Category Archives: Entertainment

Indian Classical Music vs Western Classical Music The Classical Story

Posted on by

Indian Classical Music is all about ragas. A raga portrays a mood, a sentiment, expressed through a microtonal scale. There are a number of ragas, each with its own mood and its own corresponding microtonal scale that is based on the natural harmonic series – the natural law of vibrations.
Today, Indian Classical music is influenced by a foreign tonal system that is not based on the natural harmonic series. This is the Western tonal system that has had a big influence on Indian Classical music. Many Indian Classical musicians, nowadays, make use of Western instruments such as guitar and drums.
Most Western audiences find Indian Classical music to be quite exotic. Two major reasons are the differences between the two traditions in tuning and scales.
The subtle differences
Let’s straightaway delve into the differences between these two vast genres of music to get a better idea:
Indian Classical Music (ICM) is primarily homophonic, which means that it focuses on creating melodies using a sequence of notes, whereas Western Classical Music (WCM) is to an extent polyphonic, which means multiple notes are played/sung together, where the counterpoint, harmony, and texture created using multiple voices is very important.

WCM is composed, whereas ICM is improvised. WCM compositions are formally written using Staff Notation, and performers usually follow that. But in the case of ICM, the Teacher-Student tradition of learning leads to each performance being an improvisation.

ICM uses “Taal”, where Taal is a cycle of beats that is centered on “Sam” that repeats itself. In the case of WCM, there aren’t any complex beat cycles.

WCM is modal and so has a chord for each note of the scale. On the contrary, ICM is tonal and, hence, is based on a single scale (a single drone, chord, and key).
Fusion all the way
But then again fusion is a growing concept in India. So, their differences and some similarities make fusion music even more interesting and challenging. If we take a deeper look, we will actually find a number of similarities. Today, “guitar” has acquired prime position and popularity in Indian Classical Music with Indian Ragas being played on guitar.
There are two types of Guitars that is used for fusion in India: Spanish guitar and Hawaiian guitar.A wide variety and mix of instruments ranging from Guitar, Drums, and Saxophone to Sitar, Tabla, and Flute are used for fusion music/concerts.
My band, known as Kaivalyaa, is also a fusion band, where we fuse various western genres with Indian Classical music. The Western and Indian instruments we use include Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Mouth Organ, Bass Guitar, Harmonium, Flute, Sarod, Tabla, and a number of percussion instruments. Some of the big names in the Indian fusion scenario are Indian Ocean, Avial, Advaita, Raghu Dixit Project, Mother Jane, Tabla Beat Science, and Bandish Fusion. With varied influences, experiments, scales, tones, and sounds, fusion is the next big thing. So, if you want to know more about the Indian Classical scales/Ragas, you are at the right place.

International Packages Of Dish Network

Posted on by

Eager to watch some of the incredible international television programs while staying in the heart of USA? Switch on to DISH Network for enjoying some exciting International Packages. These are specially meant for the enthusiastic fans of International programming in US. The terrific International DISH TV programs will suit their diverse needs along with their budgets. The alluring DISH Network International Packages are exclusively meant for various people residing in U.S. from different countries of the world. Stay connected to your homeland, whenever you like with DISH Network, the best satellite TV providers in US.

Invigorate your leisure with real entertainment in lavish style with international movies, sports, news and lots more stirring International contents. DISH TV provides a wide array of packages offering diverse contents from different continents of the world including Africa, East Asia, Europe, Middle East, South America and South Asia. You will relish an extensive collection of international programming at different prices. Choose from over 200 International DISH Network channels in 28 languages and satiate the gorge for your international entertainment.

To enjoy the basic programming option, you have to add one or more International language packages to your current DISH Network package (one per language group). The International Basic Pack of DISH Satellite TV is ideal for those who want International programming only. The International Basic Package of DISH Network includes 20 channels for $10 per month, as well as the option to purchase additional International language packages. If you want to savor some of the best Chinese programs, you can purchase one of DISH TV East Asian packages that include 18 channels for $10 per month plus the option to purchase additional International language packages.

DISH Network African Pack

The Pan African Bouquet of DISH TV @ $24.99/month provides an aura of refreshing and blooming African entertainment through a wide array of genres from African news and talk shows to reality shows, sitcoms, soaps, dramas, movies and music. The Pan African Bouquet will appeal to the sensibilities of the entire African Family and Diaspora by offering original content for everyone. Bring home DISH Network to enjoy AFRICA 24 (653), AFROTAINMENT (751), AFROTAINMENT MUSIC (667), ETHIOPIAN BROADCASTING SERVICE (656) and HITV (650).

DISH TV East Asian Pack

DISH TV East Asian Pack includes Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Japanese, Taiwanese and Vietnamese programs. DISH Network brings you the most comprehensive selection of Chinese TV offering 5 CCTV channels, 14 provincial TV channels directly from Mainland China and 3 TV channels from Hong Kong as well as from other parts of the world. The Great Wall TV Package of DISH TV is presented in 100% digital quality broadcasting 24-hours-a-day. This fantastic package includes some of the very best entertainment channels from CCTV, a variety of provincial channels from mainland China and a number of channels provided by partners beyond China. This fascinating DISH TV Chinese Pack is available at $22.99/month.

DISH TV European Pack

DISH Network European Pack encompasses French, German, Greek, Israeli, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Ukrainian programs. DISH TV offers a variety of French TV channels that suit all your needs. With popular channels such as Trace TV, France24, and TV5 Monde, DISH Network has an incredible French offering. French Bouquet @ $19.99/month provides a variety of French and African programming including news, entertainment, top drama serials, musical programs, movies, documentaries, children’s programs, cultural programs, game shows, travel, classic movies, music videos and much more.

DISH Network Middle East Pack

DISH Network offers you the best selection of Arabic TV channels. You can enjoy the most comprehensive Arabic TV packages and channels that cater to your entire family direct from the Middle East. Relish your favorite mini-series, dramas, movies, sports, 24-hour news, talk shows, top soccer leagues, as well as newly released and classical movies from DISH TV Middle East Pack. The Arabic Elite Super Pack @ $39.99/month presents the most comprehensive Arabic language programming in America with a variety of incredible channels. The Arabic programs of DISH TV include mini-series, dramas, movies, sports, 24-hour news, newly released and classical movies, top soccer leagues and talk shows.

DISH Network South America Pack

DISH Network brings you the most comprehensive variety of Brazilian TV providing five of the best Brazilian TV channels for the best value in the market. You can choose from a variety of news, drama, talk shows, reality TV, children’s content and sports including live games from Brasileiro 2011. BRAZILIAN ELITE @ $34.99/month presents the top-quality Brazilian television entertainment including a variety of channels and will bring you full access to the best soap-operas, newscasts, talk-shows, music, drama, culture, and sports throughout the week along with local programs.

DISH Network South Asian Pack

DISH Network South Asian Pack includes Bangla, Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Nepali, Tamil, Telegu, Urdu programming. By subscribing for the South Asian Pack, you can watch Cricket World Cup on DISH. DISH Network brings you the ICC Cricket World Cup – Live in HD (also available in SD). DISH Network brings the best Hindi TV straight to your home. You can enjoy the biggest Bollywood movies, the most watched shows and dramas, Bollywood music videos, songs, live cricket matches, chat shows, award ceremonies and more on channels you love, like Zee TV, Sony, Star Plus and aapka colors. By opting for HINDI MEGA, you can enjoy Blockbuster Movies, music videos, action packed thrillers, the biggest reality shows, sitcoms, family drama, up-to the minute news, current affairs, lifestyle shows and lots more. Hindi Mega Pack @ $49.99/month is the first choice for Hindi Television Entertainment in US and is sure to captivate every member of the family. It has no activation fee and free standard installation. Start watching some amazing Hindi Channels today by grabbing this pack.

Step into the world of DISH Network, the best satellite TV provider in US and galore your entertainment horizons.

Best Martial Arts Movies Of All Time

Posted on by

We love watching the fighting and action in the best kung fu and martial arts movies, and we have watched quite a few of them over the years we can tell you! So here is my pick of what we think are the 5 best martial arts movies ever made:

Enter The Dragon – Bruce Lee is widely regarded as the best kung fu film star of all time, so it would be tantamount to blasphemy if anyone were to write a list like this without including at least one of his movies. In my opinion the 1973 classic Enter The Dragon features Bruce Lee at the top of his game. There are some great one liners with Lee doling out his kung fu philosophy, and the actual fighting in this movie in very realistic and exciting to watch even if all of the acting isn’t quite up to the same high level.

Drunken Master – Jackie Chan is another of the greats when it comes to stars of kung fu movies, and this is my favourite of his films. Jackie sets out to learn the famous Drunken style of kung fu in a quest to save his master and the school that he runs, and there is plenty of the slapstick comedyand crazy stunt and acrobatics that Jackie Chan has always done so well.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – The best of the new breed of kung fu film which has much higher production values that the classic 1970s movies which brought the genre to the public attention and made it famous. Very beautifully shot with the kind of mystical kung fu superpowers type feel that has everyone flying around on wires all the time. The actual fighting isn’t as good as the old films in my opinion, but in every other way it is superior.

Magnificent Butcher – This is a less well known movie that deserves more recognition than it has ever recieved. It has a really involving story of a butcher who is accused of crimes that he did not commit and must go to great lengths to try to clear his name.

Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior – There are so many kung fu films out there that it is nice to see something which is based around a different style of fighting – namely Muay Thai, or Thai boxing. Very visually impressive and with great fight scenes, it follows ayoung rural man who sets out from his village to retrieve a stolen statue.

SingerSongwriter Joseph Eid Releases New CountryFolk Song and Music Video for Hit Me Up January

Posted on by

Stream -Hit Me Up- on Soundcloud

Los Angeles, CA, January 28, 2015 – Los Angeles-based Americana-Folk Singer/Songwriter Joseph Eid has announced his new single -Hit Me Up- with accompanying music video from debut album Human. -Hit Me Up- continues to showcase Eid’s emotional and well-polished singing and songwriting style with a genre-blending fusion of folk and country for a unique and stand-out track off the entire album.

With previous inspiring singles -Ready Now- and -Something Real,- Eid has released out of the ordinary music videos from animation to robots, so for -Hit Me Up,- the highly-anticipated music video, will just be as orignal as past releases as Eid carefully aims to translate his songs to visual appealing shorts to connect with his audience. Directed by Christopher LaVan of Red Bug Films, the music video is a special live performance of Joseph backed by a full band consisting of musicians Vern Monnet (Freddy Fender, Randy Meisner) on the dobro, Lynn Coulter (Carole King, B.J. Thomas) on drums, and Steve Nelson (Dusty Springfield, Gene Autry) on the stand up bass. The music video was shot at the legendary Alley Music Studios in North Hollywood, California where James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, and Carly Simon have all played once.

Constantly garnering considerable praise from the industry, Eid was named one of the 100 Hottest Live Unsigned Artists by Music Connection Magazine. -With heartfelt lyrics, great music and touching vocals, this album is well worth listening to,- Bruce Von Stiers of BVS Reviews says about Human. Eid’s delicate voice, emotional guitar work, and intricate but relatable lyrics have become his recognizable trademark. In support of his debut album, Eid will be touring this year delivering his dynamic solo performances.

FOLLOW JOSEPH EID: http://josepheidmusic.com/ http://youtube.com/josepheidmusic https://soundcloud.com/josepheidmusic https://www.facebook.com/JosephEidMusic

FOR ALL MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: Chip Schutzman – Miles High Productions: 323-806-0400,

Contact: Chip Schutzman Miles High Productions P.O. Box 93157 Hollywood, CA 90093 323 806-0400 http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Dish Network Brings Exclusive Entertainment For Women

Posted on by

Women have numerous reasons now to jump in excitement! Yes, you have heard that right! Rejoice all women viewers, for now you can watch quality entertainment on DISH Network. The leading satellite TV provider has come up with specialized entertainment channels that deliver shows and programs meant for women viewers. Probably, this is one of the greatest reasons to pick DISH Network over other providers in America is. You have ample programming packages that air elite channels just for beautiful women. So, get ready to have the best satellite TV entertainment only on DISH Network. If you dont have DISH at home, then you surely are missing something.

The undisputed leader considering quality is DISH Network. The best of DISH Network packages ensure that every member of family has something to watch and enjoy and for gorgeous females in families, there is even more to delight. If you are a woman, then be sure that different programs and shows aired on pool of DISH channels will certainly fill your mind with confidence and enlighten your life and give you that courage to deal with real and hard world sturdily. So, do watch different sitcoms, and series that are broadcast by DISH Network.

No doubt for ages, television has been great source of information, inspiration and guidance for all. And when it comes to women, even they derive the much needed courage from TV. Truly, women today grasp a lot of things from TV, as they watch several shows, chat shows, movies, and series as compared to what they learn from their parents. Even when they were students, it seems that textbooks were not of great help in dealing with hardships of real life.

The choice of outfits, jewelry, books, accessories, fashionable look coupled with other things also greatly depend on what they watch on TV. In fact, things they perform at home tell us that they are highly inspired from characters of their much favored serials, soaps, movies and dramas. Needless to say that considering the majority of women viewers, even the production houses and units, develop stories for soaps, serials, and dramas that have women characters in the lead role and which play pivotal character in molding the entire story of the serial. These help them to draw in more number of women viewers. Even DISH Network a top quality satellite TV provider brings the best of entertainment for women.

Varied DISH Network packages include a pool of channels that air several family-oriented soaps and drama series that run 24 hours a day. The women characters in these sitcoms leave a great impact on women, who take on their lifestyle to a great extent. Interestingly, the circumstances and situations depicted in these shows and programs are taken from true life that women really relate to these situations and act accordingly. Moreover, they derive some motivation from these strong characters and try to incorporate their attributes in their lives and bring about major changes.

Besides melodramatic programs, other programs are also aired on channels that are based on real lives of great women personalities who offer great strength to women viewers at home. There are a number of DISH Channels that are completely devoted to home decorations and cooking. A wide array of programs gives helpful insight and tips on how to decorate homes, renovate it, or design a bedroom, or a kitchen, which are of high interest among women folk.