INDIAN CRICKET

It was disappointing to see Sachin Tendulkar gifting his wicket meekly in the Mumbai Test. But what disappointed me even more was the sight of the Mumbai crowd booing Sachin on his lonely walk back to the pavilion. In Mumbai, Sachin's hometown, this was unthinkable, unimaginable. We, as a nation, seem to derive some perverse delight in seeing a Hero fall. But why should it have to be so humiliating??

The disappointment of the crowd in seeing Sachin fail is understandable. Afterall he has been the main cog in the Indian batting wheel for nearly 17 years now. 17 years !!!!! That figure of 17 years is forgotten so easily??? In a nation devoid of genuine heroes, Sachin is one hero who symbolizes the dreams of millions of Indians who yearn to succeed & achieve fame. Sachin was the youngest Indian to be capped & now the highest capped test player for India. Surely playing 132 tests cannot be a mean achievement.

Despite his toiling sweat & blood on the field, with no signs of arrogance in the wake of so much fame & money, does he deserve this humiliation in his own home ground? Tendulkar is still a great player and all his skills are intact but probably he is a bit short on self-belief. Once you are not positive, you tend to miss out on bad balls and flirt with disaster against good ones. The master batsman needs to tell himself the obvious that all that ability which gave him tons of runs and record centuries cannnot disappear overnight. He too, like his admirers, must be concerned.

On the 4th day of the Test, some posters asking 4 apologize were seen. People understood their mistake. They knew Sachin's importance in the team. But, it was too late. Once again, they claimed him as GOD. One can observe the standing oviation to the Legend on his way to pavilion. But, it was not for his 34 - rather for their mistake during the 1st innings. During the presentation cermony, when Dravid was asked 2 speak, the crowd didn't allow him 2 speak. Added to that, there were some slogans saying Ganguly was better. So, this shows that there hasn't been stability and consistency among the cricket fans and media along with players. When the team was enjoying the fruits of success, everyone praised the team and the Coach. When victory is on our side, no one remembered Ganguly and none commented on Sachin/Sehwag/Dravid's batting performances. Not all of them were in form in a particular match. One or two in the team led India to victory. Everyone praised Dravid's captaincy. Now, when the team lost the chance of winning a series, reactions were as expected. From fans to media - everyone pointed at Indian Team - on a whole. Funny thing is - now they want Ganguly back.

Winning the toss and opting to field, dropping catches galore and then some ordinary batting on the final afternoon are the obvious slips which come to mind. The hosts would also reflect if playing five bowlers or shuffing the batting order hurt its cause. Rahul Dravid alone is the best man to answer his strange call on toss. Sometimes captains are known to change their mind at the last minute. India could also have perceived a threat in Flintoff and Co. on a lively first-day pitch. It's an old saying that never make a decision based on opposition. Instead, rely on your own team's strengths to make a call. Dravid could also have been conscious that he was playing a batsman short. Whatever, it gave England the initiative. They did not have to worry about Indian spinners on the final day.

Being vth someone in his/her gud times doesn't matter much - rather, when someone is low or facing bad times, it matters most if u r beside him/her.

If we can’t respect the achievements and contributions of our heroes, let's at least learn not to insult them !!

GOOGLE MARS

U can no longer go 2 a planetarium to watch the planets of a Solar System. Every inch of the planet is a mouse-click far away from u. It’s not too long that almost every nook and corner of the Planet Earth was covered. Now, Google eyed on MARS. The latest buzz word among the NETizens is GOOGLE MARS.

Google has expanded its online mapping services, offering users the chance 2 explore the surface of an alien world for the very first time. GOOGLE MARS was launched so that computer users can take a close look at the Red Planet. The launch follows the success of Google Earth, which allows detailed exploration of our planet's surface.

Google Mars allows users 2 view the surface of the Red Planet either by a color-coded altitude map, black and white photographs, or an infra-red map.

Google Mars is a joint project between GOOGLE and NASA researchers at Arizona State University's Mars Space Flight Facility. It launched the service to mark the 151st anniversary of the birth of Percival Lowell, an astronomer who mapped and studied Mars in the 19th century.

The maps used on Google Mars were made from images captured by NASA probes Mars Odyssey and Mars Global Surveyor, both currently orbiting the planet. They have compiled a mosaic image of the planet from 17,000 pictures taken from the Mars Odyssey probe which has been orbiting Mars since 2001.

"The idea is to look at Mars and not think of it as a mysterious alien place," said Phil Christensen of Arizona State University. Users can ask the site to highlight Mountains, canyons, dunes, and other geographical features. For now, the site simply displays the Red Planet in 2D mode.

The maps also mark the sites of a series of previous missions to Mars, including the final landing site of the British probe Beagle 2, which launched in 2003 but failed on landing.

Planetary geologist Phil Christensen said "It's great that, thanks to Google Mars, now everyone everywhere can explore this neighbor world using their own computer browser."

With the improvement in technology, things prove 2 b simple and new wonders are popping up. Results of this kind encourage and inspire astronauts to explore more.

If given permission and accessibility, GOOGLE seems 2 b capable of identifying the objects in your house and send their pictures to u. Anyhow, unless such technology is used for a bad cause, results like this will b encouraging and entertaining the world.

This is the GOOGLE MARS site: http://www.google.com/mars/

ALL THE BEST TO THE GOOGLE TEAM IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS

GLOBALLY BANNED DRUGS IN INDIA ???

Plz be Careful when taking medicines .... Not all popular medicines r SAFE. I'm not sure if i can c u alive or talk 2 u directly, if u use some of the branded medicines. Hope 2 c u ALIVE !!!

Pls Read Very Carefully. India has become a dumping ground for banned drugs; also the business for production of banned drugs is blooming. Plz make sure that u buy drugs only if prescribed by a doctor(Also, ask which company manufactures it, this would help to ensure that u get what is prescribed at the Drug Store) or if they r from a reputed drug store. Not many people knew about these banned drugs. So, they consume them which cause a lot of damage to their body.

SUCH DANGEROUS DRUGS HAVE BEEN GLOBALLY DISCARDED BUT ARE AVAILABLEIN INDIA . The most common ones are D cold, action 500 & Nimulid.

ANALGIN: This is a pain-killer.

Reason for ban: Bone marrow depression.

Brand name: Novalgin

CISAPRIDE: Acidity, constipation

Reason for ban: Irregular heartbeat

Brand name: Ciza, Syspride

DROPERIDOL: Anti-depressant

Reason for ban: Irregular heartbeat

Brand name: Droperol

FURAZOLIDONE: Antidiarrhoeal

Reason for ban: Cancer

Brand name: Furoxone, Lomofen

NIMESULIDE: Painkiller, fever

Reason for ban : Liver failure

Brand name : Nise, Nimulid

NITROFURAZONE: Antibacterial cream

Reason for ban : Cancer

Brand name : Furacin

PHENOLPHTHALEIN: Laxative

Reason for ban : Cancer

Brand name : Agarol

PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE: Cold and Cough

Reason for ban : Stroke

Brand name : D'cold, Vicks Action-500

OXYPHENBUTAZONE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Reason for ban : Bone marrow depression

Brand name : Sioril

PIPERAZINE: Anti-worms

Reason for ban : Nerve damage

Brand name : Piperazine

QUINIODOCHLOR: Anti-diarrhoeal

Reason for ban : Damage to sight

Brand name : Enteroquinol

SA - The Ultimate Winner

If someone ever said that a score of 400 in an innings in a ODI is IMPOSSIBLE, then he shud have shut his mouth today. YES, March 12th - a memorable day in the history of Cricket. What a match !!! Mind u - it's not that a single team scored more than 400 runs. Rather, both the teams scored more than 400 runs - in a single breath-taking match between Australia and South Africa.

So, it was proved that many so-called miracles (till March 11th) can be achieved if u have the desire to WIN. The most awaited Double century by an individual is still hiding in the Miracles List. Gibbs or Pointing might have reached the 200 mark, if they had controlled their calmness. But, it was clear that 200 (individual) or 400 (team) is a reachable score. So, will we get a chance to write about an Indian player or the Indian Team in such context ???

If I score a Double century - will the rest of the players live upto my expectations and help me in putting up the Indian score above 450 ??? If so, I can think of changing my profession for the sake of the Nation's pride.

SA buried the ghosts of 1999 (World Cup 1999 semis) with victory in an extraordinary and a nail-biting match. Australia had just posted a world-record 434 for 4 in a single innings - the first 400-plus total in the history of the game - with Ricky Ponting leading the line with a marvelous innings of 164 runs from just 105 balls. And yet they still lost - by one wicket, with one ball to spare.

Along with Pointing, every one of Australia's batsmen proved themselves. Adam Gilchrist started the attack with 55 runs from 44 balls; Simon Katich, later joined him with nine fours and a six in a 90-ball 79, and Mike Hussey bombarded to a 51-ball 81. Australia's dominance seemed so complete that Andrew Symonds, the most notorious one-day player in their ranks, was not even called upon until the scoreboard showed 374 for 3. On a whole, it was Ricky's innings that kept Aussies in a solid shell. None of the SA bowlers cud create damage to the shell formed by the Australian top-order.

Smith took it upon himself to respond to his team's indignity with a brutal innings laced with fury. He made light of the early loss of Boeta Dippenaar, with Herschelle Gibbs. The duo launched South Africa's response with an excellent partnership of 187 from 121 balls. This partnership has sent the initial warning signals to the Australian dressing room.

Smith made 90 from just 55 balls. On the other side, Gibbs didnt allow Australians to look happy. It was not too long that Australians showed their brutal batting performance on Murali. Till date, Murali holds the notorious record as the most expensive bowler in any ODI. Now, it's an Australian turn to hold that record. It's none other than Lewis. Mick Lewis earning an unwanted place in history as his ten overs were spanked for 113 runs - the most expensive analysis in any form of ODI.

Now it was Gibbs who took centre stage. Gibbs build his wonderful innings out of an hign asking-rate, bringing up his century from 79 balls and continued along so briskly that, by the 25-over mark, South Africa had 229 for 2 on the board, and needed just 206 to win. Gibbs reached his 150 from exactly 100 balls, bringing up the landmark with his fifth six of the innings and had reached a glorious 175 from 111 when Lee held onto a drive at mid-off. The stadium stood in acclaim, but with 136 runs still required and their main source of momentum gone, South Africa had plenty still to do.

Kallis and Mark Boucher regrouped with a steady partnership of 28 in six overs, but when the big-hitting Justin Kemp went out cheaply, van der Wath reignited the chase. He drilled Lewis over long-off for two sixes in an over then added a six and a four in Bracken's eighth, as the requirement dropped from a tricky 77 from 42 balls to a gettable 36 from 22. He was followed by Telemachus with an invaluable 12 from six balls.

And so it all came down to the final over. Brett Lee had seven runs to defend, and South Africa had two wickets in hand. A blazed four from Andrew Hall seemed to have settled the issue, he smeared the very next delivery into the hands of Clarke at mid-on. Two runs needed then, and Makhaya Ntini, on strike. Lee's best effort was deflected to third man to tie the scores, and it was left to Boucher to end the greatest match with a lofted four over mid-on. The most breathtaking game in one-day history had come to a grandstand finish.

GOA -> Girls Ocean Alcohol .... part II

Hi folks

I’ve described about some of the beaches and places in my previous post. Now, it’s time for a famous church and the ever-fresh Dudh sagar waterfalls.

Dudh Sagar waterfalls are situated 60 Km from Margoa, on the eastern border of Goa-Karnataka. They are in the forests of Western Ghats. The falls is usually accessed by a jeep ride on a rough road and can also be seen when passing by train from Karnataka to Goa.

Step into a jeep, while driving through the jungle and rivers you see and hear the liveliness of the wildlife sanctuary. Arrived at the Dudhsagar water, "the ocean of milk', you can have a picnic lunch, while relaxing and swimming at the foot of the second largest waterfalls of India.

The Dudhsagar Falls are amongst the top 100 highest waterfalls in world. The Dudhsagar Waterfalls takes a steep plunge 2000 feet down in the mountains of the Western Ghats. Believed to be amongst the highest falls in the country, these magnificent falls are located in a blissful tropical jungle with crisscrossing streams. The view from the top of the falls is breathtaking. Swimming in the pool is a good way to cool down, although the water, as expected, is freezing.

Great news for guys is the arrival of foreigners to the waterfalls. After the visit, you regret for the amount of time spent near the beaches. Foreigners along with waterfalls are really worth-watching. UNDERSTAND guys. A real TREAT for ur eyes. While visiting Dudhsagar falls, one should ensure that at least entire day is spent near the falls – both for foreigners and waterfalls.

Dudh sagar is also a home to a breed of friendly monkeys. Nuts and bananas can be bought from the guides to feed the little creatures. The baby monkeys are particularly gorgeous. On a whole, u shud not miss Dudh Sagar if u r planning 4 a trip 2 Goa.

Bom Jesus Basilica is one of the famous churches in GOA. The Bom Jesus Basilica holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. It is just about 10km from the city of Panjim. The church is located in Old Goa, which was the capital of Goa in the early days of Portuguese rule.

This world heritage monument built in 1695 is a fine example of Jesuit architecture and has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. It is situated in Old Goa, It is a world renowned church which contains the body of St Francis Xavier; patron saint of Goa, who died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552.

The following year, while transferring Francis Xavier's remains to Goa, in accordance with his wishes, it was found that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. This miraculous phenomenon attracts huge number of devotees from all over the world, especially during the public viewing of his body every ten years. The saint is believed to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims would come from all over the world to offer prayers.

This church is one of the richest churches in Goa and is carpeted with marble flooring and inlaid with precious stones. Apart from the elaborate gilded altars, the interior of the church is simple. The church also holds paintings of St Francis Xavier.

The casket containing his body is made of silver. The holy relics of the saint are displayed every 10 years during the anniversary of the Saint's death. The Feast is organised on 3rd December every year.

We can find an art gallery in the church. The following is the link for the Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery.

http://www.dommartin.cc/Basilica ptgs/Basilica ptgs index.htm

The Basilica is open to visitors from 9 am to 6.30 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 6.30 pm on Sundays. Masses are held at 8 am and 9.15 am on Sunday and at 7 am and 8 am on weekdays.

Goa is best visited in the winter, between October and March, when the weather’s pleasant. Goa has plenty of connections to the rest of India. The domestic airport at Dabolim (30 km from Panaji) has frequent flights from Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kochi, besides chartered flights from overseas. The two railway stations- at Vasco da Gama and Margao- also have a number of trains arriving at Goa from the rest of the country. In addition to that, there are bus networks which connect the state to other cities and towns in Western and Southern India. From Panaji- or any other place in Goa, for that matter- there are excellent bus connections to Old Goa. Alternately, you can hire a car or take a taxi, including the interesting motorbike taxis.

The possibilities for accomodation in Goa are virtually limitliess, stretching all the way from snazzy resorts and upmarket hotels to affordable guesthouses, cottages and locan inns. The only thing to keep in mind is that Goa's immense popularity makes accommodation scarse during the peak season; book well in advance.

GOA - > Girls Ocean Alcohol

The above equation describes all about GOA. It’s a wonderful experience being in GOA. I really loved the place and I’m sure that I’ll go to GOA many more times.

Who hates GOA? It’s a dream place for everyone. Almost 90% of those who knew about GOA wish to go and spend some time. Likewise, we too planned a trip to GOA. Actually, it was a 4-day trip to GOA. We have been there on 25th night and returned to Hyderabad on 1st morning. As the duration of the trip was very small, only some places were covered. We have been to some beaches, a Church and most importantly to Doodh Sagar.

GOA has some peculiar features. It’s better to know them before reaching there. Most importantly, u don’t find shops or restaurants after 10 pm. Unlike other places, we don’t find people roaming on the streets late in the nights. The atmosphere will be calm and pleasant. Moreover, the traffic in GOA is very less. Highways and roads connecting cities are wide enough, except in some places. Drivers in GOA were called “Pilots”. Panaji is the Capital City of GOA. One of the primary rivers, Mandovi, flows through the heart of the city. The river looks calm with fresh waters. It has a wonderful night view.

As said earlier, shopping and restaurants closes by 10 pm. At most, some of them might extend till 10:30 – not more than that. So, tourists visiting GOA should note this. In case, if you wish to eat outside, you should eat before 10 pm. The other thing which I observed in GOA is the wine shops. The number of wine shops found in GOA can be compared to the number of pan shops we find in other places. Foreigners, being the primary tourists, might be the reason for this. Along with that, in GOA, there are no additional taxes on liquor. So, the cost of liquor in GOA is far less when compared to other states. This might attract Indian tourists. Taking alcoholic drinks in GOA is very common. Everyone prefers to take those drinks. Even we find ladies imbibing alcohol openly. Cashew Fenny is a unique drink which is found in GOA. We don’t find that drink in other states or other parts. It is nothing but arrack with cashew as an ingredient. It tastes good. Along with other drinks, it costs less. Apart from Cashew fenny, we find all other alcoholic drinks. The costs range from Rs. 20 to Rs. 10000. It depends on the brand and quantity we prefer.

Now, coming to beaches – we have seen around 4-5 beaches in GOA. In fact, there are 33 beaches in GOA. These 33 were identified by GOA Tourism. Of these, we have seen Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute, Dona Paula Bay, Colva and Miramar beaches. All the beaches are wonderful. We had a great view at all the beaches. Anjuna is a rocky beach. Along with ocean, we have rocks near the shore. They seem to be dangerous. If we take some necessary precautions, we can have a great time in that beach. Calungute beach has the feel of the normal beaches which we find. It looks good. Dona Paula Bay is also called as Suicide Point. This place was named after the daughter of a Viceroy. She committed suicide at this place as her love with a fisherman was not accepted by her father. Like other normal suicide spots, this place is at a height of around 100 feet from the sea level. The sea view from this point is excellent. We will have a pleasant feeling with the cool breeze from the sea. Miramar is a normal beach with sand on the shore of the sea. It’s just one of the beaches identified. We didn’t feel anything to be great or unique with this beach. Vagator is one of the most beautiful beaches in GOA. It has beach on two sides. One of the most famous scenes in the movie “Dil Chahta Hai” was shot here. There is a fort on the shore of the beach. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the fort from the beach. The view of the beach from the fort is awesome. Colva beach leaves a memorable impression on its visitors. It’s different from other beaches. Here the water is fresh. Water looks pure and fresh. The depth of the sea is more. As we walk 15-20 steps into the sea, the water level reaches our chest. And moreover, the waves move forcibly towards the shore. The height of the waves is also more in this beach. They come with great force. If we are not cautious, we will fall. Chances of drowning in the sea are more, if you are not cautious. On the other hand, in case, if we take necessary precautions, we can have the best of our times in this beach. Added to these, one more unique feature of this beach is the quality of sand that come along with the waves. It is very soft. One more thing that can be identified is the shells on the shore. As we walk on the shore, we can find those white-colored and ash-colored shells. They come along with the waves in different sizes. Yet many more beaches to be covered in GOA. I’ll do that in my next visit.

Stay tuned for the next post involving Doodhsagar and other GOA related secrets.