rust & stardust – Page 4 – my only consistency is my inconsistency.

some thoughts on friendships

I think if our extended quarantine has taught me anything, it’s that we emphasize our relationships too much. Hangouts are exhausting. It’s great to have a pool of people available, but keeping up is exhausting. There’s been less pressure to keep up and that’s okay.

I think we’re a little brainwashed to have a bunch of really close friends. I have a few, and then I have a lot of friends at a distance I know I can talk to whenever. I think this is a good balance.

It’s okay. Let’s focus on the media studies & the mandolin.

optimize for less

Today, I thought about adding a “Things I Like” page to radhika.dev despite the fact that no one has ever asked me for this. I was just reading a few blogs that had this and thought I should add one, too.

But what is the goal here? What is the end result of this?

When in doubt, optimize for less.

My inherent curiosity already makes optimizing for less consumption really hard. The least I could do is reduce the obligations for creation and update.

There’s only a few things keeping me online now:

Work
Email (always being pruned, always under control)
This blog (I could leave for 3 years and not care as long as my hosting continues — I write here when I want to)
The email newsletter (updated every few months)

Note that radhika.dev/blog isn’t on there. There is no reason to write more for the public web. It’s alright.

Read, absorb, move on.

favorite song of 2014

2014 was the year I fell in love with Alia Bhatt. Some actresses were my favorites before, but wow, I didn’t know what it meant to love a celebrity until I fell in love with Alia.

I remember I saw her second film, 2 States, and was thoroughly unimpressed. But then the Highway trailers… I only saw the movie a year later, but I had so much built around the visuals and the music and Alia in it in my head for a year that I already knew I loved it.

By the time Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania came out, I already knew she was my favorite actress.

Kavya was just my icing on top.

Main paida hi hot hui theen.
Kavya Pratap Singh in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014)

Humpty Sharma has one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. After the full soundtrack came out on YouTube, the only way I was able to find chein was to watch the entire soundtrack every single night for over 2 months.

It’s the only soundtrack with 5 songs in my favorites playlist. That’s every song except for the exceptionally terrible Daingad Daingad.

Everyone has a comfort movie and soundtrack they return to time and time again. This is it for me. I love everything about this movie.

So choosing a single song is really hard. I think the choice is clear, though. Interestingly, in a soundtrack of party bops, this might be my only yearly favorite that isn’t a dance song.

It’s hard to explain why Samjhawan just transcends everything else. It’s just one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. So many Hindi romantic songs are, it’s too bad they don’t crack my favorite song of the year more often.

What’s important is that I love Alia Bhatt more than I’ve ever loved anyone in my real life.

focus

Focus is just energy management.

There is no need to shame oneself or adopt absurd rules to control when one is tired. Just take it easy. You’ll focus well again when you’re less tired.

all my favorite indian songs of all time

remember me like this.

here is the spotify playlist:

since i don’t trust spotify, here is a html table with the current entries.

Track Name	Artist Name	Album Name
Kaun Nachdi	Guru Randhawa, Neeti Mohan	Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
Cutiepie	Pritam, Pardeep Singh Sran, Nakash Aziz	Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Deluxe Edition]
Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan	Kumar Sanu, Kavita Krishnamurthy	Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
Chori Chori	Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam	Lucky: No Time For Love
Kheech Meri Photo (From Sanam Teri Kasam”)”	Neeti Mohan, Akasa Singh, Darshan Raval	Sanam Teri Kasam (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Tod Tadaiyya	Neeraj Shridhar, Neeti Mohan	Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
Do Dhaari Talwaar	Shahid Mallya, Shweta Pandit	Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (Original)
Pyar Ki Kashti Mein	Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik	Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko To Pyar Sajna	Lata Mangeshkar, Udit Narayan	Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Jatt Ludhiyane Da	Vishal-Shekhar, Vishal Dadlani, Payal Dev	Student of the Year 2
Tere Naal Nachna (From Nawabzaade”)”	Badshah, Sunanda Sharma	Tere Naal Nachna (From Nawabzaade”)”
Buzz (feat. Badshah)	Aastha Gill, Badshah	Buzz (feat. Badshah)
Let’s Break Up	Amit Trivedi, Vishal Dadlani	Dear Zindagi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Akh Lad Jaave	Badshah, Asees Kaur, Jubin Nautiyal	Loveyatri – A Journey Of Love
Kar Gayi Chull	Badshah, Amaal Mallik, Fazilpuria, Sukriti Kakar, Neha Kakkar	Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921) (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Trippy Trippy (From Bhoomi”)”	Neha Kakkar, Benny Dayal, Brijesh Shandilya, Badshah, Sachin-Jigar	Trippy Trippy (From Bhoomi”)”
D Se Dance	Sachin-Jigar, Vishal Dadlani, Shalmali Kholgade, Anushka Manchanda	Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Chad Gayi	Tony Kakkar, Neha Kakkar, Amrit Rao, Sanker Sharma	Sixteen
Dil Rang Le	Sunidhi Chauhan, Vinit	Rocky
Magar Meri Jaan	Anushka Manchanda, Mahua, Lalit Pandit	Dulha Mil Gaya
Dil Laga Na	Sukhbir, Soham Chakrabarthy, Jolly Mukherjee, Mahalakshmi Iyer, Suzanne	Dhoom:2 (Original)
Akh Ladiye	Kunal Ganjawala, Shweta Pandit, Javed Ali	Neal ‘N’ Nikki (Original)
Dil Dooba	Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal	Khakee
Chori Chori Dil Le Gaya	Hema Sardesai, Sukhwinder Singh	Garam Masala (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Dil Dil Deewana	Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik	Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega
Na Tum Jano Na Hum	Lucky Ali	Bollywood: Songs From Popular Indian Cinema
Dhak Dhak Karne Laga	Anuradha Paudwal, Udit Narayan	Beta
Afsana	Himesh Reshammiya, Tulsi Kumar	Dil Diya Hai
Chudi Khankayi Re – Yeh Hai JAlwa / Soundtrack Version	Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik	Yeh hai Jalwa
Shikdum	Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal	Dhoom (Original)
Jhalak Dikhla Ja	Himesh Reshammiya	Aksar
Hum Dono Jaisa	KK, Sunidhi Chauhan	Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (Original)
Agar Main Kahoon	Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan	Lakshya (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Mujhe Tumse Mohabbat Hai – Remix	Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan	Tumsa Nahin Dekha – A Love Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Hadh Kardi Aapne	Udit Narayan, Kavita Krishnamurthy	Hadh Kar Di Aapne
Halla Re	Shweta Pandit, Salim Merchant, Robert Bob Omulo	Neal ‘N’ Nikki (Original)
Main Vari Vari	A.R. Rahman	Mangal Pandey: The Rising
Rehem Kare	Sunidhi Chauhan	Cash
Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hain Dil Se (From Dhadkan”)”	Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik	My Best Collection – Sonu Nigam
Baby Doll	Meet Bros Anjjan, Kanika Kapoor	Bollywood Party With Meet Bros
Katiya Karun	Harshdeep Kaur	Rockstar
Haawa Haawa	Mohit Chauhan	Rockstar
Luni Hasi – Female Version	Amit Trivedi, Harshdeep Kaur	Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Pashmina	Amit Trivedi	Fitoor
Chaandaniya	Yashita Sharma, K. Mohan	2 States (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Ambarsariya	Sona Mohapatra	Fukrey (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Saadi Galli Aaja	Ayushmann Khurrana, Neeti Mohan	Nautanki Saala !
Pehli Baar	Shankar Mahadevan, Sukriti Kakar	Dil Dhadakne Do (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Sooiyan (From Guddu Rangeela”)”	Amit Trivedi, Arijit Singh, Chinmayi	Arijit Singh – Ultimate Love Songs
Kalank (Title Track)	Arijit Singh	Kalank
Kinna Sona (From Marjaavaan”)”	Meet Bros., Jubin Nautiyal, Dhvani Bhanushali	Kinna Sona (From Marjaavaan”)”
Naah	Harrdy Sandhu	Naah
Uff	Vishal-Shekhar, Harshdeep Kaur, Benny Dayal	Bang Bang (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Item Number (From Teefa In Trouble”)”	Ali Zafar, Aima Baig	Item Number (From Teefa in Trouble”) – Single”
Aao Raja	Neha Kakkar, Yo Yo Honey Singh	Gabbar Is Back
Manma Emotion Jaage (From Dilwale”)”	Amit Mishra, Anushka Manchanda, Antara Mitra	Manma Emotion Jaage (From Dilwale”)”
Nashe Si Chadh Gayi	Arijit Singh	Befikre (Original)
Je T’aime	Vishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan	Befikre (Original)
Dj Waley Babu (feat. Aastha Gill)	Badshah, Aastha Gill	ONE (Original Never Ends)
Chikni Chameli	Ajay-Atul, Shreya Ghoshal	Agneepath (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Lucky Tu Lucky Me	Sachin-Jigar, Benny Dayal, Anushka Manchanda, Varun Dhawan	Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Second Hand Jawaani (From Cocktail”)”	Miss Pooja, Neha Kakkar, Nakash Aziz	Cocktail
Kukkad	Vishal-Shekhar, Shahid Mallya, Nisha Mascarenhas, Marianne DCruz Aiman	Student of the Year (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Ishq Bulaava	Vishal-Shekhar, Sanam Puri, Shipra Goyal	Hasee Toh Phasee (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Chinta Ta Ta Chita Chita	Sajid-Wajid, Mika Singh, Wajid Khan	Rowdy Rathore (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Rowdy Baby	Yuvan Shankar Raja, Dhanush, Dhee	Rowdy Baby (From Maari 2″ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
Idhedho Bagundhe	Vijay Prakash, Anitha	Mirchi
Nachan Farrate (From All Is Well”)”	Meet Bros., Kanika Kapoor	Move Your Lakk With Sonakshi Sinha
Ding Dang	Amit Mishra, Antara Mitra	Munna Michael (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Udi Udi Jaye	Sukhwinder Singh, Bhoomi Trivedi, Karsan Sagathia	Raees
Dilbar Dilbar	Alka Yagnik	Sirf Tum
Chhote Chhote Peg	Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar, Navraj Hans	Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
Maa Ka Phone	Priya Panchal	Khoobsurat
Lonely	Himesh Reshammiya, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Hamsika Iyer	Khiladi 786
Gulaabo	Vishal Dadlani, ANUSHA MANI	Shaandaar
Ainvayi Ainvayi	Salim Merchant, Sunidhi Chauhan	Band Baaja Baaraat (Original)
Kala Chashma	Amar Arshi, Badshah, Neha Kakkar, Indeep Bakshi	Baar Baar Dekho
Galat Baat Hai	Neeti Mohan, Javed Ali	Main Tera Hero
Cham Cham	Meet Bros., Monali Thakur	Baaghi
Beat Pe Booty	Sachin Sanghvi, Jigar Saraiya, Vayu, Kanika Kapoor	A Flying Jatt
Dholida	Udit Narayan, Neha Kakkar, Palak Muchhal, Raja Hasan	Loveyatri – A Journey Of Love
Balam Pichkari	Vishal Dadlani, Shalmali Kholgade	Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Hawayein	Pritam, Arijit Singh	Jab Harry Met Sejal (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Aithey Aa	Akasa Singh, Neeti Mohan, Kamaal Khan	Bharat
One Two Three Four (Get On The Dance Floor)	Vishal Dadlani, Hamsika Iyer	Chennai Express
Titli	Chinmayi, Gopi Sundar	Chennai Express
Sun Saathiya	Priya Saraiya, Divya Kumar	ABCD 2
Dhinka Chika	Amrita Kak, Mika Singh	Ready
Caller Tune	Himesh Reshammiya, Neeti Mohan	Humshakals (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Psycho Saiyaan (From Saaho”)”	Sachet Tandon, Dhvani Bhanushali, Tanishk Bagchi	Psycho Saiyaan (From Saaho”)”
Socha Hai (From Baadshaho”)”	Jubin Nautiyal, Neeti Mohan, Tanishk Bagchi, R. D. Burman	Socha Hai (From Baadshaho”)”
Ooh La La	Bappi Lahiri, Shreya Ghoshal	The Dirty Picture
Halka Halka	Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam, Ram Sampath	Raees
Dushman Mera	Sunitha Sarathy, Shankar Mahadevan	Don 2
Dreamum Wakeupum	Sowmya Raoh	Aiyyaa
Aga Bai	Shalmali Kholgade, Monali Thakur	Aiyyaa
Aa Toh Sahi	Meet Bros., Neha Kakkar, Roach Killa	Judwaa 2
Aao Kabhi Haveli Pe	Badshah, Nikhita Gandhi, Sachin-Jigar	Stree
Do U Know	Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal	Housefull 2
Malamaal	Mika Singh, Akira, Miss Pooja, Kuwar Virk	Housefull 3
Pyar Ki (feat. Nakkash Aziz, Divya Kumar, Anmoll Mallik, Earl Edgar)	Shaarib, Toshi, Nakash Aziz, Divya Kumar, Anmoll Mallik, Earl Edgar	Housefull 3
Jigar Da Tukda	Salim Merchant, Shraddha Pandit	Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (Original)
Daddy Mummy	Devi Sri Prasad, M. M. Manasi	Bhaag Johnny
Lipstick Laga Ke	Shaan, Payal Dev	Great Grand Masti
Chokra Jawaan	Vishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan	Ishaqzaade (Original)
Makhna	Tanishk Bagchi, Yasser Desai, Asees Kaur	Makhna (From Drive”)”
Gal Ban Gayi	Meet Bros., Sukhbir, Neha Kakkar, Yo Yo Honey Singh	Gal Ban Gayi
Premika	Benny Dayal, Kanika Kapoor	Dilwale (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Ullu Ka Pattha	Arijit Singh, Nikhita Gandhi	Jagga Jasoos
Hip Hip Huraah	Sonu Kakkar	Mere Dad Ki Maruti (Original)
Manali Trance	Yo Yo Honey Singh, Neha Kakkar, Lil Golu	The Neha Kakkar Collection
Rum Whisky (From Vicky Donor”)”	Akshay Verma	Vicky Donor
Madamiyan (From Tevar”)”	Mika Singh, Mamta Sharma	Tevar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Hungama Ho Gaya – From Queen””	Asha Bhosle, Arijit Singh	Hungama Ho Gaya (From Queen”)”
Bimar Dil (From Pagalpanti”)”	Asees Kaur, Jubin Nautiyal, Tanishk Bagchi	Bimar Dil (From Pagalpanti”)”
Goriye	Prem Hardeep, Kaka Bhaniawala, Desi Ma, Arjun, Blitz	Gully Boy
Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi	Neha Kakkar, Tanishk Bagchi, Lalit Sen	Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi
Chaar Kadam	Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal	Pk
Samjhawan	Jawad Ahmad, Sharib Toshi, Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal	Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Saturday Saturday	Sharib Toshi, Badshah, Indeep Bakshi, Akriti Kakkar	Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Emotional Fool	Sharib Toshi, Toshi Sabri	Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Banjaara (From Ek Villain”)”	Mohammed Irfan	Best Of Shraddha Kapoor
Agar Tum Saath Ho (From Tamasha”)”	Alka Yagnik, Arijit Singh	Love Forever With Arijit Singh
Chahun Main Ya Naa	Palak Muchhal, Arijit Singh	Aashiqui 2
Sunn Raha Hai (Female)	Shreya Ghoshal	Aashiqui 2
Awari	Adnan Dhool, Momina Mustehsan	Ek Villain
Phir Mohabbat	Mohammed Irfan, Arijit Singh, Saim Bhat	Murder 2
Tere Naina	Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghoshal	Chandni Chowk To China
Pyaar Manga Hai	Armaan Malik, Neeti Mohan, Abhijit Vaghani	Pyaar Manga Hai
Jaan Meri Ja Rahi Sanam	Anuradha Paudwal, Udit Narayan	Lucky: No Time For Love
Pani Da Rang Male (From Vicky Donor”)”	Ayushmann Khurrana	Vicky Donor
Chori Kiya Re Jiya	Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal	Dabangg
Keeda (From Action Jackson”)”	Himesh Reshammiya, Neeti Mohan	Action Jackson (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Achha Lagta Hai	Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Mohit Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal, Neuman Pinto	Aarakshan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Leja Leja	Sultan Khan, Shreya Ghoshal, Salim Merchant	Ustad And The Divas
Tera Chehra	Adnan Sami	Tera Chehra
Tu Hi Yaar Mera (From Pati Patni Aur Woh”)”	Rochak Kohli, Arijit Singh, Neha Kakkar	Tu Hi Yaar Mera (From Pati Patni Aur Woh”)”
Tu Hi Hai (Ali Zafar Version) [From Dear Zindagi”]”	Amit Trivedi, Ali Zafar	Tu Hi Hai (Ali Zafar Version) [From Dear Zindagi”]”
Haan Main Galat (From Love Aaj Kal”)”	Pritam, Arijit Singh, Shashwat Singh	Haan Main Galat (From Love Aaj Kal”)”
Raabta (Kehte Hain Khuda Ne)	Shreya Ghoshal, Arijit Singh	Agent Vinod
Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte	Sonu Nigam	Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko	Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi	Yaadon Ki Baaraat (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Bangle Ke Peechhe	Lata Mangeshkar	Samadhi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Dum Maro Dum, Pt. 1	Asha Bhosle	Hare Rama Hare Krishna (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (From Caravan”)”	Asha Bhosle, R. D. Burman	Singing Icon – Asha Bhosle
Ek Chatur Naar Karke Sringar	Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mehmood	Padosan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Haa Jab Tak Hai Jaan – From “Sholay Songs And Dialogues, Vol. 2” Soundtrack	Lata Mangeshkar	Sholay Songs And Dialogues (Vol. 2/Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Dil Kya Kare – From Julie””	Kishore Kumar	Chalte Chalte…Kishore Da’s Greatest Hits
O Mere Sona Re Sona	Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi	Teesri Manzil (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Sayonara Sayonara	Lata Mangeshkar	Love in Tokyo (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Hum Dono Do Premi (From Ajnabee”)”	Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar	Diamonds Forever – Lata Mangeshkar
Bahon Mein Chale Aao (From Anamika”)”	Lata Mangeshkar	Diamonds Forever – Lata Mangeshkar
Aao Na Gale Lag Jao Na	Asha Bhosle	Mere Jeevan Saathi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Aa Ja Re Aa Zara Aa	Mohammed Rafi	Love in Tokyo (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Phir Se Ud Chala	Mohit Chauhan	Rockstar
Safar	Pritam, Arijit Singh	Jab Harry Met Sejal (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Aate Jaate Jo Milta Hai	Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik	Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega
Sarsariya	Shashwat Singh, Shashaa Tirupati	Mohenjo Daro
Nayan Tarse	Amit Trivedi	Dev D

disney+

I’ve had Disney+ for the past few weeks now. I hate to say it, but even as someone who doesn’t like Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar, it’s my favorite streaming service right now.

There’s not a lot of particularly interesting new content — the latest animated Disney and Pixar movies are nice — but the rich archives of Disney content for children, from Disney Channel Original Movies to old Disney cartoons is a gold mine of comfortable content.

I prefer it strongly over Netflix, but of course, I feel too deeply embedded into Netflix to give that up. Netflix is too much the default.

I now have 4 streaming services. I’m definitely overwhelmed, but luckily I’m sharing them all with people so I don’t feel too bad.

Nothing beats Disney+ for a quick movie or TV show during the pandemic, though. I’m tired of sad, scary stuff. Let’s just watch TaleSpin.

instapaper zero & the holy grail

I’m a diligent subscriber to the Inbox Zero philosophy. This was first introduced in 2006 by Merlin Mann, a pioneer in the productivity blogging space. I probably reached it in 2006, right around when I had to delete my primary email address, radhika.morabia@gmail.com due to spam overload.

I currently have 6 emails in my inbox. They’re mostly todos or reminders that I need to keep for longer. I don’t really use archives that extensively (usually just for license keys and account backups), so if I get a flight confirmation, it stays in my primary inbox until after it’s done. That’s just my style.

I also clear up my archives a lot.

So, I have my inbox under control… What about other mediums of information intake?

bookmarks

My Bookmarks tend to be mandolin-related (let’s be honest, I’ll never get to most of these, but it’s nice to know another version of me already did the research on where to find chord charts and advanced video lessons) or links to ebooks I’ve bought. I’m okay with that.

We’re not at Bookmarks Zero but we’re close enough that it doesn’t haunt me.

podcasts

Podcasts can ebb and flow in how much they overwhelm me. I always seem to find a new podcast that I want to love and then I’ll hate it.

Currently, I am subscribed to 1 daily news podcast, 1 weekly show, and then ~3 shows that I’d say come out monthly. I’m normally okay with this, just listening when I wake up or when I’m doing the dishes, but finding new shows with 100+ archives is a hell like no other. It’s never worth it.

I used to listen to around 10 podcast episodes a day. I remember so little of it. The podcasts I do remember tend to be fictional and extremely well-produced. Another interesting twist on a talk show format is pointless to me.

youtube

YouTube is a toughie. I definitely have a Watch Later list. Every time I find a new creator, I MUST catch up on videos I am interested in. I slowly go through it. I’m nearly done with my latest one, and I doubt I’ll have a new creator I get obsessed with for a while.

So, YouTube tends to take 30-60 minutes a day. It’s a nice break during meals. The video nature of it makes having a long Watch Later list pretty relaxing catch up. If I miss YouTube for a week though… it’s a lot to catch up on.

tv shows & movies

I use an app called TV Time to keep track of new episodes of shows I keep up with. This is mostly just useful because I have no idea when shows that aren’t on streaming services come out onto the TV.

For movies, I don’t keep a to-watch list, but I keep track of everything I’ve ever watched on Letterboxd.

This is pretty free-flowing and I used to have a huge archive of TV shows to watch from 3 years where I couldn’t watch TV, but now I just kind of watch whatever I want, whenever I want.

journalism & articles

We have reached my true vice. Longform journalism, self-help blogs, and programming articles. I was obsessed with longform.org for at least half a decade. It’s like an addiction I keep going back to. 1% of articles sticks in your brain forever. Is that worth 20 hours a week of reading? I don’t think so.

Self-help and programming articles (which feel similar to me now that I’m a programmer) are about the same rate as well, but luckily, tend to take less than 30 minutes to read.

I had an archive of about 2000 articles in December of 2019. I split the programming-related ones into Pocket, and kept the more personal ones in Instapaper. That diluted the overwhelm a little bit, and I kept just digging through these as separate tasks.

As of today, I have under 500 — back to all being in Instapaper. I want to get to zero.

There’s an option in Instapaper — send my 10 newest articles to my Kindle every week. I have it set to Friday.

I can’t wait for the day where the only articles that are in there are from the past week. Most weeks it will be under 10, and I can slowly get through it one article at a time. Some weeks it’ll be over 10, but never 500.

I spent 3-4 hours catching up on my archive of Instapaper articles. I don’t think I even came close to making a dent.

I want to read 10 articles a day. In 50 days, I will be free.

I miss comic books! I miss real books! I miss using one of my 4 streaming services!

Inbox Zero, Podcast Zero, Bookmarks Zero, YouTube Zero, TV/Movies Zero, it’s all good.

But Instapaper Zero is holding me back from the spontaneity of having a selection of media that a version of me from a year ago didn’t push on me.

“Why not just delete them all?” It’s not that simple. Let’s not discuss that here.

I have a 5 day weekend coming up. I can finally read a bunch of articles and dig into Disney+ at the same time. I can’t wait to be Media Zero.

favorite song of 2013

I watched this song every day for nearly 70 days. I remember that I desperately needed to watch it at least once a day to feel sane. It’s perfect in every way. The song is great, the video is great, the lyrics are ridiculous, and the dancing is perfect.

By this point in my Bollywood career, I was pretty well-settled into understanding Hindi and this year had a lot of my favorite films. I don’t know why this soundtrack stood out so much. I remember a lot of people hated it. I loved it.

It’s also important to note that Sonakshi Sinha and Shahid Kapoor were my favorite actors at the time. Both of them coming in a movie together was the icing on the cake.

early 00s remixes

I recently got re-obsessed with the early 00s remixes made for an MTV generation. As an American, I rarely saw the music videos. The only avenue to do so was the Saturday morning Indian shows. That’s less than an hour, once a week.

However, I did go to India in 2004. I remember seeing a lot of videos then.

I think the way I was exposed to all of these was through a few CDs we had — I never know where my parents got our music from. I think we got it from India. I tried to find some of the songs I remembered, and the list isn’t very long, but well, it exists.

Most importantly, this includes 2 songs that my sister or I performed to when we were young. We weren’t the only ones who knew these songs. I don’t know. It’s hard to capture an era.

albums i keep returning to

Here’s an unordered list of albums I keep returning to in full. This means that I specifically listen to the entire album all the time. There are LOTS of artists where I listen to every album (or multiple albums) all the time, and those are compiled into their own playlist. That doesn’t count!

These are specifically me searching for this specific album all the time. I can like other stuff from the artists, but I want to listen to this album in isolation all the time.