I often worry about how busy everyone in Corporate America seems to be. I bumped into a colleague at lunch and he was busy reading a presentation while also glancing at the WSJ at the same time. As he got up, he took out his blackberry frantically reading all the unread messages. We both agreed to catch up but his calendar was completely booked for two weeks!
The guy is busy!
Does he has some time to just sit back and think? Think about what he needs to do, think about the critical few things, think about where he is taking his career etc etc. I wonder...
The more and more I have met people, I have begun to realize that there are two things happening. One- a busy calendar is a sign of importance, so "busy"ness is a reinforcement of one's self esteem. Two- we dont prioritize well at all. Things just get on our calendar and we do them. Half the meetings are meetings we dont need to be at and so if we got really intentional about things, we wouldnt be that busy at all. I remember reading once that this generation is caught up in the thick of thin things. Thick of thin things...that really resonated with me. We just need to keep things in perspective and the real test of all this is when one goes on vacation. If nothing major drops when one is out (and seldom is that the case), clearly we have an overblown sense of our own importance than needs to be the case.
What does it mean? Enjoy the meeting, keep some "free" time to go with the flow, to allow for flexibility for what is life without a little bit of a surprise. While being busy is good, if you're too busy, you are living by a calendar and thats no fun...I know Sumantra Ghoshal wrote an article in HBR a few years back titled- Beware the Busy Manager, wherein he found that a lot of managers really dont focus their time well and they could be so much more effective if they just stepped back to take an objective look at how they spend their time. We could all do very well with that advice.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Leaving Microsoft to change the world...
This is the title of the latest book I read over this weekend, and what a fascinating story this is...
John Wood did what most people only dream of- he left a lucrative position in one of the world's top companies to form a non-profit organization whose purpose it is to bring books, computers and a chance at education to children throughout South and Southeast Asia.
The epiphany came to him on a trip to Nepal as he was taking a break from a grueling but highly successful career at Microsoft. As he saw the incredible paucity of books in the country, he decided he needed to do something different. A small project turned into a large one and before he knew it, John was more passionate about it than his day job. Much to the chagrin of his employers, he quit.
And then he wrote a book about it. In it, he says that non-profit companies should work, in practical matters, very much like for-profit companies. They should be organized, passionate and focused. Wood takes some time to give readers pointers as to how to achieve this. He also makes the story very personal and you literally feel you are with him every step of the way- the sacrifices, the tough choices, the passion, the fatigue, the joy when the faces of children light up- it makes for fascinating reading.
If you dont have time to read the book, go to the website- www.roomtoread.org- to read about Wood's organization and the wonderful things it is doing for education of the underprivileged in some of the poorest countries in the world. I have often thought about doing something but have done nothing. I salute the man who had the courage to do it all, and do it in a manner that was forthright, upfront and not taking no for an answer but fighting all odds to make it all happen.
Read the book, you will not be disappointed.
John Wood did what most people only dream of- he left a lucrative position in one of the world's top companies to form a non-profit organization whose purpose it is to bring books, computers and a chance at education to children throughout South and Southeast Asia.
The epiphany came to him on a trip to Nepal as he was taking a break from a grueling but highly successful career at Microsoft. As he saw the incredible paucity of books in the country, he decided he needed to do something different. A small project turned into a large one and before he knew it, John was more passionate about it than his day job. Much to the chagrin of his employers, he quit.
And then he wrote a book about it. In it, he says that non-profit companies should work, in practical matters, very much like for-profit companies. They should be organized, passionate and focused. Wood takes some time to give readers pointers as to how to achieve this. He also makes the story very personal and you literally feel you are with him every step of the way- the sacrifices, the tough choices, the passion, the fatigue, the joy when the faces of children light up- it makes for fascinating reading.
If you dont have time to read the book, go to the website- www.roomtoread.org- to read about Wood's organization and the wonderful things it is doing for education of the underprivileged in some of the poorest countries in the world. I have often thought about doing something but have done nothing. I salute the man who had the courage to do it all, and do it in a manner that was forthright, upfront and not taking no for an answer but fighting all odds to make it all happen.
Read the book, you will not be disappointed.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Can we read a book a different way?!!
It was only a matter of time before this was to happen. The Digital Book is here, Sony with its Reader Ebook and Amazon with Kindle are the two that are the most popular. Its a screen that you carry, ~150 or so books in hand, that you can read anywhere- on a plane, in bed, wherever- as long as there is enough charge on the device.
Reading a digital book has not really caught on yet but my guess this is going to change profoundly the way we operate sooner than we know it. When we moved from Singapore to Boston, what books to take was a key question. Books are heavy and it is difficult lugging the around. The more mobile we've become, it is important that things become more portable and the Ebook is the perfect solution. I know a lot of people read the newspapers on the web now (including your truly) and though, once in a while, I do miss the turning of the page, it doesnt bother me much anymore. The convenience on your device is critical and digital device is the logical extension for any book-lover. It saves the person not only space but also gives speed in terms of going to an actual bookstore. It downloads right off the device. How cool is that?!!
I get the feeling we are traveling faster towards convergence than we ever have and with the Iphone that combines surfing the web, listening to music, having all our photos and handling all calls, it is very well possible that books could be read on it too. A single device that serves everything you really want. We will just need to get used to reading books differently, but then, we also wouldnt need to carry three books when we go away on a trip or vacation. A single Ebook will do!
Welcome to the truly digital world!
Reading a digital book has not really caught on yet but my guess this is going to change profoundly the way we operate sooner than we know it. When we moved from Singapore to Boston, what books to take was a key question. Books are heavy and it is difficult lugging the around. The more mobile we've become, it is important that things become more portable and the Ebook is the perfect solution. I know a lot of people read the newspapers on the web now (including your truly) and though, once in a while, I do miss the turning of the page, it doesnt bother me much anymore. The convenience on your device is critical and digital device is the logical extension for any book-lover. It saves the person not only space but also gives speed in terms of going to an actual bookstore. It downloads right off the device. How cool is that?!!
I get the feeling we are traveling faster towards convergence than we ever have and with the Iphone that combines surfing the web, listening to music, having all our photos and handling all calls, it is very well possible that books could be read on it too. A single device that serves everything you really want. We will just need to get used to reading books differently, but then, we also wouldnt need to carry three books when we go away on a trip or vacation. A single Ebook will do!
Welcome to the truly digital world!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Of movies and expectations
A few weeks back, I watched Sean Penn talk on television about his new movie- Into the Wild. Based on a true story of a young man, who decided to give up his worldly possessions to seek truth, it seemed something only Sean Penn could make. He is intense, broody and incredibly talented. I consider his performance in I am Sam one of the finest I have ever seen. God knows how he didnt win an Oscar for that one (and won it for Mystic River!! but then, how did Russell Crowe not win it for Beautiful Mind and get it for Gladiator- but thats for a different column!!).
So when I did get a weekend when I was relatively free, I decided to catch the movie. Given where my expectations were, the movie was a disappointment. It was sow, sometimes tragically so, and seemed to move in fits and starts. While it captures the essence of what the young man is wanting o do, it does not string together in a narrative that makes for compelling viewing. In a way, I think Penn was being too close to the written book on which the movie is based. I wish there was more punch, more cadence and just more tight-ness to the story than what came through. The fact that there were no more than a dozen people watching the movie with me showed that others felt the same way, but the fact that there were a dozen there meant that the subject that have some resonance. Especially in our modern day lives where we are always chasing something- money, dreams, comforts etc, a movie about just experiencing life the way it is, with nature and shorn of all encumbrances, is indeed a worthwhile endeavor. Wish it had more than idyllic settings and breathtaking scenes of the environment in all its glory.
Given the fact I wanted to lift myself up from the morose tenor of Into the Wild, I watched Ratatouille, which seemed a perfect antidote. I went in with little expectations and was thrilled. It was quick, pacy and also had a message, a simple but powerful one- Anyone can Cook, you just need courage, be willing to experiment and not be afraid of any mistakes. More deeply, it talks about our prejudices, our preconceived notions and challenges us to think differently. I loved it.
It was a good weekend of movie watching that also taught me that life is all about managing expectations. Aim high, keep expectations modest and you will be happy!
So when I did get a weekend when I was relatively free, I decided to catch the movie. Given where my expectations were, the movie was a disappointment. It was sow, sometimes tragically so, and seemed to move in fits and starts. While it captures the essence of what the young man is wanting o do, it does not string together in a narrative that makes for compelling viewing. In a way, I think Penn was being too close to the written book on which the movie is based. I wish there was more punch, more cadence and just more tight-ness to the story than what came through. The fact that there were no more than a dozen people watching the movie with me showed that others felt the same way, but the fact that there were a dozen there meant that the subject that have some resonance. Especially in our modern day lives where we are always chasing something- money, dreams, comforts etc, a movie about just experiencing life the way it is, with nature and shorn of all encumbrances, is indeed a worthwhile endeavor. Wish it had more than idyllic settings and breathtaking scenes of the environment in all its glory.
Given the fact I wanted to lift myself up from the morose tenor of Into the Wild, I watched Ratatouille, which seemed a perfect antidote. I went in with little expectations and was thrilled. It was quick, pacy and also had a message, a simple but powerful one- Anyone can Cook, you just need courage, be willing to experiment and not be afraid of any mistakes. More deeply, it talks about our prejudices, our preconceived notions and challenges us to think differently. I loved it.
It was a good weekend of movie watching that also taught me that life is all about managing expectations. Aim high, keep expectations modest and you will be happy!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Its that time of the year...
Its that time of the year in New England when you look at the amazing natural beauty of the changing season along with the passion of following the Red Sox all the way to the World Series. Both are breathtaking in very different ways, especially this year.
The Boston Red Sox have had a great year, made sweeter by the fact that the Yankees are out of the championship. That makes Bostonians particulary happy. Since 2004, it has often been said that the curse of the Banbinno could be reversed and that last couple of seasons, it seems to be going that way. The battle last night at Fenway against the Cleveland Indians was a classic. The game started at 8pm when the temperature was 58 and ended at 1:30am when it had dropped to 42. The Red Sox fans were still at Fenway at that time braving the cold as the Indians took the game away in a nailbiting finish. The fans loved the game though they have loved the result to be in Boston's favor. This is the beauty of the Red Sox fans- they love the game but more importantly, stand by their team every single time. Remember- they waited for 86 years for the World Series to come home!
The weather, on the other hand, is somewhat more predictable than the Red Sox performance over the years and at this time, the scenery anywhere in New England is breathtaking. Also, the outdoor activities are everywhere. Last week, we went apple picking, this week, we will just drive to New Hampshire to see the leaves changing color. If you have never seen it, you might wonder whats the big deal, but having been here four years, I know it is special, very very special. In our hectic 24/7 lives and schedules, it is these wonders of nature that we sometimes forget. That beauty has always made me pause, and think, and wonder if everything is on track.
There is nothing like being in New England in October, especially if the Red Sox win!!!
The Boston Red Sox have had a great year, made sweeter by the fact that the Yankees are out of the championship. That makes Bostonians particulary happy. Since 2004, it has often been said that the curse of the Banbinno could be reversed and that last couple of seasons, it seems to be going that way. The battle last night at Fenway against the Cleveland Indians was a classic. The game started at 8pm when the temperature was 58 and ended at 1:30am when it had dropped to 42. The Red Sox fans were still at Fenway at that time braving the cold as the Indians took the game away in a nailbiting finish. The fans loved the game though they have loved the result to be in Boston's favor. This is the beauty of the Red Sox fans- they love the game but more importantly, stand by their team every single time. Remember- they waited for 86 years for the World Series to come home!
The weather, on the other hand, is somewhat more predictable than the Red Sox performance over the years and at this time, the scenery anywhere in New England is breathtaking. Also, the outdoor activities are everywhere. Last week, we went apple picking, this week, we will just drive to New Hampshire to see the leaves changing color. If you have never seen it, you might wonder whats the big deal, but having been here four years, I know it is special, very very special. In our hectic 24/7 lives and schedules, it is these wonders of nature that we sometimes forget. That beauty has always made me pause, and think, and wonder if everything is on track.
There is nothing like being in New England in October, especially if the Red Sox win!!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
22 year wait and an incredible triumph
September 24, 2007 will forever remain a red letter day for Indian cricket, just like June 25, 1983 was. Back then, we had won the World Cup against all odds led by a young and enthusiastic captain leading a true team effort. There was a two to three year golden period when India won every single tournament culminating in the Benson and Hedges World championship in 1985 when we beat Pakistan in the finals.
Indian cricket fans like me waited for 22 years for something like this to happen again and this Monday was it. The Twenty20 Finals of the World championship, again playing against Pakistan led by a youthful captain and missing experienced players, India beat all the odds- and boy, this triumph is so sweet...having suffered bitter disappointment in the early part of the season, this is one for the ages particularly because no one gave us a chance. Also, all too often in the past, the overt optimism and jingoism of the average Indian fan, including myself, have got the team under tremendous pressure. This time was different and no one can grdge the Indians this victory. Well and truly deserved, beating Australia, South Africa, England and Pakistan in quick succession in reasonably tight games is something we havent done in years. Does the fact that the average age of this squad is 24 have something to do with their self belief and ability to win in tight situations.
Again, before we get too carried away, it will take some doing to dislodge Australia from being the most consistent team in the world. A cracker of a series is coming up between India and Australia but for the moment, lets just soak this moment- India as the world champs of Twenty20 cricket!
Congratulations and hope the next victory is not 22 years away!!!!!
Indian cricket fans like me waited for 22 years for something like this to happen again and this Monday was it. The Twenty20 Finals of the World championship, again playing against Pakistan led by a youthful captain and missing experienced players, India beat all the odds- and boy, this triumph is so sweet...having suffered bitter disappointment in the early part of the season, this is one for the ages particularly because no one gave us a chance. Also, all too often in the past, the overt optimism and jingoism of the average Indian fan, including myself, have got the team under tremendous pressure. This time was different and no one can grdge the Indians this victory. Well and truly deserved, beating Australia, South Africa, England and Pakistan in quick succession in reasonably tight games is something we havent done in years. Does the fact that the average age of this squad is 24 have something to do with their self belief and ability to win in tight situations.
Again, before we get too carried away, it will take some doing to dislodge Australia from being the most consistent team in the world. A cracker of a series is coming up between India and Australia but for the moment, lets just soak this moment- India as the world champs of Twenty20 cricket!
Congratulations and hope the next victory is not 22 years away!!!!!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Celebrities, paparazzi and "leave Britney alone" video...
By now, if you have not seen Chris Crocker's "Leave Britney alone" video, you are clearly not current with popular culture of our times. A video blog on youtube with more than 8 million hits by now, it is an impassioned plea to leave the 24 year old star alone, not scrutinize her life any further given what she has been through recently including the latest bizarre custody battle for her own kids.
While the plea is overtly dramatic, let me point out that I completely agree with the sentiment. Every action of Britney has been scutinized by the despicable paparazzi over the last seven years- her marriage to K-Fed, kids, shaving of the head, going ito rehab, her separation from K-Fed(that everyone predicted and then said..I told you so!), her fight with her mom- everything and it is amazing that she is still in her mid twenties. Give the woman a break and as Chris says- Leave her alone! She is clearly going throuh troubled times. What a person needs, any person, not just a celebrity is some time alone to sort things through, to get some clarity and perspective. How can that happen when there are twenty people chasing you down with cameras the moment you leave your house. I detest the paparazzi, have hated the since they followed Diana everywhere. We know how that story ended...it is time for some responsible journalism, and for some respect for private space. We all need it and to say celebrities have forfeited that right for personal space is a nonsensical argument.
Let us be respectful of peoples' time, space and privacy, more so when they are under severe personal crisis. To take advantage of that is unprofessional, crude, disrespectful and downright wrong.
Leave her alone- and while I am not crying making that plea- I completely agree with the sentiment.
While the plea is overtly dramatic, let me point out that I completely agree with the sentiment. Every action of Britney has been scutinized by the despicable paparazzi over the last seven years- her marriage to K-Fed, kids, shaving of the head, going ito rehab, her separation from K-Fed(that everyone predicted and then said..I told you so!), her fight with her mom- everything and it is amazing that she is still in her mid twenties. Give the woman a break and as Chris says- Leave her alone! She is clearly going throuh troubled times. What a person needs, any person, not just a celebrity is some time alone to sort things through, to get some clarity and perspective. How can that happen when there are twenty people chasing you down with cameras the moment you leave your house. I detest the paparazzi, have hated the since they followed Diana everywhere. We know how that story ended...it is time for some responsible journalism, and for some respect for private space. We all need it and to say celebrities have forfeited that right for personal space is a nonsensical argument.
Let us be respectful of peoples' time, space and privacy, more so when they are under severe personal crisis. To take advantage of that is unprofessional, crude, disrespectful and downright wrong.
Leave her alone- and while I am not crying making that plea- I completely agree with the sentiment.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The coolest gadget in the world
It took 78 days, countless visits to the store to gaze at it, play with it, work with it, and when the CEO of the company reduced the price by 200 dollars, it was just too good to pass- we finally succumbed and bought the Iphone!! We've had it for 48 hours now, and to say that we are thrilled with the purchase would be understatement!
When Steve Jobs announced in late January that Apple was coming up with a revolutionary phone that would have a built in ipod and internet capability, every tech geek in the world took notice, and while I dont count myself as a tech geek, it did pique my interest. My wife and I love our ipods- at different points, we have owned three of them between us, we have the speakers, we listen to them in our car, on the plane, everywhere we go. And to have a phone on top of that. Just the icing on the cake.
But nothing prepared us for the cool three and a half inch gorgeous interface that makes the photographs come alive, that makes us see the covers of all the albums we have in there with just the flick of our finger. It is by far, the coolest gadget we have seen. The memory is 8GB (which is small compared to normal ipods) but we could easily fit all the songs, pictures and contacts we wanted. Whats more, when my favorite contacts call now, I see their cool picture come up on the fantastic screen. Makes me want to speak with them more!
It is a cool invention, the coolest till Apple decides to cannibilize it! And by the way, did I not mention that Apple stock was trading under 80 at the beginning of the year without the Iphone and is now touching almost 140. Could the sale of the millionth Iphone in less than three months have something to do with this.
But dont take my word for it. Go to the store and play with it. We took 78 days to make our decision. You may be quicker!!
When Steve Jobs announced in late January that Apple was coming up with a revolutionary phone that would have a built in ipod and internet capability, every tech geek in the world took notice, and while I dont count myself as a tech geek, it did pique my interest. My wife and I love our ipods- at different points, we have owned three of them between us, we have the speakers, we listen to them in our car, on the plane, everywhere we go. And to have a phone on top of that. Just the icing on the cake.
But nothing prepared us for the cool three and a half inch gorgeous interface that makes the photographs come alive, that makes us see the covers of all the albums we have in there with just the flick of our finger. It is by far, the coolest gadget we have seen. The memory is 8GB (which is small compared to normal ipods) but we could easily fit all the songs, pictures and contacts we wanted. Whats more, when my favorite contacts call now, I see their cool picture come up on the fantastic screen. Makes me want to speak with them more!
It is a cool invention, the coolest till Apple decides to cannibilize it! And by the way, did I not mention that Apple stock was trading under 80 at the beginning of the year without the Iphone and is now touching almost 140. Could the sale of the millionth Iphone in less than three months have something to do with this.
But dont take my word for it. Go to the store and play with it. We took 78 days to make our decision. You may be quicker!!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The burden of Indian captaincy
Rahul Dravid resigned as the captain of the Indian cricket team yesterday.
It came as a shock to everyone- despite losing early in the World Cup, Dravid had a very successful run in England and the Indian dressing room seemed a happy place under his stewardship.
While I am as surprised as anyone about his decision, here are three reasons why I think it is a good one.
One- you must always make the move when people ask you- why did he do that, instead of asking for your head. Always make the move when you are ahead than behind. It is a god philosophy anywhere- you maintain your dignity and stature. You earn more respect because you are not craving for the job. It came to you, you did well and now, you think it is time to let go. Very few Indian captains, Ganguly being the most recent example, have had the ability to let go and that will always taint his legacy in the long run.
Two- Dravid has long been one of the most dependable and consistent batsmen in world cricket. Captaincy seemed to affect his style. He was fidgety at the crease, he was edgy, his average was dipping and he must have felt the burden, the burden of constant scrutiny, of every action being dissected by armchair observers (me included), and he must have felt that his contribution with the bat is more critical than leading the side. I personally feel we will see the return of Dravid the batsman once he has shed the role of captaincy.
Third- for all the pressures that come with being captain of India, he has not really had the support of BCCI in terms of a regular coach, his thoughts on the composition of the team and he must have felt that it is better to step away than keep leading a side where the strings are being pulled from somewhere else. Dravid is too dignified a guy to wash the dirty laundry in public. He decided to make the point by just stepping down.
A commendable decision in my view but this leaves the Indian captaincy now wide open.
Heres my recommendation for whatever it is worth.
Given that the one day side and the test sides are looking more and more different (not to talk of Twenty20) and need a different mindset for the two forms of the game, I would venture to say we need two captains. Lets have Sachin for tests and Dhoni for one dayers. Sachin is at the fag end of his career and captaincy could be a crowning glory for the what could potentially be his swansong season. Dhoni is currently captaining the Twenty20 side, is young, has proved himself in one dayers and would be a good fit in the one day format.
We shall know pretty soon but I think given these times, we need to be creative rather than having one captain for both versions of the game.
It came as a shock to everyone- despite losing early in the World Cup, Dravid had a very successful run in England and the Indian dressing room seemed a happy place under his stewardship.
While I am as surprised as anyone about his decision, here are three reasons why I think it is a good one.
One- you must always make the move when people ask you- why did he do that, instead of asking for your head. Always make the move when you are ahead than behind. It is a god philosophy anywhere- you maintain your dignity and stature. You earn more respect because you are not craving for the job. It came to you, you did well and now, you think it is time to let go. Very few Indian captains, Ganguly being the most recent example, have had the ability to let go and that will always taint his legacy in the long run.
Two- Dravid has long been one of the most dependable and consistent batsmen in world cricket. Captaincy seemed to affect his style. He was fidgety at the crease, he was edgy, his average was dipping and he must have felt the burden, the burden of constant scrutiny, of every action being dissected by armchair observers (me included), and he must have felt that his contribution with the bat is more critical than leading the side. I personally feel we will see the return of Dravid the batsman once he has shed the role of captaincy.
Third- for all the pressures that come with being captain of India, he has not really had the support of BCCI in terms of a regular coach, his thoughts on the composition of the team and he must have felt that it is better to step away than keep leading a side where the strings are being pulled from somewhere else. Dravid is too dignified a guy to wash the dirty laundry in public. He decided to make the point by just stepping down.
A commendable decision in my view but this leaves the Indian captaincy now wide open.
Heres my recommendation for whatever it is worth.
Given that the one day side and the test sides are looking more and more different (not to talk of Twenty20) and need a different mindset for the two forms of the game, I would venture to say we need two captains. Lets have Sachin for tests and Dhoni for one dayers. Sachin is at the fag end of his career and captaincy could be a crowning glory for the what could potentially be his swansong season. Dhoni is currently captaining the Twenty20 side, is young, has proved himself in one dayers and would be a good fit in the one day format.
We shall know pretty soon but I think given these times, we need to be creative rather than having one captain for both versions of the game.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
3-3 in England and all to play for!
India levelled the one day series today against England with a thrilling win in the last over that was remarkable for several reasons.
First- India typically loses the tight games. Indians have lacked mental toughness and in tight situations, they have tended to crack in the past. Not today. Even when the going was very tough, they maintained their composure and focus.
Second- this win had the right blend of youth and experience. While Uthappa led the home stretch, (and he is only 21), it was Tendulkar and Ganguly who set the chase up very well with a neat 150 in quick time. In this series, a few youngsters are coming of age and I would name 4 to watch out for- Chawla (who is 18!!), Kaarthick, RP Singh and now Uthappa.
Third- This win also indicated that our much maligned fielding is not as bad as made out to be. There was passion and intensity on the field. Of all people, I saw Powar make two diving stops. That calls for a celebration!
And so, with the series level, we move to Lords for the decider.
While the momentum is with India having won the last two games, Indians are notoriously unpredictable!!
I sure hope we win, but as a long time India follower, I just hope the "right" team turns up on Saturday!
First- India typically loses the tight games. Indians have lacked mental toughness and in tight situations, they have tended to crack in the past. Not today. Even when the going was very tough, they maintained their composure and focus.
Second- this win had the right blend of youth and experience. While Uthappa led the home stretch, (and he is only 21), it was Tendulkar and Ganguly who set the chase up very well with a neat 150 in quick time. In this series, a few youngsters are coming of age and I would name 4 to watch out for- Chawla (who is 18!!), Kaarthick, RP Singh and now Uthappa.
Third- This win also indicated that our much maligned fielding is not as bad as made out to be. There was passion and intensity on the field. Of all people, I saw Powar make two diving stops. That calls for a celebration!
And so, with the series level, we move to Lords for the decider.
While the momentum is with India having won the last two games, Indians are notoriously unpredictable!!
I sure hope we win, but as a long time India follower, I just hope the "right" team turns up on Saturday!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Why we are so fascinated with lists...
I have often wondered why we are so fascinated with lists- the top 10 cities, the top 5 players, the top 5 actors- the latest- Shane Warne's top 50 cricketers has created as much excitement and debate in cricketing circles as any I have seen.
Using Shane's list as an example, I think there are three reasons why our fascination with "lists" will always continue.
First- lists provide an linear, "objective" lens on things that are almost always subjective. They give us an anchor to debate around, they show us a line drawn in the sand when there was none, they make us take a stand and while that is always fun, it can be tough to defend. Warne put Tendulkar at No. 1 on his list with Lara is No. 2 based on mental toughness and the fact that Sachin carries on his shoulders (and has done so since the age of 16) the burden of expectations of a billion Indians! While his technique is impeccable, it is his ability to adapt and score against every opposition against any type of opposition is what separates him from others. Some might argue that Sachin has not scored in crunch games in recent past, a fair comment in the last three years for sure, but that is what makes lists so interesting.
Second- lists are inherently controversial. In fact, while making a list, I think the list maker necessarily throws in a couple of curved balls! In Warne's case, having Steve Waugh, Australia's toughest captain and someone who built Australia into one of the most invincible cricketing nations in the world at No. 26 is a shocker! I think he intended this to generate debate and clearly he has succeeded. If mental toughness is the criterion used to have Sachin at 1, having Waugh anything below 10 is an injustice to the man. In my view, the fact that Waugh captained Australia for as long as he did and in a way "prevented" Warne from having the captaincy has got in a little bit here. Personal bias, always, a good thing for controversy and list- making.
Third- lists pander to our sense of achievement. Everything, whether objective or subjective, has to be highest, best, second highest, second best etc. It creates a sense of competition, which is what brings out the best in human spirit.
I suppose even as Warne has rekindled the debate about whether it is Sachin or Lara who is a greatest cricketer of the modern era, it has also justified why we are so fascinated with lists- its all about a strong point of view which, if controversial, makes for better press than any "objective" fact, where there is nothing to argue or talk about. We know that Everest is the highest mountain in the world but ask any mountaineer which one is the toughest to climb and you have a debate going... long live the lists!!
Using Shane's list as an example, I think there are three reasons why our fascination with "lists" will always continue.
First- lists provide an linear, "objective" lens on things that are almost always subjective. They give us an anchor to debate around, they show us a line drawn in the sand when there was none, they make us take a stand and while that is always fun, it can be tough to defend. Warne put Tendulkar at No. 1 on his list with Lara is No. 2 based on mental toughness and the fact that Sachin carries on his shoulders (and has done so since the age of 16) the burden of expectations of a billion Indians! While his technique is impeccable, it is his ability to adapt and score against every opposition against any type of opposition is what separates him from others. Some might argue that Sachin has not scored in crunch games in recent past, a fair comment in the last three years for sure, but that is what makes lists so interesting.
Second- lists are inherently controversial. In fact, while making a list, I think the list maker necessarily throws in a couple of curved balls! In Warne's case, having Steve Waugh, Australia's toughest captain and someone who built Australia into one of the most invincible cricketing nations in the world at No. 26 is a shocker! I think he intended this to generate debate and clearly he has succeeded. If mental toughness is the criterion used to have Sachin at 1, having Waugh anything below 10 is an injustice to the man. In my view, the fact that Waugh captained Australia for as long as he did and in a way "prevented" Warne from having the captaincy has got in a little bit here. Personal bias, always, a good thing for controversy and list- making.
Third- lists pander to our sense of achievement. Everything, whether objective or subjective, has to be highest, best, second highest, second best etc. It creates a sense of competition, which is what brings out the best in human spirit.
I suppose even as Warne has rekindled the debate about whether it is Sachin or Lara who is a greatest cricketer of the modern era, it has also justified why we are so fascinated with lists- its all about a strong point of view which, if controversial, makes for better press than any "objective" fact, where there is nothing to argue or talk about. We know that Everest is the highest mountain in the world but ask any mountaineer which one is the toughest to climb and you have a debate going... long live the lists!!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Historic day for Indian cricket
Today, India won the test series against England 1-0. Beating any team in its own backyard is always sweet; when they haven't been beaten at home in six years, the triumph is even sweeter. I had said at the beginning of the series that I would be happy with a 1-1 result. England have been strong at home, they were just coming off a 3-0 triumph against the West Indies and their morale was high. To manage to upset that applecart is creditable to say the least.
This is noteworthy for several other reasons.
First- it was a true team effort. Too often, Indian cricket has been carried on the shoulders of one or two great players, be it Tendulkar or Kapil Dev or a Gavaskar. This one was different. Everyone chipped in, Kaarthick and Jaffer batted brilliantly, RP Singh and Zaheer swung the ball both ways, Dhoni showed he could mix agression with plenty of caution when the situation demanded it and Kumble displayed his batting skills at the fag end of an illustrious career. What India has lacked in the past is consistency and all round team performance. This one had plenty of both!
Second- this victory was attained without a formal coach. Coming on the heels of Greg Chappell's now infamous Vision 2007 that ended in an ignominous first round exit at the World Cup, it seems the biys tend to do well without one. As long as there is some support in the bolwing and fitness departments, the need for an expert coach may be an over rated one.
Third- After the debacle of the World Cup, the Indian team needed to lift itself and play good, positive cricket to get their fans back in the fold. This triumph has again got the momentum going and made the fans believe that the team can do it. Nothing is better for a sport than the return of the loyal fan who may be feeling betrayed at the end of the World Cup.
All positive things going into the one day series which can be a completely different ball game. Given India's strong batting line-up and the consistent performance of the seamers and their ability to swing the ball both ways, I bet my money on India taking the series 4-3, but then, when have I ever been objective about India's performance!!
For now though, lets savor the test series win. Well done team!
This is noteworthy for several other reasons.
First- it was a true team effort. Too often, Indian cricket has been carried on the shoulders of one or two great players, be it Tendulkar or Kapil Dev or a Gavaskar. This one was different. Everyone chipped in, Kaarthick and Jaffer batted brilliantly, RP Singh and Zaheer swung the ball both ways, Dhoni showed he could mix agression with plenty of caution when the situation demanded it and Kumble displayed his batting skills at the fag end of an illustrious career. What India has lacked in the past is consistency and all round team performance. This one had plenty of both!
Second- this victory was attained without a formal coach. Coming on the heels of Greg Chappell's now infamous Vision 2007 that ended in an ignominous first round exit at the World Cup, it seems the biys tend to do well without one. As long as there is some support in the bolwing and fitness departments, the need for an expert coach may be an over rated one.
Third- After the debacle of the World Cup, the Indian team needed to lift itself and play good, positive cricket to get their fans back in the fold. This triumph has again got the momentum going and made the fans believe that the team can do it. Nothing is better for a sport than the return of the loyal fan who may be feeling betrayed at the end of the World Cup.
All positive things going into the one day series which can be a completely different ball game. Given India's strong batting line-up and the consistent performance of the seamers and their ability to swing the ball both ways, I bet my money on India taking the series 4-3, but then, when have I ever been objective about India's performance!!
For now though, lets savor the test series win. Well done team!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Do Indian sportspersons lack the killer instinct?
I love watching and following sports, especially Indian sport. We are a perennially under- achieving nation in sport. Part of the reason is talent, part of it is the lack of infrastructure, but a large part seems to be lack of agression, the lack of mental toughness and just a lack of self belief in being able to beat the best. The one game India is good at is cricket and if today's events at The Oval against England is anything to go by, Rahul Dravid proved that he mentally incapable of pressing home advantage even when it is there for the taking.
The Indian cricket captain today was unusually defensive, intent on playing for a draw when India had a real chance of winning the contest against England. Instead, he preferred to defend, took a good 91 deliveries to score his first boundary and a strike rate that barely got inot double figures, so much so that when he did take a single, there were cheers all across the ground. This mindset was baffling to say the least. India are 1 up in the series and had a lead of over 300 when Dravid came into bat. There were no real demons in the wicket, only in Dravid's head and the more defensive he got, the more aggressive he allowed the Englishmen to be. Great sportsmen shine through courage and ability to stand up when under pressure. Dravid inflicted pressure on himself and his team-mates and while India are likely to win this series, today's afternoon was not one of their best.
Indian sportsmen have never lacked talent, they have lacked self belief and ability to get completely on top of the opposition. In this day and age, that can make all the different between being good and great!
The Indian cricket captain today was unusually defensive, intent on playing for a draw when India had a real chance of winning the contest against England. Instead, he preferred to defend, took a good 91 deliveries to score his first boundary and a strike rate that barely got inot double figures, so much so that when he did take a single, there were cheers all across the ground. This mindset was baffling to say the least. India are 1 up in the series and had a lead of over 300 when Dravid came into bat. There were no real demons in the wicket, only in Dravid's head and the more defensive he got, the more aggressive he allowed the Englishmen to be. Great sportsmen shine through courage and ability to stand up when under pressure. Dravid inflicted pressure on himself and his team-mates and while India are likely to win this series, today's afternoon was not one of their best.
Indian sportsmen have never lacked talent, they have lacked self belief and ability to get completely on top of the opposition. In this day and age, that can make all the different between being good and great!
Monday, August 06, 2007
Are we so short on talent we need Nardelli to turn things at Chrysler?
I hate corporate greed. And nobody typifies the ugly underbelly of naked capitalism more than Bob Nardelli. He did nothing worthwhile for Home Depot as CEO only to be fired and walk away with 210 million dollar severance package. I hated it when I read that story. CEOs talk about performance all the time. And I am certain Bob did. He said it it every meeting and every hardworking Home Depot employee earning a very average salary worked hard to make it work. The stock market didnt seem to think it was working out. The stock tanked and Bob got fired. When the average Joe gets fired, he gets a petty severance. Bob got 210 million for his naked greed and complete incompetence.
Imagine my complete consternation when I get up today to find out that he has a new job- to turn around Chrysler!!!
Are we so short on talent that we have to get back to an incompetently greedy self delusional CEO to turn around a company?
Is our memory so Goddam short that we have completely forgotten what he just did?
Are we not looking at right places or are we just so afraid to take a risk that 25 years at GE is what it takes to be CEO no matter how inept those 25 years may have been or your performance since?
It is by far, the worst and most demoralizing story I have heard this year. I am also reproducing an analysis from CNN on the subject. It is copied here below-
For weeks, Chrysler watchers have been wondering what, exactly, Cerberus would be bringing to its new acquisition. What did the sharp pencil guys in New York know about the auto business that Chrysler's own seasoned American executives - not to mention the Germans at Daimler (Charts) - didn't?
Now the answer is becoming clear. And it isn't encouraging.
Cerberus' appointment of Bob Nardelli, formerly of General Electric (Charts, Fortune 500) and Home Depot (Charts, Fortune 500), as CEO seems wrong-headed on a number of fronts.
One: Chrysler is a fragile place these days, having only recently recovered from the German invasion and then seen itself sold for essentially peanuts. But soothing bedside manner isn't exactly part of Nardelli's MO. Any remaining talented individuals who stuck around at Chrysler to see how things were going to turn out are now polishing their resumes and arranging severance payments before the boat starts to rock.
Two: Nardelli's appointment undercuts Chrysler's renegade culture. As the youngest, smallest and most fragile of Detroit's former Big Three, Chrysler has always prided itself on its outlaw spirit; it was willing to gamble on things other automakers weren't.
Now comes Nardelli, brandishing his Six Sigma credentials and his GE by-the-books training. His mere arrival has already forced the exit of several talented car guys. Wolfgang Bernhard, a former Chrysler and Mercedes executive, has left the building. Considered a sure thing to become Chrysler's new chairman, he's declared that family considerations prevent him from taking the job. Eric Ridenour, Chrysler's young and up-and-coming chief operating officer, has also bolted. Tom LaSorda, the popular president, took a demotion to stay with the company, but the chances of the easygoing LaSorda coexisting with the hard-charging Nardelli are slim to none, though at Monday morning's news conference, Nardelli took pains to identify LaSorda as his partner and to identify his areas of reponsibility.
Three: Observers are making much of the fact that Nardelli is the second outsider to move into Detroit in the past year, the first being Alan Mulally of Ford (Charts, Fortune 500). But any similarities between the two stop with that fact. Mulally was coming off a big success - the development of the Boeing 787 - has little visible ego, and appears to be very comfortable knowing what he doesn't know. He seems to have charmed much of Ford with his off-putting, gee-whiz style while at the same time using his knowledge of large industrial companies and some basic common sense to shape up the company.
Nardelli, on the other hand, arrives on the heels of an enormous fiasco at Home Depot, appears to have a very high psychic profile, and by all accounts has the tact of a Marine drill instructor. This is not precisely what Chrysler needs at this point in time.
So what does Chrysler need? It needs a seasoned industry executive who understands the company and the business. To start with, Chrysler must do what GM (Charts, Fortune 500) and Ford are already doing: Get smaller, strike a deal with the UAW, rationalize its product line, and learn how to deal with the new realities of foreign competition and $3 gasoline.
Beyond that, it needs to capitalize on its unique strengths. In the 1980s under Lee Iacocca, Chrysler invented the minivan, popularized the SUV, and revived the convertible. Since then, it has enjoyed other out-of-the-box successes like the PT Cruiser, the Chrysler 300, and the hemi engine.
In the past couple of years, it has made some stupid mistakes. The 2006 inventory fiasco was a disaster that everybody in Detroit could see happening but Chrysler was too slow to correct. It also dropped the ball on a couple of new products by visibly cheapening them. And its sure hand with breakthrough design wavered with the clunky Dodge Caliber and the gimmicky Chrysler Sebring.
A smart auto guy would have seen those problems developing and headed them off. There are plenty around. Bernhard would hit fit the bill to a "t." So would industrialist and racing legend Roger Penske, but he is too busy. Former Ford CEO Jac Nasser is making too much money in private equity.
If Chrysler could clone GM's Bob Lutz, now 75, it might have the perfect candidate. Instead it has Nardelli. Aggressiveness and discipline aren't what Chrysler needs right now - it got that under German management. And we know how that story ended.
Imagine my complete consternation when I get up today to find out that he has a new job- to turn around Chrysler!!!
Are we so short on talent that we have to get back to an incompetently greedy self delusional CEO to turn around a company?
Is our memory so Goddam short that we have completely forgotten what he just did?
Are we not looking at right places or are we just so afraid to take a risk that 25 years at GE is what it takes to be CEO no matter how inept those 25 years may have been or your performance since?
It is by far, the worst and most demoralizing story I have heard this year. I am also reproducing an analysis from CNN on the subject. It is copied here below-
For weeks, Chrysler watchers have been wondering what, exactly, Cerberus would be bringing to its new acquisition. What did the sharp pencil guys in New York know about the auto business that Chrysler's own seasoned American executives - not to mention the Germans at Daimler (Charts) - didn't?
Now the answer is becoming clear. And it isn't encouraging.
Cerberus' appointment of Bob Nardelli, formerly of General Electric (Charts, Fortune 500) and Home Depot (Charts, Fortune 500), as CEO seems wrong-headed on a number of fronts.
One: Chrysler is a fragile place these days, having only recently recovered from the German invasion and then seen itself sold for essentially peanuts. But soothing bedside manner isn't exactly part of Nardelli's MO. Any remaining talented individuals who stuck around at Chrysler to see how things were going to turn out are now polishing their resumes and arranging severance payments before the boat starts to rock.
Two: Nardelli's appointment undercuts Chrysler's renegade culture. As the youngest, smallest and most fragile of Detroit's former Big Three, Chrysler has always prided itself on its outlaw spirit; it was willing to gamble on things other automakers weren't.
Now comes Nardelli, brandishing his Six Sigma credentials and his GE by-the-books training. His mere arrival has already forced the exit of several talented car guys. Wolfgang Bernhard, a former Chrysler and Mercedes executive, has left the building. Considered a sure thing to become Chrysler's new chairman, he's declared that family considerations prevent him from taking the job. Eric Ridenour, Chrysler's young and up-and-coming chief operating officer, has also bolted. Tom LaSorda, the popular president, took a demotion to stay with the company, but the chances of the easygoing LaSorda coexisting with the hard-charging Nardelli are slim to none, though at Monday morning's news conference, Nardelli took pains to identify LaSorda as his partner and to identify his areas of reponsibility.
Three: Observers are making much of the fact that Nardelli is the second outsider to move into Detroit in the past year, the first being Alan Mulally of Ford (Charts, Fortune 500). But any similarities between the two stop with that fact. Mulally was coming off a big success - the development of the Boeing 787 - has little visible ego, and appears to be very comfortable knowing what he doesn't know. He seems to have charmed much of Ford with his off-putting, gee-whiz style while at the same time using his knowledge of large industrial companies and some basic common sense to shape up the company.
Nardelli, on the other hand, arrives on the heels of an enormous fiasco at Home Depot, appears to have a very high psychic profile, and by all accounts has the tact of a Marine drill instructor. This is not precisely what Chrysler needs at this point in time.
So what does Chrysler need? It needs a seasoned industry executive who understands the company and the business. To start with, Chrysler must do what GM (Charts, Fortune 500) and Ford are already doing: Get smaller, strike a deal with the UAW, rationalize its product line, and learn how to deal with the new realities of foreign competition and $3 gasoline.
Beyond that, it needs to capitalize on its unique strengths. In the 1980s under Lee Iacocca, Chrysler invented the minivan, popularized the SUV, and revived the convertible. Since then, it has enjoyed other out-of-the-box successes like the PT Cruiser, the Chrysler 300, and the hemi engine.
In the past couple of years, it has made some stupid mistakes. The 2006 inventory fiasco was a disaster that everybody in Detroit could see happening but Chrysler was too slow to correct. It also dropped the ball on a couple of new products by visibly cheapening them. And its sure hand with breakthrough design wavered with the clunky Dodge Caliber and the gimmicky Chrysler Sebring.
A smart auto guy would have seen those problems developing and headed them off. There are plenty around. Bernhard would hit fit the bill to a "t." So would industrialist and racing legend Roger Penske, but he is too busy. Former Ford CEO Jac Nasser is making too much money in private equity.
If Chrysler could clone GM's Bob Lutz, now 75, it might have the perfect candidate. Instead it has Nardelli. Aggressiveness and discipline aren't what Chrysler needs right now - it got that under German management. And we know how that story ended.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
The Box at Fenway
I love watching sports events. Particularly up, close and personal- it doesnt get any better than having Box seats in Fenway on a cool summer night with a come from behind 5-4 victory.
Fenway has great appeal- it is the oldest ballpark in the US, it is also the smallest. I daresay it is the home to the most diehard Baseball fans in the US- New Englanders who have long suffered the curse of the Bambino till the 2004 Nirvana season when they astonishingly beat the Yankees in the playoffs when they are down 0-3 to eventually win 4-3. That was some season, and even this is turning out to be a good one.
The smallness of the Park, the unique Green Monster, the fanatical fans- all make for fantastic viewing from anywhere in the Park. And then, throw in the Box seats- and it really is special. Having grown up on cricket, baseball can seem plain vanilla at times, but as I watched pitches being thrown at 97 mph, I did begin to have a gruding respect for the batters who are able to not only see, but connect well to score- it is much more difficult than it appears on TV. I was most impressed with the intensity and focus on the Closer for the night, Jonathan Pappelbon. It is remarkably intense, not something for the faint hearted and he does astonishingly well to close innings after innings with precision, accuracy and verve.
Fenway Park is a special place and will always be for me. It is the place where I began to not only to like but appreciate the subtle nuances of baseball. And there is no other Park where I would have loved this education to be imparted!
Fenway has great appeal- it is the oldest ballpark in the US, it is also the smallest. I daresay it is the home to the most diehard Baseball fans in the US- New Englanders who have long suffered the curse of the Bambino till the 2004 Nirvana season when they astonishingly beat the Yankees in the playoffs when they are down 0-3 to eventually win 4-3. That was some season, and even this is turning out to be a good one.
The smallness of the Park, the unique Green Monster, the fanatical fans- all make for fantastic viewing from anywhere in the Park. And then, throw in the Box seats- and it really is special. Having grown up on cricket, baseball can seem plain vanilla at times, but as I watched pitches being thrown at 97 mph, I did begin to have a gruding respect for the batters who are able to not only see, but connect well to score- it is much more difficult than it appears on TV. I was most impressed with the intensity and focus on the Closer for the night, Jonathan Pappelbon. It is remarkably intense, not something for the faint hearted and he does astonishingly well to close innings after innings with precision, accuracy and verve.
Fenway Park is a special place and will always be for me. It is the place where I began to not only to like but appreciate the subtle nuances of baseball. And there is no other Park where I would have loved this education to be imparted!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Tendulkar, expectations and the sweet Indian win
As Indians celebrate around the world at a famous win over England, I found the article below from Rohit Brijnath incisive about the accusation that Tendulkar does not deliver the goods for India under pressure. Fans recently, including myself, have complained about Tendulkar crumbling when India needed a great innings from him. Rohit reminds us how short-sighted tht view may be.
Here goes the article-
There is no truth to the rumour that Sachin Tendulkar has mailed a videotape of his painstakingly-constructed, match-tilting, rudely-interrupted 91 at Trent Bridge to Kapil Dev, with the words “What was that you said about pressure, paaji?” scrawled across the package.
Tendulkar wouldn’t do that. Because he’s too polite. Because if he did, it would mean Kapil’s recent criticism had got to him. Because he’s heard this genius-who-can’t-win-matches stuff more often than Ganguly’s heard that “princely” nonsense which Western journalists imaginatively whip up every time they sight the Bengal player.
Kapil was just nimbly leaping onto a crumbling old bandwagon recently with his doubting of the extent of Tendulkar’s talent. After 37 Test centuries, and 11,000-plus runs, this “question mark” over Sachin is tedious. We can hurl stats, for and against the notion, at each other for 10 days running, but it’s hysterical to suggest that “Tendulkar should start taking the pressure”.
Has Tendulkar ‘not’ taken the pressure? Have these 18 years of staying sane and performing as a nation howls for runs been just, you know, a stroll in a Bandra park? Was all that rescuing of India, all those forgotten years ago, when opponents used to say, openly, “Get Tendu out and India’s shoulders droop”, no big deal? Damn, he ate a pressure for breakfast Tiger Woods would have choked on.
Time has flown
But this is partially Tendulkar’s fault. People forget the player he was because they see the player he is. Time has flown and his majesty in the mid-1990s unscrolls in the mind like a fuzzy, hiccuping videotape. The clearer picture is not of the warrior rising amidst a Sharjah dust-storm, but of a man being beaten outside off by a bowler he’d have once dismissed into retirement. The longer he looks mortal the more room he gives former players to unkindly dissect his legend.
Priestly discipline
Still, Tendulkar’s innings in Trent Bridge was stirring. It showed what he can’t do, but also what he can. If his command was absent, his discipline was priestly. His face told us nothing of the wars in his mind, for he is an old pro who gives nothing away. He was beaten, he took guard, he played on, pure in his mission, refusing to bend to an instinct to lash out.
India needed patience and, cocooned in concentration, he did not let India down.
How vital the century that never came was for him, how keenly he required the validation of three figures, was evident in his reaction. After 139 Tests, he is old friends with the dubious decision, but his innate courteousness has meant he swallows injustices and moves on. It’s the only way he knows how to play cricket. But this time he staged a gentle, two-second dharna of disbelief at the crease. An ageing hero, who is in the middle of that awkward journey when the next cen tury is no longer a case of “when” but “if”, was hurting.
Tendulkar has not merely worn pressure, but done so with a quiet dignity. Indeed, an entire generation of players, from Dravid to Kumble, has ensured that India, for all its other cricketing excesses, has a reputation for on-field decency. And young Sreesanth must not be allowed to tarnish it. There is room in sport for the colourful and the eccentric but none for shoulder charging and constant mouthing off. It is no good if you can neither bowl, nor behave.
Hosts are confused
No doubt the English have shown the Indians inadequate respect, but it is because the hosts are confused. Some bizarre metamorphosis has occurred in the dressing room wherein the English now think they are Australian, and believe mental disintegration is achieved by throwing jelly beans on a crease. John Buchanan must be aching with laughter at England’s interpretation of aggressive cricket.
But it is immaterial if the hosts started the unpleasantness, for India must always demand a higher standard of itself. And only an insecure team needs to respond in kind just to prove that it won’t be pushed around. The only worthy response from India should come through a resolute performance, in refusing to disintegrate or be distracted. As England will confirm today, nothing stings quite like defeat.
Here goes the article-
There is no truth to the rumour that Sachin Tendulkar has mailed a videotape of his painstakingly-constructed, match-tilting, rudely-interrupted 91 at Trent Bridge to Kapil Dev, with the words “What was that you said about pressure, paaji?” scrawled across the package.
Tendulkar wouldn’t do that. Because he’s too polite. Because if he did, it would mean Kapil’s recent criticism had got to him. Because he’s heard this genius-who-can’t-win-matches stuff more often than Ganguly’s heard that “princely” nonsense which Western journalists imaginatively whip up every time they sight the Bengal player.
Kapil was just nimbly leaping onto a crumbling old bandwagon recently with his doubting of the extent of Tendulkar’s talent. After 37 Test centuries, and 11,000-plus runs, this “question mark” over Sachin is tedious. We can hurl stats, for and against the notion, at each other for 10 days running, but it’s hysterical to suggest that “Tendulkar should start taking the pressure”.
Has Tendulkar ‘not’ taken the pressure? Have these 18 years of staying sane and performing as a nation howls for runs been just, you know, a stroll in a Bandra park? Was all that rescuing of India, all those forgotten years ago, when opponents used to say, openly, “Get Tendu out and India’s shoulders droop”, no big deal? Damn, he ate a pressure for breakfast Tiger Woods would have choked on.
Time has flown
But this is partially Tendulkar’s fault. People forget the player he was because they see the player he is. Time has flown and his majesty in the mid-1990s unscrolls in the mind like a fuzzy, hiccuping videotape. The clearer picture is not of the warrior rising amidst a Sharjah dust-storm, but of a man being beaten outside off by a bowler he’d have once dismissed into retirement. The longer he looks mortal the more room he gives former players to unkindly dissect his legend.
Priestly discipline
Still, Tendulkar’s innings in Trent Bridge was stirring. It showed what he can’t do, but also what he can. If his command was absent, his discipline was priestly. His face told us nothing of the wars in his mind, for he is an old pro who gives nothing away. He was beaten, he took guard, he played on, pure in his mission, refusing to bend to an instinct to lash out.
India needed patience and, cocooned in concentration, he did not let India down.
How vital the century that never came was for him, how keenly he required the validation of three figures, was evident in his reaction. After 139 Tests, he is old friends with the dubious decision, but his innate courteousness has meant he swallows injustices and moves on. It’s the only way he knows how to play cricket. But this time he staged a gentle, two-second dharna of disbelief at the crease. An ageing hero, who is in the middle of that awkward journey when the next cen tury is no longer a case of “when” but “if”, was hurting.
Tendulkar has not merely worn pressure, but done so with a quiet dignity. Indeed, an entire generation of players, from Dravid to Kumble, has ensured that India, for all its other cricketing excesses, has a reputation for on-field decency. And young Sreesanth must not be allowed to tarnish it. There is room in sport for the colourful and the eccentric but none for shoulder charging and constant mouthing off. It is no good if you can neither bowl, nor behave.
Hosts are confused
No doubt the English have shown the Indians inadequate respect, but it is because the hosts are confused. Some bizarre metamorphosis has occurred in the dressing room wherein the English now think they are Australian, and believe mental disintegration is achieved by throwing jelly beans on a crease. John Buchanan must be aching with laughter at England’s interpretation of aggressive cricket.
But it is immaterial if the hosts started the unpleasantness, for India must always demand a higher standard of itself. And only an insecure team needs to respond in kind just to prove that it won’t be pushed around. The only worthy response from India should come through a resolute performance, in refusing to disintegrate or be distracted. As England will confirm today, nothing stings quite like defeat.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
5 days and no result...
The first match between England and India ended in a draw after five enthralling days of cricket.
Only in a game like cricket can play go on for five days, not produce a result and still be absolutely nail biting!!
It lends to the beauty and charm of the game- it is clearly a gentleman's game where lunch and tea are duly taken along with drinks intervals right on the field that can last for a long time during the day.
What made the game interesting?
Disciplined English bowling, insipid Indian batting (apart from the last day), a cracking century from an emerging great of the game, Kevin Pieterson, and the rain that finally saved India from caving to defeat. For me in the US, it meant getting up at 5 in the morning to follow the game every day- and I did it absolutely religiously. I made a point of the other day- that this is the last tour when Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman are together and they should make it count. They didnt click in the first test but my sense indicates they will come good. No wonder my friends call me a perennial optimist.
I had indicated in my earlier blog that I would be happy if we draw the series and win the one dayers. I am still sticking to my 1-1 forecast for tests and 3-2 for one dayers in India's favor.
Wouldnt it be fun if we won 2-0 and 4-1, but then, I have learnt not to dream...
Only in a game like cricket can play go on for five days, not produce a result and still be absolutely nail biting!!
It lends to the beauty and charm of the game- it is clearly a gentleman's game where lunch and tea are duly taken along with drinks intervals right on the field that can last for a long time during the day.
What made the game interesting?
Disciplined English bowling, insipid Indian batting (apart from the last day), a cracking century from an emerging great of the game, Kevin Pieterson, and the rain that finally saved India from caving to defeat. For me in the US, it meant getting up at 5 in the morning to follow the game every day- and I did it absolutely religiously. I made a point of the other day- that this is the last tour when Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman are together and they should make it count. They didnt click in the first test but my sense indicates they will come good. No wonder my friends call me a perennial optimist.
I had indicated in my earlier blog that I would be happy if we draw the series and win the one dayers. I am still sticking to my 1-1 forecast for tests and 3-2 for one dayers in India's favor.
Wouldnt it be fun if we won 2-0 and 4-1, but then, I have learnt not to dream...
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Indian summer of cricket in England
I have a really good feeling about the forthcoming Indian tour of England for three reasons-
a) This is likely to be the last English tour for Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman and Dravid together to England and I bet they are raring to go. While Ganguly and Dravid made their incredible entry together at the Lords in 1996, Tendulkar's 171 against English Lions is just the appetizer fans need for an entree in the test series. Way too many questions have been asked off the Little Master since the World Cup. Sachin looks angry; and more importantly, hungry to score and thats great news for Indian fans. Laxman, on the other hand, is due for big scores against England. This batting line as good as any in world cricket when it comes good!!
b) The English are having tremendous confidence post their 3-0 win against the West Indies. It is always a tantalizing proposition to meet a victorious side on its home turf- and dent some egos I hope!!
c) The Indian fans in England. India has a huge fan base in England and English grounds are generally small- that makes for an incredible atmosphere.
The Indian bowling attack is weak and while that may be a limitation in tests, our batting will give us the edge in one dayers.
I will be happy if we draw the tests and win the one days series.
More importantly, I will want our famed batting line-up to come good. I have been disappointed earlier, so Im not jumping out of my seat woth enthusiasm but I'm optimistic for sure.
Let the best team win!
a) This is likely to be the last English tour for Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman and Dravid together to England and I bet they are raring to go. While Ganguly and Dravid made their incredible entry together at the Lords in 1996, Tendulkar's 171 against English Lions is just the appetizer fans need for an entree in the test series. Way too many questions have been asked off the Little Master since the World Cup. Sachin looks angry; and more importantly, hungry to score and thats great news for Indian fans. Laxman, on the other hand, is due for big scores against England. This batting line as good as any in world cricket when it comes good!!
b) The English are having tremendous confidence post their 3-0 win against the West Indies. It is always a tantalizing proposition to meet a victorious side on its home turf- and dent some egos I hope!!
c) The Indian fans in England. India has a huge fan base in England and English grounds are generally small- that makes for an incredible atmosphere.
The Indian bowling attack is weak and while that may be a limitation in tests, our batting will give us the edge in one dayers.
I will be happy if we draw the tests and win the one days series.
More importantly, I will want our famed batting line-up to come good. I have been disappointed earlier, so Im not jumping out of my seat woth enthusiasm but I'm optimistic for sure.
Let the best team win!
Monday, July 09, 2007
The first six months
We are well over half way through 2007. The economy is still on course, the war continues in Iraq and there is considerable uncertainty about the Presidential nominees for 2008; however, as far as I am concerned, there have been three events in the first half of the year that bear mentioning, none of them of cataclysmic importance or significance, but important enough...(they also reveal the lens through which I view the world for whatever that worth!!).
Event One- The launch of the Iphone on June 29. Much awaited technological marvel that will revolutionalize the way we will live our everyday life. A phone, a camera, a music device with incredibly user friendly internet capability, this device is well on its way to becoming the one device we would all need going forward. It wont be hip anymore to own an iphone, it will be an absolute necessity to have one. Unlike some other devices, this one has clearly matched its hype if the first week is anything to go by. And imagine this- I am endorsing it whole-heartedly even when I dont own one myself!!
Event Two- Roger Federer's 5th consecutive Wimbledon win. I grew up idolizing Borg. 5 Wimbledons and 6 French Opens is a very rare feat and I thought if anyone could come close, it would need to be Sampras and when he didnt succeed, I thought the record would stay for a long time. That long time is here. Federer is a class act for several reasons and while a lot have to do with extraordinary tennis talent on the court, his off-court appearances, his humility, his incredibly earthy and almost vulnerable persona make him that much more dear and personable as a sporting icon. He epitomises what true sporting excellence is all about- talent, perseverence, skill, stamina, resilience and all done in a manner that has the utmost respect of peers and critics alike. Even as America is torn with Barry Bonds set to overtake Hank Aron, no such questions hang over Federer- he is a true great who symbolizes the best that sports has to offer!
Event Three- World Cup Cricket 2007. Much of the cricket crazy Indians (myself included) got a rude shock when India were ousted in the first round. In hindsight, it lent us good perspective on how lopsided our passion could be. I, for one, have learnt not to buy second round and quarterfinal tickets for any country henceforth. Watching Ireland and Bangladesh play each other can be fun but not when you expected a mouth-watering India- Pakistan clash!! Enough said...
So there you have it...surprisingly easy choice for me. I thought of Diana's 10 year commemorative concert for a moment but then, I decided, naahh...this is it.
Event One- The launch of the Iphone on June 29. Much awaited technological marvel that will revolutionalize the way we will live our everyday life. A phone, a camera, a music device with incredibly user friendly internet capability, this device is well on its way to becoming the one device we would all need going forward. It wont be hip anymore to own an iphone, it will be an absolute necessity to have one. Unlike some other devices, this one has clearly matched its hype if the first week is anything to go by. And imagine this- I am endorsing it whole-heartedly even when I dont own one myself!!
Event Two- Roger Federer's 5th consecutive Wimbledon win. I grew up idolizing Borg. 5 Wimbledons and 6 French Opens is a very rare feat and I thought if anyone could come close, it would need to be Sampras and when he didnt succeed, I thought the record would stay for a long time. That long time is here. Federer is a class act for several reasons and while a lot have to do with extraordinary tennis talent on the court, his off-court appearances, his humility, his incredibly earthy and almost vulnerable persona make him that much more dear and personable as a sporting icon. He epitomises what true sporting excellence is all about- talent, perseverence, skill, stamina, resilience and all done in a manner that has the utmost respect of peers and critics alike. Even as America is torn with Barry Bonds set to overtake Hank Aron, no such questions hang over Federer- he is a true great who symbolizes the best that sports has to offer!
Event Three- World Cup Cricket 2007. Much of the cricket crazy Indians (myself included) got a rude shock when India were ousted in the first round. In hindsight, it lent us good perspective on how lopsided our passion could be. I, for one, have learnt not to buy second round and quarterfinal tickets for any country henceforth. Watching Ireland and Bangladesh play each other can be fun but not when you expected a mouth-watering India- Pakistan clash!! Enough said...
So there you have it...surprisingly easy choice for me. I thought of Diana's 10 year commemorative concert for a moment but then, I decided, naahh...this is it.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
A "developed" India still a mirage...
Over the last decade or so, there has been tremendous talk about India's rise in terms of the growth rate, the economy, the outsourcing of jobs to the country, the real estate, the rapidly expanding middle class and rapid urbanization. While all of that makes me very proud, there are three things that a broad generalization about "India's rise" gloss over and unless we get those three right, we are far away from being a developed country.
And these three are- infrastructure, education and clean administration.
Infrastructure is probably the mose important. Roads are archaic, not well maintained and are light years away from being world class. Electricity and power are thoroughly undependable even the biggest cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Power 'cuts' are still the norm during the summer months and that is unacceptable. Water supply is a gamble too in terms of both regularity and quality. I dont need to explain why getting these right is crucial.
The second is education. This may come to some people who've lived abroad as a surprise as they come across Indians who speak english reasonably well and are generally strong in math and science. What gets missed is that this is small minority of the Indian population. India still have more illiterates than the entire population of Europe! Walk through any street of any city to ask for directions and you will know what I am talking about. People want to succeed, want to do well, have a great work ethic but if they dont know how to read write and communicate, we have a real issue on our hands!
The third a "clean" administration- minimal corruption, good sound thinking at the top and through the ranks to make things work like the first two I pointed out. While we have excellent administrators at the very top of the house, I get the feeling that we have a "frozen middle" in our government ranks, and these are the guys who get "stuff" done or alternatively, block the passage of a well thought out policy.
Unless we have these three, we will continue to grow but not at the pace we really want- at the same time, we will continue to have civic unrest, inter-religious conflict, fight for the few opportunities, corruption in the ranks and burgeoning population in urban areas ill equipped to deal with the demands of the rising populace. Which is why I think that despite all our progress so far, a developed nation status is still very much a mirage...
And these three are- infrastructure, education and clean administration.
Infrastructure is probably the mose important. Roads are archaic, not well maintained and are light years away from being world class. Electricity and power are thoroughly undependable even the biggest cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Power 'cuts' are still the norm during the summer months and that is unacceptable. Water supply is a gamble too in terms of both regularity and quality. I dont need to explain why getting these right is crucial.
The second is education. This may come to some people who've lived abroad as a surprise as they come across Indians who speak english reasonably well and are generally strong in math and science. What gets missed is that this is small minority of the Indian population. India still have more illiterates than the entire population of Europe! Walk through any street of any city to ask for directions and you will know what I am talking about. People want to succeed, want to do well, have a great work ethic but if they dont know how to read write and communicate, we have a real issue on our hands!
The third a "clean" administration- minimal corruption, good sound thinking at the top and through the ranks to make things work like the first two I pointed out. While we have excellent administrators at the very top of the house, I get the feeling that we have a "frozen middle" in our government ranks, and these are the guys who get "stuff" done or alternatively, block the passage of a well thought out policy.
Unless we have these three, we will continue to grow but not at the pace we really want- at the same time, we will continue to have civic unrest, inter-religious conflict, fight for the few opportunities, corruption in the ranks and burgeoning population in urban areas ill equipped to deal with the demands of the rising populace. Which is why I think that despite all our progress so far, a developed nation status is still very much a mirage...
Monday, May 28, 2007
Is American Idol losing its touch?
As a huge fan of the show, I was disappointed by this season. It started out with a controversy about the judges being too harsh, the top 12 didnt inspire, Sanjaya's astonishing run became an increasing embarassment for the show and just when I thought the best would actually find their way into the Finals, Melinda was voted off. She is, in my view, one of the best, if not the best singer this competition has ever seen. She epitomized talent, consistency and a vocal range that few can match. I will inevitably buy her album when it comes out later this year. As for Blake and Jordin, while they have charming personalities, they are musical midgets compared to Melinda.
If Melinda does (and she probably will) outsell both Jordin and Blake, she will be continuing a trend wherein singers voted off earlier in the show have tended to have greater commercial success than the winner. Barring Kelly and Carrie, big Idol stars- Chris Daughtery, Jennifer Hudson (an Academy award winner, no less), Clay Aiken to name three, did not actually win the show but did considerably better than the actual winners which only goes to show that while Simon wants to remind us that "this is a singing competition", it inevitably tends to become a popularity contest around personality, not just sheer talent of voice and musical ability.
While I still enjoy the show, I felt jaded this season. The judges seemed predictable, Simon wasnt mean enough, the Final wasnt catchy enough and so, while I will miss the show on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I am hoping the producers are able to do something different next season. Or maybe, its just time for me to move on to something else...
If Melinda does (and she probably will) outsell both Jordin and Blake, she will be continuing a trend wherein singers voted off earlier in the show have tended to have greater commercial success than the winner. Barring Kelly and Carrie, big Idol stars- Chris Daughtery, Jennifer Hudson (an Academy award winner, no less), Clay Aiken to name three, did not actually win the show but did considerably better than the actual winners which only goes to show that while Simon wants to remind us that "this is a singing competition", it inevitably tends to become a popularity contest around personality, not just sheer talent of voice and musical ability.
While I still enjoy the show, I felt jaded this season. The judges seemed predictable, Simon wasnt mean enough, the Final wasnt catchy enough and so, while I will miss the show on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I am hoping the producers are able to do something different next season. Or maybe, its just time for me to move on to something else...
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Irregular posts, warm weather and changing moods
A friend of mine called me over the weekend and castigated me for not posting anything on the blog for the past four weeks. As I have said before, my irregularity is a function of three things- a) lots of work in office that consumes me mentally to an extent that it is difficult to think of something else to write about; b) whatever time one does get then is spent in the company of our wonderful son, Sanjay, who just turned nine months, has started crawling and is an absolute joy; and c) sheer laziness on my part.
I should add a fourth reason- warm weather. Warm weather, especially coming off a really cold winter, is something I want to treasure- I guess we all do! So, when the sun shines out bright, it is imperative that we either drive out, walk or run or do something outdoors as that is a luxury that would go away in a few months. Over the last month, Boston has seen incredibly good weather. Temperatures have often been in the seventies, sometimes touching the eighties too and that has meant walks by the sea-shore, enjoying the serenity of the sea and the warmth of the sun even as the trees and grass turn green in what promises to be a terrific summer.
There is something about the sun that impacts my mood too. The fact that you could see the sun even when you are coming out of the office after a hard day's work can elevate spirits, more than I ever imagined they would. I feel energized, there is a spring in the step and there is a resolution to pursue healthy habits- walking, running, regular exercising etc. We will have to wait for a few months to figure out how seasonal those resolutions are- but undoubtedly, warm weather brings better moods all around- lately I have seen more people smiling in office! Which is probably why people retire in warm climates- Florida, Arizona etc remain destinations of desire for retirement- I bet weather plays a big part.
It also looks like the Boston Red Sox are getting positively impacted by the weather this year. But given their chequered past, I shall not celebrate just yet. But then, the warm sun, the blue ocean, and the greenery all around are reasons enough to be really pleased, and I will enjoy this weather till it lasts!!
I should add a fourth reason- warm weather. Warm weather, especially coming off a really cold winter, is something I want to treasure- I guess we all do! So, when the sun shines out bright, it is imperative that we either drive out, walk or run or do something outdoors as that is a luxury that would go away in a few months. Over the last month, Boston has seen incredibly good weather. Temperatures have often been in the seventies, sometimes touching the eighties too and that has meant walks by the sea-shore, enjoying the serenity of the sea and the warmth of the sun even as the trees and grass turn green in what promises to be a terrific summer.
There is something about the sun that impacts my mood too. The fact that you could see the sun even when you are coming out of the office after a hard day's work can elevate spirits, more than I ever imagined they would. I feel energized, there is a spring in the step and there is a resolution to pursue healthy habits- walking, running, regular exercising etc. We will have to wait for a few months to figure out how seasonal those resolutions are- but undoubtedly, warm weather brings better moods all around- lately I have seen more people smiling in office! Which is probably why people retire in warm climates- Florida, Arizona etc remain destinations of desire for retirement- I bet weather plays a big part.
It also looks like the Boston Red Sox are getting positively impacted by the weather this year. But given their chequered past, I shall not celebrate just yet. But then, the warm sun, the blue ocean, and the greenery all around are reasons enough to be really pleased, and I will enjoy this weather till it lasts!!
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Queen
Ever since Helen Mirren won all the major Best Actress awards this year, including the Oscar, we have been keen to watch The Queen.
And to say we were not disappointed would be an understatement. We went to watch her act, and what we got was much more- an engaging commentary on the challenges of the monarchy in modern times, the tenuous relationshipship between the Head of State and Head of Government, the incredibly difficult balance between regal 'distance' and 'connection' with the masses, the unusual loneliness of the Head of State, the maddening scrutiny of the media- all of it paints a poignant picture of the monarchy that is clearly at crossroads as more and more questions are asked about its utility, its significance and frankly, its relevance in modern times.
The key thing is any of this of is just to portray things as they are, not to take sides, but let the facts speak for themselves, and this is where the movie excels. It sticks to commentary without being "preachy"- makes you make your own judgments and also speaks to how people in power are terribly insulated from the world by their advisors, assistants, secretaries and what have you- this entourage has as much if not more power than people imagine- and they tend to use it in subtle ways. The movie's deft charatecterization of all characters, big or small, is what makes this movie riveting. The movie uses the week of the terrible tragedy of Diana's death to portray the various shades of the Queen- seemingly aloof and distant, honoring tradition, but at the same time, capable of adapting and changing with the times.
Helen Mirren clearly deserved the Best Actress award. She portrayed the role with dignity, poise and just enough vulnerability to show us what may be under the veneer of royalty and that is no mean feat!
And to say we were not disappointed would be an understatement. We went to watch her act, and what we got was much more- an engaging commentary on the challenges of the monarchy in modern times, the tenuous relationshipship between the Head of State and Head of Government, the incredibly difficult balance between regal 'distance' and 'connection' with the masses, the unusual loneliness of the Head of State, the maddening scrutiny of the media- all of it paints a poignant picture of the monarchy that is clearly at crossroads as more and more questions are asked about its utility, its significance and frankly, its relevance in modern times.
The key thing is any of this of is just to portray things as they are, not to take sides, but let the facts speak for themselves, and this is where the movie excels. It sticks to commentary without being "preachy"- makes you make your own judgments and also speaks to how people in power are terribly insulated from the world by their advisors, assistants, secretaries and what have you- this entourage has as much if not more power than people imagine- and they tend to use it in subtle ways. The movie's deft charatecterization of all characters, big or small, is what makes this movie riveting. The movie uses the week of the terrible tragedy of Diana's death to portray the various shades of the Queen- seemingly aloof and distant, honoring tradition, but at the same time, capable of adapting and changing with the times.
Helen Mirren clearly deserved the Best Actress award. She portrayed the role with dignity, poise and just enough vulnerability to show us what may be under the veneer of royalty and that is no mean feat!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Cricket- the World Cup, India's agony and Woolmer
Anyone who has been reading my blog knows how big a fan I am of the game- have been for three decades and will always be. The game itself is as at an interesting cusp with this World Cup. India and Pakistan crashed out early, Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's coach was murdered, India's coach Greg Chappell quit, and with very few spectators watching the game right now, this World Cup is likely to be a disaster for sponsors and commercial entities that support the game. While this is certainly a concern, the Australian juggernaut rolls on as it has been in the last decade ( and barring a huge upset), they should win their third title in a row, New Zealand has been playing great cricket, Sri Lanka are waving the sub-continental flag, and South Africa are in the best position to reach the Finals they so richly deserve and have never managed to reach. So with one eye on the game itself, what do I make of it.
At the very macro level, three observations bear mentioning.
One- the Aussies are way ahead of the rest of the pack in terms of skill, talent, succession and "pool" of players that are mentally tough to win in any situation whatsoever. By the same token, the Indian sub-continental teams have a long way to go in terms of consistency and balance of their teams apart from mental toughness- for Indians (including me) to think we were a serious threat in this World Cup was nothing but jingoism gone wild. So there are lessons to be learnt from the Aussies in terms of their system, their training, their domestic cricket structure etc.
Second- Woolmer's death has exposed the ugly underbelly of cricket in the sub-continent- the pressure, the stakes, the bookies, the analysts, the commercial interests- it all got to the point whereby unfortunately, it takes the murder of an honest man for us to all realize it is only a game after all- this tragedy calls for a clean-up of the system as also a rational fan following-not a maddening, fanatical following that swings between ecstacy and despair at wins and losses respectively.
By definition, fans are not objective and dont need to be, but they (including me) need to understand that victory and defeat are part of the game and if your team is not good enough on the field, the passion of fans in the stand does not compensate for lack of mental toughness or skill on the field!!
Third- I really think the combination of events above, however tragic they are, will be good for the game in the long run. There is opportunity everywhere- and to paraphrase two former cricketers, all of us have been shown the mirror- from Sachin Tendulkar (who is way past his best and has been for a good three years), to the average sponsor, to the average fan across the world.
Whilst we do not want to take away passion and rabid following for the game on the one hand, when that translates to mass hysteria, we just to step back and think- its a game that is meant to give us all joy by the nature of its beauty, its subtlety, the ebbs and flows as runs are scored and wickets fall, as batsmen craft their well paced innings, as bowlers out-think the batsmen- and that joy is timeless for the true connoiseur of the game. The game of cricket will come out stronger from this crisis- I not believe feel but sincerely believe that.
At the very macro level, three observations bear mentioning.
One- the Aussies are way ahead of the rest of the pack in terms of skill, talent, succession and "pool" of players that are mentally tough to win in any situation whatsoever. By the same token, the Indian sub-continental teams have a long way to go in terms of consistency and balance of their teams apart from mental toughness- for Indians (including me) to think we were a serious threat in this World Cup was nothing but jingoism gone wild. So there are lessons to be learnt from the Aussies in terms of their system, their training, their domestic cricket structure etc.
Second- Woolmer's death has exposed the ugly underbelly of cricket in the sub-continent- the pressure, the stakes, the bookies, the analysts, the commercial interests- it all got to the point whereby unfortunately, it takes the murder of an honest man for us to all realize it is only a game after all- this tragedy calls for a clean-up of the system as also a rational fan following-not a maddening, fanatical following that swings between ecstacy and despair at wins and losses respectively.
By definition, fans are not objective and dont need to be, but they (including me) need to understand that victory and defeat are part of the game and if your team is not good enough on the field, the passion of fans in the stand does not compensate for lack of mental toughness or skill on the field!!
Third- I really think the combination of events above, however tragic they are, will be good for the game in the long run. There is opportunity everywhere- and to paraphrase two former cricketers, all of us have been shown the mirror- from Sachin Tendulkar (who is way past his best and has been for a good three years), to the average sponsor, to the average fan across the world.
Whilst we do not want to take away passion and rabid following for the game on the one hand, when that translates to mass hysteria, we just to step back and think- its a game that is meant to give us all joy by the nature of its beauty, its subtlety, the ebbs and flows as runs are scored and wickets fall, as batsmen craft their well paced innings, as bowlers out-think the batsmen- and that joy is timeless for the true connoiseur of the game. The game of cricket will come out stronger from this crisis- I not believe feel but sincerely believe that.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Eat, pray, love
I love travelogues. And the latest one I have read is right there amongst the very best.
Eat, pray, love written by Elizabeth Gilbert is about a 34 year old writer who realizes she is in an unhappy marriage- she decides to go for a divorce and do what she has always secretly dreamed off- take off for a year and live for four months in three different countries- Italy, India and Indonesia. The choice of countries is dictated by her yearning for learning Italian (for no reason whatsover), a deeper understanding of spirituality and God, and her desire to understand more about romance and relationships unemcumbered by materialistic shenanigans.
What follows is a riveting journey through the countries that is as insightful about the countries themselves as it is about her own self as she challenges herself emotionally and spiritually.
She asks herself some fundamental questions- questions we have all asked ourselves at some point in our lives but are afraid to seek the answer- she does not- she ventures forth and her ability to relate those experiences with authenticity, charm and uncanny wit is what makes this book a must read.
Eat, pray, love written by Elizabeth Gilbert is about a 34 year old writer who realizes she is in an unhappy marriage- she decides to go for a divorce and do what she has always secretly dreamed off- take off for a year and live for four months in three different countries- Italy, India and Indonesia. The choice of countries is dictated by her yearning for learning Italian (for no reason whatsover), a deeper understanding of spirituality and God, and her desire to understand more about romance and relationships unemcumbered by materialistic shenanigans.
What follows is a riveting journey through the countries that is as insightful about the countries themselves as it is about her own self as she challenges herself emotionally and spiritually.
She asks herself some fundamental questions- questions we have all asked ourselves at some point in our lives but are afraid to seek the answer- she does not- she ventures forth and her ability to relate those experiences with authenticity, charm and uncanny wit is what makes this book a must read.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Setbacks lend perspective to the view!
It has been 10 days since my last post. I havent felt like writing- as a cricket enthusiast, following this World Cup has been anything but joyful. First, India and Pakistan's ignominous exit from the first round and then the shocking news of the murder of Pakistan coach, Bob Woolmer, have left me in a bit of a daze.
Frankly, the wounds are too raw to be thinking straight but one thing is for sure. The reputation of cricket as a gentleman's game has taken a setback. And maybe, just maybe, fans are just as much to blame for the current crisis as players, administration and sponsors. Nowhere is the game more commercial than the Indian sub-continent. Nowhere are cricketers treated as demi-Gods but the Indian sub-continent. No Board is as powerful as the Indian Board. And why is that? Because nowhere is the fan base as widespread as in the sub-continent. There is a difference between following the game with passion and following the game with fanaticism. The commercialism, the match-fixing, the bookies (the needle of suspicion in Woolmer's murder seems to be pointing to the bookies) are all a result of the incredible, sometimes senseless following and I admit I have been guilty of this myself. Just a couple of weeks back, I wrote how I wished India would win the Cup. Nothing in their performance warranted my belief- it was just patriotism over cold logic and while that is understandable, to be hugely upset at the team's debacle is actually unwarranted.
Sometimes, setbacks do lend perspective to the view. Even as I canceled my ticket to the Caribbean, I realized I was getting ahead of myself in following the game. The game is about skill, mental fortitude and the ability to rise to the occasion in pressure situations. It is not about deceit, cowardice and meek submission- traits exemplified by both India and Pakistan in this World Cup. We do need a "cleansing" of the system in the sub-continent and only a setback provides that. It is time to reassess, look afresh and not get lost in the bubble of hollow victories against meek teams on meek wickets.
I did not go to the Caribbean not only because India did not make it. More importantly, I do not want to support a game that has led to the ghastly death of one of the genius minds of the game. His memory deserves respect, and carrying on without apprehending the killers is an affront to his memory.
Setbacks sure lend perspective and even though I will remain a true follower of the game, the events of the last ten days have sobered me down and given me food for thought about how passionately I have supported a bunch of complete non-performers. More importantly, any hero worshipping would only accentuate the pressure on players and coaches that could have fatal consequences. It is a costly lesson, but a timely one.
The cruise to the Caribbean will have to wait for better, sunnier times!
Frankly, the wounds are too raw to be thinking straight but one thing is for sure. The reputation of cricket as a gentleman's game has taken a setback. And maybe, just maybe, fans are just as much to blame for the current crisis as players, administration and sponsors. Nowhere is the game more commercial than the Indian sub-continent. Nowhere are cricketers treated as demi-Gods but the Indian sub-continent. No Board is as powerful as the Indian Board. And why is that? Because nowhere is the fan base as widespread as in the sub-continent. There is a difference between following the game with passion and following the game with fanaticism. The commercialism, the match-fixing, the bookies (the needle of suspicion in Woolmer's murder seems to be pointing to the bookies) are all a result of the incredible, sometimes senseless following and I admit I have been guilty of this myself. Just a couple of weeks back, I wrote how I wished India would win the Cup. Nothing in their performance warranted my belief- it was just patriotism over cold logic and while that is understandable, to be hugely upset at the team's debacle is actually unwarranted.
Sometimes, setbacks do lend perspective to the view. Even as I canceled my ticket to the Caribbean, I realized I was getting ahead of myself in following the game. The game is about skill, mental fortitude and the ability to rise to the occasion in pressure situations. It is not about deceit, cowardice and meek submission- traits exemplified by both India and Pakistan in this World Cup. We do need a "cleansing" of the system in the sub-continent and only a setback provides that. It is time to reassess, look afresh and not get lost in the bubble of hollow victories against meek teams on meek wickets.
I did not go to the Caribbean not only because India did not make it. More importantly, I do not want to support a game that has led to the ghastly death of one of the genius minds of the game. His memory deserves respect, and carrying on without apprehending the killers is an affront to his memory.
Setbacks sure lend perspective and even though I will remain a true follower of the game, the events of the last ten days have sobered me down and given me food for thought about how passionately I have supported a bunch of complete non-performers. More importantly, any hero worshipping would only accentuate the pressure on players and coaches that could have fatal consequences. It is a costly lesson, but a timely one.
The cruise to the Caribbean will have to wait for better, sunnier times!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Remember...its only a game after all
One of the first things I do when I switch on my computer is look at the Cricket site to know the latest scores around the world, who won, who lost and who the performers have been...
Clearly, nothing prepared me for what the headline was today. Bob Woolmer, the coach of the Pakistan cricket team, was found dead in his hotel room shortly after Pakistan's shock defeat to unfancied Ireland in the World Cup currently underway in the Carribean. Woolmer played for England in the 1970s but made his mark more as a coach for South Africa in the 1990s. He was drafted by Pakistan a couple of years to help a mercurial side reach the pinnacle of glory in a country where the game is followed by tremendous passion and intensity. The fact that Pakistan were eliminated early in the World Cup automatically meant drastic repurcussions, but some that went way beyond the normal course of civility. Reports coming out of Pakistan talked about possibly arresting the captain, Inzy, and the coach, Woolmer when they arrived back in Pakistan. While the exact cause of his death is still to be ascertained, clearly the pressure was way too much for both the coach and the players. The point is- fans can and should be passionate but that doesnt mean they need to be mad and violent.
The Indian sub-continent fans are cricket crazy and the performance of the teams is met with extreme adulation during victory and utter contempt in defeat. That, in my view, is a problem. A game is a game after all. There will always be winners and losers. Also, nobody intentionally wants to lose. Hence, while disappointment in defeat is natural, the reaction should be just that- disappointment which in my terminology means a quiet swig of my favorite Guinness. Victory, on the other hand, means a celebration, which to continue on the same path, means three Guinesses with friends at a favorite pub. Either way- when we lose sight of the fact that it is a game where victory and defeat are natural outcomes, we lose our sense of balance and passion can turn into fanaticism.
My heart goes out to Woolmer's family, and lets all remember three things-
a) Cricket is a game- nothing more, nothing less
b) If you as a fan are disappointed with a defeat, the players are likely to be kicking themselves thmselves too
c) Fans showing their disappointment in a violent manner never improved a team's performance.
May Woolmer's soul rest in peace.
Clearly, nothing prepared me for what the headline was today. Bob Woolmer, the coach of the Pakistan cricket team, was found dead in his hotel room shortly after Pakistan's shock defeat to unfancied Ireland in the World Cup currently underway in the Carribean. Woolmer played for England in the 1970s but made his mark more as a coach for South Africa in the 1990s. He was drafted by Pakistan a couple of years to help a mercurial side reach the pinnacle of glory in a country where the game is followed by tremendous passion and intensity. The fact that Pakistan were eliminated early in the World Cup automatically meant drastic repurcussions, but some that went way beyond the normal course of civility. Reports coming out of Pakistan talked about possibly arresting the captain, Inzy, and the coach, Woolmer when they arrived back in Pakistan. While the exact cause of his death is still to be ascertained, clearly the pressure was way too much for both the coach and the players. The point is- fans can and should be passionate but that doesnt mean they need to be mad and violent.
The Indian sub-continent fans are cricket crazy and the performance of the teams is met with extreme adulation during victory and utter contempt in defeat. That, in my view, is a problem. A game is a game after all. There will always be winners and losers. Also, nobody intentionally wants to lose. Hence, while disappointment in defeat is natural, the reaction should be just that- disappointment which in my terminology means a quiet swig of my favorite Guinness. Victory, on the other hand, means a celebration, which to continue on the same path, means three Guinesses with friends at a favorite pub. Either way- when we lose sight of the fact that it is a game where victory and defeat are natural outcomes, we lose our sense of balance and passion can turn into fanaticism.
My heart goes out to Woolmer's family, and lets all remember three things-
a) Cricket is a game- nothing more, nothing less
b) If you as a fan are disappointed with a defeat, the players are likely to be kicking themselves thmselves too
c) Fans showing their disappointment in a violent manner never improved a team's performance.
May Woolmer's soul rest in peace.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Off to the Carribean
Typically, people go to the Carribean to lie on the beach, to relax along the ocean side, take a cruise or just hang out and not have a planned agenda. I am going to the Carribean but I do have an agenda thats to watch the Cricket World Cup. Anyone I have told this to has reacted to the news with surprise- and I've received the entire range of emotions- astonishment that my wife would allow me to do this all by myself (which I am grateful to her for), grudging respect that I was able to plan for this despite a relatively "busy" executive life, envy from others who "planned" to watch the World Cup at some stage but never quite got around to doing it- but its been support all around. And frankly, even as India take on minnows Bangladesh, in their opening game, I am excited like a two year old trying his first candy!!
I really am...which is thrilling in its own way because seldom does one feel like that. And it goes back to a childhood passion not just for the game but for travel, travel not for a purpose but travel for its own sake. I have often believed that travelling around the world has been the biggest teacher in my life- lessons on adaptability, appreciation of differences, ability to understand and comprehend nuances of culture, the different varieties of food and of course, the music!! Incidentally, this trip would also make me watch a game I have become increasingly passionate about ever since I have lived out of India. I sincerely believe that apart from Bollywood movies, cricket games bring not just the country together, but for everyone living outside, give them a feeling of "rootedness" that is so sorely missed by millions of us. The game with all its subtleties brings us together and despite the fact the Indian team is not the best in the world, a veritable combination of national pride and extreme jingoism makes you toss the past records aside and root for the team to take the trophy! Based on past record, that would be a surprise, but the inpredictability of games is what gives the World Cup its unique flavor and as long as India is at the favorable end of surprises, I dont care!!!
Even as Boston faces a winter storm ( I look out of the window and I reckon there is probably four inches of snow on the ground right now), the Carribean offers a fantastic prospect of warm weather, and of course, the fantastic spectacle of world cricket at its very best. Did I mention I am as excited as a two year old....
I really am...which is thrilling in its own way because seldom does one feel like that. And it goes back to a childhood passion not just for the game but for travel, travel not for a purpose but travel for its own sake. I have often believed that travelling around the world has been the biggest teacher in my life- lessons on adaptability, appreciation of differences, ability to understand and comprehend nuances of culture, the different varieties of food and of course, the music!! Incidentally, this trip would also make me watch a game I have become increasingly passionate about ever since I have lived out of India. I sincerely believe that apart from Bollywood movies, cricket games bring not just the country together, but for everyone living outside, give them a feeling of "rootedness" that is so sorely missed by millions of us. The game with all its subtleties brings us together and despite the fact the Indian team is not the best in the world, a veritable combination of national pride and extreme jingoism makes you toss the past records aside and root for the team to take the trophy! Based on past record, that would be a surprise, but the inpredictability of games is what gives the World Cup its unique flavor and as long as India is at the favorable end of surprises, I dont care!!!
Even as Boston faces a winter storm ( I look out of the window and I reckon there is probably four inches of snow on the ground right now), the Carribean offers a fantastic prospect of warm weather, and of course, the fantastic spectacle of world cricket at its very best. Did I mention I am as excited as a two year old....
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Newbury Street on a bright, sunny day
There are some places that define a city- a landmark, location, a streeet, a building- something that exemplifies what the city offers. Boston has many landmarks- Harvard, MIT, Beacon Hill, Bunker Hill. Boston Tea Party Monument amongst others- all that speak to the academic and historical significance of this city- but for me, the street that really brings Boston to life is Newbury Street. Especially on a bright, sunny day.
For the uninitiated, Newbury Street is located in the Back Bay area of Boston, running roughly east-to-west, from the Boston Public Garden to Brookline Avenue. It is lined with historic 19th-century brownstones that contain hundreds of shops and restaurants with stores generally at the basement and street level and residential apartments above giving it a quaint, sophisticated and absolutely unique feel.
Having driven through Newbury several times, my wife and I decided that we needed to explore it, and this Saturday offered us the perfect opportunity- a temperature of 60, a clear sky and a slight wind. Of course, all of Boston seemed to have the same idea as us- and we had a great time. Lunch in Kashmir was delicious but the walk around the street was what made our day. It was lively, plenty of people- some of them window shopping, some having lunch outside, some sipping wine, some walking their dog and others just soaking in the atmosphere. Even our seven month old son seemed to enjoy the atmosphere- he seemed to talk a lot to himself in his pram, and looked around the street admiring the incredible mix of people, cultures, residential complexes with commercial ones and just vibrancy of the place seemed to invigorate him.
As we got back to our car, both Rica and I knew why Newbury defined Boston in a lot of ways- multi-cultural, classy, stimulating, and above all, incredibly vibrant. If only, finding parking was easier...
For the uninitiated, Newbury Street is located in the Back Bay area of Boston, running roughly east-to-west, from the Boston Public Garden to Brookline Avenue. It is lined with historic 19th-century brownstones that contain hundreds of shops and restaurants with stores generally at the basement and street level and residential apartments above giving it a quaint, sophisticated and absolutely unique feel.
Having driven through Newbury several times, my wife and I decided that we needed to explore it, and this Saturday offered us the perfect opportunity- a temperature of 60, a clear sky and a slight wind. Of course, all of Boston seemed to have the same idea as us- and we had a great time. Lunch in Kashmir was delicious but the walk around the street was what made our day. It was lively, plenty of people- some of them window shopping, some having lunch outside, some sipping wine, some walking their dog and others just soaking in the atmosphere. Even our seven month old son seemed to enjoy the atmosphere- he seemed to talk a lot to himself in his pram, and looked around the street admiring the incredible mix of people, cultures, residential complexes with commercial ones and just vibrancy of the place seemed to invigorate him.
As we got back to our car, both Rica and I knew why Newbury defined Boston in a lot of ways- multi-cultural, classy, stimulating, and above all, incredibly vibrant. If only, finding parking was easier...
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Preview to the most open World Cup ever!
Last week, a Fedex packet arrived at home for me- it contained 8 Cricket World Cup tickets. To say I was thrilled was an understatement. Before the tickets arrived, I was wondering whether I should go; after I saw them, there was no question, especially as my wife backed me all the way. Since that night, I have been like a small kid- looking at those tickets again and again, checking for flights to Antigua, checking out the right hotel to stay in, checking out restaurants, reading up on Antigua, checking out the maps to see exactly where it is- its been wonderful and I just cant wait...
Its been four years since the last one, and four years since India lost the finals to Australia, something we would be out to avenge this year. The fact that Australia have been the most dominant team in the interim doesnt matter, they have lost five of the last six games they have played and they have given everyone a lot of cheer. One perpetually strong team that has always choked under pressure in the World Cup have been South Africa. I would love to see them in the Finals- and for India to beat them of course. Australia's recent slump has thrown the World Cup wide open- and thats what would make it fun. Pakistan has a strong, but mercurial side, Sri Lanka can beat anyone on its day, New Zealand and England have both beaten Australia recently, South Africa have been beaten both India and Pakistan in recent series- it just seems like nobody is a real favorite going into the cup. Based on current form though, South Africa have a slight edge over the rest. Despite India's unpredictable performances, I am a strong India backer- its a balanced side, good blend between maturity and youth and in Rahul Dravid, we have a terrific leader who can take us through the roughest times. Just a matter of hitting our stride in the next couple of months.
Whatever happens, here are my hope. I hope Australia does not win the third time around. There is much to be admired about that team, but continuous dominance by one team is never good for the sport at large- it makes for boring viewing plain and simple. I would back any underdog ahead of Australia and no surprise I would back India. (wonder why.....huh..) I also sincerely hope that all the logistics work out just right- enough has been said about logistical nightmares in the Carribean but I have enough faith that it will all work out...just like my tickets to Antigua!! May the best team win...(and did I mention that the best I think is India....)
Its been four years since the last one, and four years since India lost the finals to Australia, something we would be out to avenge this year. The fact that Australia have been the most dominant team in the interim doesnt matter, they have lost five of the last six games they have played and they have given everyone a lot of cheer. One perpetually strong team that has always choked under pressure in the World Cup have been South Africa. I would love to see them in the Finals- and for India to beat them of course. Australia's recent slump has thrown the World Cup wide open- and thats what would make it fun. Pakistan has a strong, but mercurial side, Sri Lanka can beat anyone on its day, New Zealand and England have both beaten Australia recently, South Africa have been beaten both India and Pakistan in recent series- it just seems like nobody is a real favorite going into the cup. Based on current form though, South Africa have a slight edge over the rest. Despite India's unpredictable performances, I am a strong India backer- its a balanced side, good blend between maturity and youth and in Rahul Dravid, we have a terrific leader who can take us through the roughest times. Just a matter of hitting our stride in the next couple of months.
Whatever happens, here are my hope. I hope Australia does not win the third time around. There is much to be admired about that team, but continuous dominance by one team is never good for the sport at large- it makes for boring viewing plain and simple. I would back any underdog ahead of Australia and no surprise I would back India. (wonder why.....huh..) I also sincerely hope that all the logistics work out just right- enough has been said about logistical nightmares in the Carribean but I have enough faith that it will all work out...just like my tickets to Antigua!! May the best team win...(and did I mention that the best I think is India....)
Friday, February 16, 2007
The controversy surrounding American Idol
This season's American Idol has generated controversy in the early weeks for two reasons. One- some of the comments by the judges were particularly mean. Second- it is claimed that the show exploited the way it portrayed the talent or the lack of it for some of contestants, particularly the not-so-good ones.
While I personally did not enjoy the early episodes, it amazed me that people with absolutely no talent whatsoever would show up for the auditions. Worse, they would actually believe that they were good singers. Even for a lay person like me with little musical talent, I cant believe how some of the worst singers would actually get distraught when they would be told the truth. Are people really so deluded? Have they got no idea about where their talent lies? Even if people did set them up, how did they come to believe so strongly that they had musical talent when clearly, a lot of them were tone deaf! Some of the comments from the judges were admittedly mean, but if I was listening to a hundred auditions day in day out with 97 of them extremely poor, at some stage, my patience is going to wear thin too. Secondly, people volunteer to be on the show. And it is the sixth season, not the first, so they should by now get used to Simon being mean, Randy being honest and Paula being .....incomprehensible and unpredictably sentimental...so people to act surprised about the initial episodes is a surprise to me. Some of it made for good TV and clearly, some people who didnt make it made it to other shows, so they can leverage their 15 seconds of fame to whatever heights they want to take to.
The show is a success because of the stars it produces- from Kelly to Clay to Carrie- it has taken raw talent, made them go through a rigorous process that hardens individuals to face the realities of the music industry, gets the public to vote so that we are an integral part of the success of these individuals. My wife and I watched the Grammys and werent as kicked about the success of Dixie Chicks as with the success of Carrie Underwood, who would have been singing in a church in Chicotah but for this show.
The show in a lot of ways encompasses what reality really is- life is not always fair, but if have talent, work hard, are willing to take the knocks and stand up every time, you are bound to succeed. And the sooner you know you dont have the talent in a particular field, it is better to exit and try something else rather than chase a mirage.
I am excited now that the field has been whittled down to 24, excited both about watching the show every Tuesday and Wednesday and also the conversations amongst my friends that happens straight after the show about who was the best. American Idol community lives on....despite all the controversy.
While I personally did not enjoy the early episodes, it amazed me that people with absolutely no talent whatsoever would show up for the auditions. Worse, they would actually believe that they were good singers. Even for a lay person like me with little musical talent, I cant believe how some of the worst singers would actually get distraught when they would be told the truth. Are people really so deluded? Have they got no idea about where their talent lies? Even if people did set them up, how did they come to believe so strongly that they had musical talent when clearly, a lot of them were tone deaf! Some of the comments from the judges were admittedly mean, but if I was listening to a hundred auditions day in day out with 97 of them extremely poor, at some stage, my patience is going to wear thin too. Secondly, people volunteer to be on the show. And it is the sixth season, not the first, so they should by now get used to Simon being mean, Randy being honest and Paula being .....incomprehensible and unpredictably sentimental...so people to act surprised about the initial episodes is a surprise to me. Some of it made for good TV and clearly, some people who didnt make it made it to other shows, so they can leverage their 15 seconds of fame to whatever heights they want to take to.
The show is a success because of the stars it produces- from Kelly to Clay to Carrie- it has taken raw talent, made them go through a rigorous process that hardens individuals to face the realities of the music industry, gets the public to vote so that we are an integral part of the success of these individuals. My wife and I watched the Grammys and werent as kicked about the success of Dixie Chicks as with the success of Carrie Underwood, who would have been singing in a church in Chicotah but for this show.
The show in a lot of ways encompasses what reality really is- life is not always fair, but if have talent, work hard, are willing to take the knocks and stand up every time, you are bound to succeed. And the sooner you know you dont have the talent in a particular field, it is better to exit and try something else rather than chase a mirage.
I am excited now that the field has been whittled down to 24, excited both about watching the show every Tuesday and Wednesday and also the conversations amongst my friends that happens straight after the show about who was the best. American Idol community lives on....despite all the controversy.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Confusing times
One inspirational nomination, one bizarre end to an odd life and an insipid musical extravaganza is what caught my attention over the last week. It also pretty much characterized the state of the US at present- confused, looking desperately for direction and searching for hope. Obama is the media's darling- at least for the moment. He made his nomination for 2008 presidency public, not on Oprah as a lot of women had hoped, but from the Illinois state house that had the symbolism that Obama represents- a good working class ethic, meritocrisy and egalitarianism and a strive towards excellence, equality and prosperity. I am a huge Obama fan, but my gut says that he will trail in the polls, come second to Hillary, who will ask him to be a Vice Presidential nominee- not sure whether he will accept but being a Vice President for four years could just be the right platform for him to gain diplomatic and international exposure that his resume currently lacks. So for me, its Obama, the Vice President for 2008, President in 2012, and who knows beyond that!
Another news story of a different kind that is dominating tabloids is about Anna Nicole Smith. A bizarre end to a bizarre life made more bizarre by how many prospective fathers are showing up for the five month old daughter. The less said on this topic, the better America will be for it, but I suspect the tabloids have their story, at least to take them through the first half of the year. Until Jennifer Aniston ties the knot that is. My tolerance for such stories is sub zero. Filthy lives of the rich and infamous dont interest me and thank God never will!!
And that brings to the Grammys and to say that I found the show all over the place would be an understatement. Learn from the Oscars please- have a host that can weave things together. Also, the awards just seem to have a favorite for the year and the rest can just go home for all they can care. This year, if you were not Mary J Blige or Carrie Underwood or the Dixie Chicks, you might as well have stayed home. Dixie Chicks got the award for the best country album- need I say more!
Confusing times for sure, but the key thing is still that the economy is stable, New England has had a reasonably pleasant winter and Jay Leno continues his satirical commentary of the country on the Tonight Show, and frankly, those things keep my sanity- apart from my wife and kid of course!
Another news story of a different kind that is dominating tabloids is about Anna Nicole Smith. A bizarre end to a bizarre life made more bizarre by how many prospective fathers are showing up for the five month old daughter. The less said on this topic, the better America will be for it, but I suspect the tabloids have their story, at least to take them through the first half of the year. Until Jennifer Aniston ties the knot that is. My tolerance for such stories is sub zero. Filthy lives of the rich and infamous dont interest me and thank God never will!!
And that brings to the Grammys and to say that I found the show all over the place would be an understatement. Learn from the Oscars please- have a host that can weave things together. Also, the awards just seem to have a favorite for the year and the rest can just go home for all they can care. This year, if you were not Mary J Blige or Carrie Underwood or the Dixie Chicks, you might as well have stayed home. Dixie Chicks got the award for the best country album- need I say more!
Confusing times for sure, but the key thing is still that the economy is stable, New England has had a reasonably pleasant winter and Jay Leno continues his satirical commentary of the country on the Tonight Show, and frankly, those things keep my sanity- apart from my wife and kid of course!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Its Peyton Manning and the Colts!
In my last post, I had written about the spectacle that is the Super Bowl. All of America comes to a standstill in these four hours- and what are people really watching for?
3 things I think-
a) The Football game itself- this time, it was about whether one of the legends of the game, Peyton Manning to win the elusive Super Bowl and get the monkey off his back regarding his performance in the Big Game!
b) The Half Time show- Remember the wardrobe malfunction and the furore that followed. Everyone forgot about the game- I don't even remember who the winner was. This time it was Prince, and by all accounts, he acquitted himself well, and thank God for no malfunctions there!
c) The Commercials- This is place where companies showcase their big commercials and it seems like Budweiser won it by a mile, not just in terms of having more than half a dozen commercials there, but also the quality. Beer and football just go together, somehow!!
So how did the game end? Thankfully, with Peyton Manning and the Colts winning the coveted title. I still cant get over the title of being World Champions. Could we include one more country to give it that credibility please, even if that is as close geographically as Mexico or Canada. At least, that way, the "world" will have a larger connotation than the borders of the US.
Onto the baseball season now!
3 things I think-
a) The Football game itself- this time, it was about whether one of the legends of the game, Peyton Manning to win the elusive Super Bowl and get the monkey off his back regarding his performance in the Big Game!
b) The Half Time show- Remember the wardrobe malfunction and the furore that followed. Everyone forgot about the game- I don't even remember who the winner was. This time it was Prince, and by all accounts, he acquitted himself well, and thank God for no malfunctions there!
c) The Commercials- This is place where companies showcase their big commercials and it seems like Budweiser won it by a mile, not just in terms of having more than half a dozen commercials there, but also the quality. Beer and football just go together, somehow!!
So how did the game end? Thankfully, with Peyton Manning and the Colts winning the coveted title. I still cant get over the title of being World Champions. Could we include one more country to give it that credibility please, even if that is as close geographically as Mexico or Canada. At least, that way, the "world" will have a larger connotation than the borders of the US.
Onto the baseball season now!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
The Super Bowl- a uniquely American event
In just over 12 hours, all of America will stop working and be glued to the television- either at a bar, or a friend's place or at home or with the extended family- all to watch who wins the Super Bowl, the final championship game of American football. Prince will perform at half time, and we hope that there will be no wardrobe malfunctions, a la Janet Jackson! Over the last two weeks, I have been asked what I am doing for the Super Bowl. Presumably, I should have big plans but I don't. First- because I dont quite understand the nuances of the game. Second- cricket excites me more than American football. Third- as far as a ball game is concerned, soccer world cup for me is a much bigger event, especially when you consider the countries who play it. And so when Italy met France last year in the World Cup Soccer finals, I was glued. I am not sure whether I will be this evening.
But I shall watch nevertheless. Because it is a uniquely American event and to miss means not just missing the game, but the thrill and joy that comes with living here. Its not just about the half time show, its not just about the new commercials that will be launched, its not just about whether Peyton Manning will get his Superbowl ring that he so richly deserves, it is about enjoying everything that is unique to this place and makes it different. I am amazed that the champions will be called the World Champions, as the "world" extends not an inch beyond Florida and Alaska, and if you ask anyone outside of the US what they think of the skills of Tom Brady, they are likely to think you are asking them about Tom Cruise and I daresay, Baby Suri is more well known in the world than Tom Brady!
But America will celebrate as it should. Sports truly represents popular culture and American football represents everything that makes this country what it is- excellence, hard work, competitiveness, celebration of excess and also, its amazing insularity!
For sure, I dont understand the nuances of the game, but I have followed it enough to know that Peyton Manning winning it tonight is equivalent to a Sachin Tendulkar winning the World Cup cricket- individual genius waiting to lift the collective team to lift one of the most coveted trophies in the game, or should I say the 'World"!!
But I shall watch nevertheless. Because it is a uniquely American event and to miss means not just missing the game, but the thrill and joy that comes with living here. Its not just about the half time show, its not just about the new commercials that will be launched, its not just about whether Peyton Manning will get his Superbowl ring that he so richly deserves, it is about enjoying everything that is unique to this place and makes it different. I am amazed that the champions will be called the World Champions, as the "world" extends not an inch beyond Florida and Alaska, and if you ask anyone outside of the US what they think of the skills of Tom Brady, they are likely to think you are asking them about Tom Cruise and I daresay, Baby Suri is more well known in the world than Tom Brady!
But America will celebrate as it should. Sports truly represents popular culture and American football represents everything that makes this country what it is- excellence, hard work, competitiveness, celebration of excess and also, its amazing insularity!
For sure, I dont understand the nuances of the game, but I have followed it enough to know that Peyton Manning winning it tonight is equivalent to a Sachin Tendulkar winning the World Cup cricket- individual genius waiting to lift the collective team to lift one of the most coveted trophies in the game, or should I say the 'World"!!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Good vs Great- Sachin Tendulkar and Tom Brady
A couple of weeks back, I had written a post about the decline of India's batting legend, Sachin Tendulkar. I had argued- he has lost his edge, and age and injury has slowed him down physically. He seems mentally fatigued as he lets the opposition get on top of him rather than dictate play- over the last two years, he has not performed under any sort of pressure. That is what makes him merely good, not great in my view. Since I wrote that, I have not been popular amongst my friends, particularly Indian cricket fanatics who worship Tendulkar.
I wish they would all could have seen Tom Brady in action today. For those who dont American Football, Brady is the Quarterback of the New England Patriots, a team that has won the Superbowl on three of the last five occasions. Today's performance was classic Brady- against the No.1 seed and best team in the league, San Diego Chargers, New England was trailing for most of the game. In fact, half way into the fourth quarter, they were still behind by a good eight points. Then, just when the team needed great inspiration, Brady produced a magical run of passes to tie the game at 21 all and then in the very last minute, edge it past the Chargers to win 24-21. Intense pressure, intense scrutiny, intense time crunch and Brady rose to the occasion.
And he does it time and time again- the best record in the fourth quarter in Post season history, the most number of come-from-behind victories in the league.
Performing under that sort of pressure and taking the entire team with you is what separates the great from the merely good. Brady is great, while Tendulkar is quickly joining the ranks of the merely good.
As far as the Football season goes, it will be a fantastic battle next Sunday between the two best Quarterbacks in America- Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Let the battle of the greats continue!
I wish they would all could have seen Tom Brady in action today. For those who dont American Football, Brady is the Quarterback of the New England Patriots, a team that has won the Superbowl on three of the last five occasions. Today's performance was classic Brady- against the No.1 seed and best team in the league, San Diego Chargers, New England was trailing for most of the game. In fact, half way into the fourth quarter, they were still behind by a good eight points. Then, just when the team needed great inspiration, Brady produced a magical run of passes to tie the game at 21 all and then in the very last minute, edge it past the Chargers to win 24-21. Intense pressure, intense scrutiny, intense time crunch and Brady rose to the occasion.
And he does it time and time again- the best record in the fourth quarter in Post season history, the most number of come-from-behind victories in the league.
Performing under that sort of pressure and taking the entire team with you is what separates the great from the merely good. Brady is great, while Tendulkar is quickly joining the ranks of the merely good.
As far as the Football season goes, it will be a fantastic battle next Sunday between the two best Quarterbacks in America- Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Let the battle of the greats continue!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A "short" work week
A work week with 4 days is considered a "short" work week. For me, it is the week when you put five days work in four! Consequently, you feel more rushed, just a wee bit more exhausted and look forward to the weekend even more.
Why does it happen?
Two reasons I think.
One- in a knowledge driven, non-widget producing environment, we are measured by intellectual output which is not a direct function of the number of hours you put but the quality of your output irrespective of time involved. The outputs desired do not change whether it is a normal five day workweek or it is a shortened four days or even three.
Second- given the flexible work arrangements, the workload is being divided into chunks not necessarily in terms of how much time they are going to take, but in terms of skill sets and ability to accomplish a given set of goals.
There is also the slight ramp-up factor in the normal week. We all know Monday mornings can be a little slow and Friday afternoons tend to be 'wind-down' time. In a shorter work week, you are expected to hit the ground running on Tuesday and you are likely to stay longer on Friday.
In short, the "short" work week is a mirage. Here are three suggestions to cope with it-
a) In case Monday is a holiday, set aside a couple of hours the previous Friday to lay out deliverables for the week and ideally, if you can take a start at a couple of them on Friday itself, you are setting yourself up for success the following week.
b) If you are driving out somewhere for the long weekend, be back in your city of work by lunch time on Monday. It will give you time to 'mentally' readjust and feel fresher for Tuesday morning. Anytime later than noon, and you will feel rushed and nostalgic about the long weekend.
c) Try and spend your long weekend pursuing a hobby that you havent had time to go to for a long time. It will be the perfect energizer for the week ahead.
Anyone interested in a very different take on the topic can read Ricardo Semler's Seven Day Weekend, where he talks about the fact that if you really love what you do, then, everyday feels like a weekend. Not sure how many people are lucky to be in that spot but its a worthwhile goal of course!
Why does it happen?
Two reasons I think.
One- in a knowledge driven, non-widget producing environment, we are measured by intellectual output which is not a direct function of the number of hours you put but the quality of your output irrespective of time involved. The outputs desired do not change whether it is a normal five day workweek or it is a shortened four days or even three.
Second- given the flexible work arrangements, the workload is being divided into chunks not necessarily in terms of how much time they are going to take, but in terms of skill sets and ability to accomplish a given set of goals.
There is also the slight ramp-up factor in the normal week. We all know Monday mornings can be a little slow and Friday afternoons tend to be 'wind-down' time. In a shorter work week, you are expected to hit the ground running on Tuesday and you are likely to stay longer on Friday.
In short, the "short" work week is a mirage. Here are three suggestions to cope with it-
a) In case Monday is a holiday, set aside a couple of hours the previous Friday to lay out deliverables for the week and ideally, if you can take a start at a couple of them on Friday itself, you are setting yourself up for success the following week.
b) If you are driving out somewhere for the long weekend, be back in your city of work by lunch time on Monday. It will give you time to 'mentally' readjust and feel fresher for Tuesday morning. Anytime later than noon, and you will feel rushed and nostalgic about the long weekend.
c) Try and spend your long weekend pursuing a hobby that you havent had time to go to for a long time. It will be the perfect energizer for the week ahead.
Anyone interested in a very different take on the topic can read Ricardo Semler's Seven Day Weekend, where he talks about the fact that if you really love what you do, then, everyday feels like a weekend. Not sure how many people are lucky to be in that spot but its a worthwhile goal of course!
Monday, January 01, 2007
What am I looking forward to in 2007?
Four things stand out-
a) World Cup Cricket 2007- The tournament held every four years, is being organized in the Carribean this March-April. So far, the news is that it will be a logistical nightmare- stadiums aren't ready, the visa situation hasn't quite been resolved, the islands aren't ready to deal with the heavy flow of tourists during this time. Be that as it may, nobody can take away from the incredible excitement of the tournament itself. Australia beat India in the finals the last time around. The Aussies continue to be the best team by a distance. I am just hoping that they lose their way somehow and the Indians find some inspiration. If the visas and the logistics do get sorted out, I might even use my pre-booked tournament ticket to watch all the fun in person!
b) The new season of American idol- No logistical nightmares here. Only talent and tremendous excitement every Tuesday and Wednesday watching my favorite Reality TV show. If Jennifer Hudson does win an Oscar for her performance in Dreamgirls as she should, it will only reinforce the power of the franchise- the 'loser' on American idol is an Oscar winner- what better ad would you want!
c) The increasing 'flatness' of the world- The triple convergence as Tom Friedman calls it, I am looking forward to newer and cooler inventions in the tech world, be it the latest ipod, the newest Mac, Microsoft Vista, the freshest offering from google, I can't wait for the possible surprises.
d) Our son's first birthday- Ok, this is selfish, but July 28 is an important day. And shall be for the rest of our lives.
Of course, there will be many more and I will keep all you guys posted as the year progresses.
Heres wishing everyone a Happy New Year from Boston.
Keep reading and stay safe!
a) World Cup Cricket 2007- The tournament held every four years, is being organized in the Carribean this March-April. So far, the news is that it will be a logistical nightmare- stadiums aren't ready, the visa situation hasn't quite been resolved, the islands aren't ready to deal with the heavy flow of tourists during this time. Be that as it may, nobody can take away from the incredible excitement of the tournament itself. Australia beat India in the finals the last time around. The Aussies continue to be the best team by a distance. I am just hoping that they lose their way somehow and the Indians find some inspiration. If the visas and the logistics do get sorted out, I might even use my pre-booked tournament ticket to watch all the fun in person!
b) The new season of American idol- No logistical nightmares here. Only talent and tremendous excitement every Tuesday and Wednesday watching my favorite Reality TV show. If Jennifer Hudson does win an Oscar for her performance in Dreamgirls as she should, it will only reinforce the power of the franchise- the 'loser' on American idol is an Oscar winner- what better ad would you want!
c) The increasing 'flatness' of the world- The triple convergence as Tom Friedman calls it, I am looking forward to newer and cooler inventions in the tech world, be it the latest ipod, the newest Mac, Microsoft Vista, the freshest offering from google, I can't wait for the possible surprises.
d) Our son's first birthday- Ok, this is selfish, but July 28 is an important day. And shall be for the rest of our lives.
Of course, there will be many more and I will keep all you guys posted as the year progresses.
Heres wishing everyone a Happy New Year from Boston.
Keep reading and stay safe!
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