Nice contest, cleanly fought until Sachin refused to walk after edging one to Dhoni. There was a bit of luck for Raina but the way he rocketed to 50 after getting to 13 off as many deliveries, really set it up for the Super Kings. In the end, Dhoni's masterstroke in Pollard's dismissal and Tendulkar's mistake in keeping Pollard in the dugout till 18th over was the real difference. I was a little disappointed to see Raina missing out on the Golden Player award. He deserved it better than Tendulkar for his allround performance with the bat, ball and in the field. (or for that matter Kallis!)
I feel bad for Lalit Modi who read out his own eulogy at the presentation podium with quotes from "The Bhagavat Gita". The man may be corrupt but he sure can put together a great show. The way he moved the tournament to South Africa last year or the Bangalore game to Mumbai before the semifinals speaks volumes of his abilities. It also demonstrates how efficient an oligarchy can be if the oligarch is efficient. I personally think Lalit Modi should outgrow cricket and consider taking up Homeland Security job in India. I am convinced that he is best suited for running that office as evident from IPL provided his loyalty still rests with India.
As for cricket, see you guys in Champions Trophy. Oh wait! there is the T20 WC before that.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Nityanandam!
A powerful master with a great message: "I am not here to say that I am God. I am here to show that you are God", is obviously likely to sway the hearts and minds of seeking individuals. My heart goes out to those individuals who today feel like a lost child looking for his mother in a carnival (Translated : thiruvizhala tholanja kuzhandai madhiri). This shock is huge for them that walked away from their careers and families to get a glimpse of what the Swami talked about in every discourse. The grief must be only multifold for those young women that chose to spend time in the many ashrams worldwide in service.
To them I say;
To finish up, a few lines from Vettaikaran song to bring back strength to all affected souls:
To them I say;
If you are ashamed of the Swami's actions but are compelled to follow through with defending the Swami rather than admitting your own mistake of throwing away everything for a false master, please do not feel guilty. Today you may want to return to your normal life. That is absolutely fine. First of all, there is nothing to be ashamed of. If you liked the message, it still holds good. For the message does not get tarnished because of the Swami's actions. All the messages existed long before his prominence and will continue to hold good in the future long after we all depart. If you have lost respect for the Swami, consider him as merely a person who delivered them eloquently with illustrations just like your high school physics teacher who tried to convince you about Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity as if he had arrived at the same conclusion in the school labs. There is a sure difference between experience and understanding but it may not be evident for us ordinary people.
It is not to say that your master was not self-realized, as I found a lot of consistency in the spiritual message which is very difficult to maintain in volumes of discourses unless there is complete understanding or real first hand experience. I leave that debate for you and the Swami's skeptics to fight. I have not been in the vicinity of his physical realm to participate in that discussion.
That aside , many of you have been able to throw away the material life altogether for spirituality. All you have to do now is continue in the path wth another master or by yourselves under the guidance of the scriptures. Chin up! It is still better than folks like me who are afraid to take the initial plunge.
To finish up, a few lines from Vettaikaran song to bring back strength to all affected souls:
asatoma sat gamaya;
tamasoma jyotir gamaya;
mrityorma amritam gamaya;
om santhi santhi santhih.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Friday, August 28, 2009
John McEnroe
is the best character tennis has ever produced. Tennis, before it became a brutal power game. Ofcourse Becker was the best and Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer too.
Wait, I am confused. Nandan Bal was the ultimate best.
Wait, I am confused. Nandan Bal was the ultimate best.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
WW III
The only way to stop the Third World War is to prevent it from happening. It may be too late in Nov, 2010.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Satyam Raju
Satyam a thiruppi pota Maytas.
Raju va thiruppi pota ujar. Bajaar la ujaar aa irukanum kanna.
Raju va thiruppi pota ujar. Bajaar la ujaar aa irukanum kanna.
Friday, February 06, 2009
IPL Season 2
Chennai Super Kings get Andy Flintoff. This, I believe, is a better buy than Kevin Peterson that B'lore Royal Challengers snapped up. With Hayden fully available, Michael Hussey, Dhoni and now Flintoff, CSK can rest assured of a final berth. I can't wait now. To those Pakistani players who opted out, "don't worry, you won't be missed."
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Rewind
In 2004, the DOW was oscillating around 9k and oil was testing $40.
I was a relatively new immigrant on H1B with very little in the bank and struggling to keep my contract job by the month. Here I am, in familiar territory after full five years. Is it your story too?
I was a relatively new immigrant on H1B with very little in the bank and struggling to keep my contract job by the month. Here I am, in familiar territory after full five years. Is it your story too?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Fed Failout
The recent attempt to buy bad mortgages seems a bold move that has rejuvenated the market. While I pray that the American govt. has the capacity to sustain the weight of these mortgages till the housing market turns upward, I am skeptical. I am skeptical as I would be when a stock reverse-splits only to loose all the gains in the ensuing weeks. Atleast it gives a chance to redeem for those who are deep into these financial companies. I hear sell and buy gold.
Disclaimer : I know nothing about finance.
Disclaimer : I know nothing about finance.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Republican Irony
I think Sarah Palin is a good choice for VP. She can be an understudy to McCain to boost her experience while he is at the helm. Chairman of the House will not be a tough task for her as a day job
Democrats wasted no time to say that experience is no longer an issue in the campaign. However, every time they mention that, Obama's inexperience is dragged to the forefront and invariably his community service record (laughable for a person aiming for the highest office) is brought to his defense. This makes McCain's choice brilliant.
To counter Obama's grand convention, I wish McCain had held his convention at the backyard of a foreclosed house/mansion. That would have been more brilliant.
The irony here is:
Dick Chaney stood against gay rights, his daughter turned out gay.
Sarah Palin advocated abstinence till marriage, her daughter came home pregnant.
But, I am sure Sarah will come out stronger on this issue. For atleast, her daughter did not exercise choice that would have aborted her mom's VP candidature before it began.
The fact that Sarah delivered her son as recently as April 2008, reminds me of an old joke in my family. My aunt came home to my grandmother's place for delivery only to find out that my grandmother had left to her mom's place for her delivery.
Hope Sarah keeps her cool and delivers a great speech at the convention that will clear all doubts and establish her as a deserving VP nominee of the GOP.
I still wish Hillary runs as an independent. But I get Obama took care of her campaign debt in return for the speech that she delivered at the Dem Convention. Bill might have ended up making money at the end of the convention.
Democrats wasted no time to say that experience is no longer an issue in the campaign. However, every time they mention that, Obama's inexperience is dragged to the forefront and invariably his community service record (laughable for a person aiming for the highest office) is brought to his defense. This makes McCain's choice brilliant.
To counter Obama's grand convention, I wish McCain had held his convention at the backyard of a foreclosed house/mansion. That would have been more brilliant.
The irony here is:
Dick Chaney stood against gay rights, his daughter turned out gay.
Sarah Palin advocated abstinence till marriage, her daughter came home pregnant.
But, I am sure Sarah will come out stronger on this issue. For atleast, her daughter did not exercise choice that would have aborted her mom's VP candidature before it began.
The fact that Sarah delivered her son as recently as April 2008, reminds me of an old joke in my family. My aunt came home to my grandmother's place for delivery only to find out that my grandmother had left to her mom's place for her delivery.
Hope Sarah keeps her cool and delivers a great speech at the convention that will clear all doubts and establish her as a deserving VP nominee of the GOP.
I still wish Hillary runs as an independent. But I get Obama took care of her campaign debt in return for the speech that she delivered at the Dem Convention. Bill might have ended up making money at the end of the convention.
Monday, August 11, 2008
DNC ( H )
It is time for the third front in America. Hillary should branch off from the DNC and start her own party. With Obama's popularity plummeting each day, there is no better time for America to look at a third alternative. Who better than Hillary?
Hillary should re-attempt to present her case to the American public on the wake of the John Edwards scandal. Having been a victim of a extra-marital scandal herself, the sympathy of the commoner will be with her. First she should try a coup in the DNC. If unsuccessful, she should extend it beyond the DNC and form a DNC (H). Afterall American politics seems too organized for too long. It is time to shake it up. She will emerge successful, if she can tap in the money from Middle East and corporate America.
Add Indian flavour to American politics. Politics is about plays - support and withdrawal at the right times. This is Hillary's moment. If you want to win, you better play. You will be too old for a maiden presidency next time. Announce before August 15th.
Hillary should re-attempt to present her case to the American public on the wake of the John Edwards scandal. Having been a victim of a extra-marital scandal herself, the sympathy of the commoner will be with her. First she should try a coup in the DNC. If unsuccessful, she should extend it beyond the DNC and form a DNC (H). Afterall American politics seems too organized for too long. It is time to shake it up. She will emerge successful, if she can tap in the money from Middle East and corporate America.
Add Indian flavour to American politics. Politics is about plays - support and withdrawal at the right times. This is Hillary's moment. If you want to win, you better play. You will be too old for a maiden presidency next time. Announce before August 15th.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
M & M Test Series
The second test is underway. The good thing is, India is batting first. Atleast the defeat will be narrower than the innings and 239.
Mendis and Murali should return wicketless otherwise India should go forward with Sethu Samuthram Project and kill Srilanka's economy. I can't think of any other counter-attack. Can you?
Dinesh Karthik must be replaced by Parthiv Patel. We should try and save a life where we can.
Mendis and Murali should return wicketless otherwise India should go forward with Sethu Samuthram Project and kill Srilanka's economy. I can't think of any other counter-attack. Can you?
Dinesh Karthik must be replaced by Parthiv Patel. We should try and save a life where we can.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Talking Points
Perhaps, that is why he was not named Federest.
Yet he demonstrated grace in his loss.
Nadal deserved it afterall.
Yet he demonstrated grace in his loss.
Nadal deserved it afterall.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Roshakara Raina
Dhoni attributed India's loss to Pak in the Kitply Cup final to Raina's slow (relatively) innings without naming names. However Dhoni showed faith by sending him up the other in the subsequent Asia cup matches and boy did Raina respond. I did not watch the game but 202 for 1 of 26 overs is exceptional against Pak.
Raina unakku rosham adhigam da,
adha vida Dhonikku un mela paasam adhigam da.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Dasavatharam - Plaster of Paris
The movie had a grand opening and a logical climax. Everything in between seemed to be hurried to accomodate the additional Kamals. Only an egotic guy like Kamal would do ten totally unrelated characters by himself. I wonder how much he got paid for this movie. Somebody tell me, it was not ten times his salary. Or was it eleven times considering that Kamal had penned the script also. Only that explains the budget of 140 crores. Except for the chopper, graphics, makeup and the Bio-technology lab there is not much to spend on. Probably Mallika Sherawat's item number consumed a lion's share.
Why Himesh? Kamal could have corrected himself after watching/listening to the BGM and had Devisri Prasad do the score for the songs too. Mr. Reshamiya was very pedestral. Devisri Prasad was awesome
The movie overall was better than Sivaji. There was a continuity to the story inspite of 10 Kamals. The director made sure that Kamals were not a distraction.
The Rangarajan Nambi character was majestic. I don't know why they showed the 11th century sequence. It had no relation to the story except Govindaraja Perumal and Chidambaram. But that was the bit I enjoyed the most. I almost felt like crying when the idol of Govindaraja Perumal was removed from the oracle and also when Rangarajan Nambi was forced to say the Panchakshara Manthram.
Balaram Naidu character was a combination of good imagination and acting. The dialogues had a lot of humour and Kamal's accent took it one step further.
The Dalit character was played well. Kamal has to do this - as if they don't have enough representation.
The Muslim role was useless. So was Avtar Singh.
The Paati role was good but the make-up made Kamal look very ugly. I think they might have used the same make-up that was applied on Sukanya during the Indian shoot.
The villain and Japanese characters were well disguised. The Japanese, I just couldn't recognise Kamal. Especially the stunts were fantastic.
The lead hero disappointed me with no kissing scene, underwear scene or dance scenes. Asin looked like Kamal's daughter in the movie. I can't imagine him not touching her for the entire movie. It was like eating curd rice without lemon pickle.
Bush Kamal was awesome. He carried the dumb looks well. The voice was okay too.
Overall it was an unnecessary but very good attempt by Kamal. Considering that Amithabh, Rajni, Vijay ... don't take such painstaking efforts for the same results, Kamal stands apart. I enjoyed the movie.
But Kamal is sure to be affected by the Bhramagathi Dhosham for throwing Govindaraja Perumal around like a soccer ball.
Why Himesh? Kamal could have corrected himself after watching/listening to the BGM and had Devisri Prasad do the score for the songs too. Mr. Reshamiya was very pedestral. Devisri Prasad was awesome
The movie overall was better than Sivaji. There was a continuity to the story inspite of 10 Kamals. The director made sure that Kamals were not a distraction.
The Rangarajan Nambi character was majestic. I don't know why they showed the 11th century sequence. It had no relation to the story except Govindaraja Perumal and Chidambaram. But that was the bit I enjoyed the most. I almost felt like crying when the idol of Govindaraja Perumal was removed from the oracle and also when Rangarajan Nambi was forced to say the Panchakshara Manthram.
Balaram Naidu character was a combination of good imagination and acting. The dialogues had a lot of humour and Kamal's accent took it one step further.
The Dalit character was played well. Kamal has to do this - as if they don't have enough representation.
The Muslim role was useless. So was Avtar Singh.
The Paati role was good but the make-up made Kamal look very ugly. I think they might have used the same make-up that was applied on Sukanya during the Indian shoot.
The villain and Japanese characters were well disguised. The Japanese, I just couldn't recognise Kamal. Especially the stunts were fantastic.
The lead hero disappointed me with no kissing scene, underwear scene or dance scenes. Asin looked like Kamal's daughter in the movie. I can't imagine him not touching her for the entire movie. It was like eating curd rice without lemon pickle.
Bush Kamal was awesome. He carried the dumb looks well. The voice was okay too.
Overall it was an unnecessary but very good attempt by Kamal. Considering that Amithabh, Rajni, Vijay ... don't take such painstaking efforts for the same results, Kamal stands apart. I enjoyed the movie.
But Kamal is sure to be affected by the Bhramagathi Dhosham for throwing Govindaraja Perumal around like a soccer ball.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Hillary Clinton - Ooru rendu patta koothadikku kondaatam
I am no big fan of Democrats. However, I must say I am impressed by Hillary Clinton by the end of this race for nomination. Barak's inspiring speeches clinched Iowa before the junta realized that it was nothing but hollow rants delivered well. Everybody including yours sincerely thought that this was Hillary's election. Barak Obama managed to sneak through the back door and win Iowa, thanks to the initial hype. Today, if they go back to Iowa, she is sure to win there. With Iowa and NH, Barak would have dropped off. Luck favoured him, when the Clinton-lastname was a baggage to her. She won California, Texas, Florida, Michigan not to mention Ohio, Penn, Masachusettes, NH, NJ and NY. It beats me that these fools would nominate anybody else.
And what's with the media sucking up to Obama in public! It took Fox News to play a balancing act. Everything seems wrong.
Amidst all this chaos, the Republicans have fielded their best guy, in John McCain. With an unquestionable bipartisan record and loads of experience both in military and politics, he stands tall in front of an inexperienced Obama.
I urge Clinton to run as an independent, and hope for doing a Joe Lieberman at the national level. This is the Democrat's year. They are likely to spill it.
Who is better suited than Hillary to make the case for a third party. With more popular votes in her kitty and an anti-incumbancy wave (at party level), this is her best chance to run as an independent. Her voter base is strong - seniors, women and blue collar workers. Waiting for four more years (I am sure McCain will beat Obama) is foolish. There is no point in being loyal to a party that pronounced her dead inspite of her strong showing in every other race. She now knows her friends. It is a great asset. With this loyal base, I hope she considers an independent run.
Either way, hats-off to Hillary for running an exciting and energizing campaign. She proved to everyone that she is a fighter. In the stage of men, she competed hard and emerged victorious in many a bouts. My respect for her only increased manifold.
And what's with the media sucking up to Obama in public! It took Fox News to play a balancing act. Everything seems wrong.
Amidst all this chaos, the Republicans have fielded their best guy, in John McCain. With an unquestionable bipartisan record and loads of experience both in military and politics, he stands tall in front of an inexperienced Obama.
I urge Clinton to run as an independent, and hope for doing a Joe Lieberman at the national level. This is the Democrat's year. They are likely to spill it.
Who is better suited than Hillary to make the case for a third party. With more popular votes in her kitty and an anti-incumbancy wave (at party level), this is her best chance to run as an independent. Her voter base is strong - seniors, women and blue collar workers. Waiting for four more years (I am sure McCain will beat Obama) is foolish. There is no point in being loyal to a party that pronounced her dead inspite of her strong showing in every other race. She now knows her friends. It is a great asset. With this loyal base, I hope she considers an independent run.
Either way, hats-off to Hillary for running an exciting and energizing campaign. She proved to everyone that she is a fighter. In the stage of men, she competed hard and emerged victorious in many a bouts. My respect for her only increased manifold.
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