Blog: Pizza Brunch

Hut... PIZZA HUT.. (Take a Shift)



Well odd title for some interesting dish. Well do try this home. This is for people who would kill and die for a piece of Pizza. I albeit not alone believe “A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
It was one evening. I was hungry and wanted to eat some thing spicy and cheesy!! Mom suggested a pizza with much a little hope and a little hesitation I agreed. Anything that spells like p-i-z-z-a I just love it. I happen to have a "Pizza Hut" in town. We now how good (and expensive) those pizzas at "Pizza Hut" can be. A little apprehension mixed with hunger made my eyes fixed to the microwave. The first pizza was a disaster as it turned into a gummy like consistency, a piece of leather. There was a sense of disappointment for sure. My mother ensured that we must not get bog down by failures. This taught me an example of how failures are ladders to success.
Then came out the next pizza base. It was well attend with a generous spread of butter and mayonaisse. The butter was then topped by an overwhelming helping of cheese spread. This was topped by fried vegetables which consisted of capsicum and onions.
Then came the magic. Then a heavy grating of the Monzzarella cheese. It all you need. The Monzerella insured the pizza were as soft and as cheesy as that of Pizza Hut. I still have the taste alive on my senses.
I will make it a point to ensure that I have one tomorrow at brunch. A Pizza a day keeps "Pizza Hut" away.

The Ashes Diary - Review Trent Bridge

The Ashes Diary- Trent Bridge Test, After Thoughts….
It been long time coming, Australia followed on a “placid” pitch. Australia was never in such position for eighteen years. They are perhaps bewildered on the fact the Ashes may be beyond their reach. So far so good for England.
They Aussie sense of frustration seems valid. Michael Holding put it correctly. He remarked that ever one has been substituted other than the wicket-keeper. Aussie claim them that this may keep the English players fresh. The bowlers fresh or stale, have to be played, runs have to be scored, wickets to taken. The never die Aussie spirit is in a spot of bother.If the Aussies had scored 150 plus we might have had a game on our hands. The series is still wide open. It may go down the wire. The Aussie will give them a hard time. We are assured that sparks will fly if Aussies think they may have a chance or two.
I am not clear on this issue. This is supposed to be a gentlemen’s game. What are the rules for “dissent” or misbehaviour on the field? Does it apply for all Aussies as well? Will there be hearing for Mr Ponting and Mr Katich?Will they be booked under some discipline action? Or they will go to the mach referee and say “Sir, its all ok I was just a little fluttered”. If that may be the answer then my reply is “If you are flustered don’t show, if u show u must pay for it”…..
Well done England. Well done Flintoff. The Aussie may still rue the fact they 30 runs more and who knows. Cricket is a funny game. The pitch at Oval, can be expected to be a “timeless” pitch. You don’t need to scratch your head to know what a timeless pitch is. It is the one on which the batsman will come and just play the shots and score and score until they are tired of batting.

The Ashes Diary - Trent Bridge Day Two

The Ashes Diary, Trent Bridge Test; Day Two.

There are dropped catch, miss fielding, no flurry of runs from the openers, no attacking fields lack lustre bowling, McGrath carrying drinks to the playfield!! Nothing is going Aussie’s way. If you have to see a top sporting team go through night mares switch to Ashes. Neither the batsman, nor the bowlers showing any sparkle on the field. Did the Aussies boil to soon in the first Test? McGrath and Warne not together have not held matters either. I hope Warne does not get injured when McGrath joins the team.
The Aussies do not have a great track record of winning last test match of series off late.
The Aussies this time would be praying for Lord to save the Queen.
They have lost last test of a series to India in India. When Indian toured down-under Aussies where gasping for air and managed a draw, courtesy some forgettable umpiring decisions. They did not win last test of last two Ashes series held in Australia. The last Ashes Andy Caddick bowled an inspired spell and took seven wickets. The tour before that Gough claimed a hat trick at MCG to drive the English home. When Australia toured England last Steve Waugh hit an emotional century the best of his efforts. Mark Waugh had an extended net practice session with the English bowlers. Aussies won. That’s history now.
Let bygones be bygones. The Aussies are reeling under the English attack. It is a sought of déjà vu for touring teams. The home sides bats for a day and two thirds there is sun shine. The pitch gives nothing to the bowlers. He ball is not doing much. The home team bats under no sense of pressure or compulsion. The Sheikh of Tweak is struggling and showing a negative body language. There are wickets of no balls. Then the next ball is clobbered for boundary. The English are scoring at four an over for better part of the day. The middle order is showing resilience.
When Aussie come in to bat, the ball starts to misbehave and does dirty tricks with the batsmen. The skies are cloudy and dark. The bowlers on top. The are no planned dismissal for Aussie. They seem to be leaving in early 80’s. It is believed that the worst of Aussies teams were present in early part of 80’s.
There was a metamorphosis which followed made them the numero uno for a decade.
But this Ashes is bit of a down-hill for many of the players. It is a matter of time for most of them. Is it an end of an era of big wicket takers and big hitters? Or there is some thing we have not seen?
The target is set for Aussies; avoid follow on then play from there. The causes of concern are many and demand the most urgent attention. Which will Ricky Ponting address first?
The English are fighting fire with fire and matching Aussies stroke for stroke. There are enough sparks in the cricket world to turn their imagination to Ashes. The giant is walking giant steps. He can put on foot wrong. He is there every where, scoring big runs, taking wickets, holding on to catches. He also knows to back flip. The
Who’s Ashes is this for the taking? It is an English call; they got to still play well to beat Aussies from here.

The Ashes Diary - Trent Bridge Test

I won’t call this exactly a preview. The match is already underway as I sit and write the preview of the Fourth Ashes Test, Trent Bridge. The news of England may beat Australia if sold as hot breads and cakes by the media. The contest is even, as not seen by many. The injury and out of form worry are much to nuisance of Aussies. Not a welcome change they would say. I think Shane Warne got it right. The Aussies have nothing to prove. They need to just win one of the two matches and they will go home teasing the English. Once again they will take home the Ashes along with English pride. The ball is in English courts. They need to put their head down and do some good work for winning back their pride.
The English must ensure they must win the next two tests or win one of the tests and draw the other. The series as usual will go down the wire as some of the tests have. The series will throw up a few surprises as ten days and thirty sessions are remaning to be unfolded.
Shane Warne seems to be enjoying both of bowling and batting. He is scoring runs and adding to his wickets. It’s the runs which he has score has saved the Aussies of some blushes. He almost won them a match and helped save one. The next time around he must ensure that he finishes through. The momentum is with him. You can expect another thrilling display by him.
The pitch on which cricket is played will come into focus of many pundits, punter and crickets fans. The difference between a pundit, a punter and a fan is as follows. The pundits speak in such a manner that whatever the result in the end he will say “I said so” .
The punter measures every thing on the scales of odd and evens of the betting market.
The fan like me has a few wishes and hopes which may come true.
As for the pitch, as the Aussies have a best all round attack i.e. A highest wicket taking spinner in history of the game along, with one of the faster bowling “cannon” and a good seamer. The best seam bowler one will find is out of foray due to injury niggles.
The pitch is as flat as any you will see. Even an out of form and out of sorts Sourav Gangly can come home with a century on this pitch. When was the last time we saw the Indian Captain hit a test match century? The batsmen will give a head and a toe to bat on this. One can expect big scores from skill-full batsman to stick in and make it count.There was rain for last few days. It may just dampen a few spirits. I will keep my fingers crossed for the rain to stay away.
The Ashes has ignited interest across the cricket fans of world. I hope it lives up to the expectation. Whose hope of winning the Ashes turn to ashes? Will there be a new dawn for cricket writers? Or the Aussies are holding few aces and trumps up their sleeves.

Blog: Wits to no end

Some food for thought, Try to read through this.

Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome.

Arguing with your Boss is like wrestling with a pig in mud, After a while you realize that while you are getting dirty, the pig is actually enjoying it.

Help a man when he is in trouble and he will remember you when he is in trouble again.

Complex problems have simple, easy to understand wrong answers.

Behind every successful woman, is a man who is surprised!!

Whoever said money can't buy happiness, didn't know where to shop.

Alcohol doesn't solve any problems, but then again, neither does milk.

Most people are only alive because it is illegal to shoot them.

I'm not a complete idiot, there're still some parts missing!!

Forgive your enemies but remember their names.

The number of people watching you is directly proportional to the stupidity of your action.

I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof.

Some pain is physical and some is mental, but one that's both is dental.

About: Gemini

Gemini is ruled by Mercury. You may wonder exactly what the Twins are doing, linked together forever in the sky. The answer is they are talking - communicating with one another through words and gesture. Geminis just love to communicate. They can do so in many ways, but typically prefer to use words somehow, rather than more abstract methods such as music and art. Conversing, writing letters, using the ‘phone - these are things at which Gemini is classically adept and loves to do - especially female Geminians, male subjects can tend to greater reserve. In both sexes there is an emphasis on thinking and logic, learning, intellectual stimulation and utilising their minds. These are witty, lively and sociable people who love to be busy and often have several projects on the go. They are curious, amusing, popular and ingenious. They easily become bored, thriving on change, variety and input.
There is also the reputation for gesticulation to illustrate their varied conversation and plentiful ideas.With such enormous Mercurial capabilities, it is vital that these talents are directed into constructive activity. Geminians are quick learners but can lack depth, persistence and focus. Here a caring parent, teacher or partner plays an important role.

The unchannelled their considerable mental and communicative talents may find unfavourable expression through gossip, sarcasm and excessive criticism or internally as worry, neurosis and anxiety. However, too firm a hand is not recommended, continually captivating a Gemini’s interest will pay much greater dividends. Butterflies are a Gemini animal.They are best seen on the wing.No matter how stimulating the domestic environment, Geminis are not great ones for staying home. In fact this is often an area on which they could concentrate more, since a secure - but not limiting - base is frequently beneficial and does give them somewhere to change the furniture around! However from the association with the Third House there is often great emphasis on the local community and on short journeys, with plenty of time spent out and about. Gemini drivers frequently enjoy a love/hate relationship with their cars, which inevitably receive quite a hammering...Generally cheerful and light-hearted, this is perhaps not the deepest of signs emotionally. In their relationships a mental rapport is considerably more important than a physical one.
They do at times become depressed, but some new activity will usually distract them. More intense signs may find them superficial, inconsistent and changeable. Geminis are clever and can be cunning, but their inherent charm usually makes this bearable. They also have the reputation for being two-faced, but in reality they are simply updating their views before you can say ‘quicksilver’!Gemini is the chameleon of the Zodiac, the changeling, with a gift for dealing with people and the party animal to put all others to shame. Less energetic signs may become exhausted just watching their ceaseless activity. Their constant darting around has the plus side of generally keeping them slim and youthful, although boredom can result in over-eating and worry can show on their faces.A clear and constructive direction is the key.

The list of famous Gemini is a pretty long one, take a pick at this:
Naomi Campbell(22 May),
Drew Carey(23 May),
Bob Dylan (24 May),
Anne Heche (25 May),
Lenny Kavitz (26 June)
Joseph Fines (27 May),
Kylie Minogue (28 May),
Annette Bennign, John F Kennedy (29 May),
Brooke Shields (31 May),
Clint Eastwood (31 May),
Morgan Freeman (1 June)
Marilyn Monroe (1 June),
Angelina Jolie (4 June)
Kenny G , Mark Wahlberg (5 June)
Anna Kornikova (7 June),
Johnny Depp, Michael J Fox, Natalie Portman (all 9 June),
Elizabeth Hurley (10 June),
Tim Allen (13 June)
Steffi Graff (14 June),
Courtney Cox(15 June),
Yasmine Bleeth (16 June),
Venus Williams (17 June),

Cricket: Sheikh of Tweak

Shane Warne is a part of cricket history now. He is now the highest wicket taker in test cricket.He will be on top of heap for a little time to come. He is a real maverick of the game and perhaps the most outstanding of all bowlers if ever there was one. He is a comeback kid. He fought again and again to scale the peaks of performance which is tough for people to scale even once. He has amazed batsmen with his tricks on the pitch and family, friends, critics and fans by his doings off the pitch.
The one thing which everyone is sure of is that he knows how to be in the news. The number of controversies and wickets has amazed everyone. Both cease to stop.
He started with an indifferent debut match. This is the case with with many great cricketers in the history of the game. He came back after being slammed by his critics. Then on, he has helped Australia to conquer the “Final Frontier”. His role was pivotal in a series win against India. The only place where the Aussies did not register a series win for 4 decades. The Aussie mainly rely on fast bowling attack to win matches. They have quality in that as well, without them they would have struggled for being where they are. McGrath, Lee, Gillespie, Kasprowicz pack a lot of explosive power into the Aussie side. Then too Shane Warne a.k.a Warnie finds a few wickets every time he bowls.
He has often raised his hand ensuring Aussies win not only matches but also series. He did it on Australia tour of India last season . He also had a magical spell on Lankans before that. As the case with all the Aussie bowlers he has earned a lot of praise and admiration as well as flake from batsmen. He has dismissed top batsmen in spells of bowling which cannot be imagined if not seen. Daryll Cullinan (South Africa) would hang his boots the moment he saw Warnie with a ball in his hand. However his reputation was hit over the boundaries when he toured here in the season of 1998 and 2001. He was taken to the cleaners and his bowling averages took a beating. He however did very well when India toured there under Tendulkar.
He remains as mesmerizing and as controversial as Murali, who as tipped to overhaul his tally of wickets. It is just the matter of time. But establishing a 600 club would have given him immense pleasure. The only signs of an aging bowlwer is the degree of control. He has more control, more deception, the two signs of a good and a lethal spinning wizard. The career of this maverick spinner is downhill so enjoy it till it lasts. He has nothing prove to any of his cricket critics. He is a shinning star in a rich galaxy of cricketers.

Blog: Trivial Matters

Trivial Matters

How good are with your trivia? Then answer these questions see how you fare, rate yourself out of five.
These questions are random and have peculiar answers. No prizes for winning.
But as they say “Everything which can be counted does not counts and everything which counts cannot be counted”
Confused? Don’t be!!
These questions will help you think, the more u spend your grey matter more you earn.
The time to beat is 2 minutes.

Which famous director won five nominations before winning the Oscar for best director?

What was developed by John Dunlop?

Name the sea where does the river Danube has its mouth.

Fathom measures ………. One fathom equals……..

Try this one: What is the ninth digit of the fraction 1/99

I read this on a friends blog (thanks Rohit)

In 1981 The Pope died, Prince Charles married, Liverpool won,

In 2005 The Pope died, Prince Charles married, Liverpool won.

Flowers in the Backyard

Hi lots of time lots of flowers,gardening and photography seem to be in a writting blogs has just shifted a little take a look and see which one u like the best...

Why is English hard to Learn?

"Why can't everyone just learn English?"

Because its hard.

1. We must polish the Polish furniture.

2. He could lead if he would get the lead out.

3. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

4. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

5. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

6. When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

7. I did not object to the object.

8. The bandage was wound around the wound.

9. The farm was used to produce produce.

10. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more.

For more follow the link

The Ashes Diary - Day One Old Trafford Test

What’s common to Michael Vaughan, VVS Laxman, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and forget not Sachin Tendulkar? The answer is simple the have a good bank account of runs to a very mean and examining Aussie bowling attack. They not only score they score big. They also happen to be middle order batsmen. I still think it will make a lot of difference is Vaughan has to open. There is often a chance when one dishes out something out of the woods to Aussies.
If you all remember VVS Laxman came one down and wrote a script of an epic innings. This is the inning which has gone done in Wisden as the top 5 innings of all time ever recorded long form of the game. I would like to reiterate what I have already said. Aussies will bog down and may be even have there shoulder sagging a bit if batsmen stick around and cash in the second new ball. This implies you need to play at-least for more than a day. It is as good as saying climb Mount Everest and then try a bungee jumping for the peak!!
But this can be done. India did it during their last tour down under. Sehwag decimated the bowling attack, Dravid grounded the bowling toothless; Laxman and Tendulkar put to sword then second new ball. Only one thing McGrath and Warne were missed due to injuries.
Vaughan did a first in this Ashes. He is the first batsman from either side to register a tonne. The best thing of his batting is its always very fluent. His has good range of shots. He also plays spin well. He can drive as well as cut and pull. He also has a good appetite for Aussie bowling. Will he come well against Indian bowling in Indian condition is worth watching for!!
I hope the English don’t have their traditional collapse and kick on in positive territory in days to come. McGrath did what Steve Waugh did during the last Ashes series. He ruled out of series due to “triple ligament tear”. He came back and scored one of the most emotional centuries of his outstanding career. What will McGrath do? A bag full of wickets in the match may be!! The Aussies always happen to suddenly come out of a night mare like injury and make a remarkable come back.
Steve Waugh scored a century every time he came back from injury. If you talk of centuries one batsman, out of sorts like King of Torts, Matthew Hayden. He just has to stick around and be there on the pitch. This is the only way to score runs.
The English will look towards Harmison and Flintoff to inspire them when Aussie come out to bat. The fact remains that England needs to repeat their performance second time too. Shane Warne will turn the ball like a top. Ladies and Gentlemen hold your seats to what will be a great display of traditional leg spin bowling. The Aussies will pocket this match if he bowls well. Will Shane Warne set ablaze the pitch where he bowled the ball of the century? He bowled Mike Gatting by a dream ball. The ball pitched way outside leg stump and claimed his off stump. Gatting expression said it all. Will Warne set the pitch on fire and draw one closer for Aussies in Ashes?

The Ashes Diary - Old Trafford Test,Preview

The next match is in Manchester. The Aussies will be right back on England who should lot of character. They did everything correct other then wining the Test. They were down after faring poorly in First inning. Shane Warne bought them back into the match. He bowled brilliantly by claiming 6-46 in 23 overs. He bowled unchanged. He not only defended runs but also claimed wickets in double quick time.
As Mr. Sidhu would claim “They fell like bicycles on bicycle stand”.
The Old Trafford pitch traditionally has been a “snake” pitch. The ball does a bit all day. A seamers pitch for first two day.
The cause of concern will be bad form of Matthew Hayden and lengthening list of bowlers getting injured. Will Lee play? Let’s see for ourselves tomorrow. Hayden’s got success after a long struggle in Test Cricket. When success came to his door, it came in bulk orders. If a very consistent performer like Hayden has a bit of bad patch it is a ominous sign. For last 10 months he has begin to dwindle down with Langer coming out as more aggressive of the two openers.
On the bowling front Hoggard seems to have lost his swing. He has been an unsung Hero of England. Harmisson needs to be more consistent. Flintoff will take wickets; he however has to be scoring more runs. The top order is a problem for England there is a long way to go. It will be no harm for Vaughan to open the innings and command his troops from there. It also shows to the Aussies who is in-charge. He has a tremendous record against the Aussies when he has opened the innings. His stroke play will definitely help Trescothick. The English have traditionally a tendency to collapse.
Should the Aussies play five bowlers? They don’t prefer to no matter what the opposition. Ponting will come good with a big tonne its just matter of time. However his fans will be thinking it will be sooner rather than latter.
The excitement is burning in me to know what will unravel? Are the English hot enough to burn the Aussie hopes of retaining the Ashes? I hope rain does not play spoil sport and dampen what has been till date a see-saw series. Wait for review of the day.

Blog : Success Vs Joy

Morpheus says in The Matrix: "There's a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path". Life is not easy, packed as it is with challenges. And in the process of living, we feverishly pursue success, joy and happiness, believing in our hearts that they are interlinked, that one leads to the other in a smooth flow. But it's a mirage that constantly eludes us. Joy is often misunderstood; it is also easily forgotten.

Yet, the optimum quality of life as we recognise it, is realised through these moments of joy. Joy is the ultimate but to experience it, you have to be yourself. The lightness of joy is like a feather, free falling in the wind and slipping through your fingers. Joy is internal, e x p e r i e n c e d through a culmination of perfect alignment, rhythm and timing of the self. This near-perfect synch ro n i s at i o n leading to joy in its purest form is known as the `sweet spot'. There is joy in any activity that leads to personal growth and excellence. It calls for enthusiasm (en theos, the God in you) that disregards successes and failures.

When you realise your sweet spot and know what you want, pursue it with a single-mindedness to the exclusion of all else. The sweet spot is what drives you. In every game, the player needs to focus, align his mind, body and spirit. He cannot afford to let his attention waver. The road to excellence is paved with joy. But the path can get clouded over by lethargy, lack of courage, fear of failure and insecurities. These invisible enemies are demons of the mind. Self-created, these demons break down the alignment of mind, body and spirit. It is crucial to recognise and then obliterate them from the mind. Use every cell in your body and brain to hit that personal sweet spot of joy. Joy is internal whereas success is a creation of society.

Many a lifetime is spent in frustration, because most equate success with joy. But mere fame and money do not bring joy. Joy emanates from our own actions, from what one feels deep down inside. Success is a social concept measured by fame, money and power — don't fall into the trap. Success is said to be the consequence of certain actions, a result.

The cause of the result called success is termed `pure action' by Swami Parthasarathy in The Vedanta Treatise. Pure action has three qualities, concentration, consistency and cooperative endeavour. Concentration is defined as the intellect supervising the mind to remain in the present. The mind has to be continuously supervised as it travels back and forth — to the past and future — with equal velocity. An unleashed mind can cause self-destruction. An unwavering mind is the ultimate power of concentration. A detached approach is beneficial. It helps you focus. Humility is another essential factor. It is im-portant to recognise the contribution of parents, spouse, children and friends who have, over the years, relentlessly given their love, support and attention.

On your part, you have to sacrifice everything except the `passion' and your family. There is no room for a third. Eventually, the spirit within is reality for it's the soul that matters, not the external environment. Pursue the truth and do not deviate from your chosen path. Do not give up without a struggle. Do not quit unless you have stretched your potential to its limits. Only then will you experience the joy that makes life worth living. This is the joy that underscores success. Commitment to joy will create it's own success. Seek joy and success will naturally follow.

(From `Success Vs Joy'. The writer has won the Billiards World Championship six times.)

The Ashes Diary - Review Edgbaston Test

The fans of two camps will argue for long that whether Australia lost the match or England won it. I tell you its’ different. The people who follow cricket ardently will understand this. During the course of last week some where in Sri Lanka, India lost the match by being unable to keep the pressure on. The wonderful thing about pressure tight matches is that if the team under pressure cease an opportunity they are bound to run away with the match.
The Man-Of-The-Match should have been Shane Warne. He is one of many sportsman who like McEnroe, Maradona, Dennis Rodman, attracted attention not only on the field but also by their antics off it. Their controversies attract as much attention as their display of skills under pressure. The have aura like flair around them. They do things which only they know is possible. Their sense of determination, looking for impossible is what sets them apart.
“In middle of adversity lies opportunity” said Albert Einstein.
The sportsmen like Warne will do that again and again. There are lots of facets for which Warne will be talked about. Love him, hate him, but you got to adore him. He was the one, I believe made things happen for Australia. He rocked the boat English boat in a spell of bowling which was unbelievable. The Aussies make things happen that’s why they are numero uno in cricket. The fading star of Australia is bound to be top of heap just because of the number of wickets he has taken. 600 wickets are on the threshold. That record may not stand for long. Murali is close on heels. That does not takes anything away from Sheikh of tweak.
The big man Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff did it. The giant man woke up in the day and realised his job is not to count stars n the day. His inconsistency has caused many his cricket fans feeling let down. This test once again proves that he can do it. He has to do it consistently to be amongst halls of cricket greats. He along with Geraint Jones and Kevin Peitersen will do no harm if any two of them put their hands up every time English sails are caught in a storm. I feel the top order has to be sorted out. The captain should open. He is a better opener than Strauss. They are covering for each other and should exchange places. A more solid player like Robert Key will also help them a lot.
The English now have pulled one back. There is not much time for licking the wounds on celebrations with champagne. The business starts on Thursday. There will be lots to play for and one who wins will have to do it better consistently for a period of five days. The Ashes has fired a dose of excitement into cricket fans. Let’s see who continues to burn this torch of excitement and take the Ashes home.

The Ashes Diary - Day Two in Review

Well done England. This is dream run for the English. A hundred runs lead over Aussies with three days to go. The dark horse is kicking dirt in favourite’s eyes. Three more days to go before result of the test is finalised. Will the balance tilt towards England? Will the Aussies engineer an English collapse to which all are accustomed?
McGrath was missed on day one. Not only did the English scored freely, they also scored heavily. The last tour the inspiration for Aussies namely Steve Waugh had to sit out due to injury. Butcher butchered the Aussie bowling for a century. It was the most memorable century that Butchered scored (173 not out) which helped the POM’s win a test at Trent Bridge. Warne has to bring in a “X” factor. He is alone enough to run through the English side.
The English batsmen have to put their head down and look forward to playing the second innings. The best way is perhaps to just seen the first new ball. Then wait for second ball and make it count. If they don’t do it this test is History. The time is no factor in this test; if rain does not pay visit to Edgbaston. The in form batsmen have a big test all over again. As I have already said that Aussies make things happen and allure the opposition into doing things one hate to do. Hey have to just keep onto the nerve shut the door on Aussies. The batsmen have to provide such a score in which the Aussies have to defend and English bowlers attack all the time.
Its never over till the last ball is balled, last run is made and last wicket claimed.
The English are in driver’s seat can they drive the advantage home.
Will Aussies make a back-door entry into the game? They have done it in past and they can do it again. This provides with perfect masala for edge of the seat stuff. Who will set Edgbaston on fire with his performance? Who has it in him to go through fire and claim Ashes for his side? Three more days stay with The Ashes Diary.

The Ashes Diary - Day One,Edgbaston

Well Done England. It was a good come back. An Aussie fan may say that they may have played too fast for their own good. The positive aspect of playing fast is you give time to your bowlers to bowl the opposition out. The other point is a team batting first is out before the end of first days play. The Aussie plan is simple bat England out of the game.
One may see “slow” run rate by Aussies. They perceive a run rate of 3.5 runs per over as flow. But is Aussie batsman can hold for till Gilchrist comes in the score as well as scoring rate will be pulled to back on track. The English however have to repeat the performance in second innings as well. Openers did a good and tidy job. I don’t know what the pitched had to do with it!! The absence of McGrath always helps the opposition. I being a man of statistics would like to know that how many Tests have Aussies won when McGrath and Warne have toured together and one of them has missed a match due to injury. I am sure the answer will give an interesting hint. My instinct and my following of the game say not many. Aussie top players seem to get injured mid way during the series. Then they make a big emotional come back. It was Steve Waugh during their last tour. He was injured with a triple ligament tear in his thigh. He stayed in England had an amazing recovery and struck a very memorable, emotional and trademark Steve Waugh century. Don’t be amazed if McGrath does something similar. He will not hit a century but we know what he can do with a red cherry in his pockets.
Aussie openers have a big day today. Hayden and Langer would be licking their lips seeing a flat wicket. It is time they redeemed themselves and set the scoreboard moving.
The English will be looking for a consistent performance in second innings. They would have to come from behind as Aussies may lead in the first innings. The English have to hold on to their nerve and display similar pyrotechnics in second hunting. The Ashes is in balance for now. The batting display they did in first inning; this game may be headed for a draw. If they English happen to bat well which Aussies try to thwart and Aussies have to bat the last day on a dicey wicket then who knows? The English Lion may just roar and give a Kangaroo a run for Ashes. Coming up next………. Day Two story in The Ashes Diary

Blog: Gaata Rahe Mera Dil

Kishore Kumar. His songs were the one you probably sang first when you started babbling. His songs were the first tunes on which you learnt to grind. Like old wine his charm continues till date and will probably only grow from here. The old tunes which he lent his voice never seem to be never out of odds with the present.
It would have been his 76 birth anniversary. But he is still alive.
His song voice conveyed the poets thoughts, the directions story, the heroes oomph, and would been eager to fall on a responsive ear. The magic continues to make people sway.
He carried the torch of playback singing to new heights.
He is also a man who signifies that life is perhaps a big irony. Irony is without exception got you the best and perhaps the worst on view. He was destined never to sing. It’s on record that he had an awful throat. He had problems talking leave alone singing. But today without doubt he was perhaps the best on which today’s singers try to emulate (emulating is not copying).
No artist has one facet only. This artist had many amazing facets. The record book says director, producer, editor, music director, lyricist, singer, poster designer etc. He did it all for Door Gagan Ki Chaon Mein. A comedian, who would just inject laughter into thinking souls. A singer who would bring tears rolling down your cheeks if you just heard him.
He along with Rajesh Khanna first and then Amitabh Bachchan bought a fortune for people intricately connected to Hindi film playback singing. He had an amazing voice which resonates in the mind. It takes you on a path where a man is compelled to think about his being.
There are a wide variety of songs which you could choose if u wish to hear a Kishore Kumar. You also have an option of hearing him remixed or remake. I prefer old ways. I am conservative I agree. It’s the simplest of thoughts which are most difficult to convey and understand. There are no ways but to simply say that he would tune the listeners to his songs no matter what he sang.
There are some of my favourite original solo tracks of Kishore Kumar.
Mere Meheboob Qayamat Hogi (Mr X in Mumbai).
Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahi (Paying Guest)
Mere Saamnewali Khidki (Padosan)
Geet Gaata Hoon Main (Lal Patthar)
Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi
Khaike Paan Banareswala (Don)
Meri Umaar Ke Nau Javano (Karz)
Om Shanti Om (Karz)
Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai (Mr.India)
Mere Sapno Ki Rani (Aradhna)
The list is endless. Rock or classical you need to have his collection no matter what your taste in Music.

About: Abhishekh Ki Sarkar

Ram Gopal Varma’s style of bringing the dark to light seems to continue to bring audience to theatre. “Sarkar” is a violent movie without much loud action. The theme is a violent struggle for power. Sarkar played by Amitabhh Bachchan is an old patriarch. His style of working seems to cause discontent. It gives spark to already raging frustration of Vishnu played by Kay Kay to stand against the father. A power struggle between two always helps the third person to stake claim to throne of power.
A distinct feature of Ram Gopal Verma is use of glamorous actors to play a very sedated - in the mirror characters. It's his unique style of filming. He does it well. He has done it in all his films without exception. The films usually have glamour element in the background. But RGV appears to paint his canvass without elements which highlight those glamour scenarios. This adds to the “realm” factors to his story. It is a very normal everyday life which he tries to project to the audience. He also has actors on his dispense which fit this bill.
The first half of the movie portrays how the megalomaniac patriarch is losing grips of his reins. The second half gives you scenarios in which a man has to go down in-order to rise to power. The post interval is a tailor stich suit for Abhishek Bachchan. He literally calls the shots. The younger son “Shanker” very quietly gets the hang of power equations of a place to which he is new. He is ready to do anything to stake claim to his father’s seat of power. The use of close up instead of dialogue brings more out of Abhishek Bachchan.
He in the end upholds the values that his father had build his empire on and presents a very contemporary look on who is calling the shots.
The time is over for taking notice of Abhishek Bachchan and its time to stand up and applause him. He is surely seems to walking out of his fathers shadow. I think he and Ram Gopal Verma will together form a very nice team. Abhishek Bachchan can claim this movie to be a “Zanjeer” for him. He has matched Amitabh’s portrayal of a megalomaniac with not only dialogues but also expressions. Will this movie give an actor to the industry who will be worthy on getting into Amitabh Bachchans shoes? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure Abhishek Bachchan on shear pedigree can stake claim to that crown. Abhishek Bachchan is the new Angry Young Man. He will be forming the Sarkar of future.
Go watch it for Abhishek Bachchan.

The Ashes Diary - Second Test,Edgbaston

The second test between England and Australia goes underway today. The wrestle resumes for Ashes. Australia might have thought they could have finish the last test in 3 and half days.
The joy of dismissing vaporised pretty soon for England. They at some point were struggling to catch straw in the storm. 92 for 7 on first days end; the writing was on the wall. That’s the only reason The “Ashes” Diary stopped after the first day. There was no point writing anything further. If you give Aussies a chance then you are fated to be doomed. They never expect a second invitation. The best part is when they are on top they shut all doors on opposition’s face. This ensures that the opposition do not have even a smell of victory.
The game of cricket is not about doing big things; it’s about doing number of small things consistently correct. There is nothing other than out-performing Australians that will ensures the English bringing home the Aussies.
I think English have taken something for granted. No matter who wins the “Ashes” the urn is always kept in MCC’s office in Lords Stadium. Do the English realise that their pride is locked away in some grounds in Australia? Play to win. Win for your pride.
The greatest salute is one which comes from the adversary. This Ashes series may prove to be decline for one of the teams. On the balance is one team which is simply the BEST there ever was. One claims to be good. Are they good enough only time will tell!
Michael Vaughan did well in Australia. When other Batsmen were trying to guess where the ball is coming from he was busy dispatching them to those big boundaries down under. If he plays this test he should open the innings and take the fight to Aussies. Do the smart thing; do anything but just stay on the pitch. It is the only way to add to tally of your score. Flintoff, I think is busy counting the stars in broad day light.
He should be coming later in the order. The bowling had the winds blown out of their sails. The Edgbaston wicket will be surprise no one. It will be really flat on second day. The pitch for batsman is flat only when the play on it.
The lack of variety in bowling and batting is really cause of concern to many who follow cricket. But I think that’s the way English cricket is played. The Aussies are no alien to English condition.
Aussie have done everything professionally. They exactly know how to set the engines roaring and when one has to put the foot on accelerator. Vaughan got it write when he said after the first match that it was just one game. The English have already their back to the wall and weight of huge expectations on their shoulder.
Can they brave the Aussie hostility? Do they have something to put on front? Or will again the Aussies just set Edgbaston on fire and take the“Ashes” home?
For more, click your way back to the “Ashes” Diary.

About: Viruddh........3 out of 5

Viruddh ……………..One more hindi movie following a certain trend. But taking nothing from the movie away.The trend currently seem to be consist of the following factors a short single word title, Amitabh in the movie, and no songs. The last trend of “item songs” seems to be buried at least for now. The possible reason may be its raining a lot and item girls don’t like getting wet in rain.
The movie revolves around retired couple and young son. The legendary Amitabh playing an aged father and Sharmila Tagore a retired principal is John’s Ma in the movie John Abhraham has done well. He was the voice narrator of the movie. He looked cool with his clothes on. VJ Anusha looked good in which ever frame she was there.Well done to the support cast as well Sanjay Dutt and company did well. The first half of the movie was good and provides a nice background for the movie.
The director I must say resist a lot of temptation of not making the movie a rona-dhona affair and stretching it in the end. Well done Mahesh Manjrekar. The movie is a bit hatke from his previous work. The end was quite logical and made sense at least with the background of the movie. It did not look out of place.
The performance of everyone ensures that no one alone carried the movie on his/ her shoulders. The spectrum of the movie was the performance of every actor. The role palyed by Sanjay Dutt was indeed dynamic ( some what of a serious Munna Bhai).
If the rains allow you to watch the movie then do it. It is a nice family movie. So please go and check it out.

Mumbai Reselient or Unfortunate?

One song that Mumbai won’t be singing this season will be “Yeh Dil Mange More…………” The city seems to have got more than a share of rains. The rain doesn’t seem to go away from Mumbai. It is sticking to the city like those unexpected guests who are not interested in moving out. The time is right now to replace the old adage “Raining Cats and Dogs”.
The step motherly treatment of the Central Government towards the city of course does not help. The PM did announce a Rs 500 Crore package. Lets see how will it help the city which pays the country Rs 200 Crores worth of taxes in a day. The people in New Delhi seem not to take notice. But one thing is for sure the Rains have not dampened the Markets. It will continue to be bullish. It will sky rocket if Monsoon yields a “Bumper” crops. One advice to the people of Mumbai, save the city do vote in next elections and make sure your candidate makes your point so that you don’t have to feel the guilt of not doing anything for your HOME city.
An old song for a city that beats the wrath of disaters. The song is old so is the spirt of the city. Guru Dutt song “Ae Dil hai Mushkil Jeena Yahan,Yeh Mumbai, Yeh Mumbai, Yeh hai….. Mumbai meri Jaan….”