Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Scrub me in ;)


Dear Fox,

Oh, how thy entice me! I'm so glad you've started showing repeats of the televsion show Scrubs on weeknights! It's one of my favorite shows and now I can add it to my list of things to do while procrastinating on my studying. Plus, it follows repeats of Sex and the City so...I get a whole hour of tv comedy before putting my nose back in my books! :) A dose of Zach Braff + a slight dash of sarcasm + 1 hour of comedy= AWESOME

Sincerely,

A dedicated student (I swear mom!)

posted by payal @ 11:02 PM 0 comments

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

posted by payal @ 9:55 AM 0 comments

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Catch A Fire


So I saw one of my Need to See movies last night: Catch a Fire

It was amazing! Superb acting from Tim Robbins and Derek Luke. The potrayal of techniques used to destroy one's integrity, to motivate someone to become a freedom fighter, and bring someone to abandon their faith was unsettling and yet rung true. When the idea that everything would be fine if one just followed the rules and was a good person and loved their family just disappeared, one realized that just living and being "good" was no longer enough.
The depiction of the Apartheid and the actions used by the "Anti-Terrorist" squad against all those suspected, innocent or not, and immediate use of torture was horrifying. It was especially ironic considering that the squad claiming to protect the country and citizens of the violence (more so for violence against the upper class whites) was in fact having the opposite effect as it was slowly destroying the the protection and goodness of the citizens as protests, distrust, and rebellion ensued. The squad's actions were in fact a motivating factor to the souls of the freedom fighters to stand up for what they believed in, claim back their rights and equality, and continue their struggle.
Especially inspiring was the ending when the movie showing how the apartheid finally ended and with the actions of Nelson Mandela and how Patrick came to terms about his pain and had the compassion to forgive. Amazingly, the real Patrick currently houses over 80 African orphans in his house! Also, there was a lovely moment at the ending of the movie with the real Patrick playing soccer with actor Dereck Luke. Overall, a really well-made movie with action, sorrow, optimism, and even a lit bit of education!

posted by payal @ 5:01 PM 0 comments

Friday, October 27, 2006

Diwali--Steve Carrell Style


Via Nirali's Blog:

The NBC show the Office is having a Diwali Party on their Nov. 2nd show. Check out the HILARIOUS (Don't you just love Steve Carrell!) Diwali Song.

This is my official Diwali song, to be sung all the Diwali parties next year. You know, in Christmas Carol fashion ;)

Yay for The Office for bringing Diwali to the primetime. :)

posted by payal @ 11:09 AM 0 comments

Thursday, October 26, 2006

NEED to see these movies....

As I was browsing through some movie trailers today, I saw a few that stood out that I really really really want to see!

First up: The Great New Wonderful.

When I was down at U of I a couple of weeks ago, I saw the movie at Rententertainment and it looked interesting. Although we opted for Kumars No. 42 instead, I still intended on seeing the movie. The trailer is weird and quirky and of course, when you least expect it: surprise, surprise. Guess who's in this movie? Naseeruddin Shah. Wha???? Yeah. Exactly. In one of the scenes in the trailer he's wearing funky sunglasses and smiling at strangers on the streets of NY while wearing a nice suit. Too funny.

Second: For Your Consideration

I LOVED Waiting for Guffman. Chistopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Katherine Harris, = Smart & Funny
Well, folks. There back at it again. And this time it looks like it's a parody of a movie being shot that might be so good it might be nominated for an Oscar. Or so they think. Really, these folks can do no wrong. I'm look forward to the laughter:)


Third: One Last Thing...

I'm not sure if this movie is going to be really good or not. So maybe I don't really really want to see it. But it still looks interesting enough for me to check it out. The trailer seems pretty cliche. Except that...I kinda want to know what happens to the boy in the end. And its about a boy going after his wishes and dreams. And who doesn't want to see a warm, fuzzy, possibly funny?, movie after a long hard week? That and Cynthia Nixon is in it. And well, she's GOOD. Not just in the good ol' days of SATC, but have you ever seen her in Warm Springs? Amazing performance. Anyway...who's knows it could be a cute movie like Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants or something!



Fourth (and finally): Catch a Fire

I just saw the trailer for this on TV today. It's out in theatres today. It's about a man fighting for his family and against the injustice of the apartheid in South Africa. With Derek Luke and Tim Robbins (One of my favorites!). It's a serious one compared to my other choices above, but the story looks good and I'm sure the acting is superb. Really looking foward to see this one.

posted by payal @ 9:49 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Secret Chocolate Stash


...So I think everyone has a secret food stash somewhere. It could be cheetos, twizzlers, cookies, jelly beans, whatever.

You know, it's the little area in your kitchen cupboards, a little side corner where you know people don't usually look, to stash all your favorite munchies and sweets. It's the place you go to when your not necessarily hungry but you want, nay "need" something to eat. You go to it when you're extremely happy, sad, upset, lonely, tired, stressed out, excited, frustrated, whimisical, or even when you're going a little crazy. It's your little piece of yummy heaven at your disposal. It's there just for you. You have command over it so it never runs out on you. It never talks back at you, mocks you, criticizes you, or guilts you (well, not at that moment anyway!). It's always there when you need it, just like a good friend.

My hidden food stash? CHOCOLATE :) Preferably, any chocolate candy with caramel. Simply the best! It's my temporary bliss ;)

What's yours?

posted by payal @ 5:57 PM 0 comments

Monday, October 23, 2006

Dance it off...



I LOVE Moby. Check it out his new video, New York, New York featuring Debbie Harry. It's hilarious! Enjoy:)

posted by payal @ 10:17 PM 0 comments

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Happy Diwali



Happy Diwali to all of our readers (read: 4) and Saal Mubarak!

posted by payal @ 9:10 PM 0 comments

Saturday, October 21, 2006

My Kinda Town


Went to visit my city the other day, (That’s right, I’m claiming some possession to it!), and it felt sooooo good to be back. Spent some time with T and wandered about the Loop area. Went window shopping, saw some hideous outfits out for the fall season, and even tasted some “intelligent” coffee. Chicago. It’s my kinda town ;)

posted by payal @ 2:01 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Audacity of Hope

Barack Obama (aka my FAVORITE senator! Not that I'm biased or anything;)) has a new book out, The Audacity of Hope.




I read his first book, Dreams from My Father, and it was extremely well-written. It provided great detail about his childhood and young adulthood, his views on race, uncertainties of his life, and much, much more.

I saw him speak in person at U of I when he was campaigning for votes. A truly amazing, inspiring speaker! And of course, who could forget his speech at the Democratic Convention.

Anyways, I'm excited to read his new book!

posted by payal @ 9:23 PM 0 comments

U of I

I visited my alma mater , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign over the weekend. Good times and good people:) I miss my undergrad days! Anyway, here are some photos of the campus. Go Orange and Blue!!!

Moonstruck! A Heavenly place :)






















The Union


















Altgeld Hall






















Foellinger Auditorium: If you look carefully, on the bottom right corner, there's a bride! That's right, a wedding somewhere on campus! Who comes to the quad to take a wedding photo??? U-C...Nowhere else, I tell ya.

Below that, the English Building...I remember spending some time there ;)





posted by payal @ 8:46 PM 0 comments

Monday, October 09, 2006

The Law Has a Funny Side


One of the funniest quotes from Boston Legal.

Denny Crane: How can you ban red meat?
Dominick Ryan: Well, they've got a whole campaign, they're going to go with it. They plan to promote Summersport as the seafood capital of the world.
Denny Crane: We're carnivores. When the pilgrims landed, first thing they did was eat a few Indians.
Dominick Ryan: [Shirley and Dominick stare aghast at Denny] Is there anything we can do?
Shirley Schmidt: We'll get in the media TRO.
Denny Crane: I'll argue it myself. Ban red meat. That cannot possibly pass Constitutional mustard.
Shirley Schmidt: The word is "muster", Denny, but you're right, the law lack condiments.

I have fallen in love with this show, and it really didn't take much. But the following reasons surely helped.
  1. William Shatner - The last time I saw William Shatner in anything was Star Trek, and let's face it I was a fan. But, this role portrays a whole new side of the actor which is down right lovable. Okay, I can't finish this point without saying..."Denny Crane".
  2. Alan Shore - This character is hilarious! His quick wit and strange quirks make the show. He suffers regularly from night terrors, and has an irrational fear of clowns. If that's not enough, the character is played by James Spader...now come on, who doesn't love James Spader?
  3. You can win a case by merely uttering the words "Nansy-Pansy".
  4. The last scene of every episode shows that appreciating the quiet joys of a friendship is all anyone ever needs.
  5. The speed of dialogue - sure can give Gilmore Girls a run for their money.
  6. Abbot and Costello routines never get old.
  7. You get to meet people who are "verb bigots".
  8. In reference to the quote above, Denny Crane does not have Alzheimer's, he suffers from Mad Cow Disease instead. Yes, this is meant to be funny...watch the show to find out why.

posted by gayatri @ 12:44 AM 1 comments

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Little Miss Sunshine


I've been meaning to blog about this movie, Little Miss Sunshine. It's honestly one of the best and funniest movies I've seen all year. It's already become one of my favorites. Steve Carrell is hilarious with his less is more style. Greg Kinnear is now becoming one of my favorite actors. His expressions are just hilarious and his acting has really grown on me. The always fabulous Toni Collete is wonderful as the mother trying to hold the family together. The grandfather, Alan Arkin, is equally as funny. He's so outrageous and his philosophy on living out his old age is just too funny. Paul Dano as the older brother does a wonderful job as a brooding, angst-ridden teenager and the young girl, around whom the story is based, is cute, talented, and endearing.
















Both Paul Dano and Greg Kinnear can also be seen in the upcoming movie, Fast Food Nation, which looks just as funny with a dash of wit and a jab at our society's obession with fast food. Overall, a wonderful movie experience and I recommend you all go see it. NOW!!!

posted by payal @ 3:57 PM 4 comments

Thursday, October 05, 2006

A little older, but any wiser?

So as I'm celebrating my birthday...and I have to wonder (such a Carrie B. moment!), am I getting any wiser? I know my twenties are a time to explore new things, experiment with my thoughts and beliefs, build connections (damn you networking), find a suitable, respectable, and FULFILLING career (and my mom might add a husband here too. But of course, I would do no such thing;)), and well mature through new and challenge life experiences. And..well sometimes I really wonder if I'm getting any wiser. Am I really taking advantage of my twenties? Am I really doing all I can to grow as a person and grow in my education and career as I can during these currently formative years? Sure school is providing me with more and more information and I'm certainly gaining new perspectives, but I really hope that I'm also using all of this to become a better, a more secure person and to grow into a more confident woman. Someone who is comfortable and confident in her skin. I suppose only time (and experience) will tell...

posted by payal @ 11:06 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Chaos


I just saw this great French movie titled Chaos recently. It's powerful, fast-moving, thought-provoking, and a you-go-girl type movie.
Here's the synopsis via IMDB:

Malika, a young prostitute, is badly molested in the street by her pimp in front of Paul and Hélène, a well-off couple, carefully hidden in their car. Against all odds, Hélène leaves her husband and family behind to go to the hospital and take care of Malika, who lies in a coma. The mission Hélène assigned herself: to help Malika have a new life and, above all, to take her out of her molesters' claws...

I definitely recommend seeing it!

posted by payal @ 5:17 PM 0 comments

Nirali Magazine is Back!!!

So back in undergrad, in the good ol' days ;), I used to love reading Nirali Magazine, a South Asian magazine for women with articles and interviews ranging from arts and entertainment to news, and other juicy and noteworthy features.
Here's what they're about from their website:

"Nirali, which means “different” in several South Asian languages, is just that—a different kind of magazine for South Asian American (and Canadian) women. Founded in 2004, Nirali Magazine reflects the identity and interests of South Asian women all over North America.
Published on the first Monday of each month online, Nirali is your complete source for all things South Asian. It’s not your typical women’s magazine: While you’ll find the requisite fashion and beauty stories within Nirali, you’ll also see stories on politics, trends in the South Asian community, profiles of smart South Asian women, and introspective pieces about what it means to have an identity that is both South Asian and American. Nirali’s stories are like the smart and supportive conversations you’d have with your girlfriends over lunch.
Nirali. Because you’re different. "

But then, sadly, last year it went on hiatus and I was back lurking on blogs, and twiddling my thumbs. But guess what!

Nirali is finally back and better than ever!

Most recently they've done interviews with Mr. Desi Hero aka Sendhil Ramamurthy and the always awesome, Penn Masala. And it has wonderful make-up tips and great profiles on inspiring women like Shailja Patel. Check out the magazine. And their blog. A new issue comes out every month. Just LOVELY :) !!!!

posted by payal @ 8:22 AM 0 comments

VM starts today!

I've been waiting for this day since like...MAY! Today is the series premiere of Veronica Mars, Season 3. She's in college now and who knows what's going on with Logan. But either way, it's going to be a wonderful way to procrastinate on my hw on a Tuesday night. Get excited :)

posted by payal @ 8:19 AM 0 comments

Monday, October 02, 2006

A wtf? Day

We've all had one of these days. Unfortunately mine had to come over the weekend, the only time of the week where I try to regain my sanity and get some peace around me.

wtf? moment #1:

My friends and I are walking in downtown to a restaurant to grab some dinner. I'm tired as all hell after a long ass day and a really LONG week. So we're walking and we're having a jolly old time. We are stopped at a traffic light waiting to cross the street. A car comes up to us.

Guy in the passenger seat asks us: Hey...do any of you know where the Zoo is?...
So being the altruistic, nice person I am, I'm like hey, I'll help you out and answer your question (ok now people, don't get too shocked. I occasionally can give out directions and do know where I'm going!!)

Me: Yeah. sure. Just go down this street and take a right on x street and follow it down and you'll see it on the right side.

Him: Thanks (looking at all of us). (And then looking directly at me): Or...er...thanks...in whatever language y'all speak.

Me: WE SPEAK ENGLISH! (really loudly so all the cars could hear me) (And..um..yeah I got some strange looks, oh well :))

And well, he drove away. But damn.
/Bitchy sensitive paranoid attitutde rant: I just gave you freakin' directions in freakin' english and now you're gonna be all like "whatever language y'all speak". WTF? What language did you think I was speaking? /Bitchy sensitive paranoid attiude rant.

wtf? moment #2:

It's been a fun Friday night. But as mentioned earlier, I'm dead tired and ready to crash. Plus I have to get up early in the morning on Sat. to run an errand (leading to #3). And...then the most annoying thing happens when you least expect it. That's right. A DAMN FIRE ALARM. AT 4 AM! IN THE COLD, DARK NIGHT! NOOOOO! It felt like I was in the dorms all over again and not in my isolated apartment away from all that annoying RA/random roommate/stupid Greek Frat undergrad crap. So of course, being the good girl I am.. I get out of bed, put on a jacket and my glasses, act like I'm somewhat awake and ready to face safety from a fire I don't see or smell, and go outside. And so I waited...with about 5 other people who had bothered to leave the insanity of that annoying alarm sound and come outside in the 40 degree weather to stare out into NOTHING. And guess what! IT LASTED A FREAKIN' HOUR!
I mean seriously, wtf??? So I did what any smart girl would do. I walked back into my apartment. Shut the door. Put on my earphones to my Ipod. Climbed back into bed and went back to sleep. Death be damned!

wtf? moment #3:

So now..( are you still following? I swear it only gets better!) ...it's early Sat. morning because I had to get up early despite my lack of sleep to run a stupid errand. What is this errand? Going to the damn power company because they can't seem to put the account under my name because they think I don't exist. I had given them my name (which I spelled like 5 times for her..and yes, it was annoying) and my ssn over the phone a few days earlier and the STUPID, SERIOUSLY DEAF, woman is like..."Um...no name comes up under that number and well, I see no one under that name. The credit bureau DOESN'T RECOGNIZE you." Um.....What???? So after getting all bitchy on her over the phone and still not getting anywhere with her...I realize I'm going to have to go there myself and show them that I'm not some ghost or illegal alien or sort out this shit.
So I drive my butt over there. And wait in line for 1 HOUR. And of course, being the bright one I am, I forgot to bring a book or anything. So I had to resort to playing with my cellphone and having an extremely long conversation with my mom where we at one point, ended up talking about the weather because..well, that's how bored I had gotten. Finally my name is called.
I go up to the person, tell her my situation, and show her my identification. She sits there typing up stuff on her computer and stares at it for about 5 mins. Then finally she looks at me.

Her: "Um, actually you didn't have to come in today, hahaha." (Yeah, no shit. Ya think? You should have seen my face.)
Me: "Um what do you mean?"
Her: Well, actually it shows that you do exist. (Really! I do???? OMG?) And it was just an error. You're fine now and its all fixed. It was just a misunderstanding."
Me: "What was the error?"
Her: "Oh well it looks like she had just misspelled your last name."
Me: "What!!! Are you kidding? I spelled it for her like 5 times for her and told her a number of times that she was making a mistake. I could tell, because she kept mispronouncing my name!
Her: Yeah. Well. Hahaha. It's all fixed now. Hahaha. (Giving me that nice customer service smile.)

WTF?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH HELL NO! I came over here on a Saturday morning to hear this? So I did what was the only right thing to do. I called her manager, and made her write up a report on this woman(the one on the phone). Ha. Ha. Revenge can be sweet! Muhahahahaha.

....Yeah...so...how was your Saturday? ;)

posted by payal @ 3:59 PM 0 comments

I Heart October

I LOVE October. For several reasons (in no particular order, although I'm a little biased to number 2 ;))

1) The weather-its not hot and its not too cold. The temperature is just right. I love 60-70 degree weather. It's just the right temperature to take a lovely stroll outside, sit outside of a coffeeshop studying, or sit on a park bench people-watching. And, with all the leaves changing colors, it's one of the most beautiful times of the year!

2) My birthday-Yep, I'm a libra. And well...what else is there to say. IT'S MY FREAKIN BIRTHDAY!!!!! :) Sure, I've had my share of traumatic, less than memorable birthdays, and well days in general. But, despite all my bad moments, it's always nice to get smiles and happy birthdays from random people and gifts and well wishes from your close family and friends. For some reason it always reminds me of grade school and high school. In grade school, you always brought treats for others during your birthday (not a rule, but nevertheless a time old custom) and well, who didn't like candy and chocolate covered cupcakes at 2pm on a weekday afternoon right before gym class?
In high school, it was all about showing off (and well, isn't that what hs is about anyways?) and walking in surprised and full of smiles as your locker was decorated with colored tissue paper. And then you would get to walk around the hallways to your classes all day with balloons and presents, showing off that you were a little older, and secretly (but delusionally I might add) hoping a little more wiser (aka just a little less dumb) as well.
Nowadays, it's just about hanging out with friends and family. Having a lovely day or going to a concert and realizing that by becoming a little more older, you were a little more farther away from your youthful, stressful-free days that you were so yearning to go back to. Ah, well. At least I'm still in my twenties. I have a lot more to aspire to (and a lot more wisdom to gain)! ;)

3) Halloween: Who doesn't like Halloween? Candy. Costume Parties. Make-up. Black. Orange. Red. And so many memories of growing up, wearing various costumes and running around my neighborhood trick-or-treating. Good times!

4)The start of fall season for some of my favorite tv shows: Veronica Mars, Lost, Gilmore Girls (ok technically it started last week, but in previous years I remember it starting in Oct!)

5) Fall Break: This is the first time that I've had a fall break at a college I've attended. Regardless, I love it! It's just the right time of the year to take a little bit of a break and slow down a little. And Lord knows I need it!

So...yeah, these are some of the few reasons I heart October and so should you:)

posted by payal @ 3:32 PM 0 comments