Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar

Ricky Ponting Pictures

Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting

A Weekend to Relax

Stacy, Atoya and I woke up early Saturday morning to look for Stacy's wedding dress. While getting up that early was not on the top of my list for the weekend, the fun we had was worth it. We went to Clinton Hill and DUMBO to check out dresses and did a little site seeing. I think I might consider being a Brooklynite again. Our day included a sushi restaurant (even though I could only have tofu and sweet potatoes because of the Daniel's Fast) and hanging around the DUMBO area site seeing before I had dance rehearsal with the girls. Today ended the fast and I am so happy to see that I have seen so many changes in my life and those who were partaking in the fast. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. Be blessed.

Atoya & Stacy

Stacy & Me

An Emotional Response to the Physical

Not at all sure what the questionable-quality food items are all about...

This video got me thinking about how I enjoy things like the comedy of Buster Keaton, and Rube Goldberg machines, and then not but two weeks later, OK Go! released an Internet 'asploding music video featuring an incredibly elaborate machine (and well-directed video, I may add) comprised of everyday items:

If you haven't seen the above yet, you're welcome, and you are a jerk. Yes: a jerk, for your ignorance. Mental Floss also put together a bunch o' Rube for your viewing pleasure ovah heeyah.

So what is this attraction to inanimate objects? Particularly those engaged in some unintended use? I'll break down some ideas I have as to the appeal, both personal and (perhaps [in some cases]) universal. Breaking it down 'til the break of dawn:

1. It makes us feel optimistic to think of objects as fulfilling purposes, instead of being merely lifeless tools. Purpose connotes design connotes meaning.
2. It makes us feel optimistic to see supposed purposes up-ended, and still demonstrate some sort of function. Creativity connotes a larger purpose.
3. When objects interact with forces, we ascribe behavior to them, which makes the world a bright-n-shiny adventure, filled with personality.
4. There is a sense of wonder created by acts of metamorphosis.
5. By manipulating objects, we gain a broader sense of control over ourselves and the world. Comfort in safety?
6. Objects are SO NOT controllable, in that they're animated by the same myriad physical forces that manipulate us; of which there are so many, we can never guarantee that the dang ball will go through the dang hoop (much less that we won't, say, trip on a staircase today). Objects are, therefore, spontaneous. Excitement in danger?
7. Wish-fulfillment and family-building. Our pattern-recognition is based in distinctly human forms and features. In other words, we are continually, subconsciously, "recognizing" the things around us -- we want our cars to have faces, and we need to think of that table bit as a leg, that lamp bit as an arm. Objects are, by extension (pun acknowledged and admired, I'm not ashamed to admit), our children. We made them.

Okay, whether that's all rubbish to you or gospel for some new, quasi-dystopian religious beliefs (Tom Robbins, I'm looking in your direction...) I'm sure you can name a thing or two that you feel an abnormal level of affection for. Objects, physical and inanimate, populate our world and play out scenes with us daily. It is natural to incorporate objects -- or "tools" if you prefer -- into ourselves and our passage in/through time. It's a blurrier line than we may imagine, too, the distinction between animate and inanimate. Certainly physics could make an argument that nothing in existence is or could be truly in-animate, but even on a simpler, perceptive level we have to distinguish between the life of a plant and the life of an animal, or even the life of a planet and the life of an atom. Are we objects? Sure we are, divine ones or no.

Emotions may be even more difficult to define than objects. My opinion is that emotions are by-and-large sublimated survival instincts. They evolved in response both to changing survival priorities and the development of our particular self-awareness and abstract thinking. If you accept that theory as I do, it makes emotions at once very pragmatic and rather mysterious. They can be played upon, manipulated, but they also play upon and manipulate us. They are internal, with tremendous external effects and implications. And of course, our emotions allow us to connect with one another beyond a purely mechanical way. This possibility alone may be the best distinction between ourselves and other "objects."

In other words, it seems completely natural to me that when a hat flips up to land perfectly on someone's head, I am applauding for the hat itself. Or, when I stumble over an errant bit of sidewalk, to curse the day it was born. But here I'm hitting on another reason we respond so emotionally to the physical world: Because all the world's a stage, and all of us players, and players in our own unique play, at that.

6/15/10 Update: Over at tor.com, Jason Henninger discusses similar questions as applied to robotics.

Zidan Pictures

Raring he may be, but 25 year-old Zidan, had to take things relatively easy during the session, which was watched by some 500 HSV fans.

Zidan is still recovering from a groin operation, and can only absolve light work-outs. But it hasn't dampened his enthuastic approach to being with Hamburger SV.
Zidan in practice
Zidan wallpaper
Zidan
Zidan pic
Zidan

Zenedine Zidan Gallery

French midfielder Zinedine Zidane walks off the pitch after being shown a red card during the World Cup 2006 final match between Italy and France in Berlin, Germany, July 9, 2006.
Zenedine Zidan
Zenedine Zidan
Zenedine Zidan pictures
Zenedine Zidan
Zenedine Zidan

Luv Sinha Wants to Be a Trendsetter

Making his debut with Rekha, Shatrughan Sinha’s son is getting there
Luv Sinha with Rekha

Another actor son makes his debut next week. And Luv Sinha, the son of actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha, is unabashed about following in his father's footsteps and says he wants to be a trendsetter too.

Luv, who is set to make his debut with the partition drama ‘Sadiyaan’ with veterans Hema Malini, Rekha and Rishi Kapoor, is quite clear about the path he wants to follow.

"My father earned a big name and people don't hesitate to copy him even today. I want to earn something like that for myself. I will work hard to get there and bring out what is most expected out of me. I want others to follow my style," Luv said.

Luv, whose brother Kush and sister Sonakshi are also planning to enter Bollywood as actors, says he came to the sets with an open mind.

"It's important to keep one's attitude at home and not restrict yourself. I did what my director asked me to do. I learnt by listening more and speaking less. I pushed myself to come out with what was expected of me."

Directed by Raj Kanwar, ‘Sadiyaan’ tells the story of two mothers, a Hindu played by Rekha and a Muslim played by Hema Malini, from partition till the 1970s. Releasing April 2, it also stars Rishi Kapoor.

"The story begins during partition. Then the story moves to 1970s. During the 70s India was still a young nation and the memories of partition were afresh. 'Sadiyaan' is a family drama that touches on the relationship between the two nations."

The newcomer is full of praise for his veteran co-stars.

"It's been an amazing start and an enriching experience as I got a chance to work with talented actors like Rishi Kapoor, Rekha and Hema Malini.

"The characteristics that each one of them has are unique and make their work stand out and liked by all. Rishi uncle is very sharp and makes everything seem so effortless, Hemaji is relaxed, cool and very supportive whereas Rekhaji is very attentive and focuses on detailing."

Luv clarifies that he is in no hurry to sign projects.

"I am really looking forward to work with good directors and production houses. I am going through a couple of scripts. But I believe it is important for filmmakers to notice my work first. I am keen on doing romantic, action, comedy but a big no no for horror movies," he added. He is hoping to work with Asin Thottumkal and Kareena Kapoor at some point.

As he sees it, ‘Sadiyaan’ is a small step towards an acting career."I have no complaints and I think it's been an amazing life so far. I think I have been blessed. I have lived a life that most children dream of. It's true one needs to be conscious and a little more responsible.

"My parents have been very supportive and I believe this is not an achievement or time to celebrate but this is a small step towards the beginning of my career. I have a long way to go."

Before venturing into movies, he did a course from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, but feels that three months' training can't decide one's future.

"I think it's good to come prepared as it isn't an easy industry to survive. Training helps a newcomer to feel confident, but that doesn't mean you are unbeatable. One should not become complacent... and should not walk chin-up," he said.

Cool Beans: I Have My Copy!!!!

I received my copy of Cool Beans this afternoon. I am so excited! I am currently reading A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman; so once I'm done that will be the next book on my reading list. I can't wait!

Epic shoe post.

Feat. Burberry. Wedges. Nicholas Kirkwood.

Lately thoughts of shoes have been weighing heavily on my mind. Desire, lust, indecision, greed...all powerful, pervasive emotions tugging on my soul. Not only do I want so many shoes, but I don't know which ones I want to buy. I don't realistically know what I can afford because I don't know what my work shifts will be after next week. Or if I'll have a job next year after graduating uni.

I also don't know what I want simply because I just can't make up my mind. Somewhere in the last six months I seem to have lost all ability to make my own decisions about what to buy/what is fierce. Buying my birthday dress ALONE in the middle of the CITY was torture. Tor-ture. Like, it was fine, the dress was great, it was Kirrily Johnston and I found bangin' Miu mius to go with it. And yet I almost tore my hair out trying to make a decision. Sigh. I gotta get my own will back and stop haranguing my cousin Anthea over every possible purchase.

Speaking of Anthea, I want all you bitchez to go and buy InStyle this month (Anne Hathaway is on the cover). Why? Because Anthea's illustration is in it that's why! If you flick to page 222 it is next to the Lucette section. So talented. Garance, who?

ONTO THE SHOES!

First of all, I would just like to say that Burberry is bang-on generally, like, all the time. But their Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2010 collection knocked it out of the park. Especially re: shoes. So here they are, my fave Burberry shoes of the moment. Some may be from another season. Who cares. Feast your eyes:






Also: note the socks. Love love love it. I want those socks.




Love these...


but I think they're better in cream.


See runway for reference.


Not sure where these are from. Don't care. They are Burberry. They are divine.


Pretty satin Burberry flats! These would not last on my feet for 20 seconds. They're too satiny and pretty. But I would stare at them a lot.

Okay, onto the wedges. FYI: I used to HATE wedges. I detested them with a passion (as, indeed, the word 'detest' would imply). But then a change happened. I think it started with these...


These Diane von Furstenberg babies changed my life.


I'm pretty sure these are Givenchy. I'm pretty sure I love them.


Ditto!


Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony western buckle wedges.


Chloe Sevigny IN Opening Ceremony western buckle wedges.


These Elizabeth and James ones are ok. But the quest for gorgeous, fuck-off amazing, badass, affordable wedges continues. Holla at me if you find some.

Can we show Nicholas Kirkwood some love now please? Sculptural, beautiful, art.









OH WAIT AND LOOK AT THESE FUCK-OFF AWESOME FLATS:

no-one would step on your toes in theeeese

Next on the agenda: in addition to perfect wedges I have to find the perfect mythical bag. Hot, slouchy tote, not very expensive, not a shitty copy of a designer bag. Doooooooomed.

Micheal Vick best Player

Micheal Vick
Micheal Vick body
Micheal Vick
Micheal Vick with Dog
Micheal Vick