Thursday, May 26, 2005

Glamour GP (Monaco) - McLaren win it in Style

SCHUMI - "Everything that can go wrong, went wrong", Ferrari's story of the season. Very unfortunate again with the front wing, Barri's mistakes at the pit stop turned out to be costly too. Its the qualifying pace and somehow they seem to struggle so much in qualifying its amazing that on race-day, the fastest lap belongs to Schumi. So I cant quite understand why they cant perform during qualifying and the low finishing positions also means that they have to go very early during qualifying and sets the tone for the entire weekend. Its very frustrating and this rant helps me to get thing off my chest!

McLaren's second win on the trot, happy atleast its Kimi who is winning and not that self proclaimed best driver but have won nothing much Montoya. Actually if McLaren did not push Renault, I would be very interested to see whether the FIA would meet at the end of the season to discuss how to restrict their success rate? Its a shame that the entire paddock is enjoying the Ferrari Struggle but great champions will not take shit lying down and will fight back and as I have mentioned quite often, Ferrari will be hurting and will fight back soon. It was very very saddening to see the McLaren race off from Schumi so fast after the safety car period.

Alonso seems to be doing the right things, after the TV closed on his tyres its quite amazing that he finished fourth. His fight with Nick and Webber was quite good and enjoyable. His drive at Imola and Monaco will be definitely be highlighted in all year end reviews, will stay with me to for a long time. So Young, extremely fast and tactically intelligent - Seems like the complete package. Nick's move on Alonso was quite impressive, especially the fact that in spite of the late move he made the chicane quite comfortably, excellent technique. Makes you wonder if Webber had let him pass earlier, would he have been fast enough to catch Kimi? Nick is clearly showing that he is the best driver of the 2 and Webber needs to buck up soon or will lose his Team Favourite status and with Button "maybe" returning to BMW, it will be very interesting to see who among Nick and Mark will lose thier seat.

Next, as usual about my country man Narain - Carries the hope of the nation, seems like a billion prayers are not enough to be given a good car. I hope its technical failure that caused his retirement, slowly but surely Monteiro seems to be getting back. Narain needs to beware of this recent performances.

Highlights of the weekend - Ralf's 6 place finish after starting at the back, steady job but unfortunately still behind Trulli. Villeneuve's move that took out his own teammate Massa, it was quite funny to see reports that Jacque owned up to his mistake, as if it needed confirmation. I would have loved to have been the fly on the wall during the team meeting at Sauber's HeadQuarters. Thanks to them Ferrari finished within the points. Owe you one Jacque. Finally Schumi's much debated moves on Barrichello and his brother, I havent seen the clip, the B******s on Star TV did not show it, was actually hoping to catch it atleast on Chequered flag, but was disappointed.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

BLACK - Brilliance, a must see movie

Over the weekend, managed to watch the movie BLACK by Sanjay leela Bansali. Another excellent project by the man, a touch of class. The movie touches you to the core. Everyone needs the experience. While watching it I did not know it was about Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan and was amazed at how one can think of such a script! Even if the movie was inspired, the Director is due a lot of credit to what we watched on the screen. It has the feel of a Hollywood movie. This movie (Screenplay + Director + Acting) really makes Million Dollar baby look like a Rajni Masala Flick.

The movie is about how a teacher Debraj (Amitabh Bachan) turns a Blind + Deaf + Dumb child from a brat into a cultured lady and how when Debraj is struck with Alzheimer's disease, the same child nurtures him back to sanity.

Kudos to everyone who have taken the lead roles, special mention to the little girl who has played little Michelle - surely destined for even greater things. Rani's chance of a lifetime and she has maximized her oppurtunity. Emotions of Michelle's sister is a learning point, its sometimes unfair to people like her (Perfectly normal Siblings of physically challenged) and takes a bigger sacrifice from them right from the young as they are given much attention. Overall its a must see and I fully expect some sort of International recognition for Bhansali and Rani Mukerjee.

Children who are physically or emotionally challenged are often tagged "faulty" and sent to rehab centers. This movie exposes the laziness and lack of responsibility on the part of people making such decisions. They are incomplete but compensated in more ways than one it takes only love and some sacrifice to show them the way and make them realize their destiny. There is a difference between knowing what to do (Theory) and actually doing it (Practice) - Motivation. It still remains a mystery to me what motivates people like Mother Teresa or in this case Annie Sullivan to lead a life that they have lead. The closest answer that I have is Purity; A pure mind and a kind heart.

The movie is also about the teaching profession, something that is very close to my heart because next to our parents they are the people who have made us what we are today. I say that because many a times we question the knowledge of our parents and friends but seldom teachers, I remember correcting my parents because the teacher said so! BLACK shows how Noble a profession it is and why people whose motivation is only money and those who dont realize that are shaping the futures of those who they are teaching should find other jobs to do.

Saturday, May 21, 2005

Religion and Growth of a Child

My flat mate’s thoughts: He sees similarities between the beliefs of the 3 religions, in terms of them coming into existence, principles and the growth of a child. I thought it was very interesting and profound. So here goes...

During its early years, Parents usually teach the child principles on how to lead life and what is good and what is bad. This is in line with Hinduism, the oldest of the 3 dominating religions, where principles are taught. Next as the child grows and interacts with other children and people, it is taught love and how to love fellow human beings and this aligns with Christianity which preaches that love takes one closer to god. Next as the child enters the teenage, Parents introduce rules on how to a lead a good life for the benefit of the child, similar in the way Islam defines on the ideal way to lead life.


No matter what our religious beliefs are, we would appreciate that there is some light in what he is talking about....

Kumar's EPL Awards 2005

My Team of the Year:
Formation - 4-3-2-1
Petr Cech, Jamie Carragher, John Terry, Ryan Nelson, Gabriel Hienze, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Tim Cahill, Shaun Wright Phillips, Arjen Robben and Thierry Henry.

This team would have Carragher as rightback because he has been so excellent throughout the year, he should be in the team and I can’t find a rightback who has been that good to make any team of the year. I would go with Nelson at Centre Back because for a NewZealander to make the move to England and impress so much bodes well for Asia-Pacific. Hienze, my find of the year, without him we definitely would not have even finished 3rd. Three in the midfield for me, Cahill and Lampard as the attacking force with Makelele as the holding player. Personally I would like to have Ruud supported by Henry and Robben as the attacking trio but unfortunately Ruud has been missing all season so it’s SWP with Henry leading the line.

My Young Team of the Year
Formation 4-4-2
Tomasz Kuszczak, Nedum Onuaha, Robert Huth, Phillip Senderos, Gael Clichy, Darren Fletcher, Cesc Fabregas, Kieran Richardson, Christiano Ronaldo, Jose Antonio Reyes, Wayne Rooney

Goal of the Season
Wayne Rooney - Manchester United vs Newcastle United, Old Trafford

Moment of the Season
Steven Gerrard's last minute goal against Olympiakos which enabled the team to qualify for the Knockout stages - few would have imagined the Reds to reach the finals at that stage of the season, even their own fans would not have imagined what has happened so far

Forgettable Moment of the Season
Dyer and Bowyer of Newcastle fighting on the pitch in front of thier own fans

Manager of the Season
David Moyes and Jose Mourinho. David Moyes should have taken it but I think Everton will be playing Champions League football only because Liverpool and Bolton did not want it and did not push Everton to the wire, Everton made enough mistakes all season but fortunately for them Liverpool and Bolton committed even more

Best English Player
Frank Lampard - Magnificent

Best Foreign Player
Thierry Henry - We are so fortunate to see someone as gifted as this guy play week in week out.

Most Improved Player
Gareth Barry

Did not meet Expectations
Paul Scholes, United have failed to make it because of this man. Its not only because of him but mostly because he has been a shadow of himself and there is no true heir to his throne at United. Keane and Scholes needs able deputies and SAF need to find them as soon as possible for us to return to the limelight

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Spanish GP - No glory for Alonso but still on track

150,000 from his home town made the journey to Barcelona to see thier "own" strut his stuff on home soil. Alonso did a amazing lap during the Saturday qualification. but was not enough to take the pole. Probably that was his highlight of the race. Unfortunately was not able to see either the 2nd qualifying and the race.

Kimi dominated right from the word go, not a bad move over the weekend, everything worked out well for him. I am sincerely happy for him and always like to see him do well because I think he is the rightful heir to Schumi's throne as no other driver can match the raw pace of this man given the right machinery. Taking away nothing from Alonso, he is driving a car much technically superior to the McLaren. As for the ever-moaning Montoya, he should be very happy that his team's mistakes disguised the fact that he was terrible over the entire weekend.

As for Schumi, when you have 2 punctures on a single lap there cannot be any more obvious sign that its just not working out for Ferrari and Bridgestone, but the fact is that the Red Ferrari is still the best car out there, the charts clearly show that; Only Bridgestone need to up their pace and that should be very frustrating for the Ferrari Thinktank as there is only so much they can do in terms. Time is running out, its getting to the stage where for the King to take the Championship, not only does he have to win but he needs both Alonso and Trulli to fare badly.

Narain, another steady job, nothing left to discuss, just a slight disappointment to see his name last and behind his teammate Tiago Monteiro.

Apprentice Season 2 - Episode 6 - Very obvious

The task was to Design and price designer clothing for women working with one upcoming designer from a pool that was pre-selected for the teams. John leads Mosaic and Maria is the Project Manager for Apex.

Apex - I think they won the competition with the first major decision they had to make, choose the right designer - They chose a gay male designer, simple does it. The mantra was ‘We made it very clear to Darren that we wanted a line which any one of us could buy and wear’. There you go, A gay male designer, assisted by fashionable street wise women - Apex were already at the driver's seat. The only interesting thing was Elizabeth's disapproval to choosing Darren and Maria's brilliant decision to get her out of the way (Useless Jennifer goes too) by tasking her to take care of the buyers, an important task but if you have the proper goods on the table, they would surely sell.

Mosaic - They chose a odd looking lady to do thier designs, did not catch on why though. A lot of goofing around, Kelly the Taskmaster is obviously not happy an he speaks his mind, there is no place for a military man on a creative assignment but I like the way he takes control when they are sourcing for materials. I personally felt that Kelly should have went with the team liasing with the buyers, there are decisions to be made there and Kelly's organization and eye for detail would have helped in determing the price and what exactly the buyers want. He was wasted on the creative team and John would have done better to have seperated Raj and Kelly. John does something stupid here and follows his heart and sticks around the models , its all upto Kevin on pricing - Thats exactly where John dug his grave and this is where he got down the helicopter.

Down at the Fashion show, the dresses are paraded by the models and the usual drama is added by the fact that Mosaic's stuff is appreciated by everyone including Trump and the Apex team. So like Kevin, you would beleive that Mosaic have done it again. But guess what, Apex makes $22,060 while Mosaic could only do $7,735. As good as Mosaic's design was, nobody was willing to take the risk on the new designs.

So it to to the boardroom for the boys and a plush party for the women. Raj being Raj declares that the party looks boring, oh, the men get to watch from the balcony. At the board room, John gets questioned as usual and everyone blames either John or Andy (Funny that because he was not involved much, that they say is the main problem). John consults Kelly and picks up some strategy tips: if both Kevin and Wes are seen by Donald as strong contenders, bringing both of them in is likely to get John fired. John picks Kevin and not Wes, but that is a mistake, why you ask? Trump says so.

Reason Donald Trump Fired John, in his own words - "We had no choice he just made too many bad decisions". I agree, once he decided to personally check on the models when their measurements, as we all know, were provided to them, he took his eye of his task and simply had to go.

Valuable insight gained from this episode: "Know your market... You have to go after the audience. If you can't pinpoint the market you wont be successful." - Donald Trump

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Chelsea - Worthy Champions

Out came Sir Alex and Wenger to congratulate Chelsea on winning the Premiership, joining the entire world in acknowledging the fact that the bar has been raised, considerably high. "United usually gets going after Christmas", heard so often from Sir Alex - he bloody well knows, it does not apply anymore. Any inconsistent title-challenger will be out of the race by Christmas, including Chelsea. Maintaining the hunger is what Champions are made of, something I have always admired with United, it would be interesting to see whether Chelsea can do that - its easy to catch the "Been there, done that" attitude.

With so many pointing to the millions that has been spent, I would say that only 2 men are responsible for Chelsea's success, Mourinho and Petr Cech. Many say Lampard, well he does no more than what Henry does for Arsenal. You can clearly see that the players want to play for Mourinho; he has that x-factor, something that makes you want to work with him. Another important fact is that, in a way he has manipulated the press to his advantage, he has always maintained that he is superior and most of the press share the same opinion. The London press has always wanted a dominant force within London and they have taken to Chelsea at Arsenal's cost. No wonder we hear faint reports that Wenger has brought Arsenal "as far as he can"....I have never read that before.

Petr Cech, if you would count the number of games United and Arsenal have not won due to glaring goalkeeper errors, you will have enough proof that Cech's contribution is more important than that of Terry or Lampard. I for one feel that Terry and Lampard are being celebrated more because they are English. No one other keeper is so cool and controlled with the ball on the line and with only one hand over it, I remember so many instances where he did that so comfortably, his save from Baros last Wednesday is yet another example to why he is the biggest Champion amongst a team of winners.

As for United, its a very sad end to their season, win the FA Cup or not, it has been very disappointing. In a season that we took 6 points off Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool we lost points to teams like Everton, Bolton, and Blackburn. So it’s not about talent or ability, it’s simply down to attitude. Chelsea treated every single team with respect and won without expecting any team to surrender to them. So consistency and the will to succeed are the factors that won Chelsea the title this year and the team with most of both this qualities WILL WIN the title next year and it will be interesting next year.

Everton - moral champions of this season. There is so much hoo-hah on whether they should play in the Champions league or not. If Liverpool loses tonight, the debate is off. It’s very premature I would say, even if Liverpool does go through to the final, its Milan who is waiting and for me they are of even higher class than Chelsea. If the miracle does happen and Liverpool does win the CL, I think they deserve to defend it. It’s after all called the CHAMPIONS League. Everton would be at best another Celtic or Rangers and would be happy to find them in the UEFA Cup come February, so the English FA has better chances of having an English team in the final knockout stages with Liverpool than Everton.

Monday, May 02, 2005

Apprentice Season 2 - Episode 5 - Unfair Judgement

Managed to catch my second full episode, again few very interesting things that could be debated on. Firstly since the APEX team was performing badly and there was lot of in-fighting, so, Pamela the only female in the all-conquering MOSAIC team gets transferred to APEX, because Trump believes she can whip them into shape and lead them to success. The task given to both teams is to go live on QVC Television, I suppose its a direct sales TV channel, and choose a product which has never been sold before and sell in within 22 Mins out of which 12 mins will be spent "selling" it live on TV.

Pamela maybe was not too happy and the attitude was "Here is somebody superior brought in to HELP us". It was evident in Pamela approach, bossy and superior and all of her team too in that they took her orders and rarely questioned her and even when they did they actually did not stand up for what they believed. It was Pamela's decisions and choices all the way. Pamela in choosing to be so actually raised the stakes for herself, if the team were to win she would rightfully be 'GOD' and if they were to lose, she would succeed in her secondary task of bringing her teammates together, but they would united AGAINST HER! To be fair to her, given that she did not have any time together with the team before being assigned the task, I think her approach was justified, just that her team i.e. SHE HAD TO WIN. The brilliant sub-plot was that if Pamela were to lead this nuts to victory, much of Mosaic's success will be attributed to her, so the boys had to win.

Mosaic chose to sell a grill to make sandwiches and Apex chose a cleaning bar. Pricing obviously was key and both team had members differing on how much the selling price should be. Again
Pamela chose the price, Iwana did not agree but was not strong enough to stand her ground. The sad part was there was no strong performer in the Apex team who could earn the respect of Pamela, given her recent introduction to the team and the task at hand, I really thought she was doing a good job at it. So Pamela asked the team to choose what they wanted to to, something quite tricky too, because she had no time to assess the team she had no other choice but then an individual's self assessment can rarely be right, especially unders stress. Iwana moaned that Pamela assigned tasks to everyone and she did not take any responsibility onto herself, this is the sort of petty behaviour that we should fast to identify. Iwana dear, the whole project is on Pamela's shoulders, and there is no bigger responsibility.

A few other little squabbles later the sales were done and Mosaic won by a whisker, 10.43$. So the key was price and it was Pamela's decision and in the boardroom, she actually shot herself in the foot saying that the "right" price was actually 10$ more than what they had or rather she had opted for. It was back to the boardroom for Apex and Iwana pointed the obvious that Pamela was bossy and had to go, Pamela chose Stacy and Maria to join her in the firing line. George agreed with me here, he was impressed with Pamela's leadership qualities but Trump suggested maybe Pamela was too strong as she did not listen to anyone, that Mr. Trump, was all your doing because you pushed her into this muck without prior warning and none of her team had any history to justify her trust.

Pamela was sacked, for lacking good assessment of people. Very vital I agree but then she was not given the time. I agree again its something that can happen to anyone in the business world and I also think put in Pamela's shoes any person would not have done much differently. It was that single mistake in not using the respect the team had on her to get the team behind her. If she had used the 2 hr bus ride to understand the team instead of putting them down, she and apex would have won comfortably. This again goes on to prove on the importance of having people below you wanting to work for you. If Pamela had convinced the team to walk behind her instead of dragging them, they all could have taken that extra step needed to defeat Mosaic.

The real winner was Chris, he let himself being bullied into decision by Kelly, he did not contribute much to the task and will take all the credit for Mosaic's rather narrow victory, all thanks to Kelly's magic choice of 71$. So many of us can find such people around us and that what makes this world so interesting and our lives challenging.