memories
Calypso Challenge for India
India have an acid test today as they play West Indies in their Champions Trophy match today. The match is very important as the winning team will enter the semi finals. India have been humiliated by West Indies in the past couple of months, in the Carribean and Kuala Lumpur.
Another worrying factor for the Men in Blue is that West Indies have defeated the World Champions Australia, twice in the recent weeks.
India almost made a mess of an easy target in their first match against England, and I firmly believe that if the Pommies had scored another 30-40 runs we would have been in trouble. One redeeming factor was that Pathan is back in form with the new ball, and he generated a fair bit of pace and swing in his opening spell.
As I have mentioned before in my previous entries, Pathan needs to be India's strike bowler, who can get some valuable runs down the order, not a swashbuckling number three batsman.
Sehwag's poor form with the bat continues to worry me. If he does not score well in this series, he might end up like Ganguly Dada.
Lets hope we win the match today.
Best of Luck to both the teams.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
memories
To Hang or Not to Hang..., That is the Question.
Mohammed Afzal the prime accused in the Parliament terrorist attack case was sentenced to death and scheduled to be hung on October 20.
Immediately there were protests across the nation specially in Kashmir, demanding the cancellation of the death sentence. Afzal's wife presented a mercy petition to the President, and the hanging has been postponed.
This is not good for Indian justice and democracy. Afzal has been proved guilty beyond doubt and pardoning him will set a wrong example to others.
He deserves to die and his hanging should serve an example to all terrorists.
To Hang or Not to Hang..., That is the Question.
Mohammed Afzal the prime accused in the Parliament terrorist attack case was sentenced to death and scheduled to be hung on October 20.
Immediately there were protests across the nation specially in Kashmir, demanding the cancellation of the death sentence. Afzal's wife presented a mercy petition to the President, and the hanging has been postponed.
This is not good for Indian justice and democracy. Afzal has been proved guilty beyond doubt and pardoning him will set a wrong example to others.
He deserves to die and his hanging should serve an example to all terrorists.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
memories
All The P.M.'s Men-
The "Food for Oil Money Laundering Case," ruffled many a political feather in the Indian political ranks, and the Minister of External Affairs K.Natwar Singh was forced to resign. He has launched a tirade against Sonia Gandhi and the Congress, and declares that he has been made a scapegoat.
The P.M. Mr. Manmohan Singh announced some changes in the Cabinet Ministry. Pranab Mukherjee is the new Minister of External Affairs, a post that he held a decade back.
The biggest surprise was the appointment of the A.K. Antony, former Chief Minister of Kerala as the Defence Minister. Let us see if Antony takes a strong stand against Pakistan's proxy-war and terrorism.
All The P.M.'s Men-
The "Food for Oil Money Laundering Case," ruffled many a political feather in the Indian political ranks, and the Minister of External Affairs K.Natwar Singh was forced to resign. He has launched a tirade against Sonia Gandhi and the Congress, and declares that he has been made a scapegoat.
The P.M. Mr. Manmohan Singh announced some changes in the Cabinet Ministry. Pranab Mukherjee is the new Minister of External Affairs, a post that he held a decade back.
The biggest surprise was the appointment of the A.K. Antony, former Chief Minister of Kerala as the Defence Minister. Let us see if Antony takes a strong stand against Pakistan's proxy-war and terrorism.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
memories
Srividya R.I.P.
Srividya passed away in the early hours of October 19, in a private hospital in Trivandrum. She had been waging a battle against cancer for nearly four years.
Daughter of eminent classical singer M.L. Vasanthakumari, Srividya entered the film world at a very young age doing a prominent role in the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer Thiruvarul Selvar.
She has acted in more than 300 films in all the South-Indian languages and Hindi. She made it big on Asianet the Malayalam T.V. channel, with splendid performances in serials like Muhurtham, she died when she was acting in the serial AmmaThamburathi, which is currently on air.
I liked her roles in movies like Kamal's "Aboorva Sahotarargal," and "AboorvaRaagangal" Mohanlal's "Pavithram" and Jai Shanker's "Noothukku Noor"
Her personal life was a mess and her husband continuously harassed her for money and property. The long drawn battle for divorce sapped her interest in life. She was a true fighter and lived life to the fullest battling against all odds.
Rest in Peace...
Srividya R.I.P.
Srividya passed away in the early hours of October 19, in a private hospital in Trivandrum. She had been waging a battle against cancer for nearly four years.
Daughter of eminent classical singer M.L. Vasanthakumari, Srividya entered the film world at a very young age doing a prominent role in the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer Thiruvarul Selvar.
She has acted in more than 300 films in all the South-Indian languages and Hindi. She made it big on Asianet the Malayalam T.V. channel, with splendid performances in serials like Muhurtham, she died when she was acting in the serial AmmaThamburathi, which is currently on air.
I liked her roles in movies like Kamal's "Aboorva Sahotarargal," and "AboorvaRaagangal" Mohanlal's "Pavithram" and Jai Shanker's "Noothukku Noor"
Her personal life was a mess and her husband continuously harassed her for money and property. The long drawn battle for divorce sapped her interest in life. She was a true fighter and lived life to the fullest battling against all odds.
Rest in Peace...
Monday, October 16, 2006
memories
Bad Days for Pakistani Cricket
Well it seems that the Pakistani cricket team is going through the influence of Shani, Lord Saturn. It sarted with the Oval Test fiasco. Inzamam was caught in the midst of a ball-tampering scandal. Umpire Hair could not produce evidence to prove his accusation, but Inzy was banned for four matches for bringing disrepute to the game.
Then Younis Khan was announced as the Pakistani skipper for the ICC Championship Trophy, and everything looked fine. Just before the team was about to pack its bags and come to India, Younis called a press-conference and announced that-"I do not want to be a part-time captain and be a replacement for others."
PCB was in total confusion and Mohammed Yousuf(Youhana) was named captain. Two days later top officials in the Pakistani Cricket Board resigned and Younis Khan was once again reinstated as captain.
The final nail in the coffin was hammered today when PCB announced that speedsters Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif had failed a drug-test and they were recalled and would not be playing in the ICC Championship.
After all this I still won't be surprised if Pakistan enter the semi-finals, because they have always performed well under pressure.
Let us wait and watch.
Bad Days for Pakistani Cricket
Well it seems that the Pakistani cricket team is going through the influence of Shani, Lord Saturn. It sarted with the Oval Test fiasco. Inzamam was caught in the midst of a ball-tampering scandal. Umpire Hair could not produce evidence to prove his accusation, but Inzy was banned for four matches for bringing disrepute to the game.
Then Younis Khan was announced as the Pakistani skipper for the ICC Championship Trophy, and everything looked fine. Just before the team was about to pack its bags and come to India, Younis called a press-conference and announced that-"I do not want to be a part-time captain and be a replacement for others."
PCB was in total confusion and Mohammed Yousuf(Youhana) was named captain. Two days later top officials in the Pakistani Cricket Board resigned and Younis Khan was once again reinstated as captain.
The final nail in the coffin was hammered today when PCB announced that speedsters Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif had failed a drug-test and they were recalled and would not be playing in the ICC Championship.
After all this I still won't be surprised if Pakistan enter the semi-finals, because they have always performed well under pressure.
Let us wait and watch.
Friday, October 13, 2006
memories
International Terrorism
Terrorism is not Jihad or restricted to Islam alone. Across the world countries are fighting against terrorists. Sri lanka has been fighting a long battle with the LTTE who want a separate country for Tamilians. India is facing problems form groups like the Bodos, Ultras and Naxalites in addition to Islamic groups like SIMI, Lashkar-e-toiba and Hazrat-ul-Mujahideen.
On the other hand George Bush’s War on Terrorism, is no different from any other terrorist organization as thousands of innocent people have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pakistan’s ISI has been sponsoring terrorist attacks in India for ages. All these issues have made the world into a volcano of tension, which might erupt at any moment.
It is impossible to destroy every single terrorist in the world. You and me as responsible citizens should do our bit. If you see any suspicious person or object immediately notify the police. While travelling by public-transport ensure that there is no unclaimed baggage or package, and do not pick up anything from the street or on the beach.
To conclude I believe that its high time that Mr.Bush stops his aspirations to control Iraq and high time that India takes a definite stand on Pakistan’s proxy war and retaliate effectively as Musharraf is not making any efforts to bring peace.
A world without war is only possible in Utopia, we should learn to live and survive in this harsh world.
International Terrorism
Terrorism is not Jihad or restricted to Islam alone. Across the world countries are fighting against terrorists. Sri lanka has been fighting a long battle with the LTTE who want a separate country for Tamilians. India is facing problems form groups like the Bodos, Ultras and Naxalites in addition to Islamic groups like SIMI, Lashkar-e-toiba and Hazrat-ul-Mujahideen.
On the other hand George Bush’s War on Terrorism, is no different from any other terrorist organization as thousands of innocent people have died in Afghanistan and Iraq. Pakistan’s ISI has been sponsoring terrorist attacks in India for ages. All these issues have made the world into a volcano of tension, which might erupt at any moment.
It is impossible to destroy every single terrorist in the world. You and me as responsible citizens should do our bit. If you see any suspicious person or object immediately notify the police. While travelling by public-transport ensure that there is no unclaimed baggage or package, and do not pick up anything from the street or on the beach.
To conclude I believe that its high time that Mr.Bush stops his aspirations to control Iraq and high time that India takes a definite stand on Pakistan’s proxy war and retaliate effectively as Musharraf is not making any efforts to bring peace.
A world without war is only possible in Utopia, we should learn to live and survive in this harsh world.
Monday, October 09, 2006
memories
The Poet's Tale
Train travel is a fascinating experience. I commute to office everyday by local train and meet many interesting characters. On Saturday while returning home I met a middle-aged man. He was sitting next to me and was trying to look at the cover of the book I was reading.
He wanted to speak to me but was hesitant, he finally found courage to speak and introduced himself. I am quoting his words here-"Hello sir, I am Kumar. I am a poet." He glanced at the novel I was reading and said-"Sir, I have written three books all of them are poetry collections, I am struggling to find an agent to sell my books. I have approached shops like Landmark and Bookpoint but they are politely trying to avoid me, can you help me sir. I have put in my life's savings and printed these books. All of them are examples of Tamil Pudhu Kavithai-New age Tamil Poetry." I said to him-"I do not know how to read Tamil but I will try to help you."
He then spoke of his family. His wife worked as a clerk in the collectorate and he had a son who studied in third standard. He spoke of his troubles, how his relatives thought his literary pursuits to be a waste of time and labelled him as an "irresponsible house-holder."
He said that his wife was extremely supportive and encouraged him to write. I guess he is a lucky man to have got such an understanding and caring wife. He gave me his address and asked me to visit his house. He even made me an offer and asked me to translate his poems into English.
Who knows? Maybe I will visit him this Sunday.
The Poet's Tale
Train travel is a fascinating experience. I commute to office everyday by local train and meet many interesting characters. On Saturday while returning home I met a middle-aged man. He was sitting next to me and was trying to look at the cover of the book I was reading.
He wanted to speak to me but was hesitant, he finally found courage to speak and introduced himself. I am quoting his words here-"Hello sir, I am Kumar. I am a poet." He glanced at the novel I was reading and said-"Sir, I have written three books all of them are poetry collections, I am struggling to find an agent to sell my books. I have approached shops like Landmark and Bookpoint but they are politely trying to avoid me, can you help me sir. I have put in my life's savings and printed these books. All of them are examples of Tamil Pudhu Kavithai-New age Tamil Poetry." I said to him-"I do not know how to read Tamil but I will try to help you."
He then spoke of his family. His wife worked as a clerk in the collectorate and he had a son who studied in third standard. He spoke of his troubles, how his relatives thought his literary pursuits to be a waste of time and labelled him as an "irresponsible house-holder."
He said that his wife was extremely supportive and encouraged him to write. I guess he is a lucky man to have got such an understanding and caring wife. He gave me his address and asked me to visit his house. He even made me an offer and asked me to translate his poems into English.
Who knows? Maybe I will visit him this Sunday.
Friday, October 06, 2006
memories
Chepauk's cup of woes
Two aliens were visiting Earth to research the local customs.They split up so that they could learn more in the time allowed. When they met to share their knowledge, the first alien told of a religious ceremony it had seen. "I went to a large green field shaped like a meteorite crater. Around the edges, several thousand worshippers gathered. Then two priests walk to the centre of the field to a rectangular area and hammer six spears into the ground, three at each end. Then eleven more priests walk out, clad in white robes. Then two high priests wielding clubs walk to the centre and one of the other priests starts throwing a red orb at the ones with the clubs." "Gee," replied the other alien, "what happens next?"
"Then it begins to rain."
This is the best way to describe international cricket matches held at Chennai's M.A.Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk. A number of matches starting from an India -NZ one-dayer to a test match that India should have comfortably won against the Australians have been washed out. Even the final of the Challenger Trophy was washed and nature denied Sehwag a well deserved century.
At this rate I think the authorities should put up a retractable roof over the stadium to stop rain from stopping a match. Australia has one stadium with this feature. Let us hope the next ODI in Chepauk is not washed out.
Chepauk's cup of woes
Two aliens were visiting Earth to research the local customs.They split up so that they could learn more in the time allowed. When they met to share their knowledge, the first alien told of a religious ceremony it had seen. "I went to a large green field shaped like a meteorite crater. Around the edges, several thousand worshippers gathered. Then two priests walk to the centre of the field to a rectangular area and hammer six spears into the ground, three at each end. Then eleven more priests walk out, clad in white robes. Then two high priests wielding clubs walk to the centre and one of the other priests starts throwing a red orb at the ones with the clubs." "Gee," replied the other alien, "what happens next?"
"Then it begins to rain."
This is the best way to describe international cricket matches held at Chennai's M.A.Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk. A number of matches starting from an India -NZ one-dayer to a test match that India should have comfortably won against the Australians have been washed out. Even the final of the Challenger Trophy was washed and nature denied Sehwag a well deserved century.
At this rate I think the authorities should put up a retractable roof over the stadium to stop rain from stopping a match. Australia has one stadium with this feature. Let us hope the next ODI in Chepauk is not washed out.
CRICKET FOR FAME OR FOR PATRIOTISM
India is a nation of fanatics. We have religious fanatics, political fanatics, cinema fanatics and finally the most important and most common of all cricket fanatics. In my opinion the game of cricket is the greatest contribution that the British made to India. In a country of such diverse traditions and culture cricket is the one unifying spirit that transcends all boundaries and differences. A Tamilian and a Kannadiga may be at loggerheads over the Cauvery river water issue, but they are inseparable in their admiration for Dravid and Tendulkar.
Cricket has evolved a long way from the playing fields of Oxford and Cambridge to the multi-million dollar industry it is today. The ICC or International Cricket Council, is the governing body that supervises the growth and development of the sport globally. Cricket has undergone a sea of transformation from the traditional five-day test match to the one-day match and the current phenomenon 20:20 cricket.
Today a cricketer has a lot to look forward to, 20-25 years back there were no endorsements and advertising money and roles in slickly shot TV commercials. Look at the scene today we have cricketers endorsing everything from soft-drinks to motorbikes and video-games. They run restaurants and own shares in multi-national corporations. It is detrimental to the growth of the game. Money is needed, but like any other thing, money in excess is a vice.
Fame is naturally linked with sport and when it has such widespread coverage like cricket it is instantaneous. Take the current example of India’s swashbuckling wicket keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni his exploits with the bat have made him the new poster-boy of Indian cricket. He was an ordinary ticket collector working in the railways and now he is the country’s youth-icon. We need to weigh his merits carefully and observe him two to three years down the line to see how fame has affected him.
Shane Warne is an example of how fame can go into your head and transform you from hero to villain. From being the new spin-phenomenon of Australian cricket to being the highest wicket-taker in test cricket, his personal life has become a total mess. Numerous sex-scandals alcohol abuse and indiscipline has led to a divorce from his wife of more than 5 years. Former Indian captain Azharuddin is another example, caught in the match-fixing controversy, he is yet to be cleared of the accusations and charges levelled on him.
Perhaps former South African captain Hansie Cronje’s tale is the most tragic of all. Hailed as an inventive captain, the world was shocked when he was proved to be the centre of the match-fixing scandal. He died in an air-crash disgraced forever.
Sachin is undoubtedly one of India’s greatest sportsmen and he says he plays for his beloved India. His patriotism was proved when he failed to pay excise duty for a Ferrari gifted by Michael Schummacher to him. This from a person who earns nearly 10 million dollars annually through his endorsements and restaurants.
Patriotism need not necessarily mean being an army soldier and killing enemies with your gun. It is present in each and everything that you do. Cricket is a fiercely patriotic game, and nothing is tenser than an India-Pakistan cricket match. Both fame and patriotism play important roles in the performance of a sportsperson.
An optimum balance should be struck between the two for superior sportsmanship.
We need to wake up and stop worshipping our cricketers as gods, they are just human beings representing our country. It is this blind hero-worship that propels the players greed for fame and money. The government should take steps to develop more talent and give equal opportunities to youngsters to represent their country.
India is a nation of fanatics. We have religious fanatics, political fanatics, cinema fanatics and finally the most important and most common of all cricket fanatics. In my opinion the game of cricket is the greatest contribution that the British made to India. In a country of such diverse traditions and culture cricket is the one unifying spirit that transcends all boundaries and differences. A Tamilian and a Kannadiga may be at loggerheads over the Cauvery river water issue, but they are inseparable in their admiration for Dravid and Tendulkar.
Cricket has evolved a long way from the playing fields of Oxford and Cambridge to the multi-million dollar industry it is today. The ICC or International Cricket Council, is the governing body that supervises the growth and development of the sport globally. Cricket has undergone a sea of transformation from the traditional five-day test match to the one-day match and the current phenomenon 20:20 cricket.
Today a cricketer has a lot to look forward to, 20-25 years back there were no endorsements and advertising money and roles in slickly shot TV commercials. Look at the scene today we have cricketers endorsing everything from soft-drinks to motorbikes and video-games. They run restaurants and own shares in multi-national corporations. It is detrimental to the growth of the game. Money is needed, but like any other thing, money in excess is a vice.
Fame is naturally linked with sport and when it has such widespread coverage like cricket it is instantaneous. Take the current example of India’s swashbuckling wicket keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni his exploits with the bat have made him the new poster-boy of Indian cricket. He was an ordinary ticket collector working in the railways and now he is the country’s youth-icon. We need to weigh his merits carefully and observe him two to three years down the line to see how fame has affected him.
Shane Warne is an example of how fame can go into your head and transform you from hero to villain. From being the new spin-phenomenon of Australian cricket to being the highest wicket-taker in test cricket, his personal life has become a total mess. Numerous sex-scandals alcohol abuse and indiscipline has led to a divorce from his wife of more than 5 years. Former Indian captain Azharuddin is another example, caught in the match-fixing controversy, he is yet to be cleared of the accusations and charges levelled on him.
Perhaps former South African captain Hansie Cronje’s tale is the most tragic of all. Hailed as an inventive captain, the world was shocked when he was proved to be the centre of the match-fixing scandal. He died in an air-crash disgraced forever.
Sachin is undoubtedly one of India’s greatest sportsmen and he says he plays for his beloved India. His patriotism was proved when he failed to pay excise duty for a Ferrari gifted by Michael Schummacher to him. This from a person who earns nearly 10 million dollars annually through his endorsements and restaurants.
Patriotism need not necessarily mean being an army soldier and killing enemies with your gun. It is present in each and everything that you do. Cricket is a fiercely patriotic game, and nothing is tenser than an India-Pakistan cricket match. Both fame and patriotism play important roles in the performance of a sportsperson.
An optimum balance should be struck between the two for superior sportsmanship.
We need to wake up and stop worshipping our cricketers as gods, they are just human beings representing our country. It is this blind hero-worship that propels the players greed for fame and money. The government should take steps to develop more talent and give equal opportunities to youngsters to represent their country.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
memories
Small Town Cricket Talk
When the Joker Pulled up an ace
Sunday October 1, was a normal day like any other, and I had no inkling of the role I would be playing in the evening. 4 P.M. saw the gang at the play ground. Thirteen of them including me were present. Two teams of 6 players each were formed and I was designated the role of the Joker. In local cricketing language a joker is a player who bats for both the teams and dons the gloves of the wicket keeper for both sides.
The first two matches ended with each team winning one match and thus the third match became a final of sorts. Simbu's team won the toss and decided to bat first. The entire team was bowled out (including me) for 16 runs in 5.4 overs.
Rahul decided to open the batting with our "sweep-master" Parthiban. Simbu opened the balling and Rahul was clean bowled of the first ball of Simbu's over. In the same over Parthiban lost his wicket. At the end of 5 overs Rahul's team required 5 runs to win and Prakash was batting with Kannan. At this point I opted opted to field in the forward position and Kumar decided to keep wickets. The first ball of the last over bowled by Magi was whipped to long-off for a double. The second ball was struck firmly by Prakash towards me. I lunged at the ball and threw the ball at the bowler's end. We just have one wicket at the bowler's end, and I aimed at it from about 12 metres away. The fielders erupted in joy when Prakash failed to make his ground and was run out by my direct throw at the stump.
Then it was my turn as the joker to bat for Rahul's team. 4 balls left and three runs to win. It was getting dark and becoming very difficult to view the ball properly. I struck the ball with all my strength and managed to take 2 runs. Now the scores were tied and the match was poised for a nail-biting finish.
1 run to win of three balls. The next two balls whipped past me with great speed as I failed to make contact with the ball. Now I was extremely nervous and the fielders had circled around me like vultures surrounding a corpse. At this moment Prakash decided to be my by-runner and the instructions given by Rahul to Kanna were very clear-"If the bat makes contact with the ball run like hell."
Magi looked like Shoib Akhtar and took a long run-up and hurled the ball at me like a grenade. I just closed my eyes and swung at the ball like a wood-cutter with his axe. The ball met the meat (centre) of the bat and met the boundary rope.
There were shouts of joy and disappointment among the boys and Rahul and Prakash started singing.
Well folks that's my tale of when the joker became the hero.
Small Town Cricket Talk
When the Joker Pulled up an ace
Sunday October 1, was a normal day like any other, and I had no inkling of the role I would be playing in the evening. 4 P.M. saw the gang at the play ground. Thirteen of them including me were present. Two teams of 6 players each were formed and I was designated the role of the Joker. In local cricketing language a joker is a player who bats for both the teams and dons the gloves of the wicket keeper for both sides.
The first two matches ended with each team winning one match and thus the third match became a final of sorts. Simbu's team won the toss and decided to bat first. The entire team was bowled out (including me) for 16 runs in 5.4 overs.
Rahul decided to open the batting with our "sweep-master" Parthiban. Simbu opened the balling and Rahul was clean bowled of the first ball of Simbu's over. In the same over Parthiban lost his wicket. At the end of 5 overs Rahul's team required 5 runs to win and Prakash was batting with Kannan. At this point I opted opted to field in the forward position and Kumar decided to keep wickets. The first ball of the last over bowled by Magi was whipped to long-off for a double. The second ball was struck firmly by Prakash towards me. I lunged at the ball and threw the ball at the bowler's end. We just have one wicket at the bowler's end, and I aimed at it from about 12 metres away. The fielders erupted in joy when Prakash failed to make his ground and was run out by my direct throw at the stump.
Then it was my turn as the joker to bat for Rahul's team. 4 balls left and three runs to win. It was getting dark and becoming very difficult to view the ball properly. I struck the ball with all my strength and managed to take 2 runs. Now the scores were tied and the match was poised for a nail-biting finish.
1 run to win of three balls. The next two balls whipped past me with great speed as I failed to make contact with the ball. Now I was extremely nervous and the fielders had circled around me like vultures surrounding a corpse. At this moment Prakash decided to be my by-runner and the instructions given by Rahul to Kanna were very clear-"If the bat makes contact with the ball run like hell."
Magi looked like Shoib Akhtar and took a long run-up and hurled the ball at me like a grenade. I just closed my eyes and swung at the ball like a wood-cutter with his axe. The ball met the meat (centre) of the bat and met the boundary rope.
There were shouts of joy and disappointment among the boys and Rahul and Prakash started singing.
Well folks that's my tale of when the joker became the hero.
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