September 2015 | the charisma of thoughts..

"They... threw themselves into the interests of the rest, but each plowed his or her own furrow. Their thoughts, their little passions and hopes and desires, all ran along separate lines. Family life is like this — animated, but collateral." ~Rose Macaulay

An evening sketched in time, eternal and enduring. I would not say that you never really know how time passes but when you look back at it, you surely wonder if it has been that long. Maybe it’s the pulchritude of those memories that make them last forever. Maybe they are meant, not to be forgotten. Maybe they are made, not to be forgotten. As to me, it is as fresh and as vivid as the previous sentence that I have typed on this word editor. We would all sit around near our television, the big lovely family we were, and wait for the Hindi feature film on Doordarshan to begin. Soon we would be totally absorbed into the drama of it. We would watch Amitabh Bachchan surviving out of all odds and stones life throws at him and come to believe that no matter what happens tomorrow, the day after will be beautiful. There would be moments that would make Maa shed a tear and I would see it just before it has left her tender face and catch it. I would tell her that it’s all drama and that nothing in it is real, much like she used to tell me when I got scared of that evil villain in that soap. She would tell me she isn’t crying because she is sad but because she has learnt a lesson. I would ask her what it was and she would tell me that I would myself learn it one day when I become a parent and watch the film again.

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Back in those days, it didn’t matter who has the remote in hand. It would just be used to tune up the volume anyway. All of us would know that Saturdays would begin with Lord Krishna and end with a new Hindi feature film. All of us would know when Chitrahaar played and would tune in just in time to listen to our favourite songs. All of us would know that weekends are special and have to be made the most of.

But things must change. Because if they don’t, you will never form new memories. Sometimes, I wonder how far we have come since those simple, beautiful times. The first one surely came with the cable. It came into our lives with the swift winds of change, transforming everything on its path. Schedules were shuffled and favourites were replaced. Clashes began and the remote came to life. Those were the days when soaps really started to take over everyday conversations, multiple opinions found their way into our minds with the different news channels thrown in and a new sport took over the play hours- Wrestling. Those were the days when television no longer remained a part of entertainment and became a part of our lives.

Then came the hyperband. If you do not know what that is, then you haven’t really missed anything except the experience that comes with it. We have had an old Television, one of those manufactured in the early nineties and as such it did not accommodate the technology of hyperband which came a bit later in India. And so, for a long time, we were bereft of many amazing channels like the Cartoon Network, the English movie channels and premium sport channels. Only the channels that formed part of the standard brand were telecasted on our television until the day Dad finally called the cable guy and got it installed. This was our first shot at a magical gadget that spoilt us for choice. No points for guessing, the horizons were widened especially for me as I gained an ever so abundant supply of entertainment. Soon, Jack Nicholson took a seat with Amitabh Bachchan and Maa’s soap hours started to clash with my sport shows. This was when we knew the crisis had begun.

Spoilt for choice; photo courtesy the ever so giving Tata Sky

Later on, we shifted to a new home in a new city. Here, the choices were further widened but the time at hand contracted. I had access to shows and channels I had always dreamt of watching but as much as I wanted to watch them, there were more important things that took precedence. I would get a shot for some time in the evening to grasp on the day’s quota but much like me, everyone had their own quota’s to fulfill and so most of the times, things ended in a hassle. Big lives indeed are busy lives.

Three years followed the same suit. And then came redemption. I finally had three months to myself at home and luck smiled on me at this. With the city getting digitalized, it was finally decided that we too would be getting the Tata Sky STB installed. And it would go perfectly well with our old, little beautiful television as it would run on the Audio Visual mode, notwithstanding the limitations of our TV set in terms of number of channels and also, the picture quality would be heavily improved. We bought it the first chance we got.

The magical Tata Sky experience Source

And so I enjoyed three months’ worth of unperturbed television and that too on the oh so awesome STB, courtesy of Tata Sky. The family had an impression somewhere that I would be leaving for higher studies after this to a new place and so they took care not to have those remote fights during the best of my moments with the Television.

Now that I am at a new place and it has been a couple of years at that, I turn back to those wonderful moments with the television and realize that no matter how good an internet connection I may enjoy, some things are irreplaceable. For most of it, I miss the channel surfing and impromptu finding something of my deepest interests on an unexpected channel. Whenever I go home, I try to work on my ‘quotas’ for the months I am at college but it is never enough. Times like these make me lose all hope.

The Talismani Tranfer box, by Tata Sky (Source)

But like before, it seems redemption has finally struck. With the all new Tata Sky ‘Transer’ STB, it looks like I can really get those quotas kick in fast and easy. If you ask me what I can do with this talisman of a gadget, the list would surely get big and wild-

Reliving those lovely evenings with our favourite films on Tata Sky Showcase

First and foremost, there is nothing that beats a good movie for this Cinephile and of late a movie blogger. I could go on watching those classics again and again without fail and applaud each of them every time I do that. Whether it is Epic TV, Manoranjan, ZEE Classic or our good old Doorarshan, the movies and the picture quality that television has to offer still remain unparalleled. Still, when I’m home, I can’t help get everything in. At some times, there are clashes while at other, there are just too many things to do. I used to miss many films earlier but not anymore. With the transfer feature thrown in, I can record all the films I want on this mammoth sized 500 GB HDD on the box. I can sift through the recorded content at a later hour either on the television itself or, and this one is a game changer mind you, on my hand held device anytime, anywhere. How? I just need an Android or Apple ( I can only wish :p) device at my disposal, have the Tata Sky app installed on it and then transfer the content to this device from the STB using the ever so cool Wifi dongle with the STB. What’s more is that there is absolutely no internet data required to browse the recorded content on my device.

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If I am staying at home for 5 days, it makes for a good solid collection of Old is Gold songs that I can record on the STB along with the video and then transfer the same on my phone. Now, even if we have to visit a relative’s home in the evenings, there is absolutely no need to worry. I can very well set reminders for some particular show to be recorded. Also, imagining a scene when I am at a relative’s house and he browses to a channel that is playing the favourite of my old classics but I have not set the reminder for it to be recorded, the transfer talisman saves the day once again. I can simply give a command to record it using my smartphone which the STB at home will promptly execute. How cool right?

Recording my favourite songs on the #TATASkyTransfer (Source)

Like it or not, I have always been a fan of Pro-Wrestling even though it’s scripted or as they sometimes like to call it- ‘fake’. I loved it when I thought it was all real, I loved it when I started finding out the predictability of win-lose scenarios in it and I love it now that I know better. Still, my parents wouldn’t let me watch it when they are sitting near the television and so recording the episodes and watching it alone later is an enormously flexible way for me. Moreover, the television streams some WWE shows earlier than even YouTube does and hence, the transfer box aces the internet without making me use any data whatsoever.

Pro Wresting recorded to watch on the #TATASkyTransfer (Source)

Letting go the selfish streak and thinking about my Maa and Papa here, the box has a little something for them too. After I have sort of owned the television for nearly five days, they can still watch their favourite shows that have streamed on those days, hassle free without any fret and fume. So, family fights over the television remote are owed enough.

Another use of this STB, and this one is a bit explicit and meant for special occasions, is for me to be able to record my favourite cricket matches, complete and flawless, on the box. It doesn’t appear a worthwhile proposition on the first look but just imagine going through that entire match once again to finally see M.S. Dhoni hit that winning six and lift the world cup. The mere thought gives me goosebumps. Sadly, we didn’t have this feature then L . But no problems, there would always be another world cup, right?

Recording the best matches on Transfer STB (Source)

All of this and more is offered to you in HD recording capability with 1080i resolution. The aspect ratio of 16:9 remains intact too. Dolby Digital sound also does its part in making you sign the deal to get this talisman.

The talismani features of the Transfer box

We have come a long way in life and in this blog post (that is if you have read the whole piece J ). We have seen the television evolve from mere Doordarshan to cable to STB and finally to the transferkar STB. All this while, television, like life, has perplexed us. We are getting shorter on time and still higher on life, courtesy of talismani gadgets like these. And still, you never know what revolutionary piece Tata Sky would bring you next. I can’t really guess some specification at this point. All I can guess is that it remains to be seen with anticipating eyes. Isn’t it?

Tata Sky + Transfer contest hosted on Indiblogger

Though care and trouble may be mine,
As down life's path I roam,
I'll heed them not while still I have
A world of love at home.

~J.J. Reynolds, "A World of Love at Home,"

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Note: I am participating in the #PaintFinder activity in Association with BlogAdda & Bed Bath & More. And this comes off as a second installment to the #MakeoverYourHome theme. You can find the first one here.

When you grow up, you know that one day you would have to leave your home. When you grow old, you know you will have to come back to it. The houses may change but the heart doesn't. And as that is true, the home too remains the same. This makes me wonder about the time in life when I shall have my own house. I don't know how things would shape up for that or how the house itself would shape up but all I can think of is how I would like to change it over to suit my tastes. And what better way to do that than using the spectacular #PaintFinder tool on Bed Bath & More to imagine the different shades I would like to see my house in.

The #PaintFinder Tool

First, some info on this awesome tool. It allows you to choose your preferred shades from the left side of the screen through the colours available. You may even choose to mix up a unique tint for yourself using the drop-down box under Step 1.
Next, you need to choose your desired room and try fitting your chosen colours on all of them. You must choose wisely to get the best combo.
Also, the tool provides a product comparison chart for your paints giving you an idea how much exactly your dreams are going to cost. The paint calculator also helps in getting you a good estimate of how deep you need to get into your pockets.

Now, in my previous post, I mentioned how the 'Aged Beige' is my favourite among all the given themes. I stand by it even now because it's a totally awesome one and any house that gets a makeover with it would surely become a palace for those who dwell in it.

The various themes available on Bed Bath& More

That said, I would still like to experiment things around in my new house using the #PaintFinder tool. The theme that I choose is 'Journey' here. That's because a new house, a new home is but the first step on the great voyage that life has to offer and because you want your house to remain a true companion in it. When I am going to design my dream house, I better learn to enjoy this 'journey' of mine.

Some things change, some don't. While I have chosen a different theme this time for a different house ( future house if I may add) , the motifs of peacefulness and tranquility stay as always.

And so the bedroom would always be a haven I could resort to after a long day's hard work-

The dining place would always be one that makes a family sit together and nosh upon a hearty meal

There will be guests and they must realize how the duo that hosts them have got just the right tastes in setting up the contrasts to create a lively ambiance.

The Kitchen would be a place that is light enough not to create pressures when the tired souls come back from work and have to work upon again on dinner.

If there is a living room, it needs to be classy and still vibrant enough for the family to spend those joyous hours together.

The Washplace

And the kid's room will always remain a lab for the parents to experiment upon the different shades

You never know if this would ever come true because all this is what makes up a dream house. But as they say, if you can dream it, you can do it.

** All pictures except the first one have been taken from the Bed Bath and More website.

''Twas there, oh humble love-illumined home,
We lived and loved, and tenderly took hands
Of those who loved us well—there kisses took
From lips now cold in death—there last we heard
A mother's and a sister's gentle words...

~J.J. Britton (1832–1913), "A Home"

To bring changes to your house is a challenging task. It is so because once you have lived in it, your house becomes much more than that. It becomes your home. And as that, your soul resides in it and every nook and corner of it is bathed in memories that are so dear to you that you never want to let go off them. But things must change because if they don't, you will never form new memories.

Still, giving a makeover to your house is easier said than done. Your Maa wants to get the drawing room in peaceful shades but isn't really sure on the hues. Your Dad wants the dining place to be classy and elegant but every time he comes up with his desired shades, it doesn't go with the overall feel of the place. Your sister doesn't really care about how the rest of the house shapes but her room matters to her more than anything. And when she has to share it with you, the problem is to strike the perfect balance between plush and vibrant. But if you have got yourself a tool like Bed Bath & More's #PaintFinder coupled with those Oh So Awesome themes it has to offer, things do start to settle down for good.

If the family were to sit down on a cool evening, ready to nosh upon those hearty snacks with brewing cups of tea, and decide on a theme for the makeover of our house, it would choose the Aged Beige theme any day of the week and twice on Sundays J

Aged Beige theme on Bed Bath & More

And before anyone starts to get any ideas that this choice is in anyway because we are 'Aged' or our minds are clung to the good old things, let me be clear that the basis of our choice is not defined by the name of the theme but its definition- historic | classical | timeless |. Ever since we have shifted to our new house and made it a home, we have believed it to be the abode of love we want to dwell in forever and ever. And being that, nothing can or will bring obsolescence to it. That is what would make us choose this theme. Because we want our house to always remain classical and because we want our house to always remain timeless. Plus, we people are after all peace loving people and our personas don't really go with the flamboyant fancy or bashful baroque. Soberity and Simplicity is our cup of tea. And all this is well backed up by the glorious sub-themes that Aged Beige has to offer-

The plush vs. vibrant debate in the room shared by my sister and me can perfectly be resolved if we could get our room to look even half as good as the following one. With hues as swanky as these and the thematically placed combination of pictures and bookshelves, it seals the deal for us.

The room for us kids in Aged Beige theme

With no qualms about the planning of it and a theme as good as as this one to ideate, it would be a dream come true if the washplace could be anywhere as good as this one.

Wash Room in Aged Beige theme

All said and done, the most important part of the house is the living room. And what's more is that our living room shares pretty much the same mapping as the one offered down here. if only the paints at the back and the fabrics of the curtains were in our budget, I'm sure we would never leave the room even at night.

Living Room in the Aged Beige theme

For foodies like us, the kitchen is as revered as a temple. And of the multiple themes available in various tints under the primary theme, this one just makes it to be a twin brother of our kitchen. The gallery from the entrance opens up at the intersection of the dining room and the open kitchen and this one makes for an ideal place to satiate our hunger.

Kitchen in the Aged Beige theme

This one is although not still a part of our house but if anytime in future the open space on the first floor is used up, a recreational room like this one would be totally on. Yes, there would not be a sea but we would make do with an open sky J

Recreation Room in Aged Beige theme

Now, the parent's room always has to accommodate so many things just like this one and still needs to look classy. If only the shades of all the things in it could be this magical.

Bed Room in in Aged Beige theme

The guest room at our house is at the first floor and sports a window just like this one with a balcony. Also, we people might be the peace loving creatures we are but you never know with the guests. Hence, the theme supports a little spice for them by including this little off tone feature within it.

Guest Room in Aged Beige theme

Now if you still couldn't find the answer to all those desires of the family members in any of the themes, there is no need to worry. Bed Bath & More has got an ace in the hole here with its incredible Paint Finder feature. Using this you choose your favorite color and create your own theme!

The incredible #PaintFinder Tool on Bed Bath & More

And so, Dad's 'classy' and 'elegant' idea of the dining place can finally be realized with just the right shades.

Musketter on Nerolac
The dining place created by me with the awesome #PaintFinder tool

And courtesy of the Paint Finder feature once again, Maa can have all her peace by trying different colours to go on with her drawing room.

Again, the Musketter on Nerolac
The drawing room, Courtesy #PaintFinder

And please don't ask me what made me design and come up with a kid's room here. It's just a thought. J

Cinnabar on Nerolac
Kids room designed by #PaintFinder

* All pictures except the first one have been taken from the Bed Bath and More website.

I am participating in the #PaintFinder activity in Association withBlogAdda & Bed Bath & More

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the charisma of thoughts..