Some Blog ???

Back ALIVE ...

After trying my hand at Buzz, Twitter, Facebook and other options, I am finally back to blogging. Though it is difficult to write a blog, I find it to a better way to express my thoughts and emotions.

So, expect a few more posts soon ...

Raavan - Teaser ...

This is the the teaser trailer of RAAVAN.

The music is simply mind-blowing. A week to go for the CDs to hit the shelves. Waiting for it.
Expect a review soon.

Appraisal Time !!

It is March and time for appraisals at workplace. Hope to see some positive feedback (not that I don't like negative feedback, just that I ignore them).

But as always I will go with my favourite principle in life - "No Expectations, No Disappointments".

Peepoo - Novel Concept ...

A biodegradable toilet bag that can be used as fertiliser. That's PEEPOO.

According to its creator Anders Wilhelmson , Peepoo is not just a toilet bag. It is a solution to the human waste disposal problem which today is one of THE biggest obstacles to sanitation and public health in developing countries.

Read more about the Peepoo initiative here.

Pakistan Cricket - Talent 0% (100% nullified) Red Tapism 100% ...

A country that has little cricketing infrastructure (compared to the likes of Australia, South Africa and to an extent India), Pakistan has always produced some of the world’s best cricketers. The Wasim Akrams, Saqlain Mushtaqs, Wasim Baris, Imran Khans (just to name a few).

The poor (or non-existent) infrastructure never ever was a hurdle to these cricketing legends. The system and red-tapism was and is. Today, I read that Younis Khan and Mohd. Yousuf have been banned for life. Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved have been handed a 12 month ban. And Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal have been put on probation for 6 months (this is the most comical news I have ever come across - probation in sport).

And all this action because the team under-performed in the recently concluded series down under. What action should be taken against the board which is a group of jokers managing the enormous talent that the country possesses, but is not keen on placing any faith on its players? It is really painful to see a team having the most number of players having been the captain of the national side.

Click here to read more about the ban here.

Cricket is a team game and the players need to understand each other so as to complement each other’s game. Chopping and changing at the whims and fancies of a bunch of idiots has already taken a toll on Pakistani Cricket and this news has taken the team and its administration to a new low.

It’s a pretty sad day in the history of cricket - the day when the last nail in the coffin has been drilled.

R I P Pakistan Cricket. We will miss your exuberance.

Red Letter Day. Indeed !!!

March 08, 2010. I will remember this day for the rest of my life, the day I started my FITNESS REGIME.

Being a lazy bum all through these years took a toll on my fitness. I couldn't walk short distances, started tiring soon, and slept long hours. And being in the software industry doesn't help one bit as we are always glued to our seats and seldom move (except for numerous coffee breaks and luncheon interval). Realizing that this lifestyle would have an adverse impact later, I decided to start exercising and what better way than cycling.

Here's a brief timeline of what happened today morning.
0645 - Woke up to ensure that my fitness regime doesn't impact my daily routine (and that's 2 hours earlier than my normal wake-up time)
0650 - Had a hot cup of tea to get over the laziness
0655 - Was out on the roads on my brand new bicycle (read more about it here) to kick-off my fitness regime
0700 - Was panting like a dog after cycling for just 1.5 kms at pretty normal speed (it has been ages since I had driven a bicycle) and was ready to give up. But somehow I managed to overcome the negative thought and continued
0710 - 4.5 kms and the thought of giving up crossed my mind for the second time. This time around it was easier to negate the thought
0715 - Back home after cycling 5.5 kms

I wasn't able to stand steadily for a few minutes as my legs were shaking pretty badly. I felt that the dialogue "Building strong, basement weak" was very APT given the state I was in. But I felt rejuvenated.

Nevertheless, 20 mins of exercise is a decent enough beginning for a guy who hasn't exercised all through his life and I am sure I have made a good start (better late than never though !!!). I hope to continue this regime religiously from now on.

Anybody game to give me company?

Surprise !!

Exercise - the word that I had seen only in the dictionary (can't remember the last time I looked upon) and frequently heard on the idiot box, it had no relevance for me. That's what I thought all along.

I realised that I couldn't take the stairs in the office and I started panting like a dog every time I made an attempt. Finally, I understand that I wasn't FIT. So, it was a decision I took at the spur of the moment and it was made easier by the proximity of the cycle shop to my home. I have got myself a BRAND NEW BICYCLE (Hercules Atom MTB 6-speed with front and rear shocks) and intend to cycle for at least 2-4 kms (and gradually increase it to cover 8-10 kms) daily in the mornings. This I believe will help me regain my fitness.

As with any new thing, I wanted to try out my bicycle driving skills immediately. It has been nearly 15 years since the last time I rode one (phew! that's ages!!). My legs started aching after just 5 mins. I had planned to cycle from home through Cathedral Road to Citi Center, the Beach Road, the Napier Bridge and right up to the War Memorial Roundabout and back home the same route home. The distance of approximately 12 kms seems nothing when travelling by bike, by on a cycle its a different ball game altogether.

My fitness regime starts tomorrow. Wish me good luck.

Songs - Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya ....

After listening to the songs for more than 2 months, I was yearning to see how Gautam had picturised these timeless melodies that Rahman had composed for the movie. And thanks to Kalaignar TV, I was able to get a feel of it. And I must admit that the director has come out with flying colours.

I am off to the theatre to watch the movie. Anyone game for it?
In the meantime, I found these youtube videos of the programme aired on Kalaignar TV and thought it appropriate to have it on my blog for you. :) Happy viewing.

Part1: Hosanna, Omana Penne