Made in China is one of the most recognizable labels in the world today due to the large manufacturing industry poweress of China. I would call this as a false market to invest but then that is the reason why I ant a big money consultant. This country is the largest exporter in the world and the made in china label can be seen on a huge range of products from a pin to plane. False false and morphed market for me. But who am I to call the Great walled country a morphed economy.
I hail from India which too many is an automatic reason why i should hate china. But why should i hate china, i too prefer goods that are sold to me at prices that are lucrative. Hence i decline to see that argument and fail it. I question china's credentials because they don't seem to put in their brain when replicating products what other’s having spend billions and years to get too. My understanding was given an affirmation when i read a recent article which says that Indian students when they copy in an examination can't Xerox an answer and always the student who copies get more marks than the student whose paper was copied, where as Chinese students replicated it to perfection. Isn't it funny... Chinese have taken the world by storm by copying the things and producing them at Nano's price.
The whole world on one hand enjoys the prices of Made in China but at the same time looks at it with suspicion. Look at Apple -- they label their products with "Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China" to indicate that even though the products are made in China, the original design was from the US. Now this act have meant that Chinese use 'Made in India' instead of 'Made in China' to sell products to western world. The answer to this shift is simple -- India sells on it name beyond any country would. India is considered as a market that can produce superior goods at affordable prices thanks to the volume of people it has. In manufacturing terminologies India is called the BCCS (Best cost country for sourcing) & China is called LCCS (Low cost country for sourcing).
To be frank even we Indian's didn’t realize this act of China until the recent 2009 June scandal (large consignment of fake anti-malarial generic pharmaceuticals sold to Nigeria) produced in china but labeled as 'Made in India'. Mind you exports from China are directly under the surveillance of Chinese government. No second guesses why India is targeted by China. To play and calm India would further strengthen Chinese position in the world. Morphed position which i am sure in 5-8 years time will be stripped. In times to come i would urge China to be proud of 'Made in China'themselves first. These cheap acts are a further testimony to my reasoning that china doesn't believe in itself and sees the bubble will burst sooner rather than later. With brasil, mexico also claming stakes rapidly for LCCS and subsequently for being BCCS - China needs to dweal upon 'Made in China'.. I would say innovation will make the difference, but a legal one. Students need to learn the art from schools - art of Innovation ;)
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Perfect Sunday
Simple things that made my sunday ;)
a) Early morning mail that wakes you up stating that your candidature has been accepted and you are welcomed as an intern
b) Cleaning room after ages, admist of the dust you find the lovely letter of your friend, memories flash by
c) Hungry after cleaning and you find that you are invited for lunch and the excess goes into your ref for dinner...gosh delicious international dishes..food taken care
d) Seeing your IPL team charge itself towards semifinals - Go Deccan GO !!
d)Finding out on sunday night while fighting against heap of assigments that your monday morning blues (classes) are cancelled
Normal sunday turns into a memorable sunday !!
a) Early morning mail that wakes you up stating that your candidature has been accepted and you are welcomed as an intern
b) Cleaning room after ages, admist of the dust you find the lovely letter of your friend, memories flash by
c) Hungry after cleaning and you find that you are invited for lunch and the excess goes into your ref for dinner...gosh delicious international dishes..food taken care
d) Seeing your IPL team charge itself towards semifinals - Go Deccan GO !!
d)Finding out on sunday night while fighting against heap of assigments that your monday morning blues (classes) are cancelled
Normal sunday turns into a memorable sunday !!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Eyjafjallajokull
Eyjafjallajokull - Scrabblers out there take this one into your memory list, the 16 letter mammoth. The hottest word that had choked every body from President Obama to the layman. Exactly, All isn't well !!
With a monstrous cloud of volcanic ash closing down airports from across Europe, much of Europe is pondereing on: What do you do in a world without air travel? What really would you when the artifical birds can't take off ? Travellers - taking it as an excuse to spend another day or may be days at their respective destinations, bussines vultures turning to sea (not really), cars(London - paris 1500 Euros...lol), trains(cars preffered to show the urgency), e-world chit chats. The ash hovering at altitudes from 20,000 to 30,000 feet has grounded around 18000 flights since causing chaos to our day to day activites. Wonder how dependent are we on these Birds ??
Now if these troubles weren't enough this volcano has been named Eyjafjallajokull. Tongue twister. I have been reading enough about this cloud that has gulped the flying zone of 12 European countries wondering why is it named so?. I do know the bizzarre naming principle adopted in eastern world for the cyclones that keep battering the coasts (Each country that is a part of this group will get in its turn to name it as they like it -- rotational policy). 16 letter world - each european country contributing one letter from it - sharing policy, makes sense. The theory did hold good until a read in face book told me that it is simple. You need to learn how to break this icelandic word (i can't even break a hindi word properly at times). Anyways this is how it goes “Eyja” for island - “Fjalla” means mountain - “Jokull” for glacier. Fjalla and Jokull to an extent make sense but Eyja what is that doing in here ? I guess not all are named to make sense. I would rather pray to this Eyja-Fjalla-Jokull that its anger subsides down and when the ash settles down owing to Mr Gravity it doesn't cause major health problems. Praying and wishing is all that we can do as the experts have resorted to saying "We are not sure when it will stop, may be in hours, days or weeks". Hail science and technology. It again reconfirms my thought that we just can't predict the mother nature.
With a monstrous cloud of volcanic ash closing down airports from across Europe, much of Europe is pondereing on: What do you do in a world without air travel? What really would you when the artifical birds can't take off ? Travellers - taking it as an excuse to spend another day or may be days at their respective destinations, bussines vultures turning to sea (not really), cars(London - paris 1500 Euros...lol), trains(cars preffered to show the urgency), e-world chit chats. The ash hovering at altitudes from 20,000 to 30,000 feet has grounded around 18000 flights since causing chaos to our day to day activites. Wonder how dependent are we on these Birds ??
Now if these troubles weren't enough this volcano has been named Eyjafjallajokull. Tongue twister. I have been reading enough about this cloud that has gulped the flying zone of 12 European countries wondering why is it named so?. I do know the bizzarre naming principle adopted in eastern world for the cyclones that keep battering the coasts (Each country that is a part of this group will get in its turn to name it as they like it -- rotational policy). 16 letter world - each european country contributing one letter from it - sharing policy, makes sense. The theory did hold good until a read in face book told me that it is simple. You need to learn how to break this icelandic word (i can't even break a hindi word properly at times). Anyways this is how it goes “Eyja” for island - “Fjalla” means mountain - “Jokull” for glacier. Fjalla and Jokull to an extent make sense but Eyja what is that doing in here ? I guess not all are named to make sense. I would rather pray to this Eyja-Fjalla-Jokull that its anger subsides down and when the ash settles down owing to Mr Gravity it doesn't cause major health problems. Praying and wishing is all that we can do as the experts have resorted to saying "We are not sure when it will stop, may be in hours, days or weeks". Hail science and technology. It again reconfirms my thought that we just can't predict the mother nature.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Forgotten Glory !
April 12th, will go down in memory of most of us as a day when one of India's most hyped sports women had become the second wife of 'Doorsa' boy of Pakistan. This galmourous marraige with 'Haq Mehr' (dower money)of 61 lakhs has made it to the front, back and centre pages of newspapers, televisions channels would have crackled this as the breaking news of the day. In admist of this hype somewhere in the heart of Punjab Indian's most reliable sport was scripting history silently. Generations or to be specific sports enthusiats like me will remember this day for precisely this reason. The man's game as we call it in our villages - 'Kabbadi', yet again was at the centre in pinning the smiles back. World Champions we are !!
Since time immemorial we have been good at this one beast of a game where your acumen, judgement, speed & team work are put to test. This time it in the form of World Cup we were challenged. Were we ? Thrasing the finalists Pakistan mercilessly, 58-24, India had won the first edition of the Kabaddi World Cup. The final of this 10-day tournament was played at jam-packed floodlit Guru Nanak Stadium in Punjab where still the spirit and respect for this game remains untampered. Bring them on, I say !! It is one sport in which the whole world will take ages to catch up and i have every reason to belive seeing the scorelines throughout the championship.
A poke -- These gentle warriors don't even get a mentioning in the national newspapers leave making it as breaking news in television channels. Media needs glamour and not substance - Examplified. I as a sports lover am saddened to see that Indian's most respected news (sports) publishers NDTV and ESPN STAR didn't take it upon themselves to bring this mega event to the masses. The traditional game had long lost its battle against India's heart trob-Cricket, and a chance to revive it was eaten away by IPL coverage and marraiges. May be some of my Indian brothers and sisters who are after hype will soon realise it to be China - The Manipulated destination.
This event had participation from Britain, USA, Pakistan, Iran, Italy, Canada and Australia. In the semi-finals, India defeated Canada by 57-36 while Pakistan defeated Italy by 57-33 and made their grand entry into the finals. India - Pakistan finals are special, even more because it is Kabbadi - richest and oldest sport played in the now divided Punjab. Indians holding the cup and eating into all the accolades and trophies on the final day at cermony shows the mere domination. Bravo Bravo !!!
Take a bow Punjab govertment for the efforts you have churned out in reviving this special sport. I sincerely hope that this will give enough fillip to the sport and to players. 1 Crore price money on a sport that lacks 'glamour' and 'hype' is a worthy investment and history will applaud your efforts. Thanks Kabbadi - for reminding me that we are world beaters ! Being world champion is a matter of pride and i salute you warriors in making me proud !! Challenging the world -- Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.... ;)
Since time immemorial we have been good at this one beast of a game where your acumen, judgement, speed & team work are put to test. This time it in the form of World Cup we were challenged. Were we ? Thrasing the finalists Pakistan mercilessly, 58-24, India had won the first edition of the Kabaddi World Cup. The final of this 10-day tournament was played at jam-packed floodlit Guru Nanak Stadium in Punjab where still the spirit and respect for this game remains untampered. Bring them on, I say !! It is one sport in which the whole world will take ages to catch up and i have every reason to belive seeing the scorelines throughout the championship.
A poke -- These gentle warriors don't even get a mentioning in the national newspapers leave making it as breaking news in television channels. Media needs glamour and not substance - Examplified. I as a sports lover am saddened to see that Indian's most respected news (sports) publishers NDTV and ESPN STAR didn't take it upon themselves to bring this mega event to the masses. The traditional game had long lost its battle against India's heart trob-Cricket, and a chance to revive it was eaten away by IPL coverage and marraiges. May be some of my Indian brothers and sisters who are after hype will soon realise it to be China - The Manipulated destination.
This event had participation from Britain, USA, Pakistan, Iran, Italy, Canada and Australia. In the semi-finals, India defeated Canada by 57-36 while Pakistan defeated Italy by 57-33 and made their grand entry into the finals. India - Pakistan finals are special, even more because it is Kabbadi - richest and oldest sport played in the now divided Punjab. Indians holding the cup and eating into all the accolades and trophies on the final day at cermony shows the mere domination. Bravo Bravo !!!
Take a bow Punjab govertment for the efforts you have churned out in reviving this special sport. I sincerely hope that this will give enough fillip to the sport and to players. 1 Crore price money on a sport that lacks 'glamour' and 'hype' is a worthy investment and history will applaud your efforts. Thanks Kabbadi - for reminding me that we are world beaters ! Being world champion is a matter of pride and i salute you warriors in making me proud !! Challenging the world -- Kabbadi, Kabbadi, Kabbadi.... ;)
Dream-Lived !!!
Planes, Artifical Birds -- Doesn't they spark your interest ? When I read in schools about the wright brothers inventing them, challenging birds to break their monopoly in skies I was curious..how can they fly? What makes them fly? How are they produced? Year after year i grew, so did my fascination. I would be the first to turn on the TV on Aug 15th, just to see the wonderful fighter jets forming the tricolor in sky. I had developed a love for these artifical birds. And Aerospace engineering was one field that always interested me, but thanks to my knowledge skills it remained a dream. HAL's, NAL's have always amazed me and at every opportunity during my engineering days i did try to get an internship opening. But as merit had no place and i had no contacts i couldnt break into them. My dream was under the carpet still. Trust me when i say my first flight was when i was 21 yrs old on July 26th from Delhi to Hyderabad, thanks to Whirlpool. That was the first time i touched the human bird. I flew the sky, with still a wish 'when i can see the making of them'.
On 9th April 2010 (a day when my cousin was getting engaged in India), i was living my dream. I was at the place where these beauties are made. Specialised for Trainner Fighters (defence purpose) & engine nacelles (for civil) it was one of the best Industrial visits. The place had some kind of magic in it, as i entered the supply chain expert in me took a back seat and engineer in me was re-born or more appropriately kid in me jumping up and down. 2 hours of presentation concentrated on the supply chain was interesting enough, but the main purpose of this 7.2 Euro trip was to see the making of these bitches. The bitches that train the pilots for wars. As we moved into the shop floor it was nothing but spectacular !
Composite unit - metal to metal bonding, composite to composite bonding, laser technology, curing etc.. Touching the fins of the Airbus and Boeings this metallurgical and materials engineer's mind was getting excited. From composite shop to the metal forming shop :- where for the first time i saw a rubber press which can form the metal. Can you imagine rubber doing that to metal ?? If that was not enough a few steps and it was water piercing the metal to shapes of its interest. The power of water - true; cutting the metal. I was spell bound, i never heard about that leave wanting to see that in 23 yrs. And here i was staring at the magic stream forcing it ways into steel, titanium, light alloys. My day as an engineer was made. More was on its way Machining, Heat treatment, Painting - all these process are unique in their own sense and far more technical, complicated than the automobiles (that's the technology related industry that i have seen). The whole experience had it own pleasure and learning because we were fortuned to see both the fighter's and civilians part's getting made. From parts, processes we went to final assembly unit where the final piece that competes and overturns birds in the sky was getting made. The walk down that 1 km square was all i have been dreaming all these years. The whole picture of M-346 being assembled will stay fresh forever in my life. Mind you that was the 5th trainner that was being meticulously put together under the vision of the mother depatment (RnD). Parellely on the other line we got the glimpse of M-311 which had completed its first journey (flight hours before first time full maintanence) in sky churning out more than 30 experts over 4-5 yrs of its flights. Third line - was getting laid. Believed them when they said the 3rd one is a masterpiece and the most ergonomic line designed ever in aerospace industry, such was their technical expertise. It was time to go back to the presentation room to pack bags and leave. But, If the menu till now was delicious, there was an icing on the cake. The newly launched M-346 was making it testing. It was about to take off from the run way. Paused to see the leader in fighter trainer's designed to prepare the piolts of new generation combat aircraft flying today. How many times in my life will i be able to see this red bitch or to that matter any fighter taking off from a distance of 100m ?
In 30 minutes with all the signals cleared this bitch full away into sky -- beautiful 'flying'. The cycle complete- seeing them fly, to flying in them, to making of them and to seeing them fly !! Man had lived his dream of flying long back and I had lived mine !! April 9th will go done in memory books for more than engagement that took place back in India.
PS: Company name intensionally avoided. M-346 is the latest one that can train the pilots for the next 10 yrs of changes that aerospace industry will go through. M- 311 is the bread and butter of today's pilot.
On 9th April 2010 (a day when my cousin was getting engaged in India), i was living my dream. I was at the place where these beauties are made. Specialised for Trainner Fighters (defence purpose) & engine nacelles (for civil) it was one of the best Industrial visits. The place had some kind of magic in it, as i entered the supply chain expert in me took a back seat and engineer in me was re-born or more appropriately kid in me jumping up and down. 2 hours of presentation concentrated on the supply chain was interesting enough, but the main purpose of this 7.2 Euro trip was to see the making of these bitches. The bitches that train the pilots for wars. As we moved into the shop floor it was nothing but spectacular !
Composite unit - metal to metal bonding, composite to composite bonding, laser technology, curing etc.. Touching the fins of the Airbus and Boeings this metallurgical and materials engineer's mind was getting excited. From composite shop to the metal forming shop :- where for the first time i saw a rubber press which can form the metal. Can you imagine rubber doing that to metal ?? If that was not enough a few steps and it was water piercing the metal to shapes of its interest. The power of water - true; cutting the metal. I was spell bound, i never heard about that leave wanting to see that in 23 yrs. And here i was staring at the magic stream forcing it ways into steel, titanium, light alloys. My day as an engineer was made. More was on its way Machining, Heat treatment, Painting - all these process are unique in their own sense and far more technical, complicated than the automobiles (that's the technology related industry that i have seen). The whole experience had it own pleasure and learning because we were fortuned to see both the fighter's and civilians part's getting made. From parts, processes we went to final assembly unit where the final piece that competes and overturns birds in the sky was getting made. The walk down that 1 km square was all i have been dreaming all these years. The whole picture of M-346 being assembled will stay fresh forever in my life. Mind you that was the 5th trainner that was being meticulously put together under the vision of the mother depatment (RnD). Parellely on the other line we got the glimpse of M-311 which had completed its first journey (flight hours before first time full maintanence) in sky churning out more than 30 experts over 4-5 yrs of its flights. Third line - was getting laid. Believed them when they said the 3rd one is a masterpiece and the most ergonomic line designed ever in aerospace industry, such was their technical expertise. It was time to go back to the presentation room to pack bags and leave. But, If the menu till now was delicious, there was an icing on the cake. The newly launched M-346 was making it testing. It was about to take off from the run way. Paused to see the leader in fighter trainer's designed to prepare the piolts of new generation combat aircraft flying today. How many times in my life will i be able to see this red bitch or to that matter any fighter taking off from a distance of 100m ?
In 30 minutes with all the signals cleared this bitch full away into sky -- beautiful 'flying'. The cycle complete- seeing them fly, to flying in them, to making of them and to seeing them fly !! Man had lived his dream of flying long back and I had lived mine !! April 9th will go done in memory books for more than engagement that took place back in India.
PS: Company name intensionally avoided. M-346 is the latest one that can train the pilots for the next 10 yrs of changes that aerospace industry will go through. M- 311 is the bread and butter of today's pilot.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Zero
India's gift to the number's game. India's pride !! Zero is an integer, an even number. Zero is neither positive nor negative and Zero is a natural number and only natural number that is not positive. So it says all, Zero is all in one. With the flexibility it gives and its completeness i am proud when called by people a Zero. Such a feeling is natural, isn't it?
How many of us are merrier when people call us Hero and disappointed when called Zero? Infact all would be gallant to be called as Hero and gutted to be called Zero. I for one might see it differently, not that i am unique nor does my nationality plays a part - just because i think that Zero is complete. Probabaly we have taken Zero for granted, to be used to our liking. Using him for negativity which is beyond him, nearer but not him. But again, humbly the Hero in him has accepted what we want him to be. Isn't that the sign of adaptability? Isn't that a sign of a true winner? Doesn't it say all about Zero. It starts and ends at the same point, it represents a famous saying "what goes around comes around" which is so humble and grounded. And if that wasn't enough add him as many as you want to your right side minus obstacles (decimals) he makes your richer. Doesn't it speaks volumes of this gentle giant. I wish i was him. Humble, adaptable and yet powerful !! I laugh at those who riducle me by saying "You are a Zero" and thank all of them whole heartedly for this comparison. I wish when the history books are written i am referred of being the Zero of this era !!
How many of us are merrier when people call us Hero and disappointed when called Zero? Infact all would be gallant to be called as Hero and gutted to be called Zero. I for one might see it differently, not that i am unique nor does my nationality plays a part - just because i think that Zero is complete. Probabaly we have taken Zero for granted, to be used to our liking. Using him for negativity which is beyond him, nearer but not him. But again, humbly the Hero in him has accepted what we want him to be. Isn't that the sign of adaptability? Isn't that a sign of a true winner? Doesn't it say all about Zero. It starts and ends at the same point, it represents a famous saying "what goes around comes around" which is so humble and grounded. And if that wasn't enough add him as many as you want to your right side minus obstacles (decimals) he makes your richer. Doesn't it speaks volumes of this gentle giant. I wish i was him. Humble, adaptable and yet powerful !! I laugh at those who riducle me by saying "You are a Zero" and thank all of them whole heartedly for this comparison. I wish when the history books are written i am referred of being the Zero of this era !!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Getting it Wrong/Right ?
I wonder with the things happening arnd have i got it wrong ?
It was new year eve and the whole world was partying, but me tried from the long day at Embassy (31st Dec) was off to bed at 10:00PM. The best of new year celebrations were behind me when i lazed out of my bed. And even bad was the timing of resignation. Had quit company in 2009 Dec only to be told that this year the bonues will be paid to only those who are in the organisation during April2010 (the time the bonuses are credited), a revised HR policies as communicated to me in Jan 2010. Loosing a good amount i guess, it has to be when your company is breaking all sorts of records. The amount becomes more valuable when you leave job for studies, and even more when you trade INR for EURO's. Only if HR policies could realize this human and conversion factors. My full and final statement will reveal it all
Landing in Milan only to get the confirmation in a week from dad that sis marraige has been fixed for June 2nd (Surprise element was far lesser in this case). Now not being able to support family for the preparations for the biggest of occassions isn't sinking in well. Some where the thought araises if i timed it wrong. May be yes...To add to this, when Lakshya team is working day in day out to diversify from Education to Health to Technology i sitting far away miss the action and have become a burden leg whom they are carrying along.
And with all the IPL happening in India with Deccan Charges charging their way back to summit i am only left with cric info commentary for updates. Wait wait if during the IPL i am in europe where no one understands what Cricket is or who Sachin is, during summer I will be in India, Andra, Tenali, Vetapalem where i won't be able to catch Football world cup live. Not even online (my village is still in the 1960's, but i admit i love it that way for its innocence)! Come monza (30 minutes from where i stay) in F1 and the rides of alphs by Mr Lance, i will be in India waiting for the first showers of monsoon. Missing out isn't it?
Does this degree and new learning's weigh over these moments that i am missing out on...Only time will tell.. I am sure there can't be an equation that will give a direct result on the trade off...But for sure only time will tell...Only time can give the answer....Am i winded by missing out on all these, I dont know may be to an extent yes with some of them but then living in Milan, enjoying the fashion week, San siros, Aperitivos, mastering the trade is worth the experience.
It was new year eve and the whole world was partying, but me tried from the long day at Embassy (31st Dec) was off to bed at 10:00PM. The best of new year celebrations were behind me when i lazed out of my bed. And even bad was the timing of resignation. Had quit company in 2009 Dec only to be told that this year the bonues will be paid to only those who are in the organisation during April2010 (the time the bonuses are credited), a revised HR policies as communicated to me in Jan 2010. Loosing a good amount i guess, it has to be when your company is breaking all sorts of records. The amount becomes more valuable when you leave job for studies, and even more when you trade INR for EURO's. Only if HR policies could realize this human and conversion factors. My full and final statement will reveal it all
Landing in Milan only to get the confirmation in a week from dad that sis marraige has been fixed for June 2nd (Surprise element was far lesser in this case). Now not being able to support family for the preparations for the biggest of occassions isn't sinking in well. Some where the thought araises if i timed it wrong. May be yes...To add to this, when Lakshya team is working day in day out to diversify from Education to Health to Technology i sitting far away miss the action and have become a burden leg whom they are carrying along.
And with all the IPL happening in India with Deccan Charges charging their way back to summit i am only left with cric info commentary for updates. Wait wait if during the IPL i am in europe where no one understands what Cricket is or who Sachin is, during summer I will be in India, Andra, Tenali, Vetapalem where i won't be able to catch Football world cup live. Not even online (my village is still in the 1960's, but i admit i love it that way for its innocence)! Come monza (30 minutes from where i stay) in F1 and the rides of alphs by Mr Lance, i will be in India waiting for the first showers of monsoon. Missing out isn't it?
Does this degree and new learning's weigh over these moments that i am missing out on...Only time will tell.. I am sure there can't be an equation that will give a direct result on the trade off...But for sure only time will tell...Only time can give the answer....Am i winded by missing out on all these, I dont know may be to an extent yes with some of them but then living in Milan, enjoying the fashion week, San siros, Aperitivos, mastering the trade is worth the experience.
'North India' as i Experienced
I lived all my life in Southern part of India, but for a mumbai or delhi trip with family. In 2007 when i joined Whirlpool it was the first time i had to live for an extended period in the northern part of India. I have to thank my schooling and parents as i was ok with Hindi (my friends stay i have a slang of south indian while i speak, isn't it natural to have a slang ??). It wasn't something new that i was going to experience (atleast i thought so) as i studied at NIT W (a mini India) and majority of my friends have been the northies. Hindi was the flavor during those four years of college life where we co-exsisted but for some small state quarrels mainly over gals and 'chirkut' comments.
But life was to be so different. Living in north india all the south indians irrespective of the states where they hail from are called chennaities or thambis (the only word this part of india can twist). My first phase of 4 months wasn't tough though as there were plenty of trainess around and four months whissed by (2 out of 4 i was hit by acute jaundice and was restingin God's own place). Again in an opportunistic move (by company) i landed in Gurgaon (called millenium city of India) in 2009. I don't see a single reason why it is called Millenium city. I would rather call it the Dustiest city of India. A south Indian amongst northies -- Your skin colors is your sin, You taking bath in the morning and praying to god is considered yuck (not cool was ok, but yucky was hard to digest), You put oil to your hair (typical indian tradition to keep the head cool) very few would volunteer to have a converstation And eating by hand, forget it u will become the laughing stock. I an't joking at all.....These were hard realties that i had to accept being a southe in north. The only saving point for me was the language comfort that i had (i have seen the difficulty of the guys for whom hindi was alien). It left me wondering was I in India? Am i being osctrazied for my dravidian origin. It was so different from what i have lived and how we treated our guests (north, west or east of the country) back home. But i had to eat my ego and kill my anger for what i was being dished out to in my own country for the first few days of this new experience. Most of the places at office, guest house, public transports (autos are the only mode in gurgaon) it happened. I continued my way of eating with hand (more often than not), oil to my hair and other stuff as they were a part of my personality -'my habits'. Things started to change or may be my expectations changed as the days went by. I was getting comfortable when people at evey opportunity reminded me of the 'sins' and day flew. More friends and comfortable i was in Dusty city of India (but i still am wary of so called 'Delhites'). I still think they weren't joking. They keep dishing out the same treatment to all the dravidians one after other who land up there. May be it is their inferiority complex or insecurity or trying to be 'yo-yo'. Whatever it was pleasure staying there and experiencing the differnces my own people dished out to me and will continue to do so in my stints further.
But life was to be so different. Living in north india all the south indians irrespective of the states where they hail from are called chennaities or thambis (the only word this part of india can twist). My first phase of 4 months wasn't tough though as there were plenty of trainess around and four months whissed by (2 out of 4 i was hit by acute jaundice and was restingin God's own place). Again in an opportunistic move (by company) i landed in Gurgaon (called millenium city of India) in 2009. I don't see a single reason why it is called Millenium city. I would rather call it the Dustiest city of India. A south Indian amongst northies -- Your skin colors is your sin, You taking bath in the morning and praying to god is considered yuck (not cool was ok, but yucky was hard to digest), You put oil to your hair (typical indian tradition to keep the head cool) very few would volunteer to have a converstation And eating by hand, forget it u will become the laughing stock. I an't joking at all.....These were hard realties that i had to accept being a southe in north. The only saving point for me was the language comfort that i had (i have seen the difficulty of the guys for whom hindi was alien). It left me wondering was I in India? Am i being osctrazied for my dravidian origin. It was so different from what i have lived and how we treated our guests (north, west or east of the country) back home. But i had to eat my ego and kill my anger for what i was being dished out to in my own country for the first few days of this new experience. Most of the places at office, guest house, public transports (autos are the only mode in gurgaon) it happened. I continued my way of eating with hand (more often than not), oil to my hair and other stuff as they were a part of my personality -'my habits'. Things started to change or may be my expectations changed as the days went by. I was getting comfortable when people at evey opportunity reminded me of the 'sins' and day flew. More friends and comfortable i was in Dusty city of India (but i still am wary of so called 'Delhites'). I still think they weren't joking. They keep dishing out the same treatment to all the dravidians one after other who land up there. May be it is their inferiority complex or insecurity or trying to be 'yo-yo'. Whatever it was pleasure staying there and experiencing the differnces my own people dished out to me and will continue to do so in my stints further.
Eng/English in Chats - Interesting
Till few moments back I was of the opinion that formal English (which means typing sentences as they ought to be, words as they are spelled) was meant for occasions (speeches, literature writing etc etc..). But one question and the statement that followed on a recent chat changed it.
"Did you pick up your English from movies or Tv shows? I am impressed by the slang that you use..."
I was trying to clarify that I rarely watch English movies or Tv shows, hence for them to influence my lingo was feable. I gave the credit/blame to the most trustable allies in universe - 'Friends' (always to fall back on - evergreen option). Then my eyes picked up the word 'slang' on to which i hung on trying to decipher the meaning. In couple of seconds I gave it up and asked my friend what actually she meant by 'slang'. I was curios because it wasn't the first time this was happening to me. The other day one of my friends used the word 'juvenile' to describe the English that I used over the chat and today it was 'slang'. I asked my friend to throw light on what exactly she meant by 'slang' (I am used to being pulled by my friends by associating 'slang' to my accent of hind, Eng, Telugu while speaking) as this was the first time I was slanged in a chat. You start worrying, when the incident happens again and again, whether you are abnormal. My question to her had worry at the same time curiosity written all over it. She was kind enough to elaborate on 'slang'. 'Slang' - Using too many abbreviations. Too many abbreviations over a chat by me was making others to either slang/juvenile my English. Ooph now that was something new to me. Abbz in chats is prety comn 2 us (oops-Abbreviations in chats is pretty common to us). All life long in g-talk and yahoo messenger (predominately Indians) we are used to it and we find fun in innovating new abbreviations time and again (Wasn't that supposed to be smart and fun). It is good when you comment over a picture, but over usage of it is hard to follow or comprehend was the swift reply. I did a quick check on the same in fb to find that we both were right. It is jst d Indians who use it tme & again & r comfy wid al d abbz, whereas others use the literature english (read as without abbreviations). Lessons learnt and cautious not to be called Juvenile or slanged in near future I thanked her. In deed this input from my Easter friend of the day (selected by fb this morning) will prove to me useful.
PS: So folks keep abbz to Indians and when you step out leave your abbreviations/innovations on language to rest, otherwise rest of the world will find it strange and hard to comprehend. 2 months it took me to learn this and probably many more to follow in this Euro Trip of mine.
Ms Miller & Ms Danna - I have in the above article tried my level best to keep my slangged/juvenile english out of the way (the once you see are intentional). Thanking you once gain. Ciao…ciao ;)
"Did you pick up your English from movies or Tv shows? I am impressed by the slang that you use..."
I was trying to clarify that I rarely watch English movies or Tv shows, hence for them to influence my lingo was feable. I gave the credit/blame to the most trustable allies in universe - 'Friends' (always to fall back on - evergreen option). Then my eyes picked up the word 'slang' on to which i hung on trying to decipher the meaning. In couple of seconds I gave it up and asked my friend what actually she meant by 'slang'. I was curios because it wasn't the first time this was happening to me. The other day one of my friends used the word 'juvenile' to describe the English that I used over the chat and today it was 'slang'. I asked my friend to throw light on what exactly she meant by 'slang' (I am used to being pulled by my friends by associating 'slang' to my accent of hind, Eng, Telugu while speaking) as this was the first time I was slanged in a chat. You start worrying, when the incident happens again and again, whether you are abnormal. My question to her had worry at the same time curiosity written all over it. She was kind enough to elaborate on 'slang'. 'Slang' - Using too many abbreviations. Too many abbreviations over a chat by me was making others to either slang/juvenile my English. Ooph now that was something new to me. Abbz in chats is prety comn 2 us (oops-Abbreviations in chats is pretty common to us). All life long in g-talk and yahoo messenger (predominately Indians) we are used to it and we find fun in innovating new abbreviations time and again (Wasn't that supposed to be smart and fun). It is good when you comment over a picture, but over usage of it is hard to follow or comprehend was the swift reply. I did a quick check on the same in fb to find that we both were right. It is jst d Indians who use it tme & again & r comfy wid al d abbz, whereas others use the literature english (read as without abbreviations). Lessons learnt and cautious not to be called Juvenile or slanged in near future I thanked her. In deed this input from my Easter friend of the day (selected by fb this morning) will prove to me useful.
PS: So folks keep abbz to Indians and when you step out leave your abbreviations/innovations on language to rest, otherwise rest of the world will find it strange and hard to comprehend. 2 months it took me to learn this and probably many more to follow in this Euro Trip of mine.
Ms Miller & Ms Danna - I have in the above article tried my level best to keep my slangged/juvenile english out of the way (the once you see are intentional). Thanking you once gain. Ciao…ciao ;)
Monday, April 5, 2010
Winner - Sport
Sports – I love them. Cricket, Football, Tennis and the list goes on. Reliving some of the best moments make you wonder at the way the modern sport is moving. “The Gentlemen’s Game” doesn’t hold good anymore for Cricket, It’s now more of physical than a serene game. The way tackles are flying in and the head butts happen in football, it seems to be giving rugby a run for its money. All this happens in the name of winning. Is this want winning means or does? Winning at any cost is good attitude to have keeping in mind the respect for the opposition. It seems to be contradictory doesn’t it? Surely it did to me until I switched on El Clasico of tennis Fed-x V Nadal match (Wimbledon 2008 highlights). The answer seemed to be so obvious and the statement as such was put to perspective seeing the best in the business sweat it out.
The R v R rivalry had all the answers. Every match of theirs irrespective of the surfaces they play is a treat to watch. Certainly so in clay and grass, I might have no answer to the pundits and stats that show that Fed express speeds over the Spanish warrior on faster surfaces. But then here we are not debating who the best is. For me it is more about the way they play the game. One a magnificent artist, the other street fighter, one right handed the other left handed, one possess the most beautiful shot in the game - single hand backhand the other has a deadly spinning and dipping forehand, one relaxed and carefree the other meticulous about his rituals. They for sure have contrasting styles but they have one thing in common that is to win. Win at any cost? Certainly- pundits would echo coarsely. Yes they do with great hunger. For that they don’t slap each other, neither on the name of mind games call one another “Monkey or rather Maa Ki”. Wait when I say this all you will mull over to the fact that Cricket or Football is a team game and so a contact sport. Inevitable, hence Game-set and Match. Is that what is running through your brains?
Friends here there is no comparison that is being made but rather a genuine observation at how well a rivalry can be fruitful for the game. How aggression in the game and not on the personnel makes the game even more enjoyable. Tennis very true isn’t a contact sport, but neither is cricket. The rivalry between the Swiss maestro and the Spanish bull - isn’t it a treat to watch? They are so special for the reason that they are not bad losers. They make each other sweat the most to earn every single point. But then that is where their animosity ends. The respect they have for game and to opponents as such reminds you that this is still a game, where one has to loose but the sport wins, the fans win. They are the perfect brand ambassadors for this wonderful game. As I finish this one just to emphasis the point we just have to rewind to Barca v Arsenal quarter final’s match at Emirates. Wasn’t that a treat? Football played at break taking pace, end to end stuff, no swearing, no play acting and no leg breaking tackles. After all it is a game where one has to win and win at all costs. I agree. But to win you don’t have to be a bad looser, you don’t have to enact you opponents to red cards. The pain in me as a genuine sports follower is that the people have taken the wrong side of ‘Winning at any cost’. The people who matter have forgotten that it is a game that is played to bring smiles on those tired faces that walk in to stadium. Hope there are many more such rivalries that will grace the sports and refresh it for the generations to come. Hope players walk the pitch to play the game. Hope Hope and Hope !!!
The R v R rivalry had all the answers. Every match of theirs irrespective of the surfaces they play is a treat to watch. Certainly so in clay and grass, I might have no answer to the pundits and stats that show that Fed express speeds over the Spanish warrior on faster surfaces. But then here we are not debating who the best is. For me it is more about the way they play the game. One a magnificent artist, the other street fighter, one right handed the other left handed, one possess the most beautiful shot in the game - single hand backhand the other has a deadly spinning and dipping forehand, one relaxed and carefree the other meticulous about his rituals. They for sure have contrasting styles but they have one thing in common that is to win. Win at any cost? Certainly- pundits would echo coarsely. Yes they do with great hunger. For that they don’t slap each other, neither on the name of mind games call one another “Monkey or rather Maa Ki”. Wait when I say this all you will mull over to the fact that Cricket or Football is a team game and so a contact sport. Inevitable, hence Game-set and Match. Is that what is running through your brains?
Friends here there is no comparison that is being made but rather a genuine observation at how well a rivalry can be fruitful for the game. How aggression in the game and not on the personnel makes the game even more enjoyable. Tennis very true isn’t a contact sport, but neither is cricket. The rivalry between the Swiss maestro and the Spanish bull - isn’t it a treat to watch? They are so special for the reason that they are not bad losers. They make each other sweat the most to earn every single point. But then that is where their animosity ends. The respect they have for game and to opponents as such reminds you that this is still a game, where one has to loose but the sport wins, the fans win. They are the perfect brand ambassadors for this wonderful game. As I finish this one just to emphasis the point we just have to rewind to Barca v Arsenal quarter final’s match at Emirates. Wasn’t that a treat? Football played at break taking pace, end to end stuff, no swearing, no play acting and no leg breaking tackles. After all it is a game where one has to win and win at all costs. I agree. But to win you don’t have to be a bad looser, you don’t have to enact you opponents to red cards. The pain in me as a genuine sports follower is that the people have taken the wrong side of ‘Winning at any cost’. The people who matter have forgotten that it is a game that is played to bring smiles on those tired faces that walk in to stadium. Hope there are many more such rivalries that will grace the sports and refresh it for the generations to come. Hope players walk the pitch to play the game. Hope Hope and Hope !!!
Do U?
Do you have it in you?
To stand by your feelings
To stand tall among opinions
To call spade a spade
To call the shorts when required
To be self, to be you
Do you have it in you?
To make the impossible possible
To make history
To question the traditions, customs
To question the ‘wise’ men
To be self, to be you
Do you have it in you?
To find your destination
To find your dream
To walk the walk
To walk to glory
To be self, to be you
Do you have it in you?
To be self, to be you
To stand by your feelings
To stand tall among opinions
To call spade a spade
To call the shorts when required
To be self, to be you
Do you have it in you?
To make the impossible possible
To make history
To question the traditions, customs
To question the ‘wise’ men
To be self, to be you
Do you have it in you?
To find your destination
To find your dream
To walk the walk
To walk to glory
To be self, to be you
Do you have it in you?
To be self, to be you
Happiness
I search for her I want her,
I wish for her presence
I crave for her, I pray for her
I dream about her hereness
She brings repose, she brings calmness
She is serene, she is priceless
She brings radiance, she brings freshness
She is simple, she is peerless
There I see her, she is suffocating
They all are fighting for her
They squeeze her, she is aching
They want her, they forget her
She escapes them, she comes to me
My wish is here, I celebrate
I want to keep her, I want to own her
I forget her, she is mine forever
I stagnate; I realize I am suffocating,
I pause, I see her struggling
She is aching, she is hurting
She wants to speak, she is whispering
I hear her, she wants freedom
She wants to move places
I ask, will you come back to my kingdom
She smiles and moves
She is enjoying, she is growing
She is Happiness, I see her living
I am happy, I see her around me
She is with me forever, forever
NIT W
Walked through the gates first time ever with pride,
Feeling satisfied and accomplished with every stride
People and culture were different and new
The things I knew were very few
Initially attending classes, meant learning
Being with seniors meant time wasting
But, space with them taught more than any school could have
As time moved on lifelong friends were made
Soon from fresher’s to seniors we made the grade
Attending classes, labs and submitting assignments were of least priority
Late night movies, booze and sreenu point became a regularity
Hanging out with friends, playing and long hours in front of PC gave us the satisfaction
Last minute studies, sharing of papers got us through examination
Fests, Festivals, Fresher’s and Farewells – 4 F’s of our college
Life was better, Life was fun : we didn't have to manage
Fours years flew by and curtains to college life neared
We were bidding adieu to place, to people whom we cared
Walking through the gates this time around, We had grown up from boys to men
NIT W, you the best !! Thanking you for all that you have given
Feeling satisfied and accomplished with every stride
People and culture were different and new
The things I knew were very few
Initially attending classes, meant learning
Being with seniors meant time wasting
But, space with them taught more than any school could have
As time moved on lifelong friends were made
Soon from fresher’s to seniors we made the grade
Attending classes, labs and submitting assignments were of least priority
Late night movies, booze and sreenu point became a regularity
Hanging out with friends, playing and long hours in front of PC gave us the satisfaction
Last minute studies, sharing of papers got us through examination
Fests, Festivals, Fresher’s and Farewells – 4 F’s of our college
Life was better, Life was fun : we didn't have to manage
Fours years flew by and curtains to college life neared
We were bidding adieu to place, to people whom we cared
Walking through the gates this time around, We had grown up from boys to men
NIT W, you the best !! Thanking you for all that you have given
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Bitter 'Rasagolla'
I couldn't believe my eyes. It is one of those 'unthinkables', may be by restricting self to 'unthinkables' i am being nice (my vocab isn't strong either). A sin, unpardonable crime has been commited. In the land of Kali her own son has be cornered. Yes, Sourav Ganguly, Bengal's greatest sporting gift to India is once again questioned, this time from within (probably first and will be the last time to happen). Avid followers of Prince (i being one of them) are shell shocked. Anti-Dada campaign in the heart of Bengal - I for one never thought that it can happen.
The poster read "Dada theke dadu bhai / tabu cricket khela chaai" -- Dada has become 'Dadu' (grand father) & still wants to play cricket. If that statement wasn't enough it had message for the IPL caretakers of KKR "Souravke tara re/Kolkata jitbe re" - Fire sourav if you want to win. In Indian cricket this is nothing new for cricketers in general, the 1.3 billions fans who follow the game are all 'Experts' (We all think we play better and understand the game superior to the 11 that go out and play the game). But the thing that doesn't sink in me is how can it happen to Dada and too in Bengal - 'Insane'. If it happened to Sachin in mumbai under the leadership of 'Marati Manoos' or to Dhoni in Jharkhand it wouldn't have come as an iota of surprise. But this getting dished out in Bengal is altogether different.
Bengal has always been known for its passion for sports. Be it be any sport (soccer, cricket) they wear heart on the sleves and admire it. And to those masses when Sourav turned out innings after innings taking Indian cricket to its Pinnacles, it was celebration time. The little boy from Kolkatta had become everything for them. He had become their 'Dada'. When the world questioned Ganguly they stood behind their Icon. Ganguly's enemies were Bengal's enemies. They took on the entire world (in any forum Tv chats, Interviews, public debates) and braved their child for more.It was a relation probably the whole world envied. It was emotional, it was PASSIONATE.
It took a certain innings of 88 runs the following day from the 'Lord of Offside' to answer the tweets of the selfcentered 'Bollywood Shame' (Sharukh Khan, I hate Hema Malini for giving this dual faced hypocrate a break and Yash Raj for giving him all those wonderful roles) rather than a reminder of his aura to the Kolkatta or his fans. 2007 of Indian Cricket (The Rising of the Pheonix) is still fresh in the minds of the people from the land of Hoogly and the rest of India too. He forever had to live with critics and enviers for the mere reason that he was Unique & Succesful (he installed belief into us, he captained us for victories-India & Abroad, he stood by his players against world and will remain the Icon who changed the way we played the game). He had the land of 15 million people behind him no matter what. Their 18 years of love story would become an Oscar winning movie by itself. But if every movie needs a villian and to spice it up even more if it is a 'Vibhishana' (the cult fig in Indian history who leaked his family secrets) then on March 30th we got The New Alipore Cricket lovers' Association (NACLA), under whose banner the poster appeared, even painted Sourav's picture with his hairs white and a walking stick on Sourav's left hand, the hand that holds the bat. They committed Sin. They will never be pardoned by the macher jhol, rasagolla and Dada loving people. I only could see the families of NACLA culprits abandoning them for the love of 'Son of Kali- Saurav'. Their love story continues; within 48 hours the posters were stripped away from the streets and support to Saurav was capturing the headlines once again (status co).
The poster read "Dada theke dadu bhai / tabu cricket khela chaai" -- Dada has become 'Dadu' (grand father) & still wants to play cricket. If that statement wasn't enough it had message for the IPL caretakers of KKR "Souravke tara re/Kolkata jitbe re" - Fire sourav if you want to win. In Indian cricket this is nothing new for cricketers in general, the 1.3 billions fans who follow the game are all 'Experts' (We all think we play better and understand the game superior to the 11 that go out and play the game). But the thing that doesn't sink in me is how can it happen to Dada and too in Bengal - 'Insane'. If it happened to Sachin in mumbai under the leadership of 'Marati Manoos' or to Dhoni in Jharkhand it wouldn't have come as an iota of surprise. But this getting dished out in Bengal is altogether different.
Bengal has always been known for its passion for sports. Be it be any sport (soccer, cricket) they wear heart on the sleves and admire it. And to those masses when Sourav turned out innings after innings taking Indian cricket to its Pinnacles, it was celebration time. The little boy from Kolkatta had become everything for them. He had become their 'Dada'. When the world questioned Ganguly they stood behind their Icon. Ganguly's enemies were Bengal's enemies. They took on the entire world (in any forum Tv chats, Interviews, public debates) and braved their child for more.It was a relation probably the whole world envied. It was emotional, it was PASSIONATE.
It took a certain innings of 88 runs the following day from the 'Lord of Offside' to answer the tweets of the selfcentered 'Bollywood Shame' (Sharukh Khan, I hate Hema Malini for giving this dual faced hypocrate a break and Yash Raj for giving him all those wonderful roles) rather than a reminder of his aura to the Kolkatta or his fans. 2007 of Indian Cricket (The Rising of the Pheonix) is still fresh in the minds of the people from the land of Hoogly and the rest of India too. He forever had to live with critics and enviers for the mere reason that he was Unique & Succesful (he installed belief into us, he captained us for victories-India & Abroad, he stood by his players against world and will remain the Icon who changed the way we played the game). He had the land of 15 million people behind him no matter what. Their 18 years of love story would become an Oscar winning movie by itself. But if every movie needs a villian and to spice it up even more if it is a 'Vibhishana' (the cult fig in Indian history who leaked his family secrets) then on March 30th we got The New Alipore Cricket lovers' Association (NACLA), under whose banner the poster appeared, even painted Sourav's picture with his hairs white and a walking stick on Sourav's left hand, the hand that holds the bat. They committed Sin. They will never be pardoned by the macher jhol, rasagolla and Dada loving people. I only could see the families of NACLA culprits abandoning them for the love of 'Son of Kali- Saurav'. Their love story continues; within 48 hours the posters were stripped away from the streets and support to Saurav was capturing the headlines once again (status co).
14 years and counting :D
A causal chat with Abhishek Verma (who was supposed to spend his night shift working for IBM rather than chatting with me over Man u - Chelsea game) threw up this amazing number in front of me. 14 years man 14 years (i still can't take it) i have been following BPL or rather i should say Man U. It all started in knowing that the defending champions (red devils) were playing and when you see your first goal of a football match being the 52m stunner by David Bechkam you just turn out to be. A David bechkam and Man U fan for life. That season i didn't have many chance to see the matches live on TV (as BPL fever hadn't caught up that much in India and i was in Kerala (Pilicode, by nov moved to Tcr) and computer and internet were not even in my vocabulary) but do remember that Man U drew stick from all quarters after the loss to New castle (infact they were thumped by New castle). Come may even w/o kicking the ball Man U were crowed champions. It was then a big shock when the famous Eric called quits, to be frank i only knew few names in the team DB, Ole (as he was the leading scorer) and coach Alex. So Eric quitting and its consequences didn't matter to me. I, 11 year old kid was celebrating that my team had won the championship (if fact retained).
The importance of Eric resignation hit me when in 1997-98 season we ended trophy less. All pundits attributed it to the absence of the charismatic Eric and shrewdness of Arsene Wegner at Arsenal. I can still remember that Roy Keane (new club captain) was adamant that United will win the championship some where in March (my final year exams were on) and i was trying to get as much information as possible on PL (premier league) with the access to DD and The Hindu. As a budding footballer fan it was probably the point when Man U became close to my heart. When your team gets beaten and your friends go gaga on it, the anger in you makes you closer to your team even challenging them that they trophy will be back with me (read as Man U; emotional).
And back it was in 1998-99 season. There was no stopping us. We won the treble. Bring them on no matter which club what competition we went on decimating the opposition by keeping them guessing till the last seconds. It was a year of last minute victories. It was the year when we become come back kings. It was the year when we crowned our selves as Champion of Champions at Nou Camp in the final 3 minutes. That season will remain as the season to beat for times to comes. We played the final without out charsmatic captain (keane) and fox (scholes). I can still remember the pleasure of winning it catching the highlights of the match at cousins place (guntur). To get those glimpses i had to resort to emotional blackmails to my dad to get the train tickets dates moved from the final's day (we were supposed to return from tenali, my home town to trichur).In this season the golden generation (The beck's, scholsy, giggsy, keane, nevviles, ole all from the OT school) of the 1990's peaked.
We lost the best Goal Keepers of that decade Peter Schmeichel in the same season. He was one of the most imposing GK's you will find in football. Brought to Theatre of Dreams in 1991 he played for us for 8 years. The deal of 1991 was later acknowledged by the manager himself as the 'bargain of the century'. Since then we had many a GK's but PS is the special one to have played the game. 1999-00 season was more or less taking care of threatening Leeds united. But i will remember it as a season where we made the biggest mistake even though we won the league we didn't play the FA cup. My footballing knowledge was improving and not seeing Man U play in FA instead play the world club competition in Brazil. In India the coverage to PL was improving day by day and by accessibility was getting better to the live matches. 2000-01 season was a comfortable season where we retained the league easily and probably the season where in i realized the pace and strength of what Arsenal was building. Even though my heart will always say united, that Arsenal team was playing some great football. I liked them and in Arsene Wenger there was a manager who was silently plotting the downfall of Sir Alex and Man U.
Come 2001-02 and Arsenal's young brigade walked the PL. They scored in all the matches, went through the season w/o loosing a single match at home. The nail in the coffin was when Arsenal won 1-0 at Theatre of Dreams (wiltord scored the goal, I will never forgive him for that sin of his). It was probably the season where we could have done better but as every good thing has to come to an end out hatrick of league titles had to come to an end. But on reflecting i think loosing to that Arsenal side with pires, dennis, henry, sol, Inspirational and calm Tony, flying freddie it wasn't a disgrace. But the biggest flaw that season was Liverlpool (team of fools) leapfrogged us to finish second.
Probably that was the kick we needed. Roy Keane and his men bruised and hurt from previous season went to the battle field and reclaimed their right - Right to be Champions of BPL (PL was renamed to BPL that year).2002-03 we won it our right at the top step of podium and giving arsenal the taste of 1997-98 season (where they amassed and amazing run in april and may to steal our cup), who went on to nick the FA cup from us. We had Nistel roy finally living up to his potential. A potent poacher he was. The best by far compare to Coles and Yorkes we had in late 90’s. The boot kick incident can’t go w/o a mention. My link to BPL, Man U was gone. Beck’s was sold to Real Madrid. Goals of Becks in champion league quarter final at OT against real as a substitute couldn’t convince Alex to retain him. Deal was done, Beck’s had to leave.
2003-04 was a year of prolific Chelsea acquisitions, with the new signings legacy of Chelsea was getting created. But the title went into the hands of Arsenal led by Henry. Arsenal bet there own previous record and went unbeaten in the whole campaign. Take a bow Wenger and his men!!! Man U with no becks had to settle for the FA cup. It was the year where we were seeing the diving Ronaldo (carrying the Eric and Becks legacy on his back) come of age. He was breathtaking to watch and the restricting was taking place at theatre of dreams. Gold gen was aging. Roy Keane departed the in a dramatic of fashions.
In the following season big spending Chelsea landed the ‘Special One’ to BPL and he in his first season capped them with league title and the carling cup. I admire him man, I love him and still think that he will take over the reigns at OT once Sir Alex calls it a day. Man U ended trophy less, loosing to arsenal in penalties in FA cup final. Champion’s league was a disappointment yet again (as a man u fan I was confined to thought that CL is not our cup of tea). But if the previous campaigns positive was Ronaldo, this year we had Wayne stolen from Everton. 2005-06 wasn’t much different. Rebuilding was happening at theatre. Nistelroy left us for Real, which turned out to be the blessing in disguise. After two trophies less years and young squad under disposal we stopped Chelsea. Since then we have won BPL three times, reached CL’s finals twice is successive years (no other team has done that, may be Barca might do it this time) winning once and loosing to Barca. 2007-08 we won everything 4 trophies in one year. With Rooney-Ronaldo partnership ending (thanks to the big spending Madrid), 2009-10 season we are being tested. New signings have come and gone, but as Neville said in Fergie we ‘Trust’. We need a big lift from him to see us through this hectic finish (finish with none of the R’s). As I write we are on top of BPL edging Chelsea by a point, still in CL with a return fixture against Bayern Munich (who has taken the revenge for last minute final loss in 1999 with their own spl last minuter in the first leg).
It hard too believe 14 yrs have flown by and still some of the Golden genx are weaving their magic (giggs, g neville & scholsy). One final push guys trust me i won't ask again. This year we need Premier League (to show the fools we have 19 and all recent one's not barking on history as they like them) & CL (to show Barca that they were lucky the other night). Holding of Mourinhio less Blues should be easier and seeing of Bayern & then frenchies a must. At Madrid on 22nd May we have an appointment with Barca.
The importance of Eric resignation hit me when in 1997-98 season we ended trophy less. All pundits attributed it to the absence of the charismatic Eric and shrewdness of Arsene Wegner at Arsenal. I can still remember that Roy Keane (new club captain) was adamant that United will win the championship some where in March (my final year exams were on) and i was trying to get as much information as possible on PL (premier league) with the access to DD and The Hindu. As a budding footballer fan it was probably the point when Man U became close to my heart. When your team gets beaten and your friends go gaga on it, the anger in you makes you closer to your team even challenging them that they trophy will be back with me (read as Man U; emotional).
And back it was in 1998-99 season. There was no stopping us. We won the treble. Bring them on no matter which club what competition we went on decimating the opposition by keeping them guessing till the last seconds. It was a year of last minute victories. It was the year when we become come back kings. It was the year when we crowned our selves as Champion of Champions at Nou Camp in the final 3 minutes. That season will remain as the season to beat for times to comes. We played the final without out charsmatic captain (keane) and fox (scholes). I can still remember the pleasure of winning it catching the highlights of the match at cousins place (guntur). To get those glimpses i had to resort to emotional blackmails to my dad to get the train tickets dates moved from the final's day (we were supposed to return from tenali, my home town to trichur).In this season the golden generation (The beck's, scholsy, giggsy, keane, nevviles, ole all from the OT school) of the 1990's peaked.
We lost the best Goal Keepers of that decade Peter Schmeichel in the same season. He was one of the most imposing GK's you will find in football. Brought to Theatre of Dreams in 1991 he played for us for 8 years. The deal of 1991 was later acknowledged by the manager himself as the 'bargain of the century'. Since then we had many a GK's but PS is the special one to have played the game. 1999-00 season was more or less taking care of threatening Leeds united. But i will remember it as a season where we made the biggest mistake even though we won the league we didn't play the FA cup. My footballing knowledge was improving and not seeing Man U play in FA instead play the world club competition in Brazil. In India the coverage to PL was improving day by day and by accessibility was getting better to the live matches. 2000-01 season was a comfortable season where we retained the league easily and probably the season where in i realized the pace and strength of what Arsenal was building. Even though my heart will always say united, that Arsenal team was playing some great football. I liked them and in Arsene Wenger there was a manager who was silently plotting the downfall of Sir Alex and Man U.
Come 2001-02 and Arsenal's young brigade walked the PL. They scored in all the matches, went through the season w/o loosing a single match at home. The nail in the coffin was when Arsenal won 1-0 at Theatre of Dreams (wiltord scored the goal, I will never forgive him for that sin of his). It was probably the season where we could have done better but as every good thing has to come to an end out hatrick of league titles had to come to an end. But on reflecting i think loosing to that Arsenal side with pires, dennis, henry, sol, Inspirational and calm Tony, flying freddie it wasn't a disgrace. But the biggest flaw that season was Liverlpool (team of fools) leapfrogged us to finish second.
Probably that was the kick we needed. Roy Keane and his men bruised and hurt from previous season went to the battle field and reclaimed their right - Right to be Champions of BPL (PL was renamed to BPL that year).2002-03 we won it our right at the top step of podium and giving arsenal the taste of 1997-98 season (where they amassed and amazing run in april and may to steal our cup), who went on to nick the FA cup from us. We had Nistel roy finally living up to his potential. A potent poacher he was. The best by far compare to Coles and Yorkes we had in late 90’s. The boot kick incident can’t go w/o a mention. My link to BPL, Man U was gone. Beck’s was sold to Real Madrid. Goals of Becks in champion league quarter final at OT against real as a substitute couldn’t convince Alex to retain him. Deal was done, Beck’s had to leave.
2003-04 was a year of prolific Chelsea acquisitions, with the new signings legacy of Chelsea was getting created. But the title went into the hands of Arsenal led by Henry. Arsenal bet there own previous record and went unbeaten in the whole campaign. Take a bow Wenger and his men!!! Man U with no becks had to settle for the FA cup. It was the year where we were seeing the diving Ronaldo (carrying the Eric and Becks legacy on his back) come of age. He was breathtaking to watch and the restricting was taking place at theatre of dreams. Gold gen was aging. Roy Keane departed the in a dramatic of fashions.
In the following season big spending Chelsea landed the ‘Special One’ to BPL and he in his first season capped them with league title and the carling cup. I admire him man, I love him and still think that he will take over the reigns at OT once Sir Alex calls it a day. Man U ended trophy less, loosing to arsenal in penalties in FA cup final. Champion’s league was a disappointment yet again (as a man u fan I was confined to thought that CL is not our cup of tea). But if the previous campaigns positive was Ronaldo, this year we had Wayne stolen from Everton. 2005-06 wasn’t much different. Rebuilding was happening at theatre. Nistelroy left us for Real, which turned out to be the blessing in disguise. After two trophies less years and young squad under disposal we stopped Chelsea. Since then we have won BPL three times, reached CL’s finals twice is successive years (no other team has done that, may be Barca might do it this time) winning once and loosing to Barca. 2007-08 we won everything 4 trophies in one year. With Rooney-Ronaldo partnership ending (thanks to the big spending Madrid), 2009-10 season we are being tested. New signings have come and gone, but as Neville said in Fergie we ‘Trust’. We need a big lift from him to see us through this hectic finish (finish with none of the R’s). As I write we are on top of BPL edging Chelsea by a point, still in CL with a return fixture against Bayern Munich (who has taken the revenge for last minute final loss in 1999 with their own spl last minuter in the first leg).
It hard too believe 14 yrs have flown by and still some of the Golden genx are weaving their magic (giggs, g neville & scholsy). One final push guys trust me i won't ask again. This year we need Premier League (to show the fools we have 19 and all recent one's not barking on history as they like them) & CL (to show Barca that they were lucky the other night). Holding of Mourinhio less Blues should be easier and seeing of Bayern & then frenchies a must. At Madrid on 22nd May we have an appointment with Barca.
S*S Partnership
A quick look into ODI cricket which is fast loosing it foothold to 20-20. When you talk about Indian Cricket, especially ODI cricket you can't look much beyond the partnership of Sachin-Sourav(even the best of critics will take a bow infront of this).
Every team has members who face the brunt upfront; they are the ones who are expected to take the attack to the opposition from the start and build the foundation for triumphs. In Cricket, these warriors are called "Openers". "A good beginning is half the job done" --- it becomes imperative that the best in the business do it. And in ODI which is a batsmen's paradise you need your best batters to play the full 50 innings. Openers slot is also the most important batting slot in the game because you need to go bang bang in first 15 overs (fielding restrictions in place, now some rules have changed) and once settled you need to play through the innings for either setting up the targets or chasing them down.
The One-Day game, has seen many a great Opening pairs. The West Indian pair of Haynes and Greenidge in 1980's, Australian pair of Haydos/Waugh and Gilchrist in 2000's did make the bowlers look ordinary. Time after time the pair that gave sleepless nights to the bowlers was the Indian duo, sachin - sourav. The perfect combo pack that could take advantage of the fielding restrictions and shown the tenacity to finish off the games. Now, as i reflect on the 40 years of ODI cricket, I fell that the World of One-Day Cricket has possibly seen the greatest ever opening pair. The double S partnership that began its golden journey in late 1996 has gone a long way into rewritting history books time and again.
Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly are the two of the greatest batsmen to play this gentlemen's game. Their association, as an Opening pair, will remain a milestone that would need a lot of catching. Generations to come will be reminded by coaches to take a leaf out of this combinations and sats will keep remainding us on how great their achievements are. When you put the World's best batsman -- Sachin (god of cricket as he famously know as) alongside Saurav (Lord of offside) -- arguably the World's best left handed batsman in ODI's you get a pair that has an aura that surpasses any other and the things had to happen the way they unfolded.
In their 10 year long partnership at the top of Indian cricket, these two Icons scripted many a great Indian wins and gave the fans some of the most sensational batting displays ever seen. Their record as an opening pair has been phenomenal -- 21 century stands in 136 innings amassing over 6,100 runs at an average of 49 runs per match is evidence enough of their greatness. To crown these feats is their opening partnership of 258 in One-Day Cricket which was surpassed by Sanath and Taranga.
Although, Sachin and Saurav are miles apart as individuals yet they strike a chord when they enter the cricket field and complement each other perfectly. At one end you have the batting maestro - Sachin -- cool, composed, technical correct and unflustered while on the other end you get Saurav Ganguly- emotional, flamboaunt and fiery. But the things to note was each others hunger to hit the winning run and see the team through. The number of centuries they managed is a reflection of this fact. Their strength as an opening pair, apart from the fact that they are brilliant stroke makers, lies in the point that one is a right-hander and the other a left-hander. This meant that the bowlers had torrid time adjusting their lengths and lines constantly. Another one of their strengths lies in their ability to play for each other and that's for me was their best ally. If one went after the bowling, the other complemented him by giving rotating strike and on days when one of them was struggling for form, the other took on himself the responsibility to carry his partner along. This strength kept their major weakness under the carpet, they were not the best or the fastest of pairs when it came to running between the wickets.
Too add to these strenghts is the exceptional shot making ability to the good deliveries. Both Sachin and Saurav had the gift of timing and were elegance personified. But they had the brut game in them to go along with the elegance. Shots flew from their willows like a artist at worker or exploded like a dynamite which even the best bowlers admired. Each loving others company and never gave up the opportunity to be in the best of seat's (non strikers end) in stadium to see when the other was in sublime flow.
Some of India's greatest victories have been a result of a good foundation laid by these two pillars of Indian Cricket. India's memorable victory in the Independence Cup Final in 1998 against Pakistan, Sachin and Saurav superb 252 for the first wicket to beat the lankans in lanka, 10 wicket victory against zimbawe in sharjah, Pilling on a quick fire 180 run stand in 2000 against SA and the list continues in which they shared 21 century partnerships. As stats are not the objective i leave them here. Stats are good, but they don't give a quality prespective of the things that these gentle men did in between the 22 yard square.
At a time when there was a dearth of quality openers in world cricket, Sachin and Saurav come across as a fresh breath of air. Like dancing, in cricket - it takes two to tango. Tangos after tangos, I mean partnerships after partnerships - these men took their team to victory. If a cricket team's best tango pair is at the top - the opening batsmen, even better and that what this pair was. The best batting at the best positions and carving out best parterships time and again. In today's T-20 we can still see why they are successful in IPL. One thing that the youngsters have to look into and learn is the amazing skill of these legends in converting starts into comendable innings.
Saluting the pair !!!
PS: Stats picked from cricinfo, but the essence of the artical is to pay tribute to the wonderful pair who played the game and gave glorious cricketing moments to us.
Every team has members who face the brunt upfront; they are the ones who are expected to take the attack to the opposition from the start and build the foundation for triumphs. In Cricket, these warriors are called "Openers". "A good beginning is half the job done" --- it becomes imperative that the best in the business do it. And in ODI which is a batsmen's paradise you need your best batters to play the full 50 innings. Openers slot is also the most important batting slot in the game because you need to go bang bang in first 15 overs (fielding restrictions in place, now some rules have changed) and once settled you need to play through the innings for either setting up the targets or chasing them down.
The One-Day game, has seen many a great Opening pairs. The West Indian pair of Haynes and Greenidge in 1980's, Australian pair of Haydos/Waugh and Gilchrist in 2000's did make the bowlers look ordinary. Time after time the pair that gave sleepless nights to the bowlers was the Indian duo, sachin - sourav. The perfect combo pack that could take advantage of the fielding restrictions and shown the tenacity to finish off the games. Now, as i reflect on the 40 years of ODI cricket, I fell that the World of One-Day Cricket has possibly seen the greatest ever opening pair. The double S partnership that began its golden journey in late 1996 has gone a long way into rewritting history books time and again.
Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly are the two of the greatest batsmen to play this gentlemen's game. Their association, as an Opening pair, will remain a milestone that would need a lot of catching. Generations to come will be reminded by coaches to take a leaf out of this combinations and sats will keep remainding us on how great their achievements are. When you put the World's best batsman -- Sachin (god of cricket as he famously know as) alongside Saurav (Lord of offside) -- arguably the World's best left handed batsman in ODI's you get a pair that has an aura that surpasses any other and the things had to happen the way they unfolded.
In their 10 year long partnership at the top of Indian cricket, these two Icons scripted many a great Indian wins and gave the fans some of the most sensational batting displays ever seen. Their record as an opening pair has been phenomenal -- 21 century stands in 136 innings amassing over 6,100 runs at an average of 49 runs per match is evidence enough of their greatness. To crown these feats is their opening partnership of 258 in One-Day Cricket which was surpassed by Sanath and Taranga.
Although, Sachin and Saurav are miles apart as individuals yet they strike a chord when they enter the cricket field and complement each other perfectly. At one end you have the batting maestro - Sachin -- cool, composed, technical correct and unflustered while on the other end you get Saurav Ganguly- emotional, flamboaunt and fiery. But the things to note was each others hunger to hit the winning run and see the team through. The number of centuries they managed is a reflection of this fact. Their strength as an opening pair, apart from the fact that they are brilliant stroke makers, lies in the point that one is a right-hander and the other a left-hander. This meant that the bowlers had torrid time adjusting their lengths and lines constantly. Another one of their strengths lies in their ability to play for each other and that's for me was their best ally. If one went after the bowling, the other complemented him by giving rotating strike and on days when one of them was struggling for form, the other took on himself the responsibility to carry his partner along. This strength kept their major weakness under the carpet, they were not the best or the fastest of pairs when it came to running between the wickets.
Too add to these strenghts is the exceptional shot making ability to the good deliveries. Both Sachin and Saurav had the gift of timing and were elegance personified. But they had the brut game in them to go along with the elegance. Shots flew from their willows like a artist at worker or exploded like a dynamite which even the best bowlers admired. Each loving others company and never gave up the opportunity to be in the best of seat's (non strikers end) in stadium to see when the other was in sublime flow.
Some of India's greatest victories have been a result of a good foundation laid by these two pillars of Indian Cricket. India's memorable victory in the Independence Cup Final in 1998 against Pakistan, Sachin and Saurav superb 252 for the first wicket to beat the lankans in lanka, 10 wicket victory against zimbawe in sharjah, Pilling on a quick fire 180 run stand in 2000 against SA and the list continues in which they shared 21 century partnerships. As stats are not the objective i leave them here. Stats are good, but they don't give a quality prespective of the things that these gentle men did in between the 22 yard square.
At a time when there was a dearth of quality openers in world cricket, Sachin and Saurav come across as a fresh breath of air. Like dancing, in cricket - it takes two to tango. Tangos after tangos, I mean partnerships after partnerships - these men took their team to victory. If a cricket team's best tango pair is at the top - the opening batsmen, even better and that what this pair was. The best batting at the best positions and carving out best parterships time and again. In today's T-20 we can still see why they are successful in IPL. One thing that the youngsters have to look into and learn is the amazing skill of these legends in converting starts into comendable innings.
Saluting the pair !!!
PS: Stats picked from cricinfo, but the essence of the artical is to pay tribute to the wonderful pair who played the game and gave glorious cricketing moments to us.
4 Incredible Nights
It all started of when the Thursday classes (6 hrs of torchure) came to an end. With a relief that these subjects and prof (specially the Nissan one) will never haunt us again. With only exams standing between us and easter it was decided - Party Time. French were game for it. 8 at Yunes appartment was the venue.
'French' ies
With my residence being far I decided to head off to Yunes place with him. On the way we found the wandering morrocan (Mr Abdo) in search of library. No idea what takes him there thirst for knowledge or thirst for chicks its anybodys guess. We enticed him to join us and trio left for the apartment. With one of the interesting football matches live (Juve v Fulham - second leg) we settled in. Yunes, inspite of several "no's" volunteered to prepare dinner. We were skeptical and had every right to be so... he was cooking for a group of people for the first time. Surely he didn't disappoint us. With eggs, cream, pasta and servings we had delicious dinner (I tried my best to ruin it with my own little experimentations). With Benjamin, Arnaud & Fabrice joinning us by 8 with whisky and vodka there was no looking back. Golf putting for competition (Fabrice and Yunes - Winners), music and exotic italian TV show on nothing could stop us. As the darkness grew the flavor sweetened. It was one night that i will savour for times to come.
Indian Masala
Up and running by early evening I promised self for studies (the enormosity of the subject needed time). But it wasn't scripted that way. My friend (parthu) invited me to the dinner advancing it by a day (was supposed to be on saturday). Indian food (other than what i make for self) was calling me after 2 months. I wasn't letting the invitation go by. Reached there well before time. Met Prasad (his farewell dinner party), Karthik (chennai anna), Srinath (Computer service centre) & Mr Gwalior (who was already in sixes and sevens after a boozz session). It was awesome time with the new Indian acquaintances. Poori, Chappati, Rice, Channa masala (for veggies), Chicken masala & Curd. Wine was arnd, and i did ensured that most of the wine was mine (1 litre of wine for my standards....). Rounding off the day was prasad so called farewell speech and cake cutting event. I managed my way back safe and secure.
Festive Saturday
Morning (actually late afternoon) i woke up with a promise "never to drink again". To shake off the litre effect i had 3-4 litres of water and grabbed the food from fridge. Opened orkut with a message from friend which read "catch up at Torro for drinks and party". My Brazilian friend working in China on an official visit to Milan. I headed off straight to destination - Torro. Did find it a little tough with me not speaking italian and these italians not having an iota of english knowledge. Finally reached the right place and the right time (bottles were just getting opened). Promises are meant to be broken and in no time i grabbed my glass of wine and then started exchanging pleasantries. After couple of drinks (modest) we decided to go out as it was party eve (Italians & Brazilans dn't need a reason to party + it was a Turkish and Iranian celebrations - new year i guess). We to our surprise got invited to the Turkish party around. I swear i haven't seen so many beautiful gals dress up so meticulously - no not even in Indian wedding's. It was lite music and fun. The scenes and beauties are fresh in my memory. Struggled my way from Turro to my residence as public transportation came to standstill. But with Ipod for company and images fresh i walked back the distance to surrender self to sleep.
'Glorious' Sunday
With rain pouring down and climate cold i couldn't get up till 2PM (inspite of alarm being set for 10AM) Finally with some prayers and a remainder from my mom i started studying. With one eye on the Man u v Liverpool scoreline i some how managed some reading. Narrowing down the syllabus to suit self and anticipating the important portions i played around with books till 7. Thanks to Karin Miller I had an invite for movie 'INGLORIOUS BASTARDS' being aired in our common theatre. Even though i had seen it before I needed a break & joined the grp. It was fun, for the simple reason that the hall had international representation.With ohhh's and aaah's for Bingo's & Gracias (typical nativity was exposed in the movie) 3 hrs flew by. Back from movie refreshed i went to sleep glancing at some of the notes i had.
Mission exam succesfully accomplished i feel satisfied that i didnt keep myself away from any of these nights !! Thank god it happened to me :D
'French' ies
With my residence being far I decided to head off to Yunes place with him. On the way we found the wandering morrocan (Mr Abdo) in search of library. No idea what takes him there thirst for knowledge or thirst for chicks its anybodys guess. We enticed him to join us and trio left for the apartment. With one of the interesting football matches live (Juve v Fulham - second leg) we settled in. Yunes, inspite of several "no's" volunteered to prepare dinner. We were skeptical and had every right to be so... he was cooking for a group of people for the first time. Surely he didn't disappoint us. With eggs, cream, pasta and servings we had delicious dinner (I tried my best to ruin it with my own little experimentations). With Benjamin, Arnaud & Fabrice joinning us by 8 with whisky and vodka there was no looking back. Golf putting for competition (Fabrice and Yunes - Winners), music and exotic italian TV show on nothing could stop us. As the darkness grew the flavor sweetened. It was one night that i will savour for times to come.
Indian Masala
Up and running by early evening I promised self for studies (the enormosity of the subject needed time). But it wasn't scripted that way. My friend (parthu) invited me to the dinner advancing it by a day (was supposed to be on saturday). Indian food (other than what i make for self) was calling me after 2 months. I wasn't letting the invitation go by. Reached there well before time. Met Prasad (his farewell dinner party), Karthik (chennai anna), Srinath (Computer service centre) & Mr Gwalior (who was already in sixes and sevens after a boozz session). It was awesome time with the new Indian acquaintances. Poori, Chappati, Rice, Channa masala (for veggies), Chicken masala & Curd. Wine was arnd, and i did ensured that most of the wine was mine (1 litre of wine for my standards....). Rounding off the day was prasad so called farewell speech and cake cutting event. I managed my way back safe and secure.
Festive Saturday
Morning (actually late afternoon) i woke up with a promise "never to drink again". To shake off the litre effect i had 3-4 litres of water and grabbed the food from fridge. Opened orkut with a message from friend which read "catch up at Torro for drinks and party". My Brazilian friend working in China on an official visit to Milan. I headed off straight to destination - Torro. Did find it a little tough with me not speaking italian and these italians not having an iota of english knowledge. Finally reached the right place and the right time (bottles were just getting opened). Promises are meant to be broken and in no time i grabbed my glass of wine and then started exchanging pleasantries. After couple of drinks (modest) we decided to go out as it was party eve (Italians & Brazilans dn't need a reason to party + it was a Turkish and Iranian celebrations - new year i guess). We to our surprise got invited to the Turkish party around. I swear i haven't seen so many beautiful gals dress up so meticulously - no not even in Indian wedding's. It was lite music and fun. The scenes and beauties are fresh in my memory. Struggled my way from Turro to my residence as public transportation came to standstill. But with Ipod for company and images fresh i walked back the distance to surrender self to sleep.
'Glorious' Sunday
With rain pouring down and climate cold i couldn't get up till 2PM (inspite of alarm being set for 10AM) Finally with some prayers and a remainder from my mom i started studying. With one eye on the Man u v Liverpool scoreline i some how managed some reading. Narrowing down the syllabus to suit self and anticipating the important portions i played around with books till 7. Thanks to Karin Miller I had an invite for movie 'INGLORIOUS BASTARDS' being aired in our common theatre. Even though i had seen it before I needed a break & joined the grp. It was fun, for the simple reason that the hall had international representation.With ohhh's and aaah's for Bingo's & Gracias (typical nativity was exposed in the movie) 3 hrs flew by. Back from movie refreshed i went to sleep glancing at some of the notes i had.
Mission exam succesfully accomplished i feel satisfied that i didnt keep myself away from any of these nights !! Thank god it happened to me :D
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