which is from Tamil pampa limāsu meaning generally grapefruit) with a little help from Facebook. In fact, as soon as I got home, I got a copy of the songs, and am happily listening to it right now. And it’s good. (And, yes, I’m a dork. I’m a big dorky girl who thinks this is one of the best things since sliced bread. I think this cover originally sung by the band - Earth, Wind and Fire, ‘September’ is slightly different but good and has everything I like about this band and I’m going to listen to it over and over and you can’t stop me!

Ahem. Before we delve any further into the closet of my Musical Preferences, let’s move on to more important things. The music!

2010-09-12T15:36:00.004+05:30

Here's a new feature on EC. Every month, this space turns it’s scheduled tasks over to friends to find out what’s playing on their music devices or in their heads. This week, we hear from Silvester Phanbuh, my peer from work. He's from the North-East, is a swell cook (he hasn’t invited me over yet) and person all around. We have a ball when we get together, which is always too rarely. Read his blog, Down-Shop Memoirs, here.

Where are you from?
Shillong, Meghalaya

What song did you think about when you got dressed this morning? Any new artists you’d like to recommend?
Not specific to this morning but if I were to have a soundtrack for my mornings it would have to be some landscape piece like an epic movie theme or Ennio Morricone, or the likes - A nice grand string arrangement. That’s because I live in a city so the only open spaces that I can open my windows to are in my mind.

How has your music progressed from when you started listening to music to right now?
As a kid I listened to anything that was popular or accessible – more than the word “listen”, the better terms would be “heard” or “familiar” as I never really paid attention. Although there were a couple of songs which I’d actually make an effort to listen to. As I grew up it got interesting - I discovered the Doors and Scorpions and finally I started listening to metal. Megadeth was, is and most probably always will be my all-time favorite band.
Initially I was very close minded, and my music represented my rebelliousness and there was always an “anti-something-or-the-other” angle to it. However, there was a natural expansion of my tastes and music started being influenced by my moods rather than an image I was supposed to cultivate. Hence, I don’t like it when people assume that I’m a plain old metal-head, because that term confines me.

What were the first songs that you liked that made it onto a music CD?
The first mixed tape I made had songs from KISS, Scorpions and Deep Purple if I correctly remember.

How do you feel the reaction is to music in B’lore?
I believe the music lovers in Bangalore are quite intelligent and there is always something for all genres. From my first hand experience I regard the metal crowd as the best in the country. Also the local scene is supported well which is refreshingly nice.

Where did you get the music you listen to?
I borrowed a lot of tapes from friends and vice versa – later on with the dawn of the “inter-web” acquiring music became easier. Of course, I always follow up on my favorite musicians to know about releases etc.

How big do you think blogs and internet buzz has been in a band’s success?
The internet is a great place to find music – I cannot explain the huge difference it’s made. Everything is faster, easier, has more options and mostly free. So automatically this led to exposure to lots of bands who would have otherwise been dependent on whimsical trend conscious record labels.

Check back and there’ll be more music lovers to read about.

The breaks between posts have been long and I do apologize, but I’ve been busy. I’m attempting to cobble together my life and that has taken over most of my music listening time. Fortunately I stole some time back over this past week to listen to a handful of random songs strewn about here and there on the web. Even more fortunately for all of us I tripped on this cover that the Noisettes have done that are worth a listen.

For those of you who are completely in the dark about Pop/Indie rock band, Noisettes, they covered the popular ‘When You Were Young’ by The Killers in March 2009 . This cover is especially nice. As would only be appropriate for it to gain space on EC.
I’ll do my best to post as often as possible. Rest assured that the music is still here and EC will continue on. Enjoy the music.

2010-09-05T19:35:00.005+05:30

For a large chunk of my young-womanhood, I lived in B’lore, a heavily residential Anglo-Indian neighborhood. Despite having Khasi (Shillong) relatives myself, I wasn’t actually aware about the area; my family paid little attention to lineage and I never heard the language spoken. Until I met my best friend and later, my bro-inlaw. They were the main source of my North-Eastern influence in the neighborhood, particularly in the area of food. My first life-changing Naga-influenced food experience was delivered courtesy of my bro-in-law’s mum, Aunt Anung, in Nagaland. But not just any meat preparation. Her meals were tastier than any spread I had eaten before. The pork was perfectly smoked and fried, served with steamed vegetables and axone (fermented soy-bean) on the side of raja-mirchi (The Naga jolokia) chutney. When paired with a bamboo mug of red tea, made a far better nightcap than a Hot chocolate with a shot of Bailey's Irish creme mixed in ever could (well, maybe not far better).

So my first lesson in great food pairings came to me on a chilly evening, in a small town of light and bright colors and late night city occupants, while I sat at the dinner table combining tastes and on the edge of every flavor of meat, vegetables, side dishes and drink. And it’s still one of my favorite moments. The crunch of the roasted pork, the snap of the fried fat, the bite of the rajamirchi-axone mixed chutney; nothing on the planet sets up the taste and texture of a meal better.

Picture Courtesy : The Naga Kitchen

But the reason for this post isn’t about the recollection of a gourmet moment. There’s one other major culinary event for which I have the Naga neighborhood to thank: it’s the opening of The Naga Kitchen. The first Naga restaurant in B’lore city that I visited on Friday and Saturday. This local joint, serves a wicked version of authentic Naga cuisine, and from the moment I bit into my first roasted pork piece, I was hooked. I don’t care who you are, or how much you struggle with ethical issues around eating meat: you’re just going to have to admit that there’s pretty much nothing as delicious as properly cooked pork.

What's better than this? Almost nothing.

So allow me to say it: it’s time to come home to Naga food at:
The Naga Kitchen
#26 A.V.S Arcade, Above F Square Garment store
Terrace Floor, Opp. Adidas Showroom
Next to Empire and Nandhini hotel
Kamanahalli Main Road
Bangalore - 84

If you’re around this side of town, do get to The Naga Kitchen and taste some of their smoked pork and your ethical dilemma will be a thing of the past. At least until hunger strikes again.

In exactly three weeks, at 9:01 a.m. on Friday, September 24, I will turn 27. If 27 is dead in woman years, does this mean I am approaching resurrection? Or has my flesh finished rotting off my bones and is my skeleton just lying here, deluding itself that there is any life left in it at all?

Sara Bareilles : King of Anything

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I was trying to branch out a bit on this track. Most of the time I get into the groove of singer/songwriter Indie kid with a jones for folk tunes music and run it until it’s dead. But on this single I was looking for a bit more. A bit of pop oomph. Welcome to Sara Bareilles, almost-gonna-make it pop rock act. But I bring you good music with a focus on the music being good. Hence, she has made the cut.

WEEKEND RECAP

2010-09-01T09:36:00.001+05:30

Another weekend is, once again, behind us. Admittedly, this is a condition which sucks donkey balls. But the weekend was a busy one; I've got a lot to tell so I can't dwell on that.

On Friday, I was tuckered out by the time I rolled out of work so I preferred to collapse on the couch for the evening and watch Criminal Minds. And surprisingly I had a great time.

On Saturday, I headed to a friend’s place, who also happens to be guitarist and vocalist for popular local band Lounge Piranha.

He’s working on a new t-shirt line and I wish I had taken my camera with me to capture everything I had seen - the creator at his home. I just loved his work, a place that looked like a home/ studio and work on the walls for ideas and inspiration.
His work place is like something out of a dream sequence, and the designs on t-shirts are full of humor and playfulness as well as great craftsmanship and unique style. Visit his homepage here to view his work!

Saturday afternoon - There was more than a little playing, multiple rounds of beer in a well-known pub called ‘Noon Wines’. I think I fell in love with the Lamb Steak Burger at Ice & Spice instantly, and a shockingly impressive consumption of mayonnaise. We had a wonderful time. Afterwards, I think we were all worn out. We headed home and passed out for the evening.

Sunday involved sleeping in for me, the expected weekend with older sis and her family for lunch and desert. While that was neat and all, it was my niece that stole the show as usual. By the time they left, though, I had her trained, getting her to sit down, stay still and everything. I'm sure "accidentally" feeding her cookies and chocolate didn't hurt her conformity either.

Most of you probably wouldn't mechanically leap to this guess but, if left to my own devices, there's a fair chance I'd become a loner. I like time to myself and with my music. But through all this eventful weekend, I was reminded that it's often through the eyes of other people – family and friends - that you're told again and again how privileged you are. And I'm one fortunate lady.

It seems like I talk every month about how surprised I am by the amount of new artists that show up on my playlist, but they’ve really outdone themselves this year. As far as this blog goes, I’ve added a new band to review this month, titled ‘Revelation’ by Sons of Sylvia. In fact I’m listening to it right now and it’s still solid from start to end. The album ‘Revelation’ is so good, so instantly timeless, that my unconscious has filed it away with albums I’ve loved over the last 15 years of my life.
As always, make sure to leave a comment if you like what you see or have your own favorite albums or songs to add. To the readers, thank you for continuing to support this blog and reading what I have to say. Have a wonderful September!

It’s Only Love’ by Sons of Sylvia

I CAN EAT MY DINNER IN A FANCY RESTAURANT......

2010-08-27T22:01:00.002+05:30

Here's something to ponder while you sip your coffee, make plans for the weekend, get ready to have a nice meal or sit in an endless stream of traffic on your way back from work. Who is your role-model? And, in fifty words or less, why? Watch, allow me to demonstrate:

My best friends, Runa and Ruan are my role-models. They stand strong when I cannot, push me towards the right path when decisions are lost upon me, and help me to be a better person. Wonderful people, loyal friends, beautiful chicas, and of course, they have smokin’ hot asses.

So - husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, teacher, altar boy, rockstar or football fan - let me have it.

In an interesting turn of events, I won last quarter’s ‘Star Performer’ award and my team (Display Advertising) won the most prestigious annual award our company can give to any individual/team; and this is among 13,900 employees in the world. The gods of technology seem to be cutting me some slack. It was a good day. Now? I need chocolate...and tea...lots of tea.

Sinead O’Connor's 'Nothing Compares To You' cover by Stereophonics

I still really, really, really love this song.

As I was struggling through one of my longer runs on the treadmill, this song came up on my playlist. (Yeah, what’s up? I listen to this Sinead O’Connor cover while running.) One of the ways I get through the parts where I just don’t want to run anymore is allow myself a little psychotic lip-syncing singing along with whatever is playing. I was working my way towards the end of a run, and mouthing the words to this song while people did their stretches and lifted weights. And by “lip-syncing,” I mean puffing out incomplete lyrics, by which I mean crazily panting, “I CAN EAT MY DINNER IN A FANCY RESTAURANT.”

I’m at a point in my life where I’m fortunate to discover so many wonderful covers. As I’ve said before in other EC posts, I’m a sucker for good covers. And Sinead O’Connor’s famous ‘Nothing compares to you’ covered by Welsh band Stereophonics is pure class. There is something captivating about spitting venom over a gorgeous O’Connor backdrop. I simply cannot force my brain to move beyond this track. If you have only one song to listen to today this should be your choice.

Keep listening to good music.

"Drink Tea....Destroy Everything!"

2010-08-23T20:55:00.001+05:30

Things have not started out well...

There are three kinds of moods I seem to break out into depending on the way I feel and the significance of whatsoever it is that happens to be off beam. First, there's the I'm somewhat bothered and/or sore but, hey, I'll get over it mood which is more grumpy than anything. It's effortlessly treated by receiving a hug or waving something shiny in front of me. Next, and to some extent more tough, is the damnit, I'm mad, I feel like crap, so get your asses out of my way, people, marked by a more serious mood. Finally, there's the horrific holy shit, people, a pack of untamed chimpanzees somehow made it into the place, climbed a flight of stairs and started gnawing on my limbs mood. You would think that the conclusion of humankind as prophesized by the book of Revelations was playing out.

This morning? It was that third thing.

Then, before I knew it, the driver was calling and, of course, I let the phone ring over and over again even though I was so late because I was feeling about as inspired to go to work as I am to let wild rabbits consume my brain. When I did head to work, it was cold and blustery and the traffic sucked. I strolled into my office, took a sip of tea and ordered breakfast. Instead of it being the standard slightly grilled cheese sandwich, they dumped gallons of some green gooey crap into it and burnt my breakfast beyond recognition. I felt betrayed. Those men at the cafeteria, I thought they knew me. I thought we were tight. Soulless dogs.

I have meetings and countless hours of work standing between me and the weekend. I think it’s time to get more tea.

It’s been a while since I had some Alternative rock to listen to and Lifehouse’s ‘Joshua’ is filling that void quite nicely. Music from this band is always a huge plus in my book. This single is a remarkable display of guitar-light rock. The shimmering riffs that slip into the song are mixed in with some truly lovely guitar interplay all finishing in a densely layered, glorious tune. The dynamic highs and lows will be familiar to anyone who’s ever put on a Lifehouse record, but the band’s elegant musical craftsmanship are enough for them to make their own mark in the alternative-rock world.
This song from Lifehouse, was totally unknown to me until I was looking through their ‘Rare & Unplugged’ album. It’s yet another one of those things I listen to and think “damn, I wish I’d made that.

The Case of Cerebral Briggsy*

2010-08-18T21:27:00.001+05:30

I was busy all day. I really was, no shit, 7 hours long. As painful as I'm sure that sounds, it was really a pretty awesome day. But I think I'm now suffering from Cerebral Briggsy. And? Cerebral Briggsy? I previously revealed that I think I'm suffering from Cerebral Briggsy? Sorry. Must be because I'm suffering from Cerebral Briggsy.

All that good tactical thinking at work left me lacking the good quality time necessary to get my freak on. So it's your turn. Yes, your turn to tell me how the week’s going. I think it’s the Cerebral Briggsy that’s making it hard to deliver to you this Wednesday. Let's have it - tell me about the good, the bad and the ugly.

Once you're done, check out some awesome music below. Listen to it, and you'll get twice your recommended daily allowance of awesomeness. Warning - there is danger of awesome overload.

MGMT sounds nothing like anything we’ve covered before. I’m using this opportunity to write about one of the most exciting things I’ve stumble upon in recent times.
Whether this band is giving new meaning to the terms ‘Psychedelic Pop' or 'New Wave' or 'Neo-psychedelia' or reinventing the standard measures of a track, Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are always up to good. Producing heavy tunes since 2005, the band’s flexible use of drum, guitar, keyboard lines and dusty electronica samples has helped in launching a consistent style that chases your train of thought and let your ears do all the thinking.

Two years after ‘Oracular Spectacular’ (one of my favourite albums) jumped on the decks it pretty much set the standard for gold, instantly making the band entryway artists for anyone who was just beginning to explore the whole wide-eyed electro optimistic genre. I’m always intrigued by a song that’s far from my home genre and I couldn’t be more serious in saying that MGMT is totally listenable. You can bet your ass their most recent album ‘Congratulations’ (2010) plays as smooth as their ‘Oracular Spectacular’ album (2008). Surely it is not for everyone, but be it textured or impressive… it never reaches a point of becoming too much of one thing– and that my friend, is a good thing. It’s the perfect recipe for repose if you ask me. In fact, I’m not sure why this hasn’t been considered for hypnosis. Now do as I say and listen.

MGMT with 'Electric Feel'

*Cerebral Briggsy: A disease that severely affects the brain causing the sufferer to be devoid of common sense, reality and render them completely useless at everything

The Fifteenth

2010-08-15T15:53:00.000+05:30

Sometimes, usually after watching the news broadcast about a starved family or a tornado-swept place or a government that represses civil liberties, I play the "I'm thankful I was born..." game. You've almost certainly played it. You know, "I'm glad I was born into the family I have" or "I'm glad I was born with two hands". And while I am immeasurably grateful for those things, the general premise for me, at least, is "I'm glad I was born in this country." Which is weird since I really wasn't born in this country. I was born in the Gulf to two Indian parents. Which makes me Indian, regardless of the country in which the delivery room was situated.

I still believe myself damn lucky to be an Indian. There are a lot of things I am in opposition with in this country. But it's tough to dispute with a place in which, every five years, individuals are nominated in and out of power without an ounce of bloodshed.

Happy Independence Day. I think the best part about being an Indian is that we can sit here and disagree, period.

1987 was a great year for music. Unfortunately I was too busy watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and learning Arabic taught by a tall Lebanese woman to pay too much attention. Anway, the year brought us Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’, Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, Guns N’ Roses ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ and U2’s ‘With or Without You’ as well as debuts from Gin Blossoms, Green Day Porcupine Tree, and Alice in Chains. The one song I remember listening to this year was Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over”.

TWO WORDS

2010-08-12T20:07:00.000+05:30

Two words, used independently of one another are all right... but strung together in the right order they're even more remarkable. The words? ‘Day’ and ‘Off’.

That's right folks...I've taken the day off. I kicked the weekend off early, by taking Thursday and Friday off. Given the stress of the last several months, it was the least I could do. I thought it was an outstanding idea. So my good friend, Ruan and I had steak for lunch and went to Fro-Yo for dessert and shopped more than you could shake a stick at. I have no idea what I'm going to do with the hours stretching out in front of me but I know one thing for damn sure - I won't be working. Not even a teensy weensy little bit.

Maybe I'll catch up on some of my favorite blogs. Maybe I'll learn the ancient and traditional art of ninja fighting. Maybe I'll hop over to the Middle East and work on that whole peace thing. Or I can just sit on my ass. Also thanks to the folks at Nokia India, I won't be thinking too much about it while I'm spending quality time with my new Nokia X6!

I wade through the usual music sites about a couple of times a week and it’s fairly rare that anything really catches my attention. About once every other while, however, I am pleasantly amazed by a message from a friend that contains a little musical gem.

This cover of ‘Ayo Technology’ (originally performed by 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland) by Belgian singer-songwriter, Milow, turned out pretty good I think. To be fair the remainder of the album ‘Milow’ (2009) is decent, but it’s nowhere near the level of this cover.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by or is currently following EC. And, as always, enjoy the music.

Crash Kings.... Considered Harmful

2010-08-09T16:18:00.006+05:30

I sometimes imagine what it would be like to work in a profession I truly love and am passionate about. Now add in spending time with bands that play awesome music and then writing about it. And since I’m not really a conventional, uninteresting kinda girl (but you knew that already, didn’t you?) it’s going to be about hanging out, then telling the story. Which is good for me, for the bands, and for anyone reading my stuff (do we really need yet another outbreak of mind-numbing, done to death, cookie cutter info about a band, keyed in by folks whose main aim seems to be establishing that they know more than you? No, we do not).

So all that’s swell. But my imagination gets better: because not only will I get to watch bands I already know are great, I get to find out valuable bands that I didn’t know a friggin’ thing about, then tell everybody who will pay attention and check them out.

And that starts here, now, with Crash Kings.

This was one of the only albums that I heard this year where I knew right away that it’d be a year-long listener. There are so many moments of rock goodness sprinkled across the album that I thought my ears were going to explode and I’m so happy to join in the cult-like group of Crash Kings fans.
Seriously, I’ve never heard a better Alternative Rock band out there. Add that with amazing guy – Tony Beliveau on vocals (who can actually sing) with a range at his disposal, including a bassist with style powered riffs and layers of piano sounds. Their incredible sound ties everything they do together in a way that’s so perfect you can’t help but smile. “Mountain Man” and “You Got Me” - the album’s most delightful and addicting tracks, with a glisten of the piano and heavy bass backing an incredible vocal hook, are tracks that pack a huge punch.

If someone asked me to define listenable and pleasurable Alt. Rock in an album this certainly would be nearing the top of the list of albums I’d give them. It really delivers a very full listening experience, whether you want to just float along to the musicality or examine closely the brilliance of the band’s lyrics. One of the most richly satisfying albums you’ll hear in your life. It’s just that damn good.

Beliveau’s vocals and the band’s huge sound ought to keep you entranced.

In short, one of the most talented and significant bands to emerge in our era. It’s not for nothing I’m considering on changing my surname to Beliveau. ;)

What to look out for: Tony Beliveau rocks one of the coolest Clavinets I’ve ever seen (see video above for more on that) just makes the whole thing better.

It’s moments like these that really define for me the universal power of great music and it makes me excited to share those moments with others. And for that I am eternally grateful.

Whatever I put up on EC are the tried-and-true songs that have stuck with me for months and years filling my days with elation and my CDs, playlists with, uh… songs. These are the ones that I love more than steak and beer. The video listed here is the one that I found to be the most visually interesting, uniquely executed, superbly edited, and just in general, a wonderfully awesome video of the band (although having a good song attached to it didn’t hurt it’s chances either). If you like the video, the band and the music, make sure to let me know in the comments. Enjoy!

Crash Kings with 'You Got me'. Pete, thanks for the heads up on these guys!

I Am So Worn-Out These Days

2010-08-03T20:54:00.002+05:30

What is the deal? I KNOW you think it’s just a symptom of the weather, but does it have to be that? I figure my being so worn-out all the time is just due to the hurt of living or whatever. Life went gangrenous at some point in the past year, with the extra money and the football and the online dates-a-thons. It’s a lot for one person. It’s a lot for all of us.

On top of which, there’s never been so much to stay up for! The interwebs! Facebook is a nightmare calling my name every minute of the day. People have statuses: attention must be given. Someone’s posting pictures to their galley on Flickr: I need to be there to offer encouragement. Guys I like are posting links, for real, like EVERY DAY. What happens if I don’t click on them? I don’t want to find out, and neither do you. It’s a wonder I get any time to sleep. I should be applauded.

My key to staying awake remains to be tea. I find now that one cup a day is about all my body can handle, but that’s sufficient to get me through most of the morning. Awesome! Good job everybody, let’s go home. But what’s this? There’s more to the day, turns out. Is Facebook to blame, somehow?

So it’s been with great interest that I’ve turned to getting out of the house more lately and trying to limit the online activity. But I’ve realized I’ve done more shopping in the past three days than I would in a month. I think I like the latter the least. So the point is I’m here, exhausted after work and the gym but updating my blog. Playing a part in the online discussion. Creating content. Presenting all of you who are sitting in front of your computer screens a good reason for doing so. I am now free of my responsibilities for the evening; who knows where the blogospheres will take me next. My ass is numb, my bed cold but my laptop is affectionately warm. There’s a playlist queue to organize. There’s media pouncing on a male actor struggling to hold on to some slice of self-respect as he paints his face white for a red carpet event. There is music to reach out to, and high-resolution photographs of dishes I’m not interested in eating. I’m awake, let’s friggin’ do this.

Zero 7: noun – a kickass electronic/power-pop styled musical duo.

Oh, and the track by them 'In The Waiting Line' features vocals by Sophie Barker. So play it, turn it up, and stay still, because they’ll be sure to bring the noise.

If anyone would like to contact me, send me freebies, or just say how awesome I am you can reach me at evelinerajan@gmail.com

Keep reading

First, an apology....

2010-07-30T20:42:00.002+05:30

..... if I haven't visited your blog lately, I'm sorry. Life has gotten Busy. That's Busy with a capital B. Please don't think I'm ignoring you.

This week has been much better than the last. For one, I haven't worked my ass off. I checked. It's started to grow back. This week I've been much more hopeful about my verdict for good days. Granted, it's been gloomier and colder and harder to get out of bed but once I'm dressed and out of the house, I'm good to go. A good cup of tea at work might start the day right, maybe a nice comment from one of you when I check my mail in the morning. But sometimes, it just takes a little more. I need a sign.

I was on Facebook the other day, and a friend of mine posted this video from the rock 'n roll fable ‘Almost Famous’. I love the way Billy Crudup sings this verse in the movie -

“Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
you had a busy day today.”

And in a odd moment of lucidity, I try to imagine myself as the kid from that movie, holed up, like me, for reasons he’d probably rather not talk about; only in his case, he’d bring his older sister’s record collection circa 1970. I liked to imagine me out in a dark studio, smoking weed and spinning records, seemingly at random — or, like me, according to his own, seemingly directionless, barely under control.

‘Almost Famous’ is easily one of the straight up films ever made, and it somehow manages that without treading on over sentimentalism even for a minute. It’s one of my all-time favorite movies. And when it was released I got a copy for myself. Totally worth it.

Elton John with Tiny Dancer gracing this post on EC. Going out especially to the birthday girl, Natasha.

2010-07-24T20:31:00.005+05:30

The past week has been busy. Very busy. I was stuck between work and the hospital. Mom had a high fever and it rapidly went downhill. She was taken to the hospital for a check-up but after getting there, Dad was told to admit her. Which he did. She was given IV immediately and then our family began freaking out. There's nothing quite so bad as not knowing what the problem is. The next day my mom was diagnosed with Dengue and her blood platelet count had drastically reduced. So everyday this past week I’ve been heading to the hospital after work and sleeping on their very uncomfortable beds. I had very little sleep but every time I looked at mom in bed taking all those breathing treatments, cords and tubes running into her, I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach. Then, right away, I felt thankful. Thankful that it wasn’t worse.

She’s now, finally back with us. Thank god, home. Sleeping in our own beds under the same roof. I love my mom. Without her being around, my world almost came to a serious standstill. Moms are the most courageous, most devoted kick-ass people who walk among us. To my mom, thank you for being so awesome.

'Fields of Gold' is easily one of my favorite tracks ever layed down by Gordon Sumner aka Sting and I was blown away upon hearing a cover of it. That’s why I can boldly state my love for this rendition by one of the best musicians out there; that being the legendary Eva Cassidy.
Everything about this track is perfection. The nature of this song perfectly complements her elegant flow. Artists today wish they could drop it like Cassidy. This track is so good I’m tempted to simply stop now and publish this post. In the most basic sense this cover simply works. Enjoy.

2010-07-16T13:41:00.001+05:30

You'll be pleased to know that a day has passed without illness...and there’s some considerable amount of excitement happening too! Sadly, the night wasn't quite as torture-free - I experienced something of a relapse yesterday. But I’m back to feeling better now. All of it focused around the concert of my favourite band tonight.
If I hadn't mentioned it, I've been taking the week light. So, posting will be slightly scanty. Okay, okay...I'll probably be motivated by my insane need to entertain and I'll post every other day but just don't expect sharp wit or dazzling social observations. I'm giving my mind some time to cool.

Soulmate — Legendary Blues and Soul band from Shillong and recently awarded Rolling Stones’ Female Vocalist of the Year winner TIPRITI 'TIPS' KHARBANGAR and Guitarist of the Year RUDY WALLANG will perform tonight at 8 pm, Friday, July 16 at the B-Flat Lounge, 100 ft Rd, B’lore. Tickets are priced at 300.

I actually stumbled upon this single track by The Octopus Project the other day.

While I’m being a giant nerd, combing the internet for interesting news, or working I sometimes have a bit of liberty to listen to music. And then, at other times, all of those activities collide and I find a track like this that simply must be passed on. Enjoy.

The Octopus Project - The Adjustor

Dudes. Being Sick is Horrid.

2010-07-11T18:28:00.002+05:30

I've had an achy body and a fever for, like, 2 days and I just slept for 10 hours straight. Right now, I just want a cute boyfriend who will bring me soup, caress my hair, tuck me in bed and make me feel all better. There should be a decree - this shit needs to happen during the week, not on weekends.

And since I’ve jacked up on a lot of meds, I'm fearful you shouldn't hold out much hope for the quality of what's to follow.

As I might have revealed, I feel like crap. But I’m pretty good at being sick – I lay low, drink lots of fluids, read magazines and check Facebook quite regularly. The combination of a sick day plus a rainy day yesterday was getting to be too much even for me, so I tried to bundle up and go into the city to do some shopping, but the thought of getting out of my slacks kind of wore me out, so I’m going to return to my strict regimen of Drinking Fluids and Looking at Stuff for one more day.

When I felt sick during my school days I was allowed to stay at home and watch TV all day. I'd overindulge on old episodes of Knight Rider, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, The Lucy Show and The Centurions. And if you're too little to remember those shows or weren't even alive when they were on, please don't tell me. It would depress me. And I'm physically frail as it is.

Speaking of television, I have to admit I'm kinda digging Castle. When I first watched it, I thought it sucked. I didn't get the excitement. Now, it rox (and rox is to rocks as hot is to hott - you read it here first).

Okay. Good evening...or good night...or whatever. I'm getting back in bed.

If you need me, I'll be the one surrounded by tissues clutching a bottle of cough syrup like a homeless dude holds on to a bottle of cheap alcohol for dear life.

I’m not gonna lie, I wish I had the time and eloquence to cover all this music that I’ve suddenly discovered but an overpowering workload and being sick makes that sort of thing difficult – no matter how much I’d enjoy doing it. Not only am I unfocused, but it takes a lot for me to even begin to wind down and give any artist my complete attention. That’s the beauty of it all, though I guess. That instant where I am able to really just become infatuated with a track and talk hungrily on its details… which brings me to the subject of The Stills, an indie rock group from Canada. These guys have been producing music for almost a decade now. ‘Retour a vega’ is captivating and irresistible. The French lyrics sprinkle on top of a pulsating beat and an absurdly catchy hook. You almost need to make up a new word for this song, because “catchy” just don’t cut it in describing how friggin’ addicting the song is.

The Witch Of…. What?

2010-07-05T20:04:00.003+05:30

My blog is not just a music blog. It's about me. I'm self-absorbed like that but then, I created this space and I write it. I've always loved and been interested in fashion. Dressing up well is a part of me, this site is about me, therefore, on occasions, like this one for instance, I may write about fashion accessories. If you've tuned in for any amount of time, you know where I'm coming from. It shouldn't be shocking. I've never hidden my fiery propensity towards pretty things.

People like me aren't usually confident in the standard type of jewelry neither something too flashy, but these rings seem like something everyone can get behind.

If you are fond of modern chic and well, crazy about music this is something you would like. It looks quite comfortable to wear and for stylista’s and fashionista’s, I guess nothing matters but how you carry your style.

Sakura Koshimizu, the designer of these waveform rings, takes a custom-made soundtrack and laser cuts the waveform out on the silver band. And you can get anything recorded, given it's short enough to fit on the band.

This is something I’d totally want to wear when compared to something classic or conventional. I’m going to be adding this to my wishlist today!

This weekend found me in new slacks (I'm sorry but when I use the word slacks I feel about 65 years old) in bed watching a show called ‘Leverage’. (God damn, I’m exciting.) My bro-in-law returned from a business trip. And I do love hot guys and alcohol. So we blew off going out, caught the football matches and reveled in the Deutsch goodness (I say that with a truckload of sarcasm because honestly, I switched loyalty last minute and watched Argentina blow it. Serves me right, eh? Then I just stayed in bed finishing off the remaining seasons of ‘Leverage’. (You're totally, edge-of-your seat spellbound at this point, aren't you?). Spent the rest of the weekend cleaning up my room, bringing out the quilts and thicker bedspreads in anticipation of the cold. Then? Takeout for dinner.

You so want to hang out with me now don't you?

The cast of GLEE puts their best foot forward. And by best foot forward I mean they clearly draw from some legendary acts in creating their sound. There are covers of Madonna, KISS, Journey, Van Halen, U2, Heart, and Phil Collins that were peppered throughout this entire show.
One track came to mind while I was writing this post, and maybe not for any true musical parallels. The track is a cover of the most famous P-Funk songs by Funk band – Parliament - put out by the GLEE cast. I feel as if this was a gem sprinkled amongst a largely forgettable genre. Finally, with the release of this number, both the genre and the show seem to have lived up to their potential.

SING, BABY, SING

2010-06-29T21:27:00.001+05:30

Allow me once again to be a proud, bragging friend and fan. On Saturday night Soulmate played at the beautiful airport hotel, Clarks Exotica. Sure, I’ve written about this band plenty of times but to me they – especially Tips, completely kicked ass again. Luckily for you I had my camera with me so you can see just how awesome she was.

Yeah, perhaps I got a little distractingly close….

and that, my friends, is the most awesome vocalist and my friend.

Went for the photo essay thingy (I'm so bloody articulate, it hurts sometimes) instead of the usual post. More about the weekend soon.

2010-06-23T21:47:00.000+05:30

In the interest of honesty I feel like I should admit what’s been happening with me lately. Things between Long Distance guy and I have well, ended, completely out of the blue. I was pretty perplexed and overwhelmed. I was also pretty mad, for a number of reasons. So anyway, a week after things went sour I somehow got myself home after a very long and tiring day of shopping with friends and ended up, sitting on the floor and going through his texts and trying not to cry because I missed him and hated him so much. I am not proud of this. So not proud that I felt duty-bound to share it with a group of strangers, obviously.

But I guess one can’t have the power over whether or not someone else still wants to be acquainted with you, and with some people, I guess that’s possibly for the best. Here’s where I differ though, because once somebody has made a huge enough impact on my life for me to regard them part of my private circle, they never really disappear from my heart. For whatever reasons these changes came about with Long-Distance guy, whether it was for the best, or his choice, or entirely out of my hands, it doesn’t change the fact that I still think about him, and miss him. I don’t know if I’ll miss him being a part of my life cos he never really was around, but I’ll definitely miss knowing him.

Why am I doing this again? Because I think it’s good karma to come clean or something? What the hell gave me that thought? Screw karma. I’ll take my good day and see what happens.

Today started off quite excellently. It’s the day rock n’ roll readers get a pretty sweet present. I woke up, got to work, had my morning tea, jumped online and stumbled onto this fresh and phenomenal song from Them Crooked Vultures. And with a group like John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin, Dave Grohl from Nirvana/Foo Fighters and Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age/ Kyuss/ Eagles of Death Metal providing the nastiness behind the music, this is a once in a lifetime thing. Maybe I’m just overhyping but based on what I’ve heard, this supergroup could be the knockout punch of the year. If you’re not familiar with the band’s music check out “New Fang’ below - which is now my absolute favorite song. Rock out with some crooked vultures.

P:S My photo entries have been uploaded on the first Chillibreeze Photo Contest of North East India. Just visit these links here, here, here and here to my pictures. That's really all.

Food I’d Like To Build A Shrine For

2010-06-14T20:14:00.000+05:30

Things I Need In the Day to Function:

a shower
at least one cup of tea
meat

Okay, I may not devour meat every single day, but you knew it was only a matter of time before I suggested it as a necessity for the day. But I swear, you guys. This post isn't just any post.
Anyone who has paid any attention to EC for the past three years knows that I, Blogger Eveline, am a fan of meat. What is it about meat that's so amazing? And is it possible for one to survive on it alone? No, what about with cheese?

Sandwiched between two buns or on a stick, I love meat. So it should come as no surprise that these savory hamburgers are super tempting to me.

This particular picture is like an orgasm in my mouth. I swear to god. And when I saw it this morning that smell seeped through my office making me think I was in heaven. I suggest you all try it.

You think I'm kidding with the whole food-I'd-like-to-build a shrine thing for? Think again. Because if I had the space and the confidence that I wouldn’t be sent to the nuthouse, I'd probably stick the burger on golden plates and then pray for its deep-seated goodness, because seriously? Triple meat layered? Ground beef, bacon-stuffed grilled cheese sandwich as the buns. This hamburger is pure genius.So not only do I want to build a shrine for this food, I want to be BFF with the person who created it.

But before I start singing my ‘Meat meat meat i'm makin the moves on youuu. You're meat!’ song let me post today’s track.I’m attempting to finish the entire first season of GLEE and trying to get together a massive playlist and that has dominated most of my music listening time.Luckily I stole some time back over this past week to listen to a handful of random songs strewn about here and there on the web. Even more fortunately for all of us I stumbled upon one that was sent to me by a friend. It’s by William Fitzsimmons called ‘Passion Play’ and it’s worth a listen. Don’t be fooled by the title of this song. When the vocals drop in you’ll realize that you’re in heaven. It makes you want to curl up on a hammock with a certain someone and watch the wind blow through the grass. Enjoy the music, enjoy your week.

Issue : Someone Needs an Ass-Kicking

2010-06-08T20:32:00.000+05:30

Too. Much. Cruelty. Really, guys, there's just too much out there. It's an overload. And I'll give you one that just happened yesterday.

To many, it might seem nightmarish to watch someone beat the shit out of some helpless individual. But that's exactly the position in which I found myself. Except that the helpless individual was two dogs resting in the shade.

After a full day of work and gym action, I wanted to put this horrible Monday of mine away, go home, crash into bed. And as I was walking I saw a bunch of local kids moving stealthily towards something on the side. I was too curious to keep my eyes on the road and… the next thing I knew, there was a bottle and stick thrown at full force at the sleeping dogs. And that just made my blood boil! But before I had time to react, I heard those mongrels running and laughing all the way down to the end of the road.

That being said, between us, I’d like to find these kids and do to them what they did to those poor dogs. I know there’s a line of people who would want to mangle these kids. I hope and pray that karma exists. Kids who start off being so extremely violent at such a young age and have no concern for other living beings; I can only wonder what these imps will be like as grown-ups. Abusers? Rapists? Muggers? Gang members? You don't need witty commentary from me. My only suggestion? Drop these kids in North Korea with their damn bows and arrows and see what happens. Either that or strap them down and let dogs lick their face for all eternity.

Don't let any of this get you down, folks. After I got home and had freshened up. I walked into the living room and playing on the floor was the most adorable thing in the world, my niece, trying to paint with a little smile on her face. Seizing encouragement from the important things in my life and never being overwhelmed under the burden of what is often a dim-witted world. Time and again, it's a gorgeous place to be in as well.

Speaking of gorgeous I first heard of Nikka Costa’s ‘Push & Pull’ over the weekend through a friend I must mention – Ajay Jee. This four minute song inspired me enough to listen to it over and over again and also post it in this entry. and. she. is. awesome. Plus I really like the lyrics in this song. Kudos to you Mr. Jee.
That wraps up today’s post. As always, enjoy the music.

About A Guy

2010-06-03T20:56:00.001+05:30

I don’t know what exactly makes you want to be with someone. Since the age of eighteen, I've had somewhere between two and nine, depending on how you add it up. I try not to. Not very far back, I was certain that being in a relationship was crappy, that people in long-term relationships were reserved and uninteresting. In my brain, insistent singleness was the way to go. I was having a splendid time, going out for fancy dinners and coffee dates. But was it dating? There weren't several definite dates. But whatever I was doing, it was fun. And I liked being alone. The plans I had with whoever was to only put off the idea of commitment, not encourage it.

Then came along Long-Distance Guy.

And the fact that he lives in a different city makes me feel like I’m going to explode at times. If this were the movie it started out as, we'd have been holding each other right now. But despite the awfulness of distance we’re trying. There are times when I’ve said, "Eff it, I can do without this," and then he says, "I'll call you tonight, okay?"
And he does. We speak, and I realize that for the moment neither of us are going anywhere. Even if he isn’t with me, he will be soon.

Like most women in the history of life on earth, I imagined that if there were someone for me; it would be some blazing, angry rock star. I predicted feelings stimulated by rage, cruel immorality, and alcohol abuse. (I don't know where I got any of this. I think I was allowed to watch The Doors once.) But that's not Long-Distance Guy.
Once, I heard that having someone in your life isn't about holding a try out for guys for the role; it's about finding someone you care enough about to write the part for.

Writing about this movie I had seen years ago titled "Once" almost feels like treachery: It's such an unpretentious, ordinary film - two people falling in love - which should be the simplest kind of story to tell, but I fear I might constrict it by reviewing it.
And it’s not just the acting and the story that’s excellent, but also the music. The track ‘If you want me’ in the movie is full of longing, the tuneful song shifting like water against a shoreline, and shutting my eyes, I dream of making it to Ireland. But for now I'll settle for listening to the songs from the soundtrack, which I got from a colleague.

It’s been a privilege to be able to bring music to all of you. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by or is currently following this web page. And, as always, enjoy the music.

THE RECAP

2010-05-28T20:58:00.000+05:30

I don't know about you but I'm bushed. I crammed a lot into the week. And I need sleep. Or tea. Anyway, this past week I:

Stocked up on gym-related gear at the Nike store.

Attended a local concert at the B52

Ate tons of beef and dessert.

Celebrated my friend - Z's birthday.

Yup it’s the end of the world... as you know it. Don't be shocked if, you see rats fly. Nor should you be shocked if Lady Gaga wins the Gloria Steinem Woman of The Year Award, the original Metallica lineup (Mustaine, Hetfield, McGovney, & Ulrich) reunites, global warming is completely upturned, China gives up hold over Tibet and the world welcomes eternal peace. Seth Rogen makes a movie that doesn't drive me absolutely apeshit, and the cure for aids is found and that cure is chocolate.

Why? As of Monday, I threw on my running shoes, joined the gym and worked out for a whole hour. There was no one at the back of me with a gun. Just me. Working out. By choice. Effin’ A.

I'm not sure what got into me. I wanted to get rid of the overwhelming feelings I’ve been having lately. And rid I did. And do you want to know something? It didn't slaughter me. In fact, it felt kind of good. Now, I'm not going to make any pledges about turning this peculiar goings-on into a routine. But don't be surprised if it happens again. Or the cosmos implodes.

That explains why I'm so worn out. What did you guys do?

I’ve been listening to Arnel Pineda (The Zoo) before he replaced Journey’s lead vocalist and let me first say, before digressing into a boring rant, that his voice is astounding. Quite simply he makes the band brilliant and will always be known as one of Youtube’s success stories. That being said let the wild rant commence.

The track is gorgeous, heartening, and layered in a way that fits perfectly with Journey. And yet in the background there is the invigorating and memorable vocal track provided by our indescribable hero. Is this enough to quench Journey fans? Probably not. But at least we can put our feet up, certain that the band is still alive and still caught up enough creating quality music.

THREE YEARS, 286 ENTRIES LATER

2010-05-22T10:23:00.001+05:30

I had planned to bring you an unexpectedly dazzling post. It would have dangerously blown your socks (and quite possibly your undies) off. Then, in a strange yet progressively more regular victory of work over life, I had to slay the whole brilliant post. Why the hype? Well, it dawned on me awhile back that, Evuhleen was officially launched in May of 2008 and I started providing hardcore, woman-on-journal blogging action. So, yes, it’s my blogiversary!

In this aforesaid now-slain entry, I summed up the high points from the last three years. But I don't have the time to do all that again. Plus the procedure of going back and reading some of my own stuff was a little awkward. I wrote some dreadfully silly shit, people. It's remarkable you stuck with me as long as many of you have.

Regardless of how long you've been reading my humble little site, I thank you. You've put up with a lot. And I want you to know that, as invigorating and therapeutic as it’s been to put whatever it is I've written out there, the best part is the people I've met along the way.

Three years, in the grand scheme of things, doesn't seem all that long. Yet three years ago, I don't think I'd have been able to visualize life as it is today. I'm one lucky woman. Thanks for sharing the journey with me.

Kudos to Imcha Imchen, best friend and designer for creating the new header you see above. More about it in the upcoming posts.

There are some songs, which build and grow on you. And there are those that reach out and grab you on the first note. They start fast and morph from one movement to the next in a way that is intense, energetic, flowing, and unexpected. This amazing three minute track is one of the latter and I love the smooth vocals that Jamie Cullum features on this song titled, ‘Mind Trick’. No matter which way he’s swinging it’s all excellent.

THE JOYS OF A TUESDAY

2010-05-18T19:30:00.003+05:30

Awkward moments you'd see if I had my own reality TV show:

1. On a daily basis, I forget I'm wearing headphones that are attached to my computer. I've smacked my forehead into the monitor more times than I can count, because not only is the headphones cord made of something with the strength of steel, it's got the springy-ness of a bungee cord. I think I have permanent whiplash.

2. This morning, after fully dressing myself, having breakfast and selecting something to wear after ten ramp-walks, I discovered that a shirt button was missing. This forced me to do the 'shit-I'm-all-ready-and-now-I-have-to-find-a-new-top' hop of irritation which consisted of jumping up and down and mutely cursing the name of Britney Spears.

If someone asked you, what some of the hindrances to your job performance was and you had to respond in knee-jerk fashion.

You as readers reply with, what you think, is the most suitable and fitting answer. This would be one of the options below:

a. Lack of motivation due to a pitiable income and/or incentive.
b. Monotonous work days without the assistance of additional challenges.
c. A drug habit. What? It's not something you’d expect to be an option but I bet it sure has an impact on performance!

Do I need to tell you which one I went with?

Happy Tuesday! It's got to get better, right? Please?

Everyone has something they do after a rough day, when they're stressed or just worn out. This is mine...right here… right now….

I've given this Youtube star’s latest cover a couple of spins since it was published yesterday. Lisa Lavie may be one of the best online artists of the century so far. And her collaboration with a Youtube junior every year, in this case with J Rice on Alicia Keys’ ‘Unthinkable’ doesn’t do anything to change that. Is it her best? No. But it's good. It's beat-driven and wonderfully done. When I first got into listening Lavie’s brand of music, the first hurdle I encountered was the genre of music I normally didn’t listen to. Over time she's worked on her voice and sings more range-filled songs often than not. That said, ‘Unthinkable’ is a not-to-be-missed song.

Catch the song below and the video here.

2010-05-14T21:05:00.004+05:30

So, hi. What’s up. Yeah, I know. Listen: I’m not so much abandoning EC as just sort of ignoring it. Totally different.

I’m trying to focus on texting elsewhere, offline, which takes up a lot of time, both valid and overstated. Also, whatever I write here lately would just be me gushing about my week so far with a cute boy, but I think instead I’ll keep it to myself cos there’s no way I’m going to make that particularly interesting or funny. In addition, my luck in all things seems to have done a giant flip-flop for the better, and I’d hate to jinx it.

On the whole, I’m super friggin’ glad. ‘Long-distance guy’ continues to painstakingly woo me. I know, I was supposed to not write about it, because it’d just be gushing, and do you want to read it? Hell no. The less you guys see me being all excited about this courtship ritual the better. All I’ll say is that he’s really really smart, witty and hilarious, so you can see what I’m dealing with here.

Right. Anyway. Moving along…to other stuff in my life. Uh… Runa and I watched Iron Man 2. I bet you have, too. And if you haven’t then I urge you to go for it. The best scene in the entire movie involves Scarlet Johansson looking like this and doing her own stunts:

So you know it’s good.

That’s all I got. The week brings dreadful work. Nothing too glamorous or exciting, but it’s money, honey, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 26 years, it’s that love don’t pay the bills. It will, however, make you feel like you just ate a bar of chocolate, and what’s not to like about that?

As much as I'd love to hate this band called The xx - I really can't. Seriously. I'd love an excuse. But they're pretty awesome. The song ‘Islands’ is really infectious and I love it with a fiery passion that burns with the strength of a thousand suns. But I am positive that the geniuses behind this track have somehow infused it with the mental (television counterpart of weed). How else can you explain the subconscious urge that compels me to awaken with this track in my head? Were I to be deprived of ‘The xx’, I know I would experience the shakes, enter a violently spastic state and end up chopping my ears.

P:S To all my friends and family in Nagaland. Please be at the Jumping Bean Café, Dimapur, tomorrow evening for the Soulmate show. You know the drill by now, right?

Cat, Out of Bag

2010-05-07T21:08:00.004+05:30

Somehow the sky seems not to have fallen or my house hasn’t spontaneously imploded even though I told Long-Distance Guy two nights ago that I had a blog and had mentioned him in my last post. (Hang on; I'm cueing up the Hallelujah Chorus on my CD player....)

After he insisted on checking it out, I started to find airfares to Siberia, where I could drown myself in Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world.

And once he did read it and was okay with it. Slowly--oh, so slowly--but surely, the surplus blood began to flow down from my face to the rest of my body. My breathing started to return to normal. Of course, this didn't automatically stop me from feeling as though I was walking into a local store and all of a sudden realizing that I'm not wearing any pants. But I'm okay with that. (Figuratively. I still plan on wearing pants while visiting the local store.) It's a start, at least.

Will this less-than- dramatic twist of events alter anything? No. I mean, I'm not planning on doing anything drastic like watching what I say here (no way, that's ridiculous). I can say with a certain amount of confidence that Long-Distance Guy knows who I am, and I'm not going to change what I do here anymore than I'm going to change the laws of thermodynamics. Though I'm working on those.

If anything, I guess I feel a little relieved. This doesn’t have to be all hushed. And maybe just maybe he’ll get a glimpse of my life, of my friends and things he might not otherwise have gotten.

I realize I don't need to remind you of this but its Friday. This means that the weekend is here. I had the usual work week stuff going on. Nothing bad, just stressful. Getting to Friday was going to be tricky but I’m finally here. Which signals my need to tell you all the crap that I’m going to do this weekend? Instead of rambling paragraphs of prose, I have organized key activities (or inactivities as the case may be) :

Things to do this weekend:

- Watch a couple of movies
- Do lots of reading
- Sleep all friggin’ day

Things to not do this weekend:

-To not get out of bed.

It’s almost a sure bet that when a jazz band covers one of my favorite songs it’ll be worth listening to. This easy-listening/jazz cover of "Smooth Criminal" comes from the wonderful year of 2008 by J.Viewz, stage name of Israeli musician Jonathan Dagan and his band and it’s still hot. Enjoy the music, enjoy your weekend.

2010-05-04T20:21:00.006+05:30

I'm bushed! It was a busy weekend. Here's the 411.

Weekend Movie: We went to see ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, the new DreamWorks Animation movie, which I can't recommend highly enough.
At a particularly moving moment in the movie, I started crying. (Don't laugh. It was a terrific movie. I would quote some of it but I don't want to ruin it for those of you who haven't seen it.)

Weekend Food & Books: Luckily for me my friends love food as much as I do. So we got to head over to a restaurant called ‘Hong Kong Hustle’ on Church Street for greasy Chinese food and then to the bookstore where I got myself ‘The Encyclopedia of Mythology’ by Arthur Cotterell and… I also managed to score a nice version of ‘500 Comicbook Villains’ by Mike Conroy. And holy cats, is this thing beautiful. This paperback by genius annotator exhaustively details the villains who have prowled the pages of comic books from 1934 to the present day. Just to give you an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s a page–chosen at random:

Dancing: Was invited to go dancing by a couple of friends to a club called ‘Ice’. Results were mixed. I was thrilled to be there but I could have done without the crowded sweaty people who kept bumping into me every five seconds. For ninety-fucking minutes, I shit you not. It was mind-numbing.

My Online Date: Over the weekend I met an awfully fascinating person. But due to the issue of distance we had to settle for an online rendezvous. Yes, that’s taking dating to an all-time low. But I think I might like him. And I love it when people who are smart and funny and handsome online turn out to be smart and funny and handsome in person.

My good friend Abhi is an amazing artist. Whenever he shows me portions of his work, I can’t stop myself from saying things out loud, because I can’t help being like, “I think your stuff is the best” or “Look at the use of color here!" and then want to shoot myself because I remember that's exactly what Leonardo DiCaprio said in Titanic. I’m sorry, but his stuff really is the best. His graphic novel will be published very soon and I’d want to spend an eternity in that book and never come out until the pages begin to melt.

You, of course, might want to view his work here.

Ok, enough of my blathering on and on. Now that you’re home from college or work let’s think of something constructive we can do with our Tuesday evening.

Here’s ‘Ana’s Song’ by Silverchair because I feel like this could easily be the background music to an after work special. The type of work special that would feature copious amounts of high fives and thumbs ups. Hope this week is bearable on whatever location you’re currently residing. Cheers, and come back often.

2010-05-01T18:14:00.006+05:30

After a long, work-filled week, it’s finally Saturday. Luckily for me, it’s going to be a weekend with a chock-full of things to do. And, really there's nothing better than getting out of the usual office wear and into weekend pj’s.
Stretching and curling my toes under my quilt, I realize - not for the first time - that I would just be really happy to sleep in a bed that feels and smells the most familiar. Perhaps it's the ideal weight of the quilt, the way the pillow embraces my head, the unmatched smell collected of sleep and hair and books and dreams; and the bed that waits for me like a timeworn ship ready to bear me to fairer lands.

But before I set out to discover lounge-land, there are two people that I would like to mention in this post. This weekend is going to be a special one, mainly because it’s their birthday. I won't tell you which one, not that I think they care.

Happy Birthday Pete. I can't offer you much advice except to keep on truckin'... Remember that you're pretty good at what you do. Or you wouldn't still be doing it. And for the love of Phil Collins have a little faith in yourself.

Happy Birthday Runa. And what a sweeping difference a year makes. Last year I was throwing you a terrible surprise party. This year, well, um, we'll eat popcorn and celebrate your last year as a single lady. I'll be right here for the next 27 years. And hopefully many more. Happy birthday, my love.

Because I don't listen only to sad music and because it's a Saturday here’s a track that hails from Paul Dateh’s ‘The Good Life’ and it’s titled ‘Hope that you’, which quite possibly could be the perfect tune for a Saturday. It’s up-tempo enough to keep you awake and happy enough to get through another week.

Enjoy your weekend world.

2010-04-27T20:20:00.004+05:30

When I left you on Friday, I did nothing. Except veg out and plow into the home-stretch of book reading. And some time during Friday night, while still reading the book, I ended up face down in my pillow, sobbing my eyes out.

It's been a long time since I’ve read anything quite as disturbing as Elie Wiesel’s ‘Night’. If you haven't discovered this guy, ‘Night’ is the perfect place to start. Books just don't get any disturbing than this.

If I could go back and right any wrong in history - historic or personal - without having to worry about any of that ‘Heroes-Hiro-Nakamura’ past changing the future paradox shit, I believe that the holocaust would be one of the things that I would have liked to never have existed... and any other hate crimes motivated by race.
I was bummed out when I finished this book, not because it wasn’t good but because it make me feel sickened, bewildered, troubled and vaguely pissed off. But that’s what Wiesel intends to do the reader, fight against Holocaust denial and encourage more awareness-raising both on the level of political elites, on the level of history teaching and the media, to restore collective memory and make known the difficult truth about the Holocaust so that something like that won’t ever happen again.
Moving onto Saturday. I had the good fortune of being invited for a small show at Herbs & Spices featuring Naina Kundu and Floyd Fernandes, a fine blues and soul duo from Mumbai. The location was cozy. Not big, on the side of small but we got ourselves a table at the back with a good view. The show started at 9 when Naina Kundu got up on stage with a guitar that looked bigger than her, to perform “These Days” (by Jamie Cullum). Her voice was very warm, smooth and deep and her songs have an unusual blaze to them which is very appealing. Add in good looks and her set was great. Usually I'm wary of covers but she didn't let anyone down, doing a slow, easy on the ear job on ‘Another Day’ (Jamie Lidell) with her own particular unhurried jazz style. Unfortunately it was raining quite terribly all day so I didn't get to take out my camera.
What else can I tell you other than that from the opening track to the end of the concert every second was worth listening to. Here’s Naina Kundu and Floyd Fernandes with ‘The Truth’. It’s a live track, not a studio recording, so be prepared for a little crowd action and clapping.

Until the next time around keep reading and, as always, enjoy the music.

Resurface

2010-04-23T21:06:00.001+05:30

Please forgive my recent silence. I haven't had internet access at home in almost a whole week and I think I almost lost my mind. My laptop hasn't been very cooperative. I've somehow managed to infuriate the internet gods, snubbed them in some way. It started when a bug was pushed to my machine late last week...which put Google out of action (Gmail, Gtalk and BlogSpot) because, yeah, I only use that every day. So I was left convulsing without my fix of chatting and blogging goodness. All my browsers refused to load. No scowling face, no question mark. Just a little message saying I should restart my computer. It would have been very, very easy to get caught in an infinite loop, especially as I enjoy following orders. I kept on doing as I was told, rebooting time and time again, but eventually I had to stop for sleep. It's really enough to make one want to gulp down a cake made of nothing but chili paste.

My computer finally got fixed yesterday. Apparently they were able to save most of my data. And, in the end, the price was slightly less astronomically high than I expected it would be. Not much, mind you--I still have to scrap my plan to do some month-end shopping and drinking. But now that my computer is back, of course I'm going to have to catch up on all the blog reading and I shall also see if I can arrange a human sacrifice to pacify the internet gods.

Since I got a job that keeps me sitting down for the better part of the day; parked behind a computer screen. Music is a lifesaver after lunch and it’s been quite a treat to get to listen to loads of the music I had stored in my computer at work. One of them being Incubus’ ‘Aqueous Transmission’, which is a beautiful and relaxing trip through ‘a land of rivers, kung fu and unicorns, eventually making the listener pee in her/his pants’ – Brandon Boyd, Lead vocalist of Incubus. And just a fun fact, the band uses a traditional Japanese string instrument called 'Ko-kyu’ in this track. If you really dig their music you should check out their album ‘Morning View’. Trust me, it’s a good enough album to impulsively get and enjoy it over this weekend. And if you’re not from this side of the world then you might as well enjoy it while you’re at work tomorrow.

Happy Friday y’all!

Making It through the Puddle of Life

2010-04-19T14:08:00.004+05:30

I'd be untruthful if I stated that the last week was the best ever. I mean, it was alright. Above average, in fact. I was in a crappy mood through much of it and I hold responsible the many things that I've somehow had to get done on the work front.

In other news, I can finally scratch ‘Wine Tasting’ off the list of ‘Things to do before I turn 30’. Yep, I woke up one Saturday, nice and late only to find out there was no electricity. The heat didn’t make things any less annoying. So we headed out to a wine tasting event that was held in B’lore on Saturday. Damn, how suburban of me. It also didn't help that I was simultaneously attacked by a wide assortment of wines and an alcoholic ex-boyfriend. The afternoon was focused on good looking people (fun, a mob scene) and the fact that I ate the most perfect summer meal ever – an assortment of cheeses, a burger, Belgian chocolates and sparkling white wine.

Can I tell you how long it’s been since I’ve just had a whole day to just relax? No. I can't remember that far back. And I'm happy to report that just thinking of the event transcended my shitty mood. It was entertaining. It was righteous.

It’s been raining here in B’lore since last week. And with the terrible summer we’ve been having here nothing is better than a hot day right now. I took a long walk on my way back home, walking in the puddles and adoring the weather for all its rain and cold. Anything’s better than a scorching and humid morning. Life is still very good and I'm a lucky woman to be living in the midst of this gorgeous weather in B’lore.

Imagine if you took a well known track and then you added a grungy bass line and called it a remix. Brilliant. Everything about this cover is perfection. This is a track that feels like it’s never going to reach a point worth caring about. If you turn it off in the first minute you’re missing out. This track is so good I’m tempted to simply stop now and publish this post. Here are The Used with ‘Burning Down the House’.

Holidaying: The Photo Recap

2010-04-13T19:39:00.004+05:30

It's some time late evening and I’m just dealing with yet another frenzied week. Sadly, I've had about as much sleep as Paris Hilton has brain cells so forgive me if I haven’t a lot of time to write about my vacation that took place two weekends back. I figured I'd leave you with pictures of the Early Vacation of '10.

What went down during that weekend, you ask? Well, we/I...

* Went to the Tibetan settlement in near Coorg;

* Stayed the monastery;

* Spent hours at the Sera Jey Temple and The Namdroling Temple (also know as the

Golden Temple);

* Strolled through a local garden at the monastery;

* (You worn out yet? By this point, we were!);

* Ate lots of authentic Tibetan food – Thukpa, Momos, Shaptra;

* Took care of musician boy with a stomach bug;

* Shot hundreds of pictures; and

* Seriously dreaded going back to work.

Whew. So, now that I'm back from butt stuck work for an ungodly nine hours (not including travel time). That's all I've got. So, what's up with you?
Couple of nights ago I heard the cover of ‘Psycho Killer’ by Velvet Revolver (originally performed by the band ‘Talking Heads’). The song has a certain shine. If you take the time to play this one you’re all in for a treat. Have a listen and a great week.

2010-03-30T19:20:00.004+05:30

Wow! I haven’t blogged in a couple of days… Are you guys sick of my uber-unsurprising weekend recaps? Because that's exactly the kind of action I'm about to break out on your asses right now. If you don't mind.

The weekend was a tough one and, while this one promises to be a bit quieter, well, that promise is quite frequently broken. Luckily, Friday night and Sunday were major vegetation days. And I needed vegetation. Not a nice cold iced beer or a head of iceberg ice cream. I'm talking time without the need to think. On Saturday, I went out to this popular burger joint that so many I know have been talking about.

Verdict? The best damn beef burger I’ve tasted in my life. The company? Awesome. Both were excellent.
So, all-in-all, it was a fantastic weekend that I wished had never ended. But it obviously did, since sitting at my desk downing a cup of steaming hot water in the hope of recuperating from my nasty cold wouldn't be something I'd naturally decide to do if I'd had a choice in the matter.

Well, lots of things came together - I decided to try taking a picture of my niece on camera (A side note: She hasn’t been very camera friendly since she came back from her 6 month long vacation in Nagaland.) I clicked her saying ‘Yo China’ (her version of cheeeeeeese) - all at the right second. But of course, it wasn't just luck. It was persistence. I give you the original outtakes.

It has been a full month since the Lifehouse series graced this humble page (sorry mates, I couldn't post regularly, but work and sickness are simply dominating my time). So I still care. Honestly, I still care. So enjoy the last Lifehouse track on EC off the album ‘Smoke & Mirrors’. I hope it’s been worth the wait and we’ll all keep our fingers crossed that it’s not too long before they return. Enjoy the music.

Lifehouse with ‘Had Enough’

Scullers’ Get Their Groove Back

2010-03-26T20:12:00.006+05:30

It appears that the heavenly bodies have united against me in a cosmic joke.

Let me explain. The trend at Scullers this season are actually sane, and this is overlapping with the first time in my life that I’m broke.

I used to shop at Scullers years ago. With ribbed sweaters and pastel coloured shirts, they always had a classic sense of fashion. After that they experimented, what I’d consider a strong euphemism, with different styles, until this season.

The spring/summer collection has gone back to it’s classic roots, with a lovely collection of chino shirts for women. New clothes are definitely more of a want than a need, so it’s hard for me to justify going further into debt to add more to an already full closet.
Maybe I’ll wait until it goes on sale at the end of summer. The problem, especially at Scullers, is that the small sizes disappear within days.

The cosmic gods, they’re laughing at me.

Since I purchased my Nikon. Some of the people I’ve photographed over the course of my sessions have made it a point to tell me I did a fantastic job with the pictures, and it really made my day.

I think I’ve really developed as a photographer in the little time I’ve owned my first SLR camera. Looking back on a year of photos has made me realize that I’ve learned a lot, not only simple photographic theory, but familiarity with my camera and post-processing as well. But I still have a lot more to learn, especially with exposure and metering, as digital SLR’s make it easy to get good shots without really needing to have an in-depth understanding.

Whether or not you actually like Lifehouse (or the copious amount of tracks that I’ve uploaded) we can all agree on one thing. Jason Wade. The lead singer of the band is brilliant at almost every single turn. So when he and his group came up with their new album I just knew it was going to be epic. And trust me, epic it is.
Honestly I’m not sure if there is anything I would change about the song ‘From Where You Are’. Let’s see. It’s about three minutes. It’s impressive. It changes moods and builds to an ending that can only be described as poignant. Really, I mean really, is there anything even slightly disappointing about this song?

Sorry to be so late to the party!

2010-03-21T16:44:00.003+05:30

This weekend I’ll be crossing two things off my Life List: becoming best friends with my boss and going on my first pub crawl. I’ve wanted to go to pub crawling ever since I started drinking, but I was too young and had strict non-alcoholic parents who always took us to the beach or to grandma cottages for vacations with bottles of raspberry juice. But now that I’m a grown up and can stay up as late as I want and spend my paycheck on alcohol and pretty things and camera equipment, I am thrilled to spend a weekend severely dorking out with about 25 of my most fun colleagues visiting 10 pubs and chugging down massive amounts of the golden liquid and someone might’ve needed to taser gun me before I said ‘we’re out’. Too late!

This kinda freaks me out, because nineteen is an age I remember very clearly, and, a few things aside, it really wasn’t all that different from now. Okay, I can buy my own alcohol and I gave up on the whole hip-hop over-sized clothing thing, but other than that, on the inside, I still feel a lot like I did when I was nineteen.

Hanging out on the weekend for 8 hours with 25 of your co-workers are ships passing in the night, and try as we might, it will never work between us. Like former lovers, alcohol is the only thing that brings us together, and, thankfully, parts us before the sun comes up.

Also here are some pictures if you’re interested in that sort of thing, which obviously I am.

Continuing the Lifehouse series is a way to give us all the gift of this incredibly talent band. You see the path they’ve taken this year is one they’ve been on before. And in fact it’s the best path they could be on. This EP takes them back to the raw grit that flowed deep into arguably their best overall album No Name Face. What you’ll find in their recent album ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ is a collection of tracks and their leftover brilliance. This is the first single off the new album and it’s my favorite of the bunch. The venom that drips from Jason Wade’s trademark vocal delivery is absolute perfection. And if I didn’t sell you on Lifehouse earlier then consider this my official endorsement of the above album. Give it a listen. I seriously love this series and I hope you’re as enthralled as I am. Lifehouse with ‘Crash and Burn’.

2010-03-14T18:19:00.005+05:30

I've been hearing friends telling me that they’re going to get hitched. My best friend, Runa being one of them. It's been a very cool experience watching these people in relationships and now finally seeing them getting married. Seeing the setbacks are humbling because it's never that easy making up your mind to settle down; but seeing them downright happy is a great feeling.

It's exciting but at the same time, a little sad. Everyone's growing up, including me. It's weird. You dream about it as a kid, living it up with some Prince Charming for the rest of your life. It's harder than it looks, and when you reach that point you think, "Wait, what? When did I become a grown-up?" It's a wake up call: you're not an adolescent anymore. You have the C-word. Compromise.

I'll always be a kid at heart though. Heck, I still laugh at "huffle puff" and will always do "That's what she said." But getting married... you can't help being more serious and a little less fun. Except I tell myself, ‘you just live it up. Embrace it and keep on laughing’.

(Click to view close up)

I think cinnamon rolls are a hidden treasure. They're my favorite. What's yours?

Off the fourth album by Lifehouse, Who We Are – ‘Come Back Down’ is quite simply a brilliant single. Other than that very serious statement (one which I have contemplated over for the past) I cannot figure out what else precisely confines the mood of this song. I’m struggling with how best to summarize a track that is beautiful, affecting, and dazzling throughout quite literally every single note. It’s a single so good, so undeniable; it forces me to go back to my old ways of literally forcing everyone I know to listen to it from start to finish. It’s a single that is so well created that I’ve listened to it now about twenty times.

For reference the following statements say nothing about the actual sound of the band, the type of music they produce, but it’s the easiest way for me to explain how. It’s well crafted and worth listening to, the song is infused with magnificent lyrics and it’s so epic and so moving you’re required to start it over again and again and again.

My Latest Plaything

2010-03-10T21:01:00.003+05:30

I don't know what it was like in your neck of the woods, but it was a fantastically dazzling weekend around these parts. Let's recap, shall we?

I went out and got myself a new toy. Even though I regularly have to remind myself what SLR stands for, I've wanted one for a while and I finally bought the Nikon D3000. It’s feeling pretty awesome so far.

I'll spare you the technical details mostly because I don't know them and making them up would probably just make me sound stupid. The D3000 is big and fast and handles like a dream. A really good dream. It also has more settings than you can shake a stick at. I have no idea what half of them do but they look cool. And the clarity rocks.

Truthfully, the most interesting part was the reactions I got. The cam attracted a lot of stares. And more than a few virtual nods. Quite a few thumb's up. And I got a few interesting looks as well. They were thinking one of two things.

- Wow, cool cam!

- Huh, she looks a little young to have a midlife crisis.

I’m going to go ahead and talk about the single ‘Blind’ by Lifehouse which I’ll be playing for you folks here today. ‘Blind’ wasn’t exactly the single that made a huge impact. It wasn’t a direct continuum of the band’s first two albums, ‘No Name Face’ (2000) and ‘Stanley Climbfall’ (2002), but it is (when looked at objectively) a solid effort from a great band. ‘Lifehouse’ is just that; a solid third album from a great band. Unfortunately, it feels as if it was largely passed over simply because it was different from the band’s usual tough alternative style.

Long story short Lifehouse’s music is brilliant, and the songwriting and craftsmanship is apparent in this single and it’s something to be heard by all. To Ku2.

An Honor Just To Be Recognized

2010-03-05T20:55:00.002+05:30

I hardly ever talk about work, but...

Yesterday, I went to a very large meeting attended by most of the people with whom I work. In front of these people - 100 people or so - I was presented an award. I didn't know about it ahead of time so I'm sure I had that deer in the headlights look you see on people when their cocaine labs get attacked by the police in the dead of night. But I was stunned and thrilled to be recognized with a nice pat on the back for a job well done. It was, quite sincerely, awesome.

As my mom used to say (constantly - what was up with that?), you can't judge a book by its cover. There are lots of things you just can't presume about a person by just noticing them at the office or outside. Everyone has secrets. And secret abilities. Like me for example. I bet you didn't know that:

I was a quite a little dancer back in school. I even joined a team and we took part in a variety of dance competitions around the place. I'm afraid after that it was all down hill!

I judged a Dumb Charades competition for one of the annual college events.

I'd make the perfect spy. Nobody ever suspects me of anything. I've sometimes used this to my advantage.

I am able to see all sides of an issue or argument, which sometimes makes decision-making difficult for me. It's the curse of being born under the astrological sign of Libra.

I can remember crazy things I talked about with other people that are truly irrelevant.

When I didn't eat out all the time, I could remember everything I ate AND what you ate and where/when we ate it.

If my oldest and closest friend were to stop me on the street and ask me to run away with him, I would go because I know he’d treat his girl like treasure.

Well, not to brag or anything, but I am consistently and overwhelmingly 100% correct, all of the time. It's crazy. And it confounds people.

If you’ve been a regular around here you’ve no doubt that I have a deep love for the guys who make up Lifehouse. I also believe they’re one of the most under appreciated bands of all time. I mean honestly, their last four albums were out of this world brilliant. So it was great today when I got started with work and one of the advertisements I got to review was that of Lifehouse’s new album ‘Smoke and Mirrors’. On this latest effort the music is fascinating and diverse. There seem to be layers upon layers that can only truly be appreciated after repeat listening (I try to digest all of my new music acquisitions in this manner). For those of you whom are curious, the title track – ‘Halfway Gone’ can be found below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
I’m going to be blogging about Lifehouse for a month straight. Also, if you like what you’re reading/seeing/hearing feel free to leave a comment on my blog. Every comment will be much appreciated.

2010-03-02T20:48:00.005+05:30

Abigail, Abby, Abbymonster, Aolem, Lemlem (muh muh muh lem!), Princess Lem, Lemska –

And yesterday she turned three. How did this happen? I know that minutes flowed into hours which were carried by a swift tide into days and, in turn, years but these three years seem to have hurried much too quickly. And she is no longer a baby. Instead, a little girl who walks and runs and talks and repeats everything and grabs the prettiest things from my dressing table. Sometimes, I want nothing more than to be with her, even if that means having to play her crazy games.

I'm enclosed by toys of different Disney characters (I recognize Ariel, the Little Mermaid… well not really little anymore with the size of those knockers). Abigail, my niece while having her breakfast (donuts) on her birthday morning told her mum how she wished she’d look like one of her favourite female cartoon characters. I'm only somewhat appalled. I mean, the way Disney depicts princesses doesn't exactly make them look like missile engineers. They're over-sentimental, fall in love at the drop of a hat and get on any random idiot - uh-erm - magic carpet. It's like their whole celluloid way of life is geared wholly towards landing a prince. And that's not right.

In spite of awful role-models and near-lethal amounts of sugar, Abigail’s small birthday party restricted to just family, was fun. Just keep your fingers crossed that we have the same luck on her huge party sometime during next week...when friends, family and kids descend upon our house. Send good vibes. And if you don't hear from me soon, send help.

Abigail, you are adorable, special, smart and funny and I am proud to be your aunt. I'd appreciate it if you'd sleep a little later than 7:00 am and, maybe, not pound on my door when you think it's time for me to wake up (that's cruel). But you’re cute so you can get away with it.

For some reason the other day, I kept replaying the song 'Diamonds are Forever' over and over again in my head. Thankfully the internet still exists and I was able to find a version of this track which has become one of my all time favorite songs since Shirley Bassey’s original, which was the James Bond theme in the movie ‘Goldfinger’. Arctic Monkeys never fails to impress and this track is no different. Included below is one of the finest reworking of a song. This cover is not to be missed.

2010-02-27T17:51:00.002+05:30

My thought process when I buy a wallet: "Would Wonder Woman be able to save the day with this held in her hand?" The answer is generally no, but in my head there are buzzers going off screaming a big yes.

I really, really do not like wallet/purse/clutch shopping. None of them appeal to me. Brands don't do it for me, most of them have some kind of chunky metal flower or poop-shaped thing involved, and those – I don’t get. Did I miss out on some feminine training growing up or something? I don't know, I guess I'm just a practical girl. I'm drawn to simple and functional stuff and nothing too loud.

If you think about it, a woman's purse/wallet reveals the kind of person she is. Right? Next time you're out, look around. It's kind of interesting. Anyway, since my wallet before plainly fell apart, I've received a weird looking thing my mother insists me on carrying now.
Then we argued over which one of us got to keep it. She reminded me that she was too old to carry off pink. I don't know if she even thought of me while buying it. I suspect not. And then she frowned all day upon my lack of style.

In today’s casual news, I got a haircut. Just a short crop. You know what I mean. The type of haircut that will look charmingly devilish with sunglasses and the appropriate amount of uninterrupted attitude to match. I needed something new, radical and feisty for the summer.

Sometimes I forget how totally kick ass the eighties were. Let’s face it, I was only eight years old when the nineties body slammed the eighties into the past, but there were some good times to be had as a youngster in the eighties, like Genesis and Phil Collins. And listening to his music now brings all the yummy goodness right back to the front. Listen to this track (one of my favourite Phil Collin tracks growing up) ‘In the Air Tonight’ and you’ll be pleasantly thrilled with the drum-heavy explosive bursts, thundering chorus and a general sense of nostalgia. Nostalgia never sounded so good.

Trust me, this track is a good enough song that you should impulsively listen to it from the player below and enjoy it over this holiday weekend. Cheers.

2010-02-24T19:04:00.001+05:30

At home, is where I am these days, since I’ve taken a week off work. I live in my worn-out PJ’s, carrying my camera with me from room to room. I sleep on a bed of books and scraps of paper with titles of albums and tracks written on them.
My work table is a moving train that I sit on during the day as I travel through space towards people and music.
The seat I’m on is my whole world.

I have layers of thoughts and spanking new ideas. I have skin so thin that you can melt away with a small number of preferred words. My heart beats out music through my blood vessels and I imagine it will one day mix with photography in a beautiful canvas in my favorite colors…

I think of not complicating my life but I fail in heartbeat.

So starts iced tea season. Once again, we have made the impressive leap from a really hot summer last year directly into hottest summer this year with almost no cold of which to speak. Nothing says "You're in for six months of misery, buddy!" quite like B’lore City in 35-degree heat and rising. Good times, indeed.
I’ve never listened to Stereophonics before. I don’t know why but I guess the band’s name just didn’t do it for me. This will teach me to never assume things before I’ve pressed play. The other day, I followed a friend’s recommendation and I haven’t been able to dump this track from my brain since.

I love the jazz ambience in ‘Maybe Tomorrow’. It sets the perfect subdued mood and lets the music float you along like it was meant to.

By for now - see you soon!

*waving*

2010-02-22T20:44:00.007+05:30

The first time I saw my dad’s old point-and-shoot camera and articulated my interest in taking pictures. It sounded something like mammydaaaaadymammydaaaaady can I take pictures puh-leeeeeeeeazzzzzz? And after much hesitation and some detailed training, my father finally handed it to me. But I ignored all instruction, scurried around the house taking shots of everything no matter how unexciting. The kitchen sink, my G.I. Joe line of action figures (my cousin and I would set up some pretty epic GI Joe battles in our living room), my room, my fingers which regularly got in the way of the camera itself, of course not to forget, naked people in the bath tub.

As far back as I can remember my interest in photography was spurred on by my dad. When I was a kid my dad was always with the camera enduringly attached to his face. That, of course, got me thinking about what else I got from him and what’s entirely my own.

Characteristics I got from my dad.

- Interest. Before the internet my dad always bought Encyclopedias and just many books relating to general knowledge. He had no idea what he’d ever do with that knowledge but he always figured it might come in handy sometimes.

- Ingenuity. He loves to write, sing, take photos and read. Without these things, I'm quite sure he’d fade away.

- Intellect. He might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I’d like to think he’s quite smart.

- Impetus. I always refer to myself as an idler - but I'm a pretty driven person. Sometimes to a blunder.

- Silliness. 'Nuff said.

Characteristics, all my own

- Being a Perfectionist. With that whole impetus thing comes the element that I'm more than a little hard on myself. I seek flawlessness and strike myself out when I’m not able to be flawless.

- Mood. I've not been exactly hush-hush when I've gone through moments of melancholy and apprehension.

- Attentiveness. I like to multitask. But in reality I don't multitask very well. Because my concentration sucks.

- Patience. I'm an instant gratification kinda girl. Fortitude aint my strong suit.

- Irrational. No surprise but I'm a little coo- coo about things.

I will freely admit that when this track was given to me by a friend I clearly grunted “oh no, not another sad and depressing tune by Snow Patrol.” Thankfully I was wrong in presuming that this band was going to produce another similar sounding song. They’ve found a way to incorporate the extravagant with the forlorn and yet make this track something to sing along to. Featuring Martha Wainwright this one is brilliant.

"Set The Fire To The Third Bar" is worth a listen (and if you choose to play this track you simply must listen to it till the very end).

Wish I Was A Morning Person

2010-02-17T21:22:00.003+05:30

I am a bitch in the mornings and I hardly ever wake up on the right side of the bed. So it takes me quite a long time to get up and get cheerful, as sleeping is one of my much loved activities and I dislike not being able to partake in it or having it interrupted. My folks and my colleagues have to constantly put up with my disgraceful morning mood several times a week. The fact that they are still around after being exposed to my behavior is evidence of their endurance. Or madness. Either one.

Mornings at the office are cruel, but I manage to survive to blog once again. Yes, I may be Miss. Grumpy Pants for this thing called "Morning" that ceaselessly happens every eff’in day and I start to wish I had the gift to set fire to fellow commuters and office staff with just a stare until I've had breakfast and a cup of tea. Then, and only then, am I the fun girl that charms the entire world over.

My Valentine's Day - I have to admit, I don't totally buy into the whole holiday thing. But it's a nice idea and I certainly have had a lot of Valentine's Day loving over the years to be thankful for. This year while I wasn’t dating anyone, I got to air-kiss my favourite valentine – cute co-worker. And it’s back to work so, you know - poof! - good, nauseatingly loving moment ended.

To begin the music section of this post, you know I'm a big music fan. You know that I'd give my left boob to be on a big-ass stage just once and contribute to the hearing loss of thousands.

Artist: Damien Rice

Album: ‘O’ and ‘9’

It’s rare that I find an album which impresses me right off the bat. Even rarer is the album I'll listen to multiple times immediately after I get. But this is one of 'em. Damien Rice combines indie rock, folk and rock elements into subdued yet powerful albums called ‘O’ and ‘9’, released in 2002 and 2006 respectively. And the strengths lie not only in his music but his lyrics. His songs are thoughtful, well-written and spin around things with which we can all identify. If nothing else, this album is proof that not everyone feels the need to be a pop star or a nu-metal growler. Rice puts songwriting and instrumentation foreground and with Lisa Hannigan as accompanying vocalist the outcome is truly inspiring.

Highlights: Volcano

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day...

2010-02-13T17:03:00.004+05:30

....And if you’re on my Facebook list you’ll know that I am trying to think of all possible ways to complain but all I can come up with is to dip candy hearts in turpentine and gall and go around handing them to star-struck lovers. Then I picture the face my cute co-worker would make after swallowing my affectionately offered candy. I don't think my heart could handle it.

In the meantime, in the last 6 months I have gone from dating several hot men to dating no men at all. I'm not quite sure how this happened but I charge them responsible. A guy who liked me from work (who is funny and smart but horribly anti-social and rude), wanted me to only date him. Since I had been seeing him for exactly a couple of weeks, this made perfect sense to me. So I told young-singer guy, who is cute but not exactly the smartest guy on the planet, that I thought we were not meant to be going out. Then things between the work dude went awry and when I suggested to young-singer guy that maybe I'd been wrong (telling myself that hot and talented, while not as good as smart and funny, is better than nothing at all) he said no, that he'd had enough of trying to get my attention, and I should date somebody I really liked instead.

I suppose I should reflect on this as a lesson in the fact that two birds in hand are better than none in the bush, but, frankly, I could have figured that one out all on my own.

This track goes out to my audience and to my cute co-worker who I’ve been crushing on lately. Since Frou Frou has been such a hit on my blog, I’m going to play another track by them called ‘Must Be Dreaming’.

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Tranquility, Adoration and Contentment

2010-02-10T20:18:00.004+05:30

It is vital to keep in mind that with better clearness of vision comes better understanding.

So to the techies who insist on getting into the elevator, despite it being really overcrowded, I clearly understand that if you insist on getting into an already crowded one tomorrow your ass will only cause you to be injured by my foot as I stick it out to kick you. And then I will feel great.

Om.

The bond between my brain and my fingers has been a little slow lately (mmm, work) so I've been sloppy on the blogging. Hoping to make it back to the office tomorrow for the last day of work this week (on a dose of pain killers). Regular blogging to resume soon.

Who better than Frou Frou's (Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth) 'Let go' to ease you into your week. This song falls under the “it’s been stuck in my head for more than a day so I thought I should post it and pass the obsession along” variety. Oh and I assure you that you’ll be silently dancing to it well into the next month. Enjoy.