Louder Than Yesterday Part.2

 In the first grade, I was used to genres like dubstep and pop music because it was all the rage in the early 2010's. Everywhere you went, no matter what you were doing, whether a quick errand to the supermarket or a trip to the electronics store, artists like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears would play in the background in the shops, and would annoyingly follow you by repeatedly playing in your head with its extreme degree of catchiness. I knew I wasn't keen on whatever was popular and that I needed something different. One week, in around 2013 or 2014, I was in the car with my father, and he started playing 'Drag the Waters' by Pantera, a heavy metal band. I never heard anything at all like it.

I was instantly hooked and decided to listen to some songs on the album, and it was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I ever made. The aggression of the guitar tones, the intensity of the singer's voice, the force put into the drums, I was never subjected to anything this extraordinary. I remember as a child, I'd stomp around and walk aggressively for good fun whenever their songs played. I was probably the only first grader you ever heard of who listened to Pantera.

As the years went on, I never really listened to a lot of music until I passively and casually listened to what my dad was playing in the car. This was around the 4th grade. There'd be a couple pop hits and rap hits here and there until he started to play the genre of Nu Metal. Nu metal is a subgenre of alternative metal that combines elements of heavy metal music with elements of other music genres such as hip hop, funk, industrial, and grunge, which sometimes involved the use of electronic instruments, altogether making it a very unique subgenre of rock and one of the most influential genres marking the millenium, that is the year 2000.

Upon listening to this genre, I heard enough to know that it was also some of the best pieces of audible art I heard at the time. Although these bands sometimes weren't as aggressive as Pantera, some of the emotions induced by listening to them felt deeper. The versatility of this genre with hints of rap and electronics with rock made listening to their genre an incredibly immersive experience. The band that got me into this genre was Linkin Park. One of the band's singers, Chester Bennington has left an indelible mark on music history as one of the most influential and talented vocalists of all time. His singing, along with the lyrical skills of Mike Shinoda, the other singer of Linkin Park, arguably the greatest expert in complimenting rap with rock, made Linkin Park a substantially unique band to kickstart the 21st century, with their hit album, Hybrid Theory, released on October 24th, 2000. Other Nu Metal bands that defined my last years of elementary school were Limp Bizkit, Korn, Deftones, Saliva, System of a Down, Sepultura, Papa Roach, Drowning Pool, Incubus, and so on.

A couple months before I turned 10, as intrigued I was by the aggressive style of music put out in the Nu Metal genre, I found myself to be fascinated by a more positive tone of music that was part of a genre called Punk Rock. 

At this point of time, I was exposed to more mainstream artists like Sum 41 and Good Charlotte. Their early 2000's way of energetic power chords and rebellious themes made it an alluring experience, coming home and playing their songs after school. The entire aesthetic vibe of disobedience and flouting authority with the embodiment of the wayward spirits of the youth with this genre's ability to condition the listener to allow himself/herself to let the music's zestful tones channel through the listener made this all the more a genre that stands out from what you normally hear in this day and age. The cultures, hobbies and mindsets that punk rock as a genre has affiliated or associated itself with include skateboarding where it's not allowed, wearing piercings or makeup, the principles of insubordination, the life of an adolescent, heartbreak, relationships, all perfectly describe the life of a youth.

And needless to say, ten year old me loved every single aspect about it, and seventeen and a half year old me still does to this day.

To be continued..

Louder than Yesterday Part.1

 A considerable part in my perspective of life, my way of thinking and speaking, my emotions and my identity is shaped by my taste in music. You see, I was always the black sheep of the herd when I was a child in middle school in terms of my music taste. Everyone else listened to popular genres like Bollywood, R&B, Pop Music and House Music, while I was deep into the subgenres of rock music like Nu Metal, Punk Rock, Hard Rock and Alternative Metal with bands like Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Trapt, Sum 41, P.O.D, Good Charlotte, 311, Saliva, Hoobastank, Korn, Pantera, and Slipknot, where all of these bands were introduced to me by my father.

Keep in mind, this was in the 6th grade, and I've been listening to most of these bands since the 4th, or even the 3rd grade. So, why these genres and not others? Well, let's start with how much effort and talent it takes even to be half as good as these bands. It's very enduring and challenging simply to practice and effortlessly learn even the basics of each and every instrument involved like the guitar and the drums, especially if you're a beginner. Even when bands back in the day wrote songs, they didn't have a readymade beat or a melody, no autotune to correct their vocal flaws, not many tools that the technology of the era contemporary to when this genre of music flourished, to write specific tunes or melodies. It all depended on the musician's ability and skill to write these songs. The quality of every single aspect of the music that's produced depended all on the musicians involved and no one to do it for them.

Another point I'd like to add is how every guitar note and the level of power put into the drums plays an integral role in the emotion the musician expresses and what the listener feels. This is also affected by how each note in the song is synchronized to convey the right message and exhibit the optimum level of vehemence to complement how the instrumentals are played. 

These reasons allow me to appreciate this genre of music for the talent required to produce and the feelings it elicits from the listener. Since my love for this genre is very apparent, I shall elaborate on how my music taste and favourite artists have evolved over time.

To be continued...

Canine Chronicles Part.3

The people of India posit polarizing views on our stray dogs. Some are of the opinion that they are to be treated with respect, courtesy, and dignity, but sadly, some inhuman people here treat them with callousness, ruthlessness, and unconscionability. They fail to see our street dogs as man's best friend, and something unknown in their conscience acts as impetuses to their unjustified aggression towards dogs.

But why? Why, is it that we shun the unwritten guidelines of morality and threaten dogs with a hand that strikes in lieu of a hand that helps? Where is our humanity? Is it to feel powerful through attacking a less powerful target? Is it because of their lack of empathy?

What is crucial to know is that, none of these reasons are ever rightly justified unless there are rare cases of self defense. One must understand that dogs, like human beings, have emotions, and have every right to live as much as we do. Some people either seem to misread some emotions displayed by dogs as aggresion by barking and tail wagging, and as a result, tend to lash out on the dog either verbally or physically. Some inexcusably see them as a nuisance, even though the humans are almost always the initial perpetrators. Some are also raised without values of empathy or sympathy. Due to this, they view them as pests and objects rather than sentient lives.

All of the above points bring us to this fact - our country needs to educate our people on ethics, especially  towards animals. Whether it's by family, friends, or educational institutions, kindness towards animals is a vital human trait, no matter your background, or unjust views pertaining to how animals should be perceived and treated. Dogs, whether we like it or not, have been a part of human society for over 14,000 years. We have made them a part of our society, and to ostracize and harm them, is simply inequitable.

It is also imperative that us Indians establish shelters, where we house stray dogs, feed them food, give them water, and nurture them. We should expand these shelters when they do not have anyone to adopt them instead of putting these dogs down as we are no one to determine whether they should live based on whether no one wants to adopt them.

Even if they were not initially a part of our society, who are we to judge whether they have the right to live or not? I said it before and I will say it again, they are the most beautiful creatures on this planet, they love unconditionally, they do not ask for more than food, water, and care, and are loyal to whoever they are with, and to be a more civilized country, we must love them and treat them as children of our own.

Canine Chronicles Part.2

 My first dog was Brownie. He was two years older than me. He was born sometime in December of 2005, so our family took the decision of celebrating his birthday on Christmas to celebrate the birth of two holy beings in our lives, Jesus Christ and his gift to us, Brownie. Brownie was one of the most beautifully built dogs that ever lived. He had dark brown eyes with citrus orange hued rings around them, so when you gaze into his eyes it's like a galaxy of memories I cherished with him, and more that I was to cherish in the future. He had long manes below his neck, enhancing his look and making him even more handsome. Brownie was a dog who was loyal to his family, and made us members of his pack. And when I was born as the newest member of the pack, nothing gave me greater joy than irritating him. I'd pet him weirdly, pull his ears and tail, and ride him like a cowboy on a horse. But that was simply just me playing my role as his little brother. As the years went on, he grew to be stronger, smarter, more protective, and more affectionate. He was always nimble and tough, capable of running at high speeds till his last days. By around June 2021, he started to have seizures and his bones grew weak. He peacefully passed away on the June 20, 2021. He will not just remain as someone I hold close to my heart, but as my heart itself, and our family will never forget him.

My second dog was Simba. I was six-and-a-half when she was born. She was one amongst a litter of around six puppies. Three  others were adopted, two died, and the sixth one, Simba, was adopted by us after she accidentally got hit by a car. My mother took her in, we fixed up some water and rice with chicken for her, and we slowly witnessed as she gradually recovered. Here, Brownie was the older brother, I was the middle child, and Simba was our little sister. When Simba was introduced to Brownie, it was challenging for him to adapt to having another dog in the house, but they got along like peas on a pod as the weeks went by. She would annoy him, he would do absolutely nothing about it, and they grew to love each other. I of course, was a part of all the fun. I'd run with them, wrestle with them, feed them, play with them, and I was in the best alliance I could ever be a part of. Simba brought this energetic and hyper aura to our house which we didn't know we needed for our happiness as well. But with her, as the years went by, she would grow weaker and less energetic. She went on to have diabetes when she was approximately 9 years of age, from which she mournfully ascended to heaven shortly  after her tenth birthday on August 1, 2024, and my life has not been the same ever since.

Our third dog was Mogu, named after the popular fruit flavoured drink, Mogu Mogu which our family was addicted to at the time, which was mid-late 2021. She had initially belonged to a friend of my father's, but since that person's family could not take care of her, we took the honour of adopting her as our own, since our family felt empty after Brownie had passed away. She had white fur, light brown patches that matched the colour of her eyes so that there would be a flawlessly leveled synonymity and harmony between these colours for when she would appear in pictures and, I must say, she looked even more elegant in impromptu pictures. She ran the fastest of all our dogs and possessed the stamina of an Olympian track runner on a high dose of caffeine. My most fond memories of her were when I was in the eighth grade, and me, my father and her would try to catch her in our building. All attempts to catch her were unsuccessful, but the process of her slowly being a part of our family, and a part of our hearts was surely successful. Mogu and I were the two siblings that never got along, but had a deep love for one another. We would always playfully bully and irritate each other whenever we got bored, and make up for it when she would sit between my legs as I spent most saturday evenings watching T.V, with a glass mug of ice-cold coffee. Life was pleasant. Almost a year later by May 2022, my father and I went on a trip to the United States for the third time and our grandparents took care of Mogu and Simba. Two weeks into our trip, my aunt had received a horribly distressing and disheartening phone call. Mogu was accidentally hit by a car. Hearing these six dreaded words, processing and interpreting them felt like my heart was hit by the same car going twice as fast. It broke me, and I was struggling to move on, but then I accepted the fact that she lived a good life, a life giving love, and being loved, and her being loved is something I will satisfy till my time comes as well.

Our fourth dog is Boggi. Boggi is one of the smartest, clingiest, most mischievous and caring dogs I am privileged to have in my life. Boggi is my rock, my conduit, and my breath. He is the only dog I have left in my life now, and I am conditioned to love him above all else, along with my other dogs looking down on me from up above. He is wonderfully quirky, incredibly hyperactive throughout the day, and loves spending time with us, but not as much as we loved simply being in his presence. It feels holy being around him. He is a little brother sent from God himself to bring me the best friend anyone can ask for. He never judges me, he never cares about what I do wrong, he always showers me with admiration regardless of everything else that goes awry in my life, and I feel like I did nothing to deserve someone as big a blessing as him. Simply his presence is a remedy to my life's challenges and hardships, an anchor through which I can sustain my faith in living. One look in his adorable, silly big eyes and I know he will never leave my side. I promise to treat him with nothing but respect and adoration till the end of time, and I make it my life mission to do so.

This is what my dogs, and all dogs out there as the heartbeat of the world sent from the word above, mean to me. As much as it agonizes me to lose them to fate, I will always keep them in my heart, and will look forward to the day I join them in heaven.

Canine Chronicles Part.1

 Dogs. The essence of not just family, but of all humanity as our best companion. They are god-given creatures, radiant with mirth and contentedness, spreading joy and laughter with their presence.

They really make up a big part of me and I for one, quite simply fail to visualize my life without them.

As a Christian man, I believe dogs to be god's true children. Given that this belief isn't solely supported by the fact that 'dog' is an anagram of 'god', it's also cause when this species is a blank slate, they are naturally affectionate, loyal, trustworthy and sympathetic. You see, most dogs that shun humans or act aggresively towards them possess that character with the reason being how some humans may have affected them, or the dogs ancestors. This evidently suggests that dogs inherently possess positive qualities. However, us humans have significantly less compunction and ethics. We destroy the earth for our well being, we kill and torture animals for food and entertainment, we steal from each other, kill each other, lie to each other and hurt each other but dogs, are pure of heart. 

No matter what kind of person you are. Wealthy, poor, blessed, unfortunate, a saint, or a sinner, someone unattractive or charming, whether your skin colour or your background is different, dogs couldn't care any less. They love us so unconditionally, it's almost fascinating. They will not judge you by any of these characteristics that us humans use to define or label each other with intentions to either alienate or praise one another. They view you and me as living beings deserving of love, especially when we think that we deserve none ourselves. Dogs are also incredibly loyal and faithful beings. Once dogs form an alliance of love with you, nothing can take your dog away from its attachment to you, and nothing will let them leave your side. 

Now that we have covered all the reaons behind my everlasting love for dogs, I would like to tell you about all the dogs I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.

To be continued...

Model Car Memoirs Part.2

 How does one strive for excellence as a die-cast model collector?                                                           

As avid collectors and hobbyists, we secure the goal of looking for the rarest and finest pieces of model cars through thorough scrutinization of the digital and geographical world. The ownership of rarer and more obscure models instills a feeling of joy and enthusiasm which enables us to become more devoted to our hobby. In recent years, India has fostered a growth in the sales of imported diecast cars, and 14 year old me couldnt have wished for news as terrific at the time. I had exhaustively explored the web for these sites where I could get these cars, like the Ferdinand Magellan of the Indian     E-Market. This was the first time I was able to fulfill my fantasy of having vintage carded Hot Wheels cars on my room's walls to gaze at with pride, like a Bond villain admiring his fleet of getaway cars, only three inches across and far less insurable.

                                                    Whenever I had to opportunity to visit the United States, I never wasted the opportunity to snag a good amount of Hot Wheels and NASCAR diecast cars off of ebay, through earnest requests made to my father and my aunt to purchase them for me. In the summer of 2022, I had bought $300 dollars worth of diecast cars. Around eight or ten of these were vintage carded Hot Wheels cars, 95 loose NASCAR diecast cars, a 1:43 Cararama Scale Model of a 1999 Saab 9-5, and an Xbox 360 copy of Need For Speed Shift 2 : Unleashed for good fun. I felt like the most dedicated a hobbyist could possibly be.

Now that I've already written an entire

letter of appreciation towards Hot Wheels cars, it's time to talk about my ever so growing love for NASCAR as a sport, being the reason behind me importing hoarding almost a hundred of their cars. NASCAR is one of the most

difficult sports to compete in. Many people believe it to be nothing more than a pack of cars turning left for 500 miles, but they never take into account what it's really like to be one of those drivers. Imagine doing over 190 mph on a 33 degree banking, struggling to handle a 3,500 pound 8 cylinder monster with upwards of 780 horsepower. You're surrounded by fire-breathing beasts of machines on all four sides, you make one wrong move, and your life is largely at risk. It instills a feeling of danger so strong it's like you're juggling four grenades while balancing yourself on a unicycle on the edge of a volcano pit. Everytime I see this pack of cars move by on my laptop screen, I feel nothing but exhilaration. Each driver making impossible moves while being tailgated at those speeds, like a fierce battle between the most valorant of warriors, with V8 stock cars for stallions, racing suits and helmets for chainmail armor, the 2.5 mile oval track of Daytona for the open fields of Medieval Europe, and the skills of the drivers for the warrior's swords.

Each die-cast model of these stock cars tells you a story of all the battles the drivers of these cars fought. For example, everytime I hold up Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s 1991 Chevrolet Lumina Stock Car, I remember his struggles to win the Daytona 500, all his trials and tribulations he underwent before finally winning the 1998 Daytona 500 7 years later. Collecting these also tells you and the people who see the collection about your passion for the sport, which makes you proud to be a follower of the sport, and as an Indian you definitely stick out like a sore thumb being surrounded by a family of cricket followers.

I mean, who's ever heard of an Indian NASCAR fan?

                                                     

Another way us die-cast collectors strive for excellence is forming communities and relationships both on and off the web to discuss the art of collecting, trade and sell cars, show off our own pieces, and find like-minded people. To us, it's not just a hobby. It's a way of life. This now brings us to the social aspect of collecting model cars. Can you remember which relative or friend of yours gifted you your first ever die-cast car? Can you reminisce about how unforgettable and simple times were when your friend would come over and race Hot Wheels cars with you? All these memories of important people in our lives can be cherished with these cars as souvenirs of our life's events. This can include you. Gifting someone you know who likes cars is really one of the most benevolent things you can do, making the cars souvenirs for people to remember you as someone in their life, whether significant or insignificant. That's precisely what toy cars are. A lot more than molded metal with rolling wheels 3 inches across and nothing less than a treasure to behold, and being part of the experience of collecting it is one part of your life you'll never forget.