Watched a movie in a movie hall after almost a year and half. (I guess the last movie that I watched in hall was "Sahi Bandeh, Galat Dhandhe"!!!). After dropping my wife and daughter to the airport, I did not feel like coming back to home straightaway. I decided to watch a movie to feel better. And I ended up watching a movie in which a husband/father loses his wife and daughter and then tries to reunite with them. Sounded intense, isn't it? Actually it was Ice Age-4 :)

Ananya (and of course her mom) just left for India. Am sitting at the airport and already missing them 

Ananya aka Aanya aka Gulli Singh aka Dim-sum is leaving for India tomorrow...Don't know how will I manage the next three long weeks :(

BCCI da jawaab nahi!!!

Yesterday I read a news that the BCCI President, N Srinivasan has taken personal initiative to bring back Kapil Dev in the official fold. If this is indeed true, it is a great news and finally better sense has prevailed. Kapil Dev is truly a legend of Indian cricket and sidelining him just because he was the head of the rebel T20 league (ICL) is unfair. After all, ICL made BCCI to start its own and highly profitable league (IPL).

Kapil Dev has faced a lot of humiliation since BCCI stopped inviting him to cricket functions. Neglecting the first World Cup winning captain and one of the better all-rounders to play the game was an uncalled for stance. BCCI's decisions affected Kapil Dev financially as well since he stopped getting pensions. Recently, he was ignored in the 1 Crore one-time payment scheme (indeed a great idea) that BCCI has formulated.

I am glad that Kapil Dev will now get his dues. He has to apply for amnesty, which he has agreed to do. That is some great news. Though, I wish BCCI could do without this applying and requesting business.

Aman ki Asha....#*$%&€Δ§π¿¢π*#!?

India Pakistan cricket series in December 2012. Good news.

The matches will be played in India. Extremely bad news.

I cannot understand the logic behind this decision. Recently, Abu Jundal revealed that some of the terrorists involved in 26/11 came to India as cricket fans and did some 'site seeing'. Why do we want to give them another opportunity?? They must be giggling, celebrating and would have already started making plans for the next strike. Sewaiyyan hum banake denge to woh eid manaane to ayenge hi. 

Moreover, it seems Pakistani players may be included in the next edition of IPL. What is the reason of this sudden change in stance?? Why do we want to help them now? Corruption in cricket is present in each country. Players are trying to find quicker ways of making more money. In terms of corruption among cricket players, Pakistani players are ahead of everyone. Salman Butt, Mohamad Aamer, Mohamad Asif, Danish Kaneria etc. We are also not far behind with our Azhars, Jadejas, Shalabh Srivastava etc. Do we want to change the situation and eliminate the menace of fixing from cricket, especially IPL or do we want to further increase it? If we want to eliminate it then why are we inviting the global ambassadors of match fixing and spot fixing to come and influence our young cricket players?

I think these decisions of BCCI are definitely flawed and they should rethink this new stance. I hope the thought process does not include spreading peace through cricket. That is not happening. Aman ki aasha with Pakistan is nothing but a big, dirty and bloody joke!!!

Kilkaariyaan - IV

Kilkaariyaan - III

Kilkaariyaan - II

Nani Teri Morni Ko......

Wishlist for Olympics

I do not think I have ever been as interested in Olympics as I am this time around. I will try to closely follow the mega event.

I think India should have a better medals tally this time around. We have a good chance in Shooting (possible golds for Narang and Bindra), Boxing (possible gold for Mary Kom and hopefully a few medals for the male boxers) and possibly Archery (Deepika Kumari).

However, if I am really really REALLY praying for someone to win then it is (a) in Hockey and (b) Paes and Vishnu Vardhan in Tennis Doubles!!! If Paes-Vardhan win, Walt Disney must make a movie on them

After Rafting in Port Dickson

Ananya @ Sushi Zanmai

Pleasing Personalities

Sania Mirza had lots to say 'after' she qualified for the Olympics. She commented regarding male chauvinism and against how she was paired with Paes to please the star player. Pssch!!!

Her mother has been appointed as the manager of the Olympics bound women's tennis team!! Of course, her mother 'now' has the experience as she was the manager of the team in CWG and probably Asian Games as wel. But why did she get the job in the first place!!??!! Since Madam Mirza has been so vocal against 'pleasing' players, I believe that is not the reason. I wonder what is the reason. And I wonder if her Pakistani Mother-in-law would get to be the manager in the next event.

National Geographic -II

First Wave

Today, for the first time, Ananya waved at me to say bye when I was leaving for the office!!! She had this confused expression on her face which suggested, "I hope I am doing this right"!!!

:)

Buy or Die

I do not find buying something for someone extremely difficult as long as there is no particular 'reason'. In fact I like doing that. I roam around malls as well as pages of online shopping sites and if I come across something interesting for myself or someone close to me, I buy it. If there is no occasion or reason, the gift can be anything. It need not be big or significant. More importantly, one does not HAVE TO buy something.

In August, I will be traveling to India. The customery gift purchases is getting on me. It is mighty difficult to buy stuff for people when there is no occasion but something HAS to be bought. More importantly, you cannot buy expensive perfume for someone and a pen for someone else. There needs to be 'parity'.

And I do not understand why should something be bought in a foreign location to carry it to India. Everything is available in India and for other things you have eBay Globay Buy!!! Malaysia is not particularly known for any product. If there is anything like that, I do not know about it. Ya, getting something from the duty-free store at the airport makes sense as things are cheaper there. But one cannot buy gifts for everyone at the last minute in the duty-free store!!! What if you get gifts for everyone except 1 or 2 people. That would be catastrophic!!!

Last few weekends, we have been wandering in shopping malls or websites without much luck. The next weekend is going to be the same. I want to buy lots of stuff for everyone who matters but it is proving to be extremely difficult.

(Pic Courtesy: istockphoto.com)   

Dinner at Port Dickson!!!

Walky Talky - II

Walky Talky - I

Heavy Lunch...Feeling Sleepy

Heavy Lunch at Sushi Zanmai at 1 Mont Kiara in Kuala Lumpur.

Now I am feeling really sleepy but there is lots to be finished today :(

Their Chicken Karaage Don (bottom right in the picture above) is simply awesome!!!

All the best Andy

Roger Federer won another Wimbledon title to his tally. He defeated Andy Murray of Scotland/Britain/ United Kingdom/England in a awesome four set match. It was a treat to watch as Andy played out of his skin.

The only issue with Andy is that he was born in the wrong era. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have been and continue to dominate the tennis scene and thus Andy has not been able to win a grand slam event so far. He is indeed a good player and it is a shame that he has not won any of the Big 4.

There have been other examples in sports where someone exceptionally talented did not do too well as there was someone else who was dominating the scene. A name which comes to mind is Stuart Macgill, the leg spinner from Australia. In spite of being a great leg spinner, Macgill did not get to play too many tests for Australia as there was Shane Warne in the team. I am never too good with history and statistics but if I am not mistaken, in the few occasions that both the leggies played for Australia, Macgill did either better or not to bad compared to Warne. However, Warne was undoubtedly the better among the two and hence played more matches and enjoyed exceptional success. Had Macgill been born in another era or another country, he would have played a lot more matches.

Not drifting too far from the topic, I think Andy Murray put up a great fight against the King. He had the game, the crowd support. The only thing which was missing was the experience of playing such big matches. Federer, in comparison, played much below his best but his experience and temperament saw him through.

Though I do not like Brits winning any matches, I hope Andy Murray sees the success he deserves. Djokovic broke into the world of FedEx and Rafa dominated tennis and there is no reason why Murray cannot do it.

Trip to Port Dickson

In May this year, we went for a Automotive team outing to Port Dickson. It is a beach town. I am told that there are lot of things to do over there but with all the presentations that were scheduled, we did not get a lot of opportunities to explore the place. More importantly, the trip would have been much more enjoyable had I gone over there with my family. 

Nevertheless, we did manage to spend some time on some team building activities. The time spent in the pool was quite fun and relaxing. The resort that we stayed in, 'Thistle', boasts of an inviting and hard-to-avoid pool. We played water volleyball in the pool. Evening was full of dance (which I skipped) and drinks (which I did not). Overall, it was a good trip with a good mix of fun and work. Though I would have loved some more fun quotient.

I made these!!! Hash Brown Potatoes....not so healthy and thus Yummy!!!

All week, I make plans for the weekend. Places we will visit, things we will do etc etc. Last evening, I also thought that I will try my hand at cooking and make some breakfast!!!

But, like most times in recent times, the weekend has started on a frustrating note :(

Quote of the day:


"The idea is not to find faults....Just say sorry and lets end the matter!!!"

"Yeh Dil Maange More!"

On this day, back in 1999, we lost Captain Vikram Batra, PVC. A true hero. "Ya toh Tiranga lehraake aaunga, ya phir Tirange mein lipta hua aaunga, lekin aaunga zaroor"

We salute you 'Sher Shah' and you will always be missed. "Yeh Dil Maange More!"

Ananya & Me :)

Minutes of the Meeting

Important notes during one of the meetings :P

Wonder why!!!

I wonder why did it take scientists so long to find the god particle!!! All they needed to do was a blood test of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Dumb asses!!!

Paes-Stepanek lost to the 15th seeds in 5 sets in the 3rd round. Pssch. :(

Hesh-Anna lost to unseeded '???-???' in straight sets in the 2nd round. :D They should now ask SM Krishna to try and get even these results changed

Small steps, big happiness

Dear Ananya,

Today you took 8-10 steps!!! I laughed with excitement, mom cried (as usual) and you looked confused.

Love you,
Deda

So 'hesh-ania' crashed out in the second round!!! reminds me of a dialogue of shri gabbar singh, "nikal gayi saari hekdi??......aaaak tttthhhooooo"!!!

Games that life plays

I must have read the following a few hundred times in last few years. Yet, everytime I read it, I curse life for the kind of tricks it plays. At the same time, it also increases the respect for soldiers....

In 2001, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (father of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC) felt a strong desire to visit his birthplace at Sargodha, now in Pakistan. At Lahore airport, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was met by Brigadier Khawja Mohammad Naser, who took it upon himself to be Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal host and guide. Brigadier Naser really went out of way to ensure that Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal had a satisfying and nostalgic visit to his old house in Sargodha. Upon his return to Lahore he was once again the guest of Brigadier Naser for three days.

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was overwhelmed by the extreme kindness, deference, courtesy and respect bestowed upon him by Brigadier Naser and by all the members of his family and his many servants. However Brigadier Khetarpal felt that something was amiss but could not make out what it was. Was it the long silences that punctuated their animated conversation or was it the look of compassion in the eyes of the women in the family? He could not make out but was sure he was being treated as someone very special.

Finally, on the last night before Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal's departure, Brigadier Naser said 'Sir, there is something that I wanted to tell you for many years but I did not know how to get through to you. Finally, fate has intervened and sent you to me as an honoured guest. The last few days we have become close to one another and that has made my task even more difficult. It is regarding your son who is, of course, a national hero in India. However on that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another, fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to tell you that your son died in my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously. It was destined that I was to live and he was to die.

It was only later that I got to know how young he was and who he was.I had all along thought that I would ask your forgiveness, but in telling the story I realize that there is nothing to forgive. Instead I salute your son for what he did at such a young age and I salute you too, because I know how he grew into such a young man. In the end it is character and values that matter."

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was silent as he did not know how to react.To be enjoying the hospitality of the person who had killed his son was a confusing feeling. However being a soldier himself he genuinely admired the chivalry of an officer whose complete squadron was decimated by his son.

I salute Arun Khetarpal...and all the soldiers.

Games Period - II

@ Port Dickson

India needs a change

It is disheartening to read about what is happening in India..... Prices (especially fuel) are rising and going beyond the reach of millions, rupee is falling, economy looks to be on its way down, government has become a joke, rising discontent among the general public regarding the government and leaders, Delhi and Kolkata are become increasingly unsafe towards women, fire is breaking at all the places where important and confidential.......Its shameful and quite worrying.

India needs a change in government. Right now there are no options. People are unhappy with Congress but I do not think many are happy with BJP either. Another party can also come in power but not without the backing of either Congress or BJP. What use would that be?

India needs another party at the national level. India needs a change.

Super Sunday!!!

Yesterday, after a long time, we could enjoy shopping. I know that most men do not like shopping or at least claim so. I am not one of them. I love to shop but I have my likings. I do not of course like grocery shopping. I like to shop for electronics, sports and camping equipments and ahmm...kitchenware.

Yesterday, we got a chance to do all that after a long time. It was all thanks to the cooperation of Princess Ananya as she did not get bored or cranky.

We bought a lot of stuff...electronics, kitchenware, sports equipments as well as apparel. We also had breakfast as well as lunch outside!!! I cannot remember when was the last time we had done that!!!

I really loved our Sunday outing. Though there was nothing extremely special but all new parents would be able to identify with and understand this joy.   

Now Ananya madam, can we go to watch a movie....or will that be pushing our luck too far?

WTF

I have changed my mind.....with the latest developments regarding the selection of the teams to represent India in the tennis doubles event in Olympics, I believe that Leander Paes should definitely withdraw his name. And, unlike stated earlier, I will not be supporting 'Bhupathi-Bopanna'. This deal is really unfair and humiliating for Paes and I will no longer be supporting India's tennis campaign (unless Paes decides to play).

Foreign Minister, AITA member and most importantly, Bangalorean SM Krishna had a role to play in this selection in which the Bangaloreans had their way. :(

Fine Australian White Wine

Cant Stop W(h)ining!!!

Question: What happens when you cut the entire seal of a wine bottle thinking that it has a cork when it has a screw cap? And what happens when after this mishap, you figure that the wine bottle stopper that you have, does not fit in the wine bottle you just opened!!!

Answer: You do not have a choice but to finish all the wine in the bottle. And you have a good time :)