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.