Musings of an insane mind ...

India a Ban-Anna Republic?

2011-08-24T23:00:00.002+05:30

A bill supposed to free up India of its corruption menace. Or a man's obsession to be a national hero. The Lokpal bill has been in the backburner for decades together. But it looked like the right time to push the agenda, with a government reeling under heavy corruption scams - the 2G scam and the CWG scam especially. Anna Hazare has taken up the case of acute corruption in India, but has lost his focus completely. What cannot be refused here is his mass popularity and support.

The 74 year old Hazare, claimed that this was the second freedom struggle. In conjunction with the day of his fast being immediately after India's Independence Day, August 15. What baffled me is that, India's freedom struggle fructified on August 15, 1947, when Hazare was just 7 years old. Not sure how he could have been part of that freedom struggle? Was he just senile or trying to trump up the post Independence Day fervour in India? At 74 without a family to support, his motivation for such a noble cause is indeed commendable.

What became alarming and disturbing was the method used to shove his Lokpal bill form down the Government's throat. Anna doesn't have to announce his fast was not unto death. Keeping his age in mind, any fast beyond 5 days is literally a fast unto death in itself. Having had the Baba Ramdev incident of midnight eviction fresh in mind, it was easy for Anna to force his way into getting nationwide support when he was sent to Tihar Jail. While all what the government did was arrest him to prevent any untoward incident. Anna reached out to the masses by his tech savvy self, by playing up his video, vowing to push the Jan Lokpal bill (his own draft of the Lokpal Bill).

Over the next one week, it was drama at the Tihar Jail, as he refused to be released until Ramlila ground was cleared for his fast. It was amusing to watch hoardes of supporters, supporting Anna's fight for a strong Lokpal Bill. With a nation as populated as India, it is not difficult to get thousands of unemployed youth and failed businessmen. Not to mention the oh so passionate IT employees who would presumably have been on bench. Let me confess here about the remaining 1% of those staging protests who would have indeed been genuine.

The media having nothing to cover as headlines (India having given an Asian Paints advertisement with its 4-0 whitewash against England in the Test series recently concluded), caught on to the Anna phenomenon. It touted Anna's case as a tussle between Anna and the Government. This sounded ridiculous, and dangerously veering towards a call for sowing civil disharmony. Though all of India knows that such fasting is not going to change the climate of corruption in India, it was disturbing to watch the crowds swell at Ramlila grounds, supporting Anna, against the Government.

The Government had drafted a Lokpal Bill, but Anna's demands became more a case of an ego tussle with the Government. It sounded more like a child refusing to eat anything until being bought a toy. Anna similarly has started to blackmail the government on continuing to fast until the Bill is tabled in parliament. And also giving the government a deadline of August 31st. Come to think of it, the Government should have not even entertained the bill. Especially after all these events, accepting to proceed with the Lokpal Bill draft by Anna, would amount to encouraging other similar large scale protests.

Just because India's is a democracy, doesn't mean there isn't a Government to decide upon things. If Lokpal Bill is going to solve the entire corruption menace in India, it is like saying that submitting the project report would help me pass my practical exam without appearing for it. The bill as such will not do anything. We as a nation should stop giving or encouraging bribes. It should be a different kind of non-cooperation movement. Just by supporting an Anna and making him famous does not guarantee a corruption free nation. The supporters are just being euphoric in their support and being unrealistic of the final outcome. If the prime minister is brought under the Lokpal ambit, all it will do is dilute the very essence of electing a prime minister through the electoral vote. Then the nation will only end up in civil war, with no governance.

The cause for Anna's protest is good. But the method employed is akin to civil blackmail. The media has played up to Anna's antics and let him become a national icon. It won't be long before he is reduced to just another political pawn and the cause itself diluted. For now, the fact that the Lokpal Bill itself is being discussed is a big enough achievement. If I were the Government, I would have just ignored Anna and all his antics.

Baba Black Sheep

2011-06-06T21:10:00.000+05:30

Are we Indians so naive to believe anyone who fights the cause of corruption? It is true that India is almost corruption personified. But that doesn't mean anyone who fights against corruption is doing a favour for the country. Baba Ramdev had already planned to launch a political party. So it was not surprising to find that he chose an issue irking all Indians, to pick up and launch an agitation - black money. Obviously through corruption.

Baba Ramdev's fast looked more stage managed and theatrical, than with a true cause which arguably Anna Hazare had. The Baba has thousands of followers of his yoga antics across the country, and would have been dying to get a cause to fight against. What better an option than corruption, to get an entire country on his side besides his own followers. That he chose Delhi as the venue for his fast certainly caused flutters in the Government corridors. No wonder ministers were sent out to woo the Baba at the airport even. The Baba went ahead with his fast, and the next day morning, news was making headlines that the Baba was evicted. I, for one found it right on the Government's part to evict the Baba.

Baba Ramdev being a yoga guru, would have followers across religions. With the crowd supporting Baba's fast swelling past the Ramlila capacity, even a minor scuffle amongst the crowd could have led to a dangerous riot like situation. The presence of RSS could have made the Government equally tense. Once the eviction was complete, the Baba had more options to garner support from follwers and the like - for the cause his fast was for, and the untimely evction he had to go through. It speaks a lot about how we Indians side with anyone powerful enough to fight for a cause. Irrespective of whether the person is genuine or not.

For me, the action taken to evict the Baba was appropriate, for no one can come to the capital and pose a challenge to the country's governance. It could have been a nightmare had things gone out of hand. It was a swift action, to dispel any problems that could have arisen. Whether this is a blow to the fight against corruption, only time will tell. But with someone like Baba, it was never a fight against black money. It was just the break Ramdev would have prayed for, and he has now a bigger following of naive Indians to get a big enough vote bank.

Ideos The Ideal

2011-05-22T01:43:00.004+05:30

It was now time to explore Android on the Ideos U8150. In the U.S it is better known as T Mobile Comet, and is clearly one of the cheapest smartphones available. I bought the Ideos keeping in mind the affordability and the price point it offered. The features were on par with those offered in other smartphones. Wi-Fi (b/g/n), Bluetooth, AGPS, Android Market, 3 MP camera, 3G enabled and it can be used as a mobile hotspot. The hardware is of more modest nature, with 528 MHZ processing speed, with a 256 MB RAM.

There are multiple advantages of choosing this phone. Having been launched in U.S and internationally, it has been explored across the world various times, and the number of custom ROMs for this device are remarkable. It gives a sense of confidence that this phone is indeed decent enough. When I unpacked the phone contents, it was obvious that Sangeetha mobiles were selling off the Aircel tied up Ideos. The logo was there on the box, and a prepaid sim card as well. I was also pleased to find a 2GB micro sd card inside the box.

The battery cover was blue, and the phone felt quite light in my hands at 102 gms. It was annoying to find the Aircel logo flashing when I booted up the phone. I have a Vodafone connection and I wouldn't want another network provider's logo flashing on. Moreover, in this phone, the phone maker's logo or name is nowhere to be seen. It just says Ideos by Google, which makes it more of a personal phone. I liked this aspect as well.

A price of 7500 for an Android phone, which flashes an unnecessary logo motivates one to rid of the logo. Right? Atleast I was determined to get rid of it. The price encouraged me to experiment ways and means to personalise the phone even more. I explored forums, and I stumbled upon the xda developers' forum for Ideos U8150. There was a custom ROM available, dronix 0.3 which was very impressive. But to unleash the potential of the phone, I had to first root it. Rooting basically means, the user has admin access over the firmware and certain hardware features of the phone. For example, it is possible to run ad free games on the phone.

Rooting was not as difficult or risky as I thought it would be. z4root is the best apk option available to root any Android Froyo phone. In fact the entire process of rooting the Ideos and installing a custom ROM are given in detail in this link. Once I rooted the phone, I was able to flash the custom ROM, dronix. It is mighty impressive and I am now able to overclock the little Ideos upto 729MHZ. I however still could not get rid of the Aircel logo flashing. I wiped the cust/data folder while doing the wipe, which removed all traces of Aircel in my phone. I was very happy and thrilled to have the Ideos for myself. Here I was, with a personalised phone, with the applications and games I wanted.

Of course, the drawback of rooting is that it voids the warranty of the phone. If one is unlucky it could even brick the phone and make it useless. But once the phone is rooted, and an efficient ROM is identified, it really performs beyond its potential. The touch screen response is amazing, while scrolling is a pleasure with the dronix 0.3 ROM. While the Ideos Stock ROM does not allow multi touch or pinch and zoom, after flashing dronix 0.3 I can do both flawlessly.The resolution admittedly is very average at 320X240 and the screen size is also a modest 2.8 inches. But for a smartphone at that price, it is more than what I could have asked for.

It fits snugly in my hands, and the smaller screen size and lesser weight makes it very portable. Battery life has been very decent, and I charge it once in two days with moderate use. I also purchased a silicon case for the Ideos at an Indian online website for 300 bucks. In fact, the delivery of the case from Delhi took 3 days, while the delivery of the phone which was available locally in Bangalore took a week. What an irony. The case fit my phone perfectly and I am very satisfied with it. It gives a premium feel to my Ideos.

Personally for me, the phone has turned out to be a better deal than the Samsung Galaxy Pop. Price wise it made more sense, and it also gave me the liberty to risk rooting it. I can now unleash the potential of my phone, in terms of performance. Maybe my next Android stop would be a quad core phone in the same price range. That of course, is a distant dream. For now, my Ideos rocks, literally.

Games which suit my Ideos:

Air Control Lite
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Rio
Scooter Hero AD
Paper Toss
WordzUp!
Doodle Dash
Jewels
Abduction
Traffic Rush

Touchy affair with Android

2011-05-21T22:28:00.015+05:30

So finally, I got tempted into the world of touchscreen phones. And to add to my dilemma, there is the choice of the resistive one from the capacitive one. My Archos 70 tablet is a capacitive one, and I have been mighty impressed with it. I wouldn't let myself be subjected to peer pressure of touchscreen mobiles, would I? So I started the hunt for a sub 10000 touchscreen phone.

The Indian market is swelling with various mobile phones, from varying handset makers. From Spice to Micromax to Lava, and then the ubiquitous Samsung, LG, HTC, Nokia and even Dell. I had made up my mind on getting an Android phone, so Nokia was ruled out. All the other contenders had Android phone offerings. Samsung would have been an obvious choice, with its highly popular Samsung Pop (better known as the Galaxy mini). With Android's Froyo and Samsung's brand name, it was very tempting indeed. The price was just about 9000. The other options were Micromax Andro A60, Dell XCD28 and LG Optimus One, which was just over budget at 11000.

I narrowed it down to LG Optimus One and the Samsung Pop, with the latter being first choice. Then came a quite unusual option, Ideos. I had known that Ideos U8150 (by Huawei) was launched with a tie up with Aircel in India, and I did have my eyes on it while I was in U.S earlier in the year. The most striking features were the pricepoint (8500) and the vanialla Froyo Android firmware on it. This meant, no unnecessary apps of the handset maker, and plain Android. Besides, it had a capacitive touchscreen too.

But I kept hesitating, for the price was still around the 9000 mark, which made me uncomfortable. I have always tried to buy phones at a reasonable lower price range of 6000, while I was willing to make an exception with an Android phone. Then my colleague shared information about the Ideos selling for just 7000, at Sangeetha Online. With shipping and tax it came to 7500, which was perfect for my budget. I did enough research on the model and had the right expectations set. I was not going to expect a lot out of its camera, which was reported as mediocre (I can confirm its below par for a 3MP camera). Not to mention the low resolution screen either.

With that, I took the plunge and got my Ideos U8150 from Sangeetha mobiles Online. I had
a harrowing experience getting the phone shipped to my address, while all along it was just 15 kms from my house. It took over a week of follow ups for Aramex courier to deliver it to my doorstep. But I was glad that the phone was worth the wait. The screen was very responsive, and the battery life has been rated as above average. The call quality was also top notch. I couldn't have asked for a better deal.

And then, it was time for unleashing the features. With a post so long, reader fatigue is not something I can afford. So, for those who just need a review and the features, it is in the following post.

Ooty's Beauties

2011-04-25T09:10:00.000+05:30

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Time to Pop a Tab?

2011-01-19T11:30:00.002+05:30

The new year is here, and has ushered in another flurry of technological frenzy. The just concluded CES event at Las Vegas was home to hordes of tablets. Of course Apple was conspicuous by its absence. This only led to more excitement and attention being drawn to the other tablets at CES. Motorola Xoom was launched as the first tablet with Google's official Android Platform, Honeycomb. And then there was the impressive Blackberry Playbook, Toshiba's upcoming tablet, Viewsonic, Archos, Asus and the list just goes on.

The first decade of this century may have belonged to Apple and its technology innovations. But towards the end of the decade, Google had quietly sneaked in on Apple and suddenly is as prepared and equally innovative as Apple is today. This doesn't augur well for Apple's products, particularly with Android handsets marching on ahead of the iPhone. Of course, one should not compare a zillion Android smartphones to one iPhone. Perhaps, therein lies Apple's problems. The sameness in its line of products will eventually drag it down, because the consumers have choices galore with Android.

When the iPod was a big hit, anyone who purchased a non-iPod mp3 player would be asked - "Oh, you got an iPod"? Oh well, an iPod is an iPod, which is an mp3 player. But the synonymous reference was more an appreciation and acknowledgement of Apple's innovative technology, than the lack of other mp3 player options. And a decade ago, the press coverage and the technology awareness among the public at large was much less. This decade is different. The consumers know they have choices, and its not just an iPhone or an iPod out there. There are the Droids, the Evos, the Incredibles.

The simplest way to gauge the change in mindset is that, today, an iPad is just an iPad which is a tablet. While a Samsung Tab or a Motorola Xoom is an Android tablet which is a tablet, and won't be called by someone as an iPad. Much unlike the iPod analogy. That marks a huge step in the way choices have emerged. Apple showed the way with the iPod, but the consumer was not aware of other non-Apple brands during the mp3 player era (which I refer the last decade as). Today the awareness of an Android tablet is as huge if not bigger than the iPad. Once again Apple showed the way with the iPad, but this time everyone was ready to unleash their products.

Its funny to notice that hardly anyone discusses an mp3 player option these days. Consumers have moved on to bigger things - smartphones and tablets. And understandably the number of mp3 players have dramatically come down and Apples own mp3 player revenue and sales have dipped in the past few quarters. This is directly related to the increase in sales of smartphones and the recent tablet invasion. Both a smartphone and a smartphone offer mp3 player rich features, which may not necessarily satisfy an avid music fan.But they are portable and do the same and more than a normal mp3 player. It will be safe to say that mp3 players will be passe' by the time we enter the middle phase of this decade.

Does that mean tablets will rule the roost? I would say it would be a mixed bag for tablets. Unless one wants to refer a Portable Media Player (PMP) as a tablet. Which can be true in many cases. Tablets can never replace laptops which will continue to co-exist because of the need for high productivity everyday tasks. But tablets can come in different shapes and sizes. Some refer to the Samsung Tab as a big phone, and Motorola referred to the iPad as a big iPhone. So there is still a lingering confusion on the definition of a tablet. A tablet is more for casual browsing and entertainment options. With basic editing features and nothing more. If it goes into high computing , then it is more a netbook.That said, the difference between a tablet and a netbook is even more blurred today.

I would think that netbooks and tablets would converge as technological innovations. There would exist just one device, which could well be termed the tablet. The smartphone will remain, as the most portable option for the consumer. While normal television with cable will give way to Internet TV. There has been a spurt of Internet TV devices as well of late. Google TV is still in its nascency, but could break new ground. Once cloud computing gains more usage, and Internet TV is the way for television, there could just be 3 devices necessary for a family. A television, a laptop and a tablet. Mind you, a tablet would still be just an option and not a necessity. Of course, internet is a given for all these to work seamlessly.

For this year though, it would be more of the tablet market maturing and if/how Apple can stay in the race. With Jobs on medical leave and a series of new Android challenges, Apple has its work cut out. And it is not likely Apple will see the same kind of brand loyalty as the last decade. Smartphones are still evolving, and are pushing screen sizes of 4.5'' or more. No wonder mp3 players are passe'. Lets sit back and enjoy the tablet wars until they mature and force us into convincing to own one. Oh well, I did get convinced and bought the Archos 70 Android tablet. I am still confused to be honest on how it is different from a big media player though. Well, I hope time answers my confusion.

Amigos with Archos ...

2010-12-24T08:52:00.000+05:30

So after a long long time, finally a post. And why not, when I am all excited about what I am about to reveal in the next few paras. The iPad launch has taken the world by storm. Prior to the launch there was mass speculation on how it will be received across the tech world. With the sales of iPad in millions within months of launch, it was no surprise competitors started hastening their own tablet plans. Though I never prefer Apple products, to be fair, iPad gave much of the tablet world the confidence to pursue.

The relevance of the tablet cannot be understated. Simply put, it is a device for entertainment and web surfing. While a laptop is heavy duty, a tablet is more mobile and portable. Unfortunately, the iPad weighing over a kilogram and being 10'' is nowhere near portable. There are already rumors that Apple may consider a 7'' tablet version, where Samsung Galaxy Tab has already taken a huge headstart. While iPad runs the same OS as that of the iPhone, the Tab runs the Android 2.2 Froyo. Though Google till date is apprehensive of how the smartphone compatible Froyo would scale up to the tablet version.

Even before the iPad though, Archos had started with their Tablet variant with an Android powered Archos 5 and another Windows powered Archos 9. With a bit of experience and vast knowledge of the multimedia experience, Archos unleashed 5 Gen8 tablets during August this year. The 28,32 are so small, many buyers consider them as mere mp4 players. The 43 is more like a smartphone. The 70 and the 101 are the real competition with other Tablets. And where Archos 70/101 stand apart is the lack of any carrier network tie up (like for the Tab or iPad), but still having commendable hardware. There is no need for a carrier tie-up to buy the Archos, no need to jailbreak it, and you can pocket an Archos 70 for $278.

There was a lot of waiting period for the 43/70/101 tablets. I had to go through the waiting period myself, with the 43 which I considred because it was cheaper. But my wait seemed never ending after 3 weeks and it never came in stock (not even now!!). I bit the bullet and opted for the 7'' Archos 708GB (A70) and got it 10 days back. Archos listed on their site that it would come with Android Froyo, and before long, there were 2 firmware updates, and now I am running Froyo on my A70. There is also 250GB A70, which is costlier, with a hard drive memory.

The A70 does not come with Android Market. Instead Archos have their own Appslib, which unfortunately is neither responsive nor near as close to being the Android Market. So, any A70 purchaser must have the Android Market using the hack here. Once you have the Android Market, then A70 is a lot of fun. The array of features A70 has is truly remarkable for a tablet. And to think that it gives amazing battery life and is very lightweight adds to the excitement. Some of the standout specs of the A70 are:

HDMI out (1080p)
MicroSDHC card expansion (Contents easily get synched)
Slew of Video formats can be played (mov,mkv,vob,rmvb,avi,mp4,flv etc .. with no need for conversion. Just drag and drop!)
Capacitive touch screen with multitouch support
Bluetooth and Wifi
Ideal 7'' inch screen with just 300gms weight.(250GB would be a tad heavier)
1GHZ processor
Front VGA camera for video chatting
Great battery life (10 hrs Web Surfing, 7 Hrs Video)
Flash support (coming soon)

You can find more of these specs at the Archos site. I wonder if Apple will ever have Flash support or a memory expansion option or the ease of Video format conversion. My answer would be not until Apple is going broke :)

While Google has not certified any tablet for using Android Froyo (Tab being the exception), Archos has gone ahead and used the open source Android platform and come up with an amazing product. I must forewarn though, out of the box it can be frustrating if one were to expect a lot from the Appslib. Android Market hack is a must and its pretty easy to install as well!

Apps and Games I have - from Android Market of course! (Make sure to visit Appbrain)

Angry Birds
Angry Birds Seasons
Bonsai Blast
Barcode Scanner
Dolphin Browser HD
Indian Rail (YES! irctc information)
Yahoo Messenger
Gtalk
Google Maps
Documents to Go
YouTube App

There is a wealth of information on the dedicated forum for each of the Gen 8 tablets. This is what really excites me as a buyer, to see a passionate group of gadget freaks exploring and sharing thoughts on a forum. This is one major reason I bought this tablet. This was also the reason I really love Cowon audio products also. My D2 experience being still ever so memorable.

The Tablet world is going to really explode in 2011, with Android Honeycomb being suggested as completely Tablet compatible. Though the Tab has crossed 1 million in sales, iPad is still the tablet to beat. Android has a huge advantage here, because of the success of Android on smartphones. Most manufacturers rely on the Android. LG, Motorola,Asus,Acer and many more are rumored to launch Android tablets in 2011. Motorola which mocked iPad as a huge iPhone (which I completely agree with) in the sneak peek of its own Tablet version, will be the first one to have Android Honeycomb.

To summarise my A70 experience thus far. It has been exciting, and a lot of fun. And to know that more tablets are on the horizon gets me even more excited. A70 is by no means an iPad killer. Just like Cowon, Archos does not have the marketing capability or the international visibility to be a top seller. It is however one of the best tablet options in the market right now for the price and features it has. For someone who believes Tablets will be integral to anyone's life (like a computer or digital camera is today) this is by far the best starting point.

Krishna's Temple of Shame

2010-08-22T22:19:00.000+05:30

I had been to Guruvayoor today, with my parents, wife and grandmother. I came visiting my ancestral home here, and we all went to the abode of Lord Krishna in the evening. Both my parents and grandmother being senior citizens (who qualify for being aged 60 or more) had the option of waiting in the senior citizens queue. While my parents by God's grace can take care of themselves in the meandering queues at the temple, the same is not true for my 93 year old grandmother.

My grandma needed atleast a person or two to hold her through the rush in the queues. Our plan was that my wife and I would accompany my grandmother, and my parents will get into the senior citizen queue (SCQ) in any case. While one person could manage taking care of my grandma, we thought I could help her along in the same senior citizen queue (SCQ). However, things took a different turn once the temple was opened for the devotees.

We got inside, and reached the SCQ with grandma, and asked the lineman (helping with the queues) to help grandma get inside. He objected saying we had to wait and only one person accompanying a senior citizen can be allowed. I agreed, but asked him to let my frail grandma get into the queue with my wife, so that she doesn't have to be stuck in the congested queues. He instead started objecting violently, and started asking me of how I can accompany when my grandma can take care of herself. This maddened me no extent, but the guy had a big ego and made my 93 year old grandma wait for more than five minutes. I lost my temper and repeatedly requested him to atleast let go of her and my wife inside since she can't stand for long.

My request fell on deaf ears, even as the guy said he will take care. I walked off furiously, and joined my parents in the same SCQ queue behind. I joined my father, since I was told by the linesman earlier that one person can accompany a senior citizen. As it turned out, once we reached the same spot, where the earlier guy was disputing with me, I was pulled out, saying I cannot get in. This was the tipping point as far as I was concerned, and my poor parents too got into the whole argument, as I let off my steam on the linesman. He asked my parents to continue in the queue, while I had to remain outside, since I was an 18 year old in his eyes. I shouted at him, and asked how he could say that. He said, I could go meet the manager. I walked off in a fit of rage, with my mother trying to calm me down, but with no effect.

The manager sang the same tune, and I soon realised there was no use talking to any of the hypocrites. I went back to the same spot, and stood there, as an obvious irritant to the same linesman, in the pretext of praying to Lord Ayyappa near that area, and kept taunting them. I watched them coolly let in youngsters and children, who did not have any senior citizens with them, while many others who were older than 60 were made to wait outside. I started saying aloud to one and all, how youngsters were being allowed inside, without following the supposed rules.

The flouting of the rules grew outrageous, what with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor visiting Guruvayoor at the same time, after his nuptials with his nth wife. This time it is Sunanda Pushkar. They had the entire path cleared for them, while my grandma was being crushed inside the SCQ, with my wife struggling to hold on to her. It was infuriating to say the least, with more and more youngsters being allowed inside the queues. Shashi Tharoor may be an MP, but that doesn't give him any greater right to visit the temple than any other senior citizen. Forget his case, there were numerous others who got a free entry.

I made sure I created enough ruckus near the manager's office too and enough people heard me, though this wouldn't have changed the hypocrite nature of the Guruvayoor Devaswom Board workers. The supposed strict adherence is selective and downright discriminatory. If they are only bothered about those who wield financial power or political power, the can't call themselves as being strict. At this rate if Tharoor recommends a terrorist, the authorities at Guruvayoor would let them in without hesitation.

I did not have any regrets of not visiting the sanctum sanctorum, since the very purpose was defeated by such double standards. I wouldn't be surprised if the Guruvayoor Devaswom board cleans up if Tharoor defecates anywhere near the temple. They would wash it and clean his rear too without hesitation. I wouldn't stoop to such cheap levels, but the Devaswom board well could. In the garb of being strict, they just harass those who are really genuine and not let them pray peacefully.

It looks like the Devaswom board is impotent and out of its wits and lacks basic common sense. If its truly a world renowned temple, it has to have paid queues in place, instead of carrying out such outright hypocrisy in the temple premises. I felt ashamed of their conduct and my impression about the supposed strictness in Kerala temples has been shattered. Its only in Kerala that priests in the temple are considered untouchable. Its only in Kerala that men have to be shirtless (read - bare chested). As much as I am God fearing, I do not think going through such irritant experiences are worth it at any religious place. Its a shame that the Guruvayoor Board ill treats its devotees while licking the feet of politicians and influential people.

Hues Around Bengaluru ...

2010-06-21T10:53:00.000+05:30

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Thrissur Gears Up For Pooram

2010-04-22T22:43:00.000+05:30

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Kodai Days ...

2010-04-22T22:35:00.000+05:30

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Microsoft,Apple,Google - Whose MAGic Awaits Us?

2010-04-03T16:12:00.007+05:30

With just a day to go for the Apple iPad launch in stores across the U.S., it is also a good time for introspection. Introspection about how the mobile, computing and the internet world at large is shaping up. What is clear is that, as much as technology enthusiasts complain about Microsoft's lack of open source technology support, Apple is quietly doing the same, through a different route. Microsoft has achieved success imposing their own technology on millions of computers and laptops around the world, while Apple seems to be doing the same on its mobile devices. How? Simple, by tying its customers to iTunes.

Apple is what it is, due to its flawless products and amazing user friendly gadgets. I must say, as much as I am anti-Apple in terms of products, my experience of the iPod Touch for gaming purposes was stunning. Its response amazing. But what cuts the deal short of a real game winner is undoubtedly for being chained to iTunes. iTunes maybe revolutionary. But it only works for those who are willing to be loyal to Apple and its products. Else Apple's products are just bricks. Atleast as far as the iPods and iPhones are concerned. The iPad will be no different, and Apple will continue to weave its net of circumvention yet again. That the device maybe stunning or incomparable is a different matter altogether. If as a buyer I don't have the liberty to load any apps, or any games to my wish, or load songs as drag and drop is curtailed, it becomes cumbersome and downright irritating.

What Apple is doing is no different than what Microsoft has been doing with its PC marker for years now. The iPhone is proprietary to Apple and there is a strict screening process for accepting apps into the iPhone. Moreover, the iPhone platform is unique and can only make an Apple iPhone and never a Motorola or HTC phone. The extent of restriction that Apple is imposing reminds one of how it has been with Microsoft in the PC market. Apple is imposing itself in the mobile segment of music players, phones and now tablet pcs. Apple does not even support the ubiquitous Adobe Flash into its devices. Its more a statement at the masses saying, either you are with us or against us.
Contrary to Apple's iPhone, Google has been the pioneer for open source technology. Its Android platform is a prime example. Unlike just one iPhone, Google has opened up multiple avenues across handset makers ranging from Samsung to Motorola to HTC. This gives the consumer multiple options which the handset makers themselves provide, but on top of Android itself. What's more, Android does not impose restrictions on developers who create apps for the Android. Which is why developers opting for the Android over the iPhone has been on steady rise over the past months. Microsoft has taken note of these developments, and just like it launched the Zune range of music players to compete with the iPods, it has launched Windows 7 mobile platform.

Google has a near monopoly on the internet world. It earns billions of dollars through its online advertising where it is dominant. Just like Google has expanded into the mobile world, Apple is quietly gearing up to start up its own mobile advertising platform, the rumored iAd. Microsoft, not one to be left far behind, has already tied up with Yahoo to share and expand its search queries and increase the reach of its impressive Bing search engine.

As more of the world is getting linked to the internet, the wars amongst the triumvirate giants of technology will be won on the internet. As of today, our daily life around technology resembles - Microsoft for Computers, Apple for Mobile(s) and Google for Internet. What this means is, each of these three giants control our life atleast for a majority of the time we spend on technology. Be it the internet explorer, or Google Chrome or Safari. Be it an Android mobile, iPhone or Windows 7. Be it a Windows 7 laptop or an Apple MacBook. Be it Bing or Google. Be it iPod or Zune. These three giants leave an indelible mark at some point in our daily technology consumption.

What remains to be seen though, is if Google can indeed continue on its open source path and win the battles against Microsoft and Apple?I would be delighted if Google could do it, for I want to have the freedom to choose what I want to run on my device than being told what I can. While Microsoft and Apple have laid restrictions to such choices, Google still is the hope. And what better a platform than the internet to find the ultimate winner?Internet is the only open source medium out there unless its your misfortune of being in China.

Lucky Is Me ...

2010-03-24T02:07:00.017+05:30

Over three months back, something happened around me, the disillusionment of which will be over only post April 11. But what has been obvious since those turn of events, is the rising expenses. That, it had to happen unabated, was something I had never imagined. Except me, all things around me are moving to a status - New. Be it my mobile, be it earphones for my Cowon D2, or the strap for my watch, or just the bare minimum batteries to run the dials at home. But what is certainly reassuring is that these expenses are the harbinger of a new life, a new dawn in an otherwise boring life I have had for a few months prior to that. The reassurance will be at the cost of my bachelorhood, but I have happily accepted my fate!

But amidst these expenses, I have had the opportunity to explore a new mobile phone, the Sony Ericsson S312, and bought the Creative EP 630 earphones for my D2. I had to let go of my Sony K510i after 3.5 long years of amazingly good response, owing to its inevitable joystick issues and the fear of the depreciation it might go through beyond a certain point. The S312 boasts style, though its keypad looks crammed up. But it fit into my scheme of things, weight wise, affordability wise, and brand wise. I had initial problems with the S312 due to battery draining,had to fight with the dealer and had it sent to the Sony Service Center. I was told to format the memory card which came along with the pack and now things seem to be better with my S312. It sure is tempting to grab one of those smartphones though!

And then, my beloved D2 earphones started acting weird. The earphones which came along with the player would crackle up, and refused to work normally. I loved the earphones which came with the player, but did not want to spoil the rich audio experience of Cowon by purchasing just another earphone. I finally zeroed in on the Creative EP 630, for their affordabilty, noise isolation and quality. After I read some reviews, most of which were positive, I was happy to shell out 999 on Gadgets.in. I must say their service is more than impressive and extremely prompt too. I placed an order on Friday night and got it delivered by Monday morning. Thus far, I am very pleased with my purchase and impressed with the earphones.

As for the expenses and the respite from them? Let's just say, they are here to stay, and won't come down by much in future. It is a life long investment that I am making, and one does need to pay a premium for it. You need to pay a high premium for the best out there. I would keep investing more if need be, to reap the rewards forever. Highlights of this life long investment scheme are:

Sparkling eyes,
Crackling smiles.

Hearty laughs,
Naughty chaffs.

Filled with mirth,
Blessed by birth.

Resolve concealed,
Intellect not unveiled.

Lord Bless Me
Lucky is Me ..
Lucky Is Me ..

Note : All rights are rightfully and soulfully reserved by and for me on this investment.

The Feline Needs A Lifeline

2010-02-24T00:38:00.005+05:30

Like a 911 call in the U.S for emergencies, India's national animal too needs immediate attention. If pug mark estimates by the National Tiger Conservation Authority are anything to go by, just 1411 Tigers are left in India. The striped feline enjoyed roaring success up until the alarming poaching activities brought down the number from around 40,000 in the 20th century to hardly a thousand now. Even the number 1411 should be digested with a pinch of salt, since the pug mark census can rarely be termed as accurate.

Aircel has joined Idea in promoting how nature and environment friendly they are in their core values and mission. While Idea promotes usage of its networks, and using mobiles phones to eliminate usage of paper, thus resulting in saving trees, Aircel has owned up to campaigning for the soon becoming rare Tiger in India. To be fair to Aircel and Idea, there is nothing more pleasing than promoting responsible nature responsible ads. Our national animal needs support and lots of care and attention. Most importantly, it needs to be left alone, with as much camouflage in India's forests.

Its an irony that India has promoted Tiger as its National Animal since independence, but has failed to save them from dwindling down so badly. There is undoubtedly vast collusion between corrupt officials who sell Tiger skin and bones and make lakhs of rupees. It is another startling coincidence that another National Symbol of India is struggling to survive. That of course is Hockey, India's national game. Much like the Tigers were India's national symbol drawing in animal lovers in the 20th century, India's national game was at its prime in the 20th century. Sadly for both these symbols of national identity, the dawn of the 21st century seems to have brought to light their tragic plight. While hockey is struggling to survive in India with national players being donated money, the national animal is nearing extinction owing to greedy poachers.

The only silver lining for the majestic striped feline is that another Indian Wildlife Sanctuary was last week declared as a Tiger Reserve. Union minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh inaugurated the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve at Anappadi in Kerala's Palakkad district last Friday. This makes it the 38th Tiger Reserve of India. India needs to be conscious of its national identities and not lose them to corrupt officials who collude for their own selfish motives. The Tiger certainly deserves a better deal, and needs to be left alone to try and come back from the brink of extinction in India. 1411 could well be the code much like 911 to inspire and encourage the nation to save the striped cat.

No Fuss About Google Buzz

2010-02-13T16:44:00.011+05:30

Google never lets the buzz about it grow any less in the internet space. Realising that its social networking platform, orkut, is fading in its primary markets in Brazil and India to Facebook's increasing presence, Google scampered and flexed its muscle to hire stalwarts in social networking. The resulting product which Google unveiled last week, is the Google Buzz, uncannily similar to the Yahoo Buzz platform. Except that Google is taking on the best in Social Networking today, the likes of twitter, facebook and friendfeed.

Google's approach in launching the product has had mixed reactions. What Google has done smartly though, is to use its existing Gmail base across the world, to spread word about the Buzz. Google Buzz comes automatically integrated with all the Gmail users' mailbox, and this is a huge plus for Google. The simple reason being, the kind of exposure and more importantly, the obviousness of the Buzz being present atop the user's mailbox. Look at the adjacent screenshot about what I mean.

The advantage of the placement of the Buzz in the mailbox may not seem that obvious, but what would strike all users, is its presence which gets unavoidable. Buzz is certainly too young to be declared a success or failure. But what Google can leverage on, is to provide its Gmail users one single location to access mails and at the same time follow what their contacts are upto. While twitter and facebook are purely into social networking, Gmail can now offer their mail service along with the social networking platform at the same time.

The one major difference one can see between Buzz and Twitter is that in Twitter, anyone can follow any other twitter user, while in Gmail, it is the users from the contact list of the user. That essentially means, Google Buzz may not be as social for celebrities or public figures who want to update what they are upto, like SRK or Shashi Tharoor do with their tweets. Such figures would have to be part of one's contact list before they can be followed. Well, in a sense, this protects the privacy of those who are chased down by the paparazzi.

Buzz though provides all the updates from its contacts, be it through twitter or picasa or other such supported platforms. Noticeably, only of the users' contacts. Buzz is different from Orkut as of now, in that Google Ads are as yet not visible on Google Buzz. But with Google it won't be long before Google Ads find their way into the Buzz page. How this will help Buzz is to place ads related to the contacts' activities. This will mean ads of restaurants or hangouts which the contacts may have been to. This will help advertisers and also mean that Buzz would be more effective in drawing more users. Not to mention, the Google Map integration which can also give aerial views and/or directions to specific locations.

On a personal note, I believe Google's Youtube maybe transformational for the Buzz platform. Not only can Youtube videos find more followers, there can be an entire network which can be created using Youtube. Buzz can advertise and air more Youtube videos and keep more eyes glued on the entire gamut of Google services using Buzz. It can also mean, more ads for Google in Youtube targeted Buzz pages. Honestly, Google has huge potential going for it to tap into the social realm. But with the lukewarm response to Orkut thus far, Buzz may not have such an easy ride though.

MNIK - Media Holds India Hostage

2010-02-13T00:22:00.003+05:30

Though I have been trying to restrain myself from blogging about My Name Is Khan (MNIK), the outcome and the coverage it has been given warranted me to write atleast a few words about the entire episode. There are three main protagonists about the entire MNIK episode. Shah Rukh Khan, the Badshah of Bollywood, fondly referred to as SRK, Shiv Sena, and the third annoying protagonist, the media.

Frankly, the Shiv Sena's protests and insensitive posturing and violence are but sure signs that it is in its last leg as a prominent political outfit. Its protests against Rahul Gandhi died down in a whimper, and even though they threatened to cast a shadow of violence around the screening of MNIK, the film has gone on to open to full house audiences. Another blunder by Shiv Sena, which is ailing under the senile leadership of Bal Thackeray. Not only is the Shiv Sena devoid of any agenda which helps Mumbai or Maharashtra as a whole, it has brought embarrassment to itself by taking on national icons like Sachin Tendulkar, Mukesh Ambani and now, SRK.

SRK, to be fair to him has found himself in the midst of unnecessary politics, which Shiv Sena claims to have had success at. SRK had made statements on NDTV that there was a problem about signing Pakistan players in IPL. And that he wanted to have Abdul Razzak in his Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL. Shiv Sena conveniently misconstrued his statements and branded SRK a traitor, and asked him to apologise, questioning SRK's intentions behind signing Pakistani players and his statement of Mumbai for All. SRK to his credit, stuck to his stand and insisted that no one should question his Indianness. He was even asked to go to Pakistan if he felt so strongly about his support for Pakistani players. SRK repeatedly held his ground and refused to tender an apology for something which he never alluded to as anti-Maharashtrian or anti-Indian.

While SRK has been strong and has won the hearts of millions of Indians, the Shiv Sena has further floundered and its demise seems all too imminent. Uddhav Thackeray looks more like an order taker from his father, Bal Thackeray and is devoid of any political know how. In all this peculiar drama, one eerie coincidence is noticeable. Karan Johar (KJo) has been involved in all the major Sena protests in the past six months. Beginning with the use of Bombay in Wake Up Sid which Raj Thackeray's Mentally Nil Sena (MNS) protested, then the Shiv Sena presenting sarees for Kareena for her dare bare in Kurbaan, both of which KJo produced. Now it’s his own directorial MNIK under the Sena hammer. Is Karan Johar the silent marketer that the Sena badly wanted? Is Karan using the Sena to gain publicity for his films?

Amidst all this, the media has enabled and embraced this episode and lapped it all up. The media has tracked down what SRK tweets, what Shiv Sena retorts and given it all the coverage which KJo would have hoped for. What is astonishing is the kind of headlines this whole nonsensical issue has generated. Over a period of an entire week, SRK emerged as new age India's freedom fighter against Sena and its goons. The media kept praising SRK over television, and insisted to the audiences in the country that SRK is being hard done by, and the Sena is being over the top.

Now why does this issue need to make the top of the headlines day after day, is downright ridiculous. Important issues such as fuel hike, its impact on inflation, and even the upcoming budget has been sidelined. These are the issues which need media coverage and will influence decisions and inform citizens of what lies ahead. Utterly irresponsible coverage by the television media which is hungry for TRPs alone. The day isn't far away when sting operations by media are done inside the hospital ward of film stars to assess if their urinary trouble is still persisting. The reporter may then say - "As you can see from the sting operation we conducted, X (the star) still urinates in trickles. The drops fall down due to force of gravity, and each drop is less dense than the last time we did the sting operation. Up ahead, watch our live coverage about how X goes about morning defecation."

The positive outcome of all this farce has been Sena's complete rejection by almost the entire nation. With MNIK opening to packed theaters, the message is loud and clear. Holding a city hostage to prevent screening of a movie and creating violence is insane and unacceptable. The other observation has been the alacrity of the police establishment. If only Mumbai Police had acted with such co-ordination and alertness during 26/11. The attacks could have been atleast mitigated to an extent. SRK and KJo have achieved their objective, and walked away with laurels for MNIK. The Shiv Sena has yet again shot itself in the foot. The television media has walked away with TRPs, and held the entire Indian audience hostage to an issue which has neither thrown light on the upcoming budget, nor addressed inflationary trends.

Steyn Inflicts Pain Yet Again

2010-02-08T22:07:00.004+05:30

Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel sounded a warning to Australian skipper Ricky Ponting who a few days back claimed he had the best bowling attack. The pace duo wrecked India on the 3rd day of the first test against India in Nagpur. Only Sehwag could stand up to the searing pace of Steyn and Morkel. It was a true lesson in swing bowling at serious pace, especially by Steyn who claimed his best test bowling figures of 7/51. Steyn would regard it his greatest achievement yet, to have claimed a seven wicket haul on a supposedly benign Indian pitch.

Steyn was testing all the Indian batsmen with his pace and accuracy at one end, while Morkel was hitting the deck, using his height to good effect in making the Indian batsmen hop in their crease. Yet again Steyn tested the Indian batsmen with fast outswingers to the right handers, and India went in with just one left handed batsman in Gautam Gambhir in their playing eleven. Honestly, India's rise to the top of the test rankings was aided in large by Australia's dropping ratings since their series loss to South Africa on their home turf. Admittedly, India did win their home series against Australia prior to that, 2-0 in 2008. But South Africa had already begun their ascendancy by then in 2008.

It was Anil Kumble who was holding the Indian bowling high, with Zaheer Khan in sublime form. After Anil Kumble retired, post the Australia series in India, India's only notable overseas win was against a weak New Zealand team. India's bowling even then was put to the sword, and has been in constant decline. Neither does India possess express pace (which even Sri Lanka has found in Malinga), the Indian speedsters' averages are even higher than a sparingly used Kallis. While Kallis averages 31.4 in over 100 test matches, India's pace spearhead Zaheer Khan averages 33 per wicket in 70 matches. The rapidly declining Ishant Sharma averages 32.85 per wicket. Kallis was even bowling much quicker than the Indian speedsters.

India has serious problems with their pace bowling department, when one considers that these are the best in the country. Harbhajan Singh looks very low on confidence and is finding it difficult to carry on the mantle from Kumble as India's leading spinner. It was no surprise that an Indian bowling attack which was recently hammered all round the park by a depleted Sri Lankan batting found it difficult to dislodge the South African batting. Steyn continues to be among the top five best bowling strike rates of all time in test cricket, getting a wicket every 39 deliveries. While one has to scroll all the way down to the end of the all time strike rate list to find mention of Zaheer Khan amongst the current Indian crop. To retain the top test ranking spot, India needs bowlers who take 20 wickets in a test match. Not just great batsmen with averages of over 50.

Fourth Innings, My Foot !

2010-02-07T00:43:00.006+05:30

At a time when there is supposedly a threat to test cricket, more and more exciting matches are being turned in. Honestly, the past decade has been a blessing in disguise for Test Cricket, and not surprisingly, it has been Australia at the forefront of redefining Test Cricket. Their aggressive batting, with the likes of Hayden and Langer and then a marauding Gilchrist ensured that Test Cricket was being redefined forever. The mantle, one would say has been handed to another simple, yet devastating batsman, Virender Sehwag. Sehwag has been instrumental in India moving up the Test rankings in the past eight years, with an astonishing strike rate of over 80 and also scored the fastest triple hundred in Test Cricket.

Why Test Cricket is still alive and will thrive has been proven by just the last 2 years of Test Match cricket. And its more than just a mere coincidence that this is the same period when T20 cricket has taken the cricketing world by storm. This format has been a major boost to how Test cricket is being played of late. While Australia showed the aggressive intent in posting mammoth scores, and then pummel the opposition, T20 has increased the belief and self confidence amongst teams in chasing down astonishing fourth innings scores. A startling example is the Duleep Trophy Final yesterday, which West Zone won by chasing down a near improbable 536 to win. What stands out is the kind of innings which made it possible. Yusuf Pathan struck an unbeaten better than a run a ball double ton, and remained not out on 210 to capture the victory. Incidentally, this is the highest ever run chase in the history of first class cricket.

The audacity of test batsmen, especially over the past two years has a remarkable coincidence with T20 cricket's arrival on the big stage in 2007 with India emerging the first ever T20 world champions. More batsmen since then have gone out in the fourth innings with the self belief of a fourth innings chase as a possibility, even if it be a huge score. The impetus that T20 has provided is the pace at which runs are being scored in Test Cricket. Almost all teams, including Bangladesh are posting runs at more than 4 an over in Test Cricket. That means, more Test match results than ever before, and more excitement for the crowds. In the Ranji Trophy final a few days back, Manish Paney dared Mumbai and almost pulled off the highest chased total in Ranji finals. He compiled an almost run a ball century in the fourth innings effort.

Not only have draws become more exciting in Test Cricket (the England - South Africa matches were enthralling to say the least), even run making is becoming faster, year on year. Just to give an idea, in the last 1 and half years alone, there have been three high run chases achieved, and that too on different playing conditions. South Africa chased down 414, the second highest run chase ever, at W.A.C.A in Perth. India then chased down a memorable fourth innings score of 387 against England in India, following the ghastly 26/11 attacks. The other notable chase was by South Africa against England at Edgbaston in 2008. Exciting batsmen like Sehwag and Dilshan are making a mockery of the age old tradition of block and play in Test Cricket. Strike rates continue to reach the high 60s and this is only going to keep increasing.

The benefits of such fast paced scoring is already showing in the number of result oriented games. The public should now look forward to high scoring, fast paced test matches as well. There is plenty of runs, as well as wickets to fall. Any cricket fan would be thrilled to watch result oriented matches. Not to mention, the nail biting draws which England are repeatedly pulling off on the fifth days. The unfortunate casualties of this transformation of Test Cricket are the bowlers, especially the faster breed. While the batsmen's strike rates surge, the averages of the bowlers keeps increasing as well. Fast bowling as a breed is reeling under the psychological hammering of T20. Only bowlers like Shaun Tait who can breach the 160kph (he clocked 160.7kph against Pakistan in the Twenty20 win over Pakistan), can dare batsmen who come down the pitch to fast bowlers. May God help the rest!

iS iPad an iWash ?

2010-02-01T17:22:00.009+05:30

You could call it jealousy or plain refusal to acknowledge what Apple defines mobile technology to be. But I have come to admire, yet distance myself from the giant strides Apple has created in the vast technological space. No doubt, the iPod revolutionized what a mobile mp3 player should be. I have always admired the user friendliness of the iPod. But the key aspect about any Apple product is reliability. If you purchase an Apple product, you can place a safe bet that what they claim to work will work flawlessly and seamlessly.

On a personal level, I have always wished to own the not so well known brands. But which eventually still are very highly regarded in their own niche segments. Be it the Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7 (Panasonic Lumix cameras have now created a strong name, but not when I bought it in December 2006) digital camera, or the Cowon D2 mp3 player. The list of features these products give you are unbelievable. It’s just that, Apple's products are professionally done, and extremely reliable. While the Cowon D2 player for example, needs the user to be motivated and eager enough to explore and unearth the true value. And believe me you, it’s one helluva player.

Apple's announcements are so widely anticipated, that the latest one on their tablet pc, took the sheen off the CES event in Las Vegas last month. Google maybe slowly inching up to Apple in the mobile telephony segment, but the iPhone certainly has a cult following, with rapidly growing success. Expectedly, the announcement by Apple on January 27th last week in San Francisco was hyped up. Steve Jobs, who has epitomized the Apple class of products, unveiled the iPad to an audience wanting to be mesmerized. Without going into further details of the iPad, I have my doubts about the future for this segment of products.

Embarrassingly for the iPad, the name itself has been questioned for being eerily similar to what women might claim as being a technological advancement for guarding their biological cycle. To be fair to Jobs and his Apple colleagues, there could have been no sinful thought of offending the Eves of the planet. After all, where will all the Adams go if they possess an iPad and their Eves turn them down for being offensively tech savvy ?Surely, this can't be a deterrent to the sale of the iPads.

The other pertinent question that comes to mind, is the segment which the iPad wishes to target. Admittedly and expectedly, iPad has once again shown why Apple products are so sought after with their sleek finish. But, it seems like a confused business thought to embrace mobile computing with laptop computing. Surely, neither are women going to purchase the iPad inadvertently for their biological purpose, nor are there going to be individuals carrying an iPhone in one pocket, and the iPad in another. Unless, the iPhone is going to fade away due to the iPad.

I wouldn't want to hold the iPad to my ears for taking a call while I am walking! So, what is it? A phone? Or a MacBook ? Or an Apple Netbook ? Or is Apple trying to bluff the consumer into buying an iPhone AND an iPad? This is what leads me to believe the confusion around such an important technological advancement. If mobile computing is the way forward, then one might as well have a fully fledged laptop with calling facilities. Oh wait, Steve Jobs also claims and garners attention to the claim of the iPad being an ebook reader. So what happens of the Kindles at Amazon? Honestly, the Kindle will continue to enjoy its success, simply because, the Kindle is a not-so-confused e-reader as the iPad is.

Now, my only thought as to the naming of this confused device as iPad has to be because Jobs wanted it to remind people of a writing pad kind of mobile, light weight device. And what Apple has been doing with its mobile products, is prefixing an "i" before them. Thus came about the iPods, iPhones, iTunes and so on. So for Apple, "i" epitomizes mobility of a device, and fittingly enough prefixed "i" to give birth to the iPad. Its a different matter that the iPad will take more time to sink in as a recognized segment in mobile technology. As the ongoing poll results beside suggest, that probably will be a wait much longer than anticipated by Apple. Note : This is a snapshot from the poll currently run on CNET as on today. Go ahead and cast your vote here.

Fedex overcomes Brit's Grit

2010-01-31T17:24:00.010+05:30

I have run out of adjectives to describe Federer's awesome tennis plays and feats. He continues to dominate the men's tennis circuit and today won his fourth Australian Open title against Andy Murray. In straight sets, he doused the hopes of millions of English fans who were hoping to watch Andy Murray erase decades of Grand Slam titles in Tennis. Alas, an in form Federer and a rather subdued Murray was never going to enough to surmount and win against the greatest ever tennis player.

One shudders to think what Federer can achieve with three more years of healthy professional tennis. He is just 28, and not done yet. He will want to ensure that his twin daughters have an entire lifetime to spend, watching other aspiring tennis players trying to emulate Federer's awesome feats. Even that long a lifetime may not be enough, for Federer now has 16 Grand Slam titles to his name now, and probably can end with 20 if not more before he does eventually feel he has proved he is the greatest and none can surpass him for decades to come

Murray was slow to start in the match, and one which was reminiscent of the U.S Open final in 2008 when the same two finalists appeared for a similar result in favour of Federer. Murray was brilliant in patches, running around the court, displaying a Nadal like athleticism and finesse and fitness which he has built on over a year. He lost the match 6-3,6-4,7-6 in under 2 hours. Murray had himself to fault, for he could not afford to be not at his best for the finals. He had his chances and was up 5-3 in the 3rd set, serving for the set. The Swiss master hung in, and fought off the Brit's resistance before wrapping up the Championship winning the third set tie breaker.

At the crowning ceremony, Andy Murray shed tears which probably showed his love and affection for his supporters from Scotland and Britain, as much as his pain at losing another title which he could well have been his. Federer's tears from last year's Australian Open final would well have been wiped off, but left them for Murray to shed. Hopefully for Murray, he would win it next year.

Federer has sent ominous warning signals to the up and coming brigade of tennis players. His sublime plays and immense talent can never be matched, but one needs to learn his incredible sense of focus, fitness and mental toughness Fedex possesses. 16 Grand Slam titles out of 22 Slam Final appearances, and Federer is also the epitome of a passionate sportsman, who continues to be humble with his on court behaviour. Andy Murray was given a consolatory remark from Federer, saying he is too good a player to not be a Grand Slam champion. The greatest ever does know what he is talking about.

Fedex Leaves Tsonga Perplexed

2010-01-29T18:49:00.000+05:30

Federer tore into Wilfried Tsonga to storm into the Australian Open finals. He defeated Tsonga comfortably in straight sets, 6-2,6-3,6-2. Federer now has reached 23 consecutive Grand Slam semi finals, and has also been at the finals of all the Grand Slams, starting with the French Open final in 2008. That's an incredible 8 consecutive Grand Slam final appearances including the Australian Open 2010, adding up to an astounding 22 Grand Slam Finals appearances. The Swiss master has stood tall amongst his own generation of players like Hewitt and Roddick, and continued to dominate the current generation as well.

Federer seems to be the one everyone wants to beat. The current crop of young generation players like Tsonga, Djokovic, Murray, Nadal, Cilic, Del Potro are all in the early 20s. It is their aggression, power hitting coupled with an incredible sense of self belief that has diminished the invincible aura that Federer had till 2007. It is quite astonishing that, even now he is the one who everyone is after to hunt down. Federer is now 28, and already holds records which will probably take decades to break if not centuries.

It’s not just the skill and the sublime plays that Federer brings to the game. It’s also his passion for Tennis, his modesty and appreciation for the opponents and past greats alike. He continues to march on and competes effortlessly with players of any generation. With Nadal's injury worries continuing to plague him, Federer's finesse and grace will boost his chances of bettering his own 15 Grand Slams. Murray may be leading Federer in head to head games 6-4 and may cause an upset over Federer at the finals. But Federer has already reached the pinnacle of greatness and really doesn't have to prove it to the world again.

Rakhi Rocks Censor ...

2010-01-29T17:59:00.005+05:30

Warning : Some portions in this post may not be offensive to readers who wish to be perverted and thus misinterpret the contents. To such readers, no discretion is advised. For all else I highly recommend a censored approach.

After all the hunger strike for the Telangana cause by TRS, now a unique cause is building steam. I mean, steam in a literal sense too, for the voluptuous Rakhi Sawant has taken on the censor board for censoring and banning her song, Kameeni tera bhoot chad gaya re. Rakhi Sawant has now threatened to go on a hunger strike in front of the censor office. Rakhi has always been an over the top speaker with high decibels giving more than enough sound bytes for the ravenous media. This instance is no exception either.

To be fair to her, she is quite outspoken on various matters, and has been very honest about her opinions. This instance is no different and she has more than a valid point. There are songs and serials on television and movies, which display vulgar content and even have expletives being uncensored. In fact Vishal Bharadwaj even directed a movie called Kaminey. So, Rakhi Sawant certainly has a very valid point.

All of us males are Swayam-sevaks when it comes to self pleasure drawn out of watching such actresses as Rakhi Sawant. Rakhi's Swayamvar may have gotten rid of Elesh's swayam-sevak status, but he lost the opportunity due to differences with her. Is Rakhi coming back into the minds and heads (you know which head) of die'hard' Swayam-sevaks after veiling her assets during her hyped swayamvar ? Or probably she just wants some cheap publicity by shouting over the top. Oh well, in Rakhi's case any top is too small to be over!

Indian Factionalism League ...

2010-01-27T16:59:00.003+05:30

The first signs of differences between Dhoni and Sehwag came about during last year's World T20 tournament. It was more a case of Sehwag trying to come out of an injury he sustained during the IPL in South Africa prior to that which he failed to recover from. Dhoni famously paraded the entire team to show unanimity in front of a gossip hungry media. Funnily enough, another IPL issue seems to have appeared during the just concluded Bangladesh tour.

Dhoni who missed out the first test agains Bangladesh, seemed to have favoured Pragyan Ojha at the very last moment for the second test, ahead of Amit Mishra who performed more than decently in the first test. Media is always hungry for any potential controversies and groupism within teams is always a prime topic for sensationalism. Sehwag was the captain in the first test, while Dhoni came back to take the reins in the second. There was supposedly a heated discussion about the exclusion of Amit Mishra.

To be fair to Sehwag (who I am prejudiced for), Amit Mishra ha bowled well enough in the first test and deserved another chance. It is an open secret that South Africa struggle against quality leg spin and the second test would have been the right preparation for Amit Mishra to gain in confidence ahead of the visiting South Africans. I just hope there wasn't as much into this controversial selection as is being made out.

But it does seem there are ego clashes within the Indian team over selection and options when Dhoni is not captain. When Dhoni was banned for three ODIs against Sri Lanka, Sehwag had taken over and one sensed his liking for Dinesh Karthik. While Dhoni would have indeed preferred to send Suresh Raina, Sehwag continued to repose faith in Dinesh Karthik and sent him ahead of Raina. When one considers that Raina has been performing consistently in the ODI format, it did seem an unusual move. Dhoni even prefers to give Raina a bowl most of the times, while in that same ODI series when Sehwag was the skipper, he ignored Raina's bowling altogether.

There is definitely some tension between the captain and vice captain. Look at this for coincidence. Dinesh Karthik plays for Delhi Daredevils, so does Amit Mishra. While Suresh Raina plays for Chennai Super Kings, so does Murali Vijay and Sudeep Tyagi. Sehwag would obviously prefer Ishant Sharma because he belongs to Delhi, but honestly Ishant has been quite poor over the past one year or so. And to think that Delhi Daredevils was last year skippered by Sehwag and Chennai by Dhoni. It seems more like a case of IPL factionalism within the Indian cricket team.

Phir Mile Sur or Frivolous Mile Sur ?

2010-01-27T02:16:00.014+05:30

India celebrated its 60th Republic Day yesterday. A moment every Indian, including I, am proud of. India is expressing itself on the global stage, and Indians are becoming confident, self-assured and assertive, all in a positive sense. Perhaps its this freedom of expression that is running deep in all of India. Especially it would seem, among the emboldened and influential television medium.

This Republic Day was more remembered for the spiced and hyped Phir Mile Sur, a rehash of the 1988 original version by Doordarshan. Spiced, because of a skimpily clad Deepika Padukone and banyan clad Salman Khan amongst other Bollywood celebrities (even Karan Johar found a place!), and hyped because it was apparently 'released' by Amitabh Bacchan. Now, what bemuses me no end is what do these esteemed figures stand for? Are they the epitome of Indian patriotism or Indian achievements?

I wish I weren't cynical. But the way the new Phir Mile Sur has been done up, looks very botched, annoyingly long and at times even ridiculous. It looks more like a marketing gimmick to win TRPs for Zoom television. It was good old Doordarshan days which brought about the original Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (see original below). Zoom has been one of the gossip channels promoting everything from Bollywood to Bollywood (pun intended).

In the guise of a fresh new look for an amazingly original and endearing Mile Sur Mera of the 1980s, the new version has been launched with so much of Bollywood emphasis that the Olympics medal winners have been pushed to the very end of the music video. I wonder what is it that Bollywood has done to represent India, unlike Olympic Champions like Abhinav Bindra ? Even in the new Mile Sur Mera, Salman has no qualms appearing in his banyan. I am thankful he didn't remove it to show his true patriotic colors! Watch part-1 of Phir Mile Sur below.

When A.R. Rehman re-created Vande Mataram in 1997, it was truly a magical rendering which was soulful, fresh and pleasing to the eyes. Rehman had re-done the tunes of the original song, and his mastery was clearly on display. Sadly for Phir Mile Sur, neither is it original, nor does the video look pleasing on the eyes. The music tries to retain the original Mile Sur Mera tune, with traditional music and tunes, but keeps losing track and gets completely boring at over 15 minutes. For me, personally the music and the video look more like an advertisement for Bollywood to promote its patriotic self, and what better a platform than Zoom TV? Watch part 2 of Phir Mile Sur below.

Come to think of it, the media seems to be playing the devil's advocate. Times of India promoted Aman Ki Aasha, as if this was the only hope left for India and Pakistan. It ran ads and then a music concert to promote its idea of a peaceful neighborhood with Pakistan. While the intentions are right, I can't think of one reason why patriotism would be etched in the minds of those who come to music concerts. Yet again, a hypocritical approach to promote patriotism while on its own channel, accusations from and to India and Pakistan are made literally everyday. I wish there was an Aman Ki Aasha mission for these debates.

All said and done, the true sense of spreading patriotism can only come from those who have represented the nation. It can certainly not be celebrities who only want to market their own brand and themselves. They can be enablers for the mission, but cannot be the mission itself. It is sportsmen, and most importantly the politicians and ministers themselves who should go around promoting patriotism. It is important for people to feel that they should be as patriotic as their leaders or sportsmen, not be dreaming about acting patriotism for a music video.

You may now ask if I liked the original Mile Sur Mera. Of course I did, because it was pure, original and very well done. The message and the music was short and crisp. There was no attempt to forcefully include all major Bollywood celebrities individually. Sickeningly, the new Mile Sur does just that, and is very much in the face. It is unfortunate that patriotism has gone into the hands of privately owned channels unlike the fading Doordarshan which created the Mile Sur magic. I wonder where is Shiv Sena to protest the skimpily clad Deepika Padukone in Phir Mile Sur now.

Going Down Mullayanagiri Lane ...

2010-01-24T18:49:00.021+05:30

Since my post way back last year about my memorable experience at Thekady, I haven't been on any trekking sojourns for various reasons. Prime amongst them was my vulnerable health which ebbed and flowed with the summer and then the winter season. Other personal and professional reasons did come in the way.

But what struck me as very demotivating was the lack of trekking companions which I had made over the past few years. It is difficult to replace a set gang of trekkers who tend to be on the same wave length and set off for on the fly treks. I lost such companions either to marital bonds or an increasing workload. It looks like an unavoidable transformation, as one gains in experience at the workplace and finds oneself at the altar of marital life (pun intended).

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

I have been trying to come out of my own self confinement for the past three months, but either my personal compulsions or those of my rarely found trekking companions', would come in the way. One such personal compulsion is already engaging me in gauging my marital instincts. It was imperative for me to test my physical and mental strength of overcoming my inhibitions, and also to tread on paths which couple of years back I would have done gleefully. Besides, it is always better to inhale those last breaths of bachelorhood before the marital instincts take control of you.

And so, I set about Mullayanagiri once again. I am never tired of this wonderful place to trek, which is set in Chikmagalur, and is the tallest peak in Karnataka. Having done this trek five times no less, calling it familiar terrain would be an understatement. But it is always better to put yourself to test in familiar terrain than be anxious and worried about how your body copes up in unfamiliar paths. Not only does the familiarity encourage you, it also gives you the confidence of your capabilities and draws on your strengths once again.

I conjured up mental strength to call up couple of my trekking mates, and inevitably as has been the case last couple of months, one of them dropped out. I was already getting dejected, but there was one person left to accompany me. Ratheesh, who was one of my trek-mates to Tadiandamol last year. As usual, I bought bread, biscuits and water to chomp along the trek. The tickets were ready and I was walking back home with the snacks I had bought. Pondering and wondering if my health will indeed hold up to the cold weather in Chikmagalur. Not to mention the trek itself which is not difficult, but a test nevertheless.

With the snack pack I was headed home along the dark bylane near my home which is now familiar territory for me over five years. But as luck would have it, I tripped badly over an ill-placed stone and fell forward heavily on my knees. For a moment I was cursing my fate, for I really did not want any further doubts in my clouded mind. My knee was hurt, and for a few seconds I was lost in thoughts. I thought to myself - "Oh, not again. I don't want to get injured and give myself another excuse for not going for this trek!". I obviously had to stand on my legs again to atleast assess the damage. The knees were my worry and I gave them a few bending tests, and walked a few yards. Once I felt my knees were alright, except for a few bruises, I got really determined to defeat my doubts and make the trek for sure. I wanted to prove to myself that come what may, I can and I will do this trek.

I was pumped up now, and was looking forward to the trek. We boarded the bus and reached Chikmagalur the next day morning. We hired a van to Sarpandhari and started the trek. I was still concerned for my health, but the familiar Mullayanagiri terrain egged me on. The first half hour was very testing, what with the heavy bag with mineral water and snacks to carry in it. I was breathing heavily and was little unsure of myself. But, my determination helped by familiar territory pushed me along, and before long I was finding myself enjoying the trek.

We finally reached atop the Mullayanagiri temple, which has been completely renovated since my last trek in 2008, and looks well sheltered and constructed. This trek was even more important for my photographic instincts which had been starved for almost nine months. Mullayanagiri provided me the perfect starting point for refreshing my love for photography and my trekking interest. We completed the trek, and by the time we came back, it was noon time and we headed back to Bangalore the same day (i.e. Yesterday).

Not only was it refreshing to see Mullayanagiri bathed in sunlight, it was also a trek which helped me gain in confidence, both mentally and physically. It’s the perfect trek to serve as a reminder that trekking can be fun, but is not that easy either! Though it was not an entirely satisfying trip photography wise, I had no complains in atleast having had another starting point. Yes, it was tiring and fatigue had set in quite quickly after the trek. But the fatigue was a very small price to pay when compared to the satisfaction it gave me before I run out of trekking options. I would be running out of options due to an impending lifelong en-gaugement you see :)

IPL does not imply India's Pakistani Liability

2010-01-22T18:32:00.002+05:30

From the face of it, it does look like there were hardly any cricketing reasons for the IPL franchisees to dump Pakistani cricketers. What though has come to the forefront is a kiddish response from the Pakistani government attributing the non-selection of Pakistani players to a political agenda. I can't understand what will the government have to do with the IPL in the first place.

Remember last year's IPL? It was the IPL and its franchisees' decision to host the matches outside of India, despite some vague assurances by P.Chidambaram. BCCI is a body which does not come under the Indian government scrutiny. In fact, it is only beginning this year that the government is going to levy Rs. 120 crore in tax from the BCCI. When there are so many pointers that the BCCI, forget the IPL has nothing to do with the government, one can only scoff at the Pakistani government allegations.

Looks like the media in Pakistan is whipping up mass hysteria for the supposed snub to their players during the auctioneering. Cable operators across Pakistan have protested the treatment to its players and will black out the IPL games in Pakistan it is said. The fact of the matter is, Pakistan is frustrated and doesn't want to look into its own messy problems of terrorism and bombings and is trying to divert attention to a trivial issue.

Pakistan is already isolated as a cricket hosting nation, and it will be unwise for the Pakistani government to put the cricketers in further jeopardy. It would be wise for Pakistan to realize and understand that it is India which is swaying the cricketing finances in the globe. Any amount of persuasion will not help the future of the cricketers from Pakistan, especially when there is still an air of tension between India and Pakistan.

As far as the IPL franchisees go, they would not have wanted to draw unnecessary attention from fundamentalist organizations like the Shiv Sena, who are waiting to spoil the party. Why would an IPL franchisee want to spend $200,000 on a Pakistani player who may not even be given a VISA in the worst possible scenario? That would be a real shame and waste of money for the franchisee. Clearly, there is only a business angle to it. And the only reason for the Pakistani players to have featured in the initial list was to give those players a fair chance. The decision was finally left to the franchisees, who went purely by their business objectives

China - Censored Hai Na ...

2010-01-21T15:21:00.002+05:30

I am extremely proud and happy to be in India. India could have multiple issues, both regional and religious. But that speaks volumes about the strong emotional bonding that India has enjoyed all through the 62 years of Independence. Notwithstanding hostile neighborhoods, India has continued to be peace loving, and sometimes even too docile for its own good. There is honestly no comparison of India with either Pakistan or China. While Pakistan has been the rogue nation, owing to a politically mismanaged nation and a nation with radicals lurking in every corner, China has been the nation trying to bully around, not only its own citizens, but other Asian nations as well.

Thomas Friedman noted in an article that China is at cross roads of whether to adopt a new age China, or get subdued under the Communist rule. He goes onto mention how China is grappling to come to terms with an increasing knowledge consuming world, which would force the nation to embrace and gain knowledge through multiple channels for its own development. What this would do is inhibit the stringent measures of the Chinese rule, because the exchange of knowledge information needs vast amount of transnational interactions. Human rights violation has been a long discussed issue in China, with executions for crimes being very common, and no freedom for citizens.

Not surprisingly, this is the very reason the Chinese officials are wary of the Web 2.0 revolution and want to monitor human rights activists' actions. One wonders what insecurities should the Chinese have, when it is in the cusp of becoming the second largest economy in the world. The Chinese government is increasingly insecure of uprisings which could arise out of their strict policies. Why else would it raise a cyber army just to track down, hack computers across the world and steal vital information ? Google is threatening to pull the plug from China for this very issue of China hacking into accounts of human rights activists. What China is not realising is, more the restrictions, more are the chances of uprisings and revolts.

In another very disturbing move, China is going to scan text messages to filter out unhealthy or ill-content in mobile phones. What this means is, a Chinese citizen, who may share some passionate messages with his/her spouse over mobile phone could well be jailed and may even be executed ! It is truly unfortunate that China is imposing restrictions in citizens' private lives as well. Already, the rule of a single child in China is coming back to haunt the Chinese. It is resulting in a rapidly aging population in several important cities in China, forcing China to rethink the single child rule. If the single child policy was akin to interference in private lives of citizens, scanning text messages is outright intrusive.

For precisely such restrictions and rules that the Chinese employ, it is hard to understand if there will be any emotion or sentiment left in a Chinese citizen. Being patriotic is great, but who would want to be patriotic for a nation which does not allow freedom, even in personal lives ? Who would want to be patriotic to a nation which is always monitoring every single step of any and every citizen ? Which citizen would like to continue in a country, where they live more in fear than for the love of the land ? Consequently, it is not difficult to understand why, any Chinese trained individual would be more robotic than human. Devoid of any emotion or sentiments, be it sportsmen or the army, would automatically tend to be more machine like. Without true love for the nation.

Now think of India. A nation highlighted as being poor, winning Oscars for its slum dwellers. But what India has is, freedom of speech and expression. Sometimes, a little too much of it one would say. But India has stayed on for 62 years with an incredibly diverse populace, and also embracing liberalization along the way. Corruption maybe rampant in India. But pray, where is corruption not seen ? The Indian growth story has been quite remarkable, and more and more honchos in businesses are from India. The world has confidence in an increasingly globalised India, inspite of its infrastructure woes and red tapism. The simple reason is the freedom and the confidence that businesses can flourish, and that India has the brain power as well as the manpower.

Unlike a Pakistan, India has continued to vote democratically. Though there have been fragile governments, no Indian citizen can complain about the freedom (s)he enjoys.Pakistan is struggling against foes they themselves fostered over the years. India has been the victim of terrorism from Pakistan, and is increasingly under threat from an insecure China. China's insecurity is understandable, with India's increased presence both economically and diplomatically. China is certainly miles ahead economically and militarily, but India and Indians have their hearts in place.

Is Google going.. going .. gone ?

2010-01-14T13:44:00.006+05:30

Google has put its foot down on its China operations and has sought to not censor search results for Google china searches. Google had gone out of its way in 2006 to censor results specific to Google China. As has been the dubious distinction of the Chinese Government, the censoring of results was to limit mutinies arising out of atrocities by the Chinese government and limit uprisings against its human rights violations. Thus the filtering done for Google China would be at the behest of the Chinese authorities. The restrictions of free expression, over the internet and access to potentially controversial information about the government thus continued in China.

It has taken three long years, and it has taken few hackers on Google accounts of human rights activists and other U.S. companies for Google to say enough is enough. Google has gone on the offensive and now come out saying that it would either not filter Google China search results or exit the Chinese search market altogether. There have been multiple theories and arguments about this move by Google. Of course Google would continue to work with Chinese Government to understand the implications. But the hacking of Google accounts and related cyber attacks to track human rights activists and even U.S. companies is going to make it difficult for Google to trust the Chinese government.

Google China has admittedly been trailing the other Chinese local search giant, Baidu. Baidu has more than a 60% share in internet search revenues compared to Google's less than 20%. But with the mammoth opportunities of China which already has the largest internet internet usage, this may seem more like a gimmick. The counter argument though, goes that with as little a share as that, it would hardly hurt the $22 billion firm. The fact remains though, that one cannot ignore the fastest growing economy in the world, poised to overtake Japan as the second largest economy. In that sense, the 20% share would probably yield much larger revenues for Google in years to come.

In true business style, Eric Schmidt was not keen on making such a dramatic exit from the Chinese internet search market. Looks like the principles of Google, to promote open source and relevant and uncensored content to promote free access has won over Schmidt. Google is probably at the peak of its business, with diversification across multiple areas including its own Nexus One phone it released a week back. However one does need to take this unusual and aggressive message by Google in context. China maybe asserting itself globally as a never to be missed opportunity. But it takes a Global brand like Google to highlight the human right violations of the Chinese government. If hacking into human rights activists account is possible, then it doesn't augur well for any Chinese citizen. No one is free to either communicate or even browse through the internet. Being in India, I can imagine the sense of frustration and anger that could be seething within the Chinese people.

Senile Sena Ails ...

2010-01-13T23:52:00.004+05:30

Shiv Sena has yet again reposed the faith of the Sena brand of politics by announcing that it won't allow Australian cricketers to enter Maharashtra to play cricket matches. It seems like a blanket ban on Australian cricketers from entering into Maharashtra alone, though I am not so sure if all the Indians attacked or abused in Australia are all Maharastrians. This seems like another effort by the Shiv Sena supremo to win back the lost sheen of his party after last year's Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In the Maharashtra elections last year, the MNS made significant inroads with its bizarre and at times inexplicable campaign surrounding Marathi Manoos. Being their first assembly election, the fire brigand leadership of Raj Thackeray helped in winning important seats. On the other hand, a struggling BJP, and an inspiration seeking Shiv Sena lost out in a very big way. Shiv Sena especially felt the pangs of separation bite them badly, after Raj Thackeray had parted ways three years ago to form MNS. MNS announced its arrival by eating into the vote bank of Shiv Sena and as a result, the Sena-BJP combine.

It now seems a role reversal for Shiv Sena. The Shiv Sainiks, especially in the days following their election debacle in Maharashtra have been following the Raj Thackeray brand of politics. While MNS Woke up with Sid to remind Maharashtrians of Bombay's rechristened name, Shiv Sainiks followed suit, by targeting yet another Bollywood movie, Kurbaan. Cinema has been of late found as "objectionable by convenience" by political parties to raise their plank at the state and national level. When a bare backed Kareena Kapoor showed up on posters of Kurbaan, Shiv Sainiks protested against the screening of the movie. Though the Shiv Sainiks draped sarees and even went to Kareena's house to give her a saree, did any of them bother gifting her a blouse, a petticoat and the necessary lingerie' ?

And then there was Sachin Tendulkar, who I have admittedly been admiring more of late, after criticising and disliking him for almost two decades. This after he took India home in a record chase against England and also won India the tri-series finals in Australia in 2008. When Sachin said he is an Indian first and then a Maharashtrian, unusually enough it was Bal Thackeray who questioned Sachin's commitment to the Marathi cause and criticised Sachin. Sadly for the aging Thackeray, neither could he emulate an MNS like uproar of violence, nor did he win any support from anyone in the country.

It seems like Bal Thackeray is trying to battle his senility and bring some semblance of hope into the rapidly diminishing presence of Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. Why else would a veteran political leader want to tread the same path of that of his nephew who was once his own pupil. There is definitely no inspiration or spark left in the aging Shiv Sena rank. If the assembly elections last year were anything to go by, the Shiv Sena's decline, along with the aging of Bal Thackeray looks more inevitable than ever.

Gowda Howled Da ...

2010-01-11T03:19:00.013+05:30

Now I really can empathise with news hungry television channels. It truly is music to the media channels as it is for the thousands of bloggers not to mention those on twitter. But I so wish words such as "Bhosidi Maga" and "Bloody Bastard" could be given a tune to be made music out of. Unfortunately, Deve Gowda resorted only to these words and hurled them at the Karnataka Chief Minister, B.S. Yediyurappa. It obviously wasn't nice of Deve Gowda, to choose the NICE stir by farmers to air his more than frank views.

But Deve Gowda's remarks clearly show his skills of being multilingually adept at both Kannada and English. Not to mention his brief stint as prime minister of India, and thankfully a brief one in retrospect. It certainly is good education for the masses to learn from their leaders of the appropriate usage of words at appropriate moments. Unlike such multilingual capabilities which Indian ministers possess, the U.S counterparts are limited to just English.

Just to side Yediyurappa here. If we go by the literal meaning of the nice words Deve Gowda used, Yediyurappa would still qualify as a human of the mammal species, and pray tell me which newborn is not bloody at birth? So Deve Gowda certainly hasn't checked his facts before hurling the abuses. Yediyurappa has every right, to air his displeasure at such contradictory and incorrect abuses.

But we in India shouldn't be complaining really. Other politicians across the world too are not far behind in hurling abuses. While Gowda has the linguistic advantage to help his message reach the local people, those in the U.S know only English. Twitter is the new battleground with Mike Parry calling Barack Obama as "a power hungry arrogant black man." in his tweets. Another politician, Harry Reid, in the run up to the 2008 U.S. presidential elections had mentioned that Obama could win because, while black, he was "light-skinned" and lacked a "Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one."

So there we are. Deve Gowda has just been candid about his personal views about Yediyurappa. The war of words elsewhere in the U.S. is more subtle and tech savvy. Deve Gowda is not the geek and is too senile, unlike a Tharoor to use 140 characters to tweet about Yediyurappa's lineage. He has gone to great lengths to woo the English audience and the Kannadiga audience with his endearing choice of words. Yediyurappa in the meanwhile has expressed how hurt he has been at being questioned of his lineage. I guess he does have B.S for initials. That should settle matters!

Kannada invective bosudi maga means, "son of a bitch".

See The Hypocrisy in Pravasi ?

2010-01-10T00:30:00.029+05:30

Since Australia claimed that incidents like the stabbing of an Indian in Australia was common in big cities, there has been huge uproar amongst Indians in India and expectedly in Australia too. It has been quite easy for India and Indians to brand the spate of attacks on Indians, especially Indian students as racially motivated. What Australia has probably been right about is the hysteria around the incidents being highlighted and channeled by the innumerable television channels in India. Today has been no different with another Indian in Australia being set on fire.

What has been striking about the coverage about these incidents is the emotional upheaval the media has been able to generate. Every single attack on an Indian in Australia is being questioned and accused as racist by the Indian media. The media seems to have taken it upon itself to represent an entire nation to question the atrocities against Indians in Australia. The statement issued by the deputy prime minister of Australia couple of days back, belittling crimes and murders as being common in big cities was frankly insensitive. It has only flared tempers.

So what is so different about crimes against Indian nationals in Australia to be captured as headlines? Is it the easily available and accessible news fodder from a smaller Indian immigrant community in Australia? Is it the thirst to accuse another nation of being racist when crimes against foreign nationals in India happen quite frequently? Patriotism is most welcome from news channels. But if the media needs to broadcast respectful news stories, it needs to shed its hypocrisy.

Why should a nation, with 1 billion people be bothered about few thousands of students or workers of their own origin suffer in foreign land? Aren't there enough crimes against our own people, committed within our own country to be covered? Why should such Indians seeking education in foreign land or the so called NRIs be treated in a special way? Manmohan Singh has tried to lure the NRIs to return back to India to reverse the brain drain, and make it a brain gain for India. At the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas he even went on to add that special provisions would be made to give voting rights to NRIs. Clearly, there is something amiss amongst all Indians here.

When a police officer is killed in cold blood and ministers watch him bleed to death, how can we ask the Australians to take care of our nationals in their land? This is truly heights of hypocrisy. Besides, when such students or Indians seek out opportunities outside of India, they clearly do not see much promise in India in any case. Why then should the government or the media give special consideration to such nationals? What is the guarantee that these NRIs or students will even bother coming back to India? It is a different matter that the lackadaisical government machinery in India will discourage anyone from remaining in India for long.

The media will always have its way. It will first sensationalize these crimes as racist, instigate debates and concerns from the Indian establishment, and then finally accuse the same Indian establishment of being incompetent to deal with such crimes. When clearly the onus of security lies with the Australian government and there is little that the Indian government can do. What the media and the Indian government should do is to identify and solve India's own problems first. Not to bother about those who have decided to forego Indian shores for their own selfish gains.

They Came-back, Saw and Conquered

2010-01-08T16:21:00.005+05:30

What is it about sporting stars, which inspires them to mark dramatic comebacks? The success stories of comeback stars may not be that obvious in the face of it. But few do stand out. Some stand out because of the reasons surrounding an earlier retirement. Michael Schumacher's (Schumi) comeback from retirement is probably the most recent one. Just by the stature of the man and his achievements, he deserves to be in the limelight of comebacks. But what intrigues me more, is the reminder of how many women tennis players have made comebacks and highly successful ones too!

Jennifer Capriati is a classic example. A teenage tennis prodigy at 14, she lost it to marijuana, charges of shoplifting, but struggled through to make a determined comeback. And when she did comeback, she literally dominated women's circuit. She won 3 Grand Slams during her comeback streak from 2001 to 2002, winning the Australian Open twice and the French Open. Her comeback has been regarded as one of the greatest comebacks of the past decade. The very opponent she fought out to win the French Open in 2001, Kim Clijsters also made an equally big comeback last year.

The Belgian tennis star, was touted as Grand Slam champion material since she stepped onto the tennis circuit. But somehow, unlike her other compatriot Justin Henin, never won a Grand Slam. That was until 2005 when she won the U.S Open. Two years later, she retired from the women's tennis circuit. Henin in the meantime continued her dominance. But when the spunky Clijsters announced a comeback, it was dramatic.

Clijsters had a personal promotion of becoming a mother during her 2 year hiatus, and then got a wild card entry into the U.S. Open in 2009. It is something movies are made of. In true movie style, she overcame the favourite of the tournament, Serena Willams under controversial circumstances and eventually won the tournament after 4 years. It was a treat for the eyes and as remarkable a comeback as Capriati's. And Clijsters doesn't seem to have ended it yet.

Clijsters' comeback prompted her compatriot and an even bigger star, Justin Henin to come out of her own retirement. Only the Wimbledon has eluded this former world no 1. Though Henin's comeback has not been as dramatic as that of Clijsters' or Capriati's, one can safely bet that there will be enough and more competition for the Willams' sisters to look forward to now. In a remarkable coincidence and true rivalry spirit, the two Belgian stars will test their comebacks when they face off in the final of the Brisbane International this week.

Google says - Next Us with Nexus

2010-01-06T15:39:00.019+05:30

Google finally unwrapped an as yet rumored phone for the U.S market. While in the U.S market all mobile phones come with a telecom carrier package, Google has launched Nexus One as a direct offering to the consumer. When Apple launched its iPhone, it was priced at over $400 with a 2 year bond with AT&T, Google Nexus One is being offered directly to the consumer, without a carrier tie up for $529. Essentially Nexus One will come unlocked for those who don't want a carrier tie up, but for those who want it unlocked and have it on a carrier will have to sign a contract accordingly.

A little over a decade after Google came into being, the decade from 1999-2009 has ended with Google making giant strides in what can be called, the future of the web. Google has quietly eaten into the businesses of Apple and Microsoft, especially in 2009, with announcements of their very own Chrome browser and now the Google phone. Google is leaving its footprints on all the trends of the technical world, besides defining how computing will be in the following decades.

Google's Nexus One announcement is even more significant given the timing of it. CES, which is the most eagerly awaited technology event the world over, will begin two days after the Nexus One launch. Google may just have taken the sheen off the event by making such a major announcement. Google has done it the smart way. It introduced the Android, then slowly partnered with mobile handset makers like Motorola, HTC to market their open source Android platform. Once the Droid became a hit earlier this year, Google seems to have gained enough confidence to press forward with its own phone. The push for an open source Google Android platform could also significantly dent Apple's iPhone Apps which tends to scrutinize the app developers no end.

Besides such a big announcement 2 days before a mega event like the CES, another objective which Google has quietly achieved is to whittle down the raging interest in the Apple Tablet PC. Apple's rumored Tablet has been gaining raging publicity over the web without it having to spend a penny on marketing. While a January 27 announcement by Apple on this is being talked about, there is no confirmation as yet. By announcing the Nexus One well before this event, Google has indeed stolen a march over its many rivals at the beginning of the decade.

The Over(due)haul

2010-01-04T03:58:00.009+05:30

I had been trying in vein to move my blogger template to the new version for the past 1 year or so. But, with little or no satisfying outcome. I had taken enormous pains to move it to the K2 template (by Gecko and Fly), shown below. That was somewhere in the first half of 2007. Few months following that make over I gave to my blogger template, I came to know of the layout view, which enabled simple adding of widgets or gadgets from the template in the blogger dashboard itself. I was stuck with the K2 classic template and did not have the time nor the energy to once again spend over a day or more for another blogger template update. I continued with the classic K2 template.

I had made more than a couple of painful attempts at the template upgrade for my blog in early 2009. The idea of incorporating my wishful contents, in an as yet non-envisioned layout was made more challenging by the overwhelming task of tweaking the code all by myself. Finally, in November 2009, I sat down and summoned up enough courage and time to do the unthinkable.I zeroed in on the Minyx template, which I liked for the simplistic feel to it, yet having a jazzy look. I also was looking for something which remotely aligned with my thoughts of a Green template. The obvious (if not yet) reason was my love for nature and it's conservation. The other unique aspect, which I now am proud of, is the amount of real estate I have been able to achieve with the Minyx template. Following is a snapshot of the Minyx template, if it would have been, had I not made any template modifications of my own.

I soon realised that, only the one who has envisioned or is still envisioning a design can be satisfied about having modified a layout. My blogger template layout as it stands today, has undergone innumerable code changes and tiny tweaks inside the xml code. The inspiration has been Minyx. But what has been the outcome over more than 50 hours of tweaking effort, is due to all the references which you can find as a scrolling list under - Revered References on the bottom right corner. The tips and tricks I chose and incorporated from these references is endless. Starting from justifying the text content, to creating a right column and a left column inside the sidebar has been contributed by these referencing sites.

I had hesitated and was skeptical of including Google Ads on my blog, because of it impeding the simplistic design which I wanted to maintain. However, with so much of real estate on my layout, I mustered enough will power to incorporate as many Google Ads as possible. I learnt an important lesson during my more than 50 hour effort of blogger template overhaul. If you own a blog and hold it close to your heart, you and only you can design it closest to your satisfaction. If you hold it that close to your heart, no piece of code can be overwhelming.

2009 - News-i-verse in Terse

2010-01-01T21:13:00.006+05:30

My personal top news of 2009 in terse with an Indian perspective.

• Picking up the pieces of a peaceful peace prize for president Obama can in no way justify the gatecrashing of his dinner party with Manmohan Singh, resulting in Tiger's crashing private life and sending more troops for justifying an already floundering Afpak policy

• Google's googlies left Apple grappling with its iPhone against an androidal invasion with Droids while Microsoft's bing could only launch against Google's chrome war on browsers

• Twitter's fluttering tweets twittered the internet with raging success culminating in being the most searched word the world over

• Swine Flu flew across continents and spread paranoia which glued people to guidelines and health advisories for an as yet unknown flu

• An electorally voted unanimous Congress asserted itself in India, giving much needed confidence for a worried Indian economy with much needed political stability in the face of a slowdown

• An Indian cricket team which predictably had a horrendous T20 Cricket World Cup in England, much as Pakistan came out of a scarred cricketing image because of terror strikes and lifted the T20 world cup.

• A bruised Indian T20 cricket team could not even cruise against a crusading and injured Aussie team, thus relinquishing a transient numero uno ODI spot in a matter of hours

• Tharoor's tweeting foray brought out open conflicts within the functioning of the Indian Government much to the chagrin of a Congress party in majority

• Maoist fears finally hit PC hard and now the Red Corridor is very much on guard

• Koda's corrupt Koka-ey revealed the malice plaguing Indian bureaucracy

• While Federer re-produced a double in his personal life, his double at the Grand Slams made him the best of all time with 15 slams, even as his dear friend Tiger Woods’s bootylicious flirtations left him poorer by more than a few million dollars

Tharoor's Unfettered Tweets

2009-12-29T23:30:00.009+05:30

Tharoor is in news again for his tweeting antics. This time around he has tweeted on the strict VISA regulations following the Headley findings. Tharoor has aired his concerns on twitter, and this has not gone down well with SM Krishna. He has been pulled up, but Tharoor has once again tweeted on how he missed the whole brouhaha. Tharoor had earlier tweeted into the headlines for his cattle class remarks following the Congress' much publicized austerity drive.

Is Tharoor trying to woo an online audience which is supportive of his tweets? Or is he being too naive and not being sensitive about the reason for the strict VISA regulations. Tharoor maybe the tech savvy politician that India may have never had. But his online support will remain online. Only his offline support can win him elections. So, even if media channels showcase his tweet supports on twitter, ground reality will be totally different. The online audience in India is sadly one which remains online and will seldom wield its voting powers.

Tharoor, with all due credit probably knows what he is doing. It could well be a gimmick to garner media attention and stay in the news. But what is disturbing about this instance of objections to VISA regulations is the matter of national security. Tharoor needn't be explained to, about the circumstances surrounding the need for the strict VISA norms. If Headley can sneak into India multiple times, and questionably as a US agent who went rogue, then India has to be more cautious on VISA restrictions. If U.S. can do racial profiling, then India too can impose stricter VISA regulations atleast. I don’t see there being anything to be objected to.

The earlier instance was merely a remark on the austerity drive by Congress, calling politicians cattle class. It could have been a personal opinion and could have been pardoned. Is Tharoor so naive about Indian polity to believe that tweeting will win him support? Or is he being just a citizen and expressing his voice on an open platform? It certainly is arguable that, every politician is indeed a citizen too. So, why not air one's own opinions? The only caveat for a politician to take note of though is, that with great power comes great responsibility. Tharoor this time around has been anything but responsible.

Sleaze with Ease

2009-12-27T14:09:00.008+05:30

A multitude of issues are tumbling out of the ongoing sleaze charges against Narain Dutt Tiwari (N.D. Tiwari) and molestation case against S.P.S Rathore. If not being responsible enough about the position they held wasn't good enough, they have been cunning enough to have hidden away their cheap escapades using political clout and misuse of office.

It is funny to note that these high flying gentlemen are well past their reproductive capabilities (Tiwari is 85 and Rathore is 67), but still manage a fling. I can be argued against by stating that S.P.S Rathore molested Ruchika almost 19 years back. Ironically, 28th December is precisely the date when the charges were levelled against the supposedly celebrated police officer.

N.D.Tiwari on the other hand, has been a step ahead, as should be the case with someone administering affairs of a state. While being chief minister of U.P. it was an open secret to many of his extra marital affairs. He did use his wife's gynaecological knowledge to manage his flaccid endowment on three women. It is as yet unknown if his performance or the lack of it with the three women was the reason for his ouster from governorship of Andhra Pradesh.

While Tiwari can be pardoned due to his inherent weaknesses and willingness of women to satisfy him, what S.P.S Rathore did to Ruchika was indeed lewd and outright pervert. Public sentiment will always remain doubtful against police officers, especially when high ranking officers blatantly misuse their power. Inspite of being chargesheeted, the ex-Haryana DGP had the guts to harass Ruchika's family for almost 5 years.

Unfortunately for the Indian public, such are the headlines topping the print and visual media towards the end of a year. The Congress with a majority at the centre can afford to ask a senior political veteran and Congress loyalist like N.D. Tiwari to quit his post after the expose by ABN channel. Similarly, it is good to note that S.P.S Rathore’s cases will be revisited, his pension reduced and his president’s police medal stripped off.

However, for the mental trauma he inflicted on Ruchika and her family, his sentence of 6 months and a meagre 1000 buck fine is disgusting. Sadly for Ruchika’s family though, Rathore is 67 and even if he is given life imprisonment he may not live too long. Even so, is there a point in punishing someone who is utterly remorseless?

Nagarholing Mysore to Calicut

2009-12-26T14:50:00.007+05:30

It’s been really long since I went on a trek. More than eight months I guess. But, I did manage to sneak some snaps on a short trip to Nagarhole earlier this year in May, and then again yesterday, en route to Calicut. So finally I have some snaps to share on slideshare.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Fleece Frenzied

2009-12-23T17:11:00.001+05:30

Private bus travels in India can be quite mean and unrepentant. I can cite my examples with those in Bangalore, but I can bet a dime a dozen, that it would be a similar case elsewhere in India too. One trip to Kalasipalayam in Bangalore, and you will be overwhelmed by the number of touts who want to make a quick buck by selling tickets to places as far off as Goa, Mumbai, Pune and so on. The irony of a booming Indian middle class is all too evident in such areas.

As more of the Indian middle class population moves around in the country, working in different locations, travelling back to their hometowns becomes a frequent necessity. With more of money and less of time to spare, the willingness to pay an extra 50 or 100 bucks has become commonplace. The extravagance is also on the rise with Volvo buses giving all the comfort in the world for the burgeoning Indian middle class traveller. But in the midst of all the hurry, the typical middle class traveller ignores how the bus agent goes about fleecing him/her.

When a festival season comes up, there is even more rush, and even normal air buses which would cost a few hundred bucks are plied at double the normal price. And the traveller is firstly left with no option (lack of time, hectic work, no time for booking in government buses .. reasons are endless ...), but has enough and more money to pamper the increasingly fraudulent bus agencies. Sadly for the passenger, there is seldom any guarantee that there will be atleast half the value of what is being promised in terms of comfort in the bus.

Such pampering of the private bus operators is now biting back the very same travellers. The tickets may be bought, but then cribs about the quality of the bus service, the timeliness, the comfort, all gets questioned. While questions are raised, the traveller is helpless, and is always at the mercy of the bus operator. The private bus travels are not only fleece frenzied, they are neither timely nor professional about keeping their promises.

More and more of the moving Indian populace is logging onto the online mode of reserving bus tickets. The private bus operators are now hooked on there as well. Instead of arranging touts to get tickets, the same bus operators now have tied up with online services such as redBus and MakeMyTrip which offer bus reservations. More often than not, the customer misses the fine print, and is once again only concerned about whether or not (s)he will get a ticket or not. These online services, have tie ups with the private bus operators, share a portion of the revenue, and leave the traveller once again at the mercy of the same private operators.

Cometh the hour, no cometh the bus. If one were to book a ticket online, the wait for boarding the bus could well end up spoiling the entire trip. The bus operator would wait for enough travellers to fill the bus. More often than not, the promised bus on the online ticket will never be available. Instead of an AC, an air bus will come along. On top of all this, the bus takes its own sweet time to start. It will roam around the entire city, picking up any or all passengers, and then inch out of the city. The responsibility of the online ticketing service like redBus is to only interface the customer through an online mechanism for a bus ticket. Beyond that what happens is left to the bus operator. See the adjoining terms and conditions of MakeMyTrip for online bus booking service.

As can be seen, literally everyone washes their hands off the traveller. The irony around all this is the professionalism and the timeliness of the government bus services. Atleast I can quote this about the Karnataka KSRTC service. Their online bus ticketing is very smooth, reliable. And what's more, the buses will be on time more often than not. Of course, if one is boarding a bus, via a certain route, delays become inevitable. That is an unfortunate reality about Indian commute. But unlike the private bus counterparts, there is no delay whatsoever in starting from the originating point. Not only that, there is atleast a basic security measure of identification using the PAN card or any other form. In the private bus scenario, only money matters.

I may have only stated the harsh reality of the times we live in. I certainly cannot deny I am not part of the travelling group I have alluded to. But the irony around this topic cannot be easily lost. We as the middle class keep cribbing about the lackadaisical ways of the government. But when there is such meticulous service (KSRTC in this instance) it does not get recognized or acknowledged. There is timeliness, security measure and reliability. While the private buses are anything but that. So now we crib about the private bus operators instead, while we find other means to accuse the government of not functioning.

Don't let Agile Beguile !

2009-12-18T16:38:00.005+05:30

I have been more than curious as to why Agile methodology is so sought after in software development. With very little knowledge on the thought and the process behind it, I could well be misinforming my far and few in between readers.

As the name suggests, the need of the hour is fast paced development. And agility in any form can always bear rich dividends. When it comes to business, the benefits are manifold. So it is no surprise that there is a constant push for an Agile model of project execution in software development. To put it simply, Agile methodology lays emphasis on incremental, iterative software development with rigorously frequent reviews between all the project resources. The pretext for the push for Agile is the rapid progress in each of the phases of a typical SDLC.

Imagine a scenario when the requirements gathering is going on, and simultaneously the design also is kickstarted. Typically in a sequential development project, the development team would wait until the requirements from the customer are frozen. Once this is done, the design and implementation starts. Thus, a project which is simple and has medium complexity would need, say 6 months from start to end. But with Agile, the end objective is to do parallel activities starting from requirements till the end.

There won't be any lag time which will mean less idle resources and reduced project costs. There will be higher and more efficient utilization of the resources, owing to frequent and constant reviews, scrum meetings and so on. It is rapid development process, with high emphasis on peer programming. It will certainly be a common sight to have requirements gathering going in tandem with design or coding phase.

The advantages of the Agile methodology in my personal view are:

• Higher productivity and utilization.
• Focused implementation cycles
• Rigorous review processes
• High quality deliverables
• Faster project execution cycles
• Business Profitability

However, I would like to play devil's advocate here and review the Agile methodology. Though the advantages are very enticing for any customer or business, there is a definite short sightedness that Agile brings along. In the race for bettering the present, there is a lurking danger of ruining the future. The most startling aspect that Agile fails to address is knowledge retention. With the pace of development and implementation, there is always the danger of quality in documentation. The final product or application might be extremely good and efficient. But, the level of documentation does tend to get compromised.

The other aspect around knowledge retention is retaining the resources themselves. Since there is excessive involvement in terms of meetings and reviews, almost all the knowledge is with the resources which is not documented either. Especially in the Indian IT industry scenario, where attrition levels can be quite high, the risk of losing a knowledgeable employee can hurt the long term prospects of a project. As a result even the engagement with the client could be in jeopardy. The mitigation plan for this could be augmenting the resource pool in the project in the event of attrition. This would however mean more resources in the knowhow of the project, while still managing any attrition risks. The flip side is obviously higher project costs owing to wages for the excess resources.

Where there is a challenge or a concern, there is always an opportunity as well. A majority of clients, who outsource IT work to Indian IT players, are pressing for Agile project execution these days. Since outsourcing is the prime business model, Indian IT players have to oblige and gain business. But there is always a value proposition that the IT firms can suggest by highlighting the risks around the Agile model. A simple suggestion can be, to have a role for each Agile project of that of a scribe. A project scribe will be party to all the technical, functional and client discussions and would have the prime responsibility to document notes and circulate amongst the project team. This will ensure knowledge retention and efficient knowledge base creation within the project. This will certainly mitigate attrition risks, because a certain level of knowledge is being documented anyway.

Likewise, technology should be used and invested more aggressively when rapid paced discussions happen. Methods such as recording meetings, either visual or audio should be encouraged and followed diligently. This would serve as a means of knowledge retention, as well as a knowledge base for reference purposes. Such suggestions and ideas will enhance client confidence and in turn bring in more business.

I am not experienced enough to either validate what I have mentioned in my post, or elaborate more. But, what is certain about Agile is a rising level of short sightedness which can be detrimental to the business in the long run. While one should certainly encourage and adopt newer business models, there is always an opportunity around the challenges that such a model can likely pose.

Test Cricket : A T20 Twist

2009-12-12T12:09:00.015+05:30

India sure managed to scale the expectation and reached the top of the ICC Test cricket ratings. India, like Australia and South Africa has been the only Test playing nation to have consistently performed in away conditions with victories. In that perspective, India deserved to be among the top 3. But, the very best? I wouldn't think so. India still has a weak bowling attack, and there is no certainty or surety of a return to form of Ishant Sharma. Moreover, Harbhajan Singh's performances have been patchy to say the least. What India surely is missing though is an express pace bowler to bowl at 145 clicks consistently for a entire spell of 4 or 5 overs. Until India finds consistency in its bowling attack, the Indian team will continue to rely heavily on its batting.

Even so, the top spot in the ratings look like more transient in nature, because of the lack of test matches India would be playing. BCCI has now asked South African cricket board to play two test matches, by dropping two one day internationals in India next year. While it would seem that this maybe an opportune moment to give a much needed fillip to sagging fortunes of test cricket, BCCI surely wants to give the Indian team a fair opportunity to continue atop the test cricket ratings. While these are certainly welcome thoughts, one cannot but be reminded of the lack of sponsorship interest for the Indian cricket team. If the BCCI can bring in more crowds to see the Indian cricket team perform well and retain its top ranking in test matches, there could be an opportunity to win back elusive sponsors.

All said and done, there is certainly a deep concern for the future of test cricket. BCCI's moves are certainly positive, but as I mentioned, seem more like being opportunistic in nature. What test cricket really needs, is to have the spice and pace of a T20. Test cricket for today's youth and fast paced life is more like an Indian documentary or art film. Dull, drab and boring. While a Bollywood movie is spiced up enough with drama, passion and more than a good dose of titillation. This is precisely what test cricket needs. A spicing up, even if it be over a 5 day period.

What I have been thinking of, is to eke in facets of the 20 over game into Text cricket fold. Following is my thought process and the reasons they can attract good crowd responses.

Compulsory 20 overs of powerplay in a day's play. It would be split into ten overs apiece. The first 10 has to be the very first 10 of the morning's play, and the second 10 has to be the very first 10 of the second session of play after lunch. There would be no option for either team to choose when to exercise them.

Now for the specifics in these 10 over slots. Firstly, the batting team has to score at 4 per over for each of the overs in the 10 overs slots. Failing which, each such over will result in a 2 run deduction from the batting team's score. Unlike one dayers or T20s there will not be any fielding restrictions. This will retain the charm of Test Cricket. Similarly, every wicket the bowling team takes will automatically add 5 runs to the bowling team's score. So, if the batting team is chasing 50 runs, a wicket which falls in the 10 over slot, would mean additional 5 runs to score.

Now for the benefits of such a system. Scoring at 4 per over maybe a norm in test cricket these days. But even now, scoring 4 per over at the start of a session is a challenge. The incentive for the bowling team for each wicket it takes in those 10 overs will encourage setting up attacking fields as well. This will mean, either more runs, or more wickets. But definitely an even contest, while still keeping the spectators engrossed in the game. After all, either the crowd wants to see boundaries or wickets. The most significant impact would be on the result of such matches. 20 such overs everyday, can change the course of a match, and will prove more result oriented. If nothing, dull boring draws won't be as many, since the instances of preserving wickets would make it a nail biter, especially in the last day scenario.

I am no cricket expert to delve into cricketing rules and find the pros and cons. I am sure instances such as rain days etc. will have to be accounted for. But as a cricket fan, I feel something like this will retain the interest in test cricket. Moreover, my suggestion above for 10 over slots in the first and second session would automatically retain spectators in the stadia for almost an entire day.I did not suggest this for the last session, because more often than not, it would either be exciting (close draw,a chase etc.) or a dull or boring end (watchful towards end of play) . I am quite sure such a shake up will bring in more spectators, and force the batting and bowling teams to be more attacking and retain Test Cricket's charm.

Tiger drinks Gatorade for Accenture

2009-12-10T16:47:00.008+05:30

Note: Some portions in the post may be offensive to some readers. Reader discretion is advised

To follow and know more about gossip on news channels can be quite addictive. The more spicy the news, the more eyeballs it gets. Rather sadly for Tiger Woods, its not his growls on the golf course, but his groans and moans of an otherwise guarded life which is being heard more. He may have hit a good ball with a golf stick, but he didn't need more than a pair of them to hit a dozen birdies. And birdies which have not ceased tumbling from the nests he secretly flew to. Birdies which were so free to fly anywhere but found great comfort in building nests in Tiger's Woods.

Isn't it the easiest thing on earth to have a chance to point fingers at someone ? It sure is, and when it is something sensational, media and bloggers like me feel it is our right to frame a celebrity as a scandalous man, an ill-worthy sportsman, and never a role model. As I did read, internet publications are attracting huge traffic, riding on the Woods controversy. On a self confession note, I wouldn't be too far behind either.

But I would like to acquit myself of using the controversy and ponder over what led the Tiger to moan in the birdies' nests and not growl in his own den. First and foremost, it goes without saying that his flings brought him a zing in his life, which probably helped him win 14 majors. Besides, he may have felt that he had to prove to himself of being a major (the adolescent one, silly) and so visited the birdies. On an empathetic note, one cannot blame a normal guy to not be visiting nests of experienced, bootylicious birdies, when there is a bottomless wallet to boot. If he hadn't been attracted, he may have been stamped as gay !

It could even be, that he was literally testing the waters to see if Gatorade as an energy drink does work. After all, one sweats more in a bed course than a golf course. Unfortunately, the energy drink only helped in invigorating him more, and left him with enough energy to last more than a handful of birdies. Result being, Gatorade ditched its loyal tester, the Tiger and withdrew a 5 year $100 million contract. The objective for Gatorade was met. It sure DOES work. And for(e) many plays too !

On the other hand, Tiger did prove true to Accenture's ambitions of using his celebrity status for their caption, High Performance Delivered. For while Gatorade only supplied him the necessary energy, the delivery was left all to Tiger. And if he had birdies numbering 10 or more, Accenture sure did choose the right sports candidate to prove its tagline. After all, only a high performance delivery can bring about 10 birdies.

Oh, BTW. What does the post title signify ? Read as follows: Tiger drinks Gatorade (energy drink) for high performance delivery.

To Tweet Or Not To

2009-12-01T21:33:00.010+05:30

I was neglectful of twitter for a long time, but the tweeting bug finally bit me . Twitter has been the rage, especially in the past year. The fact that twitter is the top word used in English language in 2009 bears testimony to this. Quite an act, driven almost entirely by the social website's popularity. It took out words like H1N1 and stimulus in the top words list, published by Global Language Monitor.

Twitter is such a rage, that it is almost like the next rss out there. While twitter restricts the number of characters to 140, the impact of tweeting has been contagious. Any news channel or website, which does not have twitter ids would come as a shock for me in this day and age. Any mobile phone which comes out these days, brands itself with claims of having tweeting options in them.

It does seem to me though, that twitter is the sms version of the web. The crucial advantage twitter has, that it is ubiquitous due its presence in the internet. A sms though is confined to a circle. The only comparison which comes up and which ends abruptly is the character based entry. While a sms would be a quick message or response to a select group, tweets are more for a quick update or a news item on the web, for one and all to see. sms is at a personal level, while tweets are at a social level for anyone accustomed to internet.

The fact that twitter has been most searched and so vastly used, especially in 2009 bears a strange coincidence with the recession. Is it that, people have been following up or socializing more aggressively to know of happenings about the impact of recession? It would be much easier to know ground level details of layoffs or bankruptcies in a 140 character format, than to wait and rely on data gathering engines to throw up data once in a quarter. Is that the reason for twitter to have picked up so tremendously? But it certainly looks likely, that socializing through twitter would help approach multiple avenues for the unfortunate ones who get laid off. So much so, that linkedin (business networking platform) now provides integration with twitter!

Earlier, microsoft's bing and google , both strung partnerships with twitter for their search results. The objective was quite simple. To refine search results, to reflect the very latest happening around the world at any moment. The power of twitter for up to date news has not been lost on the biggies of internet search. That’s the power of twitter. Unadulterated ground level reality, for all to read.

But now that recession has pretty much ended, and economies across the globe are picking up, is there a need for twitter to worry? It may have ridden the recession wave to popularize itself, but what happens of it post recession? Data recently released by eMarketer , reveals a significant dip in the traffic to the tweeting website in the months from September to October. Atleast the traffic from U.S to twitter website seems to indicate so. Does that mean, people are losing interest in twitter? Is tweeting well past its fad?

It coincides unusually with a pickup in the economy. Is it that, when people were desperate to socialize and land a job, twitter was the in-thing, while after the economy picked up, no one had the time for tweeting? The research though does not mention traffic to twitter via third party applications or through mobile access. So, things could still be rosy for twitter.

A tale of two crashes

2009-12-01T15:19:00.005+05:30

Note: All views expressed or concluded here are my own, and are a figment of my imagination and nothing else. If anything in this post makes sense to the reader, it is not my responsibility for any hallucination resulting out of such an exercise.

Two crashes in a week, has spiced up the tabloids especially in the U.S. So, the question is which is the spicier of the two ? Oh well, if one were to go by the nature of these crashes, one is metallic in nature and the other very wild. Though metallic is exaggerated from the term gate crash, crashing into a tree certainly speaks of someone dying to be natural, even in a crash. Going by comparisons though, while the gate crash was inflicted at the White House by a couple obsessed with publicity, the tree crash by Tiger Woods was seemingly self inflicted.

Two spectra of society, one of a pure sports star celebrity who craves for privacy, while the other is a world leader, out to bring U.S economy out of its slump. Creditably though, both Tiger Woods and Barack Obama are certainly the best in their business. While in Obama's case, its a question mark and certainly a blot on the security cover at the White House, in Tiger Woods' case, its a question mark on his privacy.

The question here is, which is the more pertinent news item ? For sheer tabloid space, Woods' crash in the woods takes the cake. The mystery around the woods crash still rages on, with Tiger Woods withdrawing from his own golf tourney and coming out in the open, to take blame for the crash. Was this a pre-emptive measure before something more damaging in his personal life comes out in the open ? The Obama story is milder in terms of a need for publicity. There was a definite botch up and someone accountable or an equivalent scapegoat would be found and apprehended severely. But in Tiger's case, the mystery will add to his allurement as a sports superstar.

All said and done, I would imagine just a word 'crash' has resulted in two major events. If rumors are to be believed, Tiger Woods has apparently been having an extra marital affair with a cocktail waitress in Los Angeles. His enraged wife golf clubbed her way into him, forcing him to become one with nature, crashing into a tree. In Obama's case, was it that the gate was crashed because his affair with Manmohan Singh was disliked ? A security breach was probably hatched and the Salahis were allowed inside ? With so much of under cover work, this could well have been a case to disrupt a friendly Obama Manmohan affair. Oh well, a tale of 2 crashes eh ?

Preserving pace's space

2009-11-29T15:42:00.000+05:30

When was the last time India had a bowler bowling at over 145 kph ? Oh well, recent memory might serve up Ishant Sharma. But, rarely has he touched 145 kph. He was effective more out of his height and the bounce he extracted. So then, who else ? Zaheer Khan when he initially burst on the scene was almost always in the 140 kph mark. Munaf Patel too clicked the high 140s. Even Agarkar used to clock the mid 140s until few years back. Well, these instances were not even spanning one season, forget more than a year. All of these bowlers are still playing active international cricket for India, but none of them possess the pace to trouble batsmen, even on foreign soil.

The recent decline in Ishant Sharma's form is hardly surprising. Within a month of a famous spell in Perth against Ponting, he was offered nearly a million dollars for Kolkata Knight Riders. Irfan Pathan is a similar story, when he burst on the international scene in Australia in 2004. He has become a part of distant memory of the selectors and the spectators alike. Unlike Ishant, his batting abilities helped elongate his struggle for over 4 years. Its quite remarkable that these supposedly quick pacers invariably lose steam within a season of international cricket.

Cricket fatigue is certainly one reason. More emphasis on IPL and constant cricket all through the year can be mentally drain any cricketer. Its quite interesting that unlike India, Pakistan and even Sri Lanka keep producing bowlers who bowl consistently over 140 clicks. One major difference between India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka is how the fast bowlers are nurtured. While it is prestigious for any bowler to attend the MRF pace academy under Dennis Lilee's eyes, it does impact the natural ability of the bowler. Excessive nurturing which spoils the innate talent of the cricketer, is never a case in Pakistan or Sri Lanka.

How else can one explain how a Lasith Malinga has continued to be one of the fastest in the world ? Sri Lanka does not tamper with the natural ability of their players. Even Dilhara Fernando clocks consistently over 140 kph. Pakistan on the other hand, keeps producing a 140 kph bowler every couple of years. Mohammed Aamir is just 17 and clocks over 140 consistently. That's serious pace for a 17 year old. Remember Mohammad Sami ? He has fallen by the wayside, but he used his pace with devastating effect for his yorkers.

India somehow eventually loses the steam in its fast bowlers. Even Zaheer doesn't clock the 140 that he used to in his earlier days. Sreesanth's five wicket haul is refreshing, for the reason that he still is brisk in his speed, and hasn't lost his ability of bowling seam bolt upright. Ishant, sadly has just petered off alarmingly in the past few months. The only silver lining for him is his age. The one advantage that IPL does have on cricketers is the immense pressure of performance. Ishant would definitely have to perform or perish in next year's IPL too. If he does perform well, he would have done a world of good for his career. Else, that contract would be in danger of not being renewed !

No ease with Chinese

2009-11-29T11:50:00.014+05:30

The past few months has seen some unusual posturing by India on the international stage, especially against China. There are a lot of factors backing India's new found confidence. India has come out largely unscathed from the economic recession, posting a strong growth of over 6% thus far in the preceding quarters. That the Indian prime minister, was hosted by Obama for his presidency's first state visit is testament to India's growing stature.Issues, which plague India quite often, have not subsided though. Drought due to a delayed monsoon, and then the monsoon itself unleashing its fury, has befuddled farmers and the government alike. Inflation which was in the negative territory after the government stimulus is on the rise and food prices are already shooting through the roof. Issues which, by design or ignorance have left a blemish in an otherwise healthy growth scenario.

Unfazed by these domestic issues, India has sent out a slew of strong messages to China. Even at the White House during his visit a week ago, Manmohan Singh, though unprovoked, minced no words in questioning China's human rights record, while conceding China's far superior growth rate. Earlier, the Indian establishment expressed its displeasure in no uncertain terms, on the Sino US statement of China having a role in South Asian matters. India clearly conveyed that no country needed to play mediator in Indo-Pak disputes. Both China and US issued clarifying statements, allaying Indian concerns of external mediation.

Using its strong growth story, India seems to be asserting more against China's recent posturing at the border areas in Sikkim, Arunachal and Ladakh. Frequent incursion related incidents had raised eyebrows on the Indian government's inaction. India now, through its own diplomatic measures has sent a strong signal back to Beijing. In the past few months, China has been trying to rake up its claims on Arunachal Pradesh repeatedly. By conducting peaceful and successful elections with a high voter turnout India sent out the apt signal of what its citizens want. On top of this, India hosted Dalai Lama, in Tawang in November, despite constant protests from China, questioning India's motive in entertaining the Tibetan leader's visit. China has has also been issuing stapled visas for Indians of Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh domicile. India, finally took action and declared any such stapled visas as invalid. Three strong signals in a span of a month, have surely acted as a rebuttal to Chinese assertions.

The importance of India to be assertive has not been lost on the Indian defense establishment. India has been a soft target, from elements within and its vicinity. India's location is vulnerable, from all its borders, owing to hostile neighbourhoods. Pakistan has always been provocative, and has been responsible for launching terror attacks within India. China on the other hand, has always been surreptitiously supporting Pakistan. Revelations of China helping Pakistan's nuclear programme are certainly worrying with reports of Pakistan possessing more nuclear warheads than India. China is also being seen as having a hand in Maoist violence in India and arming and training miltants in Mizoram.

Bangladesh has not been far behind, being a safe haven for terror elements infiltrating into India's porous borders.Sri Lanka, finally suppressed the LTTE menace and has ended the rebellion. That certainly would be one respite for India. The other worry for India has been the much talked string of pearls strategy by China. China has been working on this for decades now, and India is slowly waking up to the concerns. China's growing influence, especially economically, has given it the muscle power to woo the South Asian countries, by helping build ports in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The strategy is multi purpose, starting from enhancing military bases in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, in the guise of economic development.

India has had the larger influence in the maritime locations in the Indian Ocean, until now. Though China's larger objective of the string of pearls may seem as one to gain easier access to fuel supplies from the Arabian nations, encircling an entire Indian ocean can only spell greater worries for an already encircled India. Realising this, India has sought Maldives' help for setting up a naval base there.

India also opened its airbase in Ladakh, 2.5 km from the LAC a few weeks back. In another display of military might, India recently carried out a military exercise near the Sino Indian border in Sikkim. Though the recent meeting between the Chinese premier and the Indian prime minister played down rising tensions, India cannot afford to trust China blindly. Though India is no match to China's military might, India has grown in significance as a world power, which definitely is harming Chinese interests along the Sino Indian border.

A more assertive and strong India, will be harder to negotiate with on border disputes. The time is ripe and apt for India to be posturing and assertive.The reasons are plenty. A confident Government elected unanimously. A literally unscathed economy, growing at a rapid pace. A far more supportive US government, who will be more than willing to reduce Chinese influence by using India as the balancing weight.

India would definitely have to grow its presence and significance in Afghan development, and better relations with Russia to counter an encirclement plan by China. Times certainly have changed and China would think multiple times over before even thinking of any conflict with India. While China has suppressed human rights, and expanded its infrastructure, India has thrived on its multiple diversity and democracy, encouraging freedom of speech and thought. The difference ? While Chinese military and defence would seem more like mechanical robots at work, Indian military would have the heart in its place and certainly have more brain power to compete effectively against any Chinese misadventure. But India definitely has to be more watchful than ever before to counter an increasingly insecure China at its borders.

Publicity from Audacity

2009-11-26T03:03:00.005+05:30

A year on, India may have learnt some lessons. 26/11 for Mumbai, befell from some evil script written by satan. What has changed post 26/11, is the harsh reality of how cruel and audacious terrorists and their attacks can be. So far, and still, it is mostly fidayeen attacks, or other timer based bombs. Laying seige to a city by holding soft spots like hotels hostage came out of the blue. Expectedly, India was caught unawares.

What however was troubling, was that this was probably the first time, that 2 days or so of terrorist attacks were telecast live on television. And the entire world was witness to less than 10 terrorists, creating panic amongst an entire nation. In fact, it is now clear, that such attacks magnify the terrorist activities, and this is precisely what they want. Sensational events, covered by media, where the terrorists can claim responsibility and get away with ample free publicity, out of sheer audacity.

While the media has been, and will always be criticized for sensationalism, there is no doubt that message through the media, especially the visual medium is here to stay. Innumerable news channels, can influence an entire public mindset, turning the tide for or against political parties. However, annoyances and uselessness from this very medium (especially television) are equally on the rise.

It is an irony, that when reporting should cover the bare truth of news, somewhere, media journalism, especially television, is forgetting its larger responsibilities. Events such as 26/11 came as a welcome opportunity for news channels, to claim their own courageousness in being at close quarters of the beseiged buildings, and then claim having gotten exclusive news coverage. Even now, a year after 26/11, the media is bent upon digging old wounds and laying bare what happened on that dreadful night.

As if the trauma suffered wasn't enough on that fateful day, to be put through a revision of those very events can only be seen as sheer opportunism and nothing more. Why else would topics of discussion revolve around what happened, and not on what is being done ? Isn't it sadism to broadcast the pain of a victim who went through tragic hours on 26/11 ? Shouldn't India be proud and glad that post that dreadful night, no major terrorist activity has taken place ?

All said and done, the world is opening up rapidly. Everyone wants a say in everything. Be it through any media, television/internet/blog/print. The avenues for publicizing and airing thoughts are so huge, its a deluge of opinions and information from all across the globe. Terrorists are no different. They want to instill fear, and what better a medium than audacious attacks like 26/11 ? The media too, had 2 days of great programming, and hectic coverage. The terrorists have done a favor to the media by carrying out the attacks. Left them with a topic to cover for an entire day, starting from the first gunshot, till the last teardrop from a victim's eye. Media is returning back the favor, by literally admiring the meticulousness of the attacks. Free publicity that !

Flickr 2 Twitter !

2009-11-12T16:18:00.009+05:30

How HOT is Twitter ? I was loathe to using Twitter, for I was getting irritated with the number of social networking sites on the web. I am on orkut. But then, the list is fast becoming endless. Facebook is the other. Twitter too was out of bounds for me, since I did not want to venture into more networking sites and not concentrate on any at all. I seldom go to orkut either these days.

But Twitter, seems different. As a blogger, it does give me a window of opportunity to have more visitors to my blog, and any other publicly shared articles or materials of mine, which of course I believe are worthy of sharing :). Twitter is unique in another way. It is so upto date with any information, that new sites have to be on watch. It is undoubtedly real time information, though in an amateurish, first hand way from any normal netizen. But, it opens up a plethora of information for netizens who sit and browse from distances far away.

Here is an example that often comes to my mind. If I wish to go hiking to a spot, 6 hours away, I would want to make sure the weather conditions over there are reasonably good. This would expecially come of use, when it is in a matter of hours that I want to travel. If there is someone on twitter, tweeting about the weather conditions, I can just go, look it up and make a decision in a matter of minutes and deicide for or against my hiking plan. That, for me is the power of twitter. Short yet 140 sweet, pertinent characters are slowly revolutionizing how the web will collect the hottest news stories around the globe.
Coming back to my selfish motive of having more visitors to my sites, I sent one of my flickr photos to twitter, through delicious. Oh yes, you read it right. This is what I did:

Logged in and accessed my Flickr Photo
Clicked on Bookmark on Delicious button
Authenticated myself on Delicious
On the Delicious page, chose the option of sending to my twitter
Authenticated myself on Twitter.
Lo and behold, the link to my photo was on Twitter, for anyone to access

I guess, once Twitter and Flickr have a tie up, those many steps won't be required :) Oh well, I just googled and did find I needn't have taken so many steps ! There is a service to tie your flickr account with your twitter account. And yes, rather amusingly, after I posted this blog, I see that the name of this service is also called Flickr2Twitter ! So much for coincidences !

Half hour before I accessed my Flickr stats, there were only 3 visitors to my Flickr page today. After I tweeted, it has jumped to 27 ! Now, THAT's the power of Twitter. More tricks to follow soon. I have 200 odd photos on Flickr you see ;)

Hail Hitler! OOPS.. Twitter !! :)

ODIs - No Epitaphs Please

2009-11-11T14:12:00.013+05:30

Though a day late, I can't but write about the fate of one day internationals in cricket. ODIs have been questioned for their relevance and the boredom during the middle overs it has created. Leading many critics, seeking modification to the format of the 50 over a side game, to retain interest in spectators against the rapidly increasing 20-20 format.

Over the past few weeks, it has become quite evident, that there is still a massive place for ODIs in cricket. Beginning with the 7 match ODI series between Australia and England in England, then the Champions' Trophy. Comparatively, the Champions' League 20-20 matches held in India, drew only a lukewarm response from television audience and spectators alike.

The reasons, for many would seem very simple. Champions League was held in India, with many of the IPL teams falling away during the league stages and the lack of Indian cricketers in the games. The Australia-England ODI series was held in home conditions in England. So is the ongoing India-Australia ODI series which has been a resounding success, with jam packed stadiums for all the matches. Home conditions one may say. But the positive to be taken is, there is no need to write an obituary for the ODI format as yet.

This brings to focus the need or the lack of it, to refine ODIs. The difference and the benefits of each of these formats cannot be ignored. While the romping success and million dollar prizes accompanying 20-20 tournaments has catapulted cricket into the global arena, ODIs are more favoured by cricket followers. It is vital for cricket to have a global audience than stagnate as just a colonial game with not more than 10 officially recognised nations.
It is quite bizarre that India, for example is fighting amongst 9 nations for the top spot. It would be a more honorable position had there been atleast 15 or more nations competing in cricket. As it is, the hype and hoopla in India for cricket cannot be written off, by such a statement. But, if there has to be 15 or 20 nations competing for cricketing glories, there is no doubting that 20-20 is the way to go. The reasons are aplenty. Being a shortened version of the game, it will appeal to young and old audiences alike. Besides, the amount of money riding on it, can always be an attraction for any aspiring sportsman.

My hypothesis could well be wrong. But, from what it looks, a 20-20 superstar player, can be a successful 50 over player. But, to graduate to the Test playing eleven, requires more than just talent. Ajay Jadeja is a prime example of this. But, as and when there is interest in 20-20, and increased participation in this format, the ICC should encourage and invest in that nation to build and come upto the 50 over format. For this sake, people of the stature of Lalit Modi have to step in and contribute to growing the format and the game itself. The IPL was such an astounding success, that Lalit Modi was even featured in Time Magazine as one of the best Sports Executives in the world in 2008.

The 50 over format is a stepping stone for any cricketer into Test Cricket. Though this is never guaranteed, there is no denying that a good showing in the 50 over format is the best chance for any cricketer to be the ultimate cricketer. To represent his/her nation in Test cricket. What makes Test Cricket so appealing is the temperament, mental toughness, physical strength, adaptability combined with talent. Playing in different countries, on different pitches and in different conditions and succeeding across the world, is the ultimate test of any cricketer. Therein lies the beauty of test cricket. While ODIs do to a smaller extent test most of these traits, it is no guarantee that a cricketer who is a good 50 over player will always succeed in Tests. While most Test players will invariably succeed one way or the other in ODIs.

The 50 over format may need some changes. But Test matches and ODIs are purely for the true cricket fan and follower. While 20-20 is just for entertainment and money. The stakes should definitely be raised for ODIs and Test Matches. To be honest, on a personal note, I favour Test Matches more than 20-20 or 50 over matches these days. There is always a reusult, there are a lot of runs, there are records broken and what not !

The batting powerplays in ODIs for example are starting to bear fruit, and it is always fun when not only the captain, but even the ardent cricket fan keeps wondering about when should the batting powerplay be taken, and the reasons for taking it or not taking it. But, in my opinion, one more way of making the batting powerplay exciting would be to force the batting team to mandatorily take it before the 45th over. This would mean, the last 5 overs would anyway produce lot of runs, but it will also mean some action in the supposedly dull middle overs from 15-45.

All said and done, ODIs are here to stay for sure. The Champions' Trophy is a good example. Exciting and close matches like the Australia-India match of 700 odd runs are still there. Even the Pakistan-New Zealand series in Abu Dhabi has been nothing short of excitement. The decider of the match was looking like a one-sided affair, until Mohammad Amir cut loose and the last wicket partnership made more than 100 runs. It was a very exciting match. Who says 50 over matches are dying ? I give a thumbs up to the format. But, with the rider that, a global reach can only be given by the 20-20 over format. Both the formats have to co-exist with Test cricket for cricket to retain its charm and tradition.

MNS - Mentally N-ill Sena

2009-11-10T15:18:00.013+05:30

Note : This post does not intend to hurt or insult Maharashtrians. It is only an attempt to scoff at the absurdity of MNS in trying to push their agenda. I whole-heartedly respect every human and am proud to be an Indian (HINDUSTANI!) and respect every Indian, wherever (s)he hails from. Only after my identity of an Indian, can I claim to be part of any state in India.

Imagine a scenario: Ponting takes the field in the mysteriously titled Honour Series (The what ?!. Courtesy:Times Now) or the still more bizarre Grudge Series(The what what ?!, courtesy:Headlines Today) in the final ODI in Mumbai tomorrow. Imagine the contradictorily paradoxical coincidence of Ponting at the press conference with Dhoni. Ponting, speaking in Marathi !?! duh ! MNS workers wielding swords and threatening the Aussie cricket captain at the post match podium - "We don't even care what happens to non-Marathis being assaulted in Australia. But while in India, and that too in Maharashtra's capital, you better be talking in Marathi. We have recorded your on-field conversations. They were in English. How dare you not learn Marathi and set foot on our proud Marathi land ?!" Ponting blinks - "?!?!"

Imagine a scenario: Call Center and BPO firms in Mumbai and Pune. MNS workers would be at the office premises, shouting slogans - "We demand all call centers be shut until the calls are answered in Marathi!". All the employees would be stunned and scratching their heads. But, the justification could well neigh be, more employment opportunities. Don't get it ? Employ a Marathi translator (re-director ?) for every Call Center employee.

Wait. Should the voices on the other side of a call also be in Marathi ?! I wonder. More technological advances to be ushered in. When a caller, calls a number which is at that moment in Maharashtra, owing to pressure from MNS, the incoming voice data service provider should translate the language in the air waves into Marathi and transmit to the receiver ! Language support should be enabled, even if the call is from a tribal land in Somalia. Wow, more employment opportunities. Courtesy, MNS !
Oops, BTW if you are at a cafe' IN MAHARASHTRA and even by the remotest of chances have opened this link, please have Marathi aided specs, so that what you read transforms magically into Marathi and you can read it ! More employment for ophthalmologists ! Look at the advancement for science !

To add, MNS will take on Mother Nature as well ! Guess how ? Now that a cyclone will hit the coast of Mumbai in a day, MNS would come out and protest against the cyclone - "Hit us in Marathi!". Before I forget, I am not quite sure if the name of the cyclone is in Marathi. If someone by chance reads this post, please tell me if "Phyan" is in Marathi. Else, MNS will have more voice. MNS would now protest - "When the cyclone hits Mumbai, it should be given a Marathi name! We cannot accept Phyan, since it is not a Marathi name!".

I just wonder. If people are stuck in the cyclone, they probably should shout -"Help" in Marathi ! Lest no help come from any quarters. Imagine, a person stuck in the cyclone, crying for help. Shouting - "Help, help" in a non-marathi language. An MNS supporter, stands beside and shouts slogans saying - "You better be shouting for help in Marathi! Until then, we will see you just drown to death!". I just hope MNS does have some humanity left and this never ever happens!

More to follow after the next insane act of MNS. Abu Azmi for the moment has oathfully taken his cabinet position in the Maharashtra Assembly.

weavingworldwide.google.com

2009-10-20T17:05:00.010+05:30

Google has been quietly gunning away at the technology behemoths. Being itself a giant, it makes things easier for Google to take on the might of Microsoft and Apple. Just as recession is ending, Google beat market expectations and grew 7% for Q3 ending, September 2009, as compared to Q3 in 2008. Ad spending, undoubtedly is flooding Google's coffers once again, after a rather grim year of recessionary trend. Google announced a surprise bonus for all employees across its board, as an incentive for their efforts during October 2009.

Riding on the wave of the strong growth, Google, which has always been quietly working at spreading its wings far and wide, is investing more in view of the positive outlook in the economy. Cues such as its aggressive ad campaigning for businesses to adopt its Google Apps services to embrace its enterprise search appliance option are just an indicator. Touted as Gone Google, the marketing campaign is going to be featured in airports, high traffic spots through billboards.

Google, clearly is also pioneering the cloud computing phenomenon, to have any or all softwares hosted in an internet cloud hosted by Google, and accessed by an entire enterprise, rather than store them in separate servers, thus saving costs for big and small organizations alike.

Google's Android open source mobile platform, for mobile phone handsets is just beginning to open up. In what is being touted as the biggest threat to Apple's iPhone yet, Motorola, after being on the wane for almost 2 years in the mobile market, would hope that Droid would change its fortunes. Droid, runs the Google Android software, and will be sold by Verizon Wireless in the U.S. That would mean a 3 way battle through one collaboration : Verizon taking on AT&T; Motorola taking on iPhone; Google taking on Apple itself !

Google Wave is another phenomenon waiting to further cut down distances separating the internet world. Claimed as a real time communication platform, Google Wave is an effort by Google to integrate a multitude of features like email, instant messaging, wikis, web chat, social networking, video conferencing, project management to build one elegant, in-browser communication client. The anticipation for Wave to roll out can be gauged by the fact that, there have only been 10,000 or so invites for end users to try the service. So much so, there are invites for Wave being auctioned at eBay !

This is not all. After launching Google Chrome browser last year, Google announced an ambitious plan to launch its own open source Operating System. Christened, Chrome, it is evident Google plans to make this an extension of its browser. The final objective it would seem, is to integrate the internet world through a browser, run the OS within the browser and to draw on the hardware resources of the computer only when needed by the OS. This would mean, more efficient memory usage and better battery life for computer devices. This is where its Cloud Computing could be key.

Clearly, Google has in myriad ways, taken on the likes of Microsoft and Apple, quietly from just being a search engine giant. Google's potential and its undisputed capabilities are only just unfolding. The key aspect to Google's future ambitions would be, how it leverages and grows on its cloud services. That could well result in a truly world wide web weaved by Google.

Let Security Be !

2009-10-17T22:00:00.006+05:30

Though the much hyped Champions League T20 has been a dull affair, an extra dose of spice will always help. What with the drama and events leading upto the double header at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today afternoon. Just few hours before the start of the match on today, there was a scare when bomb detectors found traces of explosives inside the bag of an under-22 cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir at the stadium. Pervez Rasool, the accused was arrested to investigate the case further.

As a result of these unexpected turn of events at the stadium, there was another thorough search done at the stadium to ensure no untoward incidents unfold during the matches. After few hours of his arrest though, the cricketer was released for want of evidence. The matches at Chinnaswamy were delayed by an hour or so.

The repercussions of the events are being felt already. Politicisation of this issue had started with Jammu and Kashmir cricket association and fellow cricketers demanding an explanation for the arrest and release. The claims are as absurd to suggest that Pervez was treated in such a manner because he hails from Jammu and Kashmir. It is quite bizarre that someone even raises such a question, when India for all the 60 years of post independence has been trying to help the cause of Jammu and Kashmir.

What hurts me atleast, is the sheer irresponsible comments which such people raise of discrimination. When every citizen in the country knows that security is paramount, in view India's vulnerability to terror attacks, what is so difficult to digest about an arrest ? It is quite ridiculous to imagine any justification that these supposed Jammu and Kashmir cricketers (or whosoever) wants to give. Why on earth would detectors beep only from this cricketer's bag ? There is a reason for such security measures. In fact, these protesters themselves should acknowledge and be understanding of the security measures, since J&K itself has been under constant terror threats.

I strongly feel what the police authorities did at Bengaluru was apropriate and anyone in that situation would have been caught. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and there is absolutely no reason to think the events were discriminatory. I hope common sense prevails and the protesters realise that what has been done was for the good of everyone at the stadium. Period !

Deliriously Deranged !

2009-10-14T14:47:00.001+05:30

When cornucopia's conundrums can be multifariously interviewed with never ending antagonism, it is succinctly inane to conjure cannibalistic properties out of sheer ballistic systems vacillating between the ensconced and erudite to the prudent and prolific.

Mum(bai)'s the word !

2009-10-10T22:46:00.003+05:30

That I am writing a post after a long hiatus, should probably be the ostensible excuse I give myself to write about something more than a week old. But, I have always been someone who goes by instincts and is driven by thoughts which make me passionate about a subject, or anything close to my heart. So, when I saw the news piece about Karan Johar (Kjo ?!?) and his apology to MNS' Raj Thackeray, I had a strong opinion. One that refused to accept any reasoning behind such an apology.

With elections just a few days away, this probably was another attempt by Raj Thackeray led MNS to garner the Marathi Manus vote bank. Honestly, there are a few things which to this day bewilder me. I would cover these as we go along in this post. The sunny side to the apology given by Karan Johar could be the good reviews that the movie which he produced, Wake Up Sid has been getting over the past week. The unfortunate side of the entire episode still rankles me though. For, till date I can't understand why an apology was even issued by him.

One thing India is definitely lacking is an openness to embrace creativity without confusing it in the name of politics. When Wake Up Sid's first day shows were being attacked because the now rechristened Mumbai was called as Bombay, I couldn't conceal my surprise. I was wondering, what is so wrong in using Bombay in a creative medium. Creativity in any form cannot be manipulated to the whims and fancies of the political class. It is a free art form, and anyone should be able to express it the way they wish to. Yes, with the caveat that there is no malicious overtone against any caste, creed or community.

It was quite bizarre that Karan Johar finally succumbed to the pressure of the protesting MNS manus, and had a clipping in the movie prints saying any reference to Bombay, should be read as Mumbai. Frankly, till date I haven't been able to understand what MNS is fighting for. If it is to protect the rights of all Marathis, fine. Valid point. But, protesting against the usage of Mumbai in a creative medium like a movie, is quite absurd.

With all due respect to Raj Thackeray and his MNS agenda, I would like to know whether its in his wish to have only Marathis in Maharashtra ? If so, he should delve into the electoral rolls and find out who is the true Marathi Manus and who isn't. Would he be fine with non-marathis voting for him during the upcoming polls to help him win ? In such a case, with the kind of agenda he has, he should reduce the votes he gets from non-marathis and then be honest and sincere about the final results. Can he do such an exercise ? Just like any politician, the thought is only to gain popularity and create an agenda.

That creativity as a medium of expression has been curbed has come to light earlier as well. BJP and other fundamentalists were supposedly furious at M.F. Hussain's paintings, depicting Mother India. Yes, one needs to be patriotic. But, as I said, if a creative medium does not denigrate anyone's caste or community, and is free of any propaganda, I wouldn't think it being a problem. Instead, M.F. Hussain is in a state of self exile fearing backlashes in India. India maybe the largest democracy in the world. But, it is still not a country free from bizarre curbs on creative freedom expression.

Miffed at being Frisked ?

2009-07-23T13:43:00.006+05:30

So Dr Abdul Kalam was frisked by Continental Airlines staff. That he was a beloved and most loved president of India is unquestionable. But what is unfathomable is the way in which this episode is being interpreted. Agreed, a person who held that high an honour in a country of billions should have been treated better. But, so what if he was frisked ?

When the 9/11 attacks happened and the London bombings took place, asians at large were subjected to racial profiling. Well, if Continental Airlines had racial profiling in mind, then that is more serious than just frisking. If I were to add an even wider angle to it, the honorary president's name rings as a muslim's name. With the paranoia surrounding the Westerners about Asians and muslims in particular, (especially those sporting long beards) it is not quite the unthinkable that the airline staff found his name itself suspicious.

Though interpretations can be widely speculated about, one can never question the measures that any security staff anywhere in the world carry out to ensure safety of all co-passengers. If frisking is a measure that everyone is subjected to (as opposed to racial profiling) then any person going by the rules has to abide by the measures.

With all due respect to Dr. Kalam, it is but a known fact that none of the VIPs or the VVIPs in our country truly follow the laws. It is a norm to expect them flouting laws for their personal benefits. It is sad though, that they have never been brought to book. When dangers from our own politicians and VVIPs lurk within, how can we stop a foreign based airliner refraining from frisking even a Kalam ? In fact, if Kalam had graciously accepted that he was following the duty as a citizen and going strictly by rules of the airline, respect for him would have only grown more. Unfortunately for him, his confession of being frisked has been interpreted as an insult to India.

Fairy Tale of Justice and Resilience

2009-06-20T23:09:00.006+05:30

A dream final. A final which one may never have imagined could happen so soon, after the terror attacks on Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan. A final which now seems like the God sent gift of divine justice to the cricketers who bore the brunt of that cowardly act. Pakistan, having ridden an indifferent form throughout the T20 World Cup in England, found the mettle and the resilience to wear down and choke the Proteas in the 1st semi final. Pakistan had been virtually isolated from playing cricket at home, after that terrible attack. Though they did play a 5 match ODI series against Australia, which they lost 3-2, there really wasn't any other serious cricket they played at the international level.

Coupled with the often blow hot - cold symptoms of a supremely talented side, Pakistan's run to the finals may not seem that surprising after all. There has never been a question raised about the passion of Pakistani cricketers. Often ridden by controversies on and off the field, Pakistan found maturity in Shahid Afridi, and confidence in Umar Gul to take them till the Finals at Lord's on Sunday. Moreover, after an early exit of the defending champions India, it was important that the crowds in England still poured in to witness the matches. Pakistanis being a significant population of Asian immigrants, poured in to encourage their team. And respond they did, and how !

For no fault of theirs, the Pakistani cricketers were deprived of playing international games in their own den. For no reason of theirs, their IPL participation was declined in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks in 26/11. For no reason of theirs, their plans to host matches of the 2011 Cricket World Cup in the Indian sub continent was withdrawn. Another opportunity lost for the unfortunate cricketers. That's why justice is delivered by someone invisible, whose magical powers let Pakistan come through struggles at home and on the field to qualify for the World T20 final.

The Sri Lankan team on the other hand has been unbeaten in the tournament. What an unbelievable turnaround for a team, which was the recipient of the terrible attacks, when they were in Pakistan. If Pakistani cricketers are not at fault for the terror attacks, the Sri Lankan cricketers were never deserving of the attack on them on Pakistani soil. Ducking under gun shots inside a team bus in Lahore, and being inflicted with the trauma of the incident, Sri Lanka's road to the finals is the story of sportsperson's resilience. The true resilience of a side which, by sheer will and determination to tide over happenings which inflicted wounds, physically and mentally have come out even stronger. For this reason alone, my money is on Sri Lanka to win, because they deserve to.

Though Jayawardene had himself decided to step down as captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team following the Pakistan tour, he would never have wanted his tenure to end in such a tragic note. Jayawardene himself was wounded, and so was Sangakkara and Mendis. Each of them, have been influential in Sri Lanka's road to the finals. To overcome mental trauma, and shock and to then rebound by performing on the field, is truly the mark of a champion sportsman. Wasn't it in 1996 Cricket World Cup that the Australian and West Indies teams refused to tour Sri Lanka for their league matches ? In the end, Sri Lanka defeated Australia comprehensively in the World Cup final, demonstrating how Sport always has it's own unique way of serving the right judgement.

What a strange coincidence. Two countries, battling wars in their own land. Pakistan, trying to end Taliban's influence and its own battles with terrorism. Sri Lanka, which was fighting its own war against the LTTE. Both of them, undeserving of the experiences in the aftermath of tragic events, will turn up to face each other at Lord's. One can't imagine the level of joy it would bring to its countrymen who have suffered so much in the recent past. An opportunity for the wonderful cricketers of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to once and for all, exorcise the demons of Lahore. When there are claims to T20 being a game of luck, the final tomorrow will go down in the annals of Sport as an outcome of pure divine intervention !

Fourteen For Federer !

2009-06-07T21:11:00.009+05:30

When Del Potro faced upto Federer in the semis of the French Open on Friday, there was only 1 man the entire Rolland Garros crowd was supporting. A man, chasing history, of 2 kinds. An elusive French Open title, and in doing so, equalling a record 14 Grand Slam which Sampras held. Del Potro was upto the task, though he had a 0-5 losing streak against the Swiss superstar coming into the match. Del Potro started strongly, using his tall 6'6'' frame, and rushing Fedex all over the park. One wondered if Federer would lose out on a big opportunity. But as the game wore on, Federer was the stronger, as he held his nerve and won a tight five setter.

The stage was set today for Fedex to chase history, and Soderling was at the receiving end. It is destiny, that Soderling had defeated Nadal en route to his dream run to the final. Though not a Nadal, this was as good as Federer v/s Nadal at a Grand Slam final yet again. But Federer had nothing to do with any such thoughts and came out guns blazing against Soderling. Soderling had no clue what hit him, as Federer wrapped up the first set 6-1 in under 30 minutes.

The second set was more tight, with neither player giving a break of serve. The tie breaker saw Federer keep his cool, and win it comfortably, 7-6(1). The crowd was more expectant and badly wanted Federer to win the 1 title, he deserved to win, for the sheer consistency of his appearances at the FInals in the last 4 years. But which had been denied to him by a relentless Rafael Nadal.

As the match drew to a close and Federer served out for the title, the next debate started sprouting in all tennis fans' minds. Is Federer truly the greatest ever ? In terms of talent, arguably the most gifted, for his sheer mastery of all surfaces. At Grand Slams, 20 consecutive semi final appearances at Grand Slams, including the French Open this year, which is incredible in any era. Federer, undeterred by history and expectations and determined to etch his name in history books, closed out the set 6-4, retaining his unbeaten record against Soderling, thus increasing his win-loss record to 10-0 against the Swede. Federer won in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4.

In true historic gesture, Andre Agassi handed over the trophy to Federer, being the last man to have completed the 4 Slams, thus becoming only the 6th man in history to complete a career Grand Slam. More of his incredible stats till date in this link. With 2 monkeys off his back (French Open and 14 Grand Slams), Federer, just 27 will probably be more clinical and dangerous for all his opponents in the tournaments that follow.

Cynics might insist, losing consistently to a contemporary (Nadal) certainly takes the sheen off his claim to all time greatness. Nadal though has to be wary of a new Federer, who has more freedom, more at ease and mentally feeling better than he was a year back. But to keep the cynics happy, it is sufficient to add that something should be there in the record books to show that Federer was human after all !

Rafa's Rolland Roll Ends ..

2009-06-01T11:47:00.007+05:30

Watching the match between Rafael Nadal and Robin Soderling yesterday was indeed a privilege for me. For here was a man, who was undefeated since his first ever attempt at Rolland Garros in 2005, pitted against a rival who has struggled to find his footprint on a ferociously competitive men's tennis circuit. Rafa, as Rafael Nadal is fondly called, was defeated by a more resolute and clinical Soderling 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 in the Fourth Round at the French Open yesterday.

There is no doubt in anyone's mind, that if ever Rafa plays a five setter against any player, there can only be one winner. Rafa. Nerves of steel and hours of concentration which are as yet arguably unknown to men's tennis. That's what Rafa owns. Or atleast till yesterday's big upset. Soderling had to make sure he wraps up the match in straight sets or four to have any chance of overcoming the relentless Rafa. Soderling did just that.

Roger Federer would be as pleased as he would be surprised at this early exit from the Spanish Armada. Rafa has been the biggest nemesis to Federer's aura of invincibility, having a stupendous 13-7 win loss record against the Swiss maestro till date. Credit to Federer to have an astounding 19 consecutive grand slam semi final appearances or better. Rafa though has been always there to spoil Federer's quest for ultimate greatness when he won the Australian Open earlier this year, denying the Swiss from equalling Sampras' all time record of 14 Grand Slam titles.

Federer has been the closest to rival Rafa on clay and has been in the Finals at Rolland Garros for the last 3 years. Federer had a torrid final last year when he won only 4 games against Rafa. This year, there won't be a Nadal in the final. Going by the recent match ups, this is probably Federer's best chance at the French Open. The funny part though is, even if Federer wins the French Open now, it will be a hollow victory for him. Being the champion that he is, Federer would definitely want to beat Rafa in a French Open final to lift the elusive trophy. On the flip side, Rafa has tended to be all over Federer in all their recent Slam Final meetings.

In last year's US Open final, Federer was at his clinical best. He dismissed Murray's chances and won a lopsided final , after Murray had upstaged Nadal in the semi finals. I am sure if Nadal had faced up to Federer in that final, things would have been totally different. That is the effect Rafa has had on Federer, more mentally than the skills. All said and done, Federer has been the second best player at the French Open and does deserve his fair chance at Rolland Garros. Even if that be without his nemesis around.

A Media Check, Mate !

2009-05-31T23:51:00.006+05:30

Media has done it again. Sensationalism is one, while responsible journalism is another. The current spate of racial attacks on Indian students in Australia (or which seem like racial) are doing the rounds in all news channels. And with the burgeoning number of channels, it is not surprising that the Indian youth and telly audience alike is being overfed with information. There is no doubting that the attacks do seem racial. There is also no doubt that the attacks have been gruesome in nature, which makes it all the more worrisome. But do 4 attacks warrant stamping an entire nation as racist ? That would be going too far.

But our television channels are determined to mint the sentiments of the Indian youth and build a case against the Australians in general. No channel has spared to blame the entire country of Australia as being racist. Hence the attacks on Indians, they claim. Racism need not be confined to brown skins being attacked by white skinned. It can also be the other way round. If Indians treat fair skinned Australians badly, Indians too are racist.

When foreign students in India are attacked, raped and even murdered, there isn't as much coverage. The argument here could be, that being an Indian television channel, it is the Indian media's right to bring the audience to light of happenings to Indian immigrants elsewhere. Opportunism has been the buzzword for the media. It is no fun watching the same footage of an Indian being beaten up by Australians in a train. Who wants to watch them again and again. Is the objective to spread a wave of hatred ? Can we forget that the flames being fanned could lead to incidents on foreigners coming to India ?

With all due respect to those who have been attacked, there can be no sympathy to whoever did the crimes. The protest march in Australia today, was the right thing to do. In demanding justice, this is probably the right way to go. However, just on the basis of media sensationalism, one shouldn't shun away from pursuing education. The faith no doubt needs to be restored. But the concern here is the larger impact it has on an Indian's psyche. Will India become intolerant towards visiting foreigners as an act of retribution ? That would be disastrous for an India which is increasingly seen as a model of governance.

Lowly Deception ..

2009-04-22T21:34:00.008+05:30

They say I pester with my blogging updates. They say, I write pretty nonsensical stuff. Well, I don't want to get into denial mode, but some of these claims could be true :) Though I'd not want to prove these so called critics right, I sure am giving them ammunition for the future.

Once upon a time, a young man walked into a garment shop to buy a jeans pant for himself. He was badly in need of one, to adorn his handsome self to impress the supposedly available pretty young things. His need was so bad, he was keener on the attributes of the pant. And of course the waist size. Once the requirements were met, he went about altering the length, to suit his supposedly diminutive physique. Which he till date insists is not the case.

Once the length was altered, he was good to go and try it on. Which he did after a few days, when he was ready to impress some pretty young things. While the objective of impressions was still far away, what he did oversee was the trial he never had while purchasing the pant. When he realised the pant had a caveat of not sticking around for long, the realisation dawned that the jeans is supposed to drop off if left without any support whatsoever. A belt seemed to be the need of the hour to hide the blushes from the possibility of a dropping disorder !

With an oblivious choice of fashion came, the tricky handling issues. Holding on to your pant at every step is not a very pleasant situation to be in. A belt, needless to say helped a long way in ridding him of such situations. But when he did forget to wear it one fateful evening, without another choice for a pant, things had to turn more blushy. If holding on to the pant is not enough of a challenge, hiding the blushes when sitting on a chair at a hotel is even more.

The tee shirt was just long enough to carefully hide the revealing low rise jeans. But when time for payment came, out came the wallet from the pant pocket behind. When payment was over, and it came to returning the wallet back to its safety net, the gaping design of the pant undid him. The wallet went behind alright, but inadvertently mistook the low rise gap for the pocket and almost invaded the privacy of a quietly hidden rear. A quick glance of embarrassment later, he found the right pocket for his wallet and a wore a wry smile on his way back home !

Periyar - Profusely Nature's

2009-04-04T00:16:00.007+05:30

Thekday was calling loud and clear on the Ugadi weekend. I reached Kumily, which is the town nearest to Thekady by bus from Bangalore on the morning of 28th March. It is at the Tamil Nadu/Kerala border and very close to Kodaikanal and Munnar. The plan was for the old Reflections (a collegiate magazine team of ours during Engg college days) to meet and have a look around. Sujith, Rahul and Thomas ettan apart from me were the participants for this trip. Sujith had booked an Inspection Bungalow (IB) at Kumily, which is where the stay for the next 2 days had been planned for. Kumily being just 4 kms away from Thekady, this was the perfect place to halt.

After the gang arrived, we told the IB caretaker of the previous DFO being Sujith's close acquaintance, and enquired about the availability of a room or 2 at Edapalayam Island's Forest Guest House. This is an island within the Periyar Lake in Thekady, amidst all the flora and fauna of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Fortunately, there were no bookings, and we changed our plans and decided to stay at the island instead. It is difficult to get accommodation here, and one needs someone higher in Forest Division circles to get accommodation. If one gets it, it is well worth at 1300 for a double bedroom.

A boat ride took us to the Edapalayam island in Thekady, and we were awestruck by the beauty of the surroundings. Though end of March is not peak season, the beauty of the island, encompassed by the lake was mesmerising to say the least. There was still lot of greenery, and the lake was still and reflective of the tranquility surrounding the island. Gaurs and Barking deers came out of the wilderness on the other side of the lake, to munch on the green pastures. During December time period, the surroundings would look much greener and prettier.

The 4 of us got talking and taking pictures, and were discussing how privileged and lucky we were to just get a glimpse of the Periyar Tiger Reserve at close quarters. We did not realise how time just flew by, and had requested the forest guest house staff to prepare dinner for us for the day. The dinner was awesome, and so was the calmness of the island. The Lake Palace at the island is just beside this guest house and they charge a whopping 28000 INR per day for availing its facilities. But we were more than happy with our accommodation and enjoying it every bit.

The next day morning, one of the staff took us for a nature walk, and was narrating incidents of Tigers and elephants during his stint at the Reserve, and in and around the island. We were hoping against hope to atleast sight some elephants. But alas, that was never the case, and we returned back from the island before noon, having witnessed what nature truly beholds.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

The day was not over, but Sujith and I had tickets booked only for the next day, while Rahul and Thomas ettan had to leave the very same day. After they had left, we came back to the same inspection bungalow and decided to book for a night trek and an early morning trek the next day. While numerous tourist spots like Munnar, Kumarakom are very close to Kumily, they would still have taken half a day to travel and make arrangements impromptu. The night trek was to begin at 7 in the night, for 3 hours. It is called Jungle Patrol and costs 500 per head, while the day trek was arranged at 100 per head by us.

We set out on the night trek, inside the eerie darkness of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and saw gentle movements of deers and wild boars. The guides had given us torches and was showing us the animals, at a distance. A little ahead we saw Gaurs moving around, and when we neared them, they scampered for shelter. Only we knew that we would have had to scamper off, if we had encroached even a wee bit more. It was a memorable experience, but yet again we could not spot any elephants, let alone tigers. Locals claim that there are 42 tigers and around 700 elephants in the reserve. But only the fortunate few get to see them.

The next day morning we set off for another trek at 7 AM, a longer one spanning almost 15 kms into the forest. The new sightings included a Malabar Squirrel, the Gaurs at a distance, Mongoose. And of course the scenic beauty around the forest is something which got imprinted in my memory. It was a long trek, made more tiring because of the heat. While our guide hardly broke a sweat, I started to struggle towards the end of the ascent. The descent was simpler, though the trickier one, which it always is.

We were back at our inspection bungalow, and dead tired by now. Gathering thoughts and discussing how memorable and pleasurable the entire trip was. We parted ways at Kottayam, Sujith heading off to Chennai and me to Bangalore.

To be so close to nature, breathing in the serenity of the surroundings and feeling one with nature was a privilege. If not for Sujith's DFO and the Edappalayam island stay, the trip may have lost its sheen. It may be very long before I get another opportunity to stay at that island again. But, it was an experience of a lifetime.

Oscarred ..

2009-02-26T01:02:00.010+05:30

Although late in the day, I badly needed to speak on a topic to kickstart my blogging activity again. What better a topic to choose than the widely discussed Oscar night. Without doubt the biggest Oscar night for India, with 2 Oscars for A.R.Rehman and another for Resul Pookutty. Honestly, the accolades one showers on A.R.Rehman are duly deserved, though in India everyone senses, this probably wasn't his best score. Well, more than 15 years of talent and musical wizardry had to be rewarded some day. Oscar was the ultimate.

Debates keep ranging from whether Slumdog Millionaire has exploited the slum dwellers of Mumbai, and their daily livelihood in making the movie this big a success. Honestly, it does help when an international audience witnesses the true plight of slum dwellers, and lend a helping hand. Albeit reluctantly, India's general elections coinciding with the Oscar awards for Slumdog, could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for these slum dwellers. Though there is always that lingering perception of empty promises, politicians would definitely woo these dwellers, and keep their causes in the limelight for a few years atleast. Maybe, just maybe the slum dwellers have a glimmer of hope in that way.

To hail the Oscar awards as akin to Indian cinema's arrival at the global stage would be foolish. For, it is only through the vision of a British director like Danny Boyle could A.R. Rehman's potential be truly tapped. That Rehman can deliver much better scores, only highlights the depth of talent the man possesses. Indian cinema has vast talent, and with the diversity India possesses, harnessing it should not be a problem. Until a talent born and brought up in India, creates on screen magic through an international film, Indian cinema wouldn't have arrived.

What has been more sad is the lack of interest shown in the movie, which truly is inspiring and boasts of a truly Indian presence, albeit in a shortened format. Smile Pinki won the Oscar for documentary, and covered the inspiring story of Pinki, who remained an outcast due to a cleft lip until there was hope from a social worker. In all the glitz of slumdog one needs to think of this little child who has been the reason for an Oscar, and brings new hope for children with cleft lip.

Indian cinema has a lot to offer. The Oscar was just a glimpse of the talent which is awaiting to be tapped. With the global exposure, and the willingness of today's audience in India to appreciate different kinds of subjects, there is certainly lot of optimism in Indian cinema. I refrain from using Bollywood going places, for the simple reason that Indian cinema is too diverse and talented to be confined to just Bollywood. Rehman's award could just be the beginning of things to come for Indian Cinema. Jai Ho !

US 07-08 Revisited

2009-02-23T23:27:00.002+05:30

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Unearthing Pakshipathalam

2009-02-10T01:17:00.002+05:30

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Reorg @ Coorg

2009-01-27T14:19:00.001+05:30

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Vaishnava Jana To ..

2009-01-06T23:36:00.005+05:30

Fondly remember this video and of course the slew of artists singing - Pandit Jasraj, Eashwari Pandit, Alka Yagnik, Chitra, Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, Jaspindar Nirula & Shaarang Dev.

Can't believe this is a bhajan, when the rendition is so modern ! I loved the rendition and only then related to how well this has been blended into the song. This was certainly one way to pull the youth into realising and understanding the core values of Indian traditional bhajans.

Note : The following lines do not in anyway intend to portray any religious values of mine. These are just to explain the lyrics and the meaning of the bhajan. I got them from this link.

Lyrics and Meaning of this Bhajan:

Vaishanav: A follower of Vaishnav school of Hinduism. Strict
vegetarianism, ahimsa simplicity are the hallmarks of a true vaishnav. The
Bhajan is in essence a "definition" of "vaishnav".

Vaishnav jan to tene kahiye je
[One who is a vaishnav]
PeeD paraayi jaaNe re
[Knows the pain of others]
Par-dukhkhe upkaar kare toye
[Does good to others, esp. to those ones who are in misery]
Man abhimaan na aaNe re
[Does not let pride enter his mind]
Vaishnav...

SakaL lok maan sahune vande
[A Vaishnav, Tolerates and praises the the entire world]
Nindaa na kare keni re
[Does not say bad things about anyone]
Vaach kaachh man nishchaL raakhe
[Keeps his/her words, actions and thoughts pure]
Dhan-dhan janani teni re
[O Vaishnav, your mother is blessed (dhanya-dhanya)]

Vaishnav...

Sam-drishti ne trishna tyaagi
[A Vaishnav sees everything equally, rejects greed and avarice]
Par-stree jene maat re
[Considers some one else's wife/daughter as his mother]
Jivha thaki asatya na bole
[The toungue may get tired, but will never speak lies]
Par-dhan nav jhaalee haath re
[Does not even touch someone else's property]
Vaishnav...

Moh-maaya vyaape nahi jene
[A Vaishnav does not succumb to worldly attachments]
DriDh vairaagya jena man maan re
[Who has devoted himself to staunch detachment to worldly pleasures]
Ram naam shoon taaLi laagi
[Who has been edicted to the elixir coming by the name of Ram]
SakaL tirath tena tan maan re
[For whom all the religious sites are in the mind]
Vaishnav...

VaN-lobhi ne kapaT-rahit chhe
[Who has no greed and deciet]
Kaam-krodh nivaarya re
[Who has renounced lust of all types and anger]
BhaNe Narsaiyyo tenun darshan karta
[The poet Narsi will like to see such a person]
KuL ekoter taarya re
[By who's virtue, the entire family gets salvation]
Vaishnav...

Aussies can't Dar'e'

2008-12-29T17:16:00.008+05:30

Looking at Australia's decline over the past 3 years or so, some things stand out as more than coincidental. What comes to my mind as one of the biggest coincidences has been the presence of umpire Aleem Dar in particular. Especially in all those matches, where Australia were unable to defend huge scores. This included the highest run chase ever in ODI history and also the most recent second highest run chase in Test Matches.

One needs to only think about the series the Aussies were whitewashed in, against New Zealand in New Zealand. This happened just prior to the 2007 World Cup, and Australia were decimated by a vibrant New Zealand team. Albeit, Australia was without the services of Ponting and Gilchrist. In that series in February 2007, in successive matches, New Zealand chased down second highest world record scores. It wasn't a surprise to note that Aleem Dar was witness to the unforgettable 434 run chase by South Africa at the Bull Ring. And more recently, South Africa again defeated Australia, by chasing down an improbable 414 in Australia, in the first test match of the ongoing test series. Yet again, Aleem Dar was witness to history being re-written.

Talk about coincidences. Australia would certainly want to introspect their waning fortunes on the cricket field. It may also help if they looked at requesting Aleem Dar from opting out of matches they are involved in. Atleast, it might help them in feeling more of self belief than déjà vu. Unfortunately for Australia, Aleem Dar is one of the best in the umpiring business and one of the youngest going around at 40.

Following are links to those incredible scorecards !

ODIs

1. South Africa chase 434 !
2. NZ chase 336 and then 346 in the very next match !

Tests

1. South Africa chase down 414 in Perth !

My 1/2 Kodai Trek

2008-12-25T22:47:00.005+05:30

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Curvaceous Experience At Sakleshpur !

2008-12-09T23:03:00.002+05:30

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Indian Sport's S-achi(n)lles Heel

2008-10-17T22:32:00.007+05:30

Now that Sachin has crawled over Lara's world record, India celebrates another individual achievement.A player, who I would have loved to love, but absolutely hate when on the field for his penchant for records, and his struggle to even achieve them, beginning with the world record number of centuries (his 35th way back in 2005).Unlike the most simple batsman the world has seen in Virender Sehwag, who believes a ball has to be hit, even if the batsman is on 199 or 299, Sachin always watched and crawled his way to his milestones.

Just look at his record in the past 3 years :

Since and including his record breaking matches (record no. of centuries, and record runs)

Matches : 28*
Innings : 49
Runs* : 1850
Average in this period : 41.11

Without including his record breaking matches (record no. of centuries, and record runs)

Matches : 26
Innings : 46
Runs* : 1637
Average in this period : 38.96

Sachin's average during this period has fallen from 57.06 to 54.02. Clearly, an average of around 40, with 5 centuries in 3 years does put him in the company of fab four and not the elite list of a Ponting or Lara. No wonder, questions over his retirements have been coming from all corners and will continue to do so until he hangs up his boots.

Sachin may have achieved his highest milestone, but he can never ever dispute his miserable record at winning games for India, even after India had Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly and Sehwag in the ranks in the past decade.19 years of great batsmanship, but with only 2 centuries worthy of being called match winning ones (155 in 1998 against Australia, 126 against Australia in 2001) in his entire career of 39 centuries. In this moment of cheer which many in India would be celebrating, I find it difficult to be part of this. Sorry Sachin. This record, was just another milestone for another ad spree, eh ?

With his subtle outburst of stones into milestones, he has admitted what many critics were always thinking. Sachin is a man for records. And that's what he has played for through his life. So, will the media now start calling the fab four as fab 3? BECAUSE Sachin has something which the others don't hold? Well, whatever I say, India still remains hype driven and Sachin's milestone is all over the press.

Does the media or the rest of the nation know that there is a Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) going on in India? How many know that India is way ahead in the medals tally in the CYG currently underway in Pune? No mean feat this, with other giants like Britain behind India in medals tally. Does India realise what this means to Indian Sport and the Commonwealth Games in 2010? Indian media should grow up and not just complain about the IOC and its bureaucracy. Instead the media should highlight the CYG, just like they did the Olympics, and urge India, the IOC, SAI to look forward to the Commonwealth Games in 2010, and make India a sporting superpower. If India and its media do not grab this CYG moment of glory, 3 medals at an Olympics may remain as India's best medal haul for many more Olympics to come.

Note : All the above cricketing details are pertaining to Test Matches Alone.

Stats Courtesy : HowSTAT!

Jet,Left,Goo ...

2008-10-15T22:40:00.005+05:30

Raj .. kkkkkkkya ho raha hai ? Raj is what Shah Rukh Khan has been named in many of his movies, and Raj is who I have a question for. This being the real life Thackeray version though. Our real life Raj has found a new political agenda of fighting for the rights of the 1900 workers of Jet who were laid off all of a sudden, post an alliance between Jet and Kingfisher a day back. Now what could have triggered Raj to vehemently oppose this move by Jet Airways ?

Thinking about Raj Thackeray, reminds one of the man who stands for the right of every Marathi who has been (apparently) deprived of his/her rights in their own land. Considering this political agenda of Raj's, I am wondering what could have been his motive in standing for the demands of Jet employees ? Hmm .. looks like Raj has indeed gone through the profiles of each of the Jet employees who have been laid off, and actually cleared them all as Marathis ! That should indeed be the reason, eh Raj ? As to whether each of them speaks Marathi or not, has certainly been confirmed after Raj personally interviewed and spoke with all the 1900 Jet employees (in Marathi mind you !). Though, one must not ignore the tears of the pretty air hostesses which were of course rolling down their cheeks in Marathi ! Right Raj ?

Let's look at a different take on this issue. So, will Raj be at loggerheads with the Left parties ? With a truthful confession that I am still new to political games, will Left support this move by Jet of laying off employees ? Can corollaries exist in Politics ? For example, since Left parties fight for the rights of Government organizations and business units, shouldn't the corollary mean that any move which lays off employees by a private firm be lauded and encouraged by the Left ? That being the case, Left would be in support of people getting laid off from private organizations. So maybe, this equation can be concluded as a fight between Left and Raj.

My High Deed Card - An Obituary

2008-10-13T23:03:00.008+05:30

Well, the past 2 weeks have been difficult .. my ID card refusing to swipe on the access doors in my company. Scary thoughts of that pink slip on it's way to my desk sooner than later gathered storm, despite the fact that my antique 5.5 year old ID card has stood the test of time.

And what a time it has been through. Refusing to crack under constant swiping, which has been the only proof of my hard work (I earnestly request my supposedly sincere readers to NOT cough in jest), it has seen the evolution of my company, and the cracks on the old ID card are a testament to the rigours of working in the IT industry.

Dialogues apart, the scare of the pinkslip, gave way to the realistic thought of that emotional moment, which I always dreaded. Parting with my ID card, to make way for a new one, hopefully ushering in a new lease of life into an oasis-bereft desert I have been traversing (heavy stuff, huh ! Honestly, this was indeed meant to be a useless piece of art attempted at, though very earnestly !). My card bid good bye to me, with the last rites being performed at the security desk, where the guard was kind enough to hand me a replacement for it.

The ailing story of my card, had come to light 2 weeks back, when the health of it deteriorated, with successful swipes becoming more of an intermittent affair than a truly consistent one. I had to force my card into performing, urging it to get closer to the access reader, and extracting the last ounce of swipe from it. It tried, it swiped, beeped, but the moment was nearing. Unlike the test career of Saurav Ganguly, which has been race tracked into retirement, my card was certainly ailing and breathing it's last. Certainly, no VRS schemes for my ID card I say.

Tragically, I could not even give my ID card a decent farewell, after I realised on Saturday when at office, that it had died a silent death. Refusing to turn on the access door, like it had consistently done in the past. The number of turn ons my ID card has given the access doors in my company, are well worth hundreds of pages in any book on Software-Sutra. It had left me stranded with the unenviable and oft embarrassing task of finding a photo of myself to replace the one on my late card.

Finding a photo of oneself could have been so much easier, had I not taken too much enthusiasm in taking others' photos all these years. Turning to photography as a passion and hobby is one thing, but turning around in every photo in which I pose solo is not befitting a company ID card. I realised this last night, when I frantically searched and skimmed through photos of the past, from when that last pimple on my left cheek had vanished.

Adding to the filtering process of finding the right photo was the task of finding one with a blue background. Agreed, I am no offender of the law, who is getting behind the bars, but to actually find a photo of mine, in a blue background can be tough to figure out, when you consider people around me take my photos in the night without flash. I gave up my search and conceded to the security guard, that indeed, he had the hon(rr)or of taking my solo photo.

Just like Lehmann Brothers went bankrupt, my poor card went swiperupt. My photo which still can be used for the new ID card, has become an antique piece, star(e)ing in the onlookers eyes for more than 5 long years. Accidental viewers of my profile on the intranet portal in my company, deserve a more pleasing appearance to bear with. My friends, just because I often go for trips, should I deprive myself of my passion for photography and let you take my photos against your own wishes ?

I felt, unless I go for another trek, without my favourite Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ7, I wouldn't get a decent photo of myself. Sometimes, sense prevails, and for a change it prevailed over my crowded mind, and I decided against this remarkably sane idea. Before I unveil the blue coloured lungi in my room, to get the blue background for a self portrait at home, let me log off.

All for HITS !

2008-10-11T20:31:00.003+05:30

This is CHEAP .. to get hits on my blog. But hey, anything for Amitabh and his tummy !! Err.. FYI He Got HOSPOTALISED and that too on his birthday !!!! Equivalent to a Bihar flood, what say ?

Am I not right .. media ? So, here goes the list of links (just a sample !) with this news piece doing rounds in Headlines in India !!!!!!!!

http://in.news.yahoo.com/20/20081011/1416/tnl-bachchan-taken-ill-admitted-to-lilav_1.html

http://movies.ndtv.com/template/generic_movies.aspx?template=amitabhbachchan&pollrequired=n

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/actor-amitabh-bachchan-hospitalised-on-birthday/75580-8.html

http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/29/stories/2005112911080104.htm

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Amitabh-taken-ill-on-birthday-hospitalised/372101/

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/on-birthday-amitabh-bachchan-hospitalised-under-observation-second-lead_100106130.html

http://www.nowpublic.com/style/actor-amitabh-bachchan-hospitalised-birthday

World Crawling Record !

2008-10-11T13:22:00.009+05:30

So, what is this fascination with Sachin and world records ? Sachin has been inching closer to the world record number of runs in Test Cricket, which is currently held by Brian Lara (11953). Well, this inching has been going on, and has metamorphosed into crawling, in the past 6 innings. When the undergoing Australia-India Test series began in Bangalore, he was even closer, 77 runs behind (11877 runs before Australia series) the world record.

So, how close is really close ? 64 runs ? Sachin has crawled closer, by getting dismissed for 13 "valuable" runs, on the 3rd day of the Test Match today. Media hype will never come to an end, and Indian media has always been one for individualistic achievements. So what if India lose the series against Australia. Sachin overhauled the world record during the series. That will be the highlight. How does it matter, if Sachin took 8 innings to crawl his way to the World Record.

Even as Sachin is crawling towards that pinnacle of achievement, it is but a mere formality as to when would Ponting (10222 runs before Australia series) race past Sachin in record number of runs in Test Cricket. Ponting has been phenomenal in the past 4 years especially , raking up a world record 16 centuries as captain alone in this period. So, really what World Record are we talking about here ? Test fans, especially in India and the Indian media should be realistic and accept that Sachin will not hold the world record number of Test runs (Ponting is 2 years younger to Sachin) when he retires from Test cricket.

What would be more worrying for Sachin is, his fall from near immortality on the cricket field, to being reduced to being speculated on his own retirement. This does reflect the harsh change in times, when performance speaks, more than just records. Times have indeed changed, and Ganguly was virtually forced to retire during the ongoing Australia test series. Maybe Sachin should be said, that this is his last chance of having a test series to clinch the World Record from Brian Lara. Or, seeing Ponting's exceptional achivements (his first hundred in India coming on the first day of the current Australia test series) in terms of runs galore in Test cricket, would Sachin's retirement be much sooner than ever expected ?

Selectors .. are you going to give Sachin a chance to hold the World Record once, or be realistic and drop him if he fails to perform in a series of matches ? Do the new set of selectors have the guts to drop Sachin ? Well, that's the question which begs to be answered.

Tadiandamol - Tryst With Nature ..

2008-09-29T00:35:00.002+05:30

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

FiiO - Pocket-sized Amplifier

2008-09-15T10:46:00.011+05:30

I got this pint sized amplifier for pairing with my Cowon D2 player. You need to hold this amplifier in your hand to feel how small it actually is. Guaranteed, when one imagines that it is powered by a AAA battery, it would indeed be small.But the pictures tell the true story.

A history on my D2 is that I lost my previously purchased 4GB Cowon D2. I lost the 8GB SDHC card, which I had in its SD card slot in the process.But I was dying to have it back, so went ahead and got another one for myself, this time 16GB one. Mind boggling is the alarming way at which electronics prices plummet as old products become fast obsolete or new technology or innovations take over. I got the 4GB D2 for 194$ last year, and a year later I got the 16GB model for 215$ from Amazon. Little on the expensive side. But, great for the bargain, what with an SD card slot for 16GB more memory (32GB when available). All Cowon players also have dedicated forums which let users and fans alike publish,share and create add-ons to the oh-so flexible line of Cowon players. There is a ton of information there.

Though I love music and listen a lot, I love gadgets too. This tiny amplifier boosts the ever impressive sound enhancements of the D2. Though it doesn't quite boost the volume per se', it gives a warmth to the renderings. For 8.5$ it is a great buy, rather than going for something which is really costly (You also get the black version).I got it today, and I can say that it produces the same effect at a volume level 9 in my D2, which my D2 without it would have produced at a volume of, say 15-16.My advise, if you love music and like to hear the subtle nuances in a song, go get this one !

Smil-e

2008-09-11T18:11:00.014+05:30

As I sit and type this post, I start wondering .. how much the world of web has netted the world. A transformation complete except for the elusive physical nature of human touch. All else is there on the internet today. Has the human touch gone, due to the advent of internet ? Far from it, it has led to more awareness, and more donations and volunteering for human touch.

A world, which is fast getting revolutionised, breaking myths of conservatism and orthodoxy. People meet and acquaint through the internet, and make for successful marriages. In stark contrast to the very mode of meeting someone without a physical identity, internet has provided the tools to express the true self that everyone is. When I try to spread the gospel of Sanity Restored Is Insanity Gained, I am scoffed at. Because, as much as there is truth in what I said, the true expression of feelings are still held in wraps in the mind.

Internet has in a sense given freedom of expression. Expression through just chats, or through blogs. Of course, no one can get away from those who misuse these tools and gain mileage out of it for ulterior motives. But the greater point to be noted is that a medium such as chat, brings out the funny side of one and all. And more often than not, the vulnerable side too. For what is spoken to in person, might be with strings attached, but what is communicated through a medium without the element of physical human interaction gives unlimited freedom. Freedom to sometimes be rude and get away. Freedom to be funny and yet be serious and sad.

The smiley which has inundated chat forums reveals so much of the person and the mood he/she is in. A smile, which can put to rest uneasiness or tension. A grin, which suggests a sense of trying to be a tad too smart. A broken heart smiley undoubtedly conveying disappointment, without being over the top. An angry smiley which conveys angst and rage over something or someone. Yet, the smileys manage to bring out a funnier side to each conversation, but all the while managing to keep emotions and anger under control.

I get surprised at the outbursts people pour over in chats or blogs at times. But, that's the true personality and the mood that the person is in. A written medium can express so much, yet manage to ease pressure and strain. The smileys, as far as I am concerned are remarkable inventions, which convey a lot of meaning and yet remain sweet and funny with just a few characters. Truly, the smiley world is here to stay, and the world is only starting to realising it's true value.

Fedex From The Ashes

2008-09-09T22:16:00.011+05:30

When I decided to watch the U.S. Open final, sitting as late as 2:30 A.M IST, I wasn't quite sure how long I would have to finally remain awake. For Andy Murray, coming into his first Grand Slam final had a 2-1 head to head lead on Federer, and was hot on form after upsetting newly crowned World No.1 Rafael Nadal. I was wondering whether I will be awake through the entire morning to finally see the winner.

Well, as things turned out eventually, Federer might have thought of giving me more time to sleep and get some for himself. His 3 set demolition of Andy Murray was clinical and ruthless to say the least. He did lose break of serve during the match, but those were the moments when Andy Murray showed his true capabilities. Federer ultimately taming the Brit 6-2,7-5,6-2.

Honestly, it was precision and aggression which wrapped up the match for Federer in under 2 hours. He seemed hungry as ever, and his win over Novak Djokovic in the semi finals seemed to have done him a world of good. Coupled with the possibility of creating history to become only the second man in the history of the game since Bill Tilden in 1924 to win five consecutive U.S. Open titles.

In a press conference leading upto the finals, Andy Murray summarized the magician that Federer is, by questioning critics who doubted Federer's abilities even after reaching Semi Finals of all the Grand Slams in the year, being in the finals of French and Wimbledon. Really, what more can one ask from a professional tennis star ? True to what he referred to as having created a monster after his performances in last 4 years, that is precisely what every tennis fan wants from him. Sweeping all 4 slams of the year. Atleast Wimbledon was expected. Reaching finals is not good enough for a man like Federer.

It was heart warming to see Federer play in a free spirit, devising tactics to come into the net much more than earlier this year and mix his game. The Gold at the Beijing Olympics (again, shall I dare to say .."though" in the Men's Doubles ?) has certainly done him a world of good in terms of gaining confidence which was lacking after major setbacks at the French and Wimbledon at the hands of his nemesis, Nadal.

There is no denying that, if one has been witness to this era of tennis, it is indeed a privilege to have seen the finest player to have played this sport. Federer has taken tennis to such heights, which only Gods can dream of. With the fifth U.S. Open title, Federer has now achieved 13 Grand Slam Titles in all, just one behind Pete Sampras. Another astounding piece of achievement, which I can bet a zillion dollars will never be beaten is, winning 2 different slams , in 5 consecutive years (U.S. Open - 2004-2008, Wimbledon - 2003-2007). If to be the second best in clay behind Nadal should be the reason for him not be hailed the best ever, then it would be gravest of injustice on the genius that is Federer. Having qualified for three consecutive finals in the French Open (2006-2008) when his game is not totally suited to the surface speaks volumes of the ability of the man.

Federer has only now begun a new journey. A journey where he realises challenges are more. But the free spirit that he regained after the Olympics, will keep him in good stead. Critics doubted his abilities, because they were thinking Federer would surpass all records in the history of the game. That is the level of expectation he has set. Now that he has proven himself to be another mortal wielding the tennis racquet, he can breathe easy and win half a dozen slams more on the way. What say, Roger ?

Belles' Belly Balle

2008-08-28T11:48:00.008+05:30

For all cheerleader fans of the 20-20 IPL, there is good news. The Maharashtra Government has officially accepted belly moves by hot Ukraninan belles. If the Janmashtami celebrations organized by an NCP minister are to go by, cheerleaders at IPL events have found a new lease of life. Seems, they need not come for cricketing celebrations, but can come for traditional celebrations.

What an irony, of a Government which stepped in to ban cheerleaders from IPL matches, to them being entertained by Ukrainian belly dancers. If the belly dancers' balle balle is not objectionable, then why would cheerleaders for a match be ? Or is there an ulterior motive to poach the cheerleaders for belly dance performances by the same netas ?

Following up on my previous post about politics being a game of contradictions, this is another blatant example of this. While dancing in pubs has been banned, and pubs ordered to close by 11:30 p.m. day events for public viewing of belly dancing seems to be fine. Or are the netas trying to justify calling belly dancing an art form like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi in India ?

With all due credit, and no offense intended, are the netas suggesting, that if the belly dancers, with the same costume did a bharatanatyam number, they would appreciate it ? Won't that be tantamount to over exposure like the IPL cheerleaders or will they still defend the act by saying it is indeed an art form ? In fact, come to think of it, maybe the world should declare cheerleaders' dances as an art form. That would certainly open a new debate ! For now though, the netas might get away saying belly dancing is an art ! Well, it sure is, and there are workshops which specialise in giving classes for belly dancing !

Without trying to be too vulgar, weren't the cheerleaders exposing their bellies, just like the belly dancers very much have to ? Is that lost in thought by the netas ? Or, as I previously hinted, spotting the belly and the talent that comes with it is for the netas to decide. For an argument sake, the belly has always been a major attention point for the majority of the Indian public for years and years. Is that why belly dancing seems to be fine while cheerleaders are not ? Maybe the cheerleaders should resort to belly dancing at IPL, which would be more appreciated.

Head Back Home

Politics ... thy name is Contradiction

2008-08-27T16:07:00.008+05:30

Watching the headlines these days, makes it sickening for viewers. The past week has been even more so, with horror stricken stories. It was funny how the news channels were prioritising the news stories. While one channel had debates running on the communal tension and violence in Orissa, another was covering the flood hit areas of Bihar. Another channel was busy broadcasting the protests and curfews in Jammu & Kashmir over the Amarnath land dispute. Of course, all these news items were subsequently covered by each of them. Not to mention the Singur land dispute which is making headlines everyday.

Up until last week, there was joy and jubilation with the Olympic heroes from India. All of a sudden, there is more of gloom and worry all around in India. A sense of insecurity which swept the nation with serial blasts seems to have gained momentum with acts of communal violence in Orissa, siege of the TATA plant in Singur, gun firing in Jammu Kashmir. Even nature seems to be against the nation today with floods lashing in Bihar.

What is more appalling is the level of contradiction in each of these major incidents. Demands of Azaadi in Kashmir came to the forefront with large masses of separatists leading the cause. What Azaadi meant in this context is unclear, atleas to me ! Azaadi to carry out trade across the LOC ? Azaadi from India ? Azaadi from militants ? Contradiction can't be more in the face, when those seeking Azaadi, have to be shielded by the same country who have been protecting them for the past 60 years. When militants open fire and hold them hostage, there doesn't seem to be demand for Azaadi.

As has been the case today, terrorists infiltrated across the LOC and have still held civilians hostage. Yesterday, Sajjad Lone made a point when he was asked by a TV anchor about the lives lost by the Indian Army men in protecting and shielding them. His counter argument was the lives lost by Kashmiris because of the recent firing over the economic blockade and Amarnath land transfer. So, as far as the separatists go, if they are killed by militants, it is an everyday affair. While if they are killed by firing at protesters who turn violent, it is a grave affair which demands justice and is the reason for Azaadi. Quite ridiculous and shocking, that Indian Army has to now go and shield them from terrorists to protect them !

Another case of contradiction is the Singur land controversy. Poor old Left Government there, is getting a real dose of it's own medicine. Mamata is teaching what Left had been doing with the Central Government, fighting for the rights of the people and farmers in Singur. Incredibly, the West Bengal (WB) Government, is having to stick to its decision in order to send out the right message that WB is indeed a good state to invest in. It is a different matter, that they will hold nationwide bandhs, if the fuel prices are raised eventhough LPG prices after the hike is still Rs. 350 subsidised. Left will continue to strike even if they know that fuel subsidies will dry out fuel from India sooner than later. I wonder, in that case where they will get the fuel for vehicles to send hoards of their supporters to disrupt normal life.

Politics as they say, has no friends or foes. So, it does mean, those who stick to their word, are non-existent in politics. What is most saddening in all this, is the Kashmir crisis which is disheartening for the entire nation today. When India has been fighting on, and the world knows Pakistan's hand in infiltration bids and bombings, the separatists of Kashmir seek independence. Rather than showing a united stand and working with the Indian Government, they seem to be more inclined towards working with Pakistan. Isn't the infiltration at LOC proof enough of the reason why New Delhi is against trading across LOC ? This is no rocket science to understand. My heart goes out to India and all it's citizens who have loved Kashmir and wish it very well, everyday through out the year. I hope common sense prevails, and Kashmir remains peaceful and an integral part of India. I can't imagine how Kashmir will be peaceful with a country like Pakistan which is not able to keep its own people under control.

Sporting Revolution ?

2008-08-20T16:14:00.012+05:30

How often does one get to see such a sports headline (courtesy CNN IBN) in India, without any cricket news ? Look on the side for the cricket match which is going on at the same time. Well, for once, the whole of India is looking up and noticing and more importantly following the other sports India is faring well in, and that too at the International level. First hailing Abhinav Bindra and now, wrestler Sushil Kumar who won bronze in the 66kg category a short while back.

The newspapers too have cricket in the last page, eventhough India is fighting out in Sri Lanka. The Olympics has taken centre stage (as it well should) over cricket and this is the opportune moment for SAI and other Indian sporting organizations to join hands and build the momentum for a gold winning India. India is supremely talented in the craftsman like sports and the agile ones. This is where the focus should be on. To build on the laurels, to reward accomplishments of these sportsmen and encourage the common Indian, that Sports is a well rewarding profession.

As for cricket, one need not say much, since any cricketer joining IPL makes enough money for many years. Besides, one other reason why India's Sri Lanka tour is not being followed or given as much importance could be due to the lack of excitement in the 50 over format. So, even a debacle in the first ODI did not get much of a chiding from various quarters, while expectations were running sky high for Akhil Kumar.

Could this be the turning point in India's sporting chapter ? Will there be encouragement to take up sports such as Shuttle Badminton, Table Tennis, Wrestling, Boxing, Shooting, Archery where India is emerging as a real force to reckon with ? Undoubtedly, with 2 medals in this year's Olympics, India has things going well, and should make sure that the Commonwealth Games in 2010 is given prominence in terms of media coverage and importance than the 2011 Cricket World Cup. The moment is RIGHT NOW ! Can India grab it ? We shall see the results in the Commonwealth Games !

I Lay ..

2008-08-14T10:41:00.006+05:30

I lay, thinking deep, thoughts meandering and playing randomly in my mind. The thoughts which refused to let me take those sweet moments of snoredom, and tied me in a never ending journey of musings. They played on my mind, in so haphazard a manner, I could not pinpoint, the one which concerned me the most.

I lay, sleep eluding me all night, wondering is there a light at the end of the tunnel. The gloom which threatened to shroud my moments of happiness and memories of joy gone by. The thoughts ranged from the present to the past, and settled into the future. What does future hold for me?

I lay, thinking further, entangled beyond disentanglement, at the predicament, of not able to close my eyes in peace. I was in an uneasy trance, accentuated by the eagerness to get up and do something, to break this train of inundating thoughts.

I lay, the deluge of thoughts never ceasing to disturb me, my mind going hither and thither, pleading my brain to break this shackle. When I did, it was with something unthinkable, which would induce a further sense of awakening, the dreaded coffee beckoned.

I lay, after a cup, dreaming when this would end. It was not long back, when I tried to break such a trend, singing and humming well past midnight. Madness, one might think, neither slept, nor did I blink. A break I wished, would wring in the calm. It never happened, and I lay disturbed.

I lay, thinking over, switching on the droning music for a change. Thinking over and over, this to be the balm, for the uneasy calm . If ever one was fatigued by uneasiness and thinking why sleep is deprived, then this was the time, this was the night. It seemed in the morning, how it might be tonight ?

Need for Greed

2008-08-11T12:33:00.003+05:30

In news which just came in, Abhinav Bindra won India's first ever individual gold medal at the ongoing Beijing Olympics. The world could say, a first after a century of Olympics ? Nothing to harp about. But for a country, starved of sporting heroes aside of cricket players, which is not even an Olympic event, this is indeed a welcome change. Come to think of it, in Athens 2004, India won its first ever Silver medal through Rajyavardhan Rathore who also featured on Times Magazine's top 100 athletes to watch at this Olympics. And in 2008 India has gone one better.

India needs to shake off it's days of orthodoxy in the field of studies and expand its horizon of fields. There is no dearth of talent in the country of billions. It is a matter of a mental makeover. But, this cannot start without the support of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). With medals at any event, there needs to be a need for greed, to win more, AND more.

SAI needs to take good care of its medal winners, be it at Olympics or at Commonwealth or the Asiad, monetarily and by recognition to encourage sports in the country. A normal middle class family would want to see monetary rewards in their children's sporting honours, to encourage them to participate further. It is encouraging to note Geeth Sethi ,Prakash Padukone, Lakshmi Mittal coming forward to sponsor players, who are genuinely talented and encouraging them.

The best part about today's media is just this. The recognition (sometimes unduly necessitated) that they give to performers and hopefuls is certainly a welcome change, and can only help in India projecting itself as a Sporting nation too. Cricket may earn millions, but unless other sports, which are part of the Olympics are given due importance and recognition, Abhinav Bindras maybe far and few in between.

What is 'Left' ?

2008-07-21T17:40:00.005+05:30

Ahead of the crucial Confidence Vote that the UPA has to win, to continue it's 5 year full term, the common Indian citizen is in a daze. Dazed, at the turn of events over the past 3 weeks. Finally, Manmohan Singh had enough of politicking, much against his true nature, and just like he set up the great Indian liberalisation, he has probably foreseen the importance of the Indo-US Nuclear deal, and done all that he can to set the ball rolling.

Unfortunately, the Left is stuck in the past, and refuses to understand the aam aadmi agenda of their own coalition. After repeated attacks at the Gocernment's inevitable decision to hike fuel prices, the Left parties insisted that the Nuclear deal was more of heeding to imperialism from the U.S. Well, funnily enough, China doesn't seem to oppose the India specific Nuclear Agreement, being a Communist state by itself. Left keeps arguing that India would be subservient to the U.S. just so as to tackle growing Chinese dominance as a World Power.

One wonders what has become of the Left. The Left parties have left the aam admi behind and made matters worse. A month back, the crude oil prices were on the boil, and in a few months' time the Indian Government run Oil majors raised major concerns of their supplies running out and not having sufficient amount to purchase further crude from the market. The Government subsequently raised the prices, inevitably so. The Left, insisted, this was against the common man. Common man, my foot ! How can the common man have access to food,if the transports in the country don't have enough fuel to reach them ? Ridiculously, the citizen loving Left, protested, and organised strikes, paralysing major transports in the country. During such frivolous strikes, does the common man have a choice of transport ? A choice of working or buying food from the market ?

Left has been extraordinarily contradictory during the entire co-alition rule of the UPA. The excess subsidy being still given by Indian oil companies, will eventually bite back the Great Indian growth story. The results are already evident with inflation almost touching the 12% mark. Where a plate of idly in Bangalore used to cost Rs.6 some eight months back, comes at 10 a plate today. Coffee has jumped from Rs. 5 to Rs. 6 in the past 4 months or so.

Manmohan Singh, being a man of strong principles, put the country ahead of politics, and dared the Left and the Opposition to vote his Government out. Though the UPA is struggling to get the magic figure of 271, Manmohan Singh sure has sent out a strong signal to the Left. And ironically, Manmohan seems to be the one who has the interests of the citizens and the country ahead of politics. Left's reaction to withdrawing from the Government was more a reaction to Manmohan's daredevilry.

Left has yet again proven how contradictory and paradox it's ideologies are, by not considering the huge energy needs that India will have to support in next decade. If the Left, still has some representation in future co-alitions, will it then organize strikes because of the lack of energy for the common man ? Of Course Yes ! Left seems more intent on remonstration and not providing any feasible or viable solution. It is forever stuck and blinded by it's own ideological world, and in turn will only harm India's growth and the common man's interest.

At this crucial juncture, when the economy is going through a lull, inflation is on the rise, the Government is fragile, only one man can have his head held high, come what may on July 22nd. Manmohan Singh. He probably has even taken the UPA and the Congress especially aback, with his astuteness and boldness on this mission which was his baby all the while. India should thank this man for all what he has done, and should pray that this Government sees through the Confidence Vote and gets the Nuclear deal through before the Elections kick in.

Warrior Rafa Dethrones King Roger

2008-07-08T10:08:00.010+05:30

An epic final which was like a blockbuster movie. And in the end, a deserving winner. That is what the Wimbledon 2008 final proved to be. It was show time again, with the World No. 1 Roger Federer, up against the ever improving Rafael Nadal on Centre Court. If last year's 5 set thriller between the same two champions was awe-inspiring, the final this time around was breath taking.

It had drama, suspense, excitement, brilliance, perseverance and emotions. Rafa led Roger 2 sets to love, and had taken the fifth set to a tie breaker after a rain delay. It seemed divine intervention as far as Roger was concerned. Rafa had 2 championship points in the 4th set tie break leading 5-2 and serving for the match. Federer incredibly managed to save them both and took the match to a final set decider. With the last set at 2-2 and deuce, rain again came down on Centre Court, and the players took another break. Would this be a divine intervention again for Federer or for Nadal, who got agonisingly close to winning the coveted crown ?

The time was ticking past 9:00 in the late evening at Wimbledon, but the 2 champions fought on, until Nadal broke Federer in the 15th game of the final set. Nadal, the champion that he is, closed out the match at 9-7 in the final set, dropping to the floor, emotions still running high. An unbelievable match, which is truly a tribute to the relentless shot making and ahtleticism of Nadal, against the grace and genius of Federer.

Rafa has been snapping at Federer's heels for more than a year now. Federer has had a moderate year so far in 2008, and the aura of invincibility seemed to be disappearing after a straight sets loss to World No. 3 Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open semi finals. Federer has only won 2 events this year. For someone who is used to winning 2 Grand Slams before the second half of a year, Federer is empty handed this year, with only the U.S. Open to play for. At 26 Federer is not getting any younger, and Nadal is ready to take the mantle of the best player from Federer.
Any gifted player would have felt proud to have played in an amazing 16 grand slam finals, which included all the 4 major slams. But with Federer, he is expected to win all of them, atleast the non-clay ones. That is what he had been doing, whenever he got to any of the Grand Slam Finals except for the Nadal owned Rolland Garros. Federer had never lost a Grand Slam final on any surface against any player other than French Open. With this loss at Wimbledon, Nadal certainly has dented that record. The funniest part is, Federer is so good, he would still make it to the finals of all the Grand Slams. But does he have the mental strength to overcome the relentless Rafa ?

There have been champions and Grand Slam winners who have hated the grass court tournaments and called them as good only for cows. Marcelo Rios, Ivan Lendl and lately Marat Safin. Though there was always a question mark as to whether a clay court specialist and winner (Nadal at Rolland Garros) can in a span of 2 weeks win a grass court title at Wimbledon, the spirit of the young 22 year old Nadal came through eventually. Never did Nadal complain of the grass court not being his favourite surface. In fact he always dreamt of winning the Wimbledon as a kid, and that kept him motivated to win the crown.

Rafa now leads Federer 12-6 (as on 7th June 2008) in their head to head and Federer has many others waiting to clip his wings, as he fights off opponents younger, more spirited than him. Alfred Tsonga, Djokovic and Nadal are definitely the select few in that club. With only 555 points separating Nadal from Federer for the No. 1 spot, things could change by the end of this year.

But Federer, the champion that he is, will always challenge the best, as long as he is fit. Nadal has done so much of running around courts, through sheer will and stamina, he may not be able to withstand this level of performance for very long. Compare this to the grace of Federer, who is elegance personified, and seems to hit winners off impossible angles, one would think Federer would last atleast 4 more years. Nadal doesn't have a great service which comes to his rescue in times of crisis in a match. Federer can hit aces, at times at will. But with Federer, there is always a susceptibility of losses in concentration, which never happens with Rafa. Especially when Rafa plays Federer, he is at the peak of his game, knowing fully well, that a blip in conecntration is the only chance that Rafa has in winning against Federer.

The great rivalry of the 2 champions, whose styles of play are poles apart can only create more tennis followers and inspire children to take up the game. It would be tough to emulate Roger Federer's game, for his is a game of sheer genius. But one can always emulate and be like Rafa, for the hard working, relentless athlete that he is. To conclude, all one can say is, to defeat a Federer one needs to be a Nadal. But to defeat Nadal, you need not be a Federer.

Bray-King News !

2008-06-17T14:04:00.005+05:30

Breaking News ... CBI cordons off Sector 25 in Noida, breaking News, Lie detector Test on Krishna, Rama, Kumbhkarna. I am not able to find more characters to the string of names which come up on everyday news stories these days. The news items only pertain to Neeraj Grover's gruesome murder or Aarushi and Hemant's mystery. Or for a change cops charged for raping a woman, and the woman killing herself for not being heard by the Haryana Police.

I would rather the news channels dedicate their prime time for news which has more sense, than some botched up investigative cases which are of no consequence for people far across India. Instead, what these channels bring on the idiot boxes for all of us is nothing but Breaking News, which either has to do with cordoning off, lie detector tests or suicide which maybe murder. I shudder to think what the new age, impressionable children and teenagers are being fed with as far as news is concerned.

Most of the news channels, atleast the Indian ones as of today have 3 crime investigation details everyday. Do they make any sort of attempt to do such investigative work, to break terror plots ? When terror strikes, they have all the news in the world to blame and question the lackadaisical police approach or sleeping intelligence agencies. Is it because, terror plots involve people who are far more notorious and have nefarious links with terror groups across the world ? Is it that media of today is scared to break these plots or try and find the instigators of violent acts ?

When IPL was going on, it was apparently cricketainment all over the channels for a form of cricket where India isn't even playing. What a sick paradox. Our media hypes IPL to such astronomical levels, and then praises the success of it, and then pummels the panel of cricketers into submission that 50 over games are in grave danger. Talk about wrongly influencing public opinions, this is but one instance. With the amount of crime stories being covered, the new series of programmes our channels cover should be called crimetainment.

It is so much easier to ask questions, and put investigative agencies in a quandary, than to actually provide answers. The fear here is, there could be sinister motives of crimes these days, which could even mean kith and kin taking lives of their own blood. Since our society is entangled and stuck in a deep sense of ideal orthodoxy, no one can believe for a second that a father or mother can kill his/her daughter. My fear is, this would mean the media would air interviews with the accused, pleading for justice, when the accused is still at large.

Star News has a riveting programme running on it, Sansani, which unravels crimes, conspiracies and tricksters in the guise of palm readers and swamys who abound in India today. Sansani recently completed 1000 episodes, and is aired aired Mon - Fri 11 pm on Star News. The host of the show , Shrivardhan Trivedi ,brings a sense of suspense, drama and awe. This is a cue our famous NDTV's, Times Now's and CNN IBN's can well make use of. After all, it is not just an Aarushi or a Padmapriya who die in India everyday. Take a look at Sansani, and one will know how much more gruesome murders can be. Neither Aarushi nor Padmapriya (even if she is wife of an MLA) demand national attention.

With such coverage of crimes and investigations, even the CBI got upset with the media for poking in their investigation and coming up with their own theories. What it does is, gives a sense of false impression to impressionable children, that crime sells. The kind of national attention given to such cases, can at times be so inviting, the path to crime may not be too far for the kids of today. Become a serial killer and be famous overnight. This can be a scary thought for any parent.

Of course there should be room for the media. Of course justice needs to be meted out. But, justice after the verdict is out. Our media is deciding a case, opinionating the public and literally handing out the verdict for one and all even while investigations are on. This is not responsible journalism and needs to be nipped in the bud. Curtailing access of media from crime scenes, until evidence and any such proof has been collected is one way of doing this. The Government and the police forces need to be pro-active and take initiatives, and curb the media from crime scenes.

If the media is indeed keen on doing investigative journalism, it should be for the good of the public. Another thought could be to time such shows or news items for late nights like Sansani. This would atleast keep the young ones off these news items and not influence them unnecessarily. Right now, our news channels are doing nothing but feeding the public with news, running opinion polls which exploit the sentiments and emotions of Indian public. Our news channels need to have some sense of responsibility and not just give Bray-King news, but sensible, useful Breaking News !

Olfactory Malfunction

2008-06-11T18:43:00.006+05:30

If models can afford to have manmade maal-functions right in front of a jaw dropping audience, every human is entitled to his or her own malfunction derived out of sheer illness. The fact that my post alludes to the olfactory senses, is clear enough to indicate that I am indeed suffering a short term illness of the olfactory kind.

Weather Gods were not kind to me. Well, actually they were kind in as much as not sending in heavy showers, while I stomped in the rainy weather to Jayanagar 4th block. Since it was raining, all the autos were auto-full and it was getting difficult to get an auto. I normally keep walking towards my destination in anticipation of an auto stopping by for me to get in. Circumstantially handicapped, I kept on walking only to realise after 1.5 kms, that I'd rather walk all the way. After all, Banasankari 2nd Stage BDA to Jayanagar 4th block is hardly 3 kms away.

I did enjoy the light consistent drizzle, which I should add was forced upon me to enjoy. After the 3 km walk, I got my specs, and started back.6:30 in the evening, and still drizzling, I was a little tired after the walk, and thought it wise to hire an auto after all. Well, talk about consistency. The auto wallahs in Bangalore seldom disappoint you, and my humble enquiry of going to BDA in the rain was treated as if I am handicapped and cannot walk an inch. 40 bucks was the demand for a 20 buck drive. Reason was obviously the rain.

I got back to my walking and hand waving ways for stopping an auto. Finally one obliged and I headed back home. So much for collecting my specs, and my senses were all intact. Well, so far so good, and I woke up the next day, hale and healthy. Soon though, this was about to change ..

Two days on, my senses were taking a beating, and my throat was in bad shape. Painful and unable to talk, I felt it was more an attempt to use sign language than actually trying to speak anything meaningful. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, in the form of the doctor. The prescription was highly necessary since I had to attend an important wedding of my cousin's at Chidambaram.

I had to travel to Chidambaram (in Tamil Nadu) a place which is bad in terms of weather .. hot and humid. I was game for it, but soon I was to realise, I may be in trouble. I was struggling to cope with the heat and my health was not keeping good. The medicines resulted in an e-motional outpour, albeit of a different kind.

The kind, which embarrasses anyone suffering from cold in public. The sight of someone blowing a nose in public, is so gross and disgusting. But does anyone even empathise once with the sufferer ? In this case the sufferer was me, and I was really feeling bad. But hey, this outpour was the result of the downpour which I got wet in.

Nose blocks can be so irritating and frustrating. The olfactory organ which gives the sense of smell, when blocked and being emotionally overrun by medicines, makes all foodies go crazy. This is probably the best time, when the worst cooks can get away with cooking any which thing they like. Not being a foodie, I was not too perturbed and went about having anything which was pleasing to the eye !

My olfactory malfunction went on, through the heat, and through the cold weather taking effect in Bangalore when I returned back. I still am bewildered as to why my nose is so emotional ! It can't stop crying ! Well, before I get too gross and disgusting to be read further, I must emphasise, that nose blowing is considered real gross in public. So, get that kerchief out, and well, try to have a silencer fitted around your nose. If possible that is !!

Veil of Innocence ?

2008-06-02T11:23:00.004+05:30

A murder that has caught the imagination of the entire nation. Or should one say, has been thrown at the entire nation to be caught, and lapped up by the nation of more than a 100 crore. Aarushi, hopefully is resting in peace, but would be appalled at the way her case is being thrown around the country. Does a murder really warrant this kind of coverage ?

Quite shocking is the way the police and media are at loggerheads. The media is trying to influence an entire nation. And the police is not doing any better. Atleast, "was" is apt for the police as CBI has taken over the investigation.

What shudders me most, is why a nation cannot believe a family member cannot have killed Aarushi. What surprises me even more is, just because Aarushi is dead, should everyone believe what the police did was character assassination ? We are all humans, and Aarushi too was. Anyone can make mistakes. It could very well be possible that Rajesh Talwar indeed is the murderer.

I know I am no investigator to prove facts and provide evidence. But, we as common citizens should not believe in any story and think that family can never kill it's own kin. A fit of rage is all it takes for any angel to turn into a devil. In that respect, we should not rule out Nupur Talwar or Rajesh Talwar.

From all the interviews I have seen of Nupur, I think she is a shady character. Emotionless to the core, though the counter argument could be that she is trying to project a strong image. I don't think so. Such cold and emotionless interviews can be given only by someone who is cold enough to commit crimes. And that too, few days after the murder, why would an aggrieved mother want to go around publishing her interviews to news channels ? Shouldn't she have volunteered to give these same statements to the police ?

We always hold the police responsible. Admitted, they have made a lot of blunders. That doesn't mean they are pushovers and we can replace them with a highly influential media. Why can't the media believe that there indeed was a relationship between Aarushi and Hemraj ? That doesn't result in character assassination. What if Aarushi was alive today and only Hemraj was murdered ? Can all of us, believe that Aarushi is beyond suspicion ? Just because she was hardly 14 and is already dead, should we give her all the benefit of the doubt ?

I maybe playing Devil's Advocate here. But sadly, the world today is far more sinister than what our orthodox middle class makes it out to be. The problem with the media is, it has become overpowering. They are in a position today, to impose their own ruling on the final verdict. If the media says, it is character assassination, then it is so! If the media says the police investigation has loopholes, then it is so . If the supposedly accused's wife comes up on channels all over the country stating her husband is innocent, the entire nation should believe Rajesh Talwar is innocent !

Let us not always assume the media is on the right. For if the media is given all the power, there may not be any room even for forensic science and investigating agencies. Mere public opinion may be good enough to even hand the penalty to the innocent.

Cricket - Neither Quite Nor Quiet

2008-04-26T11:28:00.007+05:30

The current IPL 20-20 matches seem to be getting embroiled in one controversy after another. If the whole idea of IPL was entertainment, it seems to be dishing out added spice and controversy to make it an even bigger hit. Unfortunately, after a little over a week of IPL action, it is really sad to note, that the standard of cricket has been quite disappointing.

Critics and experts of the game say that 20-20 isn't really cricket and IPL never so. Simple reason being that, the skills of any cricketer is too short to be assessed in this format which hardly lasts 3 hours. A counter argument could well be, is it really worth watching 35 hours of play spanning over 5 days of Test Cricket ? True, and that precisely is the reason why a new fan base is developing for 20-20. A new generation of sports fans who just want to see an exciting short game, with lots of sixes and fours and an enthralling finish if possible, like the Jaipur/Hyderabad game 2 days back.

In essence, many of those in the new fan base, would have been those who found even the ODI format too tedious to watch over 7 hours in a day. The 3 hour 20-20 format is short, crisp and not too dragging. It is the bowlers whose reputation is taking a pounding. On the positive side, the bowlers will have to be even more clever and try to come up with more tricks to counter ferocious hitting all through 20 overs in a match. McCullum started the IPL with a scorching 158* in the very first match and the success of the batsmen has been consistent, except for couple of below par performances during the IPL.

Though the hitting has been sometimes outrageous and unimaginable, the fielding standards have been quite shoddy and at times mediocre. Especially , the catching in most matches has been quite appalling. An exception could be the match between Punjab/Mumbai yesterday, where Lee made a fabulous run out and Yuvraj and Bravo came up with stunning catches. That apart, fielding has been poor all through. Bowling has been pretty bad too, except for some inspiring bowling from McGrath, Mohammad Asif, Ishant Sharma and Brett Lee. It is understood that it is a batsman's game. But unless the bowlers come out with a better strategy, 20-20 could well do without any world class bowlers.

Batting has been brilliant at times. Conventional shots have been put in the back burner and scoops,reverse sweeps and slog sweeps have become the daily dose. It was hearty to watch Sangakkara's innings yesterday, which was conventional, yet brisk and much to the liking of cricket connoisseurs.

That much for cricket. Now for the spicier part of IPL. No sooner had the Eden Garden pitch controversy died down, the culture keepers of India came out against the cheer leaders of IPL. The reason being that it was obscenity in full display by the supposedly skimpily clad cheer leaders. This, coming from top brass politicians, who are fine with the deluge of item numbers in Hindi movies, and the lead actors willing to expose every inch of their inherited Indian cultural assets. That has indeed not been taken note of, or is it that the politicians have a censor board of their own for editing these ?

I guess, any obscenity which can be of three dimensional nature and real life, and which can be felt, is what irks the politicians. It is so ironic, that on the one side they want to have sex education imparted in schools, but do not have faith in the common public when they watch these cheer leaders. It is also amusing and scary, that they want the policemen to do moral policing when the Indian capital has responsible policemen raping minors ! It maybe generalisation, but something serious to ponder about.

The pitch controversy was certainly not planned for sure, and was a blunder by the pitch curator. The pitch at Kolkata, by all means was terrible and very dangerous to play cricket on. The magic of 20-20 cricket is that , it is so short a time to play for, that the pitch condition doesn't really matter. But, if the same pitch had been used for a 50 over game, I am quite sure the match would have been called off . Since IPL is riding on billions of dollars, the match had to go on. The players had to play on, since they are being paid so much ! So 20-20 now has truly proven, that it is not about cricket or the players. It is about the crowd, the entertainment. The pitch or the bowlers or the fielding doesn't really matter. The charm of cricket is the pitch conditions which vary from country to country and season to season. But 20-20 wipes out that advantage altogether.The batsman, as has always been the case, relish and plunder the bowling.

The positive side of having international stars arrive and play in the IPL was to create better camaraderie between rival players, who would be sharing the same dressing room. There are lots of pros and cons. Players would come to know what is the weak point of a player and play on that when they represent their country. On the positive front, it would also be an opportunity to sort out differences and understand the culture of other players and respect it. This in fact could be a boon and a bane. Boon, if the players truly respect and toe their line when it comes to cultural or racial slurs on the cricket pitch. Bane, if the players do just the opposite to sledge even more. The latter sounds rather sinister, but cannot be entirely ruled out. The IPL also gives an opportunity for upcoming talent to learn more about the game from past and present legends who they are playing with.

Unfortunately, IPL can also work totally against national team members playing against each other. Cricket being a sport, is really competitive, and when the national team members face off against each other, sparks could fly, words could be exchanged, and this could create disharmony when they eventually play together for the national team. This is precisely what happened after yesterday's match between Mumbai and Punjab yesterday night. An upset Harbhajan Singh (captaining Mumbai), after the loss apparently slapped Sreesanth(bowling for Punjab) who just a few months back were playing together on the cricketing field for India. This has become a fresh controversy, and even if things are sorted out between them, when they share the dressing room for India next time, they would always think back at this incident and not be comfortable with each other.

This incident for sure is not make believe and had to have happened. Why else would Sreesanth cry uncontrollably on the field, that too after his team had won their first IPL match ? The problems are only going to start, simply because the owners of rival teams could go at logger heads and that could easily permeate to their team members on the field. Well, it could be termed as entertainment, but then it doesn't help in building a good rapport for team members of the same national team.

All in all, the IPL thus far has been cricket wise, moderately successful, entertainment wise, hugely successful. Controversies will always dog the IPL, since big bucks are involved and any small incident will always be blown out of proportion. As a true cricket lover, I would only pray that Test Cricket be left alone. And hope that ICC changes the way ODI games are played. For ODIs are in grave danger of being replaced by 20-20 which doesn't really require too many skills. The only reason ODIs would continue to flourish, would be because this is the only format where true talent and big hitters of the game can be identified, both for the 20-20 format as well as for Test Cricket.

So why take offense ?

2008-02-27T11:42:00.000+05:30

Hayden called Bhajji a bad boy. If it is considered offensive in India, eventhough its a famous clothing brand, why did Symonds take offense to him being called Monkey ? After all, India worships the Monkey God. So, if Bhajji calls Symonds Monkey, he should feel proud right ? Its a different story, that calling Symonds a monkey is abusing all monkeys in the world. Sorry mate, we in India can't find words which can even describe Symonds.

Maybe the Aussies should take it lightly, right Symonds ?

The Costly M(read P)iss

2008-02-05T15:08:00.001+05:30

An attempt to hide the actual turn of events cannot be hidden in the way I have framed the title for my post. Hence the reader needs to read between the words (literally) and move on with what I have to write about. Mind you, no offense intended. If renaming M(p)iss with a term such as leak can alleviate the discomfort you have in reading on, so be it.

So, how costly can a leak be? For me it could have cost half a lakh. My colleagues and friends say, I have the habit of missing and losing. Here I was, returning from my hometown in Kerala, headed for Bangalore. All seemed well. I had booked my To and Fro tickets from Bangalore itself. I had given my new postpaid number to my brother, who wanted to use it on his return from U.S. I fortunately had my earlier BSNL prepaid number still working. So I was using the latter for a week, and gave it while booking my KSRTC tickets.

I met my parents, my newborn nephew, and my sis in law and grandma over the past weekend in Kerala. I gave the prepaid number to my brother and took the postpaid number while returning. I boarded the 7:30 p.m. Rajahamsa bus to Bangalore. In a couple f hours' time, I had a hint that a break for a leak was quite important for me. But the bus wasn't stopping anywhere, and I was enjoying the music on my Cowon D2 player.

I had slept off, without knowing the important break I was giving a miss to. I had almost forgotten that the pressure was building up. It was around 2 a.m., and my eyes opened to greet the lights which had been turned on in the bus. Finally, I had the break in sight. But I was half asleep, and wasn't quite willing to give it the full go. I finally decided, enough was enough and got out of the bus.

I was under the impression that there were a few more getting down for a leak, and so did I. It was pitch dark, with a lone light lighting up a roadside tea shop in Thoppur, Dharmapuri. I walked past a muddy area, and realised it was quite muddy. It was all slimy dirt, but I stomped on, determined to leak away to glory. I realised soon that my branded shoes were getting a real mudbath of the dirtiest nature, even while I was relieving my pressure which had built up.

Fortunately, there was enough civic amenity, to have a water tap placed nearby. I went about cleaning my shoes, for they were really not wear-worthy. It was an elegant half asleep process of cleaning the shoes while the tap water flowed on to my shoes. It was reaching an anticlimax, and was almost movie like, when my last leg of cleaning was getting over. I heard a noise behind me, and looked in amazement as my bus started moving away. Half asleep, still cleaning my shoes, it was a slow motion event. I ran behind the bus, clapping my hands. The locals at the tea shop whistling to try and help me out.

I had finally woken up, and before I knew, I was running behind a bus at 2 a.m. in the morning, without even realising that the mini marathon in my company was long over the previous day. 500 meters of running and whistling (my whistling had finally risen to the occasion) was in total vain. I realised, the bus was deaf and even a silent night like that couldn't have caught the attention of the bus conductor.

At stake was my laptop and camera in my bag, safely secured. Both were under my seat, in the bus, and I was outside it ! I was somehow confident I could make it back to Bangalore, but what would happen of my bag ? I called up home to Kerala, asking them to try and contact KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corpn.). They called them and gave a couple of numbers to be contacted, but only at 6 in the morning.

I tried various numbers, but to no avail. Fortunately I did have the bus ticket with me. I knew my bag was gone, and only a miracle could retrieve it back in safe condition to me. I called my friend in Bangalore, at 2:15 in the morning. Yes, I had to unfortunately wake him up, and requested whether he can check with KSRTC in the morning at around 6:00. This place was 4 hours from Bangalore. And I was stranded, 500 meters away from the local tea shop where I missed the bus. Apparently, that was the halting point for all the state owned buses.

I headed back to the same "landmark" tea shop, where a Kerala bus bound for Bangalore was waiting. I asked them for help, only to realise later on how foolish of me to ask help from someone who doesn't even know where Dairy Circle is located in Bangalore ! I told him I don’t need a seat and can come standing. I paid 76 bucks and got into it. It was already 2:40 in the morning by then, and I was swaying to the tunes of the bus on the road. I couldn't hold back my sleep, and sat down near the footstep where the door to the bus opens, and tried to catch up with some sleep.

I had almost given up hope, and was not feeling anything at all. At 6 in the morning, when I was half an hour away from Bangalore, I got a call from home. Apparently, they got a call to my prepaid number, from KSRTC Bangalore, saying my bag was lying at K.H. Road, KSRTC Bus Depot. I was thinking, how glad I was to have left my number home ! Talk about heavenly intervention ! In the meantime my friend was headed towards Majestic. So I asked whether he can go to the KSRTC depot in K.H. Road, which is where the bag was.

Once he was there, he told me the conductor won't give the bag unless he sees the ticket. So, I got down at Majestic, took an auto, and reached the K.H. Road KSRTC Depot. Auto fare came to 40 bucks. At the KSRTC office, my friend was waiting for me. The conductor said, I had to be cautious with my baggage and should have said I am going for a leak, before getting down. He even went as far as saying that someone else was trying to frisk away with it ! Well, this was as translated by my friend. They wanted me to give in writing saying I am grateful to KSRTC for taking care of my luggage, when I was not around, and I appreciate this gesture.

Finally, my friend spoke to them in Kannada, and brought down what was a likely 500 rupee compensation to the conductor, and driver, to a more decent 200 one, with another 30 bucks to the security folks (what for, I don’t know !). But I must confess, I am really impressed with KSRTC for having taken the extra responsibility and taken care of my baggage worth almost 50,000 bucks ! So another 230 bucks by way of appreciation to KSRTC.

All in all, 76+40+230 was what I ended up paying for a leak ! 346 bucks seems very costly for a leak, when you know that it could have been as cheap as 1 rupee or even free, if I had only informed the conductor of an impending leak ! I was only too glad, not to have a leak as costly as 50,000 bucks ! Definitely, it was a costly m(p)iss, for I missed the bus for the leak (read miss, with a p in the beginning). But I am certainly glad, I didn't spend 50,000 for it ! Give me a break ! I am off for one RIGHT NOW !!!

Move On Please !!

2008-02-01T09:18:00.001+05:30

So, India has flexed it's financial muscle to downgrade Harbhajan's ban to 50% fine for the Sydney Test match. While, to bring down an initial 3 test match ban to 50% fine for a match and nothing more, is quite a huge climbdown by the ICC, as an Indian I just want to ask the cringing and whining Aussie players and media - "We are the cricket superpower. Now what ?". Honestly, there isn't much the Aussies can do than accept the verdict and behave in a more civilised manner. Without going into the stump cam transcript, fact of the matter is, unfortunately, India can flex its financial muscle and get away with it. Of course, it is not for the good of the game. But, it was high time, Australia realised they can't get away with everything.

Racism, as a word has been so often used in the past month that one needs to introspect what it actually means. To be frank, an Indian calling an Aussie white can also be termed racist. So, Indians are not that innocent either. It is just that, India has never come out openly, and never the BCCI in such strong defense of its players. And one also needs to take into account the track record of one Mr. Ponting before Procter blindly accepted whatever Ponting, Clarke, Symonds and Hayden blurted out. Ponting has had disciplinary issues of his own, forget Harbhajan's.

Australians would be foolish to taunt the Indians on the field at MCG or at the other ODI venues in the triangular series. For, if the reception turns hostile at Australia, God help the Aussies when they come to a cricket mad India later this year. This is where common sense should prevail. As an Indian, it is impossible to control the antics of an Australian fan at a ground in Australia. Similarly, it would be impossible for an Australian to stop the antics of an Indian fan at an Indian cricket ground. In fact, there will be absolutely no surprise if both these happen. How on earth is it possible to ask every fan at a cricket ground to behave properly? And how many of the spectators can be removed from a ground or for that matter monitored in order to bring down racist taunts?

Just like the word Monkey can be such a serious racist slur, God knows what bas***d can mean to an Indian? Brad Hogg was let off the hook by the Indians. I would say, Harbhajan should not have been penalised at all. But the Australians are now becoming cry babies. Losing at Perth was probably hurting them so much; they wanted something back to be still called the World Champions. If Symonds feels Monkey is a racist slur against him, then the other 10 Australian players also will have something which they might consider racist. Should the competing teams be handed over a list of words which they should NOT be calling each other? And should this list be also provided to all the spectators in the ground? Maybe announcements such as - "Dear spectators. Please do not make monkey like gestures which might be a racist offense for the opposition." be made at a cricket ground? Pray, how much can anyone on earth control the behaviour of spectators on the ground ? The best solution would be, to just forget this incident, and play the game.

Australia, seem to be becoming the cry babies of the world. Understandable, since their firm grip on the game is as rapidly slipping as are the retirements of half of their once invincible team. In a span of one year, they have lost the services of Damien Martyn, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and now Adam Gilchrist. Clearly, a sign of change. Australia will continue to be the team to beat. But never again, the unbeatable one.

Muir Beach Overlook / Point Reyes

2008-01-22T12:42:00.002+05:30

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Pitch Battle Off The Pitch

2008-01-09T00:54:00.001+05:30

The news is out. Bhajji (Indian off spinner Harbhajan Singh) has been cleared to play for the Perth Test, and Steve Bucknor will not officiate in the test match starting on 16th January. While this has prompted widespread reactions across the media in Australia, the Indian media is bandying for all the good it has done. Well, atleast that's what they claim they have achieved.

The fact that I need not elaborate much on the sequence of events which have triggered the uproar across India especially, is for the simple reason that, you type Harbhajan in google, and there is no one link which doesn't carry the story. Nor do you have to go too far in looking for an Indian channel which doesn't air this story. That Indian media stokes up emotions much more, considering the emotional sentiment of the common Indian, is no surprise. Talk about patriotism, unflinching one for the Indian cricket team, that too involuntarily.

The battle for cricket supremacy has shifted from the cricketing pitch to the media pitch. The Indian media is virtually at loggerheads with the Australian media over the treatment of Bhajji especially. The biggest mistake Ponting made after the victory at SCG was to provoke the Indian media in the post match press conference. The mistake he now realises he did was, that there is only one cricket superpower (atleast financially), and that is India. Behaving rudely to the Indian media, after a controversial test match involving bizarre umpiring decisions, did not help matters. Worse still, his appealing and boisterousness and unsportstamanlike behaviour after the match when he forgot to shake hands, talk badly of a responsible captain.

The Indian media did not spare him after that, and with the clout of BCCI in world cricket, went about bashing up his reputation. One doesn't have to go back a long way when Ponting literally shoved away Sharad Pawar after winning the ICC Champions' Trophy in 2006. Indications were already there I guess. And when you are the bunny of a potentially victimisable player like Bhajji for an altercation on the cricket field, Ponting has all the right to have Bhajji out from an ensuing test match.

So, now shouldn't the Australian media too defend its players. Why of course they should ! And what a wonderful job they are doing of it. This article in The Australian claims if India had won the Test match at SCG there wouldn't have been a furore, and India wouldn't have hesitated in setting off to Canberra immediately. I would like to tell the author - "Mate, get your things straight. Umpiring decisions are part of the game, and can be forgiven. But not accusation of racism against an Indian player. And it is for this accusation that India wants an action against, and not against a blind umpire." Kumble has been a gentleman all through his cricketing career and a fighter at that. And for him to come out so openly against Ponting, one should definitely think seriously. Ponting has always had a history of bad behaviour, whilst Kumble has never had any. So, who would one believe ?

Now that the verdict is officially out, and Billy Bowden officially announced to officiate in the 3rd test at Perth, the Indian media claims victory. An understandably defeated Australian media, wishes the ICC doesn't let BCCI rule the ICC and dictate terms. Well, maybe their media should first look up the mirror and see whether they are right in encouraging Ricky Ponting for a start. Unfortunately, this battle, outside of the cricket pitch has been an ugly one. But, if there was one underdog in this battle, it was always Australia. In this case their media. Maybe they can now say BCCI's appeal off the pitch, is as strong and boisterous as Ponting's on pitch appeals. And as analogical as it can get, like Ponting won the match, BCCI will win it's match too ! This series is already a dead rubber !

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Sometimes ..

2008-01-08T11:47:00.001+05:30

Sometimes, the untold is told in a million gestures. Sometimes, the unintentional is told in a million words. Both leave the wrong impression. While the former leaves many a tale untold, the latter leaves many a heart hurt.

Sometimes, a look can convey the feeling of love. Sometimes, the same look is returned, and reciprocated without a word uttered. Sometimes, even a hundred attempts fail to win the heart. While both yearn for the same affection, one succeeds without a word, the other fails upon repeated attempts.

Sometimes, distances can be bridged by letters and mails. Sometimes, distances are purposefully maintained, even when in proximity. While the former relates to hundreds or thousands of miles, the latter embarrasses by being right in front of the other.

Sometimes, a heart doesn't realise the worth of the other. Sometimes, a hurtful feeling can end a relationship. But both eventually break a heart, one way or the other.

Sometimes, a rumour is heard and understood as real. Sometimes, a comment can hurt the ego. But both eventually, hurt the feelings of one or the other.

Sometimes, a cherubic smile can change a day. Sometimes, a sight can make a heart flutter. While the former brings joy and happiness, the latter stumps, and lets cupid pierce the arrow.

Sometimes, we forget to keep in touch. Sometimes, we unexpectedly get that call, never expected of. While in the former, a hollow feeling creeps in, in the latter, joy sweeps in.

Sometimes, we think of all these. Sometimes, we act upon few of these. But seldom do we dwell and work on all these.

Taare Zameen Par - True Gems Unearthed

2007-12-27T11:43:00.001+05:30

I had the opportunity to watch the movie Taare Zameen Par yesterday in San Jose. Aamir Khan's directorial debut has been a well chosen one. There are two aspects which make it a well chosen venture. One, because there were no expectations which the movie came with, since it was not meant to be a commercial venture in any case. As a result, this gave Aamir the opportunity to gain a foothold as a director, and gain confidence from critics. Those same critics who may have thrashed a commercial venture lacking any common sense. Secondly, under his own banner, this gave him all the liberty to experiment with his skills at direction.

The movie starts off with a slowish pace and leaves the audience wondering initially, when it will get over. The concept of a child being pressurised by his parents without any clue of his suffering from dyslexia is something new to Bollywood. But, Aamir has carefully interwoven the message of less able children, with the pressure on children these days to outperform every single day. A message which clearly reaches out to every single parent out there.

The movie picks up pace slowly, but does drag on, with some unwanted songs in between. The songs only slow down the pace of the movie, and seem more like a publicity gimmick to add a commercial twist to it. The title track and the song Kholo Kholo take the cake, and are really worth listening to.

A child, who sees the world in colors, and suffers from Dyslexia has been spectacularly portrayed by Darsheel Safary as the main child protagonist Ishaan Awasthy. An amazing performance by the child actor. One wonders though, why the role of Rajan Damodaran (Ishaan's friend in the movie) did not get more prominence. Tanay Cheda in this role almost stole the limelight by his brilliant performance. Aamir has truly found two gems in this movie.

Aamir himself in the role of the art teacher, Nikumbh is exceptional. It was not the typical Bollywood movie with loud shrieking dialogues. Scenes like the one where he goes to meet Ishaan's parents and realises that they are not aware that their child has Dyslexia is quite brilliant. The way his eyes swell with tears, but holds himself back is brilliant.

The journey of the movie through Ishaan's struggles, is quite wonderfully portrayed. The way he bunks school, and then is forced to join Boarding school by his father is well captured. The journey in the boarding school from when Nikumbh comes in to help Ishaan is what the story is all about. The exceptional performances by these 3 protagonists is worthy of any award.

The message the movie conveys is loud and clear. Let the child be, as he is. Pressurising the children to join the rat race to out perform could invite trouble for the future of the child. Who knows, the parents may lose out on being called the mom/dad of the Albert Einstein of the 21st Century ?

Muir Woods + 17 Mile

2007-12-05T12:33:00.001+05:30

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20-20 - Not So Plenty

2007-09-27T09:34:00.002+05:30

And so, India brings back the World Cup. Albeit the 20-20 version of it. A celebration definitely deserving of such a wonderful achievement. The craze of the fans to watch their demi-gods come from the land of the springboks, was almost unimaginable. The crowds were pouring on the streets of Mumbai, even as the politicians tried to make a point themselves. Forget rooting for the victorious team, they were not even bothered to display the Indian flag, and were all too happy waving their party flags. The icing so to speak (pun intended) was indeed the seating arrangement at Wankhede once the team arrived after a 6 hour victory parade. All except Dhoni seated in the front row, were the able BCCI officials and politicians. Some things never change in India.

After India defeated Australia in the semi finals, The Australian newspaper reported that India was celebrating as if it had won the Soccer World Cup. Well, India sure did win the Cup finally, and Australia will have to wait for 2 or more years to get a crack at it. What The Australian probably doesn't realise is that cricket is a religion in India, and is the only sport where India can still claim as being a dominant force. India did win the Asia Cup Hockey tournament which recently got over, but it almost went unnoticed. In all the hype and hoopla of the first Indian Test series win in England in 2 decades, it was lost. And now, the Hockey players want their share of the booty. Is it a fair demand ? I would say yes, simply because, India still failed to perform in the more grilling 50 version format at the World Cup. And if one has to go by sheer weightage, 20-20 deserved only 40% of what a 50-50 should have received.

As a cricket fan myself, I was thrilled to watch the Indo-Pak final and the now famous 666666 by Yuvraj. Without doubt, moments which will forever be etched in everyone's mind. But just because T20 had a World Cup suffixed, one should not get carried away with the Indian team's success. There has been no doubt in anyone's mind of Indian cricketers' potential. So, the victory in T20 itself is probably cathartic after the World Cup debacle in March. But what was never thought to be a major World Event in International Cricket, has now been given the tag of THE Cup to win. Well, atleast that's how India perceives it as.

Nobody was giving any importance to T20 until it actually started. Nobody took interest in India, until the bowl out India won against Pakistan. And until then, T20 was never thought to upstage 50-50 as the major tournament event. Now, there is a fear, this may well happen. Indian public has gone berserk after the victory, but don't quite realise that it is only 40% of what it takes to win the more arduous 50 version game. There are various reasons why this Indian victory at the T20 World Cup could be harmful to the game of cricket itself.

As many critics have pointed out, it is but a fast food version of the game of cricket. Though pleasing and exciting to the eyes, there can be ridiculous results on some days of cricket in this format. If one were to think Zimbabwe winning against Australia once in 2 decades is a shock in the 50-50, it will be much more likely in this format. Ironically, the first time Zimbabwe played in it's 50-50 World Cup format in 1983, it shocked Australia, and the same happened here too. As one of the commentators pointed out, this is probably the world stage where talent is on display, and not necessarily temperament. And cricket has seen many go by the wayside due to sheer lack of temperament. Teams will now be in a dilemma whether to include their best players in this version, since just about anything can happen.

With all due credit to the Indian team, one needs to think whether 3 million $ was something that they really deserved. The Hockey team is rightly peeved, since their win went unnoticed. However, the only argument that goes against the Hockey Team is that they haven't won any World Event for quite a few years now. More ironic was the fact that SRK (Shah Rukh Khan) who through his movie Chak De wanted to promote the game of Hockey, was all too happy wishing the Indian Cricket team, eventhough he does claim in Chak De, that "Hockey mein chakke nahi hote hain". Chak De has brought back good spirits into cricket, while Hockey still is in oblivion.

Most importantly I feel, India winning the tournament can be detrimental to the game itself. Simply because, Indian cricket is the major contributor to the ICC coffers, and the game's best ambassador with jampacked crowds wherever the Indian time travels. So if T20 is the way to go, to rope in the moolah from Indian cricket, ICC may not hesitate to have more of T20. That fear is now very real. If India had not fared well, T20 may have remained as a one off event. But now with the T20 World cup victory, the pressure and demand for more of this version will be unavoidable. That could spell doomsday for the 50-50 version very soon. The fact that the 50 over version of the World Cup this year was a debacle, and T20 such a huge success does not augur well for the long followed ODI format. As long as the 5 day Test Cricket format is intact, cricket will retain its charm and skills. Series like the 2005 Ashes need to happen more often for this though. The success of 20-20 is also a reminder for ICC that making changes to the 50-50 format should now be seriously considered.

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Niagara - Thundering Water !!

2007-08-29T08:28:00.001+05:30

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Half Moon Bay

2007-08-20T10:33:00.001+05:30

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