Cohabitation - Breakdown of family system

The title of this article sounds like yet another crazy conspiracy theory against capitalism. This article is a hypothesis which is lingering in my mind by observing the influence of media on the family (rather lack of) values in the west.
A common phenomenon in the west is that teens move out of their parents’ home for no specific reason other than peer pressure. In the media, especially Hollywood you can see characters who live with their parents in late teens portrayed as sexually unattractive. Parents are forced to hate children living with them. Being brought up in India, I find it rather hard to understand why women are turned off by a successful handsome guy who lives with parents.

Media is funded by Capitalists. Capitalists promote reckless consumerism by encouraging promiscuity. Generally speaking, parents tend to be critical of the the unwise sexual choices of the teenagers. When parental guidance become a hindrance to monetary benefits of capitalist society, a grand scheme is devised to break one of the most fundamental institutions of the Human species. The Family. Here is how it works…for the Capitalists.

Contrary to the Eastern world where the cost of child’s education is borne by the parents, in the West it is normal for teenagers to pay for their own education. The contribution of parents is usually small. This leaves the parents with a significant amount of money that they can splurge on to celebrate(?!) their son/daughter moving out. Expensive cars, jewelry, fancy electronics are some of the top articles advertised targeting this segment of people.

Young adults who are driven out of their parents are viewed as cheap labour. They soon set out in quest for girl, car, house. Some of the goods marketed towards this segment include used cars, movies, video games, alcohol, tobacco products, baggy/ugly clothes, fast food.

After hard work certain proportion of responsible kids among these young adults grow up into successful professionals. Do you know the most important product advertised targeting them? The answer is DEBT. The current financial meltdown is the direct effect of breakdown of family system in the West.


“The development of Modern Industry, therefore, cuts from under its feet the very foundation on which the wealthy society produces and appropriates products. What the wealthy class, therefore, produces, above all, are its own grave-diggers. Its fall and the victory of the working class are equally inevitable.”

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Cyclic nature of wars - a mathematical point of view

Many historical processes are dynamic (a dynamic process is one that changes with time). Populations increase and decline, economies expand and contract, while states grow and collapse. A very common mode of mathematical analysis consists of taking a holistic phenomenon and mentally splitting it up into separate parts that are assumed to interact with each other. This is the dynamical systems approach, because the whole phenomenon is represented as a system consisting of several interacting subsystems.

Dynamic phenomena are typically characterized by nonlinear feedbacks, often acting with varying time lags. A formal mathematical apparatus is indispensable when we wish to rigorously connect the set of assumptions about the system to predictions about its dynamic behavior.

A cyclical pattern of wars for the western world is shown below:

1600s started with "Thirty Years' war" involving most of the countries of Europe. This war shaped the colonial formation of future nations.The Thirty Years' War rearranged the European power structure, making Spain's military and political decline visible. France emerged as the leading power followed by (Great?) Britain. 1600s saw a consolidation of colonization of Americas and increased political power of Corporates in India.

1700s were relatively mild partly due to the peace between English and Fresh royalty though the peasants are at war most of the time. French lost significant ground to English and towards the end of the century this led to French Revolution. This period punctuated the shift in the focus of colonization to India from Americas as the American continent were increasingly populated by Europeans. After all blood is thicker than water…

1800s started with Napoleonic wars which at the time was the greatest war time in human history. Defeat of France confirmed Britain as the sole Super Power of the world. Parallel events include rise of USA, Japan and Germany, rape of British India and colonization of Africa.This was a relatively peaceful century for the west as the world braced for World Wars.

Early 1900s saw world wars, rise of USA & USSR, fall of empires (British, French, etc.). The focus of Colonization shifted towards Middle East. The end of 20th century saw rise of China and India, decline of Europe, Russia and USA (relatively!).

A few closing points for future discussion:

• War always happen in cycles. If the war results in a overwhelming victory for one side, the victorious powers become financially sound by enjoying the spoils of war. If the war is a close contest, new power(s) will rise based on the intensity of war
• In this context one may quote Benjamin Disraeli (1804 –1881) “England has neither eternal friends nor eternal enemies. She has only eternal interests”
• Christianity brought relative peace within a country but resulted in frequent wars between non-believers and people from other faith. It also served as a tool for moral justification of colonization
• The current economic affluence of west is not due to its cultural superiority(?), social freedom or scientific progress. It is a direct benefit resulting the use of ‘Institutionalized Organized Violence’ called War
• Understanding the cycles of war and eternal re-distribution of power can be put to monetary use as demonstrated by savvy capitalists.

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Guide to the US Elections 2012

American elections are lengthy drawn out battles for power. For folks who are accustomed to Vadivel-Vijayakanth rhetoric, US elections might lack the spicy masala. But understanding and following US elections 2012 is very important for your survival unless you are sure that your country is not in the to be announced defined evil Axis list. 

All US elections are fundamentally about left vs right. To quote KrishAshok, "The Democrats are Left (usually licking their wounds), and the Republicans are Right (in the thick of stealing elections)". D's are strong in coastal areas and in major cities. R's are strong in interior Christian heartlands. D's prefer bringing troops home, R's want to maintain American superiority in foreign lands. D's are prefers to spend money in social upliftment of poorer sections of society. R's prefer strengthening military and to reduce the tax burdens of the over-taxed rich and to create jobs by encouraging business growth.

Branding is very important in American culture. Politicians stand by the brand decisions of their parties even if they don't agree fully to a stand on a issue. For example, politicians take sides in sensitive personal choices like abortions. These things will be discussed and debated in detail with people for and against decisions without considering the unique personal positions and the emotions of the unfortunate women who have to face such decisions.

Personal stuff like sexual orientations are some of the strongest topics political commentators cover on a daily basis. Pressing social issues like drugs, alcoholism, violence and failing marriages usually take back seat against abortions and homosexuality. 

Socialism is a taboo word in American politics. So are certain religions and their views. But openly accepting millions of dollars from companies to support their cause (aka lobbying) is surprisingly not even frowned upon. Loot of OBL and OIL will be selling points for D's and R's this time respectively. So is falling employment rates, economic downturn and racism. 

American elections never lack the funny side. D’s think they can get R’s votes by nominating a white old guy as VP, who looks like R’s presidential candidate. R thinks they can get D’s votes by nominating a woman as VP, who is the same sex as D’s failed presidential nominee.

Sadly both the parties do not address declining education system and too much dependence on maintaining dollar as reserve currency. Without addressing these two seemingly complex but not serious issues, pressing problems like job loss, price rise, violence cannot be sorted out. 

Thanks

This post is inspired by KrishAshok's 2008 version of The Dummies’ Guide to the US Elections. Here are some of his usual bone-tickling-funny views on D's and R's.

"The Democrats are Left (usually licking their wounds), and the Republicans are Right (in the thick of stealing elections)" 

"Ds are best described as a pluralized slang term for cats lacking patriotism while Rs are best described as people with scarlet shading in the neck area indulging in ugly jingoism."

"Ds prefer to save polar bears while making America energy starved. Rs will run their extra large SUVs on the fat of polar bears, if necessary. "

"Ds are out-of-touch elites. Rs are rich old white people." 

"Ds are French. Rs have so many balls that it impedes their movement."

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10 things a man should know..

10. Know how to tie a Tie

For some ties are uncomfortable and serve no useful purpose. In some places, the use of colored and patterned neckties indicating the wearer's membership in a club, military regiment, school. There is a theory that it is a phallic symbol. Whatever said and done, In the modern workwear almost all of us are required to wear a tie atleast for a couple of occasions in our professional life. Being comfortable in wearing a tie is one of the basic skills a man should have.

9. Know how to be good at some kinda Sport

If there is one thing that defines manliness, that is competitiveness. What is a better way to demonstrate friendly competition that a sport.  It doesn't mean that someone has to be good in a physically demanding sport. Any competitive sport will do.   Mastering some sport be it cricket, tennis, table tennis, chess or even card game allows you to be demonstrate your competitive drive.

8. Know how to perform first aid

First aid is highly underrated. But being there for a stranger in a life & death moment and rescuing him/her is the ultimate manly moment in a man's life.   Some organizations offer classes, even free classes. There are some basic techniques like   Airway management,  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Emergency bleeding control which can be easy to learn and are very valuable when used. If you have kids there are kinda mandatory.

7. Know how to throw a punch

A man is not a man when he gives in when the situation calls for a punch in the face. Knowing how to deliver a punch is essential. Avoiding fist fight is better. But life is messy anyway. So go online and read how to throw a basic punch. Askmen gives a good advice.

6. Know how to not show emotions

Captain cool, Cool dude, ice cool - coolness quotient is one of the most attractive features in a man. Everyone goes through emotions quite often. One of the most manly things is to be cool. To quote from a Tamil movie Kurudhipunal, "the brave one is the one who doesn't show his fear". Personally some of my favorite men (Dhoni, Steve Waugh, Rajinikant) have an aura of coolness about them.

5. Know how to crack a joke

Surprisingly, the most masculine trait is humor. That explains why we don't have as many female comedians. A bit of humor can relax even some of the most tense situations. It is also directly related to the know how#6.

4. Know how to touch a woman

We now enter the forbidden zone. I firmly believe that every man should be good at their touch with a woman. Knowing when to caress, when to hold tight, when to hug, when to push are all the things that I believe are mandatory. No need to be a Kamasutra guru but having basic knowledge of female anatomy helps a long way.

3. Know how to cook

Again another paradox. Cooking, surprisingly is an alpha-male behavior. Look around, how many celeb chefs are female. The only female cooks we love are our mothers. Every other good cook that I know are men. Knowing how to cook gives you so much mileage with women. 

2. Know how to take care of children

Child rearing still remains in the female zone. But knowing how to take care of children like changing diapers,  comforting them when they cry, making them sleep has sooooo much appeal with women. It is much more satisfying experience as well.

1. Know how to converse

Probably the most important know how a man must have. Conversations are the bed rock of social life. We are all social animals. We all know that a good conversationalist ends up with the best girls around. Introducing ourselves when necessary, asking open ended questions, keeping the internal monologue under control, maintaining control on the conversational transactions are some things that are worth learning and practicing. 

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Cult of Kannagi

Kannagi Statue in Marina beach, Chennai

Kannagi is the central character Silappathikaaram, one of the five Great Epics of Tamil literature. She is an ordinary woman by flesh and blood, who met great tragedy, performed miracles and being worshipped as Goddess godess of chastity under various names Kannagi, Pathini, Baghavathy.

Kannagi statue in Marina beach (pictured below) is a part of many political maneuvers in the last an present decades. We tend to take sides with the two political rivals on whether the statue needs to be there or not. However, the statue represents Kanangi, similar to Boudica of pre-Roman Britain. Understanding history and culture is essential to have a point of view on the cult of Kannagi.

Silappathikaram - a synopsis

Kovalan-Kannagi

Modern knowledge about Kannagi is through Silappathikaram which is the story of a chaste woman's love for her husband and her retaliation against the injustice done to him.


Kannagi of Kaviripoompattinam married Kovalan from the same city in a marriage arranged by elders as per the customs of that time. Both Kannagi and Kovalan hailed from very rich family of merchants. Early portions of Silappathikaram deals with the detailed courtship of Kovalan and Kannagi and the romance of the arranged marriage. Kovalan, rich and famous, had contacts at the highest levels.

Romance of Kovalan - Madhavi

 He accompanied the Chola king Nedumudikkilli to the arangettram of Madhavi, a young exotic dancer/courtesan, fell in love with her and left Kannagi for her. Madhavi started to lead a chaste life away from her dancing days and bore a daughter Manimekalai to Kovalan. As time went on, Kovalan's wealth dwindled and he broke up with Madhavi.

Kovalan then went back to Kannagi, who took him back with love and they decided to rebuild their life. They moved to Madurai, the capital city of Pandiyan where Kannagi offered her anklets to Kovalan to finance their new life. When Kovalan placed the anklets for sale, the goldsmith, who stole the anklet of the Queen consort of Pandiyan King, framed Kovalan.  Paandiyan king on hearing same being angered very much, without having any formal inquiry or checking into the truth of same ordered his city-guards to behead Kovalan immediately, and the order was executed by his city-guards.

Furious Kannagi in Pandyan court

Kannaki came to know of the unfortunate tragedy that befell her husband. She wailed over in much grief, and then proceeded to the royal court where in the audience of the King she accused the Paandiyan king of grave injustice. To prove than the anklets that she worn were her own, she broke it revealing the ruby pieces embedded in it as against the pearls of the Queen' anklet. The King was stunned for having failed to deliver justice and fell dead. However Kannagi's fury never abated and she then proceeded to burn the city in vengeance. Madhavi saddened by the events renounced the life of a courtesan. She and her daughter Manimekalai embraed Buddhism.

Manimekalai is the central character of the sequel to Silappathikaram.

The Construction of the first Kannaki temple

Chera King of that time, Cheran Chenguttuvan decided to build a temple for Kannagi and believed it to be of high esteem for emperer of his calibre to bring the stone required for the carving of the Kannaki statue at this proposed temple only from Himalayas instead of from a hilly region within Chera country. He went on an big expedition to the north crossed Ganges river were met the resistance thereafter of the other kings in the north headed by kings Kanakan and Vijayan. He waged war with them captured Kanakan and Visayan and proceeded to Himalayas cut out the stone required bathed same in holy Ganges river and made the two captive kings to carry same on their heads and came back to the Chera country. The lines "கனக விஜயனின் முடித்தலை நெறித்து, கல்லினை வைத்தான் சேர மகன்..." refers to this event.

Cheran Chenguttuvan instructed to his officers that on completion of the carving and the construction of the temple, a big consecration ceremony of the statue of Goddess Pattini in the temple built to be done with the statue dressed up with rich cloth and jewellery made by expert artisons, with floral sacrifices made and protective ornements fitted, the Velvi (fire sacrifice) and festival to be conducted daily to sanctify the Goddess.

The spread of Kannaki worship to other countries as stated in Silappathikaaram

Silapathkaarem further states the new Paandiya king Vettrivel Cheliyan of Pandiya Nadu who succeeded Paandiyan Nedunchelian at Madurai, did Kala Velvi to Goddess Kannaki by killing 1000 goldsmiths and conducting saanthi ceremonial rituals, and the country prospered with fall of rain and free from he sickness and sufferings of the people after the great tragedy.

The Ilangkosar king of Kongu Nadu too did saanthi ceremonial rituals to Goddess Kannaki and his country too prospered with fall of rain.

The Chola king Perungkilli built a temple for Patthini Goddess who was considered as the one who gives boons in many ways at Uraiyur, and arranged daily worship at this temple.

The king Gayavaahu of ocean surrounded Ilangai (Sri Lanka) built a temple for Kannaki and an alter for daily offerings considering her as one who destroys evils and bestows favours, and in the month of August held a festival in the city taken several times there had been rain fall with unfailing agriculture and all prosperity.

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Flavors of Tamil Humor

Tamil movies have amazing sense of humor right from the early days. Every era has its chief comedian-actor like NSK, Nagesh, Thangabalu, Goundamani, Senthil, Crazy Mohan, Vivek, Vadivelu, Santhanam, and the list goes on.

The classification of comedy doesn't exist in the classical sense but from an individual perspective. For example various comedians and writers have used Slapstick (Vadivelu in particular), parodies, satire but the classification is not done in lines of genres.  Usually we call it Crazy Mohan comedy, Vadivel comedy, Goundamani-Senthil comedy.

Humor comes in many flavors, any of which may appeal to one person but not to another, and which may be enjoyed in alternation or in combination.  We have Anecdotal,Blue, Burlesque, Dark/Gallows/Morbid, Deadpan, Droll, Epigrammatic, Farcical, High/highbrow, Hyperbolic, Ironic, Juvenile/sophomoric, Mordant, Parodic, Satirical, Screwball, Self-deprecating, Situational:, Slapstick and many other unique varieties and overlapping varieties.

In the near future I am going to post some posts with well-known Tamil comedy scenes and their classification per Humor Theory.

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Spellbee...

The farmer and his wife had worked hard, scrimped and saved to send their son to college.

As soon as he had enrolled, he started to grow a large mustache and sideburns.

Next he grew a beard.  .

Being pleased with his new facial adornment, he had his picture taken and sent it off to his parents.

On the back of the photo he scrawled "How do you like it? Don't I look like a count?"

Shortly after, the son received this harsh note: "You idiot, it cost us a fortune to send you to college, and you can't even spell!"

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Sin city Swami - @SriNithyananda

Hi tech Swami

Goddamned Godman Swami Nithyanandha is back in fame after being appointed as a pontiff of 1500 year old religious institution is being welcomed by media to boost their ratings. He is being alleged of paying a huge sum as donation in an attempt to corner this role. Several law suits are filed over his appointment. To give a background Madurai Adheenam was established by Thirugana Sambandar, a poet-saint who lived in 7th century A.D. 

Front Cover of his book

Frankly I am a fan of Swami Nityananda's articles in Kumudham which is now available in a book format Kathavai Thira Katru Varatum. It is a brilliant collection of articles, short stories in a easily understandable format. He is young but not too young to be a Kutty Samiyar. In fact his is good at picking up cuties. To me, a religious pontiff is a business leader who leads an organization that provides religious services. Swami is definitely is charismatic with good command on multiple languages. He is also tech savvy. He is an established player in cyber space (no pun intended :D) which is attested by his brilliant website. He also has a dedicated Online TV channel. He is active in twitter @SriNithyananda. What is not very clear is the range of religious services he offers. I am yet not convinced with his product/ offering line in the religious arena.

Sex tape Swamy

While Swamy became famous when his sex tape with Rajitha leaked in Sun TV a couple of years ago, it is a bit harsh unleash vengeance through law agencies on him.  He was arrested from a Himachal village and sent to jail for 50 days, too harsh for a non-crime. Sex is a natural human drive, so it's a good bet that the Swamy got some. Actress Ranjitha, who debuted in 1992 when Swamy was a 14 year old teenager. She must have made helluva impression on his adolescent mind. 

To be fair to the swamy, Hinduism is not shy about sexuality. It is one of the means of reaching attainment. We have some of the most promiscuous Gods and mythological beings.  His opponents are hell bent on reversing his anointment as head of the Madurai Adheenam, a 1,500-year-old Shaivite math, one of the richest in the state, with control over 1,250 acres of land and other properties across Tamil Nadu. Or maybe they are jealous of  this Pickup Artist Swamy. 

Is he Gay? or he is just not good at it?

He may be part of may controversies. But what I fail to understand is what he has done wrong. I have watched his alleged tape and could not find anything sexual there. Wait.. He is imponent? That explains it. In not part of the video I can see the Swamy getting up and running. What I watched so far is just innocent playful interactions of the emotional nature. 

Another friend of mine find Swami to be very effeminate. With that pottu he looks like a Miss Koovagam contest winner. 

I wonder if the Swamy is ridiculed for his lack of abilities of the sexual nature or his appearance?

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Mannequins, Idolmakers and Modern Art

Photo courtesy - Dibyangshu Sarkar / AFP — Getty Images

Idols - they play a vital role in a culture where the most dominant religions are encourage worship with idols. Sculptures hold special place in my heart. Right from child hood, I am fascinated by idols. Sculpture holds a special place in visual arts over Painting and Photography because it operates in three-dimensions. The religious fervor adds the fourth dimension creating those metaphysical hallucinations hinting the concept of Godliness.

Photo Courtesy  @vijaysrj

Everyday I walk beside the sculpture near my office. Sadly, I could not understand or relate to the meaning conveyed by the structure. Sometimes I get criticized for being very naive when I don't "get" the hidden meaning of Modern art. Again what is the point of an art that appeals only to elitists. Cubism, Dadaism, Futurism, Impressionism, etc., have nothing to do with my people. For these concepts are neither old nor modern, but are only stammering of men to whom God has denied the grace of a truly artistic talent, and in its place has awarded them the gift of jabbering or deception.  Money has killed our appreciation of art and forces us into applaud something we don't love just to "fit in". While I am not excluding any genre of Art from its greatness, most of the modern art what we see nowadays is worthless. Modernism provides a means for its artists to hide his imperfections under the invisible cloak of appreciation. People seem confused by its randomness and just pretend to see some great hidden artistic appeal which doesn't exist at all. And they justify it by paying huge money. Modernism breeds Elitism. 

In contrast, classic masters derive their fame and glory by laborious quest for perfection. Relentless  concentration  and vigorous effort over longer periods of time breathes life into the stones. Modern art represent cheap wealth; its artists come from the uber sections of the society. Classic art depicts real life beauty and ugliness. It's creators come from the middle layers of the society who earn by hard labor. Modernist Artists seem to be fickle minded upper class folks who are too lazy to even aim for perfection. They often produce half baked work and market it with lavish settings. More often than not they employ traditional skilled artists to do the hard work for a small pay.

Mannequins - Classic sculptures made of modern materials?

Dianne - by James

If we closely observe, we can see that 21st century is not all about imperfect renditions masquerading as advanced art. Unlike Abstract art which is a product of the untalented, sold by the unprincipled, to the utterly bewildered, there is still room for realistic depictions of beauty and classic definitions of attractiveness.


Surprisingly, they find commercial applications in the temples of capitalism - upscale malls. Yes, I am talking about Mannequins. It is indeed an interesting application of classic techniques with modern tools and raw materials.

Darlanne/ Vintage Cocktail Dress

Some of the lingerie retailers boast very realistic mannequins. Victoria's Secret's plastic models represent how indispensable realism is for art, especially when it comes to mass appeal.  While most of the mannequins seem to be made out of templates, some of them are noteworthy for their appeal.

Shown above is a plastic sculpture of a beautiful lady whose dress and accessories are probably "on sale". So realistic is the depiction, it makes the women who passes by jealous. Some of these mannequins are borderline Agalmatophilicious.

 
While many believe that Realism is dead, it is not; it survives by hiding behind the glass walls of the stores. It fuels a huge industry filled with hard working artists, gorgeous models and greedy capitalists. Yet it is winning; because surviving the assault from Modernist Elitists is a victory in itself.


So the next time you turn your heads towards an exotic mannequin in a lingerie store, don't feel shy. It is what the grand masters strived for. With modern inventions, the renditions of classic art is now made less painful and more approachable to the common man; or anyone who walks by the mall.

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Harmonize Projekt 2 - Youtube nightingales that I stumbled upon

Often the smartest people are the laziest ones. Now, I don’t know about you, but laziness doesn’t seem so bad to me when you look at it that way. On a lazy Saturday morning, I stumbled upon a wonderful band. I dont normally post Youtube videos when I do, I guarantee you dont wanna miss it.

Poottukkal Pottalum

A sweet melody from Chatriyan, the 1990 Indian Tamil film written and produced by Mani Ratnam starring Vijayakan the role of an honest cop and Thilakan as a corrupt politician in the main villain role. There were so many sweet melodies in this movie.  

I am a music fan, not a critic; but I have to say that the lady's pleasant rendering of Ilayaraja deserve accolades. Especially the verses "padathai thalli vaipom, paatukal alli vaipom"  (பாடத்தை தள்ளி வைப்போம் பாட்டுக்கள் அள்ளி வைப்போம்) at 1:49 stole my heart.

Paruvame

Ilayaraja masterpiece rendered with a jazzy  eloquence. This 1980 song is one of great examples of music for the situation.. how well the music expresses the early morning environment.

After three decades, a new batch of youngsters experiment with class and imbibe a piece of their own attitude into the music. I am sure Raja will be proud to see his work inspiring yet another generation of music enthusiasts. 

Original is of course better, 80s rocked because of Ilayaraja

Uravugal thudarkathai

Another superb rendition of a personal favorite Aval Appadithan ("That's How She Is").  The movie starts Rajnikanth, Kamal Hassan and Sripriya. Noted for its stylized dialogue sequences (which itself deserves a blog post), this movie has beautiful songs. 

Nee paartha 

By this time you would have realized that I am a die hard fan of Ilayaraja. This song from Hey Ram is a very big hit among International Music lovers. I leave it to you to hear it and feel it.

I googled them and found their fan page 

Harmonize Projekt 2 Fan Page

As I am typing this blog, I realized that this is the first time I talk about music. Like I said before, you don't have to know music to talk about it. 

It is like food, just know how to eat

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