Saturday, June 27, 2009

A Tribute to Michael - My King


It’s been barely a month since my grandma passed away & I already have another reason to mourn. I reached home today morning and got the most shocking news about the demise of my most favorite artist, performer & Icon. About a month ago, I read an article in the newspaper about ‘Michael Jackson slowly dying’. I never really realized the true seriousness of the news until now. It’s surprising how much we take a person for granted when there’s time & we miss the person dearly when is just too late.
I spent my entire day watching his songs on VH1 (They were having a Michael Jackson tribute all day) when I came across a very special song which took me back in time. I was still a two year old kid when I first saw Michael in his hit single ‘Thriller’ when my Dad was watching it. My Dad was & still is a big fan of Michael Jackson. I loved that song so much that I used to run to the TV every time it was aired. Again, I used to run out of the room seeing the scary zombies in the video & still continued to listen to the song from the door.
I always felt that Michael has been one of the most misunderstood people. He was taken advantage of right from his childhood. His father kept cashing in on his in-born talent throughout his childhood. His first performance was at the age of four, so complete burnout at the age of 50 was inevitable. In his career spanning 46 long years he has never ceased to amaze the people. He was a star right from the the beginning, this can be seen in the early performances of Jackson 5, where he outshines all his elder brothers.
The most extraordinary character of his songs is that each one is so different & ingenious. Each song is a gem, unique in its own way. I possess all of his records, the earlier ones in the form of cassettes. I would have liked experience at least one concert of his though. I missed the golden chance when he came to Mumbai the last time. Though he was aware of his waning health, being the showman that he was, he wanted to give his one last concert, his swansong in July. Unfortunately, his dream remained unrealized.
Over the last decade, Michael’s name has been synonymous with controversy. He was dragged in & out of court for countless reasons which I am not interested in mentioning. Sure, he had his quirkiness but that doesn’t make a person bad. I guess everyone was after his money. These issues overshadowed all the good causes he relentlessly worked for and propagated. He had addressed many core issues in his songs be it Poverty, World Peace, Equality, Racism, Aids Awareness, Support for African victims & the Environment. He has in fact donated millions of dollars for these causes. He helped to make the world a better place.
With his demise, one of the greatest music eras has come to an end. He has made the most momentous contribution in the international music world & his greatness can never ever be matched by any artist in the times to come. I salute this man & I will always remain his biggest fan all my life.
P.S- This posting got delayed by a day thanks to the crashing of the web world yesterday due to the tremendous traffic yesterday.


Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Missing You...

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I heard this Amazing song 'Missing' by Everything but the Girl. I found it extremely addictive because of the subtle way it expresses the pain experienced after emotional detachment.I guess many people in this world can relate to it including myself.Here it goes :


I step off the train
I'm walkin' down your street again
And pass your door
But you don't live there anymore
It's years since you've been there
And now you've disappeared somewhere
Like outer space
You've found some better place

And I miss you
(Like the deserts miss the rain)
And I miss you
Oh
(Like the deserts miss the rain)

Could you be dead?
You always were two steps ahead
Of ev'ryone
We'd walk behind while you would run
I look up at your house
And I can almost hear you shout, down to me
Where I always used to be

And I miss you
(Like the deserts miss the rain)
And I miss you
(Like the deserts miss the rain)

Back on the train
I ask why did I come again
Can I confess?
I've been hangin' 'round your old address
And the years have proved
To offer nothin' since you moved
You're long gone
But I can't move on

And I miss you
Oh-oh (Like the deserts miss the rain)
And I miss you, yeah
(Like the deserts miss the rain) And I miss you

I step off the train
I'm walkin' down your street again
Pass your door
I guess you don't live there anymore
It's years since you've been there
And now you've disappeared somewhere
Like outer space
You've found some better place

And I miss you
(Like the deserts miss the rain)
And I miss you, yeah
(Like the deserts miss the rain)
And I miss you, and I miss you
(Like the deserts miss the rain)
And I miss you, yeah
(Like the deserts miss the rain)

Deserts miss the rain
(Like the deserts miss the rain) Like the deserts miss the rain
(Like the deserts miss the rain)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Remembrance....

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People come into our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When we know which one it is, we will know what to do for that person..
When someone is in our life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need we have expressed.
They have come to assist us through a difficulty, to provide us with guidance and support,
to aid us physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason we need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on our part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer we sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.


Some people come into our life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring us an experience of peace or make us laugh.
They may teach us something we have never done.
They usually give us an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.


LIFETIME relationships teach us lifetime lessons,
things we must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Our job is to accept the lesson,
love the person and put what we have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of our life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant!!


P.S -Thank you for being a part of my life,
whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime,

I will always remember you...

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Grand Memories

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As I look into my Grandmother's eyes
I seem to feel a bit surprised
She sits there in her silly old chair
Clicking her heels, it's too much to bear

See she can't walk, sing, or speak
She is thin and looks very weak
It saddens me to see her so
That life has brought her to a terrible low

She can remember a little from the past
But the present goes by way too fast
She knows her son you'll see
It's hard for her to remember me

I wish I knew how she was feeling
Maybe there are secrets she is concealing
I wonder what goes through her mind
As she sleeps there in a bind

Speak to me Grandma; wake out of your trance
Please get up, move, or dance
I want to see again the sparkle in your eyes
Because I know that's where the truth lies

You used to sing with a glorious tune
Tomorrow to hear you sing was never too soon
You saved so many lost souls everyday
Taught them about God and all he has to say

You were so strong, mighty, and bold
Your life was too short to already been sold
I miss hearing you sing and pray
The hours are cutting short, it could be any day

I want you back sound body and mind
I wish there were a key I could find
To bring you back out of this state
Oh why did this have to be your fate

This must have been God's very plan
To watch you grow and see your wings span
You've served him right from the start
He welcomes you to his home and heart

My love for you will never die
I will hold your Sparkle in my eye
I know I'll be singing with you someday soon
Walking through the gates of heaven,
singing the same glorious tune

Monday, May 25, 2009

IPL Fever Ends

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The IPL fever which had gripped the cricketing world for a month came to end yesterday after a dramatic victory of Hyderabad Deccan Chargers over Bangalore Royal Challengers. The outcome of this year’s tournament couldn’t have been better as the teams which finished last & second last in 2008 finished first & second this year.
Deccan Chargers were my favorite ever since the team was announced last year. They were the best team on paper but they weren’t able to get anything right last year. But this year they were consistently good & hence they lifted the cup which they rightfully deserved. The Bangalore Royal Challengers also did a great job by climbing the points table from the near bottom to the top.
The arrangement of the closing ceremony was incredible. It was breathtaking to see the night sky adorned with lanterns & fire crackers. The laser show also made for a pretty interesting sight. This however was not reflected in the performances organized. It was disappointing to see Akon lip-synching to his own song & appearing disinterested throughout the act. Even veteran singer Eddy Grants performance became repetitive to the point that it seemed boring. And the worst part was the so-called dance performance by Katrina Kaif on the Pussycat Doll’s version of ‘Jai Ho’. That was an enormously bad representation of Bollywood dance on an International Platform.
It is needless to say that the biggest winner of IPL 2 is South Africa. It earned a considerable amount of revenue hosting it, not to mention the enormous amount of donations made by the franchise owners & BCCI to the charitable organizations in SA. The same money could have made much difference in our own country considering the vast number of people suffering of poverty in India.
The positive part of taking IPL to SA was that it added a truly global touch to it. Since, SA has a substantial Indian population the spectators were just as passionate as in India. Can’t wait for the next IPL, till then I hope all the Indian team players recover from the fatigue caused by this before the T 20 world cup..

Friday, May 22, 2009

‘The Guy-Liner’ Vs ‘The Guy-next-door’

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Adam Lambert



Chris Allen

I have been an avid follower of ‘American Idol’ ever since it’s first season aired back in 2002, much before its Indian counterpart hit the television screens in India. Its crisp & professional setting leaves very less or no time for drama unlike the singing shows which bombard various television channels in India & for this precise reason I still remain its fan..

I never planned to watch this season so intently but I got interested when I saw Anoop Desai audition for it. The thought of seeing an incredibly talented Indian-American on one of the most esteemed & iconic platforms of American pop culture got me hooked. This was what I thought before I got to see Adam.

From the moment I saw this guy, I realized that he was different..different because he was by far more talented than the best whom I had seen so far, different because he was not only a great singer & performer but also a musical genius, different because he did not conform to the trend & dared to be himself, different because he was gay…


I was not surprised when news reports came in much later about the controversy surrounding his sexual orientation. Though Adam & the producers of the show have always maintained their silence on this issue the truth can be felt the same way I felt it. I am sure it would have broken the hearts of many females to see this good looking crooner kissing a guy but that would be selfish on their part wouldn’t it?

I never felt that this would ever jeopardize his chance of winning the contest as the high notes he reaches would easily shut the critics up & when America could elect its first Black president, Adam winning seemed more believable. Besides, he could be an Icon for the gay crowd & carry forward their message to the people.

The final showdown between Adam Lambert & Chris Allen was like a battle between two diametrically opposite personalities. The cool & calm good boy-next door as opposed to the hot & fiery Eye-liner wearing Adam made for an interesting finale. I was shocked when Adam Lambert lost out in the final to Chris. Chris is a very good singer& also a nice guy, but it was easy to see that Adam was at least three times a better than him. I firmly believe that the public got it wrong this time & the reasons could be many:-

1. The fans of semi-finalist Danny Gokey defected toward Chris.

2. Chris’s boyish charm won over the quintessential rock star image that Adam projected.

3. People didn’t vote because of the blatant favoritism of judges towards him which made people think that he would anyway win irrespective of whether they vote or not.

4. Some would have been turned off because of the controversy surrounding him.

Whatever the reason may be, Adam has always remained an epitome of humility despite the fact that he is put at such a pedestal by the media & the judges. He has a good heart & that is seen through his music. This is seen when he goes ahead & thanks his musicians publicly after every performance. He even proclaimed that he was fortunate to be sharing the stage with Dannny & Chris, whom he regards as fabulous singers.

In a way, I sense that not winning might be beneficial to Adam:-

1. He might get more creative freedom with the music company he chooses & get to make the kind of music he wants.

2. He might outsell Chris in the long run.

3. He hits the music scene as an individual artist not carrying the baggage of ‘Idol’.

I can proclaim without flinching that he is iconic & will remain so in the times to come. There are very few who can sing songs of U2, Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, etc. with such panache’. And I will always remain his fan irrespective of whether he kisses a man, woman, or a cow!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

You know you are an architecture student when..


....your roommates say "good morning," and you reply "good night."

....you carry a toothbrush in your backpack.

.....'Coffee' is you favorite drink.

...all of the gifts you give are wrapped in tracing.

...after all of your expenses, you can't afford to pay attention

...you have 3 or more cups of black coffee in one night
...you hear the same song on the radio 3 or more times in one night.

... You know the different taste between Fevicol and Fevibond

... You can stay alive without sunlight, communicate with people nor having foods but you would commit suicide if the plotter doesn't plot your work out

...the only sleep you get is during lectures.

...You've lost your house key and u realized week later

...you sleep more than 16 hrs at weekends
...u dance madly at 3 am though u aren't drunk

...you note something with your rotring

... You are an expert and Photoshop, illustrator and auto cad but u don't know how to use MS excel...

....you've got 2 subjects / day but u got to study it whole day.

...you only leave work to buy supplies.

....you've ever dreamt about your models.

...upon hearing 'supermodel', you think of a nicely crafted-foam core model.

...your parents have more of a social life than you.

...your 14-year-old brother has more of a social life than you. .

...you know all the 24-hour food places in the area....

....your friends get more sleep in one night than you do in one week

..You consider 3AM an early night. ...

...you say "It's only midnight- I have plenty of time to finish."
...you confuse sunrise with sunset. ...you ask what time it is, then ask "AM or PM?"

...you slice your finger, and the first thing you think of is if you'll be able to finish your model.

...you understand why architects have glasses and white hair.
...you call some great architects as if they are you friends.err... Frank... Tadao. ...

...you know all of these are true, no exaggerations.

...you can listen to all your CD's in one night.

...your friends favorite brand names are Prada DNKY etc... But yours are Mastex, Staedtler, pentel, rotring

...you dare not to have a gf/bf coz no one can accept for what u are
...you can conceptually compose the food on your plate.

...upon hearing 'Weekends' you think of sleep.

...you start wearing all black.

...you have no life, and admit it.

...you start to critique a radio selection's selection of songs.

...you confuse today and tomorrow.

...you can write a 6-page term paper by procrastinating. .

..you hear "Didn't you wear that yesterday?' followed by "and the day before that?"

...you count the number of days (not hours) you've been awake.

.... respect", "coolness', and "hatred" are all based on how much sleep you get, or lack of.
...your bed has collected a layer of dust on it.

...concept of time is not forward, but a countdown from the time a project is due ("What time is it?""4 hours 'till").

...you contemplate dropping out 3 times a day.

...doing models all night long excites you.

......When you're not sure what day of the week it is

... When you have slept straight through a day and into the next day after a final review.

.. When lack of sleep makes you feel and act as if you are high

... When any flat surface is seen as a place to take a nap (underneath the tables in the computer room (that's where it is the warmest), in hallways, on drafting boards

... When friendship with a senior seems like a good idea because they might be able to help you on your project

... When friendship with a junior seems like a good idea because their final review is before yours and therefore, they can help you produce once they are finished

... When the books that you read consist primarily of photographs and not so much of words...

...When you have to ask your fellow architects to give you wake up calls

... When you have three or more alarm clocks in your room.

... When you skip classes because you have too much work to do.

... When you have an inexplicable mark running off your page because you fell asleep while drafting

.....you lose your eyesight and you gain backache and neck ache

...when Pink Floyd lyrics actually make sense

...when a 102 degree fever or sore throat is to you no excuse to miss a jury.