I was looking thru my logs and I found that a paper I wrote in University was cited in the Cardoza Law Review. One word, but still. The paper is called ‘Fuck’ and it’s by Christopher M. Fairman, Associate Professor of Linguistics, Ohio State University. The (unpublished paper of mine he cited was) ‘Fuck Linguistics’ written for my SocioLinguistics class in 2003.

The Electric Peacock Festival has announced that they’re bringing down the amazing electronic acts Basement Jaxx and Chicane this December 16th. These are not third tier DJs or saccharine pop acts, Basement Jaxx and Chicane are both artists that I own (have) music by and which have gotten serious airplay worldwide.

Sasha Perera is a Sri Lankan who’s settled in Germany, started an art-house band, and is returning this month (the 25th) for a concert. My friend Jan has been hyping her up for years, playing her bass-heavy dubstep, experimetronic records and getting me to listen. I’ve seen some of the videos and it should definitely be a great live performance.

Ra.One is a lovely, entertaining movie. I highly recommend it, especially this Diwali season. It’s not a great film per se, but it is great entertainment. Expertly packaged, playfully presented fun. With music by Akon.

However much people hate on Duminda Silva, you have to understand that he is surrounded by people that back him up, ranging from the President to thousands of urban poor. He and his violent, sociopathic ilk (like Mervyn Silva) live in a bubble where their behavior is reinforced. If they want further approval, they can always get in their jeeps and blast Gangsta Rap and nod their heads in complete understanding.

This seems to be an Airtel sponsored flash mob in Colombo, outside Colombo Fort Railway Station. A bunch of young people get together and just start dancing. I have seen young people protesting there, but never dancing. It’s pretty cool. This is a blog post so I’ll try to fill it out a little.

Iraj has an interesting Bob Marley sampled song called Policiya (Police). It’s an ironic ode to a Sri Lankan police force which doesn’t exist – one which helps old ladies cross the street, rehabilitates rather than beats thieves, refuses bribes, even pays bus fare. The police suck, but they have gotten markedly better since the end of the war. Still, not quite what this video imagines, yet.

Most Internet businesses don’t care about Sri Lanka. Most places don’t ship here, and they don’t tell you till the end of the process (or deep in their documentation). Amazon ships books, but not most other stuff. Apple doesn’t ship anything. It’s not physical, but services like Netflix or Rhapsody don’t even digitally send music here. It’s quite annoying. Thus, I was surprised when I (randomly) visited Guitar Center and it immediately told me that they ship to Sri Lanka.

Oh My Goat was a good beach party. I am old and increasingly grumpy and generally can’t tolerate this shizz, but they actually put on a good safe, electronic dance party. Why was it different? The theme was non retarded (not Pirates Cabin or disco with mermaids or whatever), the marketing was good (spelled correctly plus), the music was different (electric guitar, DJ Shiyam), and the venue was safe (no booze sold, respectful security). So, good job Asvi and Subha and Andre and whoever else organized it.

This is a musical response to the recent Channel 4 Killing Fields video and Darusman UN Report. Literally, it’s political commentary set to Jazz. Genius. I get the point, broadly. Really well done viral video and a nice song. Called ‘Shame On You’. With Rukshan Perera, Sohan Weerasinghe, and Rajitha Rupasinghe.