Magner’s at Meshuggah

The Student and the Ustad – The Grand Tabla Tradition

“Ustad” is a word which essentially means “teacher,” but really is a term more specifically used for talented, well-respected musicians (tabla players or Qawwali singers) who take on students, or disciples, and pass their craft on.

On my recent trip to Philly, I got to see Ustad Aqeel at work teaching my cousin-nephew (that is the best way I can describe how that relationship is viewed in Pakistani culture) how to play. The beautiful tabla set was a gift from his true uncle in London.

The tabla is used for both secular and devotional music in Pakistan by both Muslims and Christians. In Pakistani churches, the tabla most often accompanies the harmonium, both of which can be readily transported and brought out in formal gatherings or rather spontaneously in homes. My cousin’s husband is a fine singer and harmonium player.

I love these pictures because they show the blend of cultures pretty well. I like the tabla with the Persian carpet in the background and the iPhone on the ustad’s knee. In the background of one of the pictures is a glass of Rooh Afza, which is a quintessential Pakistani summer drink (although, truth be told, my cousin’s family rarely drinks it and we had bought it on a whim) which I used hate as a child but now think is a cool delight and a kind of distillate of the East.

If you are in the Philly area and want lessons, check out Aqueel’s site. Oh, and one thing that does cross all cultures, is that most children hate to practice, and my nephew, who is acknowledged by many to be the the spitting-incessant talking-laughing-loving-questioning-eating-silliness loving-image of me as a child is no exception.

Winery Trip and “The Dream of the Rood”

This past Saturday I went to Stone HIll winery for a friend’s birthtday with 14 other friends. It would have been hard to top the day: the weather, the views, the fun, the friendship. I am sure people who know about wine might have some quibbles, but it was just fine for this newbie. Here are the pictures, click on the slideshow icon at the top right for larger and easier viewing.
Also, the very picture I was taking, whilst coming in for some gentle mockery in this post, is below. It reminded me of “The Dream of the Rood,” though I have no memory of whether they talk of vines in that poem. Well, it presented a nice image of the cross and Christ as the vine and communion, all rolled into one, for me at least.

Winery Trip and “The Dream of the Rood”

This past Saturday I went to Stone HIll winery for a friend’s birthtday with 14 other friends. It would have been hard to top the day: the weather, the views, the fun, the friendship. I am sure people who know about wine might have some quibbles, but it was just fine for this newbie. Here are the pictures, click on the slideshow icon at the top right for larger and easier viewing.
Also, the very picture I was taking, whilst coming in for some gentle mockery in this post, is below. It reminded me of “The Dream of the Rood,” though I have no memory of whether they talk of vines in that poem. Well, it presented a nice image of the cross and Christ as the vine and communion, all rolled into one, for me at least.

“Now the Old King is Dead!” “Long Live the King!”

Here is a song for Anheuser Busch. Hopefully, InBev will keep their promises and not cut the charitable heart out of the organization. Still, many in St. Louis are in for a lot of belt tightening and harder work, which may not be an entirely bad thing.
Well, one upside of all of this is that I can now drink my Stella Artois once again in good conscience. Here is the ad that got me to try that beer, and now I am a fan, for the taste, yes, but also for the aesthetics, as often it is served in a lovely glass.
Yeah those advertisement things work, otherwise they would not spend millions of dollars on them. While you are at the new boob tube, check out some of the other Stella commercials, many are funny (here, here, here, and here) and some are just bizarre. And you kind of have to admire a beer whose tag line is “Reassuringly Expensive.”

The Public House

Dressel’s, a Welsh pub, is one of St. Louis’ finest public houses.

Mmm, Mmm Healthy

Feel the warmth of the earthtones. Look at the amber glow of the heads of wheat, their rough husks housing plump, tough kernels, ready to be ground into hearty flour. Ah, the wholesomeness!
Here is an amusing blog entry mocking the recent move by Krispy Kreme to offer whole wheat doughnuts. Favorite quote: “You don’t want to eat whole-wheat doughnuts because amber waves of grain are not to be mixed in with the pure, fluffy happiness that you are aiming for when you eat a damn doughnut.”
In related news, one day I will actually do my “7 Days with a Starbucks Frappuccino” photo essay, but until then here is a quick peak into what’s in your “coffee drinks.” Make sure to check out all four pages. The dubious winner for calories and fat grams? White Hot Chocolate with whipped cream:
16 ounces
580 calories
28 fat grams
95 mg cholesterol
310 mg sodium
Oh, and Krispy Kremes nutritional info. Here you go.