Mumbai Indians.. They started by spending a lot of money and creating a team with was not outstanding by T20 standards.. I was supporting it because GOD was there but alas he played just half of the tournament.
Start of IPL for MI was ominous for two reasons No GOD and Harbhajan Singh as captain.. I don't have any reservations against bhajji but when they have Pollock/ Jayasuriya in their team why go for bhajji. Anyway MI los first 4 of their ties.
Then came the famous slapping incident and bhajji went out.. Pollock became captain and MI improved.. GOD returned and MI won 6 games in a row..
And during the final phase of the tournament they chocked... Lost to Mohali by 1 run, lost to Delhi with 2 balls remaining and then lost to Jaipur on last ball. making it 3 losses in a row..
Had it been once you can call it luck but losing thrice, means you have a habit of choking.. bottom line MI out and deservedly so..
I went to watch game between Delhi and Mumbai .. and the takeaway from the game was FerozShah Kotla Stadium sucks.. They don't even have an electronic score card. For me the whole game can be summed up in 1 equation
Mr X is bowling to Mr Y and the ball is fielded by Mr Z. Most of the time you will not know who X,Y and Z are. Each time you try to guess the batsman might be this or that then try to solve the puzzle looking at the primitive scoreboard, so the game was more of solving Identify the personality and less of cricket..
And lastly management was so very poor, that It took us nearly 30 min to leave our seats and come to the main road. simply pathetic was the arrangements.. Bottom line Cricket is much better a watch at home.
Wednesday 28 May 2008
Friday 23 May 2008
Heroes of Might and Magic V
Recently got hold of Heroes of Might and Magic V, This is a really good strategy based 3-D game, with amazingly good graphics. The game may not be in league of WarCraft in terms of the campaign story but it is not bad either. Right now I am playing those campaigns only and For that I am eagerly waiting for the weekend so that I can play the game for whole day.
The game has this novel concept of time, where a hero can move a particular distance only on a particular day. So the player need to plan each move of the hero and how to pass on resources to him. so this game is a pure strategy game no need to be fast with keyboard.
Also during battle one can control each character completely. be it hero or his army. And they fight in a very civilized manner where each unit is given a turn to hit. and they can hit anybody they like.
So If one thinks he is a true strategist.. he must give it a shot.
P.S. Going to watch delhi take on mumbai on friday. Hoping to see GOD in action...
The game has this novel concept of time, where a hero can move a particular distance only on a particular day. So the player need to plan each move of the hero and how to pass on resources to him. so this game is a pure strategy game no need to be fast with keyboard.
Also during battle one can control each character completely. be it hero or his army. And they fight in a very civilized manner where each unit is given a turn to hit. and they can hit anybody they like.
So If one thinks he is a true strategist.. he must give it a shot.
P.S. Going to watch delhi take on mumbai on friday. Hoping to see GOD in action...
Turn the Page
Read Foundation's Edge by Issac Asimov last week. This is my first novel of Foundation Series.
Last week when i was going home I decided to take a book along, And as my Friend Gaurav is a big fan of Asimov, decided to give it a shot. I am not a Foundation literate so did not know that Foundation's edge is actually the 4th book the series, when I came to know abt this I was really disappointed because of the fear of not appreciating the full story. But it turned out to be not exactly true as the book makes a good sense to a new user as well.
The best part of the book apart from the plot is its conversations between different characters, when they talk about stars their types, anti matter, galactic hyper space. All this is very fascinating.
The only problem with the book is sometimes it becomes too heavy about the mental abilities. Especially the concept of Gaia is really hard to digest but the writer has really tried it best to make it digestible by giving great analogies.
All in all a good book and I am looking forward to read more of this series...
Last week when i was going home I decided to take a book along, And as my Friend Gaurav is a big fan of Asimov, decided to give it a shot. I am not a Foundation literate so did not know that Foundation's edge is actually the 4th book the series, when I came to know abt this I was really disappointed because of the fear of not appreciating the full story. But it turned out to be not exactly true as the book makes a good sense to a new user as well.
The best part of the book apart from the plot is its conversations between different characters, when they talk about stars their types, anti matter, galactic hyper space. All this is very fascinating.
The only problem with the book is sometimes it becomes too heavy about the mental abilities. Especially the concept of Gaia is really hard to digest but the writer has really tried it best to make it digestible by giving great analogies.
All in all a good book and I am looking forward to read more of this series...
Movie Front
Not many movies for the past 2 weeks.. Only watched 3 to be specific
Top of the list new release "Prince Caspian" O My God the book was never m favorite but what have they made, It was a good story when I read the book but the movie was totally different. In their quest to modify the characters they have changed them completely. I am disappointed to say the least Peter became selfish and Susan flirting Caspian too much, the movie is at times dragging. Having said that the best part of the movie is Graphics, which are really eye catching with some great sequences like the guard of honor of high kings and queens by centaurs, and action sequences were as usual great. So my rating for the movie 7/10. They should make a movie on The Horse and his Boy.
Also watched 2 sci-fi movies
X Files is based on my room mates favorite TV Series by the same name with same characters in lead role. The plot is interesting but the climax a bit over done, with all the aliens and stuff. and then there is the MIB type agency keeping it all secret. So bottom line a typical "SAVE THE WORLD" from aliens movie with good action and decent plot. Rating (6/10)
Also watched Aeon Flux, Charlize Theron is great in the lead role of a deadly assassin in the futuristic society where everything has been destroyed by some deadly virus. What binds the whole movie together is the slow unfolding story with lot of turns. The graphics are good and the overall set up resembles Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Rating (6/10)
Top of the list new release "Prince Caspian" O My God the book was never m favorite but what have they made, It was a good story when I read the book but the movie was totally different. In their quest to modify the characters they have changed them completely. I am disappointed to say the least Peter became selfish and Susan flirting Caspian too much, the movie is at times dragging. Having said that the best part of the movie is Graphics, which are really eye catching with some great sequences like the guard of honor of high kings and queens by centaurs, and action sequences were as usual great. So my rating for the movie 7/10. They should make a movie on The Horse and his Boy.
Also watched 2 sci-fi movies
X Files is based on my room mates favorite TV Series by the same name with same characters in lead role. The plot is interesting but the climax a bit over done, with all the aliens and stuff. and then there is the MIB type agency keeping it all secret. So bottom line a typical "SAVE THE WORLD" from aliens movie with good action and decent plot. Rating (6/10)
Also watched Aeon Flux, Charlize Theron is great in the lead role of a deadly assassin in the futuristic society where everything has been destroyed by some deadly virus. What binds the whole movie together is the slow unfolding story with lot of turns. The graphics are good and the overall set up resembles Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Rating (6/10)
Cut me and I will bleed red
We Won.. We Won..
Champs of England
Conquers of Europe
After the long wait.. we have reached the promised lands.. As soccernet very well put it "Quests for world domination tend to fail in and around Moscow and, despite the inside knowledge of a Muscovite owner, so did Chelsea's." Also the win was historical in a lot of ways "And given their (ManUnited) history and the litany of anniversaries 2008 has provided, it was appropriate that they were the winners."
As said by the commentator on the famous 99 win "United fans will ask where did you watch the 1999 European Final? Where did you see Ole Solskjaer win it with virtually the last kick of the final?".
I was not fortunate enough to see it either in 99 or today. But all thanks to Big V who gave a sec-by-sec commentary for the last 40 min of the game.. (Actually he is a good commentator)..
The feeling of win is beyond the realms of description, It wan an elation.. that was para-natural.. supernatural or something of that sort..
I wanted to write about United EPL victory but did not do so, because of the thought that it may jinx the CL final.. but they have won and defeating Chalsea was an extra pleasure because of last years FA Cup final defeat.
And lastly United doesn't know how to win it in a normal way.. I think its their moto "Why do it in a normal way when it can be done in a more dramatic way". Ands that why I love it.. They never say die and nothing stands in their way for long.. They can achieve everything...
Lastly I hope Ronaldo not to leave United, it is just the beginning of a long and amazing journey.
Glory Glory Manchester United.
Champs of England
Conquers of Europe
After the long wait.. we have reached the promised lands.. As soccernet very well put it "Quests for world domination tend to fail in and around Moscow and, despite the inside knowledge of a Muscovite owner, so did Chelsea's." Also the win was historical in a lot of ways "And given their (ManUnited) history and the litany of anniversaries 2008 has provided, it was appropriate that they were the winners."
As said by the commentator on the famous 99 win "United fans will ask where did you watch the 1999 European Final? Where did you see Ole Solskjaer win it with virtually the last kick of the final?".
I was not fortunate enough to see it either in 99 or today. But all thanks to Big V who gave a sec-by-sec commentary for the last 40 min of the game.. (Actually he is a good commentator)..
The feeling of win is beyond the realms of description, It wan an elation.. that was para-natural.. supernatural or something of that sort..
I wanted to write about United EPL victory but did not do so, because of the thought that it may jinx the CL final.. but they have won and defeating Chalsea was an extra pleasure because of last years FA Cup final defeat.
And lastly United doesn't know how to win it in a normal way.. I think its their moto "Why do it in a normal way when it can be done in a more dramatic way". Ands that why I love it.. They never say die and nothing stands in their way for long.. They can achieve everything...
Lastly I hope Ronaldo not to leave United, it is just the beginning of a long and amazing journey.
Glory Glory Manchester United.
Wednesday 7 May 2008
More Movies
Monday watched Cypher.. Nice "MY TYPE" movie, I mean all the sci-fi and nice plot but you will guess it by the end of the movie.. cool chopper and I love Luci Liu. Rating 7/10 when free and you are in a mood of light sci-fi, watch this one
Tuesday it was the Darjeeling Limited.. family type movie stressing on brotherly and other humane emotions which I could not comprehend so my rating (6/10). Though Owen Wilson is good and at points movie is funny but as per IMDB review I had expected more.
Also watched "A fish called Wanda" rating (7/10) comedy movie, The movie is really funny in parts with an American - British angle. The movie has won Kelvin Kline Best an Oscar (Actor in a Supporting Role). Characters are well defined and the plot is interesting as well with a lot of twists. All in all a good watch.Lastly Wikimania is going to happen in August at Alexandria, Egypt.... for further details visit the site (http://wikimania2008.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page). I love wiki and the least I can do is to help in promoting it :)
PS Chelsea did not lose so United have to win their last game against Wigan this season. May the source be with them...
Monday 5 May 2008
Weekend Chronicles
This was a fairly weekend. Major events being...
1. Moved into new house.. All that packing and unpacking.. Thats a real pain.
2. Bought a lot of household stuff. Spent a hell lot of money.. again a pain to go from shop to shop hunting for stuff but the biggest ache is bargaining.. because you never know "ki kitna kata" so a piece of advice if you dont know bargaining go to fixed price shops.. then you have the best excuse.
3. Watched.. Iron Man.. recommended by BigV dubbed as my type of movie.. amazing graphics. enjoyable plot, high adrenaline fight sequences and nice acting.. what more can a man want from a movie. rating 9/10.. Must watch :) for better review read here (http://www.desipundit.com/baradwajrangan/2008/04/30/review-iron-man/)
4. United won.. so we are very close to a double but as Sir Alex famously said "Football, bloody football".. u can never be sure unless u win it.. so keeping all figures crossed. (Ronaldo got 40..) may we win...
PS. As BigV once said "I don't have a girl friend but still I pay Rs 2000 as phone bill.. Damm the Girl Friend, I still screw my phone". I joined the club this month:)
1. Moved into new house.. All that packing and unpacking.. Thats a real pain.
2. Bought a lot of household stuff. Spent a hell lot of money.. again a pain to go from shop to shop hunting for stuff but the biggest ache is bargaining.. because you never know "ki kitna kata" so a piece of advice if you dont know bargaining go to fixed price shops.. then you have the best excuse.
3. Watched.. Iron Man.. recommended by BigV dubbed as my type of movie.. amazing graphics. enjoyable plot, high adrenaline fight sequences and nice acting.. what more can a man want from a movie. rating 9/10.. Must watch :) for better review read here (http://www.desipundit.com/baradwajrangan/2008/04/30/review-iron-man/)
4. United won.. so we are very close to a double but as Sir Alex famously said "Football, bloody football".. u can never be sure unless u win it.. so keeping all figures crossed. (Ronaldo got 40..) may we win...
PS. As BigV once said "I don't have a girl friend but still I pay Rs 2000 as phone bill.. Damm the Girl Friend, I still screw my phone". I joined the club this month:)
Last to last week movie post
On Monday (21 April) I watched Juno (rating 8/10). This is a light movie which has a good sound track. And what’s most refreshing is the acting of Ellen Page as Juno; she has totally lived her character which matures as the movie progresses. Simple story, good music and good acting.. A cute movie.
Tuesday (22 April) I watched Ocean’s Thirteen (rating 7/10). I could have rated it 8, but I was really disappointed by Al Pacino. He doesn’t add anything to the movie. Though this one could not touch the thrill of the first installment, this was certainly better than the previous Ocean movie. As far as acting is concerned there wasn’t much to act.. There wasn’t anything new.. rather this was more of an overkill with all those magical gizmo. So watch it for the sheer thrill that is the trademark of Ocean’s movies, but do not expect anything new from the movie and above all expect nothing from Al Pacino.
On Wednesday (23 April), I watched Smultronstället, Swedish movie (Wild Strawberries in English). The movie is in IMDB 250 ranked 139 as of today. And really it is a delight to watch this movie. The movie is about a 78 years old professor who is very lonely at this stage of his life and then he looks back at his past and people around him his maid, daughter in law and some complete strangers. All of them have their own problems and with them around he revisits his past. The movie talks sincerely about the losses, disappointments and emotions of life but it tells that there is hope. So please watch this movie when you intellect has a hunger for movie. (rating 8/10)
Thursday (24 April), I watched Hard Candy (rating 7/10). This is a sadist movie and Ellen Page has acted really well. All throughout the movie I thought that Ellen is a psycho and had all the sympathy for the guy. But in the end he got what he deserved. A very bold movie on a very difficult subject that keeps you thinking all the time and binds interest throughout the movie even though there are just two characters. Bottom line good watch and I have become a fan of Ellen Page
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)