This was yet another attempt on my part to get familiar with Accessibility. The term means a lot but to me it refers to usability of computer systems by people with disabilities or age related limitations. I was notified about this seminar which looked at Macromedia (formerly) Flash as a delivery tool and how one can make it accessible – Designing Accessible eLEarning Applications with Flash. The title was intriguing because I never thought one could make it accessible the way HTML/xHTML behaves and hence I decided to participate.
South Africa clinch a Historic Match
Exactly a decade ago, during the 1996 cricket world cup, Sri Lanka scored a massive 398 against Kenya in a one day international (ODI) game at their home ground. That score was challenged so many times but never broken and most recently by New Zealand who scored 397 against Zimbabwe. The record was finally crumbled today first by the Aussies who scored a massive 434-4 in their 50 overs and then the South Africans got the better of them by scoring 438-9 chasing and clinching the series.
I always look forward to watching these 2 countries play cricket since the result cannot be predicted so easily. The ranking apart I think they are the best teams in world cricket today. It was Ponting’s day first who scored his highest ODI score of 164 off just 105 balls hitting 9 sixes and one thought that the Aussies always rose to big occasions like this one. At this point the South Africans looked like they had given up already and I never thought they would give a fight back. It was a daunting task to score 435 off just 300 deliveries and we all know the bowling attack of the Aussies.
There are a few parallels which I want to draw from this match particularly with relation to India. This was the same Wanderers (Johannesburg) ground where we played our 2003 world cup finals against Australia. If you recall, the Aussies batted first and made a mockery of us. The bowling attack of Srinath-Khan-Nehra seemed overtly aggressive and gave away too many runs. Srinath in particular was hammered and came back with the most expensive figures for any bowler in a world cup match. In the end the score of 359-4 seemed too much and we lost that game. We lived up to our reputation of losing the BIG matches. This is the same ground and almost the same team playing under captain Ricky Ponting and Smith’s South Africans have blown their heads off. THAT to me is the difference between a good team and a world class team. When the bets are drawn on who wins the 2007 world cup edition, I will put my money on South Africa. As for this new record – they took 10 years to break the old one and this one will take ages to break.
Swift(ly) Taken
So we all must have fallen in love with someone, sometime and someplace and we all must have gloated over her. The obssesion sometimes surpasses passion and you feel the urge to have her all by yourself.
I think I first saw Maruti Swift in the movie Bunty Aur Babli and the song ‘Chup Chup Ke’ and it was not until I actually saw her ‘jogging’ on the streets of busy mumbai. I initially compared her with the Mini (but Mini’s in an altogether different league) when I saw the movie The Italian Business.
Coming to the point, I have got my own Swift and I am loving every inch of her curvaceous body. The colour is Metallic Garnett Orange and that’s something which appeals to my personality a lot (think trendy). Driving the Swift is a heavenly experience but it will take a while for all the new technology jargons to seep in – ABS, EPS, it’s just too much to control this nearly 1300cc baby. Hello Mumbai…here I come!!
Life is Goa
Honestly speaking there are few places (amongst the ones that I have visited) that count for ‘romancing’ in my lexicon. Goa cajoles you in her arms the moment you see her. The sun kissed beaches and the green forests with the flowing rivers & the creeks and the lush mountains make her the most enchanting seductress on this earth. If you aren’t enamored by this showcase of beauty then you mustn’t have been born at all.
Idizyn gets his ‘Studio’
Yesterday, at a glittering engagement function at a local hotel in Vile Parle, my friend Aadesh (a.k.a. Idizyn) initiated his first steps towards nuptials with Shweta. I was particularly honoured to have been present for this joyous occasion. The Made-for-each-other factor was quite evident while looking at the couple. To be frank, the wedlock season is back with some of my colleagues at the office deciding upon their future lifelong partners :-) Never ever have I seen a rush of weddings all at the same time.
I have known Aadesh since 2002 when he wrote a mail to me congratulating on my old website. We have had our share of ups and mostly ups. Most recently, we also shared our thoughts on women and how it’s difficult to find a perfect partner these days. Thankfully, Idizyn has got his happy ‘Studio’ to be with. May you have the most happiest and prosperous life ahead dude :-)