World Champions 2011: Playing for a Cause

I have always been hearing about the biggest day in Indian Cricket. The day in 1983 when we won the World Cup and how Indian Cricket changed forever. Stories have been passed down on how Kapil Dev single handedly scored 175 to secure a berth in the finals. Anecdotes about a spirited catch from Kapil in the finals uplifted the team morale and eventually lifted the World Cup. All this while, with each passing World Cup, I hoped to witness history and be the storyteller.

On April 2nd,2011, I did witness history and what a glorious moment it was. A moment to be proud of and to be cherished all my life. Yes, we are the world champions!!! 2011 World Cup was special in more ways than one. Of course, it’s a world class tournament and more often than not the team which is skilled and mentally strong prevails. But the 2011 world cup was special for many reason – Firstly, It’s been 28 long years that we haven't won the cup and after the Indian team’s disastrous exit in 2007 aspirations and emotions were sky high that we get through this time. After all, there are some advantages of a billion plus population. Secondly,in all likelihood, this might be Sachin’s last world cup (though you never know, he is like an old wine, getting better with age ) and in his illustrious career it would be a gross aberration if he goes without a World Cup medal. And I think precisely for these reasons that we managed to get better off all the best teams in this world cup.

This reminds me of a hugely inspiring speech by Butch Jimenez titled “What’s better than?” where he elaborates the difference between a vision and a cause. While Lanka played for the World Cup, we played for a cause.

Lastly, I would request our president, Mrs. Pratibha Patil to put some good use of her term in office and confer the highest medal possible to the Indian team. After all a team which unites, brings joy and an undisputed sense of pride amongst 1.2 billion people who are otherwise treated with massive misgovernance and often denied of basic amenities, deserve it.

Proud,
Neo.

 

P.S: There has been lot of clamoring amongst our netas to shine in this reflected glory and announcing cash rich awards. If any one can please remind them that India is not ruled by kings anymore who used to declare monetary rewards on their whims and fancies.

The Verdict:A Stable Governance

Being an ardent follower of Indian Politics, I know how much I have missed the heat of action sitting far away (and more so of first time missing my chance to exercise my power). But if I didn't reach political action this time, it surely got hold off me.  Declarations such as "First Dalit PM" or freak rumors of Amisha Patel contesting LS seat -  the great Indian political circus has never been more entertaining. With each and everyone, with  remote connection to Indian politics, harboring dreams of being the PM this elections were surely going to be a blockbuster.

With the results out now, it seems like the magician has pulled out a bear instead of the proverbial rabbit. Congress has not only surprised all others but also its own leaders. Never would have they imagined of getting in to absolute power. Though I am not a particular fan of congress and its (dynasty) policies but am much more relieved and happy at the prospect of having a stable government for the next five years. No more demanding allies. No more "not in the government but always in decision/policy making" parties. There is less clutter now and almost all unwanted noise in terms of smaller regional parties with their own selfish motives are wiped off. The Indian voter has definitely voted ,if not for anything else, for stability. And above everything else, am more happy that the Left didn't get it right. It's high time that they change their archaic communist views which have been disowned by their fellow commarades all across the world.

As far as BJP is concerned, am sad for them. But they need to learn from congress that the Indian media is out for sale and you need to be the highest bidder. Cause I fail to understand  how is BJP blamed squarely for 2002 and Congress has a clean chit on 1984. How is talking about majorities is termed being communal and appeasing minorities is termed secular? How is one person incidentally belonging to a particular family is easily projected as the next PM and then a whole world of lies about charisma and leadership is built around him. And this media favoritism is now more essential for the BJP at the time when Advani will no longer be the face of the party.

But the man of the moment, or should I say the king of the moment is Dr. Singh. Singh is King! and yes he is. But this time he has more to do. No excuses of being tied down by allies will work. No excuses of being accommodating on important cabinet berths will work. No excuses of being lax on reforms and slow on decision making will work. This nation gave you 5 years, and is giving you 5 more. Last time around you might be accidental PM but this time people have voted for you. And am sure no one will understand more than you about the great phrase "With great powers; comes great responsibility"

 

looking forward,
Neo.

Happy Diwali!!!

It's true, when they say that humans are the most adoptable species. From the once sparkling Diwali with near ones to a rather dull Diwali with acquaintances -  I have come a long way. Last time around was the first when I experienced the inexperienced. So this time, I want to to embrace it with open arms and take whatever its brings along.

“There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle”

Here's wishing all my readers, friends and family a very Happy Diwali and a very very prosperous New Year ahead.

 

lighting,
Neo.

Karzzz Review: Zzzzzzzzzzzz

Zzzzzzzzzzzz......seems I need a strong shot of expresso to wake up and write few lines. Much resources have been sinfully wasted in making of this movie; hence any of my elaborate writing on it would inviting God's wrath.

I have seen the old movie Karz in my childhood on ole Doordarshan. I don’t remember the movie vividly; but have faint memories of it - good one that too.

But after watching Karzzzz, am just left with one big question!!!????? Once the credit rolled, I was just wondering, if this was a remake? If it is, then I am seriously thinking - was the original such trash!!!!!!!!

Believe me, it takes enormous creativity and masterly art to remake a movie which throws doubt on the original!!
Hats off to the makers!!!!!

Without wasting more resources, I would like to end with some really hilarious lines by Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN.

"I never thought the day would come when I'd feel sympathy for Dino Morea, especially since he's inflicted such terrible performances on us in his short but shameful acting career. (but) To be cast as a character who's bumped off prematurely only to be reborn in the body of Himesh Reshammiya is a humiliation nobody deserves."

:D :D :D :D

Tortured,
Neo.

RED @ Wall St.

In my numerous walks around the streets of New York, I have been dutifully capturing the Big Apple's charm. Not for a moment, I thought that this picture would tell a story one day i.e. Today - One of the worst days witnessed by Wall St. Its Red all over and its still not over.

Gordon said Greed is Good. And the guys at the Wall St. swore by it. So, now we have a Mr. Lehman falling down with many more to follow.

Author of one of my favorite comic strip Calvin Hobbes,Bill Watterson, said “To make a business decision, you don't need much philosophy; all you need is greed, and maybe a little knowledge of how the game works.” Am sure that this sarcasm was taken a bit too seriously by these folks.

Isn't it easy to understand the immortal words of the great Gandhi - “There is enough in the world for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.”

Seeing Red,
Neo.

Desi Deewar

Circa 2008. New Jersey. Two Desi Roommates.

V: P, aaj mera naam ka parcel aaya hai India se
P: I don't care. when are you cleaning the room
V: aaj tum room clean kar rahe ho
P: har baar main room clean karta hu. I think its your turn
V: but aaj se tum room clean karoge aur washroom bhi for the next three weeks
P: WTF. why would I do it for you loser? Hum dono ek saath US aaye the. saath mein apni nayi zindagi ki shuruwat ki thi -- aaj main kaha hoon aur tum kahan ho. Mere paas honda civic hai with leather seats, apartment lease hai, long term project hai, accha billing rate hai -- kya hai tumhaarey paas? 
V: Mere paas ma ....ke haat ka khana hai from India which will last for 3 weeks :P

P happily starts cleaning.

Smiles,
Neo.

Mondays............

Need not say more

:(
Neo
(Sorry, dnt knw the source of this image)

Every Blog Speaks

While a blogger speaks his mind through a blog, every blog has a lot to say. This is what my blog says currently

What is your blog speaking? Hear it here.

listening,
Neo.
Thanks Gaizabonts

An Open Letter to the Prime Minister

Dear Mr. Manmohan Singh,

I would like to congratulate on your victory today. Probably your biggest victory till date. I have no doubt on your morals. I still remember when you liberated India in 1991 and helped millions of us realize our dreams. 1947 freed us from mental and physical slavery, 1991 freed (and is still freeing) us from economic slavery. Your vision as the then finance minister has been helping us find the right status in the world order.

But what I doubt heavily is the party which you belong to. I am not ready to believe that the push by your party for N-Deal is just because its in the interest of our Nation. That would be not only foolish to believe but also suicidal. I am sure that most of your party men (infact all political partymen) are clueless about N-Deal. Relating N-Deal to as anti-Hindu or anti-Muslim is a proof enough that they are blind men trying to decipher an elephant. But the problem is not that they are blind, the problem is they are avaricious.

I am too small a person to comment on the benefits of N-Deal. But what I can do is put my trust on you and your vision in the midst of this greed bred politics. I hope when we look back years down the line, me and millions of our countrymen's trust wont be shaken. I hope that your victory today wont turn in to a Nation's defeat tomorrow.

And now that you have the mandate for the N-Deal, can you please divert your attention to soaring 12% inflation. Cause a person can do without power but not without food.

Hopeful,
Neo

Aamir Review: Leading by Example

Once in a while you come across a movie which stays with you long after you are out of the movie theater. A movie which will leave you with an impression to ponder upon over and over. Aamir is a movie which rightfully belongs to this category. Directed by a first timer Rajkumar Gupta, who is also the story writer, Aamir is a thriller from the word go . But classifying it just as a thriller, is not only unfair but also unjust. Aamir has so much to offer for the discerning viewer. From interpreting the director's craft to addressing morals - Aamir has it all.

Based on a premise of whether a man makes his own destiny, the story weaves religious fundamentalism to make a rich fabric. The film starts off at the airport where the protagonist, by the name Aamir Ali, is returning to India for good. From there, in a mix of fast and slow paced short 90 minutes, it takes you through the by-lanes, chawls, shady lodges and restaurants of Mumbai. The director does a masterly job in making use of these locations and local bystanders to convey across strong messages. Never does the director waste a frame which doesn't move the film forward. While there are many scenes I can rave about, few need a special mention. Like the one when the protagonist passes through a lane full of butcher shops has personification at its peek. Or the scene where Aamir is watching a clip about deer hunted by lions and just could not help relating to it. And countless other scenes where the director makes a wise choice by conveying the message through visuals and silent action leaving it to a viewers' discretion rather than verbally bashing it down.

But the film is not only about its Director, its story and the craft behind it. It is also about debutante Actor Rajeev Khandelwal's fine performance. His portrayal of Aamir is so vivid. The confusion, anxiety, frustration, fear is so palpable as if you are going through those emotions. He is a rare find. I just hope he doesn't lose his way in mindless "formula based masala" movies.

Aamir, unlike its meaning - The Leader, is a commoner. He is one of us who wants to lead his life his way. He is the guy who is selfish in earning a good meal for his family and doesn't bother with larger issues of society. But he is the same guy who would stand out in trying times, showing the leader in him.

The film belongs to two set of people. Cinematically, its an ode to inexperience talent over talentless experience. It  belongs to first timers - be it the director, actor, music director, cinematographer. Morally, it belongs to everyone of us who believe that we create our own path. While we might not be in a position to dictate our destiny but always have an informed choice on how to react to what's written in it. Here, Aamir - leads by example.

Following,
Neo.

Attention: Virus Alert

A virus is spreading and how. Already 60 million of computers have been affected; albeit unknowingly!!!!!!!

PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL: I, a victim, am writing this message today, though they launched the virus almost a year back.

This virus spreads itself by luring the customer with its redesigned user interface and visual style. It promises of enhanced security and safety like never before. The virus is so advanced that it has segmented its customers and spreads in various editions keeping in mind the profile of its host. Indeed, it has "Long Horns" to kill your system. It inserts those sharp horns in to your system resources and render you at its mercy.The most common modus operandi of this virus is to ship itself with new computers!!!! The customer is unaware of the fact that he is buying an infected machine. While some vigilant customers are aware of this and refrain from buying new machines infected with this deadly virus, but there is little choice. That is the nexus this virus has built for itself.

And it doesn't stop here. if you think that the maximum damage this virus will do is to push you to format your hard disk and start all over again. Simple, isn't it?. But only if it was that simple. The virus will load again, disguising as the the most secured and advanced OS, and this time you will be installing it with your own mouse clicks.

That is when you realize "The Matrix" in which you are hopelessly stuck. You can get out of it, by degrading (in fact it would actually be upgrading) to previous versions or better, opting for others. But it takes some one like "The One" to get out of this illusion of the matrix. Many (which includes yours truly) still succumb to the baneful virus. Slowly, starting to live with the virus. Slowly, getting adapted to its vagaries which it brings along. Slowly, getting used to its sluggishness. Slowly, getting adjusted to its annoyance.

It's most likely that while you are reading this, the virus might be regaling in your system. Hogging on to precious resources such as RAM and CPU time. And if you have still not figured out the virus - its very much possible as you might be hopelessly hooked on it - it is popularly known as Vista.

 

Victimized,
Neo.

(To give you some perspective, I have a laptop with vista home premium pre installed. The OS is nothing but flimsy. And did I tell you that I had to format my 250 gig loaded hdd recently because of some incompatible vista update downloaded automatically!!!!!!!!! )

Jodhaa Akbar Review

Ashutosh being one of my favorite directors. Hritik, one of my favorite actors and an intriguing subject like Jodhaa Akbar. Perfect ingredients for a feast. Top it up with rave reviews from your preferred movie critics and buffs and not so good ones by those critics you abhor. Jodhaa Akbar was like a fine dine course which couldn't go wrong......except a bowl full of expectations. And probably that bowl felt more of a burden as soon as I entered the theatre.

Set in one of the glorious era of Moguls, its a story of brute force, dark ambitions, unyielding power and more importantly about how love conquers them all. Jodhaa Akbar is essentially a love story between one of the most revered Indian kings Akbar and mystical (or should I say mythical?) Jodha bai. Hritik as Akbar is surreal. He delivers the job with such mental and physical accuracy that I quite forgot Hritik the person. For me he was just Akbar. No one could have done justice to this role (of course, after the great Prithvi Raj Kapoor). Aishwarya is magical. She delivers a top notch performance - most of the time letting her eyes speak.

But the cake belongs to Ashutosh. He is the dreamer here and also the one who realizes that dream - almost completely. The scale of the movie is grand. Every shot has a tint of perfection. Sets, Costumes, Choreography and the overall canvass of the movie is a treat to watch. The grandiose screen rendition of "Azeem-o-Shaan Shehenshah" leaves you with mixed feelings. While it just enchants your heart, mind boggles with a question of how they managed this!!!!!!!

Stating Rehman as a genius is a gross understatement. This man just can't stop amazing me. Not only he belts out great tunes and music but he has matured in to a fine singer. He renders a masterpiece in the spiritual "Khwaja Mere Khawaja". The Music as well as the background score does full justice and only adds to the splendor of the film.

Saying all this, I have to verrrrrry sheepishly admit that the movie is not engaging enough. The main culprit being the length which takes its heavy toll. Its time Ashutosh gets an editor. Also, owing to the grand expectations it built, the movie fell a bit short.

Ending Note: The movie is worth a watch and strictly on a large screen. This will do justice to the vision of the makers and efforts of all involved. And ,again, realizing - Love conquers all.

smiles,
Neo

Old Songs

I generally have fancy for new songs. I am all ears (pun intended) to new music and always in look out for new songs. Songs which enthrall me. Songs which catch my attention. Songs which move me. Songs which convey much more than what's written. Songs which I like to stay with. Probably forever..... only if could stop new songs from releasing.

But the beauty of music is that it is eternal. No matter how speedily I cling to new songs, I never seem to forget old ones. They are not on top of my mind, but its there stacked in some gray cell of mine. And with that song, is stacked a memory. Memory of the times when I stayed with that song. The phase of my life which got stamped with that song. Probably that's why they build an iPod with enough space to carry your music and an interesting play mode called shuffle. So now when the random play mode picks up a song ,which got buried in my mental music treasure, lost faint memories are flashed back. Memories are dusted off and a vivid picture of old times is painted across. Is it what they call Nostalgia? I think so.....

Sometimes you stay with songs. Most of the times, songs stay with you.

listening,
Neo

Weirdo!!!!!

I am tagged. It's not the first time. But it's the first time am replying to it. Weird, isn't it? Yes and so is this post about. Letting the weirdo in you out of the bag. (And a better way to break my blogging hiatus.)

So what's the tag about -

• Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
• Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So, here are Seven Wonders Weirds of Me -

1. I tend to read newspapers and magazines from the last page (unless it’s a one pager).

2. If I fancy a particular song, I will listen to it non stop until it wears off my mind (or any another song catches my attention).

3. Though I am a left-hander, I bat and bowl right ( but play it all wrong).

4.I have a habit of giving pet names to my friends (or rather spoiling their names).

5. I ask too many questions (and expect answers to them!!!).

6. My famous weirdo, I abhor curd without even tasting it ever (Infact, how about a ban on it).

7.I cant even think of seven weird facts about me!!!!!!!!!!!! (Ya this qualifies to be a weirdo ).

 

Now it's your turn to let it go :

Kunal
Nirav
Hem
Namitoj
Hiren
Atul
Deep

weird,
Neo.

Happy Diwali

It's diwali time again. But its so different from the last time.
Never imagined!!!!

Here's wishing all my readers, friends and family a very Happy Diwali and a very very prosperous New Year ahead.

Kick the darkness until it bleeds Light!!!!!!!

cold,
Neo.

P A R T I N G

Parting is painful, to say the least.
Words, its seems, are getting paralyzed by this emotion.

Meanwhile, I will just borrow these and get solace from them:
The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.

separating,
Neo

Vision Twenty20? - Yes Y Not!!!

Honestly speaking posting, I was not a supporter of Twenty20, the new short format of cricket. It’s natural to have resistance to change. Probably, the “purist” in me was not ready to accept the change. When the game changed last time – from 5 day looong format to One Day – am sure there must be disbelievers. I can now feel their resistance then. But One Days are now as traditional as the Tests.

I started in to the Twenty20 World Cup Tournament as a disbeliever in the format. Mostly thinking, the game has unfairly tilted towards the batsman. But as the series have progressed, I have to admit that my views have changed. We had matches where bowlers have done a fine job and were instrumental in winning the match. The batsman is now under pressure to perform a feat of fours and sixes and a strike rate of 100 is just average. The bowlers tend to be at the receiving end in this blitz striking of ball but then even one dot ball turns the game.

Finally, it’s not about bowlers or batsmen as much as it is about the format. I have really warmed up to the format. The most appealing part of the format is the huge unpredictability which it comes with. Cricket, I think so, is one of the few sports which has historically involved in it a great deal of uncertainty – which is a trademark glory of Cricket. How many times we have heard commentators uttering trite words – “The game is not over till the last bowl is bowled”. Twenty20 has made the game extremely fickle, making it swing either ways and in the event makes it one of the most entertaining to watch.

More than the format, it was the need to innovate the game of cricket. Times are always changing and more importantly; change is the order of new time. Test Cricket, the purest and premier form of the game, is archaic. One-days too have lost their charm mainly because of a day long match, many times resulting in one sided contest. The boredom of sluggish middle overs was another major turnoff. With other sports offering an entertaining and short 3 hours to the very time strapped youngsters, Cricket needed a surgery to become trim and lean. After all, we are a “2-Minute” generation.

I have my frustrations too. But they are not on the format. I want to shout when India takes a wicket, pump up the volume and celebrate with the team; instead I am forced to face a disconnected ad which just makes me feel like making a ball of the telecaster and bash him with my bat. (I think so) The poor guy has his reason. The telecasters now have 40 overs to beam instead of 100. This is a perfect yorker on their ad sales and don’t want to miss the minutest minute to bombard you with ads.

Will Twenty20 become the order of the day by burying Fifty50? I won’t go against the Gods by predicting. Meanwhile, Cricket has become something which it never was - Fast, Exciting and Entertaining.

Converted,
Neo

Miss-ing You!!

Restaurants' yell "The food's here but where's the taste"
The beach squalls "The sand's here but names have erased"
New Beauty cries "I have lost my charm"
Hand mourns "There's none in my arm"
Cellphone squawks "I don’t ring much"
My friends say "Solitude is such"
24 Karat whines "I have lost my shine"
Methinks I have lost a part of mine
The winds which blow Westward
Your name, it seems, they have whispered
Sky's bright but am all blue
The least I say is "I Miss You"

lonely,
Neo

Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag Review: RGV ki (r)Aag

I am a movie buff who loves to watch movies and discuss the art of cinema. Till date, I have written reviews for movies which have moved me. This time too, it’s not going to be any different. Ram Gopal Varma ki Aag is indeed a moving film - It moved me out of the movie hall within 90 minutes. Flat.

I am was an ardent RGV fan because of this style of movie making. The self proclaimed maverick has more than impressed me in the past with his movies. But of lately, he is on a different high which is more than evident in the movie’s self indulgent title. From the title to the promos and trailers, the movie perfectly fits a b-grade category. And watching the movie confirms the category.

Given the classic Sholay, any one would make atleast a watchable film if he copies frame to frame. Such is the charm of the original. RGV deserves to be punished for carrying out a "Cinematic Rape" of the original Sholay. Just a quick read on the reviews will make a strong case against RGV for a rigorous punishment.

But unlike other reviews, I would like to highlight the "'highs" (pun intented) of the movie:

• The movie tests your endurance. It teaches to you be patient and increases you torture bearing capacity
• The movie boosts sales of the likes of Anacins and Crocins
• The movie cures Insomnia
• The movie teaches you to enjoy sadistic pleasures of life
• The movie helps you value the original Sholay more than ever before
• The movie will might ground RGV

Ending Note: This movie doesn’t even deserve to be written about. But I am earning my karma by saving someone's hard-earned money and rescuing him from an extreme mental distress.

Zonked,
Neo

The Man who moved a Mountain.....Literally!!!

No! It’s not an idiom for someone who toiled through the day and slogged in the night to achieve success. But about a man who actually moved a mountain!!!!!!

Outlook covers the story of Dasrath Manjhi, who single handedly cut a road through the huge mass of rock - massive 360 feet long, 25 feet high and 30 feet wide rock.

Every morning, for 22 long years, a frail, diminutive man, barefoot and clad in a loin cloth, would trudge two kilometres to a hillock of solid rock and chip away at it with a hammer and chisel.

Of course, the first question to hit our minds is why does he have to do that?

Dasrath eked out a living as a farm hand, toiling in the fields of local landlords on bare subsistence wages. One day, in the early '60s, his wife Phaguni fell ill and Dasrath set off with her to the nearest hospital. She died on the way. If only there was no hill blocking the road to the town, Dasrath would have made it to the hospital in time, and perhaps his wife's life would have been saved.

The villagers of Gelau, where Dasrath lived, had to take a circuitous route and travel 19 km to Wazirganj, the nearest district town with a hospital.

Dasarth - challenged by Nature and given his humble background – could have resigned to his fate. But the irony fate is; Dasrath decided to create history by changing the geography of his land. Armed with a mere chisel and hammer, Dasarth decided to cut a road through the huge mass of rock.

After 22 years - from 1962 to 1984 - of toil, Dasrath paved the way. The once long route of 19 KMs was now reduced to bare minimum of 6 Kms. The road stands as a memorial for her wife and an example of grit, determination and a will to make the world a bit better.

Dasrath Manjhi was building a memorial to his wife Phaguni Devi—one that won't ever find a place in hallowed global must-visit lists, but can well be passed down from this generation to the next as a monument of love. A poor man's Taj, literally. Not for its aesthetics, but for the way it symbolises the human spirit's capacity to endure, its indomitability.

So true, that these stories, probably will, never find a place in history. This post is a tribute to the man - Dasrath Manjhi (1934-2007) – who stood against all odds rocks.

Invigorated,
Neo