Kavya Shivashankar won the 82nd Scripps National Spelling Bee competition. It was her fourth appearance in the Bee. I couldn't help but feel good that someone of Indian origin won the competition. Last year it was Samir Mishra, this year Kavya. The fact that 7 out of 11 finalists were of Indian origin gives you something to think about! The competition itself was extremely tough. I couldn't believe that these kids (12 or 13 years old) were able to spell the words that I couldn't even pronounce!! To make matters worse more often than not the words pronunciation is very different from its spelling. Hats off to all the participants, and special congrats to Kavya for her sheer hardwork and perseverance!
Another interesting point - Kavya is the seventh Indian American to win the contest in the past 11 years!! Go Indians!!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Guantanamo Bay
I don't understand all this hoopla surrounding the closure of Guantanamo Bay. I say enough with the political posturing! GOP and even many democrats are against closing it down on the grounds that detainees pose security threat to US. While security is a legitimate concern, some of the concerns raised are pure ridiculous. I almost laugh anytime I read that senators don't want detainees to be held in US prisons. Since when is US afraid that it's current law enforcement and judicial system is sub standard?
Going by the same yardstick, suppose Osama Bin Laden is captured. Unarguably he is THE MOST dangerous terrorist, right? Would the same senators say that he should NOT be brought to US for justice?? Just think about it. They send soldiers to fight in foreign countries surrounded by terrorists. But they wont allow suspects to be held in high-security prisons in their state. How preposterous!
The issue is black and white. The detainees should be tried in US. If it is believed that a prisoner is dangerous, evidence should be provided! Else they should be released back to their home country. If the home country doesn't accept them, it is US responsibility to accept them. The allied countries should not even come into picture. On the other hand, prisoners found guilty should be held in US prisons.
In this Obama era, too many politicians are invoking our fear of danger to US. It is really pitiful that people who authorized wars against two COUNTRIES are now afraid of INDIVIDUALS.
Going by the same yardstick, suppose Osama Bin Laden is captured. Unarguably he is THE MOST dangerous terrorist, right? Would the same senators say that he should NOT be brought to US for justice?? Just think about it. They send soldiers to fight in foreign countries surrounded by terrorists. But they wont allow suspects to be held in high-security prisons in their state. How preposterous!
The issue is black and white. The detainees should be tried in US. If it is believed that a prisoner is dangerous, evidence should be provided! Else they should be released back to their home country. If the home country doesn't accept them, it is US responsibility to accept them. The allied countries should not even come into picture. On the other hand, prisoners found guilty should be held in US prisons.
In this Obama era, too many politicians are invoking our fear of danger to US. It is really pitiful that people who authorized wars against two COUNTRIES are now afraid of INDIVIDUALS.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
My Marriage!!
It all seems so unreal sometimes! Here I was few years back talking about what I felt about marriage. And today, it is my turn. Time sure flies fast.
Most of you already know that I would get married to Reena on Aug 9th. For those of you who don't, here are some details. I got Reena's number through my family. Yes, it is arranged marriage. I talked to her for the first time on October 17th. It seems so long ago!! We really connected well. We met a few times and we knew that we were right for each other. Our partners in crime were my brother and bhabhi. Monika, Kishore and Rishu were the ones helping Reena.
Roka ceremony was held in Cleveland on Dec 14th. I got to meet Reena's mom and brother also at that time. It was fun.
So 7 months and thousands of pics later, it is time to go back to India and lose my bachelor's degree!! I am getting really excited as the D-Day is approaching.
Over the past few months we have shared so many beautiful memories and trips. Hope that our journey together is as much fun as it has been so far.
Most of you already know that I would get married to Reena on Aug 9th. For those of you who don't, here are some details. I got Reena's number through my family. Yes, it is arranged marriage. I talked to her for the first time on October 17th. It seems so long ago!! We really connected well. We met a few times and we knew that we were right for each other. Our partners in crime were my brother and bhabhi. Monika, Kishore and Rishu were the ones helping Reena.
Roka ceremony was held in Cleveland on Dec 14th. I got to meet Reena's mom and brother also at that time. It was fun.
So 7 months and thousands of pics later, it is time to go back to India and lose my bachelor's degree!! I am getting really excited as the D-Day is approaching.
Over the past few months we have shared so many beautiful memories and trips. Hope that our journey together is as much fun as it has been so far.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Movies Review/Rating
Hi All,
Click here to view the ratings of movies I have seen
I have seen hundreds of movies over time. And I am also maintaining an excel where I list my personal rating. Sometimes, I even write some review for the movies. I am just sharing this list with you all incase you want to see some movie and want to get my opinion on the same!!
I might have missed many of the movies in the excel. But believe me, if you know some movies name, most likely I would have seen it!! SO you can post a scrap or drop me an email if you want my review. I will try to reply asap.
Enjoy!!
(Update -- Excel is also embedded below for easy reference)
Click here to view the ratings of movies I have seen
I have seen hundreds of movies over time. And I am also maintaining an excel where I list my personal rating. Sometimes, I even write some review for the movies. I am just sharing this list with you all incase you want to see some movie and want to get my opinion on the same!!
I might have missed many of the movies in the excel. But believe me, if you know some movies name, most likely I would have seen it!! SO you can post a scrap or drop me an email if you want my review. I will try to reply asap.
Enjoy!!
(Update -- Excel is also embedded below for easy reference)
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Now in Columbus, Indiana
My project with Chrysler finally got over. That means I am no longer in TMS application. I sure miss my time in Auburn Hills. That was my first onsite assignment. It is hard to believe that I spent almost 4 years there! I take with me all sorts of memories and a good deal of experience. The assignment ended on Aug 22nd to be precise.
My new assignment is in Columbus, Indiana. I reached here on Aug 25th. It is a nice little place. You can say that people are here because Cummins is here! Yes, Cummins is my new client. Columbus (not to be confused with Columbus, Ohio) has all the facilities and amenities. The thing is that there is no small/big city nearby. Columbus is sort of standing on its own. Because of this, the small city feel is accentuated. Anyways, I am getting used to it. I have started going to gym regularly now. I dont need to lose weight but trying to tone the body. The body is responding nicely :-)
Also playing racquet ball. It is nice game. Not as much fun as tennis, but good enough. Learning tricks of the game slowly. Good thing is that unlike tennis, we can play this game even in winters. Well, thats it for now. Rest later.
My new assignment is in Columbus, Indiana. I reached here on Aug 25th. It is a nice little place. You can say that people are here because Cummins is here! Yes, Cummins is my new client. Columbus (not to be confused with Columbus, Ohio) has all the facilities and amenities. The thing is that there is no small/big city nearby. Columbus is sort of standing on its own. Because of this, the small city feel is accentuated. Anyways, I am getting used to it. I have started going to gym regularly now. I dont need to lose weight but trying to tone the body. The body is responding nicely :-)
Also playing racquet ball. It is nice game. Not as much fun as tennis, but good enough. Learning tricks of the game slowly. Good thing is that unlike tennis, we can play this game even in winters. Well, thats it for now. Rest later.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
In the wake of blasts
It angers me to see bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Make no mistake, 8 bomb blasts in Bangalore and 17 in Ahmedabad represent colossal intelligence failure. There are so many shortcomings that are way too obvious. We don't have coordination between centre and state. This was made clear even in IISC shooting in Bangalore few years back. There is no central database that can track individuals with known criminal background. Even the police stations are horribly low tech. Just for example say a child gets lost in a city like Delhi, the poor parents can file a missing report. Now imagine, a few months later someone reports the same kid to some other police station, say in Gurgaon. Do you think, the child can ever make back to his parents? Now just imagine had this been computerized. A database that can record reports for missing children, and children who get reported. The possibilitis are amazing, right?
Still in a country where the funds never make to the ground level, such ideas remain a distant dream. Sometimes I feel like quitting whatever I am working on and heading back to India to implement such ideas. Then I am reminded of the politics and my horrid experience in police stations. Maybe someday I can rid myself of all the -ve fears and do something good for my country.
But I AM proud of how no communal violence broke out in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. It is easy for people like me who are sitting thousands of miles away to lecture that there should be no communal violence as that is exactly what the terrorists want. It is quite another thing for someone who has just lost some loved one. I applaud their courage. And I applaud the police and the army who kept extremist hindu/muslim outfits in control. I was surprised by the very sensible statement by Shivraj Patil. He was right on when he offered full help to Gujarat govt and refused to blame them for the failure to prevent attacks. Same cannot be said of the statements by Advani and Rajnath, who are bent on using the attacks to their political advantage. Shame on them. If they can remember, Karil war happened during their regime.
I pray for all those whose loved ones got killed/injured in these horrific attacks. I also hope Indian govt takes steps to improve its intelligence gathering. Centralization and computerization is the key. It is high time we went high tech on the war against terror.
Still in a country where the funds never make to the ground level, such ideas remain a distant dream. Sometimes I feel like quitting whatever I am working on and heading back to India to implement such ideas. Then I am reminded of the politics and my horrid experience in police stations. Maybe someday I can rid myself of all the -ve fears and do something good for my country.
But I AM proud of how no communal violence broke out in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. It is easy for people like me who are sitting thousands of miles away to lecture that there should be no communal violence as that is exactly what the terrorists want. It is quite another thing for someone who has just lost some loved one. I applaud their courage. And I applaud the police and the army who kept extremist hindu/muslim outfits in control. I was surprised by the very sensible statement by Shivraj Patil. He was right on when he offered full help to Gujarat govt and refused to blame them for the failure to prevent attacks. Same cannot be said of the statements by Advani and Rajnath, who are bent on using the attacks to their political advantage. Shame on them. If they can remember, Karil war happened during their regime.
I pray for all those whose loved ones got killed/injured in these horrific attacks. I also hope Indian govt takes steps to improve its intelligence gathering. Centralization and computerization is the key. It is high time we went high tech on the war against terror.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Need for Speed?
It has been a long time since I blogged. And it's not just the time. You know, I always used to think that I was not mature for my age. But I caught up with my age in the past 1.5 years. Yeah, experience is the best teacher. And I had a lot to experience in that timeframe. Well, for those of you looking for a sob story, sorry to disappoint you!
This post is to celebrate life! It is happening! Who thought that Infosys would ever be on the verge of losing Chrysler account. But it has happened. A lot of my buddies have already left Auburn Hills. With them has gone the charm of Auburn Hills. No more tennis tournament, and no more potlucks! No more tea breaks and no more movie parties! Well, I was looking for change, so I cant complain. God works in mysterious ways.
As for life. I am looking forward to the new challenges. It was about time that I got challenged. Change of location would bring with it new opportunities as well. I think I am in a better position to capitalize on them. My thinking has undergone a major surgery over the past sometime. And the anaesthesia is just wearing off. After that, its showtime!
This post is to celebrate life! It is happening! Who thought that Infosys would ever be on the verge of losing Chrysler account. But it has happened. A lot of my buddies have already left Auburn Hills. With them has gone the charm of Auburn Hills. No more tennis tournament, and no more potlucks! No more tea breaks and no more movie parties! Well, I was looking for change, so I cant complain. God works in mysterious ways.
As for life. I am looking forward to the new challenges. It was about time that I got challenged. Change of location would bring with it new opportunities as well. I think I am in a better position to capitalize on them. My thinking has undergone a major surgery over the past sometime. And the anaesthesia is just wearing off. After that, its showtime!
Friday, October 26, 2007
And thus it ends
Dilip Kalra is finally bidding adieu to US. Atleast for now that is! After completing 3 years in Auburn Hills, he has decided that India is the place to be for the time being. His reasons are both professional and personal, but the post is not about that.
I have a few very close friends, but in the workplace Dilip is definitely the closest. It has taken us few years to reach a level where I can understand what he means when he messages 'iwbti2m'. And it would take years to reach that level with someone else, if at all that happens. Anyway, so why so much fuss about Dilip? Well, here's something about him - he is a kind of guy you want to be around. The qoute 'Ek anaar aur so bimaar' was made for him I guess. He is funny, enthusiastic, smart and caring. All of us have one or more of these qualities, but it is rare to see all of them in one person.
Ofcourse we had our share of fights. But as per my philosophy, you fight with people who are close to you. And the closer you are, the worse the fights. Anyway this is not about the fights either. It is about how over time you can get close to someone, and give them a special place in your lives. In these relations, distance doesn't matter. You can meet them years later in a third country and feel the same closeness as you once had.
So Dilip, just wishing you all the best. Hope you get all that you wanted .It can be a tough call as the things you wanted changed every day - from being a local neta, to open a business, to develop a village, to quit working and start teaching and what not. Wishing that you achieve anything you desire and more.
I have a few very close friends, but in the workplace Dilip is definitely the closest. It has taken us few years to reach a level where I can understand what he means when he messages 'iwbti2m'. And it would take years to reach that level with someone else, if at all that happens. Anyway, so why so much fuss about Dilip? Well, here's something about him - he is a kind of guy you want to be around. The qoute 'Ek anaar aur so bimaar' was made for him I guess. He is funny, enthusiastic, smart and caring. All of us have one or more of these qualities, but it is rare to see all of them in one person.
Ofcourse we had our share of fights. But as per my philosophy, you fight with people who are close to you. And the closer you are, the worse the fights. Anyway this is not about the fights either. It is about how over time you can get close to someone, and give them a special place in your lives. In these relations, distance doesn't matter. You can meet them years later in a third country and feel the same closeness as you once had.
So Dilip, just wishing you all the best. Hope you get all that you wanted .It can be a tough call as the things you wanted changed every day - from being a local neta, to open a business, to develop a village, to quit working and start teaching and what not. Wishing that you achieve anything you desire and more.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Something something...
I had been thinking about writing a post for sometime now.. but nothing came to mind.. So i will just jot down whats happening in life..
We had our quarterly project party on Saturday.. It was fun.. DJ Amri hosted the party... Participated in some games, antakshari, ate food etc. Also got a medal for best sportsman in tennis (surprise!).. anyway all in all, nicely done. The food didnt impress me though..
The work on MBA is still STUCK.. If anyone of you reads this, please kick my a** and get me moving!! The time is running out like crazy.. But did do one good thing. Went to visit Ross school on Thursday. Was there for the whole day, even attended a class. That was nice experience. Also gave a tip to the professor for his next class :-)
I have been shopping a lot more frequently the past 1 year.. I guess I am making up for the lost time! My taste is getting better and better.
Almost forgot.. I am getting kicked out of my present apartment. Somehow bedbugs ended up here, and the management has decided that they dont want us here. So looking at a new place now. It is much better than the present one. Don't know why we stuck with shi**y Bloomfield Villas for so long. It really sucks!! Good riddance in a way :-)
We had our quarterly project party on Saturday.. It was fun.. DJ Amri hosted the party... Participated in some games, antakshari, ate food etc. Also got a medal for best sportsman in tennis (surprise!).. anyway all in all, nicely done. The food didnt impress me though..
The work on MBA is still STUCK.. If anyone of you reads this, please kick my a** and get me moving!! The time is running out like crazy.. But did do one good thing. Went to visit Ross school on Thursday. Was there for the whole day, even attended a class. That was nice experience. Also gave a tip to the professor for his next class :-)
I have been shopping a lot more frequently the past 1 year.. I guess I am making up for the lost time! My taste is getting better and better.
Almost forgot.. I am getting kicked out of my present apartment. Somehow bedbugs ended up here, and the management has decided that they dont want us here. So looking at a new place now. It is much better than the present one. Don't know why we stuck with shi**y Bloomfield Villas for so long. It really sucks!! Good riddance in a way :-)
Monday, August 27, 2007
Something funny...
One of my friend recently recounted the following story to me... I had to share this one :-)
Just for the records, this actually took place!! One desi guy was in the restroom when he saw his client there. He asked the client 'How you doing?'. To which the client replied - 'The same way you are'.
Just for the records, this actually took place!! One desi guy was in the restroom when he saw his client there. He asked the client 'How you doing?'. To which the client replied - 'The same way you are'.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Sweet victory
Yesterday me and Ganesh completed our q-final match against Suchit/Pai the veterans.. It was very windy, not very ideal conditions to play tennis. But still there was no other go as Ganesh is all set to leave for India this Saturday. Anyhow, we won our doubles encounter!!
To be fair, it was expected of us as we were already leading 6-3, 5-7, 3-1. Still finishing the match actually was a relief. We had couple of match points at 5-1 itself with Suchit serving at 15-40.. But we failed to capitalize on that, with both me and Ganesh making some mistakes. Anyhow, we finally broke Pai at 5-3 and we are now into semi-finals!! And now the fun begins :-).. Ganesh won't be here so organizers have to decide what to do next. Either a by to the semi-finalist team, or one more chance to Suchit/Pai, or get some other team to play, or allow me to have another partner. In any case I am happy. Reaching semi-final is pretty good in itself.
You can follow the tennis news @ http://infytennis.googlepages.com
To be fair, it was expected of us as we were already leading 6-3, 5-7, 3-1. Still finishing the match actually was a relief. We had couple of match points at 5-1 itself with Suchit serving at 15-40.. But we failed to capitalize on that, with both me and Ganesh making some mistakes. Anyhow, we finally broke Pai at 5-3 and we are now into semi-finals!! And now the fun begins :-).. Ganesh won't be here so organizers have to decide what to do next. Either a by to the semi-finalist team, or one more chance to Suchit/Pai, or get some other team to play, or allow me to have another partner. In any case I am happy. Reaching semi-final is pretty good in itself.
You can follow the tennis news @ http://infytennis.googlepages.com
Monday, August 20, 2007
Then and Now
I was washing clothes yesterday. By washing I mean I put the clothes in washing machine, then put in the detergent and switched on the machine. Later put the clothes in drier, and I was done.
This lead me to think of how I used to get clothes washed in Trichy. Those were some fun times!! Had to wash a bunch of clothes myself as we couldn't afford BHEL rates for them. So we used to pick up the clothes, detergent, bucket and a mug and start the manual process of washing the clothes. It used to be quite an effort. Then put them on a wire to dry them. Clip them so that they don't fly away!! Even when giving the clothes to BHEL, we had to sort out the clothes to be given. Walk all the way to the bus-stand outside the college (used to be quite a trek!). Then wait for bus in ths sun. While coming back too get in some bus crowded with people of all kinds. Then experience the strange mix of smells of liqour/sweat/vegetables etc that was bound to open any closed nose :-).. Anyway fight with the conductor to stop the bus at REC. Sometimes jump from the running bus. Then go back to BHEL once again to get the clothes back. Wow!! I had never imagined at that time that life could get as easy as it is now. But then, whats the fun in easy?
This lead me to think of how I used to get clothes washed in Trichy. Those were some fun times!! Had to wash a bunch of clothes myself as we couldn't afford BHEL rates for them. So we used to pick up the clothes, detergent, bucket and a mug and start the manual process of washing the clothes. It used to be quite an effort. Then put them on a wire to dry them. Clip them so that they don't fly away!! Even when giving the clothes to BHEL, we had to sort out the clothes to be given. Walk all the way to the bus-stand outside the college (used to be quite a trek!). Then wait for bus in ths sun. While coming back too get in some bus crowded with people of all kinds. Then experience the strange mix of smells of liqour/sweat/vegetables etc that was bound to open any closed nose :-).. Anyway fight with the conductor to stop the bus at REC. Sometimes jump from the running bus. Then go back to BHEL once again to get the clothes back. Wow!! I had never imagined at that time that life could get as easy as it is now. But then, whats the fun in easy?
Life happens
So many things are going on in life, but still sometimes I wonder that nothing has happened. Maybe because there is no progression. I am the same person I was say an year ago, with nothing significant to show for the time spent. Except ofcourse all the fun times.
Tennis season is not going that well. I am out of the singles. Upendra defeated me in quarterfinals in a 3 setter. Hmm, I think I should have won, but he won, so he must have played better than me. I am happy with the way I am playing though. Tennis court is one place where time just flies for me. Playing tennis is maybe the thing I enjoy doing the most.
It is raining almost daily now. Sometimes it causes elation, but generally the weather looks gloomy. This is surprising as I love rains! Maybe the gloom has to do with something other than weather. I have been setting goals for myself relating to my MBA. And I have been failing miserably. At this rate I don't know what is in store for me. This is the rootcause for all the worry I guess.
Bhaai has given his MLE part 2. Finally :-).. I am happy for him. Hope the result comes soon and he scores well. We both are pretty stationary careerwise. But atleast he is working hard to move. I need to start too.
Tennis season is not going that well. I am out of the singles. Upendra defeated me in quarterfinals in a 3 setter. Hmm, I think I should have won, but he won, so he must have played better than me. I am happy with the way I am playing though. Tennis court is one place where time just flies for me. Playing tennis is maybe the thing I enjoy doing the most.
It is raining almost daily now. Sometimes it causes elation, but generally the weather looks gloomy. This is surprising as I love rains! Maybe the gloom has to do with something other than weather. I have been setting goals for myself relating to my MBA. And I have been failing miserably. At this rate I don't know what is in store for me. This is the rootcause for all the worry I guess.
Bhaai has given his MLE part 2. Finally :-).. I am happy for him. Hope the result comes soon and he scores well. We both are pretty stationary careerwise. But atleast he is working hard to move. I need to start too.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Lost in thought...
He was wandering aimless in a strange desert. It was beautiful but something was missing. He was looking for an oasis. Just when he least expected it, he saw it. He ran hard. He ran like a madman. And before he realized he had left everyone behind and was all alone. Even the oasis was left behind. But for some reason he decided to keep running, now away from it. But his eyes were still fixed on it. So he fell down pretty hard.
He immediately got transported to some other world. This world was scary. It was like a big black cage with no walls. Once inside all you see is yourself. It was as if he was in midst of a dark storm. The only way to get out was a tiny hole in a dark cloud way up in the sky. A single ray of light was barely making through it. He had to transform himself into a thought to get out. So he focussed hard. It took him a month but finally he was able to come out.
He was back in the desert at the same place where he fell. The oasis was not visible anymore though he could swear at the place where he last saw it. But he was not alone anymore. Everyone was walking just a couple of steps ahead of him. He decided to keep the distance. He was just glad to be back.
He immediately got transported to some other world. This world was scary. It was like a big black cage with no walls. Once inside all you see is yourself. It was as if he was in midst of a dark storm. The only way to get out was a tiny hole in a dark cloud way up in the sky. A single ray of light was barely making through it. He had to transform himself into a thought to get out. So he focussed hard. It took him a month but finally he was able to come out.
He was back in the desert at the same place where he fell. The oasis was not visible anymore though he could swear at the place where he last saw it. But he was not alone anymore. Everyone was walking just a couple of steps ahead of him. He decided to keep the distance. He was just glad to be back.
Friday, July 13, 2007
The Movie of my Life
| The Movie Of Your Life Is An Indie Flick |
 You do things your own way - and it's made for colorful times. Your life hasn't turned out how anyone expected, thank goodness! Your best movie matches: Clerks, Garden State, Napoleon Dynamite |
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The cricket of marriage
Venkat: Did you hear? Parag's marriage got fixed?
Jeevan: Oh, is it? Including Suchit, Deepan and Shash, this is the 4th wicket that we have lost.
Venkat: Yeah, Bachelor team is losing wickets left and right.
Jeevan: So when are you planning to get out?
Venkat: Oh, I will play a long innings man. Don't worry!
Jeevan: Take care, dont get out in the nervous nighties!
Venkat: What do you mean?
Jeevan: Dont get excited after watching your brother's marriage.
Venkat: Oh! No man, I am safe from that. I am playing good defense :-)
Jeevan: Good.
Venkat: What about you? When is your wicket falling?
Jeevan: Match fixing is going on man. Lets see what happens.
Venkat: Oh so bookies are playing their part. Good :-) But in the end, it's all a matter of a good ball. A single good ball is all it takes to end a nice innings.
Jeevan: Very true!! As of now I have not played any good balls.
Venkat: Yeah, but sometimes you can get out even when the ball is not good.
Jeevan: Yeah? How can that happen?
Venkat: Benefit of doubt factor!
Jeevan: Care to explain more?
Venkat: With pleasure! You know in these kind of matches, parents appeal after each and every ball! If the batsman gets benefit of doubt, your wicket is safe. But if that doesn't happen, you might fall even for a mediocre ball that doesnt deserve your wicket!!
Jeevan: Satya vachan :-)
Venkat: So guard your wicket closely for those balls. And when good ball comes, step away and leave the stumps wide open :-)
Jeevan: Oh, is it? Including Suchit, Deepan and Shash, this is the 4th wicket that we have lost.
Venkat: Yeah, Bachelor team is losing wickets left and right.
Jeevan: So when are you planning to get out?
Venkat: Oh, I will play a long innings man. Don't worry!
Jeevan: Take care, dont get out in the nervous nighties!
Venkat: What do you mean?
Jeevan: Dont get excited after watching your brother's marriage.
Venkat: Oh! No man, I am safe from that. I am playing good defense :-)
Jeevan: Good.
Venkat: What about you? When is your wicket falling?
Jeevan: Match fixing is going on man. Lets see what happens.
Venkat: Oh so bookies are playing their part. Good :-) But in the end, it's all a matter of a good ball. A single good ball is all it takes to end a nice innings.
Jeevan: Very true!! As of now I have not played any good balls.
Venkat: Yeah, but sometimes you can get out even when the ball is not good.
Jeevan: Yeah? How can that happen?
Venkat: Benefit of doubt factor!
Jeevan: Care to explain more?
Venkat: With pleasure! You know in these kind of matches, parents appeal after each and every ball! If the batsman gets benefit of doubt, your wicket is safe. But if that doesn't happen, you might fall even for a mediocre ball that doesnt deserve your wicket!!
Jeevan: Satya vachan :-)
Venkat: So guard your wicket closely for those balls. And when good ball comes, step away and leave the stumps wide open :-)
Sunday, April 15, 2007
IMDB Rank 3 - Godfather II
This movie is a classic and won 6 oscars ! The acting of Al Pacino is great, and he looks in full control. Thats why you would expect of a Godfather! Even the flashbacks to Don Vito's life are nicely done, and Robert DeNiro has given a great performance. The movie also touches a emotional vein. It tries to depict how broken Don Michael really is from the inside. The very family he is protecting, is slipping from his hands. And he is not able to do anything about it. He must do what he sees is correct and honorable. The acting of other actors such as Robert Duvall (Tom Hagen), Diane Keaton (Kay) is also a very balanced one. Good movie all in all, but it wont be anywhere near No. 3 in my list :-)
Best dialogue? Michael says 'There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.'
Also his dialogue to Senator Geary - 'My offer to you is this. Nothing.'
Best dialogue? Michael says 'There are many things my father taught me here in this room. He taught me: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.'
Also his dialogue to Senator Geary - 'My offer to you is this. Nothing.'
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
IMDB Rank 2 - Godfather
I love this movie!! I had read the novel prior to watching the movie. So it was not a great experience the first time I saw the movie. But then I saw it a couple of times more, and I could see why it is all time Number 1. Coppola has really put in a lot of effort and one can appreciate that he has tried his level best to do justice to the novel. You gotta give it to the man :-)
One scene I liked best? Al Pacino is standing outside the hospital after his father was attacked. His hands are not trembling at all when he lights the cigarette for Enzo, the baker's son in law.
One scene I liked best? Al Pacino is standing outside the hospital after his father was attacked. His hands are not trembling at all when he lights the cigarette for Enzo, the baker's son in law.
IMDB Rank 1 - The Shawshank Redemption
Before I review this movie, just wanted to clear that the rankings are not mine. If I have to rank the movies then it would be a somewhat different list. The rankings are arrived at by averaging the general rating given by viewers (over 2 lakh votes!)
Now back to Shawshank Redemption. I have seen this movie many times now, and I still dont get tired of it. Wow, what a movie!! This movie ranks in "my" top 5!! Director Frank Darabont has directed a classic!! And Tim Robbins ad Morgan Freeman have given performance of a lifetime!! The USP of this movie are its dialogues. They are just awesome. Who can ever forget Red's dialogue -
"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
Scene I liked best? - Oh God, there are so many! Still this one stands out. Lawyer accuses Andy on how "conveniently" the gun couldnot be found. To this Andy replies "Since I am innocent of this crime, sir, I find it decidedly *inconvenient* that the gun was never found."
Now back to Shawshank Redemption. I have seen this movie many times now, and I still dont get tired of it. Wow, what a movie!! This movie ranks in "my" top 5!! Director Frank Darabont has directed a classic!! And Tim Robbins ad Morgan Freeman have given performance of a lifetime!! The USP of this movie are its dialogues. They are just awesome. Who can ever forget Red's dialogue -
"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
Scene I liked best? - Oh God, there are so many! Still this one stands out. Lawyer accuses Andy on how "conveniently" the gun couldnot be found. To this Andy replies "Since I am innocent of this crime, sir, I find it decidedly *inconvenient* that the gun was never found."
Monday, March 26, 2007
Mission: IMDB Top 100
I am embarking on a new mission :-).. I have seen tons of movies, so decided why not go for some Top 100 list. As IMDB is my favorite site for checking the movie rarings, I decided to see Top 100 movies as given by IMDB. To this end, I have even taken a netflix account. Only thing left is to see how far I can go! Will keep you updated :-)
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