Happy Birthday Rosette

Roads go ever ever on,

Over rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By streams that never find the sea:

Over rain by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

One year. They say one travels far in one year. Who would have guessed, it would have been ten thousand miles! Today marks the first birthday. The first of many more to come. Together, we've roamed the country side, and visited cities. We've spent hours together, alone, and in the company of friends. Life in itself became a lot easier to live once we got to be friends. A small bump along the road, but a few days and all was forgotten. Today, I say Happy Birthday.

A very Happy Birthday Rosette!

The long and winding road
That leads from your door
Will never disappear

The Connected Professional

We live in a world surrounded by the ever present network. No matter where you go, the network is there to keep you company. At work, one is always tethered to the network, wireless though it may be. There is always the flow of emails, calls, online discussions, meetings, and calendar alerts. Sometimes, however, one wonders if we take it too far.

Just the other day, a guy standing in the urinal stall next to me, was doing his business, and his business. He was on a conference call. I just hope he remembered to keep it on mute! I've also seen a guy come out of the closed stalls to wash his hands, while holding his laptop.

Are we so used to being connected that even when when we have to go, we still cant let go? Or is there something more disturbing going on? For now, I just hope for a new policy.

The Bombay Connection

Its a city which boasts a population of 20 million people. That's about 2 thousandths of the world's total populace. Twenty million faces to choose from in nearly 7 billion. Yet, no matter where you go, you always see someone familiar. Its a little unnerving if you think about it.

The connections can be astounding. The more time spent dwelling on the intertwining threads and the more bewildered one can become. Just the other day, I met a person who went to high school with my friend from grad school, a friend of his from undergrad, was my classmate at school, and he works with a classmate of mine from grad school. All from Bombay!

What is it about this city? I've heard so many people complain that we Bombay folk are everywhere. At every turn, you'll meet someone from some part of the city. Its like a tie that binds, and draws us together.

If Music be the Food of Life....

.... then rock on

It all started quite simply over dinner. A conversation of upcoming events and things to do. That's when I learned of the BFD.




The Saturday began like any weekend should, slow and relaxed. After a few basic chores, it was time to get ready and head out to Shoreline Amphitheater. A quick stop at a friend's place, meet her friends, and we head out to grab a bite before the concert.

Eating brunch, a text arrives from another friend, who announces that parking is hell, and the Airborne Toxic Event will go on very very soon. A mad rush to finish, and then a final dash as we reach the amphitheater, allowed us to just make the start of the ATE. What followed next was a day full of live music.

Before I get into the lineup, one band that I will always remember. Mute Math. The last part of their set involved the drummer just taking the lead. All the bands music was centered around the drummer. He even got up and climbed part of the stage to play the "drums" on the metal poles that held up the stage. He then jumped into a mosh pit with his drum, and was well supported by the crowd as he played his drums. That drummer really stole the show :-)

As for the lineup of what I heard...
• Airborne Toxic Event
• Mute Math
• Metric
• Rebelution
• Alkaline Trio
• Taking Back Sunday
• Dead Confederate
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• 311 &
• The Offspring

Some of the music of these artists can be found here. All lovely music. Most of which I had never heard before, but will be sure to hear again.