Edgar Cayce was a person who cannot be put into any one category. His life and readings are as mysterious to mankind today as it was at the time he lived. So, who is this person, what did he have to say. I'll try to unravel his story, readings to the best of my knowledge.
His life: long story short
He was born in Kentucky in 1877 in a devout Christian family. He had an average childhood, nothing awesome. The story begins when in early adulthood, he loses his speech. His family consults doctors, therapists, but to no avail. Some hypnotists offer to come forward to help him. When in the hypnotic trance, his voice is restored, but when he wakes up, its often gone again.
Later, when in one of these hypnotic sessions, he surprised the hypnotist when he said exactly what the reason for his voice loss was (lack of blood flow to the voice box). The hypnotist then suggests (does not do anything, just suggests to Cayce, who btw, was still in trance) something to the effect "let the blood flow increase". Then Cayce's chest turned blue, and after protracted silence, while still in trance, Cayce declared the treatment over. His voice was restored, and he never lost it again!
This was his first encounter with his capabilities.
The newspapers carried this story and he became popular throughout the US.
He would then start giving readings to people, several hundred of them throughout his life.
What sets him apart from Nostradamus
The most important aspect to be understood here is that Cayce would give his readings only when he was in a trance. He would lie on his bed, and somewhere between being awake and falling asleep (REM?), people would start asking him question, to which he would reply. In many instances, he would wake up and upon reading what he said, he would go "Did I say that?"
Nostradamus gave his 'prophecies' in an awake state. He had one of Archimedes books that talked about predicting the future and how it could be done. Nostradamus used tools: a vase, some special water, some chants etc...which he needed for his 'prophecies'.
In Cayce's case none of this was involved. In particular, there was no ego since it was done when he was in trance. His family, secretary, and the people he helped vouched that he remembered none of it when he woke up.
When not giving readings, he was a humble man, a loyal friend to those he knew, and an inspiring father.
In short, as in Nostradamus's case, there was no curtain. It was out in the open for all to see and awe.
How do we know he wasn't cheating?
Very few times did he give his readings for money. This was when in later life, he was poor and needed a source of income.
There are several cases when what he said came true right then. There is an incident when one of clients calls him from several miles away and asks "where should I dig for oil". Cayce says go x miles north, y miles west, and to the clients awe there it was!
In another instance, a blind musician asks him what he should do to get his vision back. The client got back his vision in one eye completely, just by following what Cayce said, which btw, was all herbal remedies and eye exercises. In subsequent readings to the same man, Cayce went on to state that the man was, in his previous birth, a soldier in Virginia, who lived many years ago, and even tells his name.
Then the man asks "How do I find out" and Cayce says, his records were still with the state of Virgina. The man took great pain to find out, and did find the records of the person mentioned by Cayce!
In another instance, Cayce's secretary was recording (writing) his readings. She
thought to herself, 'what's better here, a comma or a colon' and Cayce said "Oh, a comma would be perfect there"!
He predicted the two world wars and the independence of India.
A subset of his readings (numbered, not necessarily in any order)
1. There existed several thousand years ago, a civilization by name Atlantis. They were much more advanced than our present human race, in the sense that they knew the secrets of the universe.
Note: The existence of Atlantis was first mentioned by Plato several hundred years before Cayce. Cayce's readings confirm the existence.
2. At some point in their history, a portion of the people of Atlantis started misusing their powers to a great extent. The entire civilization was destroyed in a deluge and submerged in the Atlantic ocean.
3. The sphinx and pyramids of Egypt were built several thousand years before currently dated. Historians believe it was built around 3500 BC, Cayce says it was around 10,000 BC!
4. The secrets of the Atlantian civilization can be found in a vault near the the left leg (or right not sure) of the Sphinx.
Note: Some egyptologists confirmed this by doing sound research near the legs of the sphinx. They propose there is a vault of atleast 2 stories near one of the legs.
5. He predicted that some archeological evidence of Atlantis will be discovered in 1968. Exactly in that year, the Bimini road was discovered in the Bahamas island. There is still intense debate amongst people who claim it is man-made (Atlantean origin) and others who think its geological.
6. Jesus Christ was an essene (an ancient Jewish community) who traveled to India to study Eastern religion, in particular astrology!
(Goosebumps!)
7. Human souls transmigrate from birth to birth in search of perfection: Re-incarnation.
Note: If I'm right, there is no concept of re-incarnation in Christianity. It is readings like these with which he surprised himself. He would come out of the trance and upon being shown what he said, he would go "Omg, did I say that"!
8. Man did not descend from monkeys. Rather, the anthropoids (and later humans) were created and guided by 'spirit forms' as the perfect vehicle for the souls to 'transmigrate'.
9. In several readings, he confirms that astrology is true: A person's course in life can be predicted by his time, place, planetary alignments at birth!
10. In one reading he says: "As ye sow, so shall ye reap" (karma) or "As ye judge (others), so shall ye be judged."
11. When he was asked where he got his knowledge from: he says there are 'akashic records' that record every movement of human consciousness and that the past, present and future can be known from them. He says it can be accessed by all with mind control, selfless nature and practice!
12. Cayce forecast that, by the end of this century (or next), New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco would be destroyed. In particular, the earth would shift its axis, and approximately around this time, the major part of California would submerge in the pacific. He said that "the greater portion of Japan must go into the sea" at this time, and that northern Europe would be "changed as in the twinkling of an eye."
Note: Site in the sources below says 1998 as the year this reading should've come true. In what I've read, Cayce never mentioned an year for the event. He just said " In future decades..." and sometime "within the next couple of centuries"
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Cayce, http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/phoebe.htm, and a few books.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Some cool English music-specially for English music newbies
Until 4 years back, I listened to only a couple of english artists: Backstreet boys and Britney.
When my friends urged me to listen to rock, I would ridicule them. It was for the 'pseudo cool' guyz crazy about anything western. Back then, Ilayaraja and ARR was all I needed to listen to.
Today, I see they did have a point. Some english songs are indeed awesome. I can call myself a better music fan now. Listening to and learning to appreciate 'foreign' music seems to have kindled an interest and excitement in me!
I list songs that are definitely not a waste of time listening to. Dedicated specially to all the english song newbies out there!
Enigma-sadness
Nice beats, interesting video.
Enigma-sadness
Enigma-Return to innocence
Speaks little, but speaks directly to your heart.
Enigma-Return to innocence
Hollywood undead-circles
Nice song with a sad undertone. Nice lyrics.
Hollywood undead-circles
Green day-Wake me up when september ends
Amazing song. Green day special!
'Short' version of a 7 minute song. For all the impatient ones, song begins at 1:10.
Wake me up when september ends
Green day-boulevard of broken dreams
One of my all time favs. "I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known" :)
boulevard of broken dreams
Green day-time of your life
Inspiring song. Awesome lyrics. "I hope you had the time of your life"
time of your life
Led Zeppelin-Stairway to heaven
One of my favs. Do listen to the full song with patience. has a nice feel to it. Interesting verses, yeah, its more of a poem!
Stairway to heaven
Led Zeppelin-battle of evermore
Diff. kind of song. Heavy guitar!
battle of evermore
Beatles-and I love her
Beatles special! Cupid special!
and I love her
On a side note, listen to me singing here :) :D
And I love her - my attempt
Beatles-All my loving
These guyz rock(ed)! Sometimes wish I were here in the 70's.
All my loving
Beatles-ob la di ob la da
"Life goes on, ob la di ob la da, life goes on"
ob la di ob la da
Nelly furtado-Say it right
I listened to this song many times in the gym and fell in love with it. Took me a while to find its name :)
Say it right
Corrs-breathless
One of my all time favs. One of Corrs' best!
Breathless
Travie McCoy: Billionaire
Casual feel good song! "Everytime I close my eyes, i see my name in shiny lights"
Billionaire
Linkin park-What I've done
Amazing song. Strong message.
What I've done
Linkin park-In the end
Typical Linkin park kindof music. fell in love with it the first time.
In the end
Eagles-Hotel California
One of the Eagles' best. The link below is their live performance. How his (what's his name?) hand plays with the guitar. Definite watch!
Hotel California
Rainbow-Temple of the king
Feel good song. Very picturesque video I have chosen. "And the day has just begun" !
Temple of the king!
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd. How do you pronounce that.
This is one long song. Awesome guitar.Try playing guitar hero to this. Hard!
Atleast, don't miss the guitar piece from 4:50 to 7:40!
Free Bird
BSB-Show me the meaning
One hell of a song!
Vivid memories. Std. 10, 2000! BSB was the coolest thing in town!
One of the first bands I was introduced to.
The first link is the lyrical version.
The second one's the actual video.
Youtube doesn't have the original due to copyright shit.
Show me the meaning-lyrical
Show me the meaning-original
Britney-I was born to make you happy
Britney's best to date. Nice video, lyrics, mesmerizing music! Britney yevlo azhaga irukka. chancey illa :)
Born to make you happy
Porcupine tree - Lazarus
Awesome song. Got introduced to it recently and loved it right from the first time. A good example of slow rock song.
Lazarus
Coldplay - Hardest part
Feel good, fast song with a sad undertone. One of a kind. Chris Martin's voice is mesmerizing.
Amazing live performance with kickass acrobatics. Enjoy!
Hardest part
John Denver - Leaving on a jet plane
One of my all time favs. close to my heart! must listen
"Leaving on a jet plane" has many versions, I find John Denver's most appealing.
Leaving on a jet plane
Bloodhound gang - Bad touch
Keywords: freakish, crazy, funny, pervert :)
Bad touch
Joe Pesci - Wise guy
Joe Pesci's attempt at rap. Not bad!
Wise guy
When my friends urged me to listen to rock, I would ridicule them. It was for the 'pseudo cool' guyz crazy about anything western. Back then, Ilayaraja and ARR was all I needed to listen to.
Today, I see they did have a point. Some english songs are indeed awesome. I can call myself a better music fan now. Listening to and learning to appreciate 'foreign' music seems to have kindled an interest and excitement in me!
I list songs that are definitely not a waste of time listening to. Dedicated specially to all the english song newbies out there!
Enigma-sadness
Nice beats, interesting video.
Enigma-sadness
Enigma-Return to innocence
Speaks little, but speaks directly to your heart.
Enigma-Return to innocence
Hollywood undead-circles
Nice song with a sad undertone. Nice lyrics.
Hollywood undead-circles
Green day-Wake me up when september ends
Amazing song. Green day special!
'Short' version of a 7 minute song. For all the impatient ones, song begins at 1:10.
Wake me up when september ends
Green day-boulevard of broken dreams
One of my all time favs. "I walk a lonely road, the only one that I have ever known" :)
boulevard of broken dreams
Green day-time of your life
Inspiring song. Awesome lyrics. "I hope you had the time of your life"
time of your life
Led Zeppelin-Stairway to heaven
One of my favs. Do listen to the full song with patience. has a nice feel to it. Interesting verses, yeah, its more of a poem!
Stairway to heaven
Led Zeppelin-battle of evermore
Diff. kind of song. Heavy guitar!
battle of evermore
Beatles-and I love her
Beatles special! Cupid special!
and I love her
On a side note, listen to me singing here :) :D
And I love her - my attempt
Beatles-All my loving
These guyz rock(ed)! Sometimes wish I were here in the 70's.
All my loving
Beatles-ob la di ob la da
"Life goes on, ob la di ob la da, life goes on"
ob la di ob la da
Nelly furtado-Say it right
I listened to this song many times in the gym and fell in love with it. Took me a while to find its name :)
Say it right
Corrs-breathless
One of my all time favs. One of Corrs' best!
Breathless
Travie McCoy: Billionaire
Casual feel good song! "Everytime I close my eyes, i see my name in shiny lights"
Billionaire
Linkin park-What I've done
Amazing song. Strong message.
What I've done
Linkin park-In the end
Typical Linkin park kindof music. fell in love with it the first time.
In the end
Eagles-Hotel California
One of the Eagles' best. The link below is their live performance. How his (what's his name?) hand plays with the guitar. Definite watch!
Hotel California
Rainbow-Temple of the king
Feel good song. Very picturesque video I have chosen. "And the day has just begun" !
Temple of the king!
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd. How do you pronounce that.
This is one long song. Awesome guitar.Try playing guitar hero to this. Hard!
Atleast, don't miss the guitar piece from 4:50 to 7:40!
Free Bird
BSB-Show me the meaning
One hell of a song!
Vivid memories. Std. 10, 2000! BSB was the coolest thing in town!
One of the first bands I was introduced to.
The first link is the lyrical version.
The second one's the actual video.
Youtube doesn't have the original due to copyright shit.
Show me the meaning-lyrical
Show me the meaning-original
Britney-I was born to make you happy
Britney's best to date. Nice video, lyrics, mesmerizing music! Britney yevlo azhaga irukka. chancey illa :)
Born to make you happy
Porcupine tree - Lazarus
Awesome song. Got introduced to it recently and loved it right from the first time. A good example of slow rock song.
Lazarus
Coldplay - Hardest part
Feel good, fast song with a sad undertone. One of a kind. Chris Martin's voice is mesmerizing.
Amazing live performance with kickass acrobatics. Enjoy!
Hardest part
John Denver - Leaving on a jet plane
One of my all time favs. close to my heart! must listen
"Leaving on a jet plane" has many versions, I find John Denver's most appealing.
Leaving on a jet plane
Bloodhound gang - Bad touch
Keywords: freakish, crazy, funny, pervert :)
Bad touch
Joe Pesci - Wise guy
Joe Pesci's attempt at rap. Not bad!
Wise guy
Friday, November 6, 2009
No Comparision!!!
Ilaiyaraja is one of the most famous Indian music composers of our times.
Our's and the previous generation grew up listening to his songs. This is true specially for people from the south.
Use of violin, guitar and drums is very prominent in his music. Compare this to ARR's style who uses technology a lot. Both of them complement each other well. To me, listening to Raja and ARR's contrasting styles gives a feeling of having listened to best of Hindustani, Carnatic, Classical, folk and western!
It is always good to listen to music that reflects your mood. Romantic, depressed, ecstatic etc...
I share my knowledge on music of these legends. I list four songs that I feel best reflect the specific mood . It is Raja's songs first and then ARR's. Here we go!
Ecstatic
All of us have experienced this. I sometimes feel ecstatic to the point where I get goosebumps !!! So, though listening to songs itself might not necessarily make you ecstatic, try listening when you have the feeling. You will not regret.
Background score for Johnny.
Starts slow then picks tempo. Mix of folk, classical. And the love theme from 2:00 to 3:13 is one of his all time bests.
Ecstatic Raja
Bonus:
oh butterfly from Meera
Language doesn't matter. A true music lover listens to good music of all genres and languages. This is a sample of Raja's genius.
Why I choose Johnny BGM over this: It was a close call. Instrumental music is a better judge of the composer's genius since there is no voice or lyrics to bias our judgement.
Ecstatic Raja bonus
Vellai pookal from kannathil mutham ittal
When you are feeling too good, the slower the music, the better. What other way to take in the feeling than by listening to this song.
Ecstatic ARR
The video is from his version for the water campaign. The movie version can be had at movie version
Bonus
Khalbhali
This is one of ARR's all time bests. Got the whole nation swinging to his tunes.
Though he was famous in North India even before this song, with songs like Chaiya Chaiya from Dil Se, Rang De established him as a national hero.
Ecstatic ARR bonus
Depressed
We hate to be! Can't help it sometimes...Music helps you get out faster than even
your best bud. I believe listening to a sad song when you are sad, brings it out of you. Some of us may feel otherwise and would like to listen to happy songs. Well, each person is different.
Rasaathi Unna from Vaidhegi kaathirundhaal
Depressed Raja (Raja's prescription for depression sounds better?
Bonus: Unna nenachen from Aboorva sagodharargal
If Raasathi Unna had not been composed, this is the one.
Don't miss the video. Kamal Hassan and Ilaiayaraja combo!
Depressed Raja bonus
Kaadhal Rojave from Roja
This song complements Raasathi Unna as songs for souls missing their dear ones.
Rahman's first commercial movie music composition. A legend enters the Indian music scene!
Depressed ARR
Bonus
Second song from RDB...Lukka Chuppi
Heart melting score...
Depressed ARR bonus
Romantic
Indian movies are full of Romantic songs. Every movie at least has one song in this category. Listen to the below songs, Cupid will not regret!
Valayosai from Sathya
Awesome song! Kamal-Amala pair make the song even better.
The movie wasn't a big hit, but it was in theaters for a few days, I think it was mainly for this song!
Romantic Raja
Bonus:
Khajuraho from Oru Naal Oru Kanavu
Again, this movie was'nt a big hit, but Raja's music was extraordinary. There is another awesome song in this movie: Kaatril varum...I believe this album is one of his best post-2000. And yeah, you can't take credit away from Shreya Goshal for rendering female voice and making this song a treat to listen to.
Romantic Raja bonus
Tanha Tanha from Rangeela
This is one song that will get you in a romantic mood even when you are down.
One of ARR's all time bests. Scantily clad Urmila and the beach side add more color to the song.
Romantic ARR
Bonus:
Ennavale Adi Ennavale from Kaadhalan
A very romantic song rendered beautifully in UnniKrishnan's amazing voice.
Listened to this song probably a 100 times, still doesn't bore me. Nagma looks Hot.
Romantic ARR bonus
Spiritual:
Its good to be sometimes. Reflecting on the meaning of life and events is something that adds value to life. All of us have thought about this at some point in our lives.
A good music composer is one who can take the listener's mood for a pleasant ride and know where it leads. These are two very good music composers we talk about today!
janani janani from Thai mookambigai
Amazing song and the best spiritual music composed by Ilaiyaraja. This from a man who himself is very spiritual and religious.
Spiritual Raja
Bonus:
Devanin Kovil from Aruvudai Naal
I heard this song only recently, but liked it a lot.
Pretty sure many people have not yet listened to this song. Do
try, worth the time!
Spiritual Raja bonus
Khwaja mere khwajaa from Jodha akbar
Awesome song with soulful Sufi music rendered by ARR's divine voice. The toughest question would be to pick one between Janani Janani and this song. I am out!
Spiritual ARR
Bonus:
O Paalanhaare from Lagaan
Another amazing song composed by ARR. Very Slow and soulful. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar & Udit Narayan.
Spiritual ARR bonus
Vande Matharam is not here coz am not sure if it can be classified as 'spiritual'. Patriotic song, yes, number one!
Inspired:
There are these times when we feel inspired to do something that we feel is pretty challenging, but still needs to be done. Confidence that we can and will do it no matter what is very important. And we can do with a helping hand or a nice song. Here we go:
Ram ram from Hey Ram
This is one song that speaks directly to me. When am faced with tough situations, this is one of the songs I listen to. Love Shruthi hassan's voice: fresh and energetic.
Inspired Raja
Bonus:
vetri Nichayam from Annamalai
Used to listen to this song (in most cases ended up watching the full movie) before exams. Very inspiring and motivating.
Inspired Raja bonus
Jana Gana mana from Ayudha ezhuthu
Awesome song from awesome manirathnam movie. Surya's subtle acting adds color to the song. Rendered in Karthik's amazing voice.
Inspired ARR
Bonus:
Vetri kodu kattu from padaiyappa
Fast-paced song. Very motivating.
Inspired ARR bonus
Sound quality is not very good hear, but I could barely hear the song in other youtube links. That why am posting this.
Miscellaneous
There are these super cool songs that do not fall in any of the above categories or just missed out. The list wouldn't be complete if I left these out.
Vaa vennila from Mella thirndha kadhavu
Amazing song. if there was an actor whose career would have died without Raja,
its Mohan. Amala looks super pretty.
This song was definitely the one for Romantic category, but both MSV and Raja composed music for this. had to leave this out from the main list.
Miscellaneous Raja
Bonus
Nee oru kaadhal sangeetham from nayagan
Miscellaneous Raja bonus
One of my all time favorites. Composed during Raja's best years when no other composer dared to compete atleast in the south.
One of Kamal hassan's best movies.
Tu Hi to meri dosth from Yuvraaj
ARR is one of the big reasons I listen to Hindi film music. I do not regret with songs like these.
Miscellaneous ARR
Bonus
Narumugaiye from Iruvar
Super cool song from Mani rathnam's Iruvar. Excellent picturization, male (Unnikrishnan) and Female (jayashree) voices.
Miscellaneous ARR bonus
Ilaiyaraja is one of the most famous Indian music composers of our times.
Our's and the previous generation grew up listening to his songs. This is true specially for people from the south.
Use of violin, guitar and drums is very prominent in his music. Compare this to ARR's style who uses technology a lot. Both of them complement each other well. To me, listening to Raja and ARR's contrasting styles gives a feeling of having listened to best of Hindustani, Carnatic, Classical, folk and western!
It is always good to listen to music that reflects your mood. Romantic, depressed, ecstatic etc...
I share my knowledge on music of these legends. I list four songs that I feel best reflect the specific mood . It is Raja's songs first and then ARR's. Here we go!
Ecstatic
All of us have experienced this. I sometimes feel ecstatic to the point where I get goosebumps !!! So, though listening to songs itself might not necessarily make you ecstatic, try listening when you have the feeling. You will not regret.
Background score for Johnny.
Starts slow then picks tempo. Mix of folk, classical. And the love theme from 2:00 to 3:13 is one of his all time bests.
Ecstatic Raja
Bonus:
oh butterfly from Meera
Language doesn't matter. A true music lover listens to good music of all genres and languages. This is a sample of Raja's genius.
Why I choose Johnny BGM over this: It was a close call. Instrumental music is a better judge of the composer's genius since there is no voice or lyrics to bias our judgement.
Ecstatic Raja bonus
Vellai pookal from kannathil mutham ittal
When you are feeling too good, the slower the music, the better. What other way to take in the feeling than by listening to this song.
Ecstatic ARR
The video is from his version for the water campaign. The movie version can be had at movie version
Bonus
Khalbhali
This is one of ARR's all time bests. Got the whole nation swinging to his tunes.
Though he was famous in North India even before this song, with songs like Chaiya Chaiya from Dil Se, Rang De established him as a national hero.
Ecstatic ARR bonus
Depressed
We hate to be! Can't help it sometimes...Music helps you get out faster than even
your best bud. I believe listening to a sad song when you are sad, brings it out of you. Some of us may feel otherwise and would like to listen to happy songs. Well, each person is different.
Rasaathi Unna from Vaidhegi kaathirundhaal
Depressed Raja (Raja's prescription for depression sounds better?
Bonus: Unna nenachen from Aboorva sagodharargal
If Raasathi Unna had not been composed, this is the one.
Don't miss the video. Kamal Hassan and Ilaiayaraja combo!
Depressed Raja bonus
Kaadhal Rojave from Roja
This song complements Raasathi Unna as songs for souls missing their dear ones.
Rahman's first commercial movie music composition. A legend enters the Indian music scene!
Depressed ARR
Bonus
Second song from RDB...Lukka Chuppi
Heart melting score...
Depressed ARR bonus
Romantic
Indian movies are full of Romantic songs. Every movie at least has one song in this category. Listen to the below songs, Cupid will not regret!
Valayosai from Sathya
Awesome song! Kamal-Amala pair make the song even better.
The movie wasn't a big hit, but it was in theaters for a few days, I think it was mainly for this song!
Romantic Raja
Bonus:
Khajuraho from Oru Naal Oru Kanavu
Again, this movie was'nt a big hit, but Raja's music was extraordinary. There is another awesome song in this movie: Kaatril varum...I believe this album is one of his best post-2000. And yeah, you can't take credit away from Shreya Goshal for rendering female voice and making this song a treat to listen to.
Romantic Raja bonus
Tanha Tanha from Rangeela
This is one song that will get you in a romantic mood even when you are down.
One of ARR's all time bests. Scantily clad Urmila and the beach side add more color to the song.
Romantic ARR
Bonus:
Ennavale Adi Ennavale from Kaadhalan
A very romantic song rendered beautifully in UnniKrishnan's amazing voice.
Listened to this song probably a 100 times, still doesn't bore me. Nagma looks Hot.
Romantic ARR bonus
Spiritual:
Its good to be sometimes. Reflecting on the meaning of life and events is something that adds value to life. All of us have thought about this at some point in our lives.
A good music composer is one who can take the listener's mood for a pleasant ride and know where it leads. These are two very good music composers we talk about today!
janani janani from Thai mookambigai
Amazing song and the best spiritual music composed by Ilaiyaraja. This from a man who himself is very spiritual and religious.
Spiritual Raja
Bonus:
Devanin Kovil from Aruvudai Naal
I heard this song only recently, but liked it a lot.
Pretty sure many people have not yet listened to this song. Do
try, worth the time!
Spiritual Raja bonus
Khwaja mere khwajaa from Jodha akbar
Awesome song with soulful Sufi music rendered by ARR's divine voice. The toughest question would be to pick one between Janani Janani and this song. I am out!
Spiritual ARR
Bonus:
O Paalanhaare from Lagaan
Another amazing song composed by ARR. Very Slow and soulful. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar & Udit Narayan.
Spiritual ARR bonus
Vande Matharam is not here coz am not sure if it can be classified as 'spiritual'. Patriotic song, yes, number one!
Inspired:
There are these times when we feel inspired to do something that we feel is pretty challenging, but still needs to be done. Confidence that we can and will do it no matter what is very important. And we can do with a helping hand or a nice song. Here we go:
Ram ram from Hey Ram
This is one song that speaks directly to me. When am faced with tough situations, this is one of the songs I listen to. Love Shruthi hassan's voice: fresh and energetic.
Inspired Raja
Bonus:
vetri Nichayam from Annamalai
Used to listen to this song (in most cases ended up watching the full movie) before exams. Very inspiring and motivating.
Inspired Raja bonus
Jana Gana mana from Ayudha ezhuthu
Awesome song from awesome manirathnam movie. Surya's subtle acting adds color to the song. Rendered in Karthik's amazing voice.
Inspired ARR
Bonus:
Vetri kodu kattu from padaiyappa
Fast-paced song. Very motivating.
Inspired ARR bonus
Sound quality is not very good hear, but I could barely hear the song in other youtube links. That why am posting this.
Miscellaneous
There are these super cool songs that do not fall in any of the above categories or just missed out. The list wouldn't be complete if I left these out.
Vaa vennila from Mella thirndha kadhavu
Amazing song. if there was an actor whose career would have died without Raja,
its Mohan. Amala looks super pretty.
This song was definitely the one for Romantic category, but both MSV and Raja composed music for this. had to leave this out from the main list.
Miscellaneous Raja
Bonus
Nee oru kaadhal sangeetham from nayagan
Miscellaneous Raja bonus
One of my all time favorites. Composed during Raja's best years when no other composer dared to compete atleast in the south.
One of Kamal hassan's best movies.
Tu Hi to meri dosth from Yuvraaj
ARR is one of the big reasons I listen to Hindi film music. I do not regret with songs like these.
Miscellaneous ARR
Bonus
Narumugaiye from Iruvar
Super cool song from Mani rathnam's Iruvar. Excellent picturization, male (Unnikrishnan) and Female (jayashree) voices.
Miscellaneous ARR bonus
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
My top ten!
So, am not this movie buff, its just that I wanna kill some time before starting work on my assignment!
I have not tried to be neutral here. Thats why its my 'My top 10'. And this is definitely not a movie analyst's top 10. No technical aspects, camera angles and stuff.
10. Baazigar
Plus: Kajol, Music
Minus: Shahrukh aka overacting
9. Michael Madana Kama Rajan
Plus: Kamal's acting, crazy's dialogue, music.
Minus: Logic :)
8. Nayagan
I like this movie. A good movie alright, but you hear ppl say its one of the best tamil movies ever made, well, I don't think so.
Plus: Kamal, music
Minus: Not much original content
7. Rocky 2
Plus: Stallone
Minus: Masala english film: hero, sorrow, revenge...
6. Titanic
Plus: acting, screenplay, OST, Kate Winslet
Minus: well, can't think of any. Suggestions welcome :)
5. Roja
Plus: acting, screeplay, music
Minus: Manirathnam aka over dramatic
4. Prestige
Plus: acting, screenplay
Minus: Logic
3. Godfather trilogy
Plus: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, screenplay, what not?
Minus: NA (Maybe patience to watch a trilogy, but yeah, worth it)
2. The Wave
Lets face it, there are lots of good documentaries out there, and they do put some popular movies to shame.
http://www.documentary24.com/watch-the-wave-online-a-real-life-student-experiment--113/
45 minutes, definitely not a waste!
1. Forrest Gump
Plus: The movie itself
Minus: NA
I have not tried to be neutral here. Thats why its my 'My top 10'. And this is definitely not a movie analyst's top 10. No technical aspects, camera angles and stuff.
10. Baazigar
Plus: Kajol, Music
Minus: Shahrukh aka overacting
9. Michael Madana Kama Rajan
Plus: Kamal's acting, crazy's dialogue, music.
Minus: Logic :)
8. Nayagan
I like this movie. A good movie alright, but you hear ppl say its one of the best tamil movies ever made, well, I don't think so.
Plus: Kamal, music
Minus: Not much original content
7. Rocky 2
Plus: Stallone
Minus: Masala english film: hero, sorrow, revenge...
6. Titanic
Plus: acting, screenplay, OST, Kate Winslet
Minus: well, can't think of any. Suggestions welcome :)
5. Roja
Plus: acting, screeplay, music
Minus: Manirathnam aka over dramatic
4. Prestige
Plus: acting, screenplay
Minus: Logic
3. Godfather trilogy
Plus: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, screenplay, what not?
Minus: NA (Maybe patience to watch a trilogy, but yeah, worth it)
2. The Wave
Lets face it, there are lots of good documentaries out there, and they do put some popular movies to shame.
http://www.documentary24.com/watch-the-wave-online-a-real-life-student-experiment--113/
45 minutes, definitely not a waste!
1. Forrest Gump
Plus: The movie itself
Minus: NA
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Federer or Nadal.
So, I decided to give out my verdict on this historic rivalry.
Fedex has that elegance and style that I do not find in his best rival...Nadal has killer instincts, power and fury, but the smiling assassin is more consistent...
By the books too, Fedex has more grand slams than Nadal...
So, what about the Aussie open loss, Has Nadal surpassed federer? I would say not yet...
There is something about federer that sets him apart, the attitude in his game.
I realize this is getting biased, what can you expect from a fedex fan :)
But one thing, Nadal surpasses fedex on clay, agreed. Atleast from what we know so far!
This is what Nadal had to say after the win:
"I'm sorry for today, I really know how you feel. But remember – you are one of the best players of the history and you are going to improve the 14 of Sampras. It is always a pleasure to play you and best of luck for the rest of the year."
Fedex has that elegance and style that I do not find in his best rival...Nadal has killer instincts, power and fury, but the smiling assassin is more consistent...
By the books too, Fedex has more grand slams than Nadal...
So, what about the Aussie open loss, Has Nadal surpassed federer? I would say not yet...
There is something about federer that sets him apart, the attitude in his game.
I realize this is getting biased, what can you expect from a fedex fan :)
But one thing, Nadal surpasses fedex on clay, agreed. Atleast from what we know so far!
This is what Nadal had to say after the win:
"I'm sorry for today, I really know how you feel. But remember – you are one of the best players of the history and you are going to improve the 14 of Sampras. It is always a pleasure to play you and best of luck for the rest of the year."
Nadi, your days as No.1 are numbered!
Guyz, tell you what, for a 'part-time' tennis fan like me, the one big reason to watch the game is you!!!
Wish you guyz play many many more games! A treat to watch!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
amateur attempt!
It should have been around 10 o clock...
He hadn't kept track of time since what happened a couple of hours back...He was travelling pretty fast, he could feel it.
There comes the district minister to inspect the damage, as usual late.
There were media men all around, "God help us, what devastation, unseen in Utopia's history", he heard a reporter say. It struck him then that the voices were becoming fainter and fainter as he traveled.
Am I the only one, where are the others...Why doesn't anybody talk about this. Science, Math, Cinema, Sport...I thought that was all!
People were wailing loud to the almighty for help. One person who was a self-proclaimed theist was seen cursing his gods...some other atheists had turned believers.
For Andrew, it was horrifying to watch all this on television. He had made all kinds of plans for the weekend: drink with friends, watch "Slumdog millionare", charity work for a temple.
Bill, I love you, yes, I do...
A couple of hours back, Andrew was playing pool with his friends. If not for the message from Marc, he would still be at the Flat Iron Bar playing pool . "Man, I want you to do a favour ..am standing at Roosevelt and Michigan, when is the next bus scheduled to come here". As Andrew was checking for the schedule of buses in his iphone, an uncommon news flash popped up. He would have ignored it if he hadn't noticed the word "Utopia"...
He read the full message and his head started spinning.
Got to call Bill, Call Bill, Bill where are you...
His hands were shaking as he dialled Bill's number. The news flash appeared again: 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Utopia, thousands dead: click here for latest updates.
"You have reached the voicemail of Bill Roberts...please leave a message.."
Shit, Shit...Oh no, what do I do...Be sane, think, think!!!
Hunderds of miles away,
Where are the others, am I the only one...Cannot be...There I go...where are they taking me...
It then occured to him: what was being taken was not me, this is the real me...atleast from today, or has it always been this way?
Sometime back, Bill was a different person, literally.
It was friday and he had returned home early. There was sometime left before his usual phone call to his gal.
Its been sometime since I've made pizza.
Oops, There is no pizza base.
He decided to walk to the supermarket, he was fedup of utopia's traffic.
He closed his apartment door, pressed the elevator button. He felt something roll beneath his feet, ignored it and got inside the elevator. It was not before reaching the 21st storey that he realized what was happening. He tried to press stop, call emergency. Nothing worked. There was a huge thumping sound and the elevator hit the bottom. It had happened before, only that this time it was the opposite side on the ground.
Save me, Lord!
His head was bleeding badly. He first heard structures hit the ground, then the people followed.
May be I was lucky to be inside. The elevator might have just saved me.
He hadn't noticed the red color of the elevator floor, filled with his blood. He cried for help with all energy he could muster. No one would listen to him, there was chaos all around.
It then occurred to him that he might in fact 'die' today. The religion of his birth had taught him all about re-incarnation and life after death, but of-late he had given up faith. He often used to tell his friends religion is the cause of all worry in this world. Holy books were the fantasies of deluded men. He now honestly hoped he was wrong. This concept of 'life after death' gave him some re-assurance.
It was not intentional. His entire life flashed before him as though he were watching a movie. Giving up all hope of life and trembling with fear, he closed his eyes slowly.
Andrew was still calling the utopian emergency number, desperate to know what had happened to his brother. He had made and received close to a hundred calls since morning.
We are working on collecting the names of the dead and injured, please bear with us, its gonna take some time. I understand, am sorry.
Andrew hung up and then started crying.
Recollecting Bill as he knew him, praying for Bill and feeling miserable he reclined in the couch. He needed to spend sometime alone.
An hour passed and before he knew it, he was asleep. Tired that he was, he would not have woken up if not for the phone call. It was Marc, and he had the website where they were uploading the names of the perished.
His hands shivering, he browsed through the list. Aadi, Alex, Anand....Balbo, Banu, Byre...
He breathed a sigh of relief. He'd seen all the B's and Bill's name was missing. He went back to his couch, switched on the TV and it then struck him the list need not necessarily be in order.
He visited the site again, and his head started spinning when he saw the number of entries in the incomplete list: 3991. He's had enough, he asked Marc to go through the list.
Alas, his disturbed mind wouldn't rest. He had to check the list himself. C, D, Y, S...his fears were confirmed:the list wasn't alphabetically organized. 1000, 2000, 3000, no mention of a Bill.
He was too tired to go any further. He eyes were burning and he just closed them.
After an eerie silence of about 10 minutes, the phone rang.
His heart pounding as never before he picked up the phone.
Hi, this is Russel, am Bill's colleague. I stay close to where Bill stays.
Andrew: HHHi, HHHope you are doing good. Whats the mmmatter.
Am not sure how to tell this to you, but feel it is my duty to, BBBut, hmm, Bill is dddead. Am SSSorrry.
Andrew kept the phone down and cried till it was dawn. He remembered all the petty fights they had, the hugs, the cards, what not.
I'll miss you man!!!
2 years later:
It was 9 am and Monday. This has been one of the best dates Andrew's ever had. First they met for coffee, interested in each other, they caught a movie. then dinner. He reached home late that night.
Man, what a day!
He still missed Bill. A shoulder to cry on, that's what Bill was for him. One guy who was always there.
Life had to move on . He accepted that Bill could never be seen again. It was a bitter medicine, but the patient needed it. He realized nothing is permanent in life.
He dressed up, and headed to work.
He was less than a mile away from his workplace, when he heard a strange voice:
Give me your purse and phone, now!!!
He was ready to yell for help, luckily for him he spotted the silver pistol in the guyz hand.
I said give it, now!!!
He surrendered his purse and phone and watched in shock as the thief fled.
OMG, what a bad start to the week!
After reaching his workplace, the first thing he noticed was the flower vase in his desk.
May be it was a gift someone has given me.
He went to the cafe, grabbed a coffee and came back to his desk.
Andrew, I would like to speak to you, its important!
Fearing the worst, he followed his manager to the meeting room.
Twenty minutes later, he found himself walking back home. He usually catches a cab. he was in no mood today for that.
They can't do this to me. I ve worked so hard.
He saw a man by the roadside playing the guitar. He listened to the music for some time, the pain seemed to reduce.
Look how happy he is for what he earns. I wish I could be like that.
He reached home, sat on the couch in a pensive mood. He was frustrated at his helplessness and inability to control life events.
He looked at the TV and thought he saw a reflection of something. He looked at the source of reflection and almost fell from the couch.
First, he thought it was some kind of hallucination.
Am I dead. Can't be. What the hell!
It was a very familiar face he hadn't forgotten yet. It was white as light its feet did not touch the ground.
He slowly approached the entity. It was still smiling at him.
Come, Come! It seemed to gesture.
I am here to help you brother!
To be contd...
He hadn't kept track of time since what happened a couple of hours back...He was travelling pretty fast, he could feel it.
There comes the district minister to inspect the damage, as usual late.
There were media men all around, "God help us, what devastation, unseen in Utopia's history", he heard a reporter say. It struck him then that the voices were becoming fainter and fainter as he traveled.
Am I the only one, where are the others...Why doesn't anybody talk about this. Science, Math, Cinema, Sport...I thought that was all!
People were wailing loud to the almighty for help. One person who was a self-proclaimed theist was seen cursing his gods...some other atheists had turned believers.
For Andrew, it was horrifying to watch all this on television. He had made all kinds of plans for the weekend: drink with friends, watch "Slumdog millionare", charity work for a temple.
Bill, I love you, yes, I do...
A couple of hours back, Andrew was playing pool with his friends. If not for the message from Marc, he would still be at the Flat Iron Bar playing pool . "Man, I want you to do a favour ..am standing at Roosevelt and Michigan, when is the next bus scheduled to come here". As Andrew was checking for the schedule of buses in his iphone, an uncommon news flash popped up. He would have ignored it if he hadn't noticed the word "Utopia"...
He read the full message and his head started spinning.
Got to call Bill, Call Bill, Bill where are you...
His hands were shaking as he dialled Bill's number. The news flash appeared again: 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Utopia, thousands dead: click here for latest updates.
"You have reached the voicemail of Bill Roberts...please leave a message.."
Shit, Shit...Oh no, what do I do...Be sane, think, think!!!
Hunderds of miles away,
Where are the others, am I the only one...Cannot be...There I go...where are they taking me...
It then occured to him: what was being taken was not me, this is the real me...atleast from today, or has it always been this way?
Sometime back, Bill was a different person, literally.
It was friday and he had returned home early. There was sometime left before his usual phone call to his gal.
Its been sometime since I've made pizza.
Oops, There is no pizza base.
He decided to walk to the supermarket, he was fedup of utopia's traffic.
He closed his apartment door, pressed the elevator button. He felt something roll beneath his feet, ignored it and got inside the elevator. It was not before reaching the 21st storey that he realized what was happening. He tried to press stop, call emergency. Nothing worked. There was a huge thumping sound and the elevator hit the bottom. It had happened before, only that this time it was the opposite side on the ground.
Save me, Lord!
His head was bleeding badly. He first heard structures hit the ground, then the people followed.
May be I was lucky to be inside. The elevator might have just saved me.
He hadn't noticed the red color of the elevator floor, filled with his blood. He cried for help with all energy he could muster. No one would listen to him, there was chaos all around.
It then occurred to him that he might in fact 'die' today. The religion of his birth had taught him all about re-incarnation and life after death, but of-late he had given up faith. He often used to tell his friends religion is the cause of all worry in this world. Holy books were the fantasies of deluded men. He now honestly hoped he was wrong. This concept of 'life after death' gave him some re-assurance.
It was not intentional. His entire life flashed before him as though he were watching a movie. Giving up all hope of life and trembling with fear, he closed his eyes slowly.
Andrew was still calling the utopian emergency number, desperate to know what had happened to his brother. He had made and received close to a hundred calls since morning.
We are working on collecting the names of the dead and injured, please bear with us, its gonna take some time. I understand, am sorry.
Andrew hung up and then started crying.
Recollecting Bill as he knew him, praying for Bill and feeling miserable he reclined in the couch. He needed to spend sometime alone.
An hour passed and before he knew it, he was asleep. Tired that he was, he would not have woken up if not for the phone call. It was Marc, and he had the website where they were uploading the names of the perished.
His hands shivering, he browsed through the list. Aadi, Alex, Anand....Balbo, Banu, Byre...
He breathed a sigh of relief. He'd seen all the B's and Bill's name was missing. He went back to his couch, switched on the TV and it then struck him the list need not necessarily be in order.
He visited the site again, and his head started spinning when he saw the number of entries in the incomplete list: 3991. He's had enough, he asked Marc to go through the list.
Alas, his disturbed mind wouldn't rest. He had to check the list himself. C, D, Y, S...his fears were confirmed:the list wasn't alphabetically organized. 1000, 2000, 3000, no mention of a Bill.
He was too tired to go any further. He eyes were burning and he just closed them.
After an eerie silence of about 10 minutes, the phone rang.
His heart pounding as never before he picked up the phone.
Hi, this is Russel, am Bill's colleague. I stay close to where Bill stays.
Andrew: HHHi, HHHope you are doing good. Whats the mmmatter.
Am not sure how to tell this to you, but feel it is my duty to, BBBut, hmm, Bill is dddead. Am SSSorrry.
Andrew kept the phone down and cried till it was dawn. He remembered all the petty fights they had, the hugs, the cards, what not.
I'll miss you man!!!
2 years later:
It was 9 am and Monday. This has been one of the best dates Andrew's ever had. First they met for coffee, interested in each other, they caught a movie. then dinner. He reached home late that night.
Man, what a day!
He still missed Bill. A shoulder to cry on, that's what Bill was for him. One guy who was always there.
Life had to move on . He accepted that Bill could never be seen again. It was a bitter medicine, but the patient needed it. He realized nothing is permanent in life.
He dressed up, and headed to work.
He was less than a mile away from his workplace, when he heard a strange voice:
Give me your purse and phone, now!!!
He was ready to yell for help, luckily for him he spotted the silver pistol in the guyz hand.
I said give it, now!!!
He surrendered his purse and phone and watched in shock as the thief fled.
OMG, what a bad start to the week!
After reaching his workplace, the first thing he noticed was the flower vase in his desk.
May be it was a gift someone has given me.
He went to the cafe, grabbed a coffee and came back to his desk.
Andrew, I would like to speak to you, its important!
Fearing the worst, he followed his manager to the meeting room.
Twenty minutes later, he found himself walking back home. He usually catches a cab. he was in no mood today for that.
They can't do this to me. I ve worked so hard.
He saw a man by the roadside playing the guitar. He listened to the music for some time, the pain seemed to reduce.
Look how happy he is for what he earns. I wish I could be like that.
He reached home, sat on the couch in a pensive mood. He was frustrated at his helplessness and inability to control life events.
He looked at the TV and thought he saw a reflection of something. He looked at the source of reflection and almost fell from the couch.
First, he thought it was some kind of hallucination.
Am I dead. Can't be. What the hell!
It was a very familiar face he hadn't forgotten yet. It was white as light its feet did not touch the ground.
He slowly approached the entity. It was still smiling at him.
Come, Come! It seemed to gesture.
I am here to help you brother!
To be contd...
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
First post!
I've been thinking of writing a blog for sometime now, everytime I wanted to write, something else wud come up and I would forget about this!
Today I decided, am writing one, no matter what, not that there is any major reason, just that I had the motivation plus time for it today! Lets start with an about me :)
Something about me:
Professional:
I am a master's student at UIC majoring in CS. I came here 6 months back.
I did my schooling and undergrad in Chennai, India.
work at one of the departments in the univ.
General blah blah:
I am the kind of guy who believes in non-mundane existence. believe in enjoying life to the fullest. That's what were here for.
I love to be with positive, energetic people and do believe I am one of them.
if I find someone who takes life too seriously, I would love to walk to 'em and say 'relax man, take it easy, take it slow'.
I am a little sensitive , not that you will spot it if you do not know me well. I do get upset when people do unreasonable things, however am quick to get over it.
I like good advice from people I respect.
I love dogs and wud love to have a pet in the near future!
About this place:
Since am fresh here to the US, I thought I'll share what little I know about this country and her people.
People of many ethnicities live in this huge country, so you will find Whites, Mexicans, African-Americans, latinos (I mean peurto rican, columbian etc...), chinese, Indians, filipinos, Japanese, south koreans et all...
Americans are generally very proud of their country and culture. They are generally positive, energetic people. The average american eats a lot and exercises for hours! they have very good bodies as a result.
Something I have discovered in my first 23 years in India is that the average Indian lacks self-pride. He looks up to the west in every way possible! So, listening to rock music, drinking beer, not knowing your native language and talking only in English etc...is very cool!!! ( I do a little of the first two, but eh am proud to be 'Indian')
I hope one day every Indian feels pride in the fact that he belongs to one of the oldest civilizations ever with such a rich culture. That is one of the first things the Indian needs to learn from the american!
I am in America at a very interesting time: First black president, Economic downturn etc...
Man, everybody's talking about one of these, wherever you are!
Americans are paranoid about safety and security! in whatever form: comp. security, terrorism, copyright, fire and anything that has to do with any of these! The system in place to deal with emergencies is very robust and no-one can fool around or afford to be lethargic!
Americans speak very well and are generally very good managers. The schooling system here makes sure you learn to efficiently manage time. So, these college folks go to class, work part-time, hang out, study, then cut down on sleep and party!!!
Oops, got class now, catch you soon!
Today I decided, am writing one, no matter what, not that there is any major reason, just that I had the motivation plus time for it today! Lets start with an about me :)
Something about me:
Professional:
I am a master's student at UIC majoring in CS. I came here 6 months back.
I did my schooling and undergrad in Chennai, India.
work at one of the departments in the univ.
General blah blah:
I am the kind of guy who believes in non-mundane existence. believe in enjoying life to the fullest. That's what were here for.
I love to be with positive, energetic people and do believe I am one of them.
if I find someone who takes life too seriously, I would love to walk to 'em and say 'relax man, take it easy, take it slow'.
I am a little sensitive , not that you will spot it if you do not know me well. I do get upset when people do unreasonable things, however am quick to get over it.
I like good advice from people I respect.
I love dogs and wud love to have a pet in the near future!
About this place:
Since am fresh here to the US, I thought I'll share what little I know about this country and her people.
People of many ethnicities live in this huge country, so you will find Whites, Mexicans, African-Americans, latinos (I mean peurto rican, columbian etc...), chinese, Indians, filipinos, Japanese, south koreans et all...
Americans are generally very proud of their country and culture. They are generally positive, energetic people. The average american eats a lot and exercises for hours! they have very good bodies as a result.
Something I have discovered in my first 23 years in India is that the average Indian lacks self-pride. He looks up to the west in every way possible! So, listening to rock music, drinking beer, not knowing your native language and talking only in English etc...is very cool!!! ( I do a little of the first two, but eh am proud to be 'Indian')
I hope one day every Indian feels pride in the fact that he belongs to one of the oldest civilizations ever with such a rich culture. That is one of the first things the Indian needs to learn from the american!
I am in America at a very interesting time: First black president, Economic downturn etc...
Man, everybody's talking about one of these, wherever you are!
Americans are paranoid about safety and security! in whatever form: comp. security, terrorism, copyright, fire and anything that has to do with any of these! The system in place to deal with emergencies is very robust and no-one can fool around or afford to be lethargic!
Americans speak very well and are generally very good managers. The schooling system here makes sure you learn to efficiently manage time. So, these college folks go to class, work part-time, hang out, study, then cut down on sleep and party!!!
Oops, got class now, catch you soon!
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