So, that brings the inagural IPL to a thrilling climax...After two heavily one sided semi-finals, the finals took everyone to the edge. A last ball victory is always cherished for a long time by the cricket audience, and same follows with the match between Chennai SuperKings and Rajasthan Royals.
Indian cricket will never be the same from here upon, the whole concept of being a professional cricketer is going to undergo a drastic change. Being part of the natinal side was the ultimate aim of each budding cricketer till now, but hereupon , more important will be to be a higly rated cricketer in the league. Due to the simple fact that, that brings more money and glamour. Players have the oppurtunity to earn in 45 days, more than what they will earn in a whole calender year with the team. BCCI badly wanted the IPL to imitate the EPL or La Liga, but I have doubts whether they have considered the contrast features of these leagues, when compared to IPL. As a less-fanatic cricet fan, I hope that this will push ODIs to the backyard. Lets have Test matches for the orthodox pundits, and t20 for the common audience.
EPL too was dramatic and thrilling throughout the season. The team that I adore, "The Arsenal" had a fantastic start, keeping in mind the fact that many thought Arsenal will not be able to compensate the loss of its most prolific strikers, O'henry. But the youth brigade , nursed by Arsene Wenger did upset many so called sharp-predcitors to bring out a fresh face of the club and led the poits tally for many weeks. Unfortunately, the team succumbed to pressure later on , and a few setbacks in the middle disruptd the harmony. They could somehow fall on track towards the later stages, but then damage had been done. Though I hate to say this, MAN-U displayed unmatchable professionalism on the big stage,a nd the big perks they spent really brought out fruits. CR7 was the big difference it had. The Chelsea-Comeback under Grant was also worth applauding.
UEFA Champions League was not a very thrilling affair , till the final. Though the Gunners could do a wonder at San-Siro, they stumbled at the next step. The final will be remebered for a long time, atleast by John Terry. After being the grade one warrior of his team for a long time, he actually kciked away the big prize that has eluded his men for many years.But overall, MAn-U was the deserving winner, for the consistency they exibited throughout the tournament.
Another league I follow, the NBA , has also reached its grand finale stage. The LA Lakers and Boston Celtics are all set to fight for the Ring, starting this thursday. Celtics being the most successful teams of all times, and Lakers being one of the most successful teams of recent times, this will be a very interesting series to watch. Kobe Bryant, after being crowned the MVP for the first time, will be more than eager to ice the cake with a crown. Unlike his previous seasons, he has displayed great leadership qualities this season, and has extracted the best performance from his team mates, and that gives LA very good chances against obe of the best defensive teams of NBA. Celtics, on the other hand run hig on youth spirit and passion. Young Bloods like Rondo and Perkins will fight their hearts out for each and every single point or possession. And the big KG is still in a good shape and form. Though I would love to see LA and KB adding one more ring to their kitty, I feel that the celtics are gonna make it this time.
French Open going on in the mean while, but I am rather eager to see what will happen at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Anything other than a Roger Fed- Nadal final is what I am waiting for!
But now, stage is set for the EURO-2008 to start. All eyes to the two small but beautiful countris in Europe, Austria and Swiss. And let me once again announce my support to Portugal. The cup which we lost to the Greek will reach the deserved hands this time, I swear.
Thats it for teh time being....
Monday, June 2, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Life these days..
It has been a very long time since I posted something here. But I am honoured by the fact that many people, including a few whom I don't know, have send me mails asking to keep writing. An audience is something I have loved since childhood, however short it is.
The reason for this long delay was mainly the malayalam blog I maintain. I was actually enjoying the whole fun there, many of the bloggers are my friends now.Also, I am on a short term project and am located in HYD these days. Work pretty hectic , and less time for blogging.
Life is facing some kind of turbulence these days. But then thats the fun of this zig zag ride right? If everything goes as per our plan, then wheres the fun!!!
Hyderabad is getting hotter day by day. It is not just the heat that troubles me. Since I am used to the humid nature of Kerala, I find it more comfortable to sweat than getting literally baked.
Spending majority of my time in front of a display screen, either my desktop or my TV. MY eyes are having some hectic days .....:-)
The reason for this long delay was mainly the malayalam blog I maintain. I was actually enjoying the whole fun there, many of the bloggers are my friends now.Also, I am on a short term project and am located in HYD these days. Work pretty hectic , and less time for blogging.
Life is facing some kind of turbulence these days. But then thats the fun of this zig zag ride right? If everything goes as per our plan, then wheres the fun!!!
Hyderabad is getting hotter day by day. It is not just the heat that troubles me. Since I am used to the humid nature of Kerala, I find it more comfortable to sweat than getting literally baked.
Spending majority of my time in front of a display screen, either my desktop or my TV. MY eyes are having some hectic days .....:-)
Friday, December 7, 2007
Bye Bye Microsoft..
After a short tenure of 4 months in Microsoft, we are leaving the place in another 45 minutes.
Though I came in as a replacement, I could really get into the groove in a short time. The efforts produced good results, though were not adequtely appreciated. But I am happy with the 130+ days I spent with this team.
Going back to regular shift is good from health perspective, but I am really gonna miss the pickup cabs, free-yet-wonderful food, excellent facilities and above all , unrestricted net usage.
The assignment also gave some real good friends, none of them the freaky freaky types, and I was one among them in no time.
The work pressure, team meetings, dinner breaks , foosball sessions, team outings - all gonna be remain as fresh memories for a long time.
Thank you one and all...
Though I came in as a replacement, I could really get into the groove in a short time. The efforts produced good results, though were not adequtely appreciated. But I am happy with the 130+ days I spent with this team.
Going back to regular shift is good from health perspective, but I am really gonna miss the pickup cabs, free-yet-wonderful food, excellent facilities and above all , unrestricted net usage.
The assignment also gave some real good friends, none of them the freaky freaky types, and I was one among them in no time.
The work pressure, team meetings, dinner breaks , foosball sessions, team outings - all gonna be remain as fresh memories for a long time.
Thank you one and all...
Monday, November 19, 2007
Doctors on Strike...
Kerala is all set to face one of the most explosive health issue in the last few years. No, this is not a new flavor of Chicken Guniya that I am referring to. The Medical Officers or in other words a large section of the Doctors are almost out of their service as a protest against the government policies regarding their pay scales. When the whole state is still under the influence of the catastrophic fever attack that swept the masses till a few weeks back, this is a double blow on their sinking heads. Even after rounds and rounds of discussions, the two parties still are nowhere near a compromise.
Before anything, I think it is a fact that the Medical Officers in government service are paid very less, compared to their counterparts in Private Healthcare Industry. Also, the salary looks very less if compared with the engineers and other professionals who might have passed out along with the doctors, and are working for national or international firms. And the fact that a young engineering graduate in the IT/Manufacturing/R&D industry with a mere experience of 2 years, will be earning more than a doctor of 20 years experience, is quiet irritating, and often disgusting for many. But may be they tend to forget that the private sector always provide more remuneration than the public sector. Why don’t they compare it with the salary of an engineering college staff, who might have also passed out with them? They must also keep in mind that the private practice that the government has legally allowed is a good option for them to enhance their incomes. I personally know doctors who makes more than 10K a day .But for this, the doctor should excel in his job than his counterparts and hence everyone will not be able to encash this opportunity to their targets.
The recent rush in the private health industry has increased the work scope of our doctors to many folds, and this might have triggered the whole issue to this pace. But all government employees are supposed to work under the Kerala Service Rules, and day to day decisions from the government. Associations are free to express their concerns and protest, but social responsibility entrusted upon them should never be ignored while going to drastic measures. The Medical Colleges, District Hospitals and PHCs are still the only options , thousand in this state have and that should not be passed as unseen. A strike in the Revenue Department or the Animal Husbandry department is not going to cause a big impact in the common man’s life, but that is not the case with doctors. Also, I personally feel that the demands that the doctors have put up are a bit off the border, keeping in mind the salary stack the state maintains from a Municipal Cleaner to the State Chief Secretary.
But from a neutral point of view, I think the biggest asset a Doctor earns in his life time is the good will and status he enjoys in the society. Doctors of USA might be earning a lot more, but they are almost equal to a barber or butcher in the society. Everyone do their duty, and they get paid accordingly. But in India, especially in Kerala, a doctor in a public health institute is respected as a noble human being.
The government should, first of all, acknowledge the concerns of our doctors. They do have a valid point there and all possible steps should be taken to make them remain in their jobs. Absence of 500 doctors from a particular day, is going to cripple this state, literally. The government also should bring new regulations to backup the whole health service, which should include compulsory rural/ government service for Doctors passing out from government medical colleges. They should comprise 50% of the whole Medical Officer strength. So, this in turn will help the other 50% of each batch to move out to their field of choice. Only who are willing to remain in service with available pay may remain. This will avoid these kind of strikes and stand stills.
Note:
Both my parents are doctors, but I am proud to say that they are not taking part in this strike program. [Not because they are against salary hike, it’s because they are doctors only by degree and not by profession!]
Before anything, I think it is a fact that the Medical Officers in government service are paid very less, compared to their counterparts in Private Healthcare Industry. Also, the salary looks very less if compared with the engineers and other professionals who might have passed out along with the doctors, and are working for national or international firms. And the fact that a young engineering graduate in the IT/Manufacturing/R&D industry with a mere experience of 2 years, will be earning more than a doctor of 20 years experience, is quiet irritating, and often disgusting for many. But may be they tend to forget that the private sector always provide more remuneration than the public sector. Why don’t they compare it with the salary of an engineering college staff, who might have also passed out with them? They must also keep in mind that the private practice that the government has legally allowed is a good option for them to enhance their incomes. I personally know doctors who makes more than 10K a day .But for this, the doctor should excel in his job than his counterparts and hence everyone will not be able to encash this opportunity to their targets.
The recent rush in the private health industry has increased the work scope of our doctors to many folds, and this might have triggered the whole issue to this pace. But all government employees are supposed to work under the Kerala Service Rules, and day to day decisions from the government. Associations are free to express their concerns and protest, but social responsibility entrusted upon them should never be ignored while going to drastic measures. The Medical Colleges, District Hospitals and PHCs are still the only options , thousand in this state have and that should not be passed as unseen. A strike in the Revenue Department or the Animal Husbandry department is not going to cause a big impact in the common man’s life, but that is not the case with doctors. Also, I personally feel that the demands that the doctors have put up are a bit off the border, keeping in mind the salary stack the state maintains from a Municipal Cleaner to the State Chief Secretary.
But from a neutral point of view, I think the biggest asset a Doctor earns in his life time is the good will and status he enjoys in the society. Doctors of USA might be earning a lot more, but they are almost equal to a barber or butcher in the society. Everyone do their duty, and they get paid accordingly. But in India, especially in Kerala, a doctor in a public health institute is respected as a noble human being.
The government should, first of all, acknowledge the concerns of our doctors. They do have a valid point there and all possible steps should be taken to make them remain in their jobs. Absence of 500 doctors from a particular day, is going to cripple this state, literally. The government also should bring new regulations to backup the whole health service, which should include compulsory rural/ government service for Doctors passing out from government medical colleges. They should comprise 50% of the whole Medical Officer strength. So, this in turn will help the other 50% of each batch to move out to their field of choice. Only who are willing to remain in service with available pay may remain. This will avoid these kind of strikes and stand stills.
Note:
Both my parents are doctors, but I am proud to say that they are not taking part in this strike program. [Not because they are against salary hike, it’s because they are doctors only by degree and not by profession!]
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Reality (or Unreality?) Shows…..
The television channels of India are busy hunting for new topics which they can transform into reality shows. Many print-online forums are busy discussing the rights and wrongs of this form of entertainment, where the performers present themselves, rather than a character. The term ‘reality show’ holds a significance only for shows like the Big Brother or MTV Roadies where the contestants are supposed to live a life together as themselves and the audience enjoy seeing that. And by the same standard, it is not fair to brand shows like Voice of India, Indian Idol and Idea Star Singer as reality shows. In fact, these kinds of music contests are not something new to the Indian television. It’s just that they didn’t have the SMS funda involved in them.
The SMS voting involved in the contests has increased the business aspect to many many folds. For the programs of yesterdays, the one and only source of income was the advertisement slots in between various segments. The concept of SMS voting was introduced to this, not to ensure that the contest will have a democratic feature in it, it is because the voters are charged at premium rates by the service providers and a lion’s share of this extra profit reaches the kitty of the producer. For a small state like Kerala, prices of the range 40 lakhs-50lakhs-Limousine car are much much beyond the expectation of any contests, but when we analyze the money involved in a full series of a contest, this amount appears just nominal.
Here are my thoughts on the most prominent show of this genre in Malayalam at this point of time, Idea Star Singer, hereupon addressed as ISS ,broadcasted in Asianet.
ISS, as per the various statistics, enjoys the biggest audience reach , in all Malayalam programs aired daily. After a real pathetic show in 2006, ISS crew had a really skillful strategy for 2007. More emphasis was given for the settings, style and quality where as in 2006 it was almost a one man show by MJ[ Read it Michael Jackson!]. Even when facing the accusations of the manipulations and business minded partiality, Asianet could bring out a good quality program which does not tire the regular TV audience. Apart from the ardent fans who vote for their choices regularly, the program really don’t affect us, infact it entertain us to a great extent.
The contests are really giving us an honest performance each day. I think the greatest gift that each of them already won is that, all those faces have become very common and familiar to wide masses all over the state. Names like Sannidanandan have become very popular in the online discussion forums for malayalis.
The judges..hmmm… I really don’t want to comment much on them. When the whole elimination is through the SMS voting method, I really don’t know the necessity of three high profile judges [ No, I am not leaving ‘Sharath sir’ behind ‘Sreeyettan’ and ‘Dheedhi’] for the event. And why should they come out each time with very minute comments, many of them sounding partial, if that does not have much effect on the result? I don’t know.
The anchor, Ms. Ranjini H , has triggered criticisms from the audience for her appearance, mannerisms and above all , her accent. Personally , me too hate Malayalam being talked the way she talks, but I don’t think it is fair to point the finger at her, she is doing what she knows. The producers of the show should think seriously about changing the anchor if they feel that she don’t match to the whole concept. Ms. Ranjini has a pretty good grasp in English, and I think she is bettering her Malayalam day by day. And the dress code she follows might not please the typical keralites like me, but I should confess that they suits her well enough. And about her mannerisms, too artificial!
Now a word for the contestants, if at all atleast one comes through this page before the Kingdom come: Music is not a visual art. The eardrums of your audience appreciate you, not their Retinas. The contest producer might be more concerned about the entertainment value of the whole program rather than the pure music in you. But since this provides a wide platform to project yourself, utilize it to maximum benefit with all possibilities. But by the end of the day, plz keep it in mind that Yesudas and SPB won many million hearts with their voice and voice only.
Wishing you all the very bezt!
PS: Najim, you don't rock! You just seduce with your voice!!!
The SMS voting involved in the contests has increased the business aspect to many many folds. For the programs of yesterdays, the one and only source of income was the advertisement slots in between various segments. The concept of SMS voting was introduced to this, not to ensure that the contest will have a democratic feature in it, it is because the voters are charged at premium rates by the service providers and a lion’s share of this extra profit reaches the kitty of the producer. For a small state like Kerala, prices of the range 40 lakhs-50lakhs-Limousine car are much much beyond the expectation of any contests, but when we analyze the money involved in a full series of a contest, this amount appears just nominal.
Here are my thoughts on the most prominent show of this genre in Malayalam at this point of time, Idea Star Singer, hereupon addressed as ISS ,broadcasted in Asianet.
ISS, as per the various statistics, enjoys the biggest audience reach , in all Malayalam programs aired daily. After a real pathetic show in 2006, ISS crew had a really skillful strategy for 2007. More emphasis was given for the settings, style and quality where as in 2006 it was almost a one man show by MJ[ Read it Michael Jackson!]. Even when facing the accusations of the manipulations and business minded partiality, Asianet could bring out a good quality program which does not tire the regular TV audience. Apart from the ardent fans who vote for their choices regularly, the program really don’t affect us, infact it entertain us to a great extent.
The contests are really giving us an honest performance each day. I think the greatest gift that each of them already won is that, all those faces have become very common and familiar to wide masses all over the state. Names like Sannidanandan have become very popular in the online discussion forums for malayalis.
The judges..hmmm… I really don’t want to comment much on them. When the whole elimination is through the SMS voting method, I really don’t know the necessity of three high profile judges [ No, I am not leaving ‘Sharath sir’ behind ‘Sreeyettan’ and ‘Dheedhi’] for the event. And why should they come out each time with very minute comments, many of them sounding partial, if that does not have much effect on the result? I don’t know.
The anchor, Ms. Ranjini H , has triggered criticisms from the audience for her appearance, mannerisms and above all , her accent. Personally , me too hate Malayalam being talked the way she talks, but I don’t think it is fair to point the finger at her, she is doing what she knows. The producers of the show should think seriously about changing the anchor if they feel that she don’t match to the whole concept. Ms. Ranjini has a pretty good grasp in English, and I think she is bettering her Malayalam day by day. And the dress code she follows might not please the typical keralites like me, but I should confess that they suits her well enough. And about her mannerisms, too artificial!
Now a word for the contestants, if at all atleast one comes through this page before the Kingdom come: Music is not a visual art. The eardrums of your audience appreciate you, not their Retinas. The contest producer might be more concerned about the entertainment value of the whole program rather than the pure music in you. But since this provides a wide platform to project yourself, utilize it to maximum benefit with all possibilities. But by the end of the day, plz keep it in mind that Yesudas and SPB won many million hearts with their voice and voice only.
Wishing you all the very bezt!
PS: Najim, you don't rock! You just seduce with your voice!!!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Being a Catholic Communist..
Recent word exchanges between Pinarayi Vijayan and Mar Chittilapalli and the subsequent debates going on in the media poses a very serious question to many minds, who believe that Communism and Catholicism as two versions of the same ideology which stands for equality and welfare-for-all, former in a worldly point of view and the latter linked with the eternal life. The life and death of late Comarade Mathayi Chacko is pulled out to the streets just for silly gains and this has resulted the initiation of yet another ‘Vivaadham’ in Kerala. I’m sure Oxford will be enlisting this word in the 2008 or 2009 edition of their dictionary, for its wide frequent usage.
How does Communism and Catholicism contradict to each other? Elements of anti- religious, or to be specific, anti- Christian were evolved along with Communism because at the time when this ideology spread it roots, Church was one of the prominent feudal exploiting powers of the society. The unholy alliance between ‘Crown and Cross’ was considered as the biggest enemy by the upcoming radical thought streams. And prominent leaders of those days gave many messages against the church.
As far as the Kerala social scenario is concerned, Communists were branded as atheists from the day the ideology started spreading in this country. The right fraction political parties succeeded to convince the religious leadership of the society that the ‘Comrades’ were against religion and against Bible, quoting many examples from Russia and Eastern Europe. And majority of the priests and priest heads didn’t care to enquire more on this. But things have changed much, in the last two decades. Bishops like late Mar Paulose Mar Paulose identified Communism as a crude worldly form of Christianity and initiated friendly dialogues between leaders of both streams. Developments like this were accepted wholeheartedly by the socially vibrant Christians of Kerala.
Coming back to the current: It is very difficult to scan the whole issue with a neutral, impartial stand. But unfortunately both sides have their own valid points and neglecting any one of them will be an injustice, not to the fighting tycoons, but to that noble soul who gave his whole life to the ideology he believed.
Mar Chitiilapalli : Was trying to share his agony about a devotee been denied the right to be cremated in the church cemetery. But he used the issue, more to highlight the CPM party infrastructure and its rigid cadre system ,and hence sounded more political than religious. Even if the Bishop denies it upon God, UDF literally quoted him on many forums to encash it as votes .Also, he had to correct many of his comments after the family members of Mr. Chacko came out with explanations
Pinarayi Vijayan: Was trying to save Mr. Chacko’s stature in the society, and indirectly, CPM’s too. But the response was a bit out of the limits. Also, gave an impression that all party workers are atheists. But it should be mentioned that he never asked his party cadres to denounce their faith. But the church did it the other way.
Malayala Manorama: Well done!
This is my share of Oil to the Fire: Communism and Catholicism are complementary to each other. Jesus Christ is the biggest communist world has ever seen. Lal /Cross Salam!
How does Communism and Catholicism contradict to each other? Elements of anti- religious, or to be specific, anti- Christian were evolved along with Communism because at the time when this ideology spread it roots, Church was one of the prominent feudal exploiting powers of the society. The unholy alliance between ‘Crown and Cross’ was considered as the biggest enemy by the upcoming radical thought streams. And prominent leaders of those days gave many messages against the church.
As far as the Kerala social scenario is concerned, Communists were branded as atheists from the day the ideology started spreading in this country. The right fraction political parties succeeded to convince the religious leadership of the society that the ‘Comrades’ were against religion and against Bible, quoting many examples from Russia and Eastern Europe. And majority of the priests and priest heads didn’t care to enquire more on this. But things have changed much, in the last two decades. Bishops like late Mar Paulose Mar Paulose identified Communism as a crude worldly form of Christianity and initiated friendly dialogues between leaders of both streams. Developments like this were accepted wholeheartedly by the socially vibrant Christians of Kerala.
Coming back to the current: It is very difficult to scan the whole issue with a neutral, impartial stand. But unfortunately both sides have their own valid points and neglecting any one of them will be an injustice, not to the fighting tycoons, but to that noble soul who gave his whole life to the ideology he believed.
Mar Chitiilapalli : Was trying to share his agony about a devotee been denied the right to be cremated in the church cemetery. But he used the issue, more to highlight the CPM party infrastructure and its rigid cadre system ,and hence sounded more political than religious. Even if the Bishop denies it upon God, UDF literally quoted him on many forums to encash it as votes .Also, he had to correct many of his comments after the family members of Mr. Chacko came out with explanations
Pinarayi Vijayan: Was trying to save Mr. Chacko’s stature in the society, and indirectly, CPM’s too. But the response was a bit out of the limits. Also, gave an impression that all party workers are atheists. But it should be mentioned that he never asked his party cadres to denounce their faith. But the church did it the other way.
Malayala Manorama: Well done!
This is my share of Oil to the Fire: Communism and Catholicism are complementary to each other. Jesus Christ is the biggest communist world has ever seen. Lal /Cross Salam!
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