Erzulie: Seeing Red

Personal Notes & The Beatles

2010-01-04T08:30:00.004+03:00

I need a little bit of stationary advice/guidance. I've been looking for a diary-esque, preferably hardcover book (white, unlined pages would be a huge plus) as well as an agenda book. I picked up the loveliest 2009 agenda book from Mark's in Virgin Megastore. I recently stopped by there for a 2010 edition but unfortunately no agenda books were available. I visited Mogahwi Bookstore early this fall but all their diaries/personal notepads and agenda books were brown, black and too masculine and corproate.

So, if you know of any store in Kuwait that supplies such books that are both practical and easy on the eye, please let me know! Thank you.

The Beatles MP3's (zSHARE)
You're Going to Lose that Girl
Another Girl
I'm Just Happy to Dance With You
I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends
Norweigan Wood
Across the Universe
Oh Darling!
If I Needed Someone
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
She's Leaving Home
8 Days a Week
There Are Places I Remember

The End

2009-12-30T08:30:00.000+03:00

I really didn’t know how to start this post, or end it for that matter with the exception of the usual tunes. The year 2009 has come to an end, and that's about it. I'm not the most New Year-y person, if the makes sense, and I'm not the best with resolutions, mostly because I think if you're going to change, quit planning for it and just go on ahead and do it. Anyhow, I hope you had a good one and that you have an even better year ahead of you. I hope that you enjoyed your ups and learned from your downs and know that if you learn from what brought on the bad times, more good times will come your way. That's what I think anyway.

Be good and be kind. These two seem like very simple things you tell a four year old, but believe you me, doing them on a daily basis feels good – especially if it's heartfelt - and you'll be happier than you are now.

Take care of your heart and health. Do that and you'll be grateful for them later on in life when you're surrounded by your life's true loves in good health. If it's your health that's in trouble, stay clear of strong meds and rest it out with a bowl of vegetable soup and aspirin. If it's your aching heart, remember that life's too short to burden your thoughts with yesteryear's bitter clouds. The only things that'll come out of that are frown lines and a few zits, depending on your age and genes.

Whatever you say or do, always know that life's too short and at the end of the day, throwing a fit over something might seem kind of stupid one or even ten years down the line. Lighten up, take it easy and try to make the most of your day with a light heart, mind and soul. Trust me, you'll feel a lot better, especially if you take very deep, slow breaths like this sweet lady:

Have a happy New Year folks. Peace.

MP3's...(zSHARE)
Todd Rundgren - I Saw the Light such a beautiful song to get lost in...
Leon Russell - Stranger in a Strange Land
Lovin' Spoonful - Do You Believe in Magic
Lovin' Spoonful - What a Day for a Daydream
David Ruffin - Heaven Help Us All
Tame Impala - Remember Me
The Grass Roots - Sooner or Later
Tommy James - My Baby Does the Hanky Panky

Question of the Day: Why do babies make us do the most absurd things?

2009-12-21T08:30:00.001+03:00

After days of being surrounded by my beautiful nieces and nephews, I started to wonder at what they had put me and my family through, specifically, the sound effects that we made that more or less belonged to a zoo, the jumping, crawling, hopping, balancing and other physical acts that were performed for the sole purpose of receiving a single smile or laugh of approval.

Of course it was worth it, because their pleased response made us laugh even more, as if we accomplished the impossible, as if this baby is the best of the worst critics of comedy and comedic acts done by relatives and a few courageous family friends who don't think twice about shrieking like a tortured squirrel to see the little tot wiggle and giggle in return.

Whatever this is, this primal instinct to delight a baby by such sounds and gestures, it crosses cultures, countries and time. Whenever their with their babies, mature and sane adults exert abnormal vocal and physical energy and/or movement just to make the kid laugh. And no matter how deep a man's voice is, he always manages to take it to a higher and softer pitch.

That's another question: Why do we always have a higher pitch when we're entertaining babies? Our voice is always softer and tad bit shrill. That's the case here when we do the Kuwaiti peek-a-boo (well that's what I'll call it here), "Tiyaaaa!" or other playful sayings.

MP3's...(zSHARE) Lounge/House
Washed Out - Feel It All Around such a beautiful song...
Theo Parrish - Summertime is Here
Moodymann - Don't You Want My Love
Andres - Sing About It (Ft. Tracy Vox & KDJ)
Andras Fox - Gettin' Into You

Hello Boys & Girls

2009-12-13T08:30:00.005+03:00

Strangely enough, it feels like I stopped blogging for about six months, not one. I really did want to write something sooner. I had all these curious thoughts running in my head and I always wanted to sit down and type out a little paragraph and end the post with a few melodic clinchers. But no matter how interesting (or so I think) my random topics of discussion are, my excellence in procrastination outdoes my want to blog. But here I am, so hello again.

I'd like to give a shout out to my good friend Fee. If it weren't for you I'd probably settle for writing out a post for New Years. But why wait right?

Before I bring up any cutesy topics (they're probably going to come up in the following posts), I want to get one thing off my chest, and that is the so-called artist called Rihanna. Now, I do listen to the radio. When I do, I usually tune into:

- BBC: I love it when people say "BBC" in different dialects; I get a kick out of mimicking them for some reason. Although I like their programs and interviews (some are very interesting and can get quite heated), I'm trying to make a habit out of knowing what's going on in this world of ours instead of getting my news from relatives and friends by listening to World News.

- 99.7: I cannot get over how sadly outrageous Linda is. I have a feeling that one morning, we'll hear this melancholy nobody announce her passing away. She's been there for so long I won't be surprised if she starts to mold.

- Mix FM 98.4: Sometimes I listen to the morning show. There are three people on that thing: Talal who can get a little bit annoying because he overdoes the whole thick American accent thing (agool…latitqa9ab), the witty Egyptian chick Sandi who's the closest thing to being a legit RJ and the most annoying thing on earth, Rasha. Can anyone tell me why she's even on the show? Who the heck hired her? I mean, apart from being lame, dull and unoriginal, both her English and Arabic skills are below average. Again, why? I sometimes listen to Osama's show, "El Kha6ar Bel Letter." I confess that I sent them about a total of ten text messages but I never got on that darned show. I really do think I can win! Oh well…

If I'm not listening to the above or my iPod's precious music, I turn the dial to the stations my parents usually listen to, either old Arabic music or talk shows.

Anyhow, back to the matter at hand: my resentment toward Rihanna.

I couldn't really understand her rise to fame. For one, her voice is exactly the same in all her songs; this boring, robotic monotone sound that always made me flinch in annoyance whenever I come across it. And her style – or lack thereof – is equally as annoying. There's nothing fierce about it. It's not stylish; it's odd, outlandish and doesn't suit her figure. Case in point the photographs below. But what really aggravates me is her lyrics, especially that atrocious song of hers, "Take a Bow." I am not going to contaminate my blog by placing an MP3 of it, but you can listen to it on this YouTube link, just in case you're curious.

I remember the first time I heard it, I scowled at my radio and kept on saying, "What is that?! What is that?!" I hope you'll know what I mean if you read a major part of the song's lyrics below:

You look so dumb right now,

standing outside my house,
trying to apologize.
You’re so ugly when you cry.
Please, just cut it out…

You're so ugly when you cry? What the hell is that?

Grab your clothes and get gone.
You better hurry up before the sprinklers come on.

Sprinklers? I swear I heard that and I kept saying, "What? What?" I really do think that I can do a much better job than whoever wrote this poopy song of hers that's for sure.

Talkin’ about, girl, I love you, you’re the one.

This just looks like the re-run.

Please, what else is on (END)

No wonder she got beat up...

This is her my-scarf-matches-my-glasses look...

I know that this is supposed to be a haute couture piece but it ain't haute or hot. Since when did papery dresses make their way into the mainstream? And what happened to going for something that's actually nice on you? Here's a word of advice: If it's not "you," then it's not for you!

Anyhow, here's a good and healthy dose of real old school music. Enjoy folks.

MP3's (zSHARE)...

Tupac - In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins Remix) real nice one if you're not familiar with it...

Tupac - Hellrazor

Public Enemy - I Ain't Mad at All

Public Enemy - Rebel Without a Pause

Eric B & Rakim - Don't Sweat the Technique

Digable Planets - Dog It

Digable Planets - Blowing Down

Sugarhill Gang - Rapper's Delight

Beats International - Dub Be Good To Me

La Cucaracha

2009-11-01T08:30:00.001+03:00

Yesterday night, I entered my bathroom only to find a very dark cockroach on the white wall opposite of me. It was just sitting there, at knee-height, waiting for God knows what. Of course, I panicked. After all, it was a cockroach, a thing that feeds on feces and other unmentionables. Although I was a bit dazed and frazzled, I did manage to pick up an appropriate weapon of choice: an old, good sturdy shoe with a very flat bottom. Cockroaches can be tricky. People assume that any old shoe or slipper will obliterate them at the first strike. But they're wrong. The shoe or slipper has to be slightly heavier than your normal flip flop, otherwise you'd have to beat at the creature twice if not thrice. Plus, the heavier the shoe, the better your aim will be.

Anyhow, back to the scene. I quickly went in there, concentrated for a second and attempted to throw my shoe with the bottom of the pair facing the wall (read: the oblivious cockroach). I failed miserably and yelped as I saw the roach dancing down the wall and scurrying to the nearest safe haven which it soon found and stayed put at.

The thing that I hate about these nasty things is that they always manage to hide in locations that make for uncompromising strikes. In this case, the roach sought refuge right behind the leg of a table and the wall. I had two choices: I either squish the roach hard with the front of my shoe (and possibly turn the shoe's tip around a few times to make sure that the bugger's dead) or again try to aim well and hope for the best of the roach's worst. I went for the latter since it involved less guts, on my and the roach's side.

I hovered above the thing for about five minutes. I concentrated so much that I started thinking of things totally irrelevant to what was about to happen. Anyhow, I breathed in and out, focused and BAM! My strike turned the roach on its slippery, crippled back and for five seconds it wiggled and waggled its feet in the air.

BAM! The strike had flipped the roach back on its feet. And that was the end of the cockroach that appeared in my bathroom on All Hallows' Eve.

Since I've been a lousy blogger this year, and since one of my personal reasons to blog is music-based, here are some neat, alternative wonky songs...a little bit of mellow, electro and tender sass... a little bit of sweet, new tunes to hear out...

MP3's..

Bat for Lashes - Daniel this song's on repeat...lovely, beautiful...

Frou Frou - Breathe In

Peter Bjorn & John - It Don't Move Me (Weird Tapes Remix)

School Of Seven Bells - Face to Face On High Places

Wolfkin - A Vacant Heart

Golden Boy and Miss Kittin - Rippin' Kittin I put my iPod on shuffle one morning before heading to work and this started to play. It's mellow, but it sure as heck woke me up

Purplespace - Kaleidoscope sounds like flying...

Purplespace - When I Signed Your Yearbook

The Postal Service - We Will Become Silhouettes (Mexcians With Guns Remix)

El Perro Del Mar - Change of Heart

Lush - Sweetness & Light

Psapp - Parker this requires a serious dance...twirl about...step about...

The Clientele - Joseph Cornell

Au Revoir Simone - Take Me As I Am

Waldeck - Get Up...Carmen one of my faves...

Restaurant Review: MUNCH Caters Away!

2009-10-25T08:30:00.004+03:00

Last week, I got a call from MUNCH, the nifty little restaurant that's located on the bottom floor of Dar Al-Awadhi Mall, Sharq, Kuwait. I was asked if I was willing to give MUNCH's catering service a try and in return, write a post about the whole experience.

I was psyched. I was going to do two things I love: write a critical post and enjoy free food. I've been to MUNCH only once; I'm not well-informed about the nature of their food and menu's content. Nevertheless, I thought it would be neat to try something new.

MUNCH's crew arrived at the door right on time. They swiftly made themselves home with their grill, cutting board and all. All we needed to have was plates and cutlery.

First up were the small margarita and pepperoni pizzas, both with the most amazing buffalo mozzarella I tasted in Kuwait. What surprised me was how light and greaseless they both were. I'm more or less a health-conscious eater; I usually avoid pizza and opt for a dish that's borderline Atkins. But the pizzas' intense freshness put my dietary thoughts to rest, which is probably the reason why I wolfed down seven slices (and amused myself with the fun stretchy nature of the fantabulous cheese).

Next was, in my opinion, the centerpiece of everything: the lamb chops. Now, the only lamb chops my mouth watered for are the ones my father grills at the chalet. But these six, zesty babies had something else that I love: they were crispy on the outside and oh-so-juicy in the inside. In other words, they were made just the way I like 'em.

After the lamb chops were wiped out, the mini-burgers came along with the right amount of onions, ketchup, mayo and of course, my favorite, melted cheddar cheese. The thing that I liked about the burgers was that the bread that was used wasn't bready. Whether it's a burger or sandwich, I always opt for a softer kind of bread that wouldn't overwhelm the burger/sandwich's contents.

The next platter was a handful of steak tacos which is basically sliced up steak meat, avocado salsa and spicy sauce all wrapped up in warm tortilla bread. I like my tacos hot; a dash of Tabasco sauce gave me the punch that I wanted.

Before we nibbled on our dessert, we were served the last meaty dish of the night: Wagyu steak. Although the lamp chops were my favorite dish of the night, I have to say that you can never go wrong with quality-packed Wagyu beef. A little bit of gravy on the side would've been a good side to have, but in general, the actual steak itself, its tenderness, taste and feel was quite exceptional.

For dessert, we had a fun and delicious mini-Nutella and strawberry pizza. I prefer to counter meat-heavy meals with something fruity, and the miniature pizza did the job.

In summary, I think that MUNCH's catering service is best for people who look for quality-oriented, customized, convenient and wholesome,multi-course gourmet food that has a flavorsome touch of home cooked meals. If I ever had a dinner gather of eight to twenty people, MUNCH would be my go-to place. Instead of having an ordinary meal, I'd get to pick and choose between what I want and how I want it from my own private chef.

You can take a look at the menu and pricelist below. Speaking of the menu, I did have my fair share of input directed to MUNCH. I suggested they have salads, different sides of gourmet chips and a larger selection of desserts to which MUNCH replied that they do have all three. Their full catering menu offers nine salads (each serve about 8 people), an assortment of crispy chips, ten mini-desserts and a variety of canapés that are all available by dozen orders.

And concerning my comment about having sauce on the side of the Wagyu, MUNCH promptly replied that they're currently working on a diverse range of sauces and dips that will complement their meat which is another factor that I liked about the restaurant; although their menu isn't aimed for those who are pinching and scraping, MUNCH's prices give you your money's worth with its strict adherence to using only high-quality, gourmet meat.

For more information, visit MUNCH's blog at http://themunchblog.blogspot.com or simply call at 22322747.

And last but never least, it's been quite a while since I had some rap and hip-hop in here. So, here you go, hop to what's forever hip.

MP3's (zSHARE)

Spoonie Gee - The Godfather

Youssou N'Dour - Wake Up & Let It Go (Toubab Krewe & DJ Equal Remix)

Daru & Rena - Lonely Night

José James - Visions of Violent

J. Dilla - Time: The Donuts of the Heart (John Roman Remix)

Bibio - Fire Ant

Remember Mr. Oizo?

2009-10-21T08:30:00.001+03:00

For three months, Flat Eric was on TV, bumping along to Quentin Dupieux aka Mr. Oizo's (pronounced Wah-zoh) famed electro house track "Flat Beat." The quirky yellow puppet was soon revealed to be part of Levi's jeans campaign. Sales shot through the roof and the super track lived on. Check out a few of the commercials below:

Download Mr. Oizo's "Flat Beat" track (zSHARE).

2009 Flies By...

2009-10-19T08:30:00.001+03:00

"Hey, remember the time we took a picture right here a few months ago?"
"Yeah I do!" I replied, "Want to take another one right now?" I asked him.
"Okay!"

MP3's - zSHARE
Booker T & The MG's - Green Onions if you don't love this...go away :P
Eric Burdon & The Animals - When I Was Young
Count Five - Psychotic Reaction
Derek & The Dominoes - Layla
Cream - Crossroads
Dick Dale & The Del-Tones - Let's Go Trippin'

Power

2009-09-08T08:30:00.001+03:00

"'You know,' she said slowly, 'I like you Lin.'

She stared that green fire into me. I felt myself reddening slightly, not from embarrassment, but from shame, that she'd said so easily the very words, I like you, that I wouldn't let myself say to her.

'You do?' I asked, trying to make the question sound more casual than it was. I watched her lips close to a thin smile.

'Yes, you're a good listener. That's dangerous, because it's so hard to resist. Being listened to - really listened to - is the second-best thing in the world.'

'What's the first best thing?'

'Everybody knows that. The best thing in the world is power.'

'Oh is it?' I asked, laughing. 'What about sex?'

'No. Apart from the biology, sex is all about power. That's why it's such a rush.'

I laughed again.

'And what about love? A lot of people say that love is the best thing in the world, not power.'

'They're wrong,' she said with terse finality. 'Love is the opposite of power. That's why we fear it so much.'"

From my current read, Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts

MP3's...
Levitation - More than Ever People (zSHARE)
Prefuse 73 - Pagina Cinco (zSHARE)
Tom Jobim & Astrud Gilberto - Agua De Beber (zSHARE)
Nouvelle Vague - Dance with Me (zSHARE)
Burial & Four Tet - Moth (zSHARE)
The Millioners - Up to You (zSHARE)

Phat vs. Fat Cars

2009-09-06T08:30:00.001+03:00

I am not a car person. I don't know any numerical classification a la XJ15 or 6.00 XS. Recently, I struck up a conversation with a car aficionado and my argument was the following: "Why is it called horse power? Horses don't have the same running power so to speak, so why use that as a measurement? If they're going to use horse power, they should say 'It's about 6 horses.' That would make more sense because the unit i.e. the number of horses, simply cannot pertain to a specific number." The conversation wasn't long because the other party sensed that I didn't have a clue about the topic's history (although I'm sticking to my guns here; I think my point does make sense theoretically speaking!).

Anyhow, but that's not the issue I want to tackle here. I do know miscellaneous facts about cars. I know most of the brands. But the thing that I really love about them is their beauty. That's why I was offended when I saw Toyota's new Land Cruiser and Jaguar. Both have become obese, bloated and disgusting versions of their previous self. Personally, I love Land Cruisers. Whenever I'm behind the wheel of one, I feel like I'm riding a large, safe cow (don't ask why, it just feels nice and secure). And the best part is that it does not lose it's market value. Jaguars, well, that's more of a fetish than a personal admiration. And don't get me started on old muscle cars.

Why? They remind me "Fast Food Nation." Why is everything getting bigger, bulkier and no where near being refined and classy? What is this? Is this what they call innovation? They're ruining the design! I heard about car purists. Are there any car curists? I'm mad.

This is how Land Cruiser looked like.

This is what it looks like now. Can you say ick?

This is a beautiful 1996 jag.

This is what it looks like today. A piece of junk with hormone growth.

MP3's...
La Roux - Quicksand (Mad Decent Remix) (zSHARE)
Dntel - (This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chad (Lali Puna Mix) (zSHARE)
Grand Popo Football Club - Get Yourself A Loukoum (zSHARE)
Matryoshka - Ezekiel (zSHARE)
Nosaj Thing - Aquarium (zSHARE)
Cortney Tidwell - Don't Let Stars Keep Us Tangled Up-Ewan's Objects In Space Remix (zSHARE)

Liaison Amoureuse

2009-09-02T08:30:00.001+03:00

Can this be any cuter?

MP3's...
Air France - Beach Party
Toro y Moi - Blessa
Lars Bartkhun - Goodbye Dancing Hello God (Arto Mwambe Remix)
DJ Kaos - Love The Nite Away (Tiedye Mix)

Finale - Jimi Hendrix

2009-08-30T08:30:00.001+03:00

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places

where other people see nothing.”
Camille Pissarro

MP3's...

Jimi Hendrix - Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire Ft. The Doors (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Wait Until Tomorrow (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Crosstown Traffic (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Drifter's Escape (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - South Saturn Delta (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Room Full of Mirrors (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Pali Gap (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Night Bird Flying (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Wild Thing (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - If 6 was 9 (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Little Miss Lover - Live at BBC Sessions (zSHARE)

A few neat links to keep you entertained...

2009-08-27T08:30:00.001+03:00

Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard. Always loved that line of hers.

Anyhow, back to what I want to share with you. Below are a few cool links that I've come across. I don't know if you're familiar with them but I knew of them recently and occasionally look at 'em when I have a lot of down time on my hands. Click on the links to get to the sites.

Eternal Moonwalk - A Tribute to Michael Jackson: This website is basically a universal and ongoing moonwalk. People from all around the world record themselves doing their own version of the King of Pop's legendary moonwalk before uploading their video. What's also cool is that you can search for moonwalks based on which countries the uploader(s) is from. And yes, there are a few from Kuwait.

End of the World - A very short, quirky, random and roughly illustrated story about how the world's going to end. If you're going to watch this at work, make sure you have headphones on because the language isn't work or child-friendly for that matter. Nonetheless, it's a funny little thing to watch.

FMyLife - Get the guts to spills the beans: This funny website has short, daily entries from people worldwide about funny mishaps, horrific incidents and other happenings of things gone terribly wrong. Although they should all be true, I think a handful of them are made up because they're just too bizarre. However, it is a fun read that will always make you feel that whatever you might be going through right now isn't all that bad when you compare it to the tales you read on this website.

Texts from Last Night - The slogan says it all, "Remember that text that you shouldn't have sent last night? We do." Again, random people send their own text messages (or others'). Some are funny comments, others are plain gross while quite a few allude to or out rightly speak of certain intimate situations gone awkward.

Finally, here are six more tunes from Jimi Hendrix:

MP3's...
Jimi Hendrix - Somewhere Over the Rainbow (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Stone Free (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - The Wind Cries Mary (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Third Stone from the Sun (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Wild Thing (zSHARE)

What's the weirdest thing you've seen at work?

2009-08-26T08:30:00.001+03:00

Well, I didn't see this little guy at work but he's (I don't know why I'm referring to it as a "he" but oh well) by my workplace at one of the parking lot areas. Anyhow, the first time I saw him I was both disgusted and sad. He's a rather big rat but he's squished beyond recognition poor thing. I felt sorry for him. Anyhow, he is the weirdest thing I saw at work. I've been to quite a few places around the world and I've never come across a fat rat let alone a chubby one who's been bulldozed. I took a picture of it and tried to prevent my imagination from getting the best of me; I kept thinking, "What if he self-inflates himself, comes to life and bites my foot?" Let's just say it was a speedy picture.

After my rat siting, I started to wonder, "Are there any people who have had PG-rated weird or disturbing or peculiar sitings at or near their workplace?"

And last but never least, here's more of Mr. Hendrix's magic.

MP3's...
Jimi Hendrix - Like a Rolling Stone (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Little Wing (acoustic) (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Long Hot Summer Night (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Manic Depression (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Rainy Day, Dream Away (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Red House (zSHARE) the beginning kills...

Wholesome Advice

2009-08-25T08:30:00.002+03:00

A while ago, a few friends and I were talking about speeches and which ones are considered timeless, which ones made history or which ones move us to this day. One of my friends mentioned Baz Luhrmann's 1999 hit single "Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)" which was originally written as a column titled "Advice, like Youth, Probably Just Wasted on the Young" in the Chicago Tribune by Mary Schmich in 1997. Now, I remembered the song, a mellowed out remix of Rozalla's "Everybody's Free," and the random advice that was given throughout the track by the Australian voice actor Lee Perry. But it was 1999. I was what, thirteen when it first came out? Anyhow, I decided to look it up and instead of hearing it out again, I wanted to really listen to it. And so I did. I think all of us should give it a listen and also, read along with the lyrics below so that it sinks in good.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future,

sunscreen would be it.

The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists

whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable

than my own meandering experience.

I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.

Oh never mind,

you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth

until they have faded.

But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself

and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you

and how fabulous you really looked.

You’re not as fat as you imagine.

Don’t worry about the future or worry,

but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation

by chewing bubblegum.

The real troubles in your life are apt to be things

that never crossed your worried mind,

the kind that blindside you

at 4 PM on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Sing.

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts.

Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don’t waste your time on jealousy.

Sometimes you’re ahead.

Sometimes you’re behind

The race is long and in the end,

it’s only with yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive.

Forget the insults.

If you succeed in doing this,

tell me how.

Keep your old love letters.

Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life.

The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.

Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees.

You’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry,

maybe you won’t,

maybe you’ll have children,

maybe you won’t,

maybe you’ll divorce at 40,

maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken

on your 75th wedding anniversary.

Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much

or berate yourself either –

your choices are half chance,

so are everybody else’s.

Enjoy your body, use it every way you can.

Don’t be afraid of it or what other people think of it.

It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.

Dance.

Even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines.

They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents.

You never know when they’ll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings.

They are the best link to your past

and the people most likely to stick with you

in the future.

Understand that friends come and go,

but for the precious few you should hold on.

Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle

because the older you get,

the more you need the people you knew

when you were young.

Live in New York City once,

but leave before it makes you hard.

Live in Northern California once,

but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths.

Prices will rise

Politicians will philander

You too will get old

And when you do

You’ll fantasize that when you were young

Prices were reasonable

Politicians were noble

and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you.

Maybe you have a trust fund,

maybe you have a wealthy spouse.

But you never know when either one might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair,

or by the time you're 40,

it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy,

but be patient with those who supply it.

Advice is a form of nostalgia,

dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal,

wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts

and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

In closing, below are more songs by Jimi Hendrix which I think is the musical theme for this first week of Ramadan. Enjoy!

MP3's...
Jimi Hendrix - Gypsy Eyes (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Hear my Train A'Comin (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Hey Joe (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Highway Chile (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - I Don't Live Today (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Killing Floor (zSHARE)

Groovy Dancing Girl

2009-08-24T08:30:00.001+03:00

I've seen this video a while ago and always wanted to post it up. It's called "Groovy Dancing Girl," and it's of a young girl (Sophie Merry) basically dancing her little rear end off. I'll get to the fame and fortune bit of how uploading a YouTube video could make you the face of a globally renowned fashion brand, but first take a look at the first video she uploaded where she's dancing to Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger":

Take a look at her other videos here.

Etam, a global retail company, were amongst the 2 million viewers who saw Sophie's dancing, and they too were intrigued with her unique and innovative techniques. Not only did she dance to the music, she was the music. Check out her video as she arrives to Paris to film a viral video for Etam:

This is the end result of Etam collaboration with Sophie Merry:

For more information, read the interview that features the young Irish dancer here. I loved the last line of the interview where Sophie give advice to people with an idea, "Do something with feeling, whatever that is, from the heart and without an aim. Enjoy it. You'll have fun." Another article titled "Sophie Merry - The Web Phenomenon of the Year," features her viral videos for Etam. Click here to read and see more.

And finally, to follow up on Jimi Hendrix celebrating the first week of Ramadan, here are more of his tunes as promised:

MP3's...
Jimi Hendrix - Angel (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Castles Made of Sand (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Cherokee Mist (acoustic) (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Easy Rider (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Electric Ladyland (zSHARE)
Jimi Hendrix - Foxy Lady (zSHARE)

Hendrix Celebrates Ramadan - Part One

2009-08-23T08:30:00.002+03:00

I cannot believe that a year has passed by. I cannot believe that it's almost September! I know of a few people that have been planning out their New Years vacation starting now. "Dear Time, woulda slow down a bit please?" Regardless of how quick time has been passing us by, it has been an interesting year, full of change and surprises here and there. Some good, some bad but in general, every change is for the better. Well, that's what I believe anyway.

I do hope that life's been treating you well. It will if you treat it well. That's another belief of mine too.

I know that I've been out of it for quite some time. I have been thinking about changing my blog's look though. It seems a bit…dreary? I'm looking for something fresh and spacious. Maybe some beige. But beige is too blah. Too vanilla. But isn't it weird that we always end up opting for vanilla anyway?

Anyhow, I hope everyone has a lovely Ramadan. It is a good time of year and it is a month that I look forward to because I get to see a lot of my relatives on a daily basis. It was easier before, when we were all young and childless. Now, everyone in my older siblings' generation is married with kids, so it makes it much harder to get together. That's one of the main reasons I like this month so much.

Below are a few tunes from one of my favorite artists, Jimi Hendrix. I'll (try to!) keep 'em coming everyday of this week. Thank you and I hope you'll enjoy this month's ultra-musical posts.

MP3's...

Jimi Hendrix - Can you please crawl out your window? (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Freedom (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Are you experienced (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Lover Man (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - Bold as Love (zSHARE)

Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower (zSHARE)

19 Years.

2009-08-02T08:30:00.000+03:00

Michael Jackson: His music & how he's not really dead.

2009-07-14T08:30:00.002+03:00

I woke up that morning and had four messages that said the same thing, "Michael Jackson's dead!" At first I didn't get it. I remember thinking, "He can't die." I went downstairs, switched on the TV and sure enough, the King of Pop was dead. "I cried...a little," I told my sister later. "If it wasn't for those hard not to believe scandals of child molestation and more, I'd feel sorry for him," she answered back sharply. I winced at her remark and agreed. It's true, he did lead somewhat of a bizarre life filled with odd and eyebrow raising antics.

"He can't die," I told my older brother again over tea that afternoon. "Why can't he die? He's human like us, and we'll all die someday," he replied nonchalantly. "Yes but that's it! He's not human! He's an icon! Icons don't just die." I slumped back into my seat.

I wasn't that caught up with Princess Diana's life when she died. I knew of her but I don't have personal memories linked to her existence and plus, I was a bit too young to comprehend the magnitude of her death. With Michael Jackson, however, I couldn't help but take it personally, mostly because he's the only artist I grew up with music-wise.

Regardless of his peculiarities that grew out of hand during the last decade of his life, Michael Jackson has always been there. And believe it or not, he is not dead. Yes, the King of Pop is immortal and remains alive every single day through his music that will still continue crossing countries and generations.

Here's to one of the world's greatest artists.

And to the two who emailed me asking about mp3s, yes, you can download files that are uploaded on zshare. Simply click on the links below (or open up a new window) and you can hear and/or download whatever's on there. Enjoy, for life.

Michael Jackson - Speed Demon (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Human Nature (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Beat It (zshare)
Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Liberian Girl (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Bad (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Black or White (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Keep it in the Closet (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Dangerous (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Heal the World (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Stranger in Moscow (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Leave Me Alone (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Remember the Time (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Jam (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Starting Something (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Thriller (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Get on the Floor (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Pretty Young Thing (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Rock With You (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Off the Wall (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Till You Get Enough (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Don't Let it Get You Down (zshare)
Michael Jackson - Working Day & Night (zshare)

Jackson 5 - Whose Loving You (zshare)
Jackson 5 - ABC (zshare)
Jackson 5 - Dancing Machine (zshare)
Jackson 5 - Got to be There (zshare)
Jackson 5 - I Want You Back (zshare)
Jackson 5 - I'll be There (zshare)
Jackson 5 - Can You Feel It (zshare)

Michael Jackson & Stevie Wonder - Just Good Friends (zshare)
Michael Jackson & Friends - We Are the World (zshare)
Michael & Janet Jackson - Scream (zshare)

From one of my favorite movies, The Wiz, where Jackson played the part of the scarecrow.

Michael Jackson - You Can't Win (zshare)
Michael Jackson & Diana Ross - Ease on Down the Road (zshare)

This week's brought to you by Sam Cooke

2009-06-21T08:30:00.000+03:00

For more information about Sam Cooke, go here. The first one's my fave; it's from his album Night Beat. I like it best when I wake up surprisingly early on a weekday. I play it, and it's a good day. Enjoy.

MP3's...
Sam Cooke - You Gotta Move
Sam Cooke - You Send Me
Sam Cooke - Wonderful World
Sam Cooke - Twistin' the Night Away
Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come
Sam Cooke - Shake, Rattle & Roll
Sam Cooke - Good Times
Sam Cooke - Cupid
Sam Cooke - Bring it On Home to Me

Why you do this to me Demi...why!

2009-06-18T08:30:00.001+03:00

With the exception of animated movies a la Ice Age, I vowed to never step foot in Kuwait's movie theaters. I'll get to that later but yesterday, my sister asked me to come see the atrocious horror flick, The Haunting in Connecticut. It's the type of movie that you don't really have to watch to figure it all out. Anyway, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone because it stunk. I went there mainly for the caramelized popcorn because it's been almost a year since I've had it.

Anyhow, the thing that really got to me is the spirit, ghost, demon or whatever it's called. Why are they always terrorizing the occupants of the household when really, the ghost wants everyone to help him/her out and be "set free" and/or wants the story of their never uncovered murder or what have you to be known to all? Why the destruction, manipulation, hallucinations, etc.? I mean, if I want to get something across, I wouldn't hurt the person I'm trying to get my message through to. I wouldn't slam doors or drawers, break a dish or play around with the lighting. That's just stupid.

Now that I think about it, the same thing happened with the idiotic ghost in Halle Berry's equally crappy movie, Gothika. I remember the ghost (I think it was a girl) tormenting Halle Berry's character. Why couldn't she, the ghost that is, just show up and say, "Hey, that dude killed me. Here's the evidence. So...what can we do? Can you help me out or...Oh, great thanks Halle's-character! Yeah *chuckles* I won't possess you don't worry!"

And there you have it!

I mean, ghosts were human beings once upon a time. Seems like once they cross on over to the other side they lose all sense of reason! I swear if I get a ghost who hassles me and ruins my day with mixed messages I won't try to figure his/her story out unless they settle the hell down and talk to me straight. I, however, wouldn't come to the ghost's aid if they like, hurl a lamp across my room. Supernatural tantrums will never work. Just tell it like it is, ghost!

The only ghost I sort of am sympathetic with is the chick in What Lies Beneath, mostly because I liked the movie. See, that's how they do it. I mean, I still theoretically don't like how the dead girl possessed Michelle Pfeiffer. There were some scary scenes in that one. But yeah, if the ghost is going to act like a jerk, maybe spin it the way it is in this film. Oh wait, and The Sixth Sense. Poor kid, had to see a lot before figuring it all out in the end. I guess the surprise element is more evident in the last two.

NB: The reason why I don't go to cinemas here is because it's a legalized rip-off. Now, say you get a pair of pants but they only give you ones with one leg. The other's just cut off. Either way, you have to pay full price for them. Same thing goes for movies here. They censor the films and make you pay full price (it actually went up from 2.5 to 3 KD). That's just not right.

MP3's...
Elizabeth & the Catapults - Race You such a playful, open-hearted song...
The Bilinda Butchers - This Love is F*cking Right (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Cover)
Faunts - Feel.Love.Thinking.Of.
Radiohead - 15 Step
Lali Paluna - Scary World Theory

Movie Review Part 3

2009-06-14T08:30:00.005+03:00

25th Hour – Recommended by a friend
I've written two movie review posts and not once did anyone mention Spike Lee's the 25th Hour! I was at a friend's house and we were picking out some movies to watch. My friend's brief synopsis of it sounded good so we popped the DVD in. It was incredible. Everything about it was amazing. The story, the spectacular cinematography (my favorite part was in the end, when Edward Norton and his friend were talking against the glass that showed off the dance floor), just everything. Now keep in mind it is an intense movie; it's not entirely depressing, just thoughtfully depressing, if that makes sense (it will after you watch it though). This is a definite must-see in my books.
My rating: 9.5/10

The clip below is of Monty's (Edward Norton) famous New York hate speech. Don't worry, it's not a spoiler. It just gives you a taste of his angst against his fate behind bars.

Transsiberian – Recommended by a friend
I was taken off guard by this movie. It really is a good film with interesting characters and a hand-wringing story that's going to suck you right into the thrill just before you're on the edge of your seat as I was. After they finished working on a goodwill project in China, the main characters Roy (Woody Harrelson) and Jessie (Emily Mortimer), a married American couple, hop onto the Trans-Siberian Express train that starts out from Beijing and ends up in Moscow. The two make friends with Carlos (Eduardo Noriega) and Abby (Kate Mara) on the train and the film starts to unravel then. I don't want to say anything else because I might ruin the story for you. In short, it's a tense, terse and tight must-see.
My rating: 8.9/10

9 1/2 Weeks – Recommended by a friend

I've been catching up on classic movies and this one was in the bunch. I knew that this movie was pretty up there on the sex-o-meter, I just didn't think it was almost two hours of watching Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke doing the rumpy-pumpy in various locations and mannerisms, so to speak. In terms of eye candy, this is a sure treat; the pre-face disfigured Mickey Rourke is rather edible in this movie, both in terms of looks and his saucy character and Kim Basinger is a young, naïve stunner, sort of a subtle cross between Brigitte Bardo's sass and Twiggy's angelic allure. Although steamy, there is a psychological factor in the film especially in the end.
My rating: 6.9/10

MP3's from 91/2 Weeks' soundtrack...
Eurythmics - This City Never Sleeps
Bryan Ferry - Slave to Love
Luba - Let It Go
John Taylor - I Do What I Do
Cory Hart - Eurasian Eyes

Well.

2009-06-07T08:30:00.000+03:00

"Can I play games?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because we're walking on the beach and I don't want to run out of batteries."

The battery bit was a lie. I knew our walk would last for less than an hour. And plus, I rarely get some complete alone time with him, away from everything.

"Oh look, this is mama's favorite seashell."

"Let me see."

"Here."

"I want to give it to her."

"Okay."

"Can you hold it?"

"Sure…I think we need a bag though. I can't hold all these seashells in my hand. Do you see any loose bags around here?"

Unfortunately, there were a lot of bags strewn around the beach area. All along the way, him and I tossed plastic and glass bottles that were near the shore toward the soft, grainy sand area that is farther away from the waves.

"Okay, here's one bag that isn't torn."

We continued to walk with no destination in particular. I had some black tar stuck on my right foot that I scrapped away on the mossy rocks. I don't know how some of it ended up on my fingertips.

We passed by kids that were about his age, three of them. They were looking at something that was being washed over and over again on the shore.

I was as curious as the children. I looked over at him as his face lit up.

"It's a crab!"

It sure was. And the three boys were trying to catch it but their attempts were uneventful. He was a bit older than them.

"Here, give me that."

He took the plastic shovel from one of the boys and managed to drag the little crab out onto the dry sand. The three boys were ecstatic.

One of the boys flipped the tired crap onto the flat surface of the shovel and skipped away to show one of the two women who were sitting on the wooden benches facing the beach. We saw him shove the crab between the two women and heard both of them yelping.

"Take it away!"

I was suddenly embarrassed. I smiled and waved. They waved back and laughed. All was well.

We continued our walk.

But before that, he went up to the three boys.

"Put it back into the sea."

They did.

All is well.

MP3's...

Moldy Peaches - Anyone Else but You

Nick Drake - Pink Moon

Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of this Country

Belle & Sebastian - Piazza, New York Catcher

Jovan Sex Appeal...for Men

2009-05-24T08:30:00.001+03:00

I was looking at the creams and lotions section at my district's mini-market when the product below caught my eye. I read it and had quite a laugh.

I read it and imagined a male voice over saying the lines in a deep, hoarse voice. If you can't read the text in the pictures above, imagine the voice over with me, "(Front) Sex appeal. Now you don't have to be born with it. This provocative, stimulating blend or rare spices and herbs was created by man for the sole purpose of attracting woman. At will. Man can never have too much."

(Back) "How to make the most of it? On your face. Use it like an aftershave. Just spray it onto your hand, and then slap onto your face and neck. All over your body (I can hear some oohing and ahhing now). Spray it right on (Sheesh!) On your chest. On your arms. Or wherever else you want Sex Appeal. It will do what it's supposed to do. Because it's more than the usual promise in a bottle. It's more like a guarantee."

If you want to know more about this lovely product, visit their website at www.jovansexy.com. Okay, I'm done for the day...

MP3's...
Parov Stelar - Room Service
Beanfield - Planetary Deadlock
Vagabond - Sweat Until The Morning (Quiet Village Remix)

24

2009-05-07T08:30:00.000+03:00

MP3's...
Pulp - Common People
Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks
Vanessa Paradis - Joe Le Taxi
Chris Isaak - Wicked Game