Awwww Lillypad...I love you

Way Above Average

I you liked Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat, then you should love Above Average by Amitabha Bagchi. It is definately more though provoking and the picture painted by the author about Delhi makes me want to go and visit. Having finished the book on a rainy, slightly chilly afternoon over many cups of chai and black coffee, the book left me very nostalgic about my college days, the bonds formed then, the heartbreaks and tequila shots and of course fantasizing about the aunties.

The non linear narration appeals to me as a Tarantino fan. The honesty in the narration and the humor in even sad situations makes it a very enjoyable read. And you really don't have to be an IITian to get the book. Being an engineer and having spent time in research helps me relate the some of the fundas in the book (more than anyone else, I really don't know).

The book does not live up to its title....It is way above average.

Bottom line....go grab a copy today.

Voices inside my head
Echoes of things that you said


De do do do, de da da da................Is all I want to say to you


*grin*........can't wait

"Musharraf's trump card has been, and still remains, the United States' strong backing for him. Washington's dependence on Musharraf is only increasing. The defeat in Iraq makes it imperative for the US to salvage the war in Afghanistan."

Hmmmmm....so reports in media have already started with the " US lost" stories....pretty interesting...This is the first time I have heard this....I wonder what the GOP supporters at my work place will have to say about this...Could be an interesting coffee break conversation!!!!!

Found out today that the Citi Dividend Card which used to give me 5 % cashback on gas, supermarket and pharmacy purchases, now gives me only 2% on the above categories...they just discontinued the offer a few months back and as per the fine print they are not obliged to inform the customer...urgggh.....stop using Citibank MC now...

A few months back, when I heard Roger Waters was touring North America, I knew that it was among the 'must attend' concerts for this year....was initially planning on going to the one at the Q in Cleveland....but then to pacify my visibly upset cousin, I agreed to attend the one in Camden, NJ at the Tweeter Center this past weekend.....chaddi dost, cousin who doubles as best buddy, other cousin and yours truly swayed under the influence of alcohol (actually just me and now the not so upset cousin) while Mr. Waters sang the following:

Set One
1. In the Flesh
2. Mother
3. Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
4. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I - V) (abridged)
5. Have a Cigar
6. Wish You Were Here
7. Southampton Dock
8. The Fletcher Memorial Home
9. Perfect Sense, Parts 1 and 2
10. Leaving Beirut
11. Sheep
Set Two (The Dark Side of the Moon)
1. Speak to Me/Breathe
2. On the Run
3. Time
4. The Great Gig in the Sky
5. Money
6. Us and Them
7. Any Colour You Like
8. Brain Damage
9. Eclipse
Encore
1. The Happiest Days of Our Lives
2. Another Brick in the Wall, Part II
3. Vera
4. Bring the Boys Back Home
5. Comfortably Numb

Highlights of the show included.....A guy in his 40's with his kid who must have been no more than 10.....I had to stop the guy and tell him " You rock for bringing the kid along"......While 'not so upset' cousin and me were in waiting line to start double fisting Guinness' and Heinekens....the lady in front of us says...I'm sure he is going to play 'The great gig in the sky'....he has the ladies on stage for backing vocals.....and then after a wonderful sly smile she added..." My first son was born to 'The great gig in the sky' and my second son was born to 'money'......priceless I say....and last but not least....I experienced the closest I can get to Floyd with the guys I grew up rocking to and with!!!!!

In the past few years I have attended Dave Matthews Band concerts, U2 concerts, Rush, Queen with Paul Rodgers and Waters...DMB fans and concerts are very energetic....U2 concerts are amazing but the crowd is quite the yuppie kind......but I have to say the best fans were at the Rush, Queen and Waters concert.....the 60's and 70's junta knew how to ROCK!!!!..reminds me of the time I went for the Rush concert by myself....was braving the rain and cold and to prevent my cigarette from getting wet I was holding it with two fingers and covering it with my palm....around me the air smelt of Mary Jane's perfume....and this guy (probably in his 50's) tapped me on the shoulder and with a wide grin said " I don't mean to borrow a hit from you....but this now smells like a rock concert"....I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was only smoking Marlboro Ultra Lites......

Now I am back home and shall watch a few more Floyd concerts with the new toy.....Infocus IN 72

Attended my 3rd Dave Matthews Band concert last night at The Blossom Music Center....so far this was the best one....a lot of jamming.....super energy..decent setlist..and an insane encore which comprised of the American baby Intro and Two Step..probably lasted for 20 minutes atleast......Two Step has always been my favorite DMB song and its always awesome live.....the one played yesterday was quite similar to the one from Live at the Gorge.....as always....can't wait for the next one....

SETLIST

Pantala Naga Pampa...>*
Rapunzel*
When The World Ends*
Rhyme & Reason*
Hunger For The Great Light*
Break Free*
Louisiana Bayou*
Smooth Rider*+
Grey Street*
Sleep To Dream Her*
Grace Is Gone
JTR*
Crash Into Me
Jimi Thing*
Ants Marching*

Encore:
American Baby Intro...>*
Two Step*

All songs with Butch Taylor
*Rashawn Ross on trumpet
+Warren Haynes