Will I see you at the Royal Wedding?

Tell me. Soon. We can make the necessary preparations.

Kate insists we make it.

Apparently, the word has spread back home in Bombay too.

So my parents are coming in for my graduation which is on April 30th, and my one sister is still working on her hubby, since work may keep him away. We're hoping not. While discussing all the issues related to coming/not coming, when to come, when to leave, when is the launch of his fund etc. So, in all of this my sister decided to throw for hilarity purposes mainly, 'the attendance to the wedding' to the conversation as well! I'm glad that the response she got was him giving a cold shoulder to Kate, but a keen
attempt to be there for 'my' graduation.

The thing is this, if we are anyways in the area, why not experience London at the time. I doubt we can head anywhere outside coz the place is going to be c.r.o.w.d.e.d.

In any case, we don't have much time as we have a dinner to attend in Cambridge the night prior to graduation which happens to be on Kate and Willy's wedding day. So, we had to RSVP to Kate with a 'No'. Bummer.

Kate's not happy. But, prior plans were made, so we must abide by them.

How about you? You going? What you planning to wear? And will you hug The Queen, or just do a plain 'ol curtsy?


Today I'm humming: F*** You by Cee Lo Green

A Secret

In whispers it is talked about
Intentionally so

Oft the hiding is not to hurt
Oft it is the contrary

Then, a secret is shared
You are suddenly closer

There's nothing like openness
A feeling of welcome

A surge of fresh, pure spirit
Clean as the back of a pristine white swan

No hushed tones, no planned conversations
R.I.P - A secret



Happy Birthday Sampy, my always-to-be naughty but bestest little monster.


Today I'm humming: Why by Anthony Newley

Crufts 2011: A few hours into the world of the furries

This week has been dominated by images so hard to see, and hard to believe, of cars being overturned and sailing along what you feel can only be a puddle of water that a child plays in, and on which he set sails his little toy cars.

No puddle it is, but a massive amount of water that make it all seem so fantasy like. But, it is true.

The containers are not LEGO pieces, and the cars not toys, and the bodies, not mannequins. It's reality. Doesn't it humble you so quickly irrespective of your pride, arrogance or level of position in that big job of yours, or status in society. Nature keeps nepotism at bay, and if it has to hit, it is sadly unforgiving, it takes the good, the rich, the not-so-good and the poor all in one sweep. Such is the power.

From afar, I pray.

In the midst of all this, I was reminded to watch Crufts, the most famous Dog Show in the UK. I remember trying to help my landlady's daughter register 'Molly', her new puppy for Crufts about a year ago. I didnt see Molly in the finals, but I have a strong feeling that if I looked carefully, the kids were in the audience. Maybe Molly will make an appearance next year, she did jump on me a lot, not something the Crufts judges would give her high marks for, but she ranked top in my books for all the marks she made on my clothes.

This Sunday, for a bit, I concentrated on trots, agility, the personality, the shape of the head, the well groomed coats and the dangling tongues! So fun.

And here is the winner -

Vbos the Kentuckian aka Jet, a flat coated Black retriever walked away with 'Best in Show'. 9 years people. He keeps himself well, wouldn't you say?



And Reserve was won by the only bitch in the finals, a baby really, named Jilly. Quite a cutie. It's great that she won 'Reserve', especially for being the youngest and the only girl.

In other news, I'm gonna start work in less than two weeks! I've gone through the stages of complete and utter excitement, to 's***, I'm gonna have to wake up early and go to work'.

Now, I have a sense of calm. It has sunk in, and I am actually very excited to go to work, but cherishing the next week and a half. I'm still concerned about the waking up, but it's the type of work I'm gonna be involved in that is keeping things excited! And I hope it does so for a long time to come.

I will be working at Disney in the Toys area which is where I wanted to be, so I couldn't have asked for anything better. Plus, my commute is gonna be good. People who have worked there have enjoyed their time there, so I'm keen to enjoy mine as well.

To a new beginning! Big-eared Mickey, I'm honored to be one of your peeps.

Today I'm humming: The one who will love you most by Brett Dennen

The Egg has arrived on the red carpet - oh and Lady Gaga was around too

A simple display of *OTT?

Or pure genius?

"How Blah!", Gaga thought as she sat tweeting on her smartphone while waiting for a new level of bizarre clothing to be designed for her for the 2011 Grammy's, "to wear something and walk on the red carpet like other talented mortals."

"Gimme a chance to be born on Grammy day. And make it not-so-simple", she continued.



Quickly the creative geniuses picked on the key ideas:

• Lady Gaga does not want to walk the red carpet
• Lady Gaga wants to be better than the rest
• Lady Gaga wants 'Ooohs' and 'Aaah's'
• Lady Gaga wants to stand out (or rather sit in)
• Lady Gaga wants to be OTT (surprise surprise!)
• Lady Gaga has a new album called 'Born This Way' coming out soon

An egg! So simple in its look, and grand in its symbolism of birth.

No, she won't just walk with half-boiled eggs and create some twisted story while talking to Ryan Seacrest about her new 'Born this Way' album. No siree! This self-expressing diva will BE the egg, and someone will talk for her. How ingenious.

The best video (with not the best audio, since there are prohibitions of good videos uploaded just yet here in the UK) is here. You are DYING to check it out. I know, coz you cannot miss this. Click here and then watch Video 1.

I have to say when I first saw the bottom half of the interestingly skinny legs of the men carrying something on what seemed to be a palanquin, with a skinny woman by their side, I felt, 'Now that's OTT, and how like Lady Gaga to do that'.

As the egg made its way down the red carpet with only one stop, at the E! booth, her spokesperson said, "She is incubating until she is ready for her performance!".

At this point, I'm finding all this genius. Hilariously, business-wise and in Lady Gaga'ish style genius.

Call it attention seeking, call it making a statement, call her crazy. It worked! Everyone is talking. It's Lady Gaga. You expect the bizarre, different and supremely quirky. Record a conversation with anyone about Grammy's 2011 and let's see the percentage of times the egg is not mentioned. I say we'll come up with a big fat egg. A zero. Nada. An egg is after all how life begins for many beings on the earth. It is crucial.

Nicki Minaj (left) thought with her leopard print outfit, she could never be upstaged, but I bet she didn't think the possibilities of being upstaged by an egg.


Today I'm humming: Poker Face by Lady Gaga

*OTT: Over the Top

The choice: Being a cannibal or just being rude

I haven't tasted human flesh and I hope I never do. It's just how I feel. There is a certain absurdity to the thought that discards any potential of rational discussion of 'why'. Why don't I like the idea of eating human flesh?

Have you been around a table and hear someone say, "There's a tribe in India, the Aghori sadhu's who eat human flesh', to which you could possibly hear, 'Eew' or 'how could you?' or "that's just plain cold-hearted and yuck!"

What is it that makes us discard the idea of chomping on human flesh? Why can't we think of a juicy piece of buttock meat, or thigh meat, whatever you are into, rolled through a skewer, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled liberally with adobo seasoning?

• Is it because there is a thinking brain inside each of us that recognizes pain, but more importantly can voice it through shouts for help?

• Is it because it is conditioning of the mind with the deep-rooted idea that we do not betray those from our clan

• Is it because of emotions and the connections we have with people, either by seeing the sadness or fear in their eyes and being able to empathize with that?

• Or is it because we are just consider ourselves superior enough to do it to other animals BECAUSE we think:

1. They cannot display all the emotions we relate to (i.e. fish don't make loud crying sounds), so the pain or heartlessness is peripheral and hence easily ignorable.
   
2. We can ignore the painful cries because we don't understand them (e.g. a pig wailing as it is chopped)

We are empathetic, some more than others (e.g. vegans, nice people), but we enjoy the meat so much that we have adapted our minds into a process where it is 'OK' for planned death to happen to certain animals.

Then, we try to hide the process of killing (KFC will not show you explicitly how they kill chickens), and then bask in the idea of humane killing - if we have to kill anyways, and that's a given, let's do it in a slightly less painful way.

Don't we have different standards?

As you can see in the video above (See it now, if you haven't already), there is a practice in Madagascar where a high ranking person/guest is offered to eat the foreskin after a boy has been circumcised.

Andrew Zimmern, some call him the crazy guy coz he really eats anything, visited Malagasy as part of his 'Bizarre Foods' show, and witnessed the cermony in the video. For a guy who eats pretty much everything, this was still very difficult to comprehend on many levels.

Here's something for you -

You are a true explorer, an adventurer, someone who loves people and always wants to learn more about their lives, their traditions and be them, if only for one day. This means you try to be as gracious and respectful as you possibly can because you understand and even preach that what someone does 3000 miles across from your land, is normal, by their standards.

So then, if you are sitting amongst a group of 50 tribesmen in Malagasy, with women, children and all the locals crowded around the petrified little boy, and the proud Chief, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Then, the snipping is done, you hear the wails of the boy no more, there seems to be an energy of celebration, and just then the Chief turns and offers you a banana with a little piece of skin on it (did you just squirm?), all eyes on you with awe and wonder of this precious visitor being honored with this offer - What would you do?

Today I'm humming: Govinda by Kula Shaker

'Away we go' - are they F*** up's?

Social networking sites help. I heard about 'Away we go', the movie through a friends post on facebook. I know her, and so decided that if she liked it, then it's worth a watch for sure. Plain ol' primitive word of mouth reference does have its place even in the modern world, its just that the medium of dissemination has altered.

Last night I caught Away we go on TV. I propped myself cosily on my couch, made sure I was in easy reach of a snack, water, the remote and my phone somewhere around and started the movie.

Firstly, I was excited about the movie because it stars Maya Rudolph who I think is hilarious, and quite love her from the Saturday Night Live sketches. John Krasinski plays the male lead. He is the guy best known as Jim from The Office (US).

It's an easy-to-watch movie, can be regarded as slow, but I didn't mind it coz it gelled with the overall theme of the story. It was a pleasant change from watching action thrillers, and reality shows where Kendra shows off her booty with hard hip-jerking movement, 'Go kendra, Go kendra!'. I find it too funny!

The story of the movie, without giving away too much is this: Maya is pregnant (6 months), and both Jake and Maya are figuring out their place in the world, and considering options on where they'd like to raise this new addition.

They question their position relative to the 'normal's' of the world, and aren't sure if they are f***-ups because at 34 (Jake is 33) among other things they 'have a cardboard window'!

They decide to 'go' and explore new places to find the perfect spot. In the bargain they explore not only places, but come into close proximity with lives of people dear to them, and also confront past fears. They do get to the crux of it all in time, which is to cherish what THEY have.

And what they have is a cute, fun and 'knowing' dynamic which only the inhabitants of a relationship can understand. It may seem bizarre, silly or mushy for others, but it's perfect for them.

I really liked the calmness, but warmly funnyness, and understated performance of Maya, which is rather different from her crazy side on SNL. Jake isn't awesome, but his character works, coz he's a nice guy. A bit goofy, but nice.

The movie isn't perfect, but here's what I liked:

• It makes you reconsider the 'wish it were me' syndrome? Coveting another person's life, job, or perceived happiness is tricky. You can't be sure you want it until you've walked a few steps in that persons shoes

• It allows people that society thinks should follow a pattern, to NOT have a pattern and be Ok with it

• The simplicity but strength of a relationship that is not displayed as overtly passionate, but it so so special

• The marriage certificate is precious, but it is not a requirement for commitment

• Maya Rudolph's freckles and facial emotions

• Maggie Gylenhall's very very emotional, but hysterical, "I reject your aggression"

Not every movie has to move you enough to make you want to conquer the world. Some movies sneak by stealthily and leave you with a little more warmth and something to think about, smile about and plenty of good music to listen to. Away we go did just that for me.


Today I'm humming All of my days by Alexi Murdoch (also in the movie)

A box of fresh organic vegetables at my doorstep - why is it still so daunting?

Last week I caught up with two classmates from Cambridge who are now in London. We met at Baity Kitchen - the Mood Food deli, a gem of a place in South Kensington that I've been meaning to visit ever I read about it. Recently opened, it is small, but super cute and homely with delicious Greek food. The hosts and servers are very nice, almost shockingly so given the overall level of customer service in this country (as compared to NY). A pleasant surprise and a definite edge over many other eateries.

After going through the usual pleasantries with my dinner buddies, we got down to job talk, heavy gossip, the lack of sun in London, the characteristics of your 'ideal' man/or the type you are attracted to, our travel plans, and ingenious ways to be invited for classmates' weddings that hope to be in exotic lands including Russia, India, Uruguay etc. We decided that we have to start early if we want to be on the guest list! How insensitive and sly no? We had a great laugh about our charming ways.

Given we were eating delcious food - a moroccan chicken and rice with olives, tabbouleh salad, roasted chicken, and macaroni and cheese in truffle oil - the conversation steered to cooking.


R'all says that she orders a vegetable box on a weekly basis from Able and Cole. A box full of fresh, seasonal organic vegetables delivered to your doorstep with recipes to match the ingredients. 'Delicious' she says, and 'healthy'! The perfect alternative to munching on deep fried sweet and chilli crisps'. I say, 'hmm...now, waittt a minute. Not entirely true you know'.

It sounds pretty awesome, especially with the spoon feeding they do by providing recipes too. Given her enthusiasm for it, I must consider. And yet, I can't. Not yet anyways.

On one side, being a diligent carnivore, but now with herbivorous habits neatly imbibed more and more over time, I still find it overwhelming to think of this big box sitting in my kitchen. Oh the pressure to devour all the supposed goodness! On the other hand, it will be healthy. And on yet another side, the scary thought of looking at rotten veggies at the end of the week.

I am being pessimistic, but I know myself. The few veggies I do buy sometimes rot if I'm not quick enough. Now, I am cooking a lot more so the waste is lesser, but a box. I mean, its a box full!

Perhaps in the future when I have someone to 'manage' the box, when it is not solely 'my' responsibility, I will welcome the box. Until then, I'll stick with the little packets of brussel sprouts, three carrots, coriander, one small cabbage, one portion of spinach, a cucumber and lots of potatoes and meats to tide me through the week. Baby steps.

Today I'm humming Consider Yourself from Oliver Twist

Annette Bening wins the Golden Globe and I am thrilled

Annie is a star. Period.

I've always found her tres interesting. She comes across as someone strong, but with a sensitivity that cannot be completely ignored. She has that womanly delicateness even in her deceptively stiff, straight and no-nonsense elegance.

She's terribly articulate, charming as hell, and has a presence. Her being quite tall surely adds to it, and whatever we may want to say, taller, does command a different type of attention. You see the person more easily, especially in crowds, and aesthetically and objectively speaking, height does matter...to me anyways.

So, Annie in her dark, super trendy glasses and black dress definitely rocked the Golden Globes last night. It went on until too late London time so I could see only half of it. I did get to see enough of Annie though. See, here's the thing, in my opinion the dress wasn't great. BUT it was a nice style, and it fit her like a glove, but it's Annie that made the dress look like the way it did. It's the package. Warren Beatty, you are a lucky man. And she a lucky woman. You two look good together, and are a testament to success in marriage in an industry that holds onto divorce or breakups more than togetherness.

The Kids are All Right is the movie for which Annie won. She plays a lesbian woman in a relationship with Julianne Moore (also love!), and trying to have a happy life with their two kids. Interestingly the kids have been brought into the world by both the mothers, each delivering a child that has been fathered by Mark Ruffalo, who was the sperm donor. The movie revolves around these five characters and how the dynamic changes when the new 'Daddy' comes onto the scene.

Ms. Bening does a wonderful job, and so does J. Moore. Annie is the provider, and the care taker of the family displaying outward strength, and possibly hiding the vulnerability of a lover when she's scared about the future of her troupe. She's protective, headstrong, very capable, and beautiful.

To Annie:
"I like you Ms. Annie, but my gal pal Nata loves you if you know what I mean. So imma leave you to her. She can deal with Mr. Beatty. We were considering making a trip to Costa Rica, and while I sip on a bacardi, she plans to check out the women. I told her that she should forget the 'women' and just call on Ms. Annie. What do you think Annie? It'll be fun. You in?


Other highlights of half the show that I watched:

- Ricky Gervais, the host of the show: hmmm I get what you were going for, but maybe you took it up a bit too much. These H0llywood types are sensitive people you know. Ego's are pretty much what they hold on to.

- Robert Downey Jr. You are a smooth, charming, intense and funny man. Like Like very much.

- Johnny Depp, Al Pacino, Colin Firth are continued favorites. btw, Al's got a new gal. Not impressed.

- Note to self: Need to watch Black Swan and The King's Speech

I am looking forward to the remaining half of the show which I think airs again tomorrow.....at a decent hour.




Today I'm humming We're Going to Be Friends by Jack Johnson

Facebook is down

January 14th, 2011. This is the day that Facebook refuses to open as quickly as all the other sites are opening. Boo hoo. Yes? It's funny though coz for many it is quite the distraction from whatever it is we are doing, or rather, supposed to be doing.

I decided to log on and see what's been put out there coz clearly many people are not able to let the world know that they are 'feeling down', or 'really enjoyed their last dinner', and I really pity the person who wants to 'check in' through Facebook Places at some hip cool joint and cannot tell the world about it! Life sucks doesn't it? For you, me, and for Facebook, which is probably losing out on tons of ad revenue for all this down time.

It's funny, but terribly interesting to see how much FB impacts our life. And (not) surprisingly how much 'JOY' rests with time spent with Facebook. I found some messages online where people are reacting to the situation.

• I've been trying for over an hour to get on facebook. Grrr.. :( no joy. If you get anymore info would be glad to receive it.

• IVE BEEN TRYING SINCE 7.30AM TO TRY TO GET ON ITS NOW 9.35 NEARLY STILL NO JOY

• "I've been sitting on this toilet having a **** for 45 minutes now, and still no Facebook activity."

• Is it really the end of the world - just wanted to upload some Christmas holiday photographs but another day will do. I think I will telephone a few friends and maybe even start a new book!!!

• Been trying since 3am. Wanted to post late night knitting project(s), I guess I'll just go to sleep... Hope it comes back soon!

• Hope it gets sorted soon, my crops are going to wither, my pet will end up in pound and I'm on a deadline for frontier missions. HELP! If it doesnt come back on soon it means I'll have to do some housework.

Life does go on. And for some, a productive and perhaps more touchy-feely life. One person has decided to actually 'call his friends', and another has decided to start writing a book! That does say a lot. Facebook, what have you done to the human race??


Today I'm humming Englishman in New York by Sting. Quite love this song, the version and STING!

'Sweet Talking' in the Arab world - Kalam Nawaem

If you watch one of the episodes of this highly-rated TV talk show in the Arab world, you will not hear a lot of Sweet Talk, which is basically what Kalam Nawaem, the talk show title is translated into, but you will be drawn in and interested in the opinions and the openness of the discussions.

MBC 10 is the channel that picked up this show that been pervading the homes with thoughts and ideas to help provoke discussion within the Arab countries. You may agree or choose to disagree with the topics chosen, and the points of views offered, but at least you are thinking or trying to form an opinion.

It's been compared to The View but personally, I think that perhaps the format is mainly what is similar. Given the context of the viewers, the location, and the potential impact it can have on the audience, it is quite different.


(Left to right: Fawzia, Rania, Manu, Farah)

The show includes four women -

Muna Abusulayman: Saudi Arabian, quite an accomplished single woman with two kids.

Farah Bseiso: Palestinian

Fawzia Salama: Egyptian journalist and social researcher - love her!

Rania Barghout: Lebanese journalist

Note: It seems that Manu was supposed to leave the show to pursue her own show. I'm still looking for the latest episodes of the the show to see who is on it right now.

Strong personalities. Strong words. Intelligent, but also quite diplomatic and tactful considering they discuss controversial issues, but are well-versed in knowing what to say, and more importantly how to say it without ticking off the wrong people.

It does take some amount of tact when discussing homosexuality and its place in the Muslim religion, or then masturbation, and even addressing viewers letters that tell them that 'they should all go to hell' (apart from Muna, coz she is veiled) for what they are doing.

It's worth checking out! You can watch more about the workings of the show, behind the scenes and the lives of the four women FREE on this cool site. Here's the link just for you my fav peeps, lots of other cool indie movies here too! - Satellite Queens.


Today I'm humming Just the Way you are by Bruno Mars

Imelda May's got a boom boom

Just a bit quirky, with a fantastic voice!

I didn't know of her until I watched an episode of The Graham Norton Show this past week where she performed a single from her new album Mayhem. Quite a presence she has, this blues-y, jazz singer.



Especially loved the dress she wore, it was an Elvis inspired dress since she was quite influenced by The King. You like? Not sure it can be wore terribly often, but appropriate to pledge her respect to a star on his anniversary.



***********************************

What a wonderful sunday. London doesnt see much sun. But, when it does, everyone comes alive! There is a happiness in the air, and both people and animals find a reason to celebrate. It's a pity the sun doesn't see its effect and come out to visit more often. Can't complain, today is a sunny day too.

Yesterday, I walked through Holland Park. Oh so beautiful in the sun. It retains its forest-like feel which makes a walk through it all the more fun. Walking past the bustle of hi-street Kensington and into the serenity and calm of the park is da best.

There are benches spread all across the park with cute phrases and notes by people who have donated. Quite loved this one.

Gosh!



Everyone's happy when the sun is out. Case in point. The peacock up on the tree.



And everyone else too.




Today I'm humming Johnnie's got a boom boom by Imelda May

The Macho Mach Air has arrived!

As of yesterday a kinda cute delivery man brought home the newest addition - Ze Vax Mach Air Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

I'm not someone who particularly enjoys vacuuming(do you?), but they are cool things aren't they?

And personally, I think he's super awesome. Why he? Just coz I love to personify things. And I think guys should do all the cleaning. Always.

Today Macho Mach Air and I spent some time together, just a little bit though. I used him around the house. Even though he's the one doing all the work, the motion is a bit repetitive, no? Need someone else to do this on a regular basis. As hot as he is, he won't interest me for too long. I get bored easily.

He's definitely much much lighter and easy to maneuver around as compared to the stocky ol' fellow who is now in a cold damp place where he can't be seen. What can I say. Life is hard. Things and people get discarded from time to time. Sorry, buddy. Lean is much better than stocky (wrt vacuum cleaners), get with it, yo!


Today I'm humming Say Hey (I love you) by Michael Franti and Spearhead

Powerpoint and clapping at church? You in?

Picture this scene in a movie: A congregation of parishioners all dressed up in their Sunday best (lacy hats included); they enter church and in time start swaying, sometimes even in unison to catchy beats. So catchy are the beats, so strong is the energy, so fantastic are the melodies and the voices that it is hard to sit still. Music does that to me. So I get it. Sway people sway if you can welcome The Lord much better that way.

Still, we have never done too much swaying at mass in reality at a Catholic church.

Two days ago, I attended mass at Our Lady of Victories, quite close to where I live. It is a nice church with a grotto on the outside. It reminds me of a chapel/room back home where you could spend some time when the world is seemingly rushed or noisy.

Mass at OL of V, was good. I knew many of the songs (some were Christmas carols), which is not often the case since songs vary by country and region too.

Three things that caught my eye:

Am I in class?

The church used a projector to include the lyrics of the songs on one part of the wall. Innovative no? I sneaked in a picture on my phone see if you can see the words.

It does away with the need to print song books. Great. But, it also takes away the pleasure that we as kids felt when we entered church and scrambled to find a song book of our own, with no need to 'share' with sis. Ah well! We grow up, and we become all dogmatic.

It is true, a projector with words up is great, and even though my kids may never fight for a hymn book coz sadly there may not be one, I still think it's not a terrible idea because when I entered this church, I didn't have no hymn book near me, and yet I immediately got right into the singing, though not as loud as Mr. Grandpa right behind me.

Sermon with powerpoint?

The priest also used powerpoint to discuss his sermon! Yes, visuals help, but in church? Am still dealing with this. It does make it easier to understand for us easily distracted people who can't possibly focus our hearing on every word coming out of the priest's mouth. But now with visuals, I am,

- Trying to listen to the priest talking
- Trying to enjoy the visuals on the wall
- Trying to read the bullet points
- Wondering why the woman eight rows ahead is wearing a sequined purple dress from neck up flowing to her pretty toes, and topped off with a gold sequined hat
- Thinking about adding yogurt to my grocery list sitting in my pocket

Talk about multi-tasking.

And now we're very happy

After dealing with the powerpoint change, and new way of doing things, I am calm, and then verse 3 of a song comes along. There, suddenly, the choir who all this while was 'into the music' and swaying quite happily and whom I thought just enjoyed the music starts clapping! Clapping to the beat alongside each word of verse 3.

Now, Im not completely at ease. See its ironic, and a bit hypocritical too. I see it in movies and think its cool, fun even, and yet because of my memory of what mass should be like, all of a sudden I'm feeling like we are not conforming.

Mass used to be a holy celebration, even the singing of happy songs was at most accompanied by unintentional movements, reflex movements, but not intentional clapping.

I'm not denouncing it, I'm just not used to it.

I think it through coz changes do happen. We are evolving far too quickly, and how you did something a year ago is just redundant today.

Traditionally, mass for me has been a somber and holy event, whatever that means to a little girl. Being in the choir or even singing as a member of the church in my seat is celebratory enough, thus far. I don't see the need for clapping, but I can understand that music when accompanied by a guitar, drums and the piano is engaging, and most often makes me move without me even knowing it.

So perhaps, for others the movement is displayed through clapping in church? I can only guess.

Many restrictions/traditions are man-made - which ones we want to carry on and which we don't are sometimes a mass decision made mandatory by religious top management, and sometimes you have a choice to do it differently.

In this case, I can choose to go to another church if I don't like the clapping. But no, I'll go back. You'll see me again, soon Mr. priest and purple sequined-dressed lady. I'll sing. I'll read the bullet points on your presentation. But I won't clap.

Today I'm humming Laughing with by Regina Spekor

Today we must write

It is the first day of 2011.

1.1.11

Another set of 365 days ahead of us like a staircase leading us to great things.

Today, I must write, coz the only resolution I make is to make a serious effort to do whatever I really want better, so that I am happy with the effort or the result. It can be anything at all. It can change, from day to day, or month to month, but the promise I make to myself is just to do it well and wholeheartedly, whether it is having more fun, clicking more photographs, applying for more jobs, or writing more often this year.

And so I will.

2011 was brought in surrounded by dear ones as we gorged on a spicy-ass dinner at a Thai place named Namh in Belgravia. Everything was delicious, but ooo very spicy even for someone like me who loves the heat.










It was quite the meal with a variety of meats and fish including chicken, yummy beef salad which almost burned our mouths, and hot and sour fish and prawn soup. My vote goes to the soup which on a cold winter day couldn't have been better.

The mains included rice, sea bass green curry, venison in green chillies, and garlic and shrimp in shrimp paste with tomato flavored mackerel served on a bed of star fruit and pear apple. I know! Awesome right.

The mackerel took me back to mama's table, coz it tasted just like a dish mama makes superbly. And just in that one instance, even though I was sitting so far away from my peeps back home, I felt warm, fuzzy and like I was gonna be hugged by a sis just then. Just simple signs can mean so much.

I was with people I wanted to be with. I was happy.

This year is gonna be a good year. I just know it.

Today I'm humming Replay by Iyaz

...but what about the baby?

Say what? The baby??


My 3-yr old nephew A calls me often. The past few weeks, he seems to have found a new love for this Aunty, and asks for my sis to dial my number. I believe it may have to do with the fact that I'm often associated with choco, and the one who brings him those Sour Patch jelly beans, which in one mouthful make him squint, smile, make funny face and move shoulders weirdly - all worth it for the end result, a thrill and a task of getting the chewy thing off his teeth.

Today, A tells me he is making a birthday card. I'm confused. Then, Panic. Did I miss a family birthday? Nope. We have no birthday's until February.

Perhaps he's making a card for a friend at school. Nope.

Well, five minutes through the conversation, I hear A say, "Mama, A wants to buy Baby Jesus a present!". Ah, Baby Jesus! Now, it makes sense. Christmas approaching, birthday, baby, gifts etc.

(And yes, sometimes he talks of himself in third person, quite funny.)

It struck me coz I think Christmas is no longer mainly celebrated because it is Baby Jesus' birthday. It exists in the peripheral subconcious, well-covered with more symbolic gestures such as exchanging gifts, eating lots of food, wearing nice clothes, and basically doing a lot of traditional things without an inkling of the true purpose of Christmas.

On the one hand I'm thrilled. A Catholic celebrates Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Eid, etc. and a Muslim celebrates Thanksgiving, Holi, Easter and many others. We are coming closer together, like one big family.

In the midst of all of this, I think it is important to remember the true meaning of a festival, if only for a few minutes coz let's face it, where's the time to sing eighteen carols around the fireplace? (Note. this will happen if I'm home, at least for a little bit. It probably won't be more than a few carols, and then random songs with me sometimes acting like a Zubin on the piano, but honestly just dishing out beats for communal merriment. )

I would want my child to know and understand that Baby Jesus is a very integral, or rather the sole purpose we celebrate Christmas, followed by all the activity of stuffed stockings, delicious food, wine, Perry Como singing 'The First Noel', grandma, grandpa showering gifts and Christmas pudding. It is part of what has become a Christmas get together, with family and loved ones. And it is truly valued.

I'd also be completely warm and fuzzy if my child wanted to buy Baby Jesus a gift. How precious and thoughtful. I just hope he isn't thinking iPad or something like that.

Wish you all a warm, wonderful and Merry Christmas, filled with laughter and opportuntity to make some fabulous memories for the future. Eat lots of whatever is on that table coz it is special, and made just for you!


Today I'm humming my hottie Dean-O's song: Memories are made of these.

Where's his signature cigarette??

Seven

...wishes

Snow ceases to fall...or at least until we make it to the airport, and land in Switzerland in record time for Christmas. And no falls for me - Thud! Hard Ice. Butt. Thigh. Ankle. Force. The result is not pleasant, albeit funny, just a tad bit.




Every child has at least one reason to smile, giggle or show off the twinkle in his eye this time of year.




Victoria Secret opens its store in London soon (2012 apparently). No VS store in London, seriously? Note to self: Need to share thoughts about the 'Love your body' campaign too.




Enticing offers to fame and glory are ignored by people who believe in *muti murders. Chopping your children into pieces will not bring you success. It makes you a murderer. Period. You can watch the documentary and learn more here.




Nine of Santa's little elves, sneak out and drop a load full of presents, accidentally, of course, into one house. Mine.



And two more makes it Seven

You experience the wonderful taste of Rubicon's Guava juice too. It's delish and so refreshing.




Boom-de-ah-da, boom-de-ah-da - I wish everyone feels this way about their world. Go on, right click here and sing along. It never ceases to make me smile.

I love the mountains
I love the clear blue skies
I love big bridges
I love when great whites fly
I love the whole world
And all its sights and sounds
Boom de yada, boom de yada
Boom de yada, boom de yada

I love the oceans
I love real dirty things
I love to go fast
I love Egyptian kings
I love the whole world
And all its craziness
Boom de yada, boom de yada
Boom de yada, boom de yada

I love tornadoes
I love arachnids
I love hot magma
I love the giant squids
I love the whole world
It’s such a brilliant place…
Boom de yada, boom de yada
Boom de yada, boom de yada

*a more detailed post will follow in time. Actual pictures are too gory to post.

Today I'm also humming: La camisa negra by Juanes

Pic Source:
flickr. Goldt3
urban75.org

More air kissing

Yesterday was the Christmas lunch organized by one of our classmates, and we ended up being about 40-50 classmates gathered together to eat, drink, chat and air kiss!

I hadn't seen many of the classmates in months, even though we are all in London. So air kiss we must. With some greets, the mwah sound may also be heard...just with some.

When you go back to school, you realize how normal it is to be unstable (more of a perspective type thing), and I personally think its just freaking awesome when you ask someone where they are gonna be, or what they are gonna do and you may still get an answer like, "Anywhere really" including, "London, Uganda, Singapore, Hongkong"

Or then others who don't know yet coz they are considering many things, including the feasibility of launching this dream business.

It's a mix of uncertainty, and instability yes, but it is more importantly a stage of exploration and adventure, meekly complemented by periodic feelings of funkness (probably not a word). And, best of all, most of us don't judge the other. We get it, for the most part.

Whatever it is, I feel I am honored to have been able to experience it as it forces you to think about things you really want to do, rather than continue mundanely with the pre-existing routines of life. Coz I know I don't want to become like Milton from Office Space who spends his whole life in one office without ever considering the world beyond his stapler.

Me too, I mean who knows where I am going to be in a few years, or say a year or two. Maybe back home in India starting my business (yes, a seed in planted in my brain), or then in HongKong or Singapore to be closer to home. Let's see what happens. What choices we make. (Speaking of choices, I avoided any type of cider for years, but I'm starting to like it.)

It was good to see my fellow mates, and many I'll see soon, and some at graduation next year. More memories to recall. More smiles to exchange. More hugs. And definitely more air kisses.


Today I'm humming You got to pick a pocket or two from the movie Oliver Twist

Good logo, Bad logo, who knows? Maybe Gap, Tropicana and comedy Central

Is a makeover always exciting? Hmm..

Granted that this information is a bit dated, but it is important. I couldn't help writing about it, and I think it got triggered by the previous post on Green & Black's, and recent news that Comedy Central is also going the same way.

Every now and then an established brand decides that its time for a makeover. Visually speaking of course. Internal makeovers I cannot attest to, coz I have worked at but a small percentage of existing companies.

I take three logos today that have been through the makeover process and ask you what you think. Tell me which one you prefer, the old or the new, and why. Even if you know the history of what actually happened with the brand, ignore it for now. Speak your mind please, you are one of the consumers.

Gap: Old (Left), New (Right)




Tropicana: Old (left), New (right)




Comedy Central: Old (Left) New (Right)

What's the verdict?

Pic Sources: Websites of each of the brand respectively, Gap, Tropicana and Comedy Central.

Today I'm humming: Blessed by Brett Dennen

I wanna work at Green & Black's

They made organic, trendy. Even chic, and at a decent price.

They fill so many of the boxes that I, an outsider looks at from a criteria to work point of view. It is just an initial glance coz I know nothing about the internal runnings of the place, but I can just fantasize, can't I? Besides, people who love working around chocolate can't be all bad!


Product: It's chocolate! But what makes it better than just being chocolate? It is rich, dark and so a bit bitter, flavorful, organic chocolate.

Price: Easily affordable while still offering you the feeling of 'chic'.





Packaging: A lot of their success is in their packaging, I think. That shows that the way you present things which some may consider fluff can make or break a brand. Personally, the aesthetic sensibilities of the packaging is very appealing, and I believe to many others who now view a G&B's chocolate as something more than just a green product. G&B's recognized that they had a great product and made the necessary changes to transform it and position the very same product in a different way. Terribly simple, yet genius.







Green is growing: In more ways than one. Firstly, the concept of green is definitely on the rise. And two, Green & Black's has a way to go, with tremendous potential. I'm already thinking other areas, and other products! They do a Green & Black's baking chocolate, and a spread but I see a host of products that can be very successful. A line of G&B's baking products? G&B's healthshakes? G&B's range of chocolate-flavored teas, G&B's association with Bailey's? G&B's campaign-based organic clothes even, a bit of a stretch but with the right tag line or association it can work. Perhaps I'm getting excited, but I can't help it. I know if I'm working on products I like, I'll love what I'm doing and waking up to go to work on a gloomy winter morning won't be as difficult.

It's decided. I may have many other applications going through, and I'm also terribly keen on working with children-related companies, but Green & Black's, you are also high up on the list.

Besides, I'll be like Santa all through the year with friends and family sending me requests and their chocolate lists. I'll have all the power.

Today I'm humming: Because I got high by Afroman

Drnk Dat, odawise dey wnt b hpy

A conversation online with my cousin who is in his teens is sumtin like dis. It's a bit of time before I can fully gather what he is saying. Clearly, it's me that is passe.

Initially, I found it funny - when it was more like short conversations coz sure I use loads of abbreviations too as they can be very useful. The extent of my usage however is presumably much lesser than that of kids today!

When my cousin types up in three long sentence what has been going on at school, I just wish he'd use 'otherwise' or 'something' or 'that'. I feel like I'm grandma and I'm asking my grand daughter to read slowly to me so that I understand.

It seems to be the language of the generation, each one developing their own slang in a quest to be cool, in, exclusive, or doing it coz it's just plain fun! And I get it.

When we were younger (primary school level I'd say), apart from all the other efforts to be exclusive, one very simple way one was talking in 'p' language. It was our way of simple fun, perhaps some kind of exclusivity (but just for a short while, coz it is really quite an easy language to pick up). An example below:

The History of Cadavers

The-per

Hi-pis, ter-per, ry-pee

Oh-pof

Ca-pa, da-pa, ver-pers

My version of the p language may differ from yours, depending on where you place the 'p'. I'm not sure I know the intricacies of it, even though according to what you may read online it is often placed before a vowel. Mine, is just well, what I picked up from my sisters and friends around me, and this is how we use it till today.

Back to SMS english, I think its totally fine for kids to communicate as they please in social settings and even among themselves, but am not entirely convinced that dis talkin shld b used n replaced by trad englsh in prof settngs 2.

God forbid there will come a time when I'd open a beautifully crafted wedding invitation with a beige and yellow finish, and three pretty ribbons spilling over from the top left corner of the card. I open it up, and there:

"U r invitd 2 join us at der celebrtn of our wdng @ Royston Twrs, 8pm. V wld lv 2 hve u b a prt of sch an imp day n our lves - XX"

Our RSVP: V will b der.

Ugh. Imagine that.

Today I'm humming: Nobody by the Wondergirls

This is a song I heard performed by a group of thai girls at the end of a play during a event at Cambridge. It is one of those songs that is funny, but extremely catchy and will stay in your head. Go on, play it twice and I guarantee you will be cursing me soon after.