I suddenly realized there’s more dust on my keyboard then I had imagined. Anyway, the long leave from blogging was not without a reason. Off late I had been focusing hard to get my CUA certification which I finally did today. I have now become a Certified Usability Analyst. Just for information, CUA is a test for usability professionals which is preceded by a 4 part training course in various faculties, conducted by Human Factors International (HFI). They have been renowned for their work in the field of usability engineering for the past 25 years. Personally speaking, this certification has given a much needed impetus for my continuing research and interest in the field of human factors and interaction design. Thanks to all my lovely friends who had hoped for the best and prayed for me for this day :-)
Dhoom 2 (2006)
Bikes, babes and battering blows, machoism and hip music; that’s Dhoom (excitement) for you. But unlike Dhoom, the prelude, which had John and his team modifying their mobikes and going for the loot, the sequel lacks substantially in a convincing plot (the script had inspired a gang of real thieves in Mumbai which were apprehended by the police some time ago). The mantra of the sequel seems to be gadgets and disguise and the story banks on both to move forward (ala The Saint). Therefore we have a hunk called Aryan (Hrithik Roshan), an elusive high profile con man, skydiving on a speeding train in the middle of the Namib Desert which is carrying the Queen’s crown. A few implausible acrobats later, the mission is accomplished successfully. Incomparable with the train dacoity sequence from the movie Sholay, the best in the history of Hindi cinema. But that’s for later.
Ustad & the Divas
Finally bought the audio CD of this album released by YBR Records. The video for the song ‘Leja Leja’ with model Nina Sarkar and Varun Toorkey (read here) has been airing on the music channels for quite some time now. It’s a story of a bar dancer whose seemingly frustrated with her life until she meets her prince charming at the bus stand. I reckon it’s going to be a video series; the story being continued through the songs in the album. The video has been choreographed quite nicely.
The album consists of 10 mellifluous songs sung by Ustad Sultan Khan & accompanied by 3 of the most talented female singers of our times – Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Chitra (back after the success of ‘Piya Basanti’). D J Mit chips in by remixing 2 of the songs in the album. A genuine mix of folk and classical music sprinkled with some western beats, the wonderful songs have been composed by Sandesh Shandilya and arranged by Salim-Sulaiman. A must buy for all music lovers.
Let's 'pitch' for Cricket
I am truly perturbed at seeing Indian cricket being strangled mercilessly by politicians and the media alike, at a time when it requires immediate attention and perhaps an admission in the “ICU”. Getting emotionally charged up by criticizing the team’s performance and vandalizing their houses would do more harm than good. The failure of this team must be attributed to some top players in the team who are playing below expectations. Especially our bowlers who have lost their charm and magic on the field – where’s the famous Irfan swing and what happened to Munaf’s pace?
But now comes a new chapter in the sad part of this story called Indian Cricket – Dravid, perhaps the sole light of hope in our dark moments, has been ruled out for the rest of the One Day series because of an injury and VVS Laxman is being flown down to South Africa to take his place. It must be true, that when you’re in a mind set that our team has settled in, seemingly easier tasks feel gargantuan plus there is no respite from the pressure back home that keeps building on you to perform. It’s a rather difficult situation to be in. Must I remind this team that they have been in a familiar situation in the past, in the 2003 world cup at South Africa. Soon after their humiliating defeat at the hands of the Aussies, they fought their way back to the final. Victory, as I see it has the ability to settle the dust of criticism and straightening out things assuredly making the road towards the future smooth and clear. Just few wins to get that much needed confidence back!
The Left parties in India have been vocal about the inclusion of Sourav Ganguly. Firstly, any attempt at portraying Sourav, who has been absent from the national team for a long time, as the savior of our times will only make him more vulnerable in performing for his team. On the other hand, the pitches in West Indies, where the world cup is held next year will suit his stroke playing potential more than then bouncier ones in South Africa. His role in the current team would have been marred since the “supporting cast” is currently performing miserably. I certainly hope that he is considered for the world cup squad. We will require all the help to get us out of this black hole. But we must start winning now and end the long drought.
India-SA again: Let's pray we Win!
It was a sad event that the hosts were knocked out of the Champions Trophy in the early stages. And the nation was recovering from that just when India lost miserably to South Africa, getting bowled out for a paltry 91; in spite of playing 7 specialist batsmen. Just to remind you that, South Africa had defeated the Ozzies in a match early this year and had bowled them out for 93 – It was Ntini who ran over the formidable Aussie batting with his career best 6-22.
The expectations from Greg Chappell and the Indian team has risen. The country is showing zero-tolerance towards meek surrenders like the one witnessed in Durban a few days ago. The media wrote on the performance of the team especially on Munaf who should be bowling quick (looks like somebody is misguiding him). Even Irfan Pathan who has lost the magical swinging deliveries somehow. This series is crucial since India wants to go to the world cup with some confident wins. India HAS to win the 3rd ODI to retain the interest of the fans for the rest of the matches in the series and in Indian cricket in particular.