I saw another masterful movie by one of the greatest actor in Hindi film industry Mr. Aamir Khan. I can write pages about the movie.
Basically the questions raised in the movie are simple-The education system; y should i learn by rote, why are people around you following this system which tests the memory not concepts; why should i take a beaten down path; why should I not follow my heart; why should I do what everyone does. And how does it do it. Not by being preachy. No that is not Raju Hirani's style. He says it a light hearted friend. A journey two friends take to find their friends who set them on the journey of finding their destiny; finding somethin they were really passionate about. And all this is done in a comic way. Hirani questions the education system without blaming anyone. And ofcourse cinema being cinema has to have a happy ending.One of my favourite dialogues is about MBA's- Engineers becoming MBA's ; then going to work with a bank; why did they do engineering.
Even though i started this post with Aamir Khan, this movie is not only about Aamir. It is a movie which would not have been that had 3 people in their 40's not been able to play 20 somethings. Madhavan, Sharman do a great job. So does Boman Irani. What an actor. Kareena does another Jab We Met kinda role and does it with ease.
The thing is this movie got me thinking. I know this is not the time. I have priorities. But i have started thinkin what am I passionate about. Do I follow my dream. What if I fail. Do I take the leap. Don't know. Still thinking.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Enough!!!
For the past couple of days cribbing has been the order of the day. I have been cribbing about everything and anything- The world, luck, no job, placements, future. I feel lost. Then i thought Luck. Common!!! This is the same guy who said he writes his own destiny so stop WHINNING. Ok you are not on top today. Someday you would. It's not your greatest day, so what? It's not the end of the world. 2012 is still a couple of years away.
So since cribbing has become our favorite passtime i decided to do something to pass my time apart from cribbing. My favorite dialogues. I got down to searching them. They are not in any particular order, but are of movies I can't forget
1)First up Sly in Rocky
Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that
2) Next up The Matrix
"What is "real"? How do you define "real"?"
There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path
3)Forrest Gump
Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.
4)My Best Friend's Wedding
George: It's amazing the clarity that comes with psychotic jealousy.
5)Sorry All Love Story fans- What's up, Doc?
Love means never having to say you're sorry.”
“That's the dumbest thing I ever heard...”
“Th-that’s all, folks!”
6)And of course who can forget the famous Mr. Bond- The Name is Bond, James Bond
7)How could i miss Gone with the Wind
Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!
8)Ok one from A lot Like Love
If your not willing to sound stupid,
you're not worthy of falling in love.
9)A Beautiful Mind
I'm mortified, petrified, stupefied by you.
10)And Finally one line by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men
Nicholson: You Want Answers?
Cruise: I want the Truth
Nicholson:You can't handle the truth
These are of course some I could write ..And since the post is getting too long will stop now, have wasted too much time on it already
So since cribbing has become our favorite passtime i decided to do something to pass my time apart from cribbing. My favorite dialogues. I got down to searching them. They are not in any particular order, but are of movies I can't forget
1)First up Sly in Rocky
Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that
2) Next up The Matrix
"What is "real"? How do you define "real"?"
There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path
3)Forrest Gump
Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.
4)My Best Friend's Wedding
George: It's amazing the clarity that comes with psychotic jealousy.
5)Sorry All Love Story fans- What's up, Doc?
Love means never having to say you're sorry.”
“That's the dumbest thing I ever heard...”
“Th-that’s all, folks!”
6)And of course who can forget the famous Mr. Bond- The Name is Bond, James Bond
7)How could i miss Gone with the Wind
Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!
8)Ok one from A lot Like Love
If your not willing to sound stupid,
you're not worthy of falling in love.
9)A Beautiful Mind
I'm mortified, petrified, stupefied by you.
10)And Finally one line by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men
Nicholson: You Want Answers?
Cruise: I want the Truth
Nicholson:You can't handle the truth
These are of course some I could write ..And since the post is getting too long will stop now, have wasted too much time on it already
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Musings of an Absolutely Free Mind Part 3
In the hustle bustle of the placement season, where people who never entered the library are seen queing up for a book to read to make 2 years worth that time. Strangely for a person who loves to study before hand and finish it, I don't feel like studying for placements- Neither have I done anything, Nor do I plan to.
As I was going through the daily news, I realised I had not been in the blogosphere for over a month. So I found my time pass- An entry. But what do I write about? My alma mater, my friends have all got their space under the sun. Since I was free it was time for the Musings part 3.
Over the weekend we saw the world being destroyed again by the expert on doomsday-some liked it , others did not . Personally I liked the way he brought Noah's Ark back to life.
I went out for dinner like 3 times in 3 days, enjoyed it each time for different reasons.
Then again the placement discussion began. With careers at stake I realise it is but natural but I never thought it would be so much.
I rediscovered the joy of listening to an Anthem-the Top Gun music and Judgement day and some other music without anywords. In the lines of Music and Lyrics I enjoyed the s** (Music) without Love (Lyrics).
I continue to follow my favourite club Man. Utd. and am thinking of writing an article on Duncan Edwards. But obviously I haven't seen him play, neither is there too much info. about him. So I may get down to writing about my favourite player ever- Paul Scholes.
This is about it for musings. Till next time. Asta va lista
PS: I forgot to mention about the strangest multicasts that happen here. Seems the juniors have gone mad since they are going to be hit by HE-MAN
As I was going through the daily news, I realised I had not been in the blogosphere for over a month. So I found my time pass- An entry. But what do I write about? My alma mater, my friends have all got their space under the sun. Since I was free it was time for the Musings part 3.
Over the weekend we saw the world being destroyed again by the expert on doomsday-some liked it , others did not . Personally I liked the way he brought Noah's Ark back to life.
I went out for dinner like 3 times in 3 days, enjoyed it each time for different reasons.
Then again the placement discussion began. With careers at stake I realise it is but natural but I never thought it would be so much.
I rediscovered the joy of listening to an Anthem-the Top Gun music and Judgement day and some other music without anywords. In the lines of Music and Lyrics I enjoyed the s** (Music) without Love (Lyrics).
I continue to follow my favourite club Man. Utd. and am thinking of writing an article on Duncan Edwards. But obviously I haven't seen him play, neither is there too much info. about him. So I may get down to writing about my favourite player ever- Paul Scholes.
This is about it for musings. Till next time. Asta va lista
PS: I forgot to mention about the strangest multicasts that happen here. Seems the juniors have gone mad since they are going to be hit by HE-MAN
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A School With A Difference
Its been more than 6 years since I walked the campus of the great institution "DAV Boys Senior Secondary School-Gopalapuram", still there was a feeling of pride when one news channel rated it the 4th best school in the country and the best for academic distinction. I am no advocate of rankings including the one that ranked an average b-school in the city as 9th best in the country, but this ranking just proved what we already knew DAV is a premier institution in the country.
Yes, we would crib when the institution would make us work, make us write 10 exams before the boards, have a pre half yearly, test 1 ,2 , what not. But in hindsight it seems so right. They were guiding us to one source. The search for academic excellence. In a country where marks are all that matters DAV trained us for marks but also made sure the concepts are in place. Infact I was fortunate to rub shoulders with some great minds who not only were ranked 1,2 in IIT-JEE but also were toppers in their departments. What else would you call an institution were 1 in 4 science student clears JEE and 1 in 3 commerce student becomes a CA. An institution where I felt like a dwarf even after scoring 90% in the boards. An institution which does not take "Capitation fees". An institution were people rich and poor stand in long queues, hoping their son or daughter gets an admission.
We were pushed by our principal and our teachers and we would crib. But it was all for our future.
Yes the institution has a few things lacking. Infrastructure is not the greatest, we don't have swimming pools, we don't have a canteen, we don't have girls wearing short skirts but we have what matters. A dedicated staff who works their heart out.
Hats off to my School were I spent 14 years of my life shaping my future. It is special for people like me especially who spent all their schooling lives in this great institution. Keep going for greater heights.
Yes, we would crib when the institution would make us work, make us write 10 exams before the boards, have a pre half yearly, test 1 ,2 , what not. But in hindsight it seems so right. They were guiding us to one source. The search for academic excellence. In a country where marks are all that matters DAV trained us for marks but also made sure the concepts are in place. Infact I was fortunate to rub shoulders with some great minds who not only were ranked 1,2 in IIT-JEE but also were toppers in their departments. What else would you call an institution were 1 in 4 science student clears JEE and 1 in 3 commerce student becomes a CA. An institution where I felt like a dwarf even after scoring 90% in the boards. An institution which does not take "Capitation fees". An institution were people rich and poor stand in long queues, hoping their son or daughter gets an admission.
We were pushed by our principal and our teachers and we would crib. But it was all for our future.
Yes the institution has a few things lacking. Infrastructure is not the greatest, we don't have swimming pools, we don't have a canteen, we don't have girls wearing short skirts but we have what matters. A dedicated staff who works their heart out.
Hats off to my School were I spent 14 years of my life shaping my future. It is special for people like me especially who spent all their schooling lives in this great institution. Keep going for greater heights.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Har Rang Kuch Kehta Hai- The Asian Paints Story
Asian Paints is the largest paint company in the country. The company however had humble beginnings. Four friends who were willing to take on the world's biggest, most famous paint companies operating in India at that time set it up as a partnership firm in 1942. Chimanlal Choksi was a painter whose daughter had died. Chimanlal Choksi was unable to save her because of financial problems. Suryakant Dani owned a Garage where he did the painting work for Machines & Vehicles. The same garage is where Asian Paints started off its operations. Arvind Vakil was a worker who did the bicycle painting work for Suryakant Dani. Champaklal Choksey had been thrown out of his house as his parents caught him selling houdsehold things at a huge margin to British officials. The name was picked out randomly out of the directory.6 decades later the company was ranked by Forbes as one of the best 200 Small Companies in the world.
Within three years of starting operations, the firm touched a turnover of Rs. 3, 50, 000. The famous Asian Paints mascot Gattu was born in 1954. Asian Paints faced competition from international players but still established itself as the largest company in the country in 1967 thanks to its innovative marketing strategy- reach the farthest destination of the country with small packs. The years 1956-67 were very important as it made a transition from a family owned enterprise to one which was professionally managed. Asian Paints got an order from Balmer Lawrie beating competition from a British company in the same period. In 1974 a major modernisation programme was undertaken to streamline the paint production facilities by improving the layout of machines, in addition to balancing equipment and replacement of old machinery. The Company embarked on phased modernisation of resin manufacturing facilities as well. The company raised money through the equity market in 1982. The year 1985 saw the company setting up its third and fourth paint plants in Patancheru and UP respectively. The Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Nippon Paints Co. Ltd., Japan, to obtain technical know-how to manufacture powder coating and coil coatings under an exclusive licence. The company set up Joint ventures in 1991 in Nepal, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
In 1998, the company entered into organised retail with its first exclusive showroom in Mumbai. In 1999, in a first the company acquired 76 per cent equity stake in Sri Lanka-based Delmege Forsyth & Co (Paints) Ltd and in 2000 another company in Australia. In 2002, the company also acquired 51% stake in Berger International, Singapore at Rs. 58 crores. It was also the first company to enter into rural markets.
The company was not without its share of problems between its founders. Choksey who was the public face of the company had almost sold his 9.1% stake in the company to Britain’s Imperial Chemical Industries Plc, the company’s only foreign rival in India. This was after two US mutual fund companies—Morgan Stanley and Capital International—backed out when they learnt that the shares they bought belonged to Choksey, the managing director of the company then, which caused a feud among the promoters. Choksey eventually exited the business in 1998 by selling his stake partly to UTI and partly to the other promoters.
The company recently established a network of computer-controlled kiosks allowing consumers to create their own paint colors.
The company today has revenues of Rs. 5500 crores and now derives a huge amount of sales from places outside India. Today Asian Paints operates in 22 countries and is one of the most respected companies in the country. It also is the 10th largest decorative company in the world. No mean achievement for a company started by 4 Painters all bound together for their love for Colour.
Within three years of starting operations, the firm touched a turnover of Rs. 3, 50, 000. The famous Asian Paints mascot Gattu was born in 1954. Asian Paints faced competition from international players but still established itself as the largest company in the country in 1967 thanks to its innovative marketing strategy- reach the farthest destination of the country with small packs. The years 1956-67 were very important as it made a transition from a family owned enterprise to one which was professionally managed. Asian Paints got an order from Balmer Lawrie beating competition from a British company in the same period. In 1974 a major modernisation programme was undertaken to streamline the paint production facilities by improving the layout of machines, in addition to balancing equipment and replacement of old machinery. The Company embarked on phased modernisation of resin manufacturing facilities as well. The company raised money through the equity market in 1982. The year 1985 saw the company setting up its third and fourth paint plants in Patancheru and UP respectively. The Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Nippon Paints Co. Ltd., Japan, to obtain technical know-how to manufacture powder coating and coil coatings under an exclusive licence. The company set up Joint ventures in 1991 in Nepal, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
In 1998, the company entered into organised retail with its first exclusive showroom in Mumbai. In 1999, in a first the company acquired 76 per cent equity stake in Sri Lanka-based Delmege Forsyth & Co (Paints) Ltd and in 2000 another company in Australia. In 2002, the company also acquired 51% stake in Berger International, Singapore at Rs. 58 crores. It was also the first company to enter into rural markets.
The company was not without its share of problems between its founders. Choksey who was the public face of the company had almost sold his 9.1% stake in the company to Britain’s Imperial Chemical Industries Plc, the company’s only foreign rival in India. This was after two US mutual fund companies—Morgan Stanley and Capital International—backed out when they learnt that the shares they bought belonged to Choksey, the managing director of the company then, which caused a feud among the promoters. Choksey eventually exited the business in 1998 by selling his stake partly to UTI and partly to the other promoters.
The company recently established a network of computer-controlled kiosks allowing consumers to create their own paint colors.
The company today has revenues of Rs. 5500 crores and now derives a huge amount of sales from places outside India. Today Asian Paints operates in 22 countries and is one of the most respected companies in the country. It also is the 10th largest decorative company in the world. No mean achievement for a company started by 4 Painters all bound together for their love for Colour.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Review: The Lost Symbol
Just got done with exams and I sat down to read Dan Brown's latest which was initially called "The Key to Solomon". I was wondering if he was actually talking about "The Sacred Key". Knowing Dan Brown's reputation it was possible. But I was also wondering can the master story teller who weaves his stories around past mysteries and mainly picks up topics on Christianity outdo himself in this one. Personally I was very disappointed with "Deception Point". Does this book do what "The Davinci Code " did? Read on to find out?
Without divulging too much; this book deals with another topic which is likely to start a lot of debate; on the history of Free Masons; supposedly architects of modern day USA.Peter Solomon ; a powerful mason and mentor of none other than Langdon gets kidnapped and of course our hero gets caught in the current by a series of events. Langdon gives us a view of Washington like never before, temples, pyramids, tombs etc. The search for the ancient symbol to save his mentors life . There are references to Neotic Science.
Dan Brown once again proves he is adept at weaving a story against ancient history. But there is something missing. I had to take breaks in the book. The book has so much info that I cross checked from the Web that it leaves you puzzled. I think Dan Brown overdoes himself here. He tries to hard, to make sure he is right. The talks to Neotic Science are gibberish and made me think "What crap". The reason itself is is not as strong as his earlier master pieces. Brown tries to make Langdon Indiana Jones and fails so miserably that Langdon is no longer even Langdon.
The anti hero itself does not create an image here.This is like a series of lectures of the unknown rather than a mystery. The book catches pace in between after painful descriptions in the beginning only to end on a bad note to leave a foul taste in the reader's mouth. The ending is very similar to Da vinci code and that made me even more angry.
Now what's good in the book? Essentially story telling is Dan Brown's strength and the fact that he has raised another debatable issue means hell sell a few millions of this book too( I spent 700 bucks on it).
Do I SAY YOU READ IT? SURE ONLY IF YOU ARE A DAN BROWN FAN.Else try his earlier work Da Vinci Code. If you don't like that I assure you, you will hate this one.
Dan Brown forgot what he tries to tell from the book," Sometimes a secret is in the most obvious place"; but he tries to confuse the reader. I suggest Brown look for his roots again and come up with something more concrete next time. 1.5 stars out of 5 for this one. I am sorry Dan but I think that's all this deserves.
Without divulging too much; this book deals with another topic which is likely to start a lot of debate; on the history of Free Masons; supposedly architects of modern day USA.Peter Solomon ; a powerful mason and mentor of none other than Langdon gets kidnapped and of course our hero gets caught in the current by a series of events. Langdon gives us a view of Washington like never before, temples, pyramids, tombs etc. The search for the ancient symbol to save his mentors life . There are references to Neotic Science.
Dan Brown once again proves he is adept at weaving a story against ancient history. But there is something missing. I had to take breaks in the book. The book has so much info that I cross checked from the Web that it leaves you puzzled. I think Dan Brown overdoes himself here. He tries to hard, to make sure he is right. The talks to Neotic Science are gibberish and made me think "What crap". The reason itself is is not as strong as his earlier master pieces. Brown tries to make Langdon Indiana Jones and fails so miserably that Langdon is no longer even Langdon.
The anti hero itself does not create an image here.This is like a series of lectures of the unknown rather than a mystery. The book catches pace in between after painful descriptions in the beginning only to end on a bad note to leave a foul taste in the reader's mouth. The ending is very similar to Da vinci code and that made me even more angry.
Now what's good in the book? Essentially story telling is Dan Brown's strength and the fact that he has raised another debatable issue means hell sell a few millions of this book too( I spent 700 bucks on it).
Do I SAY YOU READ IT? SURE ONLY IF YOU ARE A DAN BROWN FAN.Else try his earlier work Da Vinci Code. If you don't like that I assure you, you will hate this one.
Dan Brown forgot what he tries to tell from the book," Sometimes a secret is in the most obvious place"; but he tries to confuse the reader. I suggest Brown look for his roots again and come up with something more concrete next time. 1.5 stars out of 5 for this one. I am sorry Dan but I think that's all this deserves.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Pavel Nedved-A end of an era
Pavel Nedved today retired from football and this is certainly the end of an era. What more can you say about a man who replaced no one less than the great Zidane at Juventus and was able to fill those huge boots.
Nedved a Checz Republic player shot to fame in Italy.He joined the Italian club Lazio in 1996 from PSV after the Euro 1996. Nedved had driven Czech Republic to the final with his role as their key playmaker. He won Copa Italia in 1997-98 and WEFA Super Cup in 1999 with Lazio. He was transferred to Juve for a fee none less than Euro 41 million which was huge then.He won the Scudetto with Juventus almost regularly infact too easily in the seasons 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05, and 2005-06. He captained Czech from 2000 onwards and continued to be their tallest player in the midfield. Nedved had to sit out 2003 UEFA Champions league finals but was named the European Football of the Year. Followin Juve's relegation due to match fixing allegations it was thought a player of the calibre of Nedved would move away from the maligned club.
He was forced to come out of retirement because of his stature when the Czech qualified for the World Cup for the first time since they became a independent republic after breaking away from Chechslovakia.He retired permanantly after the tournament and even though everyone felt he should not; he stuck to his decision.
He remained but had a tumultous season and was given a one year contract which sparked the discussions of his retirements. Nedved came into negative spotlight in 2007-08 season because of his tackle on the great playmaker Luis Figo. But he continued to be Juve's first choice winger on the left flank.
Nedved's last claim to fame was perhaps the first goal he scored for Juve's seasson in 2008-09 against Florentina. The game against Chelsea which saw Nedved getting injured was his last on the European stage.
Nedved's individual honour role is huge. He was a Serie A player of the year in 2003 and the best midfielder in the Champions League the same year. Perhaps his gretest trophies were Ballon d'or won in 2003 and the Czech Player of the decade in the very same year. He was the Czech player of the year till the year 2008. He won the Golden Foot in 2004.
I salute this maestro who made the ball do things unimaginable and future Hall of Famer. Hope we'll see him coaching and passing his knowledge to the kids and wish him the best for the future.
Nedved a Checz Republic player shot to fame in Italy.He joined the Italian club Lazio in 1996 from PSV after the Euro 1996. Nedved had driven Czech Republic to the final with his role as their key playmaker. He won Copa Italia in 1997-98 and WEFA Super Cup in 1999 with Lazio. He was transferred to Juve for a fee none less than Euro 41 million which was huge then.He won the Scudetto with Juventus almost regularly infact too easily in the seasons 2001-02, 2002-03, 2004-05, and 2005-06. He captained Czech from 2000 onwards and continued to be their tallest player in the midfield. Nedved had to sit out 2003 UEFA Champions league finals but was named the European Football of the Year. Followin Juve's relegation due to match fixing allegations it was thought a player of the calibre of Nedved would move away from the maligned club.
He was forced to come out of retirement because of his stature when the Czech qualified for the World Cup for the first time since they became a independent republic after breaking away from Chechslovakia.He retired permanantly after the tournament and even though everyone felt he should not; he stuck to his decision.
He remained but had a tumultous season and was given a one year contract which sparked the discussions of his retirements. Nedved came into negative spotlight in 2007-08 season because of his tackle on the great playmaker Luis Figo. But he continued to be Juve's first choice winger on the left flank.
Nedved's last claim to fame was perhaps the first goal he scored for Juve's seasson in 2008-09 against Florentina. The game against Chelsea which saw Nedved getting injured was his last on the European stage.
Nedved's individual honour role is huge. He was a Serie A player of the year in 2003 and the best midfielder in the Champions League the same year. Perhaps his gretest trophies were Ballon d'or won in 2003 and the Czech Player of the decade in the very same year. He was the Czech player of the year till the year 2008. He won the Golden Foot in 2004.
I salute this maestro who made the ball do things unimaginable and future Hall of Famer. Hope we'll see him coaching and passing his knowledge to the kids and wish him the best for the future.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Big 3- Comparing Man Utd, Chealsea, Liverpool
Firstly let me confess I am a Man United fan, been one since I started following EPL, but i'll try to be as objective on my assesment of the man to man strength of the big 3 of the premier league. I was in half a mind to include Arsenal after they had performed well in the first few matches but I feel they don't have the depth and with Fabregas out they are sure to fizzle out.
Now onto the comparison
I would be following the order Chelsea, Man Utd. and Liverpool
1) GK- Petr Cech (Che), Hilario(Che) vs Edwin Van Der Saar, Ben Foster (Man Utd.) vs Pepe Reina, Cavalieri
In this department I don't think liverpool come close and it is a fight to the finish between United and Chelsea. I think purely by going on last season's record of VDS and Ben Foster being better than Hilario; I would say the GK goes to United.
2) Central Defence-Terry, Carvalho vs Ferdinand, Vidic vs Ayala, Carragher
Again in this I thin Utd. are better than the pensioners Vidic, Ferdinand are the best defensive pairing in the globe right now and with either injured Evans has shown he is the man capable of stepping up to the plate
It goes to United
3) Bosingwa, Alex, Ashley Cole, Paulo Ferreira Vs. Evra, Rafael, Neville, Brown vs. Glen Johnson, Agger, Aurelio, Insua
The experience of Alex, Pauola Ferraira beats the young Rafael, and the injured and tired legs of Neville to see Chelsea scoring in the full backs department eventhough Evra is the best in the business.
4)Midfield: Ballack, Essien, Malouda, Zhirkov, Deco, Obi Mikel vs.Giggs, Scholes,Park,Fletcher, Valencia, Gibson vs. Gerrard, Aquilani, Mascherano, Reira
Gerrard is by far the best in the business; Valencia gets beaten by Malouda and Deco, Fletcher right now on current form I think is the best in the EPL when it comes to running all around the central midfield controlling it. Aquilani is ever injured and Giggs still has it in him as shown by the PFA Player of the Year Award. Scholes has lost his shooting so I would think Deco is better. According to me its to close to call and Liverpool loose only because they sold Alonso; if they had'nt i dare say they would have been the best. But the same can be said about United; If Ronaldo was not sold it was not contest. So a tie between United and Chelsea
5) Attacking Midfield:Joe Cole vs. Anderson, Tosic, Nani vs. Yossi Benayun, Ryan Babel
Man Utd. and Liverpool win hands down because of Joe Cole injury, Tosic may develop into a world class play
6)Drogba vs. Rooney vs. Torres
Is there any comparison here, sure Drogba, Torres will score more goals but Rooney will have to score more Man Utd. and will definately supply to Owen and Berbatov
7) Anelka,Kalou Vs. Berbatov, Owen vs. Kuyt, Voronin
Sure Berba will improve this season and Owen may well be the signing of the season but here Chelsea win hands down. Anelka will score more goals than Man Utd. and Liverpool
Man on man Chelsea and Man Utd. beat Liverpool. It is too close too call between Man Utd. and Chelsea. It would be one heck of a season with my thinking that 1 game could seperate the two teams likely the games between the team.
Now onto the comparison
I would be following the order Chelsea, Man Utd. and Liverpool
1) GK- Petr Cech (Che), Hilario(Che) vs Edwin Van Der Saar, Ben Foster (Man Utd.) vs Pepe Reina, Cavalieri
In this department I don't think liverpool come close and it is a fight to the finish between United and Chelsea. I think purely by going on last season's record of VDS and Ben Foster being better than Hilario; I would say the GK goes to United.
2) Central Defence-Terry, Carvalho vs Ferdinand, Vidic vs Ayala, Carragher
Again in this I thin Utd. are better than the pensioners Vidic, Ferdinand are the best defensive pairing in the globe right now and with either injured Evans has shown he is the man capable of stepping up to the plate
It goes to United
3) Bosingwa, Alex, Ashley Cole, Paulo Ferreira Vs. Evra, Rafael, Neville, Brown vs. Glen Johnson, Agger, Aurelio, Insua
The experience of Alex, Pauola Ferraira beats the young Rafael, and the injured and tired legs of Neville to see Chelsea scoring in the full backs department eventhough Evra is the best in the business.
4)Midfield: Ballack, Essien, Malouda, Zhirkov, Deco, Obi Mikel vs.Giggs, Scholes,Park,Fletcher, Valencia, Gibson vs. Gerrard, Aquilani, Mascherano, Reira
Gerrard is by far the best in the business; Valencia gets beaten by Malouda and Deco, Fletcher right now on current form I think is the best in the EPL when it comes to running all around the central midfield controlling it. Aquilani is ever injured and Giggs still has it in him as shown by the PFA Player of the Year Award. Scholes has lost his shooting so I would think Deco is better. According to me its to close to call and Liverpool loose only because they sold Alonso; if they had'nt i dare say they would have been the best. But the same can be said about United; If Ronaldo was not sold it was not contest. So a tie between United and Chelsea
5) Attacking Midfield:Joe Cole vs. Anderson, Tosic, Nani vs. Yossi Benayun, Ryan Babel
Man Utd. and Liverpool win hands down because of Joe Cole injury, Tosic may develop into a world class play
6)Drogba vs. Rooney vs. Torres
Is there any comparison here, sure Drogba, Torres will score more goals but Rooney will have to score more Man Utd. and will definately supply to Owen and Berbatov
7) Anelka,Kalou Vs. Berbatov, Owen vs. Kuyt, Voronin
Sure Berba will improve this season and Owen may well be the signing of the season but here Chelsea win hands down. Anelka will score more goals than Man Utd. and Liverpool
Man on man Chelsea and Man Utd. beat Liverpool. It is too close too call between Man Utd. and Chelsea. It would be one heck of a season with my thinking that 1 game could seperate the two teams likely the games between the team.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Birth of the Spoofer
Little did I know that the musings of my absolutely free mind would be termed as a blogwar. Yes a new term coined in blogosphere "Blogwar". So I am on war with Identity Introspection. So where are my soldier. Alas I have none. And I compete with him on My Dell against his Sony Vaio. Who'll be the Victor.
But Alas my innocent little musings has created a monster who wants to take all the spoils for himself. His name "The Unethical Spoofer". Another new term in Blogosphere Spoofer. This thing attacks where you least expect it. Its first blow was hard on Identity. And now it wants to catch me unawares. Next attack would be on Just a few thoughts. Just a few thoughts is prepared. Bring on the Spoofer!!!
But Alas my innocent little musings has created a monster who wants to take all the spoils for himself. His name "The Unethical Spoofer". Another new term in Blogosphere Spoofer. This thing attacks where you least expect it. Its first blow was hard on Identity. And now it wants to catch me unawares. Next attack would be on Just a few thoughts. Just a few thoughts is prepared. Bring on the Spoofer!!!
Musings of an absolutely free mind part 2
I am back to India's version of the City that never sleeps only to realise my classes won't begin for another two days and I am cursing myself why I had to come early since everything that can go wrong has gone wrong.
I loose my phone which I realised I can't do without since it took me 5 hours to get a new one which included 2 hours in the flight. I don't have anything to do. So what do I do? I watch a movie. I see an Australian play Gladiator the nth time. I see a general becoming a slave and then a slave becoming a Gladiator. Then I sleep for like 4 hours. Thinking what to do, I finish the book "The Gift" which seemed to me as being too influenced by "The Christmas Carol" and guess what it is also set during Christmas. Instead of Uncle Scrooge it has Lou and instead of the 3 Christmas ghosts it has Gab. But Celcia Ahern the writer of "PS I Love you" is no Dickens and this is one terrible book. I don't think I'll rate it since I don't want to be harsh on a writer who I think was too inspired to be Dickens but there can't be another Dickens.
My roomie and I discuss whether to attend the sham which is the summer project competition at college tomorrow. He says let's not take panga yaar , lets go for sometime and come back; while I am like "who'll wake up".
While just to while away some time i read Mr. Identity Introspection's blog who has written how beautiful loneliness can be. Clearly meant to be an oxymoron, and no I am not using any vulgar language here, he tries to bring out how much off an absolutely free day did he enjoy. I must say good one.
And now we get the news that the exam which was postponed, will be held, whether we or the prof likes it or not, on Monday. So do you think I should study. Ya well I am planning to on Sunday and if the plan goes through I'll be lucky to open the book on Monday.
Anyways the free mind should stop now else it would go on musing. And yeah the Red Devils lost last night. Another bad start to a new season. Happens all the time irrespective of whether we have CR 7 or not. But people will be like they are out. They won't win a thing. Ha ha the red devils will laugh out loud come June 2010. Champions again. Number 19 here we come. And CR7 will be sorry he ever left.
OK now this free mind should stop working at 100 hp.Keep watching this space.Till next time it is the free mind signing of. Astavalista
I loose my phone which I realised I can't do without since it took me 5 hours to get a new one which included 2 hours in the flight. I don't have anything to do. So what do I do? I watch a movie. I see an Australian play Gladiator the nth time. I see a general becoming a slave and then a slave becoming a Gladiator. Then I sleep for like 4 hours. Thinking what to do, I finish the book "The Gift" which seemed to me as being too influenced by "The Christmas Carol" and guess what it is also set during Christmas. Instead of Uncle Scrooge it has Lou and instead of the 3 Christmas ghosts it has Gab. But Celcia Ahern the writer of "PS I Love you" is no Dickens and this is one terrible book. I don't think I'll rate it since I don't want to be harsh on a writer who I think was too inspired to be Dickens but there can't be another Dickens.
My roomie and I discuss whether to attend the sham which is the summer project competition at college tomorrow. He says let's not take panga yaar , lets go for sometime and come back; while I am like "who'll wake up".
While just to while away some time i read Mr. Identity Introspection's blog who has written how beautiful loneliness can be. Clearly meant to be an oxymoron, and no I am not using any vulgar language here, he tries to bring out how much off an absolutely free day did he enjoy. I must say good one.
And now we get the news that the exam which was postponed, will be held, whether we or the prof likes it or not, on Monday. So do you think I should study. Ya well I am planning to on Sunday and if the plan goes through I'll be lucky to open the book on Monday.
Anyways the free mind should stop now else it would go on musing. And yeah the Red Devils lost last night. Another bad start to a new season. Happens all the time irrespective of whether we have CR 7 or not. But people will be like they are out. They won't win a thing. Ha ha the red devils will laugh out loud come June 2010. Champions again. Number 19 here we come. And CR7 will be sorry he ever left.
OK now this free mind should stop working at 100 hp.Keep watching this space.Till next time it is the free mind signing of. Astavalista
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wishing You Loved Me Again?
Ask me, just one more time
To be yours, for ever more
To share, for better or for worse
And this time I won't let you go.
Tell me, just one more time
That you dream of me, and nothing else
That without me, you're incomplete
And this time, I won't be such a fool.
Hear me, just one more time
Forget all that I said before,
Why, I do not know
But now, I really want you back.
Look back just one more time,
See the smile fade away,
See these eyes longing,
Wishing you loved me again.
a good poem by a unknown poet
To be yours, for ever more
To share, for better or for worse
And this time I won't let you go.
Tell me, just one more time
That you dream of me, and nothing else
That without me, you're incomplete
And this time, I won't be such a fool.
Hear me, just one more time
Forget all that I said before,
Why, I do not know
But now, I really want you back.
Look back just one more time,
See the smile fade away,
See these eyes longing,
Wishing you loved me again.
a good poem by a unknown poet
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Time to kill-Book/ movie comparison
I had to kill sometime so decided to watch a movie based on a book by one of my favourite writers "John Grisham". As with most of his books, this one also revolves around a court case and proceedings.
The story is simple- a African- American father kills two white men who raped and almost killed his daughter. A young lawyer is hired to defend him and he can only do it one way; prove that the father was insane when he committed the act. He's up against a giant- a man running for governor. The lawyer is unable to get the case shifted out of the town which is made of predominantly whites-so he gets a all white jury. Neither does he have strong defences. He is helped by a young law student (Sandra Bullock) in the movie. He gives it his all-his house is burned down since he supports a black and his assistant is also beaten up. In the end a summary which is so spectacular wins him the case.
The movie is well directed, has followed the book without any changes and has decent performances. The movie saw Samuel Jackson taking home the Golden Globe; he's convincing as the father
The book like a typical John Grisham book is fast paced, racy and still very detailed to give one an image of what he is conveying.
Like most books which are made into movies, I feel the book is better. The movie falls flat because it can't be as detailed as the book is in its imagery. Also I think what makes the book better than the movie is the closing scene; the closing scene of the book had a much more hard hitting impact than what the movie had. I think Sandra Bullock was great but the lawyer could have done better. John Grisham's books demand actors who are convincing as lawyers, sadly the lead actor was not.
I'd give 2.5 stars to the movie and 4 to the book.
Friday, June 19, 2009
My longest day in office
My summer internship with a huge company which i thought would give me great exposure was going decently. Then came a storm, my manger said " Ankur, we need to close out in 3 days, so get ready for late nights". I was like ok, late nights must mean 10 pm. So I started working, in the middle stopping for coffee, trying to call up a few friends and setting up my primary research call.
The day was going the usual way and I felt I should be out of office by 8. At 4 I had the call with a industry person and in came work streaming. Shit I missed this, i missed that.
Started working on my presentation, took a maggie break at 6. Before I knew it, it was 8. My manager decided to treat me and we were off for a quick bite to New Yorker which was like two blocks from office. I had some lebanese thing and the priority was basically to get back to office as soon as possible.
Reached office and I decided I am closing out the presentation. Got everything ready by 12, sent it to my manager who responded in half an hours time of the changes to be made. I was like shit how many times do I change stuff.
I started changing it and by the time I was done and added some intro slides it was 1:45 am. I was on the next day. Shit still work to do. My manager said lets go home, get some sleep. But where was I going to get any sleep, wanted to start typing my college report too.
The day was going the usual way and I felt I should be out of office by 8. At 4 I had the call with a industry person and in came work streaming. Shit I missed this, i missed that.
Started working on my presentation, took a maggie break at 6. Before I knew it, it was 8. My manager decided to treat me and we were off for a quick bite to New Yorker which was like two blocks from office. I had some lebanese thing and the priority was basically to get back to office as soon as possible.
Reached office and I decided I am closing out the presentation. Got everything ready by 12, sent it to my manager who responded in half an hours time of the changes to be made. I was like shit how many times do I change stuff.
I started changing it and by the time I was done and added some intro slides it was 1:45 am. I was on the next day. Shit still work to do. My manager said lets go home, get some sleep. But where was I going to get any sleep, wanted to start typing my college report too.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
I can feel you
You are so far away,
but I can still feel you.
The essence of your being
is in everything I say and do.
The nearness of your spirit
takes my breath away.
I feel you in every beat of my heart
as I go throughout my day.
When I close my eyes,
I get such feelings of bliss.
I can see your gentle face
and feel the fire in your caress.
You tiptoe across my mind
in the gentlest ways.
You're in the softness of a rose
and the warm wind on my face.
You're the sunbeams from heaven
shining brightly in my soul.
A sweetness of serenity
that fills my heart with gold.
You're always inside my mind,
even though we are far apart.
I can feel you with me always
tugging gently at my heart.
There is the sweetest devotion,
I know you love me too.
We'll be together in spirit
and I'll forever love you.
...
A lovely poem
but I can still feel you.
The essence of your being
is in everything I say and do.
The nearness of your spirit
takes my breath away.
I feel you in every beat of my heart
as I go throughout my day.
When I close my eyes,
I get such feelings of bliss.
I can see your gentle face
and feel the fire in your caress.
You tiptoe across my mind
in the gentlest ways.
You're in the softness of a rose
and the warm wind on my face.
You're the sunbeams from heaven
shining brightly in my soul.
A sweetness of serenity
that fills my heart with gold.
You're always inside my mind,
even though we are far apart.
I can feel you with me always
tugging gently at my heart.
There is the sweetest devotion,
I know you love me too.
We'll be together in spirit
and I'll forever love you.
...
A lovely poem
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Musings of a absolutely free mind
Ok so my summer internship confusion continues not knowing whether the location would be my home town or the city that never sleeps (ofcourse the Indian version of it). So I have been absolutely free, have had absolutely nothing to do because all my friends have to work and I don't have any.
So what do I do? I start my favourite time pass reading. I had read 7 books in 7 days and suddenly decide to write. Yes its my first attempt on a story. I decided I'll write a 100 pages and started out. One day went past and I was happy with the progress I was making and was wondering "This is not very difficult I've written 5 pages". Day 2 came and as I started to write at about 10:30 pm i found myself lost not knowing how to continue. I wrote a page to my credit though. Day 3 I thought would be better but no not any better, infact I thought I was almost at the end of the story at page 9. So I thought I'll introduce a twist to make it longer. It did not work the twist made my simple story confusing. Deleted all I did on day 3. Now I am stuck with the story which does not seem to have any end or I don't seem to want to end it. Now I've decided I'll convert it into a short story, but do I actually want to end the story. I don't think so. Now I know how every writer feels. He gets so involved in his story that he wants it to continue forever.
Ofcourse my story can't go on forever so will end it, probably will publish it here for anyone who cares to read it, or will keep with myself with so many other works of mine and may be think to myself "Mr. Gupta you are no story teller".
So what do I do? I start my favourite time pass reading. I had read 7 books in 7 days and suddenly decide to write. Yes its my first attempt on a story. I decided I'll write a 100 pages and started out. One day went past and I was happy with the progress I was making and was wondering "This is not very difficult I've written 5 pages". Day 2 came and as I started to write at about 10:30 pm i found myself lost not knowing how to continue. I wrote a page to my credit though. Day 3 I thought would be better but no not any better, infact I thought I was almost at the end of the story at page 9. So I thought I'll introduce a twist to make it longer. It did not work the twist made my simple story confusing. Deleted all I did on day 3. Now I am stuck with the story which does not seem to have any end or I don't seem to want to end it. Now I've decided I'll convert it into a short story, but do I actually want to end the story. I don't think so. Now I know how every writer feels. He gets so involved in his story that he wants it to continue forever.
Ofcourse my story can't go on forever so will end it, probably will publish it here for anyone who cares to read it, or will keep with myself with so many other works of mine and may be think to myself "Mr. Gupta you are no story teller".
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A year gone by
Ok technically its not been a yr. I entered MBA sometime in June last year and after an academic year here I am back home in my room in retrospective of the year gone by.
First things first. What have I learnt? Well I have learnt a bit about Mumbai, its subarban trains, how to get on them and get down,learnt to eat whatever is served whether i can make out what it is or not, learnt how to be independent etc. etc.. Aha some questions where is MBA education in all this? Ok lets start. Learnt how to copy paste, relearnt the art of learning by heart, learnt how to present presentations that made no sense to me and learnt some really massive words and decided that i should strategically place them in my sentences.
High Points. Not many. Infact hardly. Except probably my summer internship, that too thanks to my lucky stars. A couple of quizzes here and there.
Fun and frolic. Lots. The topper's party, night out with friends, freshers, party time with school friends etc.
Overall a year which went into bashing the college, a lot of tensions about what would happen the next year, fights with the caterers, professors, deciding to jump into finance. Hopefully after two months July would bring a new chapter in life with some fun, some learning, some new twists.
First things first. What have I learnt? Well I have learnt a bit about Mumbai, its subarban trains, how to get on them and get down,learnt to eat whatever is served whether i can make out what it is or not, learnt how to be independent etc. etc.. Aha some questions where is MBA education in all this? Ok lets start. Learnt how to copy paste, relearnt the art of learning by heart, learnt how to present presentations that made no sense to me and learnt some really massive words and decided that i should strategically place them in my sentences.
High Points. Not many. Infact hardly. Except probably my summer internship, that too thanks to my lucky stars. A couple of quizzes here and there.
Fun and frolic. Lots. The topper's party, night out with friends, freshers, party time with school friends etc.
Overall a year which went into bashing the college, a lot of tensions about what would happen the next year, fights with the caterers, professors, deciding to jump into finance. Hopefully after two months July would bring a new chapter in life with some fun, some learning, some new twists.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Club Loyalty, Does it Exist?
The incident in the summer of Christiano Ronaldo literally telling Manchester United that he wants to go to Real Madrid has shown that the days of club loyalty are long gone. Gone are the days when players like Giggs and Scholes spent all their lives in one club and players like the baby faced assasin did not mind warming the bench than play for a rival. Today the only thing that talks is the money the club is ready to offer a player or playing time. Tevez is ready to leave as reports suggest cause he does not want to warm the benches anymore.
Gone are the days when players would commit their long term futures to the club and thus be identified with the club. Today a club offers a player more money and there he goes and even starts abusing his former club (I think a certain RVN would strike a cord ).
The same club/manager who shaped his career and made him a player he is,make him worth the money he is demanding, is conveniently forgotten as he moves away to a new club. The only loyalty that the players have is towards money.
So a question begs to be answered today: Is the vigour of club rivalries anything today, when you can find the same player playing for a rival club tomorrow?
How can a player forget the club which has made him the player he is . But can a player alone be blamed for this? In this materialistic world is there a scope of being loyal to a club.
I don't think so. When a players career is only a few years and it is in these years that he has to earn the money to carry him through his life is the player not right to think of his own well being and future. When a player is regular international he certainly does not like being the super sub for a club. Why? Simple out of sight, out of mind, HE could well loose his place in the international squad.
Let's not forget some of these players don't have any command of English to become commentators, nor do they have a degree to sustain them after their playing days and how many successful players become successful coaches? So what they do after their days are over. A few intelligent ones learn to live life in a better way, others... well go to the dumpster.
So let me ask this again. Is there any meaning of club loyalty today?
Gone are the days when players would commit their long term futures to the club and thus be identified with the club. Today a club offers a player more money and there he goes and even starts abusing his former club (I think a certain RVN would strike a cord ).
The same club/manager who shaped his career and made him a player he is,make him worth the money he is demanding, is conveniently forgotten as he moves away to a new club. The only loyalty that the players have is towards money.
So a question begs to be answered today: Is the vigour of club rivalries anything today, when you can find the same player playing for a rival club tomorrow?
How can a player forget the club which has made him the player he is . But can a player alone be blamed for this? In this materialistic world is there a scope of being loyal to a club.
I don't think so. When a players career is only a few years and it is in these years that he has to earn the money to carry him through his life is the player not right to think of his own well being and future. When a player is regular international he certainly does not like being the super sub for a club. Why? Simple out of sight, out of mind, HE could well loose his place in the international squad.
Let's not forget some of these players don't have any command of English to become commentators, nor do they have a degree to sustain them after their playing days and how many successful players become successful coaches? So what they do after their days are over. A few intelligent ones learn to live life in a better way, others... well go to the dumpster.
So let me ask this again. Is there any meaning of club loyalty today?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
You hold me close
You hold me close
Our fingers intertwine
You whisper in my ear
“You’ll always be mine”
I hold you tight,
I hear your heart beat,
It causes me to tingle,
From my head to my feet.
I tell you “I love you”
and you ask me “how much?”
I say “I can’t explain,
Because I love you so much”
You hold me close,
Our fingers intertwine,
and you whisper in my ear,
“You’ll always be mine”"
Another piece which I thought I should share from an unknown poet
Our fingers intertwine
You whisper in my ear
“You’ll always be mine”
I hold you tight,
I hear your heart beat,
It causes me to tingle,
From my head to my feet.
I tell you “I love you”
and you ask me “how much?”
I say “I can’t explain,
Because I love you so much”
You hold me close,
Our fingers intertwine,
and you whisper in my ear,
“You’ll always be mine”"
Another piece which I thought I should share from an unknown poet
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Grisham Rankings
My opinion of the best books of Grisham after The Associate stands at
1) The Client
2) The Firm
3) The Last Juror
4) The Chamber
5) The Time to Kill
6) The Appeal, The Innocent Man
7) The Associate, The Broker
8) The Partner
9) The Summons
10) King of Torts,The Rainmaker
11) The Runaway Jury, The Street Lawyer
12) The Testament
13) The Pelican Brief
14) The Brethren
15) A Painted House, Skipping Christmas, Bleachers, Playing for Pizza
I believe the Rank 15 books don't deserve to be read but all the others are a must read and all of them are mostly master class and in a very similar league
1) The Client
2) The Firm
3) The Last Juror
4) The Chamber
5) The Time to Kill
6) The Appeal, The Innocent Man
7) The Associate, The Broker
8) The Partner
9) The Summons
10) King of Torts,The Rainmaker
11) The Runaway Jury, The Street Lawyer
12) The Testament
13) The Pelican Brief
14) The Brethren
15) A Painted House, Skipping Christmas, Bleachers, Playing for Pizza
I believe the Rank 15 books don't deserve to be read but all the others are a must read and all of them are mostly master class and in a very similar league
The Associate-A Review
I was strolling in the airport when I could not help but to get into a book store. My eyes fall on the latest book by Grisham and how can a Grisham fan resist that after The Innocent Man and The Appeal. I buy the book immedietely, read it through my flight and also the night. Now I am through with the book and what can I say . The master of law thrillers is back with another law thriller and all I can say is WOW!!! Grisham is certainly back to his "The Firm" days.
Now the story. Without revealing too much. It's about this young law school grad Kyle who hates big firm business where he feels no real "People" are ever handled and has promised himself that he would get to community service.But something in his past leads him to the door of the biggest law firm. A secret he wants to hide. A secret he wants no one including his dad to know. When a proffesional "Handler" Bennie threatnes Kyle with it, which could destroy his life, his career, everything; Kyle agrees to do the impossible -SPY to get details of a secret project which now is a case involving the Pentagon, the US Government, two big law firms, a technology and potentially others too. What does Kyle do? Does he get out of the mess or do thugs get info about the greatest project in military avaiation.
John Grisham like he usually does, has filled the story with a huge number of twists and turns very reminiscent of his older books. Lovely story telling and also a lot of details about how big law firms work. I only think he misses the plot in the end somewhere, else it would have been master class. A very quick narrative, with amazingly etched side characters especially that of Baxter. Grisham keeps us to the edge of our seats into an ending which could have been better. I would still give him a 4/5. Not his best but a good one still.
Now the story. Without revealing too much. It's about this young law school grad Kyle who hates big firm business where he feels no real "People" are ever handled and has promised himself that he would get to community service.But something in his past leads him to the door of the biggest law firm. A secret he wants to hide. A secret he wants no one including his dad to know. When a proffesional "Handler" Bennie threatnes Kyle with it, which could destroy his life, his career, everything; Kyle agrees to do the impossible -SPY to get details of a secret project which now is a case involving the Pentagon, the US Government, two big law firms, a technology and potentially others too. What does Kyle do? Does he get out of the mess or do thugs get info about the greatest project in military avaiation.
John Grisham like he usually does, has filled the story with a huge number of twists and turns very reminiscent of his older books. Lovely story telling and also a lot of details about how big law firms work. I only think he misses the plot in the end somewhere, else it would have been master class. A very quick narrative, with amazingly etched side characters especially that of Baxter. Grisham keeps us to the edge of our seats into an ending which could have been better. I would still give him a 4/5. Not his best but a good one still.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Busby Babes- Remembered
This is 51st year of the greatest disaster in the history of the greatest club of the world.
The Munich air disaster took place on 6 February 1958, when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport in Munich, West Germany. On board the plane was the Manchester United football team, nicknamed the "Busby Babes", along with a number of supporters and journalists. 23 of the 44 people on board the aircraft died as a result of the crash.
The team was returning from a European Cup match in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, but had to make a stop in Munich for refuelling, as a non-stop trip from Belgrade to Manchester was out of the range of the flight. After refuelling, the pilots,attempted to take off twice, but had to abandon both attempts due to boost surging in the port engine. Fearing that they would get too far behind schedule.
By the time of the third attempt, it had begun to snow, causing a layer of slush to build up at the end of the runway. When the aircraft hit the slush, it lost control, making take-off impossible. It ploughed through a fence past the end of the runway, before the port wing hit a nearby house. There were a lot of fears that the aircraph would explote but the brave United goalkeeper Harry Gregg remained behind to pull survivors from the wreckage.
Due to the rules of the time, after defeating Red Star Club of Yugoslav which the club drew to make it to the semifinals, Manchester united had chartered an airlinethrough British European Airways.
Young Players of ages between 21-28 in the start of some of the greatest careers in the history passed away.
1 Duncan Edwards
Died at Munich, aged 21. Towered above all other members of the Busby Babes, and clung on to life for 13 days after the crash. He was widely hailed as the greatest player in the making.
2 Eddie Colman
Died at Munich, aged 21. Was still working as an army signaller when he made his debut soon after his 19th birthday. What he lacked in stature, the wing-half made up for in skill. They called him "snakehips" after his inimitable body swerve – and his understanding with Edwards was a stuff of history.
3 Mark Jones
Died at Munich, aged 24. Widely acknowledged as one of the best headers of a ball in the history of English football after giving up his bricklaying career to join Busby's United. Until the crash, the centre half's long-awaited England call-up was rumoured to be imminent.
4 Kenny Morgans
Survived. Still traumatised by the crash, he left hospital in Munich in late March, and within a few weeks was pressed to play again for the depleted Manchester United, though his legs still felt "like matchsticks" during his comeback against Wolves reserves. The youngest player involved in the crash, Morgans was never the same again: after two unhappy years at United, he left for his home town team, Swansea, moved to Newport in 1964 and retired in 1970 after three years as Cwmbran Town player/manager.
5 Bobby Charlton
Survived. Manchester United board director since 1984, Charlton was only two years into his first team career before the crash occurred. Later, he became seen as a symbol of the indomitable spirit which saw the club lift the European Cup inside 10 years. His two goals in that 1968 final were among 249 for United, for whom he has played more times than any other player. Sir Bobby, as he is now known, was knighted in 1994.
6 Dennis Viollet
Survived crash but lost fight with cancer, aged 65, in March 1999. One of the best-loved United players of all, despite almost signing for Manchester City, his 32 league goals in a season just two years after Munich remains a club record. Viollet was, surprisingly, transferred to Stoke City for £22,000 in 1962 and eventually emigrated to the US where he coached several sides before his death there.
7 Tommy Taylor
Died at Munich, aged 26. Signed from his home town club, Barnsley, by Busby for a world record £29,999 in March 1953 (Busby had not wanted him to be saddled with the pressure of being the first £30,000 footballer so, the story goes, he gave the other pound to a tea lady). Indomitable at centre forward, Taylor was seen as a natural replacement for Nat Lofthouse in England's side until the crash occurred.
8 Billy Foulkes
Survived crash, now aged 76. Few players epitomise the different world United occupied back then more vividly. When the crash occurred, Foulkes was a part-time player, working down the mine in St Helens most of the week, and training Tuesdays and Thursdays with United. For Foulkes, returning to action soon after the crash was a financial necessity – and so it was that, still a skeletal figure with pains in his head, he acceded to stand-in manager Jimmy Murphy's pleas to take over as captain from Roger Byrne, who died. Retired in 1969, Foulkes coached United's youth team until 1975 and had spells coaching in the US, Norway and Japan. Not in the best of health, he still shows groups of fans around Old Trafford.
9 Harry Gregg
Survived crash, now aged 75. They call him "the hero of Munich" because of the way he crawled, bleeding, from the wreckage and then returned – ignoring the pleas of rescue workers – to pull passengers clear. Gregg, considered by some to be United's finest goalkeeper, saved a woman and her baby as well as team-mates. Returned to the side, though never collected a medal before leaving for Stoke in 1967 and managing Shrewsbury, Swansea and Carlisle. Now runs a hotel in his native Northern Ireland. Awarded MBE in 1995.
10 Albert Scanlon
Survived crash, now aged 72. About to sign for Arsenal when the crash occurred, leaving him with a fractured skull. Returned to the side, but did not flourish, playing another two seasons and finding himself dropped three games into the next. He never played for United again, moving to Newcastle and after that, Lincoln and Mansfield. Still struggles to talk about the events of 1958.
11 Roger Byrne
Died at Munich, aged 28. Busby's captain won three championship medals, and had played 33 times for England before he lost his life, two days short of his 29th birthday. A natural leader of men, the full back had switched to rugby during his war years in the RAF, after he was not deemed good enough at football.
The Munich air disaster took place on 6 February 1958, when British European Airways Flight 609 crashed on its third attempt to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport in Munich, West Germany. On board the plane was the Manchester United football team, nicknamed the "Busby Babes", along with a number of supporters and journalists. 23 of the 44 people on board the aircraft died as a result of the crash.
The team was returning from a European Cup match in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, but had to make a stop in Munich for refuelling, as a non-stop trip from Belgrade to Manchester was out of the range of the flight. After refuelling, the pilots,attempted to take off twice, but had to abandon both attempts due to boost surging in the port engine. Fearing that they would get too far behind schedule.
By the time of the third attempt, it had begun to snow, causing a layer of slush to build up at the end of the runway. When the aircraft hit the slush, it lost control, making take-off impossible. It ploughed through a fence past the end of the runway, before the port wing hit a nearby house. There were a lot of fears that the aircraph would explote but the brave United goalkeeper Harry Gregg remained behind to pull survivors from the wreckage.
Due to the rules of the time, after defeating Red Star Club of Yugoslav which the club drew to make it to the semifinals, Manchester united had chartered an airlinethrough British European Airways.
Young Players of ages between 21-28 in the start of some of the greatest careers in the history passed away.
1 Duncan Edwards
Died at Munich, aged 21. Towered above all other members of the Busby Babes, and clung on to life for 13 days after the crash. He was widely hailed as the greatest player in the making.
2 Eddie Colman
Died at Munich, aged 21. Was still working as an army signaller when he made his debut soon after his 19th birthday. What he lacked in stature, the wing-half made up for in skill. They called him "snakehips" after his inimitable body swerve – and his understanding with Edwards was a stuff of history.
3 Mark Jones
Died at Munich, aged 24. Widely acknowledged as one of the best headers of a ball in the history of English football after giving up his bricklaying career to join Busby's United. Until the crash, the centre half's long-awaited England call-up was rumoured to be imminent.
4 Kenny Morgans
Survived. Still traumatised by the crash, he left hospital in Munich in late March, and within a few weeks was pressed to play again for the depleted Manchester United, though his legs still felt "like matchsticks" during his comeback against Wolves reserves. The youngest player involved in the crash, Morgans was never the same again: after two unhappy years at United, he left for his home town team, Swansea, moved to Newport in 1964 and retired in 1970 after three years as Cwmbran Town player/manager.
5 Bobby Charlton
Survived. Manchester United board director since 1984, Charlton was only two years into his first team career before the crash occurred. Later, he became seen as a symbol of the indomitable spirit which saw the club lift the European Cup inside 10 years. His two goals in that 1968 final were among 249 for United, for whom he has played more times than any other player. Sir Bobby, as he is now known, was knighted in 1994.
6 Dennis Viollet
Survived crash but lost fight with cancer, aged 65, in March 1999. One of the best-loved United players of all, despite almost signing for Manchester City, his 32 league goals in a season just two years after Munich remains a club record. Viollet was, surprisingly, transferred to Stoke City for £22,000 in 1962 and eventually emigrated to the US where he coached several sides before his death there.
7 Tommy Taylor
Died at Munich, aged 26. Signed from his home town club, Barnsley, by Busby for a world record £29,999 in March 1953 (Busby had not wanted him to be saddled with the pressure of being the first £30,000 footballer so, the story goes, he gave the other pound to a tea lady). Indomitable at centre forward, Taylor was seen as a natural replacement for Nat Lofthouse in England's side until the crash occurred.
8 Billy Foulkes
Survived crash, now aged 76. Few players epitomise the different world United occupied back then more vividly. When the crash occurred, Foulkes was a part-time player, working down the mine in St Helens most of the week, and training Tuesdays and Thursdays with United. For Foulkes, returning to action soon after the crash was a financial necessity – and so it was that, still a skeletal figure with pains in his head, he acceded to stand-in manager Jimmy Murphy's pleas to take over as captain from Roger Byrne, who died. Retired in 1969, Foulkes coached United's youth team until 1975 and had spells coaching in the US, Norway and Japan. Not in the best of health, he still shows groups of fans around Old Trafford.
9 Harry Gregg
Survived crash, now aged 75. They call him "the hero of Munich" because of the way he crawled, bleeding, from the wreckage and then returned – ignoring the pleas of rescue workers – to pull passengers clear. Gregg, considered by some to be United's finest goalkeeper, saved a woman and her baby as well as team-mates. Returned to the side, though never collected a medal before leaving for Stoke in 1967 and managing Shrewsbury, Swansea and Carlisle. Now runs a hotel in his native Northern Ireland. Awarded MBE in 1995.
10 Albert Scanlon
Survived crash, now aged 72. About to sign for Arsenal when the crash occurred, leaving him with a fractured skull. Returned to the side, but did not flourish, playing another two seasons and finding himself dropped three games into the next. He never played for United again, moving to Newcastle and after that, Lincoln and Mansfield. Still struggles to talk about the events of 1958.
11 Roger Byrne
Died at Munich, aged 28. Busby's captain won three championship medals, and had played 33 times for England before he lost his life, two days short of his 29th birthday. A natural leader of men, the full back had switched to rugby during his war years in the RAF, after he was not deemed good enough at football.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Friends forver
We have shared many a special episode,
And also chased some common goals ,
And passed life's joys and sorrows,
And walked many miles down the road.
I can't foresee the future
Nor know how our lives will blend,
But I can say with certainty
That more and more I've known you
Something from my heart
Keeps telling me,
I'm glad you have been
My best companion for the ride.
And I pray sincerely, that we remain
LIFE-TIME FRIENDS.
And also chased some common goals ,
And passed life's joys and sorrows,
And walked many miles down the road.
I can't foresee the future
Nor know how our lives will blend,
But I can say with certainty
That more and more I've known you
Something from my heart
Keeps telling me,
I'm glad you have been
My best companion for the ride.
And I pray sincerely, that we remain
LIFE-TIME FRIENDS.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Prizes - A review
A TALE OF THREE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES
Adam Coopersmith- is a combination of a researcher par excellence and caring physician who are almost extinct nowadays . Adam goes on to complete a project left midway by his dead mentor. His marriage which is on the rocks completely dies when he falls in love with another woman. This almost kills his career too. And then a series of events leads to his life being threatened for no mistake of his.He has Alzeimer's
Sandy Raven- Another researcher par excellence,devoted to his work and a unmatched genius in his field. Yet at the moment of his greatest discovery, he is betrayed by someone- a disaster that every scientist fears. What will this betrayal make him do, will he abandon his dreams for the ultimate prize and settle for lesser prizes?
Isabel da Costa- a child genius who is recognised by her father and is constantly pushed by her father to become something he could never be.Though he nurtures her talent but pushes her to the hilt. In the process, she becomes well known as her father wanted but at what price. In the end of her story she has to make a choice between her father and a young man who could provide her all the hapiness in this world. And just when you thought its moving towards a close a shocking revelation changes her life forever.
ADAM, SANDY, ISABEL are torn apart in their personal lives but Segal brings their story together when they compete for the ultimate PRIZE of them all- the NOBEL . Segal weaves a brilliant story of these 3 genius, their dedication which wins them laurels but not the greatest PRIZE of them all.
Two of them recieve the biggest honour of their lives. But all 3 find out that life has other ways of giving us the PRIZES we desire.
A brilliantly written book by Segal whose Love Story i personally hated. All the characters are brilliant especially Adam, probably because of the end. I would recommend this book to all the people whether you liked Love Story or not. We spend so much time on seeking worldly pleasures while conviniently forgetting what gives us joy.
A book for everyone who has a dream.
Adam Coopersmith- is a combination of a researcher par excellence and caring physician who are almost extinct nowadays . Adam goes on to complete a project left midway by his dead mentor. His marriage which is on the rocks completely dies when he falls in love with another woman. This almost kills his career too. And then a series of events leads to his life being threatened for no mistake of his.He has Alzeimer's
Sandy Raven- Another researcher par excellence,devoted to his work and a unmatched genius in his field. Yet at the moment of his greatest discovery, he is betrayed by someone- a disaster that every scientist fears. What will this betrayal make him do, will he abandon his dreams for the ultimate prize and settle for lesser prizes?
Isabel da Costa- a child genius who is recognised by her father and is constantly pushed by her father to become something he could never be.Though he nurtures her talent but pushes her to the hilt. In the process, she becomes well known as her father wanted but at what price. In the end of her story she has to make a choice between her father and a young man who could provide her all the hapiness in this world. And just when you thought its moving towards a close a shocking revelation changes her life forever.
ADAM, SANDY, ISABEL are torn apart in their personal lives but Segal brings their story together when they compete for the ultimate PRIZE of them all- the NOBEL . Segal weaves a brilliant story of these 3 genius, their dedication which wins them laurels but not the greatest PRIZE of them all.
Two of them recieve the biggest honour of their lives. But all 3 find out that life has other ways of giving us the PRIZES we desire.
A brilliantly written book by Segal whose Love Story i personally hated. All the characters are brilliant especially Adam, probably because of the end. I would recommend this book to all the people whether you liked Love Story or not. We spend so much time on seeking worldly pleasures while conviniently forgetting what gives us joy.
A book for everyone who has a dream.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Park Ji Sung-A perspective
A lot was said and written about how Asian football was on a rise when Park Ji Sung the South Korean hit headlines with his performance at the world cup and his much hyped transfer to one of the biggest clubs in the world - MANUTD.
The first Asian player to score on the biggest stage for European club football AND also the first Asian to win a Champions League medal one would expect that his name would be mentioned as one of the players who reshaped the history of Asian football.Signed by Manchester United in 2005 and being picked over Scholes and Giggs Park was a instant hit with the Manchester United faithfuls.
Sceptics would say that a closer look on his career with his club shows that he has never lived up to the standards though.A regular feature on the substitutes bench and an injury probe last year has made many question -Was the hype around an Asian justified?But aren't these achievements in themselves to stand toe to toe with some of the best players and giving them a good run for their money in the team which lead to the extension of his contract till 2010 and being a nominee of Uefa Football awards in the year 2005.The person has always performed brilliantly for club and country alike ,unlike some of his contemporaries. A person of extreme humility he claims that all his success was because of his then manager Guss Hiddink.
Whether Park has done anything else or not he has given hope to a young Asian who aspires to be on the world stage and perform like a champion he truly is.
He deserves all the accolades he gets and has surely changed the face of Asian Football
The first Asian player to score on the biggest stage for European club football AND also the first Asian to win a Champions League medal one would expect that his name would be mentioned as one of the players who reshaped the history of Asian football.Signed by Manchester United in 2005 and being picked over Scholes and Giggs Park was a instant hit with the Manchester United faithfuls.
Sceptics would say that a closer look on his career with his club shows that he has never lived up to the standards though.A regular feature on the substitutes bench and an injury probe last year has made many question -Was the hype around an Asian justified?But aren't these achievements in themselves to stand toe to toe with some of the best players and giving them a good run for their money in the team which lead to the extension of his contract till 2010 and being a nominee of Uefa Football awards in the year 2005.The person has always performed brilliantly for club and country alike ,unlike some of his contemporaries. A person of extreme humility he claims that all his success was because of his then manager Guss Hiddink.
Whether Park has done anything else or not he has given hope to a young Asian who aspires to be on the world stage and perform like a champion he truly is.
He deserves all the accolades he gets and has surely changed the face of Asian Football
Monday, January 12, 2009
Someone to lean on
Someone to cry with
Laugh with and smile
Someone to make
Every moment worthwhile
When times get rough
And my world falls apart
You're someone I run to
You offer your heart
From tearful shoulders
To stomach-aching laughs
You're someone I need
And someone everyone should have
You're someone who can always
Show me the brighter side
And I can always tell you
What I feel inside
Someone to be thankful for
Someone to never forget
You're someone special I'll always love
You're the best friend I've ever met
Another poem from an unknown author..
Laugh with and smile
Someone to make
Every moment worthwhile
When times get rough
And my world falls apart
You're someone I run to
You offer your heart
From tearful shoulders
To stomach-aching laughs
You're someone I need
And someone everyone should have
You're someone who can always
Show me the brighter side
And I can always tell you
What I feel inside
Someone to be thankful for
Someone to never forget
You're someone special I'll always love
You're the best friend I've ever met
Another poem from an unknown author..
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