The aftermath of the results has been that good friend gla has once again good naturedly dedicated some of his very valuable time to me. And as for me crying wolf, well, given below are some of my thoughts on the matter.
As has already been said, I have known Gla for three years now. In that time there have multiple instances when in panic, I have flourished under his guidance, only to see him falter. But long gone are those days and since then he has come bouncing back (literally). Alas, one semester can much so much of a difference. In fact, that is the one effectively separates us now. But truth be told, this semester, being a secretary did take its toll on me. ( At this juncture, I would like to thank Gla for his compliments and in return congratulate the man on a Lit Soc winning performance, one I am pretty sure will be hard to emulate in the near future). I have always tried and told the truth. True that I might underestimate a tad at times, but mostly I can attribute this apparent success to my batchmates who seem to have gone off their A game worse than I have. And as he so graciously mentions, was he stupid enough to believe me whenever I cried wolf ? Well, this begets the question, did I cry wolf in the first place? I reiterate, I haven't. He will probably stomp on the ground and maybe even jump on me for this, but the truth cannot be changed. As for him being stupid, that would be anybody's guess. Regarding the incident in question at McD, man, I told you my scores dude. I myself am fairly in shock right now, be it in a good way. God forbid, the teacher may change the grade after reading this blog. Well as for gla losing it and breaking stuff, that's just good ol' gla. So cheers to this fruitless discussion and cheers to the apparent competition which I can positively state would have no bearing on the state of affairs and cheers to absolute success we have enjoyed in the recent past. As for your offer, you know what I said.
P.S.: I know that Glen Johnson is not that good a buy. But I have to concede that he has improved immensely over the last season, even to the extent of cementing his place in Capello's first team. Champion's league football is probably exactly what he requires to hone his skills right now and those are the kind of players that should be given a chance, though I too feel that 17m pounds might be overkill. As for selling Dossena, I would say I am a little sad as he seemed to coming a bit into his own after last season's ManU match( you know which one). Arbeloa might have linked up well with Kuyt, but I have to say he did not perform up to the mark in his primary duty as a defender. He just doesn't have enough pace to fall back fast enough against quality counter attacks. Babel would truly be a good sell, considering that he isn't match fit half the season. Ideally , Liverpool should start looking for holding midfielders. If Mascherano and Xabi Alonso were to leave, Liverpool would be forced to play Gerrard deeper (Lukas just plain sucks) which isn't good. Oh, before I forget, the eves of all the countries who were knocked out of this year's T20 world cup have made it to the semi finals in the T20 women's world cup. As someone rightly pointed out in the TOI today, if Dhoni's men can't play bounce (England), pace (WI) or spin (SA of all teams), what can they play ?
Cheers,
Shreesh.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Confederations Cup painted Red
I have decided that the sentimental ode to my wing mates can wait for now. 'Tis the time for the showpiece event of the year, a preview to the football extravaganza scheduled for next year.
The confederations cup got off to a lively start with host nation SA being held to a tame draw by the battle scarred Iraqis. Despite having plenty of talent and enough experience in top flight leagues in Europe, the South Africans failed to crack the Iraqi defense. Having come agonizingly close to scoring , especially in the second half, The Iraqis held on for a well fought draw.
In the other match on the opening day, Spain showed why they are the top ranked side in the world with a 5-0 mauling of Oceania group leaders New Zealand. New coach Vicente del Bosque fielded a side which was more or less their best first team. Within minutes, Spain settled down into a slick passing game, which has become a trademark of their game, with the ball being moved fluently both along and across the field. Torres started off proceedings when NZ made the mistake of not closing him down . He fired in a 20 yard curler for his first of the match. Soon enough Spain doubled their lead, thanks to some excellent link up between their strikers, with Villa pulling it back for Torres who deftly placed it into the far left corner.Soon enough , El Nino completed his hatrick , thanks to some flat footedness on part of the NZ defenders. Capdevilla was allowed way too much time and space to pick out a cross to Torres, who gladly powered it beyond the keeper.Fabregas too joined the party to score Spain's fourth's goal and only then did Spain seem to relent their stranglehold on the game. Any chance of NZ redeeming themselves in the second half was lost when Villa coolly slotted in from close range thanks to a terribly missed clearance by Boyens. NZ had their only respectable chance of the game when Sam Elliott tested Casillas from 30 yards. But the Spanish captain was up to the task, clutching it safely.
The second day of the confederations cup saw two of the biggest teams in world football take centre stage. In their game against Egypt, Brazil looked patchy and hardly looked the brilliant side they are touted to be. The first half saw Real's new signing Kaka pull strings in midfield and after a flash of brilliance by the play maker (Taking on 3 defenders at one go), Brazil went ahead. Brazil's joy was to be short lived as Zidan equalised after three minutes for Egypt. Brazil still kept their wits about them and were rewarded for it with goals from Luis Fabiano and Juan from set pieces. But Egypt fought hard and almost did an Istanbul when they scored two goals inside a minute. But glory was not to be theirs when Al Mohammad cleared a shot off the line using his arm and was promptly sent off by referee Howard Webb. Kaka once again slotted home coolly with a perfectly placed penalty in the last minute to deny Egypt victory.
Unfortunately, I missed the USA-Italy game. But if BBC's reports are to be believed, Italy have a lot of catching up to do if they have to even start fancying their chances of winning the tournament.
With Spain threatening to sweep one more major trophy after the 44 year drought, the other top teams from Europe and South America better beware. England seem to have finally ended their patchy show and settled into a rhythm under new coach Capello. But one feels that the La furia Roja might be too hot to handle for anyone, despite their record of extreme underachievement.
Watch out for more updates in days to come.
Cheers,
Shreesh.
The confederations cup got off to a lively start with host nation SA being held to a tame draw by the battle scarred Iraqis. Despite having plenty of talent and enough experience in top flight leagues in Europe, the South Africans failed to crack the Iraqi defense. Having come agonizingly close to scoring , especially in the second half, The Iraqis held on for a well fought draw.
In the other match on the opening day, Spain showed why they are the top ranked side in the world with a 5-0 mauling of Oceania group leaders New Zealand. New coach Vicente del Bosque fielded a side which was more or less their best first team. Within minutes, Spain settled down into a slick passing game, which has become a trademark of their game, with the ball being moved fluently both along and across the field. Torres started off proceedings when NZ made the mistake of not closing him down . He fired in a 20 yard curler for his first of the match. Soon enough Spain doubled their lead, thanks to some excellent link up between their strikers, with Villa pulling it back for Torres who deftly placed it into the far left corner.Soon enough , El Nino completed his hatrick , thanks to some flat footedness on part of the NZ defenders. Capdevilla was allowed way too much time and space to pick out a cross to Torres, who gladly powered it beyond the keeper.Fabregas too joined the party to score Spain's fourth's goal and only then did Spain seem to relent their stranglehold on the game. Any chance of NZ redeeming themselves in the second half was lost when Villa coolly slotted in from close range thanks to a terribly missed clearance by Boyens. NZ had their only respectable chance of the game when Sam Elliott tested Casillas from 30 yards. But the Spanish captain was up to the task, clutching it safely.
The second day of the confederations cup saw two of the biggest teams in world football take centre stage. In their game against Egypt, Brazil looked patchy and hardly looked the brilliant side they are touted to be. The first half saw Real's new signing Kaka pull strings in midfield and after a flash of brilliance by the play maker (Taking on 3 defenders at one go), Brazil went ahead. Brazil's joy was to be short lived as Zidan equalised after three minutes for Egypt. Brazil still kept their wits about them and were rewarded for it with goals from Luis Fabiano and Juan from set pieces. But Egypt fought hard and almost did an Istanbul when they scored two goals inside a minute. But glory was not to be theirs when Al Mohammad cleared a shot off the line using his arm and was promptly sent off by referee Howard Webb. Kaka once again slotted home coolly with a perfectly placed penalty in the last minute to deny Egypt victory.
Unfortunately, I missed the USA-Italy game. But if BBC's reports are to be believed, Italy have a lot of catching up to do if they have to even start fancying their chances of winning the tournament.
With Spain threatening to sweep one more major trophy after the 44 year drought, the other top teams from Europe and South America better beware. England seem to have finally ended their patchy show and settled into a rhythm under new coach Capello. But one feels that the La furia Roja might be too hot to handle for anyone, despite their record of extreme underachievement.
Watch out for more updates in days to come.
Cheers,
Shreesh.
Monday, 15 June 2009
Ronaldo's night out in Paris
I seem to have taken a Q from good friend Gla .Feeling a little betrayed at having not been included in the holy endeavour of extreme joblessness that they seem to have embarked upon, 'I walk a lonely road,the only one that I have never known'.
In what must be the ultimate culmination of two people who are epitomes of white trash on earth, Paris Hilton went and made "hot" love to Ronaldo (NOT to be confused with 'fat' Ronaldo) who was "cooling" off in LA. I feel a shiver running down my spine as I zoom into the future to think about the possibility of them having the most wonderful of offsprings, throwing tantrums from their very births.Well, all said and done, both of them never cease to give us a reason to stop laughing at them. In fact, for the general health of the globe, one needs to have more Hiltons and Ronaldos to flex everybody's funny bone. And hats off to Times of India for making it an article of utmost importance. The world is on the brink of a financial crisis, more African children are being born crippled,the effects of the holocaust are still felt and more recently, the Air France plane went missing. But still, it is very important whether they did it or not. I salute them.
On a related topic, Real seem to have officially gone mad (Few tears roll down my cheek in fervent patriotism). Having a terrible defensive record in spite of having probably the best keeper in the world does not seem to bother them. One could probably track down all of their failures last season to some abysmal defending (Read Gabriel Heinze). Yet, they seem to buy more attacking midfielders as if they did not have enough. But all said and down, should they click, I am sure there will be fireworks with Barca being given a good run for their money.
Staying on sports, Fedex can finally thank his lucky stars and maybe even buy Robin Soderling a present. Afterall, he has achieved what Sampras was not able to achieve despite winning 14 Grand Slam titles. But with Murray turning it up a notch , both Nadal and Federer have to be wary , lest both face the same fate they inflicted upon other greats in the past. Still , hats off to the Swiss maestro. To say that he deserves it would be an understatement. He has probably dominated the Men's game like Nobody else before (except maybe Borg).
And for some local mentions: Rama seems to be having the time of his life in the USA. Gracious as he is to call me, he had to do it on a Saturday morning at 6:45 a.m. and then upon answering ask me" Why aren't you up yet?"!! But cheers to the arbit man. He has gone where myself and gla have never gone before( Quote:On a certain sweaty evening , shirtless, came the pearls of wisdom on VS. Refer gla again).
So much for the new induced sense of creativity(lets hope so!!). Next up, an ode to my wingmates who have been through the thick and thin of our college life with me.Hope that's a good one.
Cheers,
Shreesh.
In what must be the ultimate culmination of two people who are epitomes of white trash on earth, Paris Hilton went and made "hot" love to Ronaldo (NOT to be confused with 'fat' Ronaldo) who was "cooling" off in LA. I feel a shiver running down my spine as I zoom into the future to think about the possibility of them having the most wonderful of offsprings, throwing tantrums from their very births.Well, all said and done, both of them never cease to give us a reason to stop laughing at them. In fact, for the general health of the globe, one needs to have more Hiltons and Ronaldos to flex everybody's funny bone. And hats off to Times of India for making it an article of utmost importance. The world is on the brink of a financial crisis, more African children are being born crippled,the effects of the holocaust are still felt and more recently, the Air France plane went missing. But still, it is very important whether they did it or not. I salute them.
On a related topic, Real seem to have officially gone mad (Few tears roll down my cheek in fervent patriotism). Having a terrible defensive record in spite of having probably the best keeper in the world does not seem to bother them. One could probably track down all of their failures last season to some abysmal defending (Read Gabriel Heinze). Yet, they seem to buy more attacking midfielders as if they did not have enough. But all said and down, should they click, I am sure there will be fireworks with Barca being given a good run for their money.
Staying on sports, Fedex can finally thank his lucky stars and maybe even buy Robin Soderling a present. Afterall, he has achieved what Sampras was not able to achieve despite winning 14 Grand Slam titles. But with Murray turning it up a notch , both Nadal and Federer have to be wary , lest both face the same fate they inflicted upon other greats in the past. Still , hats off to the Swiss maestro. To say that he deserves it would be an understatement. He has probably dominated the Men's game like Nobody else before (except maybe Borg).
And for some local mentions: Rama seems to be having the time of his life in the USA. Gracious as he is to call me, he had to do it on a Saturday morning at 6:45 a.m. and then upon answering ask me" Why aren't you up yet?"!! But cheers to the arbit man. He has gone where myself and gla have never gone before( Quote:On a certain sweaty evening , shirtless, came the pearls of wisdom on VS. Refer gla again).
So much for the new induced sense of creativity(lets hope so!!). Next up, an ode to my wingmates who have been through the thick and thin of our college life with me.Hope that's a good one.
Cheers,
Shreesh.
Does Arun suffer from Bipolar disorder
Hello,
For those of you who have known Arun or will have the misfortune of meeting him sometime in the future, I will try to make this post a worthwhile read.
I have for a better part of three years always wondered how Arun Murali, lazy as he is, can work himself up into sudden bouts of extreme enthusiasm in the wing, especially when our beloved wing mate ,Shri Lifebuoy, is seen roaming around in his traditional attire with a smile that would have given Mona smile a run for money and a "Hey" that would put any pseudo cool dudes to shame. Also having had the pleasure of having been his room mate, he can sometimes be so sullen and secluded from the outside world that he can even scare you in the middle of night (Arun, you know what I am talking about). Upon reading this, he might argue that having Rama as a next door neighbor, how could raise the issue of his symptoms. But Rama has the distinction of being random at all points in time (and space!). Though mental development seems to be at an all time low in our lives, he sometimes dazzles us hitherto unseen sparkles of brilliance and just when you think that maybe he is coming around to his senses, he would defy it all by doing something so random that even Howard Hughes would have been Ashamed. Ok. Since I seem to have prototyped myself way too much in this bleak attempt at creativity, I shall put you all out of your misery.
@Arun : Hope you have Bipolar. Makes things easier
@RK : I know you are bipolar
@Myself: I am just plain jobless. I will try and be little more un-productive in the future.
To end it, since I have talked extensively about randomness, here is an excerpt from one of Bruce Lee Mani's (Lead Guitarist-Thermal and a Quarter) interviews' :
For those of you who have known Arun or will have the misfortune of meeting him sometime in the future, I will try to make this post a worthwhile read.
I have for a better part of three years always wondered how Arun Murali, lazy as he is, can work himself up into sudden bouts of extreme enthusiasm in the wing, especially when our beloved wing mate ,Shri Lifebuoy, is seen roaming around in his traditional attire with a smile that would have given Mona smile a run for money and a "Hey" that would put any pseudo cool dudes to shame. Also having had the pleasure of having been his room mate, he can sometimes be so sullen and secluded from the outside world that he can even scare you in the middle of night (Arun, you know what I am talking about). Upon reading this, he might argue that having Rama as a next door neighbor, how could raise the issue of his symptoms. But Rama has the distinction of being random at all points in time (and space!). Though mental development seems to be at an all time low in our lives, he sometimes dazzles us hitherto unseen sparkles of brilliance and just when you think that maybe he is coming around to his senses, he would defy it all by doing something so random that even Howard Hughes would have been Ashamed. Ok. Since I seem to have prototyped myself way too much in this bleak attempt at creativity, I shall put you all out of your misery.
@Arun : Hope you have Bipolar. Makes things easier
@RK : I know you are bipolar
@Myself: I am just plain jobless. I will try and be little more un-productive in the future.
To end it, since I have talked extensively about randomness, here is an excerpt from one of Bruce Lee Mani's (Lead Guitarist-Thermal and a Quarter) interviews' :
Any message to the readers of Infinity Music?
Ah! Shameless plug time!!! Buy Album III!!! It’s going to be great!!! Come to our gigs!!! Give us all your money!!! (We’ll give you stock options.) Support Indian Rock!!! Believe in little green men from mars!!! Vote!!! Don’t forget world peace!!! Express your distaste with too many exclamation marks!!!
Full respect to him.
Cheers,
Shreesh.
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