I'm listening to the soundtrack of MM right now in my car. And I've got two words for it ... Refreshing and Brilliant!!!
Am a big fan of ABBA myself, to the extent that I collect versions of their songs...needless to say I have their entire discography. But the OST is phenomenal. It is FRESH, if you get my meaning. I’m no music expert, but I know what I like.
The slight variations in the lyrics are simply stunning, and because the movie stars have sung all the songs, it already feels a way lot personal than any cover version sounds. What’s more, there are a few songs sung by the male stars - Our last summer (Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan), Lay all your love on me (Dominic Cooper), Voulez-vous (full cast), SOS (Pierce Brosnan), Does your mother know (Philip Michael), When all is said and done (Pierce Brosnan) and Take a chance on me (Poerce Brosnan). Sounds delightful. Some songs (Voulez-vous particularly impressed me) have brilliant choruses!
ABBA fans can easily notice very small variations in some of the arrangements, notes and enunciations. I can’t help repeating myself when I say “refreshing”... 007 James Bond (Brosnan) has done some great work on Our last summer and SOS. I really cannot associate someone like him with these songs...but I like it!
The producers have kept the ABBA nostalgia intact without getting too much of a “disco” effect to the music - another reason why the CD is different fro m contemporary music. All in all, very bold and absolutely superb! My recommendation would be for you to rush to the nearest music store and get yourself a copy of the CD. Anytime listening, that’s what MM is !!!
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Gamesmanship
I'm sure you've heard enough about sledging, particularly after the recent "racism" row Down Under, involving our very own Bhajji and "Roy" Symonds. Here are a few I thought were (a) interesting reads, (b) not technically "sledging" and (c) not heard as often as others. Do add on if you have any others that fulfil these three criteria.
Pre-script: I don't have anything to prove the authenticity of these incidents, and am willing to credit anyone whose copyrights I may have inadvertently infringed upon.
1. Malcolm Marshall was bowling to David Boon who had played and missed a couple of times. Marshall: "Now David, Are you going to get out now or am I going to have to bowl around the wicket and kill you?"
2. While commentating during a match in which Pakistan was faring badly in all departments of the game, Bill Lawry, offering a solution said "I think Pakistan's problem is they've got to relax", to which Benaud replies nonchalantly, "I don't agree. I think Pakistan have got to learn how to bat, bowl and field. It's a simple game."
3. Mervyn Hughes to Gooch after playing and missing at a number of consecutive deliveries: I'll get you a piano instead to see if you can play that.
4. Ian Healy trying to convince Ranatunga to leave his crease - Put a Mars bar on a good length, that should do it!
5. A well-known (but unmentioned) West Indian batsman fielding close to the bat, called the batsman - Australian Craig McDermott a "white coward". To which the batsman, quite gracefully, replied "I love you when you talk dirty"! [Credit Bob Simpson]
Pre-script: I don't have anything to prove the authenticity of these incidents, and am willing to credit anyone whose copyrights I may have inadvertently infringed upon.
1. Malcolm Marshall was bowling to David Boon who had played and missed a couple of times. Marshall: "Now David, Are you going to get out now or am I going to have to bowl around the wicket and kill you?"
2. While commentating during a match in which Pakistan was faring badly in all departments of the game, Bill Lawry, offering a solution said "I think Pakistan's problem is they've got to relax", to which Benaud replies nonchalantly, "I don't agree. I think Pakistan have got to learn how to bat, bowl and field. It's a simple game."
3. Mervyn Hughes to Gooch after playing and missing at a number of consecutive deliveries: I'll get you a piano instead to see if you can play that.
4. Ian Healy trying to convince Ranatunga to leave his crease - Put a Mars bar on a good length, that should do it!
5. A well-known (but unmentioned) West Indian batsman fielding close to the bat, called the batsman - Australian Craig McDermott a "white coward". To which the batsman, quite gracefully, replied "I love you when you talk dirty"! [Credit Bob Simpson]
Saturday, 9 February 2008
An exercise in nation-building?
Taxes build nations, so to say, right?
Quite (in)appropriate that I'm writing this with only a couple of weeks to go before the India Budget 2008. But that wasn't what prompted me to write about this, than the condition of Luz Church Road that I was witness to, earlier this evening.
Now, I'm someone who pays my taxes quite cheerfully, althoguh, like the next man, I make use of as many tax exemptions (I should also mention deductions, as my pedantic tax colleagues would point out!) as available and possible. But look at the condition of the said road... they're putting in a divider that's a couple of meters wide (wonder why you need such a large divider!). Workers have left for the day, leaving debris and cables (don't know if they are telephone or electricity) around. Thank God they took their work-tools with them. This got me started thinking about various so called "public service" initiatives that governments undertake, which are funded by our tax payments.
Just look at the various expenses that our taxes end up funding... politicians' and other mandarins' salaries, foreign travel, constituency allowances, free local travel, spending money, what not. And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far as income sources are concerned. We've not yet spoken about all the money received under the table (or in suitcases, where the table isn't relatively large enough) or other means. I can't understand what they have to spend so much on? They're probably locked up in large safe deposit vaults (given that some kinds of funds cannot be banked).
For a very long time, I've been saying that public facilities in India are relatively (given that we are still "developing") comparable with those in "developed" countries. I think its now time to change that opinion of mine. I've seen construction work in other countries, and the best part is that most of the time, one never knows that any work is actually happening! Public services are rarely affected, and where they are, the governments take real good care of the tax-paying public by arranging convenient alternatives. Plus all this is with prior information, which is something we just cannot expect in India.
So I go back to the original point on tax paying and that tax payments contribute to nation-building. Now I have new-found respect for tax evaders! My personal wishes, Mr Finance Minister.
Quite (in)appropriate that I'm writing this with only a couple of weeks to go before the India Budget 2008. But that wasn't what prompted me to write about this, than the condition of Luz Church Road that I was witness to, earlier this evening.
Now, I'm someone who pays my taxes quite cheerfully, althoguh, like the next man, I make use of as many tax exemptions (I should also mention deductions, as my pedantic tax colleagues would point out!) as available and possible. But look at the condition of the said road... they're putting in a divider that's a couple of meters wide (wonder why you need such a large divider!). Workers have left for the day, leaving debris and cables (don't know if they are telephone or electricity) around. Thank God they took their work-tools with them. This got me started thinking about various so called "public service" initiatives that governments undertake, which are funded by our tax payments.
Just look at the various expenses that our taxes end up funding... politicians' and other mandarins' salaries, foreign travel, constituency allowances, free local travel, spending money, what not. And this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far as income sources are concerned. We've not yet spoken about all the money received under the table (or in suitcases, where the table isn't relatively large enough) or other means. I can't understand what they have to spend so much on? They're probably locked up in large safe deposit vaults (given that some kinds of funds cannot be banked).
For a very long time, I've been saying that public facilities in India are relatively (given that we are still "developing") comparable with those in "developed" countries. I think its now time to change that opinion of mine. I've seen construction work in other countries, and the best part is that most of the time, one never knows that any work is actually happening! Public services are rarely affected, and where they are, the governments take real good care of the tax-paying public by arranging convenient alternatives. Plus all this is with prior information, which is something we just cannot expect in India.
So I go back to the original point on tax paying and that tax payments contribute to nation-building. Now I have new-found respect for tax evaders! My personal wishes, Mr Finance Minister.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Goa - the never-changing land of commerce!
I was in Goa last week (I think it was my 8th trip, so I know a bit about the place), and I've realised that if you want to be financially successful in life, you need to set up shop there. Here are some tips...
a. Invest Rs 40k on a bike, and hire it out - you make around 350 bucks per bike to hire it out, and so in around 100-120 days, you recover the cost of the vehicle. That's 4 months, which is approximately the same as the duration of the tourist season. Anything you earn over and above that is pure profit and also serves as seed capital for your next bike. Also remember, however badly the bike is used, it will slog for at least 2 years for you, so $$$ are all yours!
b. Buy a battered car (the more boot space, the better; nevermind how many it can seat - those visiting Goa don't think twice of cramming into a small car!). Get your driver's licence, and station yourself outside a hotel or resort. The drivers there (yourself included) are a "union" who will not let outside vehicles come in, so tourists are like the proverbial pot of gold, just that its not proverbial any more! You get to charge your rates, and what's more, you get it too!
c. Start a massage parlour. If it has Ayurveda, even better (who cares that its at least 700 km from anywhere in Goa to the nearest place where they can spell Ayurveda correctly!). As with (b) above, you get paid whatever you charge.
d. This needs big time investment - start a watersports outfit on the beach. You charge something like 800 bucks for a 2 minute ride, which turns out to be more expensive than that Harvard-educated consultant who "consults" that the ride is way too expensive!
e. Start a shack - moderate investment (broken tables, dirty glasses, gallons of beer and a great cook!). Easy money to be made here because those "touristing" Goa mainly want to drink and then eat, though not necessarily in that order!
Just remember, never go to Goa on vacation!
a. Invest Rs 40k on a bike, and hire it out - you make around 350 bucks per bike to hire it out, and so in around 100-120 days, you recover the cost of the vehicle. That's 4 months, which is approximately the same as the duration of the tourist season. Anything you earn over and above that is pure profit and also serves as seed capital for your next bike. Also remember, however badly the bike is used, it will slog for at least 2 years for you, so $$$ are all yours!
b. Buy a battered car (the more boot space, the better; nevermind how many it can seat - those visiting Goa don't think twice of cramming into a small car!). Get your driver's licence, and station yourself outside a hotel or resort. The drivers there (yourself included) are a "union" who will not let outside vehicles come in, so tourists are like the proverbial pot of gold, just that its not proverbial any more! You get to charge your rates, and what's more, you get it too!
c. Start a massage parlour. If it has Ayurveda, even better (who cares that its at least 700 km from anywhere in Goa to the nearest place where they can spell Ayurveda correctly!). As with (b) above, you get paid whatever you charge.
d. This needs big time investment - start a watersports outfit on the beach. You charge something like 800 bucks for a 2 minute ride, which turns out to be more expensive than that Harvard-educated consultant who "consults" that the ride is way too expensive!
e. Start a shack - moderate investment (broken tables, dirty glasses, gallons of beer and a great cook!). Easy money to be made here because those "touristing" Goa mainly want to drink and then eat, though not necessarily in that order!
Just remember, never go to Goa on vacation!
Tuesday, 8 January 2008
WH Murray - a profound statement
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!
Not long back, say a couple of months ago, I was at a training program where I learnt of the above quote. Now, I'm not trying to say (or even claim) that I'm a visionary of any sort, but this is just the sort of thing that I've always believed in. And for my personal idea to be corroborated by someone as eminient as WH Murray (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._H._Murray), counts for something, in my view!
Thanks, Chetan, for making me realise that what I've always believed in is true...
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!
Not long back, say a couple of months ago, I was at a training program where I learnt of the above quote. Now, I'm not trying to say (or even claim) that I'm a visionary of any sort, but this is just the sort of thing that I've always believed in. And for my personal idea to be corroborated by someone as eminient as WH Murray (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._H._Murray), counts for something, in my view!
Thanks, Chetan, for making me realise that what I've always believed in is true...
To the movies...
This is not a movie review (I’m not capable of that!). But before we start, you must know that my taste in movies is phenomenally eclectic – lots of comedy, some action / mystery, and very little drama. I watched Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par last night, after much persuasion from the missus and rave reviews (including adjectives such as “masterpiece”, “awesome”, and other superlatives and strong credentials) from friends, relatives and colleagues.
There were a few good parts last night… the music, the kid’s acting, etc. But the best part about has to be the café caramel gelato ice cream I had be,mfore the movie! Light-hearted – very – as it may sound, it’s true. The movie was watchable. The guy on my left was choking and the lady on my right (who happened to be my wife) was pouring buckets. What I thought was a fallen can of Diet Coke licking at my feet, turned out to be saline, watery fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands of viewers sitting in rows A to E behind me. And I was sniffing, and sniffing hard – a blocked nose (I’ve had a cold since last week) made worse by the brilliant ice cream (refer above).
In my opinion, going to the movies should be a source of fun, entertainment, and most importantly, distraction. Why, then, would I go to a movie that reminds me of world issues and humanity and being kind to animals? Don’t we get enough of that as it is? Movies with a message (many say TZP is one, and many others say it only sparks off an idea to ponder over), in my view, are not worth it. If I’m not able to consider those issues without the help of the movie (to whatever extent), what makes you think I will, after watching the movie?
After the movie, the wife and I spoke about the movie – and I told her what I thought of it. She says I cannot appreciate it (the movie) because I’ve never had some experiences (going to boarding school / hostel, dyslexia, etc) that others (including those we know, some very well and others related). And I say, do you need experience to understand other’s problems? Do you have to be a Jew to appreciate the Holocaust? I’m not saying one should stay away from issues by not watching movies that deal with them, but realisation of and reaction to issues is something that should come from within… The only time I’d like to cry at a movie is when it makes me laugh so much that I have tears streaming down my cheeks.
Now, assuming TZP is not a movie with a message (or more precisely, a movie without a message, which is probably saying the same thing, but sounds more agreeable)… I hear that it is Aamir Khan’s directorial debut, and that he deserves credit for that, and also for making the kid act the way he did. Agreed, but then after being in the industry for as long as he has, and for the dynamic kind of person he his known to be, this should be par for the course, eh? And also, when was the last time you cried at a movie, because of the quality of the director’s work? Isn’t is always the storyline and, therefore, the message?
To contradict my very first line, I think it was an overall 5/10. Anyone willing to fund my lawyer’s fees can call me on my mobile…am expecting to receive the divorce papers any minute now!
There were a few good parts last night… the music, the kid’s acting, etc. But the best part about has to be the café caramel gelato ice cream I had be,mfore the movie! Light-hearted – very – as it may sound, it’s true. The movie was watchable. The guy on my left was choking and the lady on my right (who happened to be my wife) was pouring buckets. What I thought was a fallen can of Diet Coke licking at my feet, turned out to be saline, watery fluid secreted by the lacrimal glands of viewers sitting in rows A to E behind me. And I was sniffing, and sniffing hard – a blocked nose (I’ve had a cold since last week) made worse by the brilliant ice cream (refer above).
In my opinion, going to the movies should be a source of fun, entertainment, and most importantly, distraction. Why, then, would I go to a movie that reminds me of world issues and humanity and being kind to animals? Don’t we get enough of that as it is? Movies with a message (many say TZP is one, and many others say it only sparks off an idea to ponder over), in my view, are not worth it. If I’m not able to consider those issues without the help of the movie (to whatever extent), what makes you think I will, after watching the movie?
After the movie, the wife and I spoke about the movie – and I told her what I thought of it. She says I cannot appreciate it (the movie) because I’ve never had some experiences (going to boarding school / hostel, dyslexia, etc) that others (including those we know, some very well and others related). And I say, do you need experience to understand other’s problems? Do you have to be a Jew to appreciate the Holocaust? I’m not saying one should stay away from issues by not watching movies that deal with them, but realisation of and reaction to issues is something that should come from within… The only time I’d like to cry at a movie is when it makes me laugh so much that I have tears streaming down my cheeks.
Now, assuming TZP is not a movie with a message (or more precisely, a movie without a message, which is probably saying the same thing, but sounds more agreeable)… I hear that it is Aamir Khan’s directorial debut, and that he deserves credit for that, and also for making the kid act the way he did. Agreed, but then after being in the industry for as long as he has, and for the dynamic kind of person he his known to be, this should be par for the course, eh? And also, when was the last time you cried at a movie, because of the quality of the director’s work? Isn’t is always the storyline and, therefore, the message?
To contradict my very first line, I think it was an overall 5/10. Anyone willing to fund my lawyer’s fees can call me on my mobile…am expecting to receive the divorce papers any minute now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
