Indian Team for Australia

I should say sorry to myself, as I am not able to write anything. Till Last week, I was busy watching Om Shanti Om. I have watched the movie now for about 11 times and Finally, I am out of Om Shanti Om Fobia. Couple of songs from Tare Zameen Par fetched me back to being Aamir Fan and I am over with OSO.

College Football Regular season is over and Saturday are now officially shopping days. Moving requires a lot more preparation and I am going through it. I didnt knew selection of Sofa and Love seat could be so dramatic and painful.

I placed the order of, DirectTV and Dish Network both, Wow..Sony/SetMax/Zee Cinema/B4U as well as Cricket Plus and Star One. Wow, I think I will be damn occupied with TV more and more after one week.

Back to my fav. subject, Cricket. Following is my team (not sure what would BCCI select).

Openers: Jaffer / Gambhir (Reserved : Dravid / Karthik)

Middle Order: Dravid /Tendulkar/Ganguly /Laxman (Reserved: Yuvraj)

Keeper ( Dhoni (Reserved: Karthik)

************ 9 Batsman/Keeper************

Spin Bowlers: Kumble and Harbhajan.

All Rounder: Irfan Pathan.

Left Arm Fast Bowlers: Zaheer Khan and R P Singh.

Right Arm Fast Bowlers: Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel.

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Om Shahrukh Om

I hate Shahrukh Khan.

I wanted to begin writing of this blog with the statement which is as true as “Sun rise from East”. I would probably end the blog with the same statement which would be as true as “Sun sets in West”.

When I was in India, to watch any movie twice or may be more than twice was as normal as eating 4 times a day. You normally don’t eat 4 times a day, but there are days, when you end up eating more times. I saw Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, 19 times in the theater mainly because; we had nothing to do those days apart from watching Madhuri Dixit and sitting in the Air Condition Theater for 4 hours. I had watch many movies more than one occasion, Saudagar, Khuda Gawah, Rangeela Sarfarosh, DDLJ are the few that comes to my mind instantaneously.

I have been living in USA since last 6 years and there was not a single occasion when I felt watching any movie second time. Perhaps, If I would have had money, I might have scene “dil chahta hai”. There are numerous movies which were very good movies, which could have tempted me to watch it twice, for example, Rang De Basanti or Lage Raho Munnabhai or Dhoom 2.

After watching “Om Shanti Om” on Friday last show, I went to the theater (which is about 20 miles from my apartment) to see the Om Shanti Om second time in a next day. This is just to show, the impact of the movie. Instead of normal 1 show from 9 to 12, that theater had actually 5 shows on Friday and Saturday evening and guess what, all 10 shows were sold out. I would be surprised if this movie does any less than 20 Carore of Business in the first week and eventually cross the 100 carore mark from India and Overseas.

People, who know me, know How Much I hate SRK. It is just not because, I am a big Aamir Khan Fan or Amitabh fan but SRK, to me is “HAKLA” and “Most Overrated Actor”. But this movie, whose heart and soul is SRK, proves me wrong one more time. I say one more time because, I loved SRK in Swades and I loved him in Devdas as well.

For the entire first half of Om Shanti Om, I was trying to find out, the “overacting” of SRK. I would say, SRK was under the observation room under me for the first half. I would say, I found him out of place for just couple of scenes. He was amazing in the comic timings, He as a junior artist in the first half, had to act on the scenes where he is copying some actor, but he managed to generate his own style for the part of “Om Prakash Makhija”. His style of walking, explaining things, falling in love expressions all were just amazingly real.

I think, Aamir Khan performs emotional scenes and songs @ the best. Remember the song in Rangeela and Tanhayi from Dil Chahta hai, However, SRK was equally good or should I say brilliant in the sad song in the first half. The only song in the movie which is not famous or equally brilliant as other songs, “MRUGNAYANI” was made special by the choreography. It is not easy for a big star to make mimicry of Past Stars but SRK does it efficiently. Specially, the “Jeetendra” steps in the songs are aesthetic.

SRK, looked at his best, in DDLJ, @ the end of the song “Najane Mere Dil Ko Kya Ho Gaya”, wearing red t shirt and waving the hand saying goodbye to Simran (Kajol). And after 12 years, he looked @ his the best, when he drives the bike in the form of OK (Om Kapoor).

I thought, he acted beautifully in the first half but I was so wrong again. He acted magnificently in the second half. In the role of Aby Baby, (transformed into OK), he acts walks, talks exactly the way, you would imagine the star sons might be doing.

Dialogues of the movie are also written sharply. My all time fav. Dialogue of the movie is from “Lamhe”, when Anil Kapoor’s friend says, “She is loving Anil from last 5 years” and Sridevi replies, “I am loving him since I was 5 year old”. Similar line of dialogue is written when Arjun Rampal says “Call me Mike, Everyone in Hollywood do”, OK replies “Call me OK, everyone in bollywood do”.

Short One Liner stories from bollywood are nicely captured in the movie, For Example, the name of Govinda and Sooraj barjatya taking the Maine Pyar Kiya Dialogue. One minute detail captured nicely was the Poster of Sholay with the title “Still Running”. The story is based on 1977 and Sholay released in 1975 and was still running in the theaters in the year 1977 successfully.

Second half highlight was the song “Deewangi Deewangi”. It is a treat to watch, Mithunda and Govinda and Saif and Salman and Sanjay and Dharmenda and Jeetendra together dancing in their traditional style.

Second half looks long enough and there were about 15 or 20 minutes of time, when the boredom takes place. However, what comes after that 20 minutes is the Climax scene and that was the best part of the movie. The last 10 minutes of the movie, were shockingly and surprisingly the best part of the movie.

I think if I have to find the things which could have been done better would be:

Picturization and Dance Steps of “Dard-e-Disco”. I mean the song is the best song of the movie and no doubt SRK and his look is in a lot of talk, what lacks actually in the song are the steps. It is very a good dancing song and I felt, it was little let down by the steps, SRK movements or perhaps even choreography.

Editing of the Movie. Although Sirish Kundar has done marvelous job of making sure that second half does not look long and boring enough but eventually it does for 10 minutes or so when story kind of stops and does not move with the pace. I felt, little editing would have helped in the first half, where couple of scenes when SRK was acting as a Southern Superstar could have been cut down from 4 minutes to 2. May be one of two scenes from Kiran Kher could have been chopped.

I just felt sorry for Ranbir Kapoor and SLB for not being able to watch, “Saawariya” this weekend due to the fact that I am still under the phobia of “how can I like SRK movie?” J

The fact is: it is completely fun loving movie, an entertainment and I would not be surprised if SRK wins many awards along with lot many $$$$$$ with this movie.

The other fact is: I hate Shahrukh Khan.

Om Saawariya Om

At least since Last one month, there is not been a single day when this question has not haunt in my mind, Saawariya or Om Shanti Om. Perhaps, I may end up watching both next weekend, but now, which one should be the First One?

Let’s Look at the PROS of SAAWARIYA:

· SLB (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) Movie ..Director of Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Black.
· Star Son and Star Daughter’s Debut Film. (Last time It happened was BARSAAT, when Bobby Deol and Twinkle Khanna came together a decade ago)
· Guest App. By Salman Khan (equally important as SRK in India) and Rani Mukherjee (desperately looking for the Hit Movie and last time in Bhansali movie, she performed Award ( Oscar) winning performance.
· Music of the Movie is far more different than usual.
· One Song Sung by Shaan ( I am listening this song like a prayer everyday)….JAB SE Tere Naina (It reminds me of 1942 a Love Story song, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To)
· First Movie Made by Hollywood Production Company.

Let’s Look at the PROS of Om Shanti Om:

· Produced by SRK (King Khan who Rules Overseas Market) and Directed by Farah Khan (Main Hoon Na and Spouse of Jaan-e-Mann Director Shirish and Sister of Hey Babyy Director Sajid Khan).
· Looking @ the Track Record and Promo, this seems to be a Complete Entertainer.
· Possible Remake of 80’s Hit KARZ (Double Role of SRK) and even carries the replacement chartbuster of Dard e Dil from Karz to Dard e Disco in Om Shanti Om.
· Deewangi Deewangi Song carries 31 Stars (an Attraction for sure)
· Ajab Si Song could have been as good as Jab Se Tere Naina from Sawariya, (Key Omission of CHORUS who makes the Sawariya song more enjoyable).
· Debutant Actress, Deepika’s Link with Cricket Star Dhoni would give much needed Publicity.
· Strong Supporting Cast in the movie.
******************************************************************

When “Khamoshi” released some 10 years ago, I didn’t went to theater by looking at the tailors of the movie. I think the music of Khamoshi is till date the best music given in the SLB movies. The Film, when I watched in the Video, I was stunned. How come a debutant director makes such a sensitive movie. I decided to watch his next movie, First Day First Show and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam didn’t disappointed me for a single second. I don’t think so the Character of “VANRAJ” could ever disappear from my memories and so is the character of “Nandini”. I don’t think so, After Subhash Ghai and Raj Kumar Santoshi, there is any director who can say the Story so brilliantly.
SLB climbed one more floor when he took the subject of Devdas. I still remember the expression of my face, when I came out of theater near Boston alongwith Rohan, my room mate. We were stunned by the whole experience. But What came after Devdas, was more than a movie experience. I consider, watching a movie “BLACK” was definitely one of the best experience of the life. Watching “BLACK” could be described like, Watching “Taj Mahal” or perhaps “Watching Wimbledon Final” or “Watching a Cricket Test Match @ LORDs” or “Being in Michael Jackson Show”. Black was not phenomenal movie but whole new experience. I wonder what SLB is going to give me next. I think just because, it is a SLB movie, I would be dare to go irrespective of cast.

After Hrithik Roshan came in “Kaho Na Pyar Hai” and Shahid Kapoor in “Ishq Vishq”, there is not much of hype or curiosity created like there is one for Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir comes from the family that creates enough interest to go and Watch the movie once. I think Sonam reminds me the innocent young face that, Manisha Koirala brought in Saudagar. She has simple yet effective look. She looks graceful enough to sustain the screen presence and certainly holds better future.

Music of the movie is certainly different. It is about 2 hour movie with 8 songs, so I guess all the songs would move the story or have something to say about the story. Title Song is topping the chart and overtaking Om Shanti Om, while Jab Se Tere Naina sung by Shaan is my personal favorite. Especially the song has very valuable use of Chorus which takes the song to the entire new level.

Less you know about the Story of the movie, More It is better. That will motivate the moviegoers to know, what would happen next. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, was more colorful and lot of use of Blue and Green Color in the movie ( be it in the saree or dresses or background or shirts). To Give Old Age Feeling, Devdas was given more Golden Color use. Black as the name suggests had certainly more dark scenes. I am eagerly waiting what sort of treatment Saawariya is going to get.

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Gotto catch some sleep, will edit this post tomorrow..or in the middle of the week…do you people wanna know more???

Team Selection

Australia declared their First Test Match Squad and the SQUAD consists of 13 players unlike India who declared the team of 15 for 2 one dayers against Pakistan.

Australian selection committee has decided who would be the nine out of playing XI. They keep/give the option to the COACH/CAPTAIN to select the last 2 by looking at the pitch. They didn’t selected 4 Openers and said to Ponting that now decide which 2 Openers you feel would bat better in this conditions.

Point is, It is not Ponting’s job to go and find out and look bad by saying, “hey mate, you wont be playing today”. The whole world including those 4 players know in the squad that 9 men are final in the playing XI and 4 are fighting for the last 2 Spots. There is no love-lost situation.

However, If we look at the Indian XI, except, Tendulkar, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Zaheer no one else in the team is sure about them playing in the game.

There is a good chance, that, Ganguly could be dropped, and we may go for, Tendulkar/Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvi, Uthapa and Dhoni.

There is a good chance, that, Sehwag might be dropped, and we may go for, Tendulkar/Ganguly, Gambhir, Yuvi, Uthapa and Dhoni.

There is same true for Uthapa by selecting Rohit Sharma.

Spinners can not say they would be in playing XI. They may say, out of those 2 one of them might be playing or perhaps both might be playing but not sure which one. India can very well opt for 6 Batsmen/1 WK/3 fast bowlers and 1 Spinner.

Zaheer Khan doesn’t know who would be his partner. Whether Dhoni will have enough trust on Sreesanth or RP Singh? Will India go with one front line bowler and 2 All rounders??

There is too much uncertainty. There are too many pieces which are broken. There are too many questions that are revolving. Is dropping dravid a big thing? Not really. India has to find so many other answers first before asking which one of three should be rested.

There is one key job that BCCI had to do in last 2 months was to appoint a COACH, which they still have not done. Instead of that just to compete with ICL, they launched IPL and started putting time and effort on signing different players so that they don’t join ICL. BCCI selectors are doing hopeless job or selecting the uncertain team combination. In fact, I would say, there are not even doing a job. After watching 33 players compete in the Challenger Trophy, they could just identify a single new player, Praveen Kumar? What about Niraj Patel? What about Bose? Why Chawla was not preferred? Why Raina/Badrinath was not replacing middle order Dravid? Why Other players easily opt out from the playing?

Fact is, BCCI is the worst organization and most corrupt one too. I am just glad that ICL is putting too much pressure on them to act on things quickly. I also feel, media should become more and more harsh on every decision of BCCI rather than harsh on players. People’s Union should go and do what they do in front of players houses to the Vengsarkar’s houses. Fact is they selected the 15 player but selection of XI player and the key job was left to Dhoni/Rajput. This makes me wonder, who is doing the Selection? Selectors or Captain only? If the hard job is being done by Captain and Manager then why we are paying to the Selectors, Oops, Why we are paying to the BCCI who in turn after taking significant amount of money in his pocket (Pawar’s Pocket) pays Selectors.

Dish Vs Direct

I am alive and I am back. It has been just couple of weeks since I wrote anything and suddenly I am out of words. There were certainly the numbers of topics that I wanted to express my feelings however time is something which no one has any control over.

Finally, I send out a notice to my Apartment owners that I will be moving out of these apartments by the end of the year. This Apartment was certainly at a comfortable location but without much needed Balcony. Balcony or Patio is such a required thing to get the entertainment and air inside. Unless you have Balcony, You can not put the Dish and if you can not put the Dish, you can not get the Indian TV Channels.

When I was earning 7$ per hour, I was able to spend 20$ to get either Sony TV or B4u or Zee Cinema etc or buy Australia Vs West Indies Cricket series just to see Brian Lara bat. Now, while I earn lot more, and have lot more money in the bank account then those days, I am not in a position to see those Indian Channels or Cricket on Television.

I believe, going to or selecting the new Apartment should be an easy task. All I care is Balcony and decent location. However, there is another tough decision ahead. The battle is in between, Dish TV Vs Direct TV.

Dish TV offers wide variety of Indian Channels where key channels are, SONY, ZEE, AAJTAK, SAHARA, B4U Music, B4U Movies, SET MAX, ZEE Cinema etc.

Direct TV Offers, Star Plus, Star One, Filmy, Cricket Plus, NDTV and Star News.

When, I look back, from last 3 years, the Indian Programs that I have been following are: Indian Idol, Nach Baliye, Laughter Challenge, KBC and Saregamapa.

Now, If I go with Dish TV, I get the ability to see, Indian Idol/CID and other SOAP Opera’s which comes in Sony Entertainment Television. News from India will be covered by AajTak and Headlines Today. There is a music channel called, B4U music which can keep me informative about the various albums coming out in India and new filmy songs. Biggest Advantage of having Dish TV is the 3 big movie channels. Zee Cinema and SET MAX and B4U Movies. At least in one of the Channel, one good movie must be going on 24 hours. I am sure, Dish TV has enough variety to keep me hooked up with Indian Channels and Plus all the Sports HDTV channels will be supplied by Comcast.

However, Direct TV has its own advantages. If Indian Idol and Saregamapa and Zhalak Dikhla Ja is with DISH, Direct has, Nach Baliye and Laughter Challenge and KBC and Cricket. B4U Music can be easily compared with the MTV which is being offered by Direct TV. Star One certainly has better programming then Sony except Indian Idol. They have their own Singing Competition but I am still a fan of Indian Idol. Star Plus is supposed to be the number 1 channel in India and there must be some reason behind it, except the daily Ekta Kapoor Drama Serials.

News Coverage would certainly be better in Direct TV with, NDTV and STAR NEWS would certainly beat AAJTAK and HEADLINES TODAY. However the disadvantage is, having only one Movie Channel called, FILMY compared to 3 that Dish offers. Of course, SAHARA TV and TV ASIA of Dish is as good as DOORDARSHAN of Direct TV. Key Advantage of Direct TV is: CRICKET PLUS, this channel is 24 hour for Cricket (included in the package) unlike Zee Sports offered by Dish for which you have to pay extra 20$.

So, the decision had to be made in about a month or so, whether to go for Direct TV or Dish Network. Any Comments???

Lets Go RedSox !!!

Amazing Place , Unbelievable Fans and Early X'Mas Atmosphere at FenWay Park, Boston. 2004 was then, 2007 is now. One of the most classical fall classic series played between Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox. But Finally, Experience prevailed and Red Sox fans will get another chance to say the chants of "Lets Go RedSox".

From Last Year September, When Yankees swept Red Sox for 5 games, Terry Francona and Theo Epstein decided to prepare Red Sox as better Pitching Unit. 100+ Million Deal to get Daisuke Matsuzaka earlier this year worth every penny with American Pennant Title safe and secure.

After Playing 172 Games in the entire season, Red Sox and Indians were inches close. Finally, Victory always tastes better at home in front of fans. What was so incredible about the victory is, the last two must win games were won by the players other than Big Papi && Manny being Manny && Run Machine MVP Lowell. Game 6 player of the game was J D Drew while Game 7 Player of the Game was Dustin Pedroia.

I think, Game 5 was the most difficult out of all the games. When you loose 3 in a row, you are down in confidence, You are short of runs, Your 3 Starting Pitchers fails to complete the 5 Innings, and You are away from Home. Thats when the real STAR of the team comes in.

Josh Beckett is not only the best Pitcher of the American League. He is the best pitcher of entire league this season. He is also the Pitcher, that you can throw the ball in a must win situation. And Star Performer didnt let the team down. Once the Team Plane was heading towards Home, I thought the celebration was just few hours away.

Boston is the most happening place rightnow with Patriots performing better than any other team in the NFL and Randy Moss is catching everything which comes in his way. With Celtics hoping to do lot better than expectation with Kevin Garnett in the town. Is something unbelievable/unpredictable is just around the corner? Only Time will tell.

For now..All Bostonians must be saying "Bring on the Rockies" && the "World Series".

Sports Weekend

On late friday afternoon, when I shut down my work Computer with the Remarks, "Thank God It Is Friday !!!", I did not had a solid plan of spending my weekend.

There were number of things going on and coming up. One of my friend Rohan was going to come from Chicago to Boston, and for a moment I did gave myself a thought of visiting Boston. There were enough attractions to go to Lowell. I could Watch the Fall Colors in the White Mountains Area. One of my friend's had a Son, I could have met him as well. I could have enjoyed the Navratri Night out with old pals. I could have played "CARDS" and watch Cricket On Saturday night. But all this would require about 12 to 13 hours of driving.

"Work From Home" concept as helped me a lot in many areas but it has also killed my joy of Driving. I neglected the above proposal with couple of things in mind. Ofcourse, Driving Long Hours was the prime reason and second being Lots and Lots of Ball games on Television.

For the Start of Friday, It was, "Boston Red Sox Vs Cleveland Indians". If I would have been driving on Friday evening, I might have missed that. I kind of predicted with my colleague that Boston would score 5 runs in 3rd Inning. Boston and Josh Beckett were more than perfect in the game 1. By the Time, We went to see the Late Friday night movie, "Bhool Bhulaiyya", the game was secured with Boston leading the game by scoring 8-2.

I was jumping up and down but Indians and CARMONA bring me down in Game 2. It was much more better and tight game compared to game 1. I knew the moment, Ortiz/Ramirez/Lowell combo could not scored in the bottom of the 9th inning, It was game over for Red Sox. I am kind of predicting the Red Sox winning this series but it is not going to be easy affair.

I was kind of disappointed with loosing my driving touch and decided to drive around for about 4, 5 hours. I found out a beautyful place, small town called, Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania which is located in the middle of the Pocono Mountain Range. The Journey of driving across the Mountains with River flowing across and little bit of fall colors with R. D Burman songs playing was quiet a good Saturday Afternoon.

Disappointment started when we couldnt got the Train Tickets to see the Valley from the train and then Boston loosing the second game and miserable game of Cricket that I watched on Saturday night. Well, the game was not that miserable if you are Symonds fan. He single handedly, ruined and crashed all the Indian Bowlers. Although small grounds and loosing catches by Indian Fielders did not helped much either.

Murli Karthik, the best of the lot on Saturday night, gave 15 runs in 7 overs and gave away 18 runs in 1.3 when Symonds was on song. This just gives the idea of how cruelly Symonds was batting. There is something wrong with Rahul Dravid, not only his batting but his fielding has been effected. He dropped 2 catches, and the most stunning catch that he took, there was not enough signs of joy.

I was awake till 5 in the morning to see, Old Pair of Ganguly and Tendulkar giving the best of the start. They were flowless, ruthless and attacked with the Plan. We were moving very nicely up and until, my eyes gave up on me. When I woke up next morning, the result was disappointing.

The Game, That I thought would be worth watching, was indeed a great. I have been accussed of supporting the underdogs throughout. If the world Supports, Tendulkar, I support Lara or Azhar, If the World goes ga ga over, SRK, I support Aamir Khan. When Kumar sanu was ruling, I liked Udit Narayan. Brazil in the football was ruling, when I was supporting ITALY. In Tennis, when the Sampras was number 1, I was supporting, Goran Ivanisevic. Overall, Whenever there were arguments, I was downhill. Patriots is the only team, that I support, is actually, on the TOP of the Mountain. I am enjoying supporting PATS and they are enjoying the winning.

Many NFL Gurus are rating current PATS team is the best that ever had. I couldnt agree more. They have good enough defense. They have best Quarterback, They got great Coach. now they have good supporting team mates for Tom Brady. Randy Moss touchdown just set the tone and they made Dallas Cowboys (which is also very good team) looked like Buffalo bills.

I can not wait for the Game between, PATS and COLTS 2 weeks from now.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa

About a month ago, I was kind of waiting for October 12. I thought it is going to be a tough decision about which movie to go for on October 12. Yash Chopra's "Laga Chunari Mein Daag" had a different story line with strong cast. After all, it is not so easy to decide on not to watch Yash Raj Banner movie. They make best Commercial Movies in Bollywood.

However, For Some Reason, when the actual Friday came, the decision was so simple, to go for Bhool Bhulaiyaa. I normally, do not prefer to make the decision of watch the movie based on Previews on various websites. I rather, prefer, to see the trailer of the movie, do some background check on the Director/Actors/Story Writers of the movie and take the decision.

This movie, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, initially excited me. It didnt looked outright comedy to me, and I was not wrong. I felt this movie will have some unique story to tell and eventually it does.

There is another good thing, which I like about the Movie. It is like many Priyadarshan Movie is based on a Village. There are not many movies are made on the Village, infact, there are very few based/filmised on India. Most of the Bollywood movies are based on Abroad and they kind of give the same feelings (more or less).

I was quiet impressed by the way, Priyadarshan has showed the images of the village. The set up is so perfect. In fact, for about half an hour initially, before the movie goes inside the Palace, Director showed the True Image of Village. Although, I have grew up in Bombay, I spend lot of time in the village and I couldnt found a single mistake. The Roads/The way the whole crew gets involved in the Cricket Match/Or the Way they sit down in the middle of the village. The way stories/messages flew across, everything was so Real.

Comic Part of the movie (which lasts even in the climax) is not overthrown. Director had to use the Images of Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav to let people get involed in the story with humor. Perhaps the entry of key character, Akshay Kumar, is little delayed, However, It does not get noticed for the First 15 to 20 minutes. But yes, You kind of hope and wait, in between that 20 to 40 minutes the entry of Akshay. But Once he enters, He kind of steals the show.

Time has came now that People would actually, wait for Akshay Kumar movies. So far, Movie Goers, Kind of Wait for SRK or AAMIR movies but does not go to theaters just for Akshay Kumar. But From Quiet some time, He is stealing the show in the comedy movies. He Lifts and gives the comedy a new style with his own way of walking/laughing/talking. He has improved immensely in last couple of years and this movie is no exception. Its high time he gets more recognizition and gets AWARDS.

Even the Suspense of the movie is not been kept on hold. Everyone kind of guess the involvement of Amisha as the Ghost but when they realize it is Vidya Balan, in about 10 minutes, Director reveals that in the movie itself. Even with suspense revealed the Thrill Part of the movie does not end. The kind of script writing and story telling is so amazing, that there is no die moment except couple of songs in between.

The Strongest part of the movie is the character of "Manjulika". The effect of Manjulika is so strong that, even after,2 or 3 days, you kept thinking about it. Even the people who believe in Science, would not argue the movie concept.

200 years ago, If someone would have said, I want to fly across this ocean, many would have considered him as Stupid, but now, everyone kind of fly once a year. Same way, It may be tough to digest all this concept now, but Science is slowly giving them reasoning. It would be matter of few years, before many of this things which we consider as Bullshits, would be proven facts.

Overall, This is very awesome movie, with very good casting and very good story telling with good humor.

All is Well in Indian Cricket...

I just finished watching the hollywood flick, "We are Marshall". The theme of the movie was, in every Sport, for any country, It is always about Winning...May be Sometimes..It is just not about Winning. May be It is about Playing the Game itself. May be It is about the playing the game in the right Spirit.

First of all, I gotto ask the Existence of this series, between India and Australia. India just had a very very busy Summer when they played in UK a very long series and then many of the young blood went on to play the World Cup in South Africa. And The Big Important Series against Pakistan and away tour of Australia is coming up. We just had a night mare of a time in the One Day World Cup. We lost our Coach. We lost our Captain. May be, this Series, in between India and Australia, shouldnt have taken place at the first.

I mean, Australia is not here to play any test matches, What importance it provides to travel all the way to play 7 One Dayers. I dont buy it. BCCI is such a stupid organization and as said by Mohinder Amarnath, "They are bunch of Jokers".

If It would have been in my hand, I would have took this time to concentrate on appointing the coach, giving the key players little bit of rest and plan the future ahead. Instead of that, they would be busy, giving unnecessary statements in the Media and Playing this series.

Suppose, Rahul Dravid would have been the captain and Coach would have been Greg Chappel or Suppose, All 3 Seniors were not playing and we had the same team played in the 20-20 World Cup, We still would have lost the series against Australia.

Australia has a strong institution. They have back up players. Their Administrators are more organized. There Players are more tough and experienced. They have everything that it takes to beat the team India. So, If you are looking at the Result then Please Do not get Disappointed.

If there is anything which team India should do first, is to Appoint a Coach. Secondly, They gotto forget about the Senior Vs Junior thing and select the best available team. Third, They gotto find a good Right Handed Fast Bowler( Choices are, Sreesanth/Munaf/VRV Singh/Ishant Sharma/Bose ).

Dhoni is very young captain and he is still learning few tricks. So I was not disappointed when Australia scored 300 runs batting first in consecutive two games. You do not learn the Captainship in the First game, It takes about 1 year (Steve Waugh's statement). I think It is the third game, when Dhoni learned things and restricted Australia to bring down 25 runs. Now here Not to forget that, Indian Pitches offers nothing to the Bowlers. If any batsman applies himself well, get used to the bounce (which is about knee height) could score lots of runs.

That is exactly what Australians did in the First 3 games, and when you have strong fielding side (Clarke/Ponting/Symonds/Lee) , it takes about 20 runs difference. I am lucky enough to watch all the games (mostly complete games), and our running between the wicket is so pathetic that we loose atleast 20 runs in it, not to mention the poor fielding and throwing arm which cost another 10-15.

Even today's game, In First 15 overs, Tendulkar scored 8 Boundaries and 3 singles. Overall the entire team had some 8 singles in 15 overs. then comes Australians and they have 8 singles in the 3 overs. There are so many other basic things, that we lack which tells me, "Guys, Get the Good Coach Please".

Not to Criticize, Tendulkar more, the 4th Game, He was out 3 times, 2 times LBW and 1 time a clean inside edge. This is the first time, I saw, Tendulkar not walking when he edge the ball. In the 4th Game, Tendulkar scored 3 runs in the first 30 balls he faced. What that does, is get Ganguly under pressure and he had to play the shots on the bad ball.

Not to create Sympathy for Ganguly, When his the last time he scored 100? or Big knock. Ganguly also, gives good partnership but gets out in his 40's and 60's. This does not help any team. Your Top 4, whoever gets in should go and get the big score to make life easy for our Captain and lower order batsmans.

Our Selectors have not done any favor by giving the squad to Dhoni. 3 Left armer fast bowlers and only 1 Righty? and that too, Sreesanth who looses his control in virtually every game. so, If you sit him, which Dhoni did in last 2 games, you gotto go with 3 Left Arm Fast Bowlers, while Munaf Patel/Ishant Sharma is getting the Bombay Batsmen out.

Also, Once you select 3 Seniors and Yuvraj with Dhoni, you only have one space left and choices are many. Rohit Sharma/Karthik/Uthapa and before Gambhir and now Badrinath. 4 guys fighting for one spot? is that fair??

Dravid was quiet unfortunate to get very good ball first up, while Yuvraj was very upset with the crowd hanging near Sight Screen and Uthapa's decision was arguable. This kind of stuff does not come in newspaper or cricinfo article, but you gotto see the game to understand in which situation we are loosing.

If we are able to Tie the series, I would rate this as one of the greatest come back. If we loose the series 4-2, I would say it was predicatable result and If we loose the series 5-1 , I would say, It was a good learning experience for Dhoni and the team and lets take the lesson learned, appoint a Coach, win the Pakistan Series and Go to australia with Head High.

May be, May be I am sensing Tendulkar's One Day Retirement on the cards. Knowing him, He would hide as much as possible till the end or Perhaps he wants to play one more series in Australia. Time Will Tell...but All is not that bad in Indian Cricket..There are few pieces missing, little bit of game plan needs to be changed and key and most important, Someone needs to take the complete control of the team.

RD Burman 1

I was making a jukebox CD and thought of selecting the songs from the Music Composer, R.D Burman. This blog would carry the songs that he composed in the 80's alone.

1980 Top Songs from RD,

1. "Pal Do Pal ka Saath Hamara, Pal Do Pal Ke Yarane Hai", a gazal from a thriller movie, A Burning Train.
2. "Sun Sun Sun Didi Tere Liye Ek Rishta Aaya Hai". Movie Khoobsurat ...Rekha Starrer Comedy
3. "Maine Pucha Chand Se Ke Dekha Hai Kahin Mere Yaar Sa Haseen". Movie Abdullah, Romantic Song.
4. "Janu Meri Jaan, Mein Tere Kurbaan" ...Movie Shaan. Although almost all the songs from Shaan were major hit, there are two which stands out. This one had, Mohd. Rafi and Kishore singing togehter while the second one had RD himself singing with Mohd. Rafi.
5. "Yamma Yamma, Yeh Khoobsurat Sama."

1981 Top Songs from RD,

1. "jabbhi koi kangana khanke payal chanak jaye" ..Not many might have heard this song, You gotto see the movie to realize the importance of this song. Totally different story of 3 Old Man of age around 60+ falling in Love, Oh yes, Hindi Movies used to carry the scripts like that...Amazing Comedy Movie..and Chartbuster Kishore Da/RD Song.
2. "Teri Yaad Aa Rahi Hai"...Mostly all the songs from Love Story were hit, Kumar Gaurav had much more fan following with his debut movie than Hrithik, the other song which I liked is: Dekho Maine Dekha Hai yeh Ek Sapna, but the earlier one is a huge success. not to mention Amit Kumar, son of Kishore Da sung all the songs of the movie.
3. "Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai, Jane Ja mujhe Khabar Hai".......Ask Any Hindi DJ, and he would tell you, the song which can keep anyone moving is this. No Matter which and what crowd is there on the dance club, You put this song and everyone would have AB Style of Dancing, One Hand up and little movement of hip, easy yet effective dancing.
4. "Hamein Tumse Pyar Kitna, yeh hum nahin jante"......Ask Any Lover, or Once upon a lover, he must have cried once in his life span with this song. This song proves the versatility of a composer, not to mention, All Time Best Singing of Kishore Kumar.
5. "Kya Yehi Pyar Hai"...Although my personal fav. is "Doston Ko Salam, Dushmano ko Salam" from the same Sanjay Dutt Debut movie called, "ROCKY"; the earlier one can be put into the album of Best of Romantic Songs.
6. "Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildaar Ka"...after giving debut movies for Sanjay Dutt and Kumar Gaurav, and hits for Amitabh, time was for "Rishi Kapoor": Remember Above the train Choreography of "Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun, Humko to tumse hai OH KANCHAN....Pyar..."..but after Amit Paul sang the Dil Lena Khel in Indian Idol, it comes to my mind and my chart above, O Kanchan.

1982 Top Songs from RD:

1. "Dilbar mere kab tak mujhe aise hi tadpaoge"...although my fav. of the movie, Satte Pe Satta is: Pyar Hamein Kis Mod Pe Le Aaya...Ki Dil Kare Hay....Actually Satte Pe Satta is one of the most complete album of the RD. Title Song was rocking "Dukki Pe Dukki Ho"..or the comedy song "Zhukake Sar Ko Bolo"..and ...One more all time Kishore Kumar/Amitabh Bachhan/RD Burman combination of Dilbar mere kab tak mujhe..
2. "Kitni Khoobsurat yeh Tasveer Hai,Mausam Bemisaal Benzir Hai..Yeh Kashmir Hai"...this one while listening the song, can actually has the effect to take the person in the valleys of Himalayas. This movie also had couple of other good songs, For Example: All time frustration songs with this Lyrics"Mujhe Dosto se Shikayat hai Shayad, Mujhe Dushmano se Mohabbat hai Shayad, Mein Is Dosti Dushmani se Khafa hoon, Mein Zinda hoon par Zindagi se Kafa Hoon. the other one being, "Ek Roz Mein Tadap Kar"..
3. "Jane Kaise Kab Kahan, Ikraar Ho Gaya"...My All Time best Amitabh Movie...Shakti. Although this album had, Mahender Kapoor singing, Mangi thi Ek Dua Jo Kabool ho gayi and classical lyrics of "Humne Sanam Ko Khat Likha, Khat mein Likha" (a gazal with nice story in the song).
4. "Tu, Tu Hai Wohi Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha"...After giving 3 blockbuster for AB, he had to give one for Rishi Kapoor, considering Rishi Kapoor was also on his prime with his Romantic Image. This tune ( I normally whistle, when I hear this song), definately classify in the Top 10 of mine.
5. "Sanam Teri Kasam"...Title Song, Rocking Combination of Kishore/RD one more time. More I say about this song, less it may sound so lets write some lyrics......"Kitne Bhi tu Karle Sitam, Has Has Ke Sahenge Hum, Yeh Pyar na Hoga kum, Sanam Teri Kasam".
6. "Mere Geeto Mein Meri Kahaniya Hai"...again a song and a movie, not many might have heard..Teri Kasam...But Teri Kasam, is such a classical album of RD that if released with any other movie or with better publicity could have been a huge Musical hit ...more like Aashiqui of our generation.

1983 Top Songs from RD:

1. "Jab Hum Jawan Honge..Jane Kahan Honge"...a song which got his due success when Bally Sagoo put this in his first Remix Album..The Whole Album of Betaab was a hit, My First movie watched in the Theater ( I was 5 year old). again my personal fav. from the album is: Teri Tasveer Mil Gayee...(a song which starts from Antara rather than Mukhda)...Now a days, in the album we have one song, then remix of that song and then Sare Gama Pa version of the song or Indian Idol version of the song, but during the earlier golden years of Hindi Music, Directors used to experiment with the songs like this one..where the Song actually begins from the middle of the song...Amazing ..One More Star was born through RD. After Kumar Gaurav and Sanjay Dutt time for Sunny Deol.
2. "Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi Heran Hoon Mein"...although much of the credit should be given to Gulzaar sahab for the Lyrics but What a Song !!!. What a Lyrics !!!. " jeene ke liye sochaa hee naheedard sanbhaalane hongemuskuraye to, muskuraane kekarja utaarane honge" .....Unfortunately the same album carries one more Gem of a song............"Huzur Is Kadar Bhi Na Itrake Chaliye...Sare Aam Zhulphen na lehra ke Chaliye..."....
3. There are couple of Amitabh Hits namely, Mahaan and Pukar which had an above average songs and one more Dilip Kumar Starrer from B R Chopra , Mazdoor with the song, Hum Mehnatkash...but none of them can be compared with the above 2 Albums.
4. "Agar Tum Na Hote"...This one is Rajesh Khanna Starrer Drama Movie..with one classical title song.

1984 Top Songs from RD:

1. "O Meri Jaan"...My third fav. singer (1st Kishore Kumar, 2nd Udit Narayan 3rd Shailendra Singh). This song is from Sunny Deol starrer Manzil Manzil.
2. "Aur Kya Ehde Wafa Hote Hai"...Sunny Deol starrer, Sunny had couple of great songs, one being this one while the other one is "Jane Kya Baat Hai, nind nahin aati"...

1985 Top Songs from RD:

After average 84, RD bounced back this year:

1. "Saagar Jaisi Aankhon Wali, yeh to bata tera naam hai kya"...Saagar, the movie had many unique things, Various phases of my life, I had various songs from this particular movie as my favs. If During Sad Times, I loved, "Sach Mere Yaar Hai...Bus Yehi Pyar Hai"...For Romantic Times, "Saagar Kinare, Dil Yeh Pukare.." while with Friends, "O Maria, O Maria, Johny Jab Bola Tha, Shaadi Karegi Mujhse"...but Overall, I feel this Kishore Kumar sang, Guitar Song, should come as the Top Notch..
2. "Dil Kya Hai, Ek Sheesha Hai"...Rare Combo of Kishoare and Shailendra Singh...A very catchy tune with nice lyrix , nicely picturized and just one very good song during Driving.
3. "Duniya Mane Bura To Goli Maro"...this was the tale of RD, during this time..After one bad year, people were putting fingers on him and he shut them up with this Chartbuster...from Sunny Deol Starrer, "Arjun".
4. "Mausam Pyar Ka, yunhi chalata rahe"...One more Kishore/RD Hit from the movie Sitamgar.
5. "Dil Mein Aag Lagaye Sawan Ka Mahina"...Not one of the greatest and neither my fav..but certainly a good hit ...from Rajesh Khanna starrer "Alag Alag".

1986: (Down Phase of RD):

None of the movies worked..Only notable hit song from him was" E Saagar Ki Lehron, Jarah Hum Bhi aate hai Thehro"...from the Sunny Deol Starrer, "Samundar".

1987:

Only one hit movie..Only One Song...But Gulzaar sahab saved him with his majestic Lyrics.

"Mera Kuch Saaman, Tumhare Paas Pada Hai..." movie name is Ijazaat

1988:

Only one hit movie..Only One Song...But Gulzaar sahab saved him with his majestic Lyrics.

"Sili hawa chhoo gayi, sila badan chhil gaya " Movie Name is Libaas.

1989:

One more hitter...This time Vidhu Vinod Chopra..made, Parinda.

Couple of Songs were good...one of them is:

"pyaar ke mod pe, chhodoge jo baahe meri"...

Wow, So many great hits and this only includes 1/3 of it. It does not include 90's 1942 a Love Story, and 70's where he was on his Supreme and 60's when he was starting his career. Simply Amazing !!!

Power of 3

When the two great minds talk with each other, they share their ideas. When two average people talk with each other, More often or not, the talk leads into or about a "3rd Person". Let me tell you, I havent met anyone in this lifespan whom I can consider as great as Newton or Einstein. We all come across lot of people who are Normal Average People. After talking about you and me, more often or not that talk leads into the "3rd Person" talks.

Actually, I have observed, any conversation with friend or family member or anyone which lasts for more than 15 minutes, involves this critical "3rd Person". For Example: If you are talking with your friend, invariably, after few hi and hello and whats up?, There comes a statement, "You know this guy brought a new car?", "You know this guy got married", "Do you know what is happening with this guy?".

Now, this mysterious, idiot looking 3rd person is not only bounded by a person. That might be a group or Sports or Movies, but It is observed by me, that invariably, instead of the two people talking about their ideas/thoughts, the talks fall into the 3rd Person. More often or not, they criticize the 3rd person. More often or not, they feel, 3rd person made a bad move.

There are many things America has taught me. One of the best thing I feel is this particular statement, "Whatever makes you happy". This statement will make you and everyone around you Happy. I am trying to learn this new philosophy where you dont get personal or too emotional and take the decisions in the positive manner.

For Example: If someone has bought a new TV, of Brand "Samsung", even though you feel that Samsung is not the best choice, You would hide it as the first response. You actually Congratulate your friend, for buying a new TV. You then ask him, How is the new TV. You then ask him, What made you thought, buying a new TV and then of Samsung. After getting all the thoughts, you will say, "You are Happy for him, for buying a new TV". Somewhere down the road, if your friend asks, and becomes too pushy, you would give diplomatic answer, saying, Yeah..They all make good TV's now. and then you would say, Samsung is a good choice. (Although inside your brain, since you bought Sony, you want to get that point across the person, but you would hide it). Only Statement you would make in favor of your selection would be, "Yeah, I loved Samsung too, but Finally, as I was getting good deal on Sony, I went for it".

For Example: If someone has bought a new car, Lexus, You would again follow the same steps. In the end you would just say, "Yeah, but my personal fav. is, BMW".

Talking about the CAR, There is one famous argument that I have against my friends about, "India Vs America". Well, I guess, I will have to write an ESSAY about it, but that would be somewhere down the Road. I asked one of my friend, about What made him think about living the Life in America. Since that particular person is very fond of CARS, he said, Here I can drive luxurious cars. Buying BMW or Mercedez, seems like a reality Vs If you live in India, that might be a dream. My Argument was, It depends upon the individual personality.

For Example: If someone ask me, What would be a good feeling? Driving 50000$ BMW or Sitting on the backside of Maruti Esteem. Naturally, there is no comparison in between BMW and ESTEEM. But, the key point is, Driving a CAR Vs Sitting on the back of the car and have a travel with Relax Mind. After all, whether you have BMW or Mercedez, you would be still, DRIVING your own (that is also after 5 to 6 year of installment) Car, while in India, you wouldnt necessarily driving the car. You would have your personal driver, who would be taking you out wherever you want and you could actually sit down on the backside, enjoying the outdoor or reading the newspaper. Although, initially, driving BMW or Lexus may give you immense satisfaction, after a year or so, when you are that feeling would start vanishing in the air.

Plan is nothing; Planning is everything.

What a true statement the title of the blog is !!!. Everything I think, I believe are the things which may and may not happen in future. It is very difficult to understand the above statement. The way, I understood this famous statement is, There are many things that you think is going to happen, there are many things which you "PLAN", there are many things which you hope to achieve, are regarded as "PLANS". Plans though are on paper theory. Plans though are the things you desire. Plans may backfire. Plans may not be achieved. So Plan is Nothing. But In order to achieve any target, it is necessary to do the "Planning". Planning involves multiple activities, a different thought process. Anything which is acquired without Planning can be considered as the "GIFT" or "MIRACLE".

Before I turn this blog into few junky statements, let me simply it. I had few plans in last couple of weeks. I thought it was going to be easy week @ work. I thought out of this two weeks, we will travel to someplace to see, "Fall Colors". I thought, No team from National League West would qualify for the next rounds. I thought, Indians will win against Australians in Cricket. I thought, I will be visiting my first American friends, Wedding Ceremony. I thought, I will be travelling to Chicago for the Thanxgiving.

Boy o Boy !!! All the above Plans means Nothing. Although I had a planning, those all got backfired. Megha had a weekend job last week, so couldnt go out and this week, I pulled off a Thigh Hamstring, couldnt walk for entire Saturday. Both the National League Teams, upset Cubs and Phillies and made a SWEEP. I had to say No to my friend for not being able to attend the wedding for unknown reasons. India underperformed poorly against Australians in Cricket and my entire night on Thursday was spoiled badly. Last but not the least, Plan of Chicago, seems unreal at this moment. I just hope, and only hope that, Chrismas Vacation Plan of Hawai holds True.

ACTOBER

The World who has not heard the name of BASEBALL, may find it difficult to digest the word, "Actober" instead of "October". However, for baseball fans, There is just one fall classic, there is just one Post-Season, There is just one "Actober".

Disputes are settled now in American League of baseball. Stage is set. That one "October" is going to begin from tomorrow. Red Sox hung on for this time and won the American League EAST after 14 years. When this season was HOT in the month of May, I had a visitor at my apartment, a Comcast Engineer ( an African American) Yankee Fan. Although he was kind of hopeful that Yankee may bounce back, I predicted that this time, Red Sox will hang on to the lead.

There are many classical examples when Bronx Zoo has kind of took over in the month of September from Red Sox, but 2007 wasnt the year. Red Sox and Yankees, both were prolific run machine offensive teams who are known for thier big plays. However, the difference between this Red Sox unit with the past units, is that This team actually has a very good pitching staff.

Diasuke Matsuzaka era is just the beginning. Josh beckett is one of the best pitcher in the league. (I think, Sabathia from Cleveland Indians is going to win the Cy Young Award). Curt Schilling has 2 World Series Winning Experience with him. Tim Wakefield, Tavarez, Lefty Lester are good follow up pitchers. Bull Pen is strong with Gagne, Okhijama and Papelbon. It is going to be awesome October for Red Sox fans and like Dane Cooks says "2004 was then and 2007 is now".

I dont think so that, Angels would be easy to go over with However, I would be kind of hoping that, Yankees would defeat Indians and Red Sox will meet them in the Finale. Would that happen or not, Only "Actober" can tell.

National League was kind of messed up going on to last day of season. It still amazes me, that Baseball players play 180 games in the season, yet, on the very last day, there are 4 teams still fighting for the spot in the Post Season. This shows that what difference does 1 Win makes. Amazing.

Although, my person fav. would be Chicago Cubs but Boy o Boy, Phillies are in terrific form. I dont think so any team from West would make such a impact but Why do we watch baseball in October, because it is Actober..which is another name of "Surprises".

Actober is also the month which gives America the most beautyful weather. One of the example would be the pic shown above. FALL Colors makes it classical to drive, Makes it classical for any outing. The most romantic windy, little chilly weather.

Oh Yes, And Actober also carries, "My Birthday" !!!

World Cup Victory - an Epic Encounter

Any Sports Final, has its own importance. When It is Cricket Final, it gains more momentum. When the Final involves your own country team, It achieves Ultimatum. When the Final has two of the most thrilling countries and arch rivals, It becomes Millenium Match. When That Cricket Final involes "INDIA" and "PAKISTAN", it becomes Life Time Achievement.

I am thrilled to announced that I was the Witness of that game and saw each and every ball LIVE, just 100 centimeters away from eyes. I wanted to write this the moment the game finished. But I was in the different mood when the game got over. I was furious, I was unhappy that few people who are Indian Citizens were not watching this game. I even had one of my friend talking with me next day, about India winning the World Cup, and I couldnt help noticing myself, that person got the news from someone else.

I understand, there are not all the people who could get the opportunity to see this game but not even following the score on cricinfo or not even knowing there is this Epic Encounter is taking place is just shows that "Money has taken the joy out of their lives".

Well, India is a grown up country now. To Build any nation, you need some kind of uniqueness to survive. During 1900' to 1947, People got united to fight against English People because, they wanted "Freedom". After achieving that freedom though, India is better known in the world for "Unity in their Diversity". If you look closely and try to find few answers, there is nothing which is common in between this people.

So , I ask myself a Question, What is their which gets the Tricolor flying high. Languages are different, Movies made are different, Music is different, Culture is different, Food is different, Religion is different, Each and every states problems are different. One State has too many water the other one lacks the Water. One State has IT growing , the other has Manufactring Factories growing. It still amazes me, How India stays United???

The moment Sreesanth took that catch, Pandits from Kashmir, Tamilians from Rameshwar, Bhaiyya's from Bihar, Aasamese from Shilong, Gujju Kaka from Kadiavaad, Reddy's from Andhra or Marwari's from Rajasthan, They all must have up on their Feet. They all must have rised, They must have forgotten their own worries for that one cherishable moment. The moment which will go down in the Records Book, The moment which will be said in thousand different ways. The moment that will be descibed for the younger generations to come.

In 1983, When Kapil Dev lift the World Cup, Ever since that day, From the village to the Raw city of Mumbai or crowded city of Calcutta, Ever person used to lift the ball and say, "I wanted to be Kapil Dev", or " I want to Win World Cup". That moment came true for Zharkhand Bike Boy, "Mahendra Singh Dhoni".

Entire game was a experience of a life time. This Experience could be best described like Winning an OSCAR for a young Director, or Touching the Land of Moon for an Astronaut or for some village worker to be a Prime Minister of a nation. This is not ordinary experience. Not every person can dream of this and not every person achieves this dream. It is one in billion who gets the chance. But Millions of people get the chance to watch this game, and I could just feel sorry for the people who just missed that chance or didnt wanted to take that chance.

Best of the game was, The night before the game I was just thinking what a game I am going to witness and both the teams didnt disappointed me for a bit. I knew, If India wins the toss, they are going to bat first and thats what happened. I was guessing Sehwag and Agarkar would not be in the playing XI and thats what happened. I knew either Gambhir or Uthapa would rise to the occassion and Gambhir did. I knew Yuvraj or Dhoni (but not both) would struggle to get the runs and thats what happened.

What I did not thought was the Opening Combination and surprise entry for, Yusuf Pathan. I admit the moment I saw his coming with Gambhir, Tall Giant Figure, I thought this is our reply to Shahid Afridi. From the very first ball, the missed runout chance, set up the game brilliantly. It was just to show the High Time Drama has began.

Gambhir was phenomenon. He was striking the ball with the proper shots. After the First Move of having different person of the top of the order and getting the key 30 runs in less than 4 overs went to India, Pakistan bounced back strongly. Second Key Move of the game was when Yuvraj came to bat, Shoiab Malik introduced, Two spinners. Afridi and Hafeez, Having those two spinners bowl to Yuvraj, was a brilliant move. It took Indians by surprise and after that It took them lot of time to bounce back.

In 20-20, you dont have time to think and attach back. You have to reply to those moves quickly with your moves. Fortunately Gambhir kept going and little partnerships with everyone made sure that India would not collapse, but it was surely looking like a very small target to get and not close to 180 as everyone thought.

But, Full Marks to Man of Mumbai, Rohit Sharma. That kid showed tremendous amount of improvement with the experience of just 2 tours. His knock kept India in the game.

However the Total was not so large enough to defend. Pakistan had a good line up and I thought and so is Dhoni, that key to Victory would be the Wickets. This shows, no matter how much you cut short the game, and no matter how many people say it is a BATSMAN;s game. It is always the number of Wickets which is key. In any game, the moment you bowl 3, or 5 wicket taking balls, pressure would add up and the side would crumble.

Two moves that defined the second half. One was Pakistan thought Afridi would be the key and India thought Harbhajan would be the key. At the end of 12 overs, the game not won by either of the side. It went on to India's favor when Afridi got out cheaply and Pathan bowled the spell of the game. However, it quickly went to Pakistan;s favor when Harbhajan was hit for 3 sixes in an over.

I think, this 20-20 game, relies a lot on the number of sixes you hit. Not the number of boundaries but the number of sixes. 3 sixes in one over, If you have 3 overs like that in the game, Done Deal.

Last Over, Key Over, What a decision to make. If that shot from Misbal, would have cleared Sreesanth, the whole world who is praising Dhoni rightnow, would be cursing him. Captainship is not an easy task, It is a task, where you just rely on Luck and hope that the moves you make really work. Every captain and coach tries from their end to write a successful script, but very few achieves them and those who do, Goes in the Record Books.

I am just happy to put a check mark in the Microsoft Excel of my life, that I was happy to witness this epic encounter.

End of Summer, 2007

We are into the Last week of September and although the prediction of weather says, we got one more week of summer..It is kind of End of Summer in America.

We missed few trips this summer, like Six Flags or Niagara or Virginia but it was not a bad summer afterall. With one eye on money saving plans, I still played Golf, Stuck with no cricket, went to beach, went to small national park, started summer with few walks of the huge ground and had a trip to Pocono mountains/Washintong D.C. Hopefully, this Fall/Winter plans of travelling does not mess up and we can continue our plan to travel to Chicago / New Hampshire and possibly Hawai in the Chrismas. (just a thought nothing concrete yet.)

Another Wonderful Sports Weekend. Bulldogs pull off a great victory against Alabama in college Football. Tony Romo crushed Chicago bears and Pats/Colts/Steelers/Packers kept winning. Red Sox became the first team to qualify for "ACTOBER". Beckett became the First 20 winning pitcher of the year. Manchester United won against 1o men Chelsea.

We saw Political Thriller "Shooter", one hell of a movie, I mean bad movie. After Watching , Partner, Heyy Babyy and Dhamaal (3 comedy in last 2 months), we decided to drop the plan to watch DHOL. As there is one more Priyadarshan movie coming, "Bhul Bhalayya" in the next month of so and from the promo Dhol looked somewhat similar to last year's "Golmaal".

Got a disappointing news that, Amit Paul, one of the best singer from Indian Idol, got defeated by Prashant. This is second time in a row, Last year, Amey Date and Karunya were two most prolific singers and they both didnt became the Indian Idol. It is not the loss of Amit, who I am sure will get lot of success but it is defeat of Indian Idol show itself. If they continue to do that in the 4 th season as well, I might not watch that show again. Even from Saregama pa, the barbie doll, Sumedha was voted out. This reality shows are becoming more and more politically corrupt. Gotto keep an Eye on Prison Break and Heroes from tomorrow onwards.

I missed few friends phone call again this weekend, Sorry Guys...If I am watching an interesting game over the TV, I aint going to walk up to 3 yards to pick up the phone, Such a Lazy Bone. I realized at the end of the summer that, I gotto think of loosing a bit of weight. Earlier, I promised myself that, I will keep eating the food, the likeable food, as long as my body does not complain. My Body has not complained yet, (Touch Wood), but I guess Mirrors have started complaining. Atleast gotto start become little active. I thought, I will start from 2008, but earlier the better.

Before the summer started, I was not such a big fan of 20-20 Cricket. Over the summer, ICL, kind of got the momentum going and after watching each and every game of 20-20, I kind of started liking it. It is a good solution to One Day game which was getting boring during 15-35 overs. Loosing Quality Spinners like, Shane Warne, Saqlain Mushtaq or Kumble, In One Dayers It is like how to save wickets and keep getting singles. There is not a great amount of thrill left in the One Dayers in between 15 to 35 overs.

What 20-20 has done, is Speed up the processing. Also 20-20, It would be very rare and difficult to score 100's or 50's, and people would be eyeing the team score more than the individial score, Something that likes of Tendulkar's does not enjoy who play to score centuries more than looking at the Team score. I still remember those days whenever Tendulkar used to come to 90's, he used to slow down and have definate shot selections. Atleast those wont happen in 20/20's. You would have to go for your shots, no matter you are playing 24 not out or 96 not out.

Business minded BCCI, earlier turned down the offer and idea of 20/20's as 60 less overs in a game means 120 less advertisements and loss of millions of rupees in one day. But Now, Since the game is getting more and more popular, they have opened the doors. This competition also got over in 2 weeks of time with more fun and about 200 Sixes. Critical Game and Thrilling game against Australia this weekend, It also showed that it is not just Batsmen's game because turning point of the game was Hayden's dismissal. So Good In Depth bowling would still hold the key to the victory. I would continue to say, Test Match is a real cricket, but if 20/20 helps to make the game of Cricket popular, I dont mind choosing that route.

Before the Tournament began, I was more into give the captainship back to the Ganguly, but I must say after the game against Australia and looking at the whole tournament, I would like to give credit to Dhoni's captainship. I agree, he is still not ready but he showed tremendous improvement. I had scene, Azhar who was when given the captainship for the entire one year kind of looked the person lost in the desert or island, but with Dhoni, he seems to be confident enough guy. Atleast He was not looking panic and that too in the Worldcup Semi Final, at the crucial junction, no senior player (Ganguly, Tendulkar. Dravid. Zaheer were not playing, Sehwag was in the dressing room and Agarkar was not selected in the team), All he had was Yuvraj Singh's statement or two. but Boy o Boy, what a decision to give Harbhajan the over and then R P Singh and even to bring back sreesanth at the right time. He got all his moves correct.


Cant wait for tomorrow's game. Big Decision would be, is Sehwag fit or not, else Karthik is the automatic choice and Does Dhoni back, Joginder Sharma or go for Agarkar ? Again, Personally, I dont think so Agarkar should be given any chance, We had enough of his giving away consistently 10 run per over. Agree Joginder gave away 20 runs but then Australia were chasing 190 runs, they had to pick up one bowler to hit out, Like we hit ouy Symonds, That does not make Symonds or Jogindar sharma the bad bowlers. It is just the situation and I think Joginder Sharma hold his nerve in the last over.

So, Tomorrow is a game which comes once in a life span, India Vs Pakistan in a World Cup Final, Never happened yet. May not happen again in our life span. India Vs Pakistan in any Finals is a crucial game, Last time it happened, it was 22 years back in Australia when Ravi Shashtri got his AUDI. One in a 20 year life span, If you are not watching this game because of your parents, think twice, next time you get this opporunity, they might not be alive. If you are not watching this game because of your kids, think twice, after 20 years, they must have left you for some reason. If you are not watching this game for Vitamin M, think twice, money is not the everything (ofcourse, there is Mastercard :) )

There is no reason good enough for not watching this game live....No Reason. If you have once in a life span said to someone that You are Indian, You gotto see this game, Live ....Live....Live ....Live...because, Cricket is not a game but a Religion....

NFL

A new season has started and time for some predictions. I wanted to write this blog before the season begins but just wanted to give couple of weeks to find out few new facts.

Patriots are looking brilliant again. I actually would be surprised if they can not win the Superbowl this year. It's just perfect team. They got most balanced team. They dont have Chicago Defence, but there defence can hold any team. I would be surprised if anyone can score 3 touchdown against pats in the regular season. They got best coach in the business and they got best Quarterback, Tom Brady. Now, that Offense also have Randy Moss, a star wide receiver. So, last season, Jets do looked little promising but I can safely secure, AFC East to New England Patriots. By judging the way, Miami dolphins or Buffalo Bills play, I doubt they can win more than 6 games in the season. Ny Jets can best hope for the Wild Card, and for that also they have to rely on other teams to play bad.


I hated Steelers coach and I always thoughts, Roethlisberger is a little over rated Quarterback. With new Coach and little more room to their Quarterback, they are looking good. My Guess would be, they would win the AFC North with about 12 Wins. Their Defence needs to hold to let them go further in the Post Season, but Steelers do look Post season reachable team. Baltimore Ravens would be the second team in the group, and they would give a good fight to Steelers but I think, They might have to settle for Wild Card. But, Ravens look good with their defence, In fact, there defence is way, better than Broncos and might be the best defence in AFC. Cleveland Browns would struggle to win more than 6 games while Cincinnati Bengals would atleast win 8 or 9 games and would be in the race of Wild Card but may loose out against Chargers/Broncos.

AFC South is like NFC East. Toughest group of AFC, but I would say, Colts are still going to win this group. I saw them struggling against, Vince Young's Titans and Texans but as long as Tony Dungy and Payton Manning is there, they would be still winning atleast 12 games and would qualify for the Post Season. I dont think so, they would be able to make it to the Super Bowl this year, as Pats are looking way better than Colts but we are long way away from season end. Jaguars got good defence. They are good enough team to hold the oppositions to 20 pointers but I dont know how many games they will win with their offence. Here comes Head Vs Heart Problem, I like Vince Young so I want Titans to play good, I think, Houston Texans are the best underdog team of the league. So, I would actually put, Jaguars last and would guess they might win not more than 9 games in the season. I assume, Titans and Texans would also win around 7 or 8 games. But none of the other team would qualify for the Wild Card from this group.

AFC West, initially looked 2 way battle. Chargers looked awesome last season and so is Broncos. I think Broncos are going to win this group but not with 12 wins, may be 11. Raiders are not looking horrible this season, like they looked last season. They would and should atleast win more than 6 games. Chiefs is the horrible team of the entire group and may be alongwith Bills they would come with the least number of wins at the end of the season. Whichever game Chiefs are going to win is because of Larry Johnson. They gotto remove their coach as soon as possible. I think, Chargers are struggling ever since they lost to Pats, but I guess LT would make them the post season team. As they have the new coach, they would go with that initial struggle, but they would be my Wild Card Team.

So, PATS and Colts would avoid to play with the Wild Card Team. Steelers will play Chargers and they should be able to hold on while, Ravens and Broncos would be some defensive game. My prediction says, We will have PATS Vs Steelers/Broncos in the AFC finals while PATS will go all the way to the Super Bowl.

NFC East is the toughest group of both the league. All 4 teams are playing tight games, and any one of them is capable of winning the group. Washington RedSkins is the best underdog team. I think, all the teams are going to win minimum of 7 wins. The battle of who winning NFC East would go to the last 2 weeks. It is hard to predict who would win the NFC East, but my personal favorite for this year would be Philadelphia Eagles. They got almost as good of defence as of Giants and they got the best /experienced Quarterback of the League, Donovan Mcnaab. Although Tony Romo from Cowboys is a revolution, but Since he became celebriety , he is going to struggle. Having New Coach is definately not going to help Cowboys, Plus they got their own problematic great wide receiver, Number 81, TO, the infamous, Terrel Owens. I must say this, Newyork Giants got very good defensive team. But Eli Manning has his own limitations, He is not as bad as Rex Grossman who is just Gross....but Eli struggles against good blitz, but he also has ability to pull up the fighting in the second quarter to make his team come backs. Do I think, there will be any chance of 2 teams coming from this group, well, the group is so tightly placed that, it is going to be a matter of 1 win to miss the bus of Wild Card. So, Eagles would win the group, Cowboys and Giants would be second and third team but hey Watch Out for Red Skins, they may surprised everyone, including me.

NFC North at this moment looks secure for Greenbay Packers. They dont have great team, but they are playing like a great team. They are playing for their Quarterback, Brett Favre. I think , over the coarse of long season, Favre;s body is going to struggle but I do think, they would win NFC North. Vikings is the most unpredictable team. You never know with them, they are crazy team, They have the ability to create those one of two big upset wins but I dont think so they are any threat overall. They would finish under 8 wins. Lions are looking good team but eventually they are also going to fumble and although they look above 10 winning team, but they wont win 10 games for sure. So, Question for this group would be, Can Chiago Bears, win the group against Packers, My Answer is, Not Until they have Rex Grossman as their Quarterback. I mean come on, that guy is horrible. He can just maximum become, Baseball Outfielder, He has good arm but that guy throws the Football like a 10 year old kid. They gotto remove him to have any chance to go further this season. Mind you, Chicago Bears got the best defense in the entire NFL and they got a good coach as well and they got special, "Special Team" with Hefner. So, Packers on number 1 and Bears on number 2. This could change, if bears change their Quarterback.

NFC South, would be more clear after next week with their number 1 and number 2 team playing with each other. Carolina Panthers are good all round team while Tampa Bay Buccs, got Jeff Garcia. I think Saints would struggle to win even 10 games this season and would struggle even to win the group or get the Wild Card. Falcons were going to struggle even with Miachael Vick, without him, season has ended for them before it can begin. My personal fav. would be Tampa Bay Buccs. Panthers and Saints have to fight for number 2 and 3.

NFC West, would once again go to Seattle Seahawks. They got good offense, good quarterback, good coach. I think they are looking very very good this year. Rams are going to struggle this year, 49ers would put up a fight but I doubt they can make to the Post Season this time. Cardinals are underrated team but they would not qualify for the post season as well.

So, Eagles/Packers/Buccaneers/Seahawks are going to win their groups while Panthers and Cowboys would be Wild Card teams. Bears can upset this with change of their Quarterback while Redskins would be underdog team.

HERO

Everyone in their lifespan, have many HEROes. Be It Amitabh Bachhan, Be It Sachin Tendulkar, Be It, Mohandas Gandhi, Be It Maharana Pratap and I can keep on saying the names. This Idolism or Heroism begin with the Like. When you like someone so much, you start admiring them. After certain stage of admiration, You start Loving them and then comes a stage where You call them your HERO.

This HERO of theirs keep changing with their life span. I like most of the people had my DAD as a HERO in the early life span. I wanted to be like him, I wanted to be in "COMMAND" of a situation like he always has been. Then I grew up and made friends. During the early stages of my school career, "Dhiru" was one of my idea of Hero. That guy has an amazing charisma. Whenever he was around, people used to follow him. If he says, lets go to movies, people go to movies. If he says, Lets Play Cards, People play cards. If he says, Lets play Cricket, People Played Cricket. I had hardly scene an occassion when people did something which he didnt liked.

Then I started following Movies...and Amitabh Bachhan became my Hero. I kept admiring him and saw most of his movies in the childhood. During the later half of 90's, Aamir Khan emerged. I saw my first video film as Qayamat se Qayamat Tak and ever since, it was die hard battle between who is superior in my mind, Aamir or Amitabh.

Then I took some keen interest in Sports. Boris Becker (Tennis), Roberto Baggio (Football) and Mohd. Azhar and Brian Lara (in Cricket) were my heroes.

Then, I grew up more and challenging people like, Bill Gates and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were my heroes. During my short lived, Ruparel College Era, We all used to admire, Dhruv Kazi. My much hyped, Terna Time had Mikunj Joshi as Hero. During my Master's Degree Program, We had Manoj Kathrani as a hero. In my beginning of the (It has been 4 years now, I still call beginning) professional career, I see, Binesh Desai as one of my hero.

At Times, I wonder, What does it take to be a Hero? What does it take to be an inspritation to someone? Do I or Will I ever carry that magnetic personality to be a Hero?

Actually, If I take a deep breath, and go back to my memories, I was kind of a HERO, during my school days...I was the top notch character in getting the good grades, was good enough to be champion in extra curriculam activities. I was a leader of my group and been involved in many of, "Saila Ru, Saila Re" kind of fights. That Heroesm vanished miserably when I saw much more scholars in D.G. Ruparel College. Everyone was kind of smarter than me, Everyone was kind of intelligent than me, and the only route to be Popular or be Hero was to throw the money. Just to prove myself an Hero, I never used to sit down in the First Class Compartment, Used to keep myself out in the heavy rain. I did almost all the tricks in the book, just to keep the Heroesm going.

Well, That did not helped me to get good grades in the 12th but it certainly helped me to develop and build my tough characters. Something which Mumbai People call it as"Street Smart". That Heroes certainly growed, in the early life of my Engineering college. I was much into making groups, being a Leader, Putting up a fight, Not to follow the rules ...and all the things in the World which could make you Popular. One of the dumbest thing to do was, Keeping the Tuesdays as Silent Days, when I never used to Open the Mouth, not even for drinking Water. I am sure people would still remember me as that poor , stupid , idiot fellow.

There was a time, with that image of Hero in Terna, Carrying even a Book would be regarded as image breaking. To avoid that situation, I took the help from Vinaykar, who used to attend each and every lectures. I just used to keep my book with him, borrow the pen, in one (that would be lucky day) if I attend that one lecture.

That Smart Dude, Vinaykar, actually inspired me. One Day, I just wondered, what would be the life, If you are not the Hero. How does it feel when no one notices you what you wear? How does it feel, when half of the people in college does not know your name? I kind of took those thoughts very seriously and from that day onwards, I kind of made an effort not to be the Hero.

I really have to kill my inner instincts to calm my anger. I literally have to talk a loud with myself just to avoid a situation, where anyone even by mistake calls me and understands me as Hero. I want to live the life of a normal person. I actually want to enjoy those moments, where no one notices you. I really want to be a common man.

Actually, I want to get rid of all the thoughts of being a HERO. However, at times, when I get into many fights, or when I speak to my old friends, I get that Superior Feeling, I get that feeling that I have more heroesm and I am kind of "SOMETHING". God Knows, When I will be completely a normal common man, but there are certainly efforts. For a Strange Reason, there is also a conscious effort to avoid my old and good friends. Those Friends may blame Married Life is the reason of this change but it is certainly an effort from my side to avoid them. Be it Jatin/Himanshu/Manoj/Nikhil/Aniket and many more whose names I am afraid to take, but I am feeling scared to open the pages of those closed chapters.

I used to joke around, "If I knew, Programming and Bike, Yash Raj might have found the Shahrukh's Replacement" :) Now I certainly know the Programming but want to go miles away from being Shahrukh :)



From the School Time

Sizzling September Sundays !!!

There was a time, in my life, where MY SUNDAYS used to be the Super Sundays. It was about 10 years back, and I was living in Mumbai (borivali) and was a fresh Engineering Student.

During those times, American Corporate culture was not invaded India and Sundays used to be the only Holidays for many workers. We used to get up early in the morning , about 7 and Watch Beautyful Old Hindi Songs in the Program Called, RANGOLI. The days used to get start with Chaudwi ka Chand or Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein....What a Start of the Day !!!.

I used to get ready very fast, as friends were waiting outside to play the game of Cricket, which normally starts @ 8.00. Quick Breakfast with TEA and those MASALA news from Bombay Times and Gujarat Samachar.

Then It used be a time, where we all (group of about 15 people) go to St. Francis Cricket Ground to play Cricket. One hell of a ground it was. There used to be atleast 12 games played in the same ground. If you are bowling in the boundary line, You can never ever remember, which ball you caught:)

Every Sunday, a new fight, a new hurray used to begin to WIN the game. We normally used to play best of 3 game till 1.00 in the afternoon. After tiring effort (mostly winning effort), we used to go home and every Sunday Afternoon Lunch used to be a Fighting Lunch with Parents. Aha, How can you forget those Generation Gap Fights.

Once those are done, I used to get out of the house, (ofcouse with tummy full of Lunch and thousand piece of advice from parents) and head to our "ADDA" to play cards. Many Mumbaites, gather and play carrom/chess or other indoor games during the afternoons. We PATELS, love to gamble and used to play 21 CARDS RUMMY. If there is anything that I miss the most from Bombay is those 3 hours of PLAYING CARDS. That 21 cards Rummy is So much of an addictive and fascinating game that you never ever realize where the Time Went.

After winning the money ( I hardly recall, loosing the money), we used to spend those money in the Afternoon snacks or 6 to 9 Hindi Movie. It does not matter, whether the blacker charges us, 400 Rupees for Saudagar or 350 for Sarfarosh or 200 for Ghulam, We just have to watch that movie on Sunday Evening.

And then We used to end the day with Baba sehgal's SUPER HIT MUQABALA or DD news.

Wow, What a Sunday !!!, Music, Cricket, Awesome Lunch, Playing Cards, Fun with Friends, Best of Mumbai Food of the Street, Movie and then end the day with Television.

Now a days, Specially since last 2 Sundays, It is just Television for me. It is kind of Unfortunate but True that This September is the best month to go out and see places. At the same time, This September has some of the classical time to watch the Games on Television.

Last Sunday it was so difficult to decide, which Channel to watch. Roger Federar, Josh Beckett or Tiger Woods, all available at the same time. Today it was even more difficult.

Roger Clemens Vs Curt Schilling (Yankee Vs Red sox)and Tom Brady Vs LT(Patriots Vs Chargers)?? And Plus to add we have, Emmy Awards. Sometimes, my best of the friends calls me in the middle of the very interesting movie or a key moment of sports and I just can not lift their phone. I have been critisized million times for not attending their phone calls but It was my inability to perform various tasks at the same time. If I am watching 20-20 game of India Vs Pakistan, I simply can not take anyone's phone and tell them, I will talk to you later. I dont have that ability to say, "Sorry, I am busy!!!".

In the end, a happy week for cricket for me. We won against Pakistan and Rahul Dravid resigned as a captain. If someone asks me, Rahul dravid as a player or Captain, I would say, player. He is too good a player to put under the nuisance of Captainship and Politics and answering millions of questions from Press. He better be my WALL, and batting in the middle.
Although, Ganguly deserve to be the captain of the team, I recon, the "MUMBAI GANG" of PAWAR/VENGSARKAR would make Tendulkar the Captain. Worst part of that story is, we will see Ajit Agarkar for another 1 year, giving 60 runs in One Dayers(maximum of 10 overs possible) and 40 (maximum of 4 overs possible) in the 20-20 games.

SPORTS

Sometimes, I wonder what would be LIFE without something called, "SPORTS". I follow many of them. I love all of them. I admire most of them. Just felt, lets write How Many of them I still follow.

As an Indian, It is in my blood to follow Cricket. It is a religion to me. Infact, I am so damn Cricket Crazy, that I put Cricket over Country. May be That is the reason, I am out my country and still following Cricket everyday. May be that is the reason, over the years, I supported, WEST INDIES over India. Just love the way west indian play the game of Cricket. Specially, until Lara was playing. However, I no longer support them. I am supporting my own countrymen now.

I support and follow many other sports , almost all of them which involves, "BALL". To Name Few, I would say, Baseball, American Football, Basketball, Soccer (The real Football), Tennis, Golf, Pool (not swimming pool), Field Hockey ( When Dhanraj Pillay was playing and now after Chak De India movie), College Football.

I also (atleast used to when Michael Schumacher was playing) follow few of the F1 Racing games. I play, Table-Tennis, Carrom,playing cards, BOWLING and Chess too. Sometimes, I feel, it is very difficult to keep track of all the news surrounding all the games. However, I manage not to miss the most important of games and atleast once in a day, follow each of the news.

Since I lived in Boston, RED SOX became another passion and RED SOX Vs YANKEES encounter became must watch. Daisuke Matsuzaka and Manny Ramirez are my fav. players from Red Sox. Ichiro though this year is my MVP. Please I hate A Rod , so cant name him.

I follow College Football too and Rutgers and Ohio State are my fav team. I follow American Football too. Tom Brady is my Quarterback and I support Patriots and normally dont miss any of their games. From National League, I like, Greenbay Packers and Brett Favre.

Basketball, I normally watch it during the winter and Michael Jordan like everyone else was my hero. In Today's Players, I like Lebron James (though he is little over rated), Kobe Bryant is I feel the best player in the league but his another name is Controversy.

From Last couple of seasons, I am supporting, Phoenix SUNS. Steve Nash and Jason Kidd (Nj NETS) are phenomenon guards. By the Way, I hate SPURS like anything...specially the whole look of Tim Duncan, Can not stand him.

Well, This three games which I started following after coming to America are no where close to World's Best Game, the real FOOTBALL, Soccer. Italy used to be my fav team and Roberto Baggio was my hero. Ya, no Pele, no Maradona, It was Roberto Baggio for me all the way. 1994 Finals against Brazil, When Italy lost, I cried entire night, When Baggio missed the penalty kick, I threw my Remote Control towards the expensive Sony TV.

Finally last year, Italy won the World Cup, and I was so damn happy. Zidane is one of the player I hated the most , actually hate most of the French Footballers except, Thiery Henry. I can name countless Italian Players who were my fav, including Maldini. Since I am much into Italian Team and European Leagues, I never got the chance to support Brazil. But I agree, Brazilians are the best footballers. It takes a lot of effort to beat Brazil in the game of Football. For many years I supported, ARSENAL because of Dutchman, Dennis Bergcamp. Now a days, I love Liverpool. Again, Because of Rivary, Since I support Arsenal, I can not support Manchester United. What a Irony!!!, cant help.

When It comes to TENNIS, like Mercedez, I love, Steffy Graf and Boris Becker. After Becker , it was only Goran Ivanisevic and his final Wimbledon win, which kept me interested in the game. I hated Sampras, Courier, Edberg, Macenroe (most of the american tennis players, except Aggassi). I started following Tennis more closely since 1992, when Agassi and Ivanisevic, two youngstars came in the Wimbledon Final. Today, I support, Roger Federar, Actually, he whenever will be retired will go out as the Worlds best Tennis Player, but my heart will always support, Boris Becker and Ivanisevic.

I learned about GOLF from my best buddy, Alok Jani. When he said, You win in Golf, when you have Negative score, for a moment I couldnt believe it. I never liked Tiger Woods, I always liked Michelson and Vijay Singh.

I must admit, I still do not follow many other interesting SPORTS, like, NASCAR, ICE HOCKEY, BADMINGTON, Boxing, Horce Racing etc etc..But I am sure, I will get them sooner.

QUIT

Ek Pal Ehsaas Banke Aate Ho, Duje Pal Khwab Ban Ke Chale Jate Ho, Yeh Pata Hai Tanhai Se Darr Lagta Hai Humko, Phir Bhi Tanha Kar Chod Jate Ho....
(This one is Dedicated to Ganguly/Tendulkar for getting out on a wrong time, leaving team on a desparate situation).

I never doubted the ability of Tendulkar/Ganguly and never questioned their ability. However, It is a fact that, They are getting Old. It does not show up while they are driving the ball or pulling the ball, but you have to observe them carefully in the field. Drop catches or running slow or reaction time all this is telling the fact that they are not the same.

One of the key reason, Tendulkar was regarded as World's Best Batsman was his ability to WIN the matches. He was compared with Inzamam before 1995 and then Lara and Mark Waugh in the late 90's but why everyone was keeping him at number 1 was his ability to perform consistently and winning matches. Although he is still consistent but consistent in getting the start and scoring 90's. Ganguly also made his name, when from 1998 onwards, he took over from where Tendulkar left. During that 5 years (1998 to 2003), Ganguly was more match winner than Tendulkar. His ability to score big hundreds and putting India into Winning Condition was the key.

India , Traditionally is not the team, who win matches with their tailenders. It is important for India that whoever goes in the top of the order make a big score and pile up the runs. Since Quiet sometime I am observing that both this Gentlemen are trying their level best to give a good opening parternership. However, they QUIT, in the middle of the inning and get out.

I alongwith many believes, that Tendulkar would atleast hang his boot for One Dayers soon. However, I feel he is looking for his much needed 100 before going out. I am very sure, he will make that very soon. Tendulkar getting the cramps looks like a every day story now, Today even he couldnt go to Dressing Room after getting out. I am sure, He wants to retire after breaking the Brian Lara's Record of highest number of Test Match Runs. If He wants to prolong his career in the Test Matches, he surely has to cut down the number of One Dayers, if not Retire entirely.

Life is Beautyful and Death is Pieceful, It is the transition which is Painful. Quitting the Life or anything is not easy. It is a tough decision and I am sure, it will break many hearts when Sachin decides to call it a day.

When Azhar (my fav.) was thrown out, I for a small time believe, I would never be able to Watch Cricket anymore. I would never be able to appreciate the great fielding when Jonty Rhodes retired. I am still in the shock as I wont be able to see the Leg Spins of Shane Warne or Swing Bowling of Wasim Akram. But All Good things come to an end, so is the likes of Sachin and Lara. But Then We get the stars and performers like Kevin Pieterson and Rohit Sharma.

Today, I knew that Sachin would get the Man of the Match, all though Robin Uthapa should have got it. I was about to ask the question to David Gower, What if Gautam Gambhir would have made 91 and Tendulkar would have made 47, Would they have still given the Man of the Match to Gambhir instead of Uthapa? I dont understand the concept of Man of the Match. Is this award, for the person who outperformed everyone in the day or the person who was the difference between loosing the game and winning. If it was the Person Who Outperformed everyone, it has to be Owais Shah for scoring maximum runs and in a difficult circumstances. If it was for the difference between winning and loosing, it has to be Robin Uthapa. But I guess this award is like a Filmfare Award of Popular person and that is likes of Tendulkar's and Waugh's and Desilva would receive more awards.

Labor Day Weekend !!!

Friday started with the haunting question of whether to watch Ram Gopal Verma Ki aag or not. Finally, It was such a tiring week at job, I decided to skip the movie this weekend.

It was such a tiring week, that I was not mentally strong enough to travel for 6 or 7 hours, some place. Finally, We (me and my friend Rohan) decided to play GOLF.

Me and Aniket, keep an ongoing list of things to do in the life. Things like, Watching a Test Match @ LORDS, Watching Wimbledon, Going to Switzerland etc...One of that includes, Playing GOLF. Finally, I played Golf.

They say, the age of 30's is age of this sentense, "You are too old to play the game of Cricket and too young to play the game of Golf.". However, Tiger Woods and many young players have changed that statement and you can see many youngstars are taking the GOLF seriously. One of my all time Cricketer, Kapil Dev, once said, "Golf is better suited for players like him, because, you are relying on yourself".

Many of them consider, Golf as expensive game, but we found a cheap deal. 30 Bucks for good 3 hour outing, was awesome deal. We enjoyed every minute of it. Most of the Golf courses are beautyful. This one was a real beauty. Beautyful weather helped a lot for a good afternoon.

Initially, We both hit the ball on every corner of the ground, but after completion of 5th hole, We settled down. I guess in last ,2 holes, I was swinging like a pro. I couldnt belive myself, this is my First day @ GOLF. I swung couple of very very good, lofty 200 Yards Drive.

I quit Cricket This summer, actually last summer itself, because of one incident. I was fat, chubby guy since last 17 years, but never regarded in the Cricket Field as a Lousy Fielder. I was good enough fielder to catch the ball and reliable enough for good throws. When you grow older, Your hand eye co-ordination fails. You want to play the stroke, you want to run hard, You want to play tough, but your body does not respond. And Finally comes a moment, when you ask yourself, How long?? and then You say to yourself, "Buddy, Time to Retire". I am proud of not playing Cricket this entire year (First Time since last 18 years) and it was tough for me, but You can not be a reason to bring down your team mates.

I wish, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and many others look at their body, ask the above question to themselves and then look at their Bank Balance and say to themselves, "It is a moment We hang our boots".

To be Honest, Even a little walking that we did in the Golf, was good enough to tire my body. I couldnt convince myself to visit Virginia for a drive of around 6 hours on Sunday. Finally, We went to a beautyful place in Upstate Newyork, "Catskill Park".

I havent got the chance to download those pictures from my camera, but that was one of the most natural place you could ever be. We went to a small trail of Catskill Park, and Sound of Water Falling was so pure, that it can touch your heart.

One of the many reason, I believe that Computers has done enough to harm our life. This so called, Modern Life, has removed the piece in the life. If you go and visit these places and stay with yourself for about 15 minutes, you would come to know, Those 15 minutes were more awesome than 15 years you spend trying to earn your so called, much needed, $$$$$$