tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33743422143288204982024-03-13T05:31:59.221+05:30Tattus BlogInsightful Thoughts!tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-15332505834715388542015-04-23T11:06:00.000+05:302017-09-21T14:46:11.253+05:30Cheryl's Burthday Puzzle - Solution<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello people, </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dGFXC-bzb4/VTiHnCa8lHI/AAAAAAAAAVk/GlREMK8sCq0/s1600/kennethjianwen-math-quiz-viral-cheryl-birthday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dGFXC-bzb4/VTiHnCa8lHI/AAAAAAAAAVk/GlREMK8sCq0/s1600/kennethjianwen-math-quiz-viral-cheryl-birthday.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At first, after <a href="http://tattushenoi.blogspot.in/2015/04/when-is-cheryls-birthday.html" target="_blank">reading </a>the statements by Albert
and Bernard, I found it funny and I thought 'how on earth!? Then I should know
it too'. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before solving this, lets see what do we have. We
have 3 people - actually 4 - Cheryl, Albert, Bernard and fourth being anyone
who is looking to solve this problem. Let's take the fourth one as 'ME' and
imagine if the 4 friends were trying to figure this out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cheryl being the one who put forward the question should be voted out of
the group me says!</span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So we are 3 now, Albert who knows the month, Bernard who knows the date and
me who knows nothing and is just looking at the question and thinking what are Albert
and Bernard thinking! </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Suddenly when we are just talking about 'why didnt
she just say the bloody thing straight forward', Albert comes up with
this </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">Albert</span></b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">: <b>"I
don't know when is Cheryl's birthday, but I know that Bernard does not know
too."</b></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now you guys, think about the predicament that me
and Bernard are in. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me:</span></b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"H<i>ow can
you say that?"</i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bernard was thinking the same and more.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: "</span></b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">How could you possibly know what I know and dont
know? <u>How can you say I don't know the birthday for sure?"</u></span></i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;"> .<br />
<i>"All you have is a month!". </i></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me:</span></b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;"> <i>"Ok,
lets take the months one by one".</i></span><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: </span></b><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">"Fine."</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">"Lets take <b>May </b>first. You are saying I dont know the
birthday for sure are you? Ok, If she said <b>May</b> to you, she has
a choice of 3 dates to say to me." </span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"So Albert, you have to be so sure that
Bernard will not be able to find the birthday from <b><u>ALL </u></b><u>3
of those dates</u>."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard:</span></b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;"> <i>"If she had said 15 to me, I would
not possibly find the answer as there is an August 15 as well."</i></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"If its 16, there is a June 16, so Bernard
wouldn't know. So far so good."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard:</span></b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;"> <i>"If its 19, yeah Albert, I would find
out that the birthday is May 19 if she had said 19 to me and May to you."</i></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"So its not the case that Bernard is not able
to find the birthday from <b><u>ALL </u></b><u>3 of those dates in
May"</u></span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: "So its not May which she said to you
is it, because if it was you would not be so sure of me not finding the
answer". </span></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, Albert is just wearing that worrying smile
there. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"This is good, lets now take <b>June</b>."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: </span></b><i><span style="background: white; color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">"Ok, June has 2 dates - 17 and 18."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" Albert - same logic applies - if Cheryl said
June to you, then you should be sure that Bernard would not be able to find the
birthday from both 17 <b><u>and</u></b> 18.</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: </span></b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">"If she had said 17 to me, I would not be able
to find it as there is an August 17 as well "</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"But if she had said 18 to me, Bernard would
know that June 18 is her birthday."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: <i>" </i>So its not June too, is it Albert? If it
was June, you would not be so sure that I cannot find the answer from <u>both
17 and 18</u>."</span></b></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" This is very good Bernard, lets take July
now which has dates 14 and 16."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: </span></b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">" If it was 14 there is an August 14 to.
I would not know it its July or August."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" If it was 16 then there is a May 16 as
said earlier. So you wouldn't find it Bernard."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: " Ok, so there is a chance that she said July to him as
I cant find the birthday from <u>both 14 and 16</u>."</span></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">
</span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"Hold on,
there is August too."</span></i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">Bernard is smiling now and Albert's smile is just
fading.</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: </span></b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">"Ok, August has 3 dates - 14, 15, 17".</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" So Albert has to be sure that, you, Bernard
would not be able to find the birthday from <u>ALL of these three
dates."</u> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: </span></b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">" If its
14, then there is a July 14 as well. So I can't possibly find out."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" If its
15, then there is a May 15 too. At the time of him saying that you dont know,
we had not yet known that its not May which she said to him. So you couldn't
have found out if it was 15.<br />
"If it was 17, then the same case, there is a June 17 and you couldn't
possibly have found out as we didn't know at the time he said that it was not
June. " </span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Bernard: " So Albert, there is a chance
that she said August to you as well as I would not have been able to find out
the birthday <u>from ALL 3 of those dates.</u>"</span></span></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I had a feeling that Bernard was just playing
with us. Albert had a vexed posture. Suddenly, Bernard came up with this.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 9pt;">Bernard: "At first I didn't know when Cheryl's
birthday is but I know now." </span></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was stunned. Bernard who was thinking with me has
just gone a step ahead and said he knows! How could he? Albert was smiling now
too! So I had no choice but to ask Albert, </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" Albert, why are </span></i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">you <i>smiling"?</i></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">Albert: </span></b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">"Come on, now let's think this
together."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">"Yeah, but how could he know? We only found
out two possible months. <u>July or August</u>."</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">Albert: </span></b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">" He knew
the date you silly. Now lets take the dates. 14, 15, 16 and 17." </span></i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 9pt;">I was feeling smart earlier, deciphering Albert's
statement, but now here he was helping me! But it helped and I was getting onto
something.</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" There is only one date which is repeating -
14. So if she had said 14 to Bernard, he couldn't have still found out as it
could have been July or August 14."</span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">Albert: </span></b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">" Yeah, So
it has to be either one of Aug 15, July 16 or Aug 17."</span></i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And, suddenly, as I was thinking it through, </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">Albert: " Then I also know when Cheryl's
birthday is."</span></b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a sinking feeling. Now they were both
laughing and would be impressing Cheryl. I had to find this out.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me: </span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">" Albert, there are 3 options now for you. <u>July
16, Aug 15 or Aug 17.</u> You only know the month. So to find out the
answer by yourself, <u>out of these three options the non repeating month</u> has
to be the one which you know."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">Albert: " </span></b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;">If it was Aug, then I would
still not know if it was 15 or 17."</span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;">Me:</span></b><i><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 9pt;"> " But as its July you know its
16..." </span></i></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 9pt;">"So its JULY 16, isn't it you two? That's when her
birthday is!" </span></b></span></blockquote>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt;">So we had a '<i>brainstorming</i>' session there
and we finally found out the answer. We could call Cheryl back into the group
now and probably a party was in store. </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><br /></span></b></span>
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tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-75300902741982957402015-04-23T10:52:00.000+05:302015-04-23T12:11:48.399+05:30When is Cheryl's birthday?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
Last Friday, as I was just wrapping up my work at office and happily anticipating yet another weekend was when I found this interesting question -<a href="https://www.google.co.in/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=8H44VZncL6yW8Qej0oHIAQ&gws_rd=ssl#q=when+is+cheryls+birthday+%2B+singapore" target="_blank">When is Cheryl's birthday</a> - which was asked in a 5th grade exam for 10 year old in Singapore[!] - which later became the question for 14 year olds and then eventually the question which was asked in an Olympiad exam - and the news said it went viral.<br />
<br />
So I was intrigued, naturally, and I looked it up. But as I had to get out of office quickly and catch by train home, all I could do was take a snapshot on my phone. I thought I had a 3 hour train journey and what better thing to do.<br />
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So this is the 'viral' question:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhGuZkX7G0A/VThl-2qKflI/AAAAAAAAAVU/LKTGIPJDXxY/s1600/kennethjianwen-math-quiz-viral-cheryl-birthday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhGuZkX7G0A/VThl-2qKflI/AAAAAAAAAVU/LKTGIPJDXxY/s1600/kennethjianwen-math-quiz-viral-cheryl-birthday.JPG" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, when is Cheryl's Birthday?<br />
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Now, I have figured it out <a href="http://tattushenoi.blogspot.in/2015/04/cheryls-burthday-puzzle-solution.html" target="_blank">this </a>way, it would be great to know <i>how</i> you people <u>thought it through,</u> rather than the answer and the logic. To know the thought processes would be good. Hope you will share...<br />
<b><br /></b>
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Thanks!</div>
tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-52414168809269614332014-01-29T14:13:00.000+05:302015-05-15T13:06:10.404+05:30A Twist In The Tale by Jeffrey Archer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliate/displayWidget?affrid=WRID-139098486592084143" style="float: left; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/a-twist-in-the-tale/p/itmczynafayq9fjz?pid=9780330419000&affid=tatushenoi">A Twist In The Tale</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4820.Jeffrey_Archer" target="_blank">Jeffrey Archer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/837959809" target="_blank">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/a-twist-in-the-tale/p/itmczynafayq9fjz?pid=9780330419000&affid=tatushenoi%22" target="_blank">Twist in the Tale</a> is a collection of short but riveting stories with a 'twist' in there around somewhere. Although most of them were pretty good and holds you, I found a couple of them really good.<br />
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One is of a male chess player, who thinks he is good in the game, drooling for a female chess player. He just makes a pass and its shown as if she falls for it and goes home with him. he challenges her for chess games and the bet is she removes one of her apparel. In return if he loses he suggests an amount, which he doubles after every game. He thinks things are going his way when he 'wins' a couple of games. But he is in for a surprise in the end.<br />
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The second one is a wine tasting expert and his friend having dinner at a common friends place with a vaunter. The braggart businessman taunts the wine taster for every comment he makes about wines and finally challenges him for a tasting at his place. He even says that the wine taster wont be able to identify even one of the brands/make. So the friends accept the challenge and surprisingly wine taster fails in all three tests. But as the book title says, there is a twist in store in the end.<br />
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All in all if you are trying to read after a break, then <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/a-twist-in-the-tale/p/itmczynafayq9fjz?pid=9780330419000&affid=tatushenoi%22" target="_blank">this book</a> might help you bring back the habit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi" target="_blank">View all my reviews</a><br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://dl.flipkart.com/dl/moto-e-1st-gen/p/itme6g3sugvfrrym?pid=MOBDVHC6XKKPZ3GZ&affid=tatushenoi%22%3EBuy%20Moto%20E%20%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Moto E</a></div>
tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-74066187693765590842013-05-13T16:48:00.001+05:302013-07-05T12:51:11.242+05:30Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flipkart.com/green-hills-africa-arrow-classic-new-ed/p/itmczypfcw3qq78q?pid=9780099909200&affid=tatushenoi%22%3EBuy%20Green%20Hills%20of%20Africa%20%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Green Hills of Africa</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1455.Ernest_Hemingway" target="_blank">Ernest Hemingway</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/609115733" target="_blank">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliate/displayWidget?affrid=WRID-136844295583319542" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 150px;"></iframe>
I think after reading <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flipkart.com/green-hills-africa-arrow-classic-new-ed/p/itmczypfcw3qq78q?pid=9780099909200&affid=tatushenoi%22%3EBuy%20Green%20Hills%20of%20Africa%20%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">this</a>, first book which I read written by Hemingway was <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flipkart.com/death-afternoon-new-ed/p/itmczypfjvhrcv7a?pid=9780099909101&affid=tatushenoi%22%3EBuy%20Death%20in%20the%20Afternoon%20New%20ed%20Edition%20from%20Flipkart.com%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Death in the Afternoon</a>, I have lost some/much of the respect that I had of Hemingway as a person. In Death in the Afternoon he atleast sympathises with the poor animals and does not physically get involved in killing any even though he tries his hand at bullfighting at a lower level. But as a writer, he still holds high with this. This book basically describes his adventures( is that the apt word? I dont</div>
know) along with some natives of Africa in big game hunting. The book is full of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_hunter" target="_blank">hunting and white supremacy</a>. The only interesting part [or the part which you dont feel disgusted] is when Hemingway talks about writers, specifically American writers. Apart from that he describes how he tracks animals, he tries to assert/assume white supremacy only to find natives being superior, and tries to show/shows[!] he is honest here, camps at different places and kill innocent animals. He even compares the size of the animals he killed with that of the poor souls killed by another white. Basically this book just describes how colonialists destroyed Africa, economically as well as naturally. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZsPQnpHdL6WU8KbHn_0eiN0FSeH80cCUy4FeKNI9YIgHWHams8g" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZsPQnpHdL6WU8KbHn_0eiN0FSeH80cCUy4FeKNI9YIgHWHams8g" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ws-in.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?t=tattushenoibl-21&o=31&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000FC0PE4&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr&MarketPlace=IN&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&ID=8042_ProductLink&Operation=GetProductLink&" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 150px;"></iframe>
I just got bored and it was getting more and more disgusting to read of animals getting killed. Hemingway at one point even justifies with a statement that 'every living thing has to die' and so he doesnt feel guilty. He feels guilty/frustrated that he let a 'kudu' go even after hitting him.He says he lives a damn good life. But when you have the money and the colonial power over a nation and you just do whatever ridiculous thing you feel like doing and you call it a 'damn good life', its just stupid and deplorable. </div>
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He also tries to describe the African landscape, but just seems to forget it in his bragging talk.</div>
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I doubt in todays world anyone would be interested in reading this. This is basically for those historic, colonialistic racist group of people who take pride when they kill a wild animal with a gun shot and feel proud or feel to have done something great when they praise a native or be friend a native. </div>
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I have given 2 rating points just for the way Hemingway plays with the words and switches the situations.<br />
</div>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a>
<br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>
tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-31188035354923711132012-01-10T11:15:00.001+05:302012-01-10T11:15:58.578+05:30Hardy Boys - The Shore Road Mystery by Franklin W Dixon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0807215872?affid=tatushenoi">The Shore Road Mystery</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1879.Franklin_W_Dixon">Franklin W. Dixon</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/249220158">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=9780448089065&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>I am an avid reader of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hardy_Boys">Hardy Boys</a> since I was, well as far as I can remember. I still remember crying when in Delhi during a vacation to get a copy ;P, when along with my cousins I was just strolling around outside.
<br />
<br />
So I decided to give this a go just to relax a bit. the story starts with a friend,Jack, of Hardy Boys asking them to help out in a family mystery to find a treasure. Meantime cars are being stolen in Bayport and interestingly the evidence is pointing to Jack and his father. the suddenly one day Jack and his father are kidnapped.
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<br />
The story is how the boys solve the mystery and also trap the car thieves.
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<br />
My purpose was served. ;) Just a stroll through 210 pages!
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a>
<br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-80723865006629565722012-01-10T10:56:00.001+05:302012-01-10T10:56:32.995+05:30Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/033041898x?affid=tatushenoi">Kane and Abel</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4820.Jeffrey_Archer">Jeffrey Archer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/197279433">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=9780330513029&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=9780330413350&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: right; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Let me start by saying that I had read, <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/033041335x?affid=tatushenoi">Sons of Fortune</a> from the same author before reading Kane and Abel. But <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/033041898x?affid=tatushenoi">Kane and Abel</a> was the book which brought the fame to the author and <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/033041335x?affid=tatushenoi">Sons of Fortune</a> came after that.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/033041898x?affid=tatushenoi">Kane and Abel</a> is the story of two men who were born in very different circumstances, but end up in America with Kane taking up his family banking business and Abel becoming a hotelier and because of a misunderstanding is intent on destroying Kane.
<br />
<br />
But before all this there is an excellent narrative of Abel's life which runs from being adopted by a baron in Poland, whose name he later takes up and whom he considers his father, to being jailed in his own bungalow by Germans and then taken top the concentration camps by Russians. he eventually escapes from the camp with the help of a doctor who himself was in the camp for 15 years, but helps Abel to escape by using the plan he himself had planned in 15 years. Abel reaches Moscow in a train in which he is helped by a woman who tries to adopt him on reaching Moscow. But her husband objects and he sends him to Turkey. He is rescued from a barbaric punishment in Turkey by the British embassy officials and sent to the Polish embassy from where he travels to the US. This part of the book is really riveting and grips you and holds on to you tight.
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<br />
On reaching America the two characters develop in parallel, and this is where the 'Sons of Fortune' comes into picture. Then you get the feeling of a cliche where everything feels the same in both the books. Though Kane and Abel has to be credited as it was the first book written and 'Sons of Fortune' is the repetition.
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They get a family, they have children, who are well set to continue the success story. Abel is trying his best to destroy Kane with help from Kane's former but brief step father. They suddenly join the army to fight the Germans. They are into politics suddenly, and all in all Jeffrey Archer thrills you, provided you have not read 'Sons of Fortune'.
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There is a twist at last, a some what obvious one, and just before Kane dies, both realise their folly. Kane's son marries Abel's daughter and it is that daughter that Archer writes about in the 'Prodigal Daughter.
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<br />
All in all an entertainer. But as I said, provided you have not read 'Sons of Fortune' first!
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<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a>
<br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-51752074417937995382012-01-04T10:05:00.000+05:302012-01-05T11:02:28.783+05:30Online Shopping - My first encounter.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=MOBDYBGBJHVZD2DX&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: right; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=ACCD5FH7S8W6B4WU&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>I have been seeing this ad about Flipkart.com and how easy it is to buy stuff online. They were trying to erase doubts and reservations about online buying. I had never done that before though ebay and amazon are famous as anything. The thing being I dont want to transfer money online, let alone wait for the stuff to arrive after transfer! Yes, may be I am old school.<br />
<br />
But these guys had a FREE home delivery option and <b>PAY AFTER DELIVERY</b> option which really hooked me in. I thought I would give it a try and ordered <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0099549484?affid=tatushenoi">To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee</a> . The book was <a href="http://tattushenoi.blogspot.com/2011/09/to-kill-mocking-bird-by-harper-lee.html">fantastic </a>though it has nothing to do with Flipkart.<br />
<br />
But the thing that was fantastic about Flipkart was that you just had to order and do nothing else. Not even bother to create an account, verify through e-mail blah blah. <br />
<br />
These are the simple steps to buy...<br />
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1) Search for the thing and click "<b><i><span style="color: red;">buy now</span></i></b>".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AX0hal72bk4/TwPUAlJNkfI/AAAAAAAAARg/xhlDP7BDfg4/s1600/f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AX0hal72bk4/TwPUAlJNkfI/AAAAAAAAARg/xhlDP7BDfg4/s320/f1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
2)click "<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Place Order</i></b></span>"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bliDtZiS5zM/TwPUDnv-KeI/AAAAAAAAARo/ZypGU3abW3k/s1600/f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bliDtZiS5zM/TwPUDnv-KeI/AAAAAAAAARo/ZypGU3abW3k/s320/f2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
3)Enter Your E-mail and click "<b><i><span style="color: red;">Continue</span></i></b>"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh5vgV8NeOc/TwPUGtJidpI/AAAAAAAAARw/FV8INHrBHpk/s1600/f3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh5vgV8NeOc/TwPUGtJidpI/AAAAAAAAARw/FV8INHrBHpk/s320/f3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
4)Enter Your Adress and click "<b><i><span style="color: red;">Save and Continue</span></i></b>".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wDDiqEg-oU/TwPUHe4iVXI/AAAAAAAAAR4/MKvxYsiWmt4/s1600/f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wDDiqEg-oU/TwPUHe4iVXI/AAAAAAAAAR4/MKvxYsiWmt4/s320/f4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
5)Just verify and continue<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ZP1hbKZzE/TwPUIfYBTPI/AAAAAAAAASA/Z5VUkckjKkM/s1600/f5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ZP1hbKZzE/TwPUIfYBTPI/AAAAAAAAASA/Z5VUkckjKkM/s320/f5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
6) Check the payment options and select appropriate one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUBL0icu8dY/TwPUJYUluWI/AAAAAAAAASE/POt8-mSQq7E/s1600/f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUBL0icu8dY/TwPUJYUluWI/AAAAAAAAASE/POt8-mSQq7E/s320/f6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Its Done!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=ACCCZ425VHPM3GGV&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>They will call you and confirm the order. They will mail you and update you about it. And within 3 days you will get your stuff, cheap and tension free!<br />
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I used this to surprise my sister with a b'day present!<br />
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<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-31510523473926807672011-12-22T10:36:00.002+05:302011-12-22T10:36:26.704+05:30Honour Among Thieves by Jeffrey Archer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/033041903x?affid=tatushenoi">Honour Among Thieves</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4820.Jeffrey_Archer">Jeffrey Archer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/246026172">3 of 5 stars</a><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=4TW3F91L9I&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
I have had exposure to Jeffrey Archer before, though not much, and have found his works very fast moving and riveting. This one has a woman spy, Hannah Kopec- a model- ,who suffered from Iraq war, working for MOSSAD as a trainee aiming to assassinate Saddam Hussein. Another one is a professor,Scott Bradley[whose father suffered professional embarrassment], at Yale who is working for the CIA.
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The plot starts with Iraq's deputy ambassador, Al Obayadi to the UN hiring a lawyer firm [ the Cavalli group] who work for criminals in New York through a shadow firm under their lawyer title. The aim is to steal the American declaration of independence and hand over to Saddam to embarrass Bill Clinton internationally.
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For this the Cavallis hire criminals and an out of favour actor who will be made to look like Clinton and by visiting the national Archives, steal the declaration. They kidnap and leading plastic surgeons daughter to force the doctor work on the actor and eventually kill the whole family. They also hire an Oscar winning, but now out of work and once convicted director and by fooling the people and authorities alike by shooting a film, steal the declaration.
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Meanwhile Scott Bradley is set to work for the first time in the field for CIA and is following the MOSSAD girl Kopec to check on her. But they end up falling n love first and then on the orders of her head commander, she ends up poisoning Bradley. But Bradley survives which Kopec is unaware of and heart broken , firmly decides to cut ties with the outer world with only aim to kill Saddam.
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The CIA gets to know the operation and are wondering what to do next. Bradley suggests to take over from MOSSAD the plot of assassination and use change that to recovering the declaration. Bradley, Kopecs head commander and a couple of others are nominated for the operation in Baghad. They "hire" the same forger who worked for the Cavallis and create a duplicate of the declaration and plan to switch that with the original, the same way the Cavallis did it. the copy is to have the spelling of 'Brittish' "misspelt" as 'British'!
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The operation is really incomprehensible in realistic scenarios and is dragging a bit. May be not one of Archers best works. Finally though only Bradley and Kopec survive with a small twist that the Declaration was actually with the Cavalli the father who is shown to be patriotic and does not want the history of his nation to go to Saddam. Thus the title 'Honour Among thieves'!
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I have another Archer this weak with <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0330513028?affid=tatushenoi">Kane and Abel</a>...<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a>
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<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-76171697338455761402011-12-12T19:40:00.000+05:302011-12-12T19:40:01.766+05:30Keys to Crime by John Creasy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
Keys to Crime<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> by </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IARZ1K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=httptattushen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004IARZ1K">John Creasy</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">My rating: </span>1 of 5 stars<br />
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I came across 2 books last week. Both were crime investigation. ;). One of them was Keys to Crime by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IARZ1K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=httptattushen-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004IARZ1K">John Creasy</a>.<br />
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I had no idea about this book or the author. I searched for any info online, though I dont like to get prejudiced before reading a book. But NO INFO is what prompted me to search and guess what! I got no info even after searching google for <a href="https://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&source=hp&q=keys+to+crime+by+john+creasy&pbx=1&oq=keys+to+crime+by+john+creasy&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1488l1488l2l1752l1l0l1l0l0l0l0l0ll1l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp=3672847e84815f7e&biw=1366&bih=677">Keys to Crime by John Creasy</a> , except for some info about the author and his other works.<br />
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Hmm.. Nevertheless I opened and found a not too simple a start. Howard Kenyon, an actor, though not revealed at the start, who wanted to take a break from stardom [LOL!] was at London his home, in a hotel suite, which was cancelled by a pianist named Towari. Well into his sleep he hears someone at the piano with an incomplete note! At midnight "helps" the pianist to complete the note after which the pianist gets shocked and goes into the details. Thus we have our heroine, named Lucy Hale, a budding singer and a protege of Towari, and hero.<br />
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The PR man, Girtie of the Towri group sets up a story which makes Kenyon and Hale lovers and they set straight for a vacation trip to a distant village inspite of the group having a concert a week later. Meanwhile Towari and his secretary Matt are not yet in London and our PR agent does a coup again and says that Towari is suffering from memory loss. Well, anything for publicity?<br />
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Things take an interesting turn when the couple are attacked on their way back and Kenyon is almost kidnapped. But luckily some fans come to his rescue and he arrives safely with his new fiancee now, to the hotel. Towari is still missing and a chief inspector named Wingold gets hold of the attempted kidnapping case as well as the Towari case. Things take an ugly turn as a fan who rescued Kenyon gets killed when he followed the kidnappers in a sports car.<br />
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One night a phone call claims Towari is indeed kidnapped and they want money in return. Matt should deliver the money or else no more Towari. Matt is supposed to arrive with instruction that night and instead of him arrives, a finger which everyone is sure is of being Towaris.<br />
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A full scale investigation starts with police suspecting everyone in the hotel! One more character dies after cheif inspector is found tied up inside a dressing room during the first night of the concert and Hale's real lover boy, James who had arrived earlier takes the dead woman's [Sarah] place. Towari is still missing and Girtie claims he made a deal with the kidnappers and has even transferred the money and is in procession of a slip which says Towari will be arriving next morning. The police traces out the owner of the finger which turns out to be a dead body. But as everyone else believed Towari didnt arrive as Girtie was fooled.<br />
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Finally police sets up a trap into which Lucy Hales lover boy James walks into and the reason of the crime was that he was rejected by Towari as a budding young singer! Sarah was as usual blackmailed to be a part of the kidnapping plan and all is well in the end!<br />
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I just struggled to finish all 200+ pages and needless to say what a lame plot! No wonder google returned zilch on searching this. My second novel turned out to be a bit more interesting.<br />
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Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-74941083270559270262011-12-08T10:51:00.001+05:302011-12-12T20:27:20.372+05:30Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=4TW3F9UNTJ&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0060525282?affid=tatushenoi">Water Like a Stone</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43691.Deborah_Crombie">Deborah Crombie</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/235669765">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
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The second one was "<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0060525282?affid=tatushenoi">Water Like a Stone</a>" by Deborah Crombie. This too was an unfamiliar author and I took the books as I just didnt want to waste time searching for a "good" book.<br />
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This atleast gave me search results and the author has infact published a <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43691.Deborah_Crombie">series of investigation stories</a>.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httptattushen-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B005UWF5LM&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="float: left; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
Scotland Yard officer, Duncan Kincaid takes his colleague and partner Gemma and her son Toby along with his son Kit to his parents in a country town. All of them have problems which Kincaid hopes this trip will solve. Gemma is nervous about her relationship with Kincaid and after the death of their child is doubtful, how his parents will take her in. Kit has nightmares about his mother dying but does not inform anyone. There are worries at the other side too. Kincaids sister Juliet is in a strained relation with her husband because of his partner and leaves their firm to do independent construction contract work which she loves. Her daughter Lally is into dangerous habits and far apart from this a woman named Annie Lebow or Constantine [because of yet another strained marriage!] is wandering on her boat through Londons beautiful canals, which are described in great detail.<br />
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Only ones with no worry are two kids Toby and Juliet's younger son Sam. To add to all this, Juliet finds a body of a child mortared in a wall at her site the night Kincaid arrives. A week after this, Annie Lebow is found dead less than a mile from this site outside of her boat! Lebow was a drop-out-from-a-rich-family social worker. She was unsettled as a kid whom she 'rescued' from his drug addict parents is killed by his foster parents. She then decides to live on a boat, ironically a luxurious one, and meets another family which she had to deal with in her professional life. She had rescued the family from the law as the parents where said to act saying their son had frequent fixes, for publicity. <br />
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But Annie Lebow, on her boat The lost Horizon finds that the mother is dying and she contacts a civil doctor she knows to help the family despite the resistance from the father fearing police digging up their past life. Meanwhile Juliet had begun to suspect that Piers, her husband Caspar's professional partner, with his high life style might be crooked. Piers, aware of her suspicions, has planted doubts in Casper’s mind about Juliet’s fidelity. <br />
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Kit sort of starts liking Lally and follows her around as she goes off to have a smoke with Piers' son. There is a background story of a young psychic boy going on which gets no where. Kincaid, Gemma learn that the family on the boat is responsible for the infant in the barn. But they also come to know of the cicumstances which forced them to do this. <br />
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Piers turns out to be a fraud and his son turns out to be Lebows killer [and assuming, he also is the psycho in the background]. <br />
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The story is filled with emotion, sympathy, suspense and complicated relationship. The ending is also a happy one as in films. And I found thats the problems. This book feels like it was written for a film as is the case with most of modern fiction! I found it rather passive and recommend it only for those who really love crime fiction and for a description of Londons canals!
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a>
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<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-72426326820577135812011-11-15T12:08:00.001+05:302011-11-15T13:46:44.087+05:30Kim by Rudyard Kipling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=yes&affid=tatushenoi&id=9V23FPS54B&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210834.Kim">Kim</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6989.Rudyard_Kipling">Rudyard Kipling</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/219113694">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I have read Rudyard Kipling's <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/8183520510?affid=tatushenoi">Jungle Book</a> [ as I suppose almost everyone has] and hoped of something similar in this book. This book is also number 78 in the Modern Library listing of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Library_100_Best_Novels">100 great English novels</a> of the 20th century. Very well.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=9V23FDQQDC&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: right; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
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I started reading it and it seemed to be a simple story of a boy called Kimbal O'Hara or Kim. He was the son of an Irish soldier, but now an orphan living in Lahore. A Buddhist lama comes in search of enlightenment and meets Kim who becomes his 'chela' and they start their journey together. Kim also was in search of the 'Red Bull' of his dreams which would solve all of his problems.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httptattushen-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1440438307&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="float: left; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Then as I thought this was going to be an adventure of their journey, '<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/8172238746?affid=tatushenoi">The Great Game</a>' comes in and confuses me much more. I think some one who is not aware of the history of India or India itself will get a lot confused at what is happening. I was not aware of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Game">great game</a> in detail apart from the fact that it was some sort of a battle between two colonialist powers Russia and Britain.<br />
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They continue their journey south east, north to the mountains and on trains by foot, on horse carts etc etc.<br />
Kim meets his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Royal_Loyal_Musketeers_(%22The_Mavericks%22)">Red Bull</a> which is the symbol on the flag of the Irish regiment and they take Kim in. The Lama continues his journey while paying for Kim's education.<br />
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Kim becomes a 'White man', a '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babu_(title)">Babu</a>' and a '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chela">Chela</a>' at once. All these terms are related to Indian history and you wont have a clue of what it means unless you know about India.<br />
Kim plays his part in the Game and the lama realizes that the River he was in search of is in the plains and not in the mountains. He is told have found it in the end and Kim's fate is left for the reader to decide. Three possibilities I found were Kim becomes a proper 'Babu' playing the 'Game' or a 'Buddhist' or a combination of 'White Man', 'Babu' and 'Chela' depending on the situation.<br />
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It was a confusing story which, for me, never highlighted India as it truly was nor was a complete adventure story and neither was a simple childrens tale. may be it was too hard for me to digest!<br />
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You can buy the book at <a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/818312013x?affid=tatushenoi">Flikpart.com</a>, which is really easy and interesting! I will blogging about buying from Flipkart next time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a>
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-64068491841902476892011-10-19T14:11:00.003+05:302011-11-15T13:50:55.780+05:30FIFA 12 PC Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hello people,</span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=TrackingID&id=AVMCZCVXYZZXWGGZ&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=200&width=120" style="float: left; height: 200px; text-align: justify; width: 120px;"></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httptattushen-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004Z4ZKL6&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="float: right; height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>FIFA 12 generated a lot of expectations as it was supposed to match the console versions this time around. FIFA 11 was brilliant in game play and graphics, but with a fair share of ridiculous bugs. But as I generally concentrate on manager mode, that version was the best version of FIFA series for me. So lets see what FIFA 12 is all about.</span></div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;">System Requirements</span></u></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Surprisingly and happily I found out that the system requirements for FIFA 12 is same as the previous version. Thats a big big plus as most of the games today, require mind boggling requirements which make it hard for non-professional and especially Indian gaming enthusiasts.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Recommended system requirements:</span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </em></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CPU with dual-core processor (Intel Core 2 Duo or faster). Intel Core2Duo @ </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">2.4 Ghz</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7. </span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 GB of RAM. </em></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">DirectX ® 9.0c compatible 256 MB video card with 3D acceleration or equivalent (support for Shader Model 3.0 or higher).</span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </em></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b><u>Features</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BosoEfhaufg/Tp6JPQsgafI/AAAAAAAAANw/qM1koUAAz8I/s1600/FIFA-12-Screenshots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BosoEfhaufg/Tp6JPQsgafI/AAAAAAAAANw/qM1koUAAz8I/s200/FIFA-12-Screenshots.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All new Menu</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">It has all the basic features and as promised from the word go, that is from the new look menus, I could sense that this is different from the previous PC versions and would match the console versions. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">I found myself in the two player kick about arena which was introduced in FIFA 11, but <i>after less than a second</i> the match was fully loaded and a prompt appeared to press the start button. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Ian Jarvis (FIFA 12, PC Producer) claims that the game will run at 60 fps during gameplay and 30 fps when shifting to cut-scenes, which is obviously great. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">There are a whole lot of new additions that you would find, like the "be a pro goalkeeper". There is the "Ultimate team" option as well added this time to the PC version.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Most important thing and improvement from FIFA 11 is that you can configure PC controls easily. Its a sigh of relief. Whats more, you can change the controls in the middle of a game too!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Be a pro offers you to create your own player or use an existing player. Then you will need to grow your potential and possibly be involved in a lot of transfer offers and switch clubs if you like etc. Be a goal keeper is terribly difficult first time for the PC users as we will be playing it for the first time. Most of the times you will be caught on the opposite side while the cross pass is made and they bang it into your net! You also have the option in "be a pro player" to control the whole squad or just you.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Let me jump straight into the manager mode which is my favorite. This time its in the career option, where again the menu is superb and it allows you to be a "player", Player-manager" or a 'Manager'. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPHlQKU_dw8/Tp6KOg6IrVI/AAAAAAAAAOI/DhaD2Yldtj8/s320/fifasoccer1220110708033.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Player Interaction</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">I confess that i was just astounded by the whole new manager mode. The transfer options are just splendid and this time its not one time approach. You should , like in real life, approach the club with an offer first and then on their approval, you can talk to the player for his weekly wages. For selling too you just accept the offer from another club regarding the transfer fee, but whether to go or not to go, depends on the player. But on loaning out the player simply goes. One thing that dissappointed [but it is good] is that the fees are astronomical. For buying Messi you will need to shell out 171 million! So you have to be realistic while picking up players and you should be able to manage your budget [this is also a new feature] to divide the transfer fees and the wage budget percentages.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBkSKtmwmkM/Tp6J6-7v-5I/AAAAAAAAAOA/XeAYohC3Yg4/s1600/imag1es.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBkSKtmwmkM/Tp6J6-7v-5I/AAAAAAAAAOA/XeAYohC3Yg4/s200/imag1es.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Career Home </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">But all that beats this is the news reports about the players, the teams and other happenings. There is also a "talk to the press" option! Just about when these 2 features made my jaw drop, I was stuck with another splendid feature - "Transfer deadline day". It is divided into hour slots and your are virtually made to sweat deciding on selling and buying your players and targets. There is player interaction with you too. For me Pato said, he wanted to be out of the club, I unwillingly put him in the transfer list. Rejected some substandard bids and also got a message from the board urging me to sell him ASAP. I didn't and on transfer deadline day they sold him for what ever they got. I was fortunate enough to get Higuain for less that what Pato went. I can hear you saying "I just want to get this thing"! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">The most important thing though is that the Career Mode homepage now feels and acts like a command centre for everything you accomplish as a manger. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">A major plus point with transfers though is that the CPU will now make offers for players not transfer listed by you consistently. And when they do want one of your star players they can be ferocious in their attempts to sign them. I am glad that there is no such stupid thing as rival teams cant buy/sell.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjeQ3LHsBt4/Tp6KnHRAQII/AAAAAAAAAOQ/jyzjybbbFfY/s1600/130969066071_fifa12_ps3_easfc-pfyc_map_psg_wm-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjeQ3LHsBt4/Tp6KnHRAQII/AAAAAAAAAOQ/jyzjybbbFfY/s320/130969066071_fifa12_ps3_easfc-pfyc_map_psg_wm-1024x576.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> It’s key to point out that the scouting system is for unknown youth players only and not players already present in the FIFA 12 database. It’s about unearthing a hidden gem and not finding out whether Xavi has a pass accuracy rating of 84 or 85. You need to hire a scout first and more the money you are splashing out, better the scout will be. It's also not an immediate addition and the scout takes few days to join your club, just like a player. I dont know whether he can reject you as well. Then you need to send him to different parts of the world and he will find you your selection of positions with a projected overall. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Of course once you've signed a youth player they will be added to your Youth Academy, and from there you can track their development and when the time is right, give them some game time.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOOs0ciSiKk/Tp6OUfg3KCI/AAAAAAAAAOo/DoQ02PQHvEA/s1600/FIFA12_arsenal_chelsea_centerpitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOOs0ciSiKk/Tp6OUfg3KCI/AAAAAAAAAOo/DoQ02PQHvEA/s320/FIFA12_arsenal_chelsea_centerpitch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Here is one negative. I didn't ,frankly, like the commentary. Although this time there are 2 pairs[</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; line-height: 16px;">Martin Tyler and Alan Smith and Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend]</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> of them randomly chosen for a match. You have the option for choosing them too. They also talk about your new signings and current events like injuries etc. But a sort of passion or vigor is lacking. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Graphically, there i not much change according to me and honestly I would go for FIFA 11 graphics rather than FIFA 12. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">lastly they have taken out the LAN play and added more into the online version. Now there is an international league where you can contribute points by selecting your personal team and you can know all about this in the initial demo video in the game.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b><u>Gameplay</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Now, this is the most important feature of the game for me and to say it short "I am happy and disappointed". To say it long, they have introduced 2 things. One is precision dribbling and the other is tactical defending. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUEABBF6xFs/Tp6JtApg7RI/AAAAAAAAAN4/J9jjg3Y3wIo/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUEABBF6xFs/Tp6JtApg7RI/AAAAAAAAAN4/J9jjg3Y3wIo/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Precision dribbling</span>: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">This feature is absolutely great and you can show off some ridiculous skill and skip pass players with ease. You will really be satisfied with your performance sometimes and just sit and admire yourselves!</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; line-height: 24px;">Tactical defending: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">This is the feature which disappoints me. I cant say its just terribly bad. May be its just that you will take time to accommodate it. But while you are getting used to it, I am sure you will get badly angry. The defenders just stand there and jockey. You need to tackle manually and even if you do succeed most cases the ball ends up with the attackers. In FIFA 11 you could not compete with the defenders on forced running, but with the Precision feature dribbling above defending is a disaster in FIFA 12. But may be after you get used to it, you will enjoy it. But as of now, its more like basketball where its an end to end game and less counter attacking in the mid field.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">They have also added, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-transform: uppercase;">PRO PLAYER INTELLIGENCE,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-transform: uppercase;">TRUE INJURIES,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-transform: uppercase;">PLAYER IMPACT ENGINE.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-transform: uppercase;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Overall the game play is wonderful with you doing a lot of skills and some really magnificent curly shots. Defending is really difficult and initially you will feel its a disaster. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><b><u>Verdict</u></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/games/itmczcvy5hhspgsh?pid=avmczcvxyzzxwggz?affid=TrackingID"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwS8m9r68Ko/Tp6MKBqIqNI/AAAAAAAAAOg/saUkdF760sc/s1600/250px-FIFA_12_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwS8m9r68Ko/Tp6MKBqIqNI/AAAAAAAAAOg/saUkdF760sc/s200/250px-FIFA_12_cover.jpg" width="141" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">I found out some bugs too. I think when you pass the ball to the winger a bit too close to the line, he just runs forward and completely misses the ball. New physical impact engine causes some players bumping into each other and falling for fun. you will feel 'Yuck' when you are just about to pass to an attacker and while running he falls bumping into a defender. Most of the times short passes while defending just are glued to the attacker even if you are giving directions to co-player on his side. So just clear the ball! In some cases even some through balls are intercepted easily by the opposition. The power of the shots and passes has been reduced considerably. You will need to use finesse shots for beautiful shots.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">But overall the game play is wonderful and it demands more skills from you which you will take time getting used to. Until then you will feel off the ball defending is a disaster and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">attacking is magnificent</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">.</span></span></div>
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">Some tips</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Use finesse shots more.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dribble more</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Defend by jockeying and tackle only just around the 18 yard square. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Use wing play more</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">try to make use of counter attacks and look to finish those 90%</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Use set pieces efficiently.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Use less through balls and use them at the right position at the right time. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Importantly look to hold the ball more reduce simple give-aways.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I cant rate it as of now as I am yet to master tactical defending though I have made some progress. While at it i feel terribly angry sometimes as the defenders are like helpless. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">I would still give it a 3.5/5 rating.</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/games/itmczcvy5hhspgsh?pid=avmczcvxyzzxwggz?affid=TrackingID"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Just go Buy it, is what I would say!</span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Its a really long review, but please go through it and hope its helpful. Feel free to comment on anything extra.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Thanks!</span></div>
</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-12151873731919207462011-10-10T14:56:00.003+05:302011-10-10T15:00:25.218+05:30Snehaveedu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSOwI6NlIvY/TpK5ILyWF1I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/dmq_Ui6wyBM/s200/images+%25281%2529.jpg" width="133" /></div>
<br />
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<b>Theater</b>: Pankaj, Alappuzha<br />
<b>Language</b>: Malayalam<br />
<b>Capacity</b>: 1100-1200<br />
<b>Status </b>: 65%<br />
<b>Show </b>: First Show [ 6.15 PM]<br />
<b>Date </b>:1st Oct, 2011<br />
<b>Ratings</b> : 3/5<br />
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Director : Sathyan Anthikad<br />
Cast : Mohan Lal, Sheela, Innocent, KPAC Lalitha, Biju Menon, Lena, Rahul Pilla <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccJH24-sooU/TpK50ut7OhI/AAAAAAAAAMU/dOhHVivguIA/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccJH24-sooU/TpK50ut7OhI/AAAAAAAAAMU/dOhHVivguIA/s200/download.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=snehaveedu&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=533l2179l0l2529l10l8l0l0l0l0l301l1159l0.2.2.1l5l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1366&bih=634&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi">Snehaveedu</a> is a typical Sathyan Anthikad movie. A simple setting in a beautiful village. The cast is Sathyan's usual group of versatile actors. To add to it Mohan Lal also teams up with Anthikad after a while. This makes the movie more watchable.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNFtZPpDjmg/TpK6OABUzeI/AAAAAAAAAMY/OqOOPOa1TBE/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNFtZPpDjmg/TpK6OABUzeI/AAAAAAAAAMY/OqOOPOa1TBE/s200/images.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The story is simple with Mohan Lal a successful businessman having had success in various cities around the country, returns to his native village to live with his mother [Sheela] the rest of his life. He has some business ventures there too and has settled onto his peaceful life. The neighbourhood has a usual Anthikad touch to it, with Karingannan Mathai [Innocent] stealing the show. Biju Menon plays a police officer and a friend of Mohan Lal, who marries a christian woman[ played by Lena] whose father is Innocent. There is a funny tension portrayed between the two. Sheela plays her role with ease without any complications.<br />
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Then one day a young boy arrives claiming to be Mohan Lals son. Mohan Lal is sure that he is lying and tries many tricks to gt rid of him. He teams up with Innocent and Biju Menon and fails. His boasting about his past also doesn't help him.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5R0xutJmN0/TpK6Uk9KZ3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/mLX_hJXRVBk/s1600/images+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r5R0xutJmN0/TpK6Uk9KZ3I/AAAAAAAAAMc/mLX_hJXRVBk/s200/images+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Movie finally concludes by making us realizing the simplicity or naivety of life and sums up the title significantly.<br />
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The cinematography is really good. Only thing lacking is perhaps the music, where but for one song sung by Hariharan, Ilayaraja fails to impress. Acting has been brilliant as is expected from the cast and even the new boy doesn't disappoint. Comic elements has also been placed brilliantly and doesn't feel artificial. Overall, a film which you feel satisfied after watching.<br />
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Thanks!</div>
tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-34692282879200562992011-10-10T13:51:00.000+05:302011-10-19T10:15:31.393+05:30Death in the Afternoon by Ernest Hemingway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4648.Death_in_the_Afternoon" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Death in the Afternoon" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1165447877m/4648.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4648.Death_in_the_Afternoon">Death in the Afternoon</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1455.Ernest_Hemingway">Ernest Hemingway</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/215763973">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #382110; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; white-space: nowrap;">Recommended </span>for: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Bull Fight Enthusiasts.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #616161; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
Honestly I took up this book going by the title and thought it to be some murder mystery! ;) But it turned out to be somewhat similar , but not as I thought. There was murder and there was thrill. But the book was non-fictional and an exhaustive explanation and view on famous or notorious Spanish Bullfighting.
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=PNW3F36N6F&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="height: 260px; width: 120px;float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></iframe>I am reading Hemingway after a long time and I couldn't recollect what kind of an author he was. He seems to be somewhat interested a bit too much in himself or his writing. But I have to admit he is a passionate and serious follower of bull fights. He points out most delicate points intrusively and even knows a detailed schedule of bull fights, not only across Spain, but in other countries like Mexico and France as well.
<br />
<br />
He has given in detail the techniques and genius' of some great bull fighters he has seen, such as Joselito, El Gallo, Juan Belmonte etc. He sees bull fighting as a tragedy and not as a sport. But he acknowledges the bravery of both the bull and the 'Matador'. He gives an apt description about the supporting cast, the 'picadors, 'banderillos'. He also has apparently tried a hand at being a 'matador', but unsuccesfully. But he learnt about how the bulls are groomed since they are born to become fit for the 'toros'.
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<br />
Hemingway also despises modern bull fighting where he feels the picadors merely prepare the bull for the matadors to kill. He compares original bull fighting with art and music. He writes
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<br />
<blockquote>
"Bullfighting is the only art I which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor." </blockquote>
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He also compares it to playing a mouth organ.
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<br />
But I have little interest in bull fighting and I didnt find the book interesting even though it was hugely informative. Standard-wise book should deserve at least a 3.5 as its volume of information is not in question. It has also pictures in it to show a 'veronica' and 'cornada'. Leave alone some silly interaction with a fictional or imaginary old woman the book is presented well.
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a>
<br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-54767941508842485032011-09-26T12:42:00.003+05:302011-10-19T10:11:35.544+05:30To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0749301341?affid=tatushenoi" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="To Kill a Mockingbird" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1234606708m/2657.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0749301341?affid=tatushenoi">To Kill a Mockingbird</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1825.Harper_Lee">Harper Lee</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/197277650">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #382110; font-family: arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; white-space: nowrap;">Recommended </span>for: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Any one with parents or siblings or children or friends or enemies ;)</span><br />
<br />
I had no idea what the theme or the publicity[except for a few reviews of 'very good' from various places] of this book was before I chose to read this one. I prefer to read that way as I will be free of prejudice. <br />
<br />
To Kill a Mocking bird is a story of a simple family, with 2 siblings Jem and his younger sister Scout along with their father Atticus. I started to like the novel from the start as I could identify myself as I too grew up with a sister 3 and half years younger to me in a similar simple neighborhood with simple friends. The book addresses the racist mindset of the society prevalent at the time [1935] and through children tries to explain the naivety of our life. <br />
<br />
You will find everything that a brother and sister of 10 and 6 years respectively, do and will be entertained mostly. But what it also successfully does is to promote a simple message of 'not hating anybody' and not taking any offence to heart and simply think from under the other mans skin. <br />
<br />
To go into the story the siblings are leading a simple enough life with their vacation friend Dill when Tom Robinson, a negro and the real 'Mocking Bird' is accused of rape by a white, but notorious family. Scouts father Atticus takes up the hard job of acquitting Robinson of the crime. There are a few other characters like judge Taylor, Calpurnia, Miss Maudi, eccentric Boo Radley, Link Deas, etc who take this novel forward with their kindness while, some others like Bob Ewell and others who are of the opposite kind. <br />
<br />
Author has succeeded in passing the cliched but eternal message of naivety of life and not hating others. I think its a must read. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a><br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-65594258424456901522011-09-16T10:14:00.005+05:302011-10-19T10:20:20.665+05:30Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sons-Fortune-Jeffrey-Archer/dp/0312993536/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316148519&sr=1-1" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Sons of Fortune" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1170963566m/78985.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/033041335x?affid=tatushenoi">Sons of Fortune</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4820.Jeffrey_Archer">Jeffrey Archer</a><br />
<br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/199744268">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=4TW3F9874I&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: left; height: 260px; padding: 20px; width: 120px;"></iframe>I actually went for another book but because I could not find that one I just picked up this one up. Having read Jeffrey Archer before and thus made up an image of really fast moving work from this author, I thought no harm. <br />
<br />
The book is very aptly titled 'Sons of Fortune' as while reading we would think or are constantly reminded to think of the fortunes of 2 of the leads had one moment of decision making by a nurse hadn't happened. <br />
<br />
Nat Cartwright and Fletcher Davenport[ Peter Cartwright] are two twins separated by fortune and a nurses/nanny's wish to please her mistress. The story goes ahead slowly as Fletcher , in a well to do family, meets a politician and at the age of 14 meets his partner for life. Both get their best friends Tom and Jimmy on their first day in school. The common villain also appears first day in one of their classes. <br />
<br />
The story goes forward with an unrealistic scenario as except a couple of people all of the other characters, however small they are, are projected as men of principles, sincerity, integrity etc. Nat's life takes an unexpected turn[ the story is mostly of those] when he gets an army call up which occurs because of an act by the villain. Nat meets his life-partner subsequently and both the twins go different ways as a Banker and a Lawyer. The villain has moved on to trouble Fletcher as they become professional.<br />
<br />
Nat's life takes another twist as a currency devaluation occurs in France and Fletcher also resigns from the famous law firm in New York. Then its like Nat - Villain - Fletcher all together in one place. They all end up in the field of politics and in more twists to come, the villain gets killed. <br />
<br />
The twins are busy rescuing each other and in the process learn that they are twins. But not to hurt their family, they keep it a secret and it comes to the end with both shown as heroes and the winner in the election didn't matter any more. Though I wanted one of them to win the election and ended the book on a happy note as my candidate won!<br />
<br />
But over all the book has too many twists[perhaps the title forces that], too many heroes and too much feel good factor. Despite that villain is quite strong, may be because the heroes are too lenient and are not ready to hurt the villain back. There is some American rock and roll culture depicted too in bits and pieces and the author also tries to show a generation gap. But it felt artificial some times. For me the book felt ok but artificial at times. But I would recommend it if you have a couple days of travel with nothing else to do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-54409783751646144652011-09-14T15:15:00.001+05:302011-10-19T10:24:03.370+05:30A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httptattusheb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001LNOOG6&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1611988.A_Prisoner_of_Birth" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"></a><a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/0330453114?affid=tatushenoi">A Prisoner of Birth</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4820.Jeffrey_Archer">Jeffrey Archer</a><br />
<br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/197280109">3.5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=4TW3F9OWZJ&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: right; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
A 3.5 would have been apt. Its a gripping book, which you can never put down unless its natures call! A shortened version of Dumas classic,which is why I have just given it 3.5 instead of a 4+, this one never loses its pace. A prisoner falsely accused of murder, impersonates his cellmate ,who was perhaps unfairly accused of manslaughter, and sets about to correct a few things. In the process his life completely changes and from a small town lower middle class brash man he ventures into uncharted waters and excels.<br />
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The closing was superb with a retired judge and a veteran esteemed solicitor stealing the show. Only thing which is questionable is perhaps the practicality of the story at the time it was set.<br />
<br />
A really fast read which could just refresh you completely. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-75724801801016948192011-09-14T14:49:00.000+05:302011-10-19T10:27:08.795+05:30Death at My Doorstep by Khushwant Singh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello people,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1304155128l/981115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1304155128l/981115.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flipkart.com/books/817436708x?affid=tatushenoi"></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Death-at-Doorstep-Kushwant-Singh/dp/8174363564?ie=UTF8&tag=httptattusheb-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Death at My Doorstep</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httptattusheb-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=8174363564" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/63189.Khushwant_Singh">Khushwant Singh</a><br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/199028258">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am reading Khuswant Singh, 'seriously', for the first time. I had read his short stories as lessons in school and that's that. I thought or had an image of him as an elderly man who loves children and writes soft stories. So I had a great man in my mind. But how all that was shattered by this one. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flipkart.com/affiliateWidget/simpleBanner?bc=FFFFFF&tc=333333&lc=A52A2A&buy=&affid=tatushenoi&id=0V23F4XVVC&type=3&price=yes&border=yes&height=260&width=120" style="float: right; height: 260px; width: 120px;"></iframe>This is a book of memoirs of some people he had come across in his life and are presently dead. It's like he is awaiting his death and thinking about some others he knew and are currently dead. He doesn't necessarily criticize or praise anyone with intent, though does that inadvertently some times. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
He comes across as a typical rationalist who seeks proof for every single thing on the earth or the universe which cannot be <b>sensed</b> by humans or which could be sensed. Though he only bothers to ask this from others and not at any time is concerned about a proof for his won theories. Example when he says there is no proof for life after death, he also has to think about there not being a proof for NO life after death! But I think thats why he calls himself and agnostic. </div>
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About the book itself I found nothing interesting as a whole. Though some parts like that of Bhutto, one Rajni Patel and lastly his dog, Simba was interesting. I think I could see the first impression of him,that I had, only in the Simba portion. He is not having an open mind for an agnostic and I expected much better thoughts and a heart from a man 96 years old and with all that experience. </div>
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If you have nothing else to do and a couple of hours to spare, you can pick this book up and go through. </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a> <br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-91644884312938395172011-09-13T17:01:00.000+05:302011-09-13T17:01:06.639+05:30The Language of the Gods in the World of Men: Sanskrit, Culture, and Power in Premodern India by Sheldon Pollock<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hello people,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/119380.The_Language_of_the_Gods_in_the_World_of_Men">The Language of the Gods in the World of Men: Sanskrit, Culture, and Power in Premodern India<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httptattusheb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0520260031&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/69196.Sheldon_Pollock">Sheldon Pollock</a><br />
<br />
My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/199744401">2 of 5 stars</a><br />
<br />
I left this book just 10% into it. It starts by saying that Sanskrit is 2000 - 3000 years old, while the first written material in Sanskrit was found to be from about 4000-3000 BC. Also when the origin of the language is not clear, it was not apt to finalize its age as around 2000 years old. <br />
Next I came across, usual things like Sanskrit being forbidden for the "lower" varnas. The author emphasizes the ranking for the varnas and says that the Shudras would have thought what they could not do that the "higher" varnas can. But the author doesnt bother to think that its one who cannot think or is not interested in education is called a shudra while not the reverse as in a shudra was not "banned " from education. The author bypasses the important fact that Valmiki who wrote the epic "Ramayana" in Sanskrit was a Shudra. I couldnt bear with the usual western view of Indology and left the book.<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6013647-tattushenoi">View all my reviews</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks!</div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-91250690582493666142011-07-19T14:04:00.002+05:302011-07-19T14:26:21.066+05:30Upcoming Indian Batsmen.Hello people, <br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">I put some thoughts on <a href="http://tattushenoi.blogspot.com/2011/07/upcominglost-indian-bowlers-squad.html">India’s major bowling backups</a> that I have seen over the last decade mostly inspired by the ridicule that Indian bowling is facing ahead of the <a href="http://tattushenoi.blogspot.com/2011/07/upcominglost-indian-bowlers-squad.html">England tour</a>. Now most of the English media is <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/india-in-england-2011">praising the Indian middle order</a> so much so as it appears to be a collective effort to jinx them to failure! There is also talk about how the transition would be once the greats retire. So I thought about the batting bench strength.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">I had always thought we had much more bowlers coming in every year, than we could probably handle and the result was none of them has, yet, emerged as a real promise. Their records just fade in comparison with say a <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/46538.html">Morne Morkel </a>who is the next South African hope[though he is 26]. But if you think of batsmen, it’s just the opposite, but result being the same. Our middle order has been so strong, that not even <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/36084.html">Yuvraj Singh</a>, who is among the real good ODI players, has managed to sneak in. [There has been ones like Amol Muzumundar, who by playing parallel to the like of Sachin, missed out on an opportunity. But as we are focusing on the future, lets focus on younger ones.] It’s only after the retirement of <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/28779.html">Sourav Ganguly</a> that, even a place is available in the batting slots. But its still not grabbed as we could have hoped. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">We always had one [or even 2] slots free at the opening even as late as in 2007. But with <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/28763.html">Gambhir </a>settling in even that slot was full and Ganguly was still playing in 07’! So no one could have even a knock at the door for spots 1-6. Yuvraj Singh was the man waiting that time to replace one of the middle order stalwarts in case of an injury. But with Ganguly’s retirement, scenario has changed. Yuvraj has got some chances and he didn’t live up to the expectations. Many others have also tried their luck. Here’s who I think, may form the Indian batting order in the future. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDCWdUqavIY/TiU_N1xBEZI/AAAAAAAAALg/6RqGY1GZRXA/s1600/index.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SDCWdUqavIY/TiU_N1xBEZI/AAAAAAAAALg/6RqGY1GZRXA/s1600/index.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>1. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/302582.html">Abhinav Mukund :</a></b> He is in the squad now. Having made lots of runs in the domestic circuit,- its ridiculously easy to make runs there - he got the selectors call as suddenly both Sehwag and Gambhir were injured for the West Indies series. He didn’t look great, but showed <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=6340;team=6;type=series">‘some resistance’</a>. Is that what we expect form a top order player, is another question. But he is in the pecking order now and [with great luck] will also open at Lord’s on the occasion of the 2000th test. Will he cement the place remains to be seen. <b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdVBHzoqc4A/TiU_S_ccHEI/AAAAAAAAALk/U41yfspcHZw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdVBHzoqc4A/TiU_S_ccHEI/AAAAAAAAALk/U41yfspcHZw/s200/images.jpeg" width="128" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>2.</b><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/237095.html"> Murali Vijay</a>:</b> He was given a chance after a big 200 [243] in a <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranjisuperleague2008/content/story/376810.html">first-class match</a>, after Gambhir got suspended, after he invited Watson to a party somewhere, with his shoulder, <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/story/376923.html">against Australia</a>. He scored a decent 74 in his <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/345672.html">first match</a>. But again, is it what we expect from an opening batsman? A struggling 40? But still, he ‘looked good’ for the selectors and after some disastrous performances in all forms of the game, barring the IPL may be, he is still ‘looking good’. But he must realize at 27, he is losing time and need to come down to earth from the<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2010/engine/match/419137.html"> 127 </a>he scored during the IPL. His team mate at Tamil Nadu, Mukund has passed him in the order, unless Mukund fails in England and what a dilemma it would be for India. <b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJP1-XBreXQ/TiU_YRPoAtI/AAAAAAAAALo/zvb2DR4luq0/s1600/indeARx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJP1-XBreXQ/TiU_YRPoAtI/AAAAAAAAALo/zvb2DR4luq0/s1600/indeARx.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>3.</b><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2010/engine/match/419137.html">Ajinkya Rahane</a>: </b>He is next in the order, perhaps [atleast according to the audience]. He too has lots of runs at the domestic circuit. But the problem is his patience. He is seen in Mumbai as a brilliant stroke player who can make a swift 40-50. But so was Sehwag, wasn’t he?<b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T83SJiB02CI/TiU_2oKyYkI/AAAAAAAAAL4/5KWcanC6n_I/s1600/imCPages.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T83SJiB02CI/TiU_2oKyYkI/AAAAAAAAAL4/5KWcanC6n_I/s200/imCPages.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>4.<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ipl2010/engine/match/419137.html"> Cheteshwar Pujara</a> :</b> He is by far the best that I can bank on as he has got technique and a still head. Most important of all, he has got an understanding <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/32945.html">parent</a>, who knows about the game and its highs to back him up. So hopefully he will keep his foot on the ground and go forward. He looked fantastic while<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"> taking India to victory</a> vs Australia. The pace of Steyn did<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/463148.html"> trouble</a> him in South Africa, but no one would have done much with that kind of bowling.<b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yP0ifnPtCRE/TiU_fAsgOeI/AAAAAAAAALs/xG6qF3mswdU/s1600/inVKdex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yP0ifnPtCRE/TiU_fAsgOeI/AAAAAAAAALs/xG6qF3mswdU/s200/inVKdex.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>5.<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/253802.html"> Virat Kohli</a>: </b>He is projected as the future captain of India, having led the junior team to World Cup victory. He is just 22 and has already won a World Cup and has played 50 ODIS. His<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/516748.html"> behavior</a> was and is attracting a lot of criticism. Even his reactions [also other players] after winning the under-19 World Cup came for much <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_bedi-attacks-conduct-of-junior-cricketers_1154489">ridicule</a>. But he feels he has shed the stardom effect and is a<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2011/content/story/518354.html"> mature player </a>now. Cricketing-wise he looks matured, but behavior wise he still has a long way to go. He also faced some problems with the short ball, surprisingly, against the West Indies. He has been dropped from the England tour which he feels has been good for him. Still a boy who tries to <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/523403.html">avoid his angry mom</a>, he can be a part of the future middle order.<b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAPT04_0bfU/TiU_izqxjRI/AAAAAAAAALw/Q37_QqOrrjE/s1600/inRSdex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAPT04_0bfU/TiU_izqxjRI/AAAAAAAAALw/Q37_QqOrrjE/s200/inRSdex.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>6.<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/34102.html"> Rohit Sharma</a>:</b> Rohit Sharma has been praised and jettisoned by many from their good books. He has got style and hours to play a ball no matter the speed of the bowler. He, like many, fell for the superficial stardom and may be like his senior example; Yuvraj Singh is still struggling to get a place in the test team. But his talent is too good to go waste and if he corrects his head a bit, can be a batting great. But he has had lots of opportunities and unless he continues from what he did in the <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/34102.html">Caribbean</a>, he may lose out. <b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeIBWpysxFM/TiU_nqy8PbI/AAAAAAAAAL0/K83EhIzP59Y/s1600/indrainaex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oeIBWpysxFM/TiU_nqy8PbI/AAAAAAAAAL0/K83EhIzP59Y/s200/indrainaex.jpeg" width="142" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>7.</b> <b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/33335.html">Suresh Raina</a>:</b> He has seen ups and downs in his career and he is just 24. He has got talent and the English media, with all their hyperbole, described him as<a href="http://cricket.oneindia.in/news/2006/04/01/0104media-raina.html"> next Sachin Tendulkar</a> after he took India<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/apr/01/englandinindia200102.cricket"> to victory i</a>n an <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/indveng/content/story/242882.html">ODI</a>. But his <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/520766.html">problems</a> with the short ball never got him settled. His temperament cannot be an issue with the hostel structure in Uttar Pradesh cricket. He will be serious and may have improved, apparently, with his <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=6340;team=6;type=series">performances</a> in the West Indies. He also, probably, will be part of the middle order in the future.His current coach, even <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2011/content/story/519361.html">thinks</a> he is a captaincy material, though he lead a team to Zimbabwe not quite emphatically. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQPCB4fBx2k/TiU_8TkecNI/AAAAAAAAAL8/8za_yBx74b8/s1600/imayuvrajges.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQPCB4fBx2k/TiU_8TkecNI/AAAAAAAAAL8/8za_yBx74b8/s200/imayuvrajges.jpeg" width="192" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>8.</b><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/36084.html">Yuvraj Singh</a>:</b> He has somewhat been an enigma for tests. An excellent ODI player with talent couldn’t overcome technical problems to play regular test cricket. Being on the fringes for long he was given the slot, which he should have snatched from one of the players, after Ganguly’s retirement. It seemed, after <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/297808.html">an under pressure 100</a>, along with, ironically, Sourav Ganguly, that he may have come of age. But he still was not able to convert his talent into runs, even as he won a World Cup for India. He seems determined to cement a test spot, but as of now Raina seems to have got it. Being just in his late 20s he still has a chance to add to his tremendous ODI career. <b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0vzYcxZm9I/TiVAkMKBLPI/AAAAAAAAAME/zyOnibUTOcY/s1600/inderayudux.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0vzYcxZm9I/TiVAkMKBLPI/AAAAAAAAAME/zyOnibUTOcY/s200/inderayudux.jpeg" width="137" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>9.</b><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/33141.html">Ambati Rayudu</a>:</b> This guy was hyped up as next batting great to emerge from the country of batting superstars. But after his ego struggles with the administration, somewhat rightly so as players like these captain his Hyderabad side, he<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/icl/content/story/322016.html"> found himself</a> in the ICL. But from a stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, one of the few things that I like about the IPL, he returned to the reckoning. I hope he rediscovers his talent and fine tune it, for he could be a real asset at the middle order. <b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2MKVKDxr4A/TiVAo1JcfqI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Qlfq7X71Bh8/s1600/imagMPes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2MKVKDxr4A/TiVAo1JcfqI/AAAAAAAAAMI/Qlfq7X71Bh8/s200/imagMPes.jpeg" width="129" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>10.</b><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/290630.html">Manish Pandey</a>:</b> He is young and hasn’t proven much apart from being the first Indian to score an IPL century. But his knock <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranjisuperleague2009/content/story/444048.html">against Mumbai</a> in the Ranji Final meant that he was to be noticed. But a bit of <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2011/content/story/499534.html">controversy</a>, eve at such a young age meant he went back the queue. A player, who has got talent and with development in temperament can be included in the side. But his place is still some way away. <b> </b></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZaRN_hh-Ok/TiVACrS_pmI/AAAAAAAAAMA/_oEaVL5yuxc/s1600/iMTmages.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZaRN_hh-Ok/TiVACrS_pmI/AAAAAAAAAMA/_oEaVL5yuxc/s200/iMTmages.jpeg" width="160" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>11.</b><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Manoj Tiwary</a>:</b> He has been unlucky of sorts. He got his chance after an impressive<a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=2832;type=tournament"> 06’ Ranji performance</a>. He was to play in the first test in Mirpur, when a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">training injury</a> hit him and he was out of the frame for 2 years. He did return and it was difficult it could get and was in <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/291359.html">Brisbane</a> against Australia in an ODI. Brett Lee showed no mercy and let a <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/cbs/content/image/334721.html">scorching Yorker</a> get Tiwary back in the hut. He waited again for 2 years and when he did play in the <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6338;type=series">West Indies</a> recently in the ODIS didn’t look the player that he was, probably because of the unfamiliar opening position. Still this guy has talent and is in the second line of challengers for a batting spot. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b>Notable omissions:<br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/26806.html">S Badrinath</a>:</b> I may be a bit harsh, but I think his career is almost over and he has not looked a good player on whatever international exposure he has had. That may be against Steyns express pace, but he looked completely out of sorts and different from the domestic run gatherer that he is. He may get a couple of years after one of the greats retires, but that will be it as he is already above 30.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35582.html">Robin Uthappa</a>: </b>This man had/has talent. But he seems to be happy, just to hit sixes in the IPL. He seems to have no apparent interest in a test spot and is not looking for a long innings, not even aggressive or 200 ball 150 kind of a stay. He, in my view will never play test cricket [even if he does, it would be a very short stint]. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/28235.html">Shikhar Dhawan</a>:</b> He has been named as captain of the '<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/521683.html">Emerging players squad'</a>. But I dont think he will ever feature in a test selection meeting. But he has every chance to play many ODIs. But if he does want to play tests, he can take a cue from his Delhi team mate Gambhir.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">I have crawled my way to an 11! So is there a shortage on the batting side? Absolutely not. Batting unlike bowling is less susceptible to injuries and if 6-7 out of these get into a settled mode, then we can be secure for another 10 years, well, hopefully. There may be some other contenders like <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/319745.html">KB Arun Karthik</a> from Tamil nadu and <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/319745.html">Sourabh Tiwary</a> from Jharkhand. I have not mentioned IPL wonders like <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35630.html">Paul Valthaty</a> or <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/27685.html%20">Bharat Chipli</a> [he is already 28]. </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">There are others like <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/234675.html">Ravindra Jadeja</a>[who must come down to earth and be serious] , <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2011/content/player/398438.html">Mayank Agarwal</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Ashok Menaria</a> etc who are coming through the under-19 ranks.</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Finally, what would India’s top 6 look like after -say- a couple of years? [Though I am never sure of Tendulkar ;)] Back up top 6, on the right.</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b style="color: #3d85c6;">First choice TOP 6</b></u><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span> <u><b style="color: lime;">Backup TOP 6</b></u></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Gautham Gambhir</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: lime;">Abhinav Mukund</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Virender Sehwag</span> <span style="color: lime;">Murali Vijay</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Cheteshwar Pujara</span> <span style="color: lime;">Ajhinkya Rahane</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Rohit Sharma</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: lime;">Ambati Rayudu</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Virat Kohli </span> <span style="background-color: white; color: lime;">Yuvraj Singh</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Suresh Raina</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: lime;">Manoj Tiwary</span></b></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><b>P.S: You can help by mentioning any one whom I might have missed.</b></div><br />
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Thanks!tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-65233712006651753892011-07-14T18:10:00.008+05:302011-07-15T10:59:21.989+05:30Upcoming/Lost Indian bowlers squad.<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello people, </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the England series is here, most of the talk is about England having superior bowling along with a lot of bench strength. Yes they have an enviable line up. Tall fast bowlers are always an asset. But one thing that they should keep in mind is to stay put with feet on the ground. If they consider guaranteed about greatness, they will fall off the way swiftly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I feel that’s what happened or is happening with India’s bowling arsenal. India is really looking for a back for <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/30102.html">Zaheer Khan</a> after he retires. May be Ishant Sharma is the answer with his<a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=6340;type=series"> impressive comeback</a> against the West Indies. But we can’t be sure as he too has been among the ‘self-proclaimed’ superstars who have lost direction. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Here I give a list of bowlers who are international quality or have the potential to be successful at the top level.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> Most of them have played for India in some form, but could not cement their place. Reasons could be anything. Arrogance to lack of good coaching to injuries. Even selection sometimes has been a reason as someone like <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/32973.html">Pankaj Singh</a> went on the Australia tour of 2007-08 and didn’t play a single test. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">1.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_217561573"> </a></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/32685.html">IrfanPathan</a> : he was heralded as india’s answer to <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/43547.html">Wasim Akram</a>. But stardom and pressure to be next <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30028.html">Kapil Dev</a> + Akram rolled as one has let him drift away. His strength was swing and he could bowl at low 140s which is dangerous with swing. But too much coaching led to remodeling of action, reduced speed and he lost all his zing. Any one remember <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/image/158994.html">the</a> 90Mph in swinger that led to comparisons with Akram? I have no videos, but I dont need them as its so fresh in my mind.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dalNnsrI8w0/Th7ltu5lveI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Jmj0Qu90eCo/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dalNnsrI8w0/Th7ltu5lveI/AAAAAAAAALQ/Jmj0Qu90eCo/s200/images.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">2. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/32965.html">MunafPatel</a> : He came in as the fastest Indian bowler with speeds over 150Kph. But then again, some dumb said he looked like Mcgrath and therefor he had his pace reduced and now as <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2011/content/story/519123.html">Andy Roberts called it</a>, he is spinning it. [Cant say upcoming about him, he is 28].</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">3.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_217561581"> </a></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35280.html">RP Singh</a>: RP Singh has in my view similarities with Pathan. An extremely talented swing bowler, who can bowl in the high 130s to 140s, has his name on the <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/258468.html">Lord’s honours</a> board. But again lack of hunger and lack of discipline together with lack of form has somewhat thrown him out. His regress has been relatively mysterious. But he still can be Indias future if given proper care. He has got talent.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5bD440s_wE/Th7l0aDUEEI/AAAAAAAAALU/wMxUzD-r-5M/s1600/imagses.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5bD440s_wE/Th7l0aDUEEI/AAAAAAAAALU/wMxUzD-r-5M/s200/imagses.jpeg" width="155" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> 4.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_217561569"> </a></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30732.html">P Kumar</a>: He has grabbed every opportunity by both hands and as of now is not among the ‘failed’. But his lack of pace even at this age of 23 is not doing any good to his career. He can swing it anywhere anytime, but his pace has to be increased if he has to consistently play and trouble batsmen.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">5. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">A Mithun</a>: Mithun is still young and it would be harsh to count him among the failures. He also has somewhat been shabbily treated by the selectors as he is not getting continuous opportunities. He also need to raise the pace a bit to be successful, but sure has some potential.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">6. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35281.html">VRV Singh</a>: He, when he came in first showed promise. Tall muscular bowler, who could regularly bowl 90Mph. But he had technical faults and bowled no-balls consistently. Lack of coaching led to his ousting. He may never come back and it is a loss.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">7. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/317784.html">S Tyagi</a>: Another tall bowler who was hyped up big time. But he has now drifted away with all the stardom getting to his head. Lack of temperament has led to another promising bowler’s downfall here. His arrogance is evident when he takes a wicket and you can fill a bucket full of profanity.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">8. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/32973.html">PankajSingh</a>: Another 6 foot plus bowler who bowled in the mid-140s. I think the selectors either thought he would be like Ambrose straight away because of his height. But for whatever reason after for whatever reason they picked him, they didn’t play him a single test in Australia. He is slugging it out in the Ranjis now.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">9.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_217561545"> </a></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/26829.html">L Balaji</a>: Here is one bowler who lost out not because of his own reason or any other persons, but an injury at the right time has virtually ended his international career. Anyone remember the <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/series/62332.html">Pakistan tour </a>04? He was brilliant and it seemed with Zaheer + Nehra + Balaji + Pathan, India had a decent attack [but not fearsome]. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">10. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/31107.html">A Mishra</a>: Lastly a couple of spinners. Amit Mishra has toiled for almost 10 years in domestic cricket to get his place in the squad. He immediately grabbed it as he took a 5 for on debut against Australia. His experience was supposed to make him feel at home. But surprisingly he turned very predictable after that and was using his googlies unimaginatively without flighting it enough. The spin stronghold of India is not able to help him yet. He has made a comeback of sorts against West Indies, but cannot in anyway be believed to have settled in.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpBwC_QF_7o/Th7mJ77bWPI/AAAAAAAAALc/o_9aP4xJuaA/s1600/index.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpBwC_QF_7o/Th7mJ77bWPI/AAAAAAAAALc/o_9aP4xJuaA/s200/index.jpeg" width="155" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbcyQB0SssI/Th7l-SS8gtI/AAAAAAAAALY/IPu8Wd-THY0/s1600/imassssssges.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbcyQB0SssI/Th7l-SS8gtI/AAAAAAAAALY/IPu8Wd-THY0/s200/imassssssges.jpeg" width="160" /></a><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">11. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/32966.html">P Chawla</a>: Another leggie who bowls more googlies than his leggies. Fact that artists like Bishan Bedi can’t help Chawla is really a sad truth. They even come from the same state! He is still young and given direction can shoulder spinner’s responsibilities. Now no one can forget <a href="http://www.pakfiles.com/watch-show/MTgzOTg=/Piyush-chawla-googly-to-pietersen">this delivery</a> can they?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">12. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/26421.html">R Aswin</a>: The guy has talent. But the problem is he has a mystery ball as well. He has to be careful not to overuse it. Mystery bowlers are sure to be sorted out as Mendis found out against India. So he should just concentrate on his off spin and control and such stuff.</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; 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line-height: 115%;">13. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/34274.html">S Sreesanth:</a> Sreesanth has been an enigma. Arrogant and caught by stardom I would say. He has th</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">e best seam position for an outswinger, at least from India. He can reverse the ball both ways. But the thing he lacks is temperament and control. Recently, <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/522442.html">Indian bowling coach has said</a>, if he can control himself and not try to bowl 6 different deliveries, he will be really good. But he is 28 and what beckons for him, only God knows.</span></div><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">14. </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/32130.html">P Ojha</a>: Pragyan is rated by none other than Kumble. He has got a few opportunities as well. But he will struggle to get opportunities outside the subcontinent as only one spinner plays and his fielding capabilities are well, no capabilities there. The problem he faces is his fitness and if he doesn’t reduce his waistline, he can end up being a Romesh Powar.</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gg0vUS-aJM/ThHEOoZ7OUI/AAAAAAAAAFY/xdqndZnu1Ng/s1600/ishant_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gg0vUS-aJM/ThHEOoZ7OUI/AAAAAAAAAFY/xdqndZnu1Ng/s200/ishant_11.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">15. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/236779.html">Ishant Sharma :</a> Lastly, the man most likely to take the baton from Zaheer. Ishant has reemerged of sorts during the West Indies tour. When he came on to the scene, he was a tall erratic bowler who bowled 8 ball overs regularly, and looked like young <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/34105.html">Srinath</a>. After which <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAEXuMnw3tI">he had a dream spell</a> in Australia and he <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsaxK5EZCvg&feature=related">troubled Ponting</a> in India as well. But because of too much T20 and ODI cricket perhaps, he lost his rhythm. I just hope he has come back for good and carries the baton from Zaheer. He could be best ever fast bowler from India with time on his side.[ He is only 22!]</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">I have not counted any bowler who is over 29 as this list is one which includes either up coming or 'could have been' upcoming bowlers. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Some notable commissions</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">1. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/390484.html">Jayadev Unadkat</a></span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">2. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35731.html">R Vinay Kumar</a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">3. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/277955.html">D Kulkarni </a>[ another case of ridiculous selection. Didnt play a single game in NZ in 09]</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> IPL every year means, every year some bowler or the other is hyped up as the next best. Those include Umesh yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Sharma, Sidhart Trivedi, Varun Aron, Kamran Khan, Ashoke Dinda, MS Gony etc etc. But I have not seen enough of those guys to rate them. There are also others who were promising once, like these guys above, but lost out on a decent career like Ashish nehra, Ajit Agarkar, Tinu Yohannan, Abey Kuruvilla etc. Then there are others like <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Avishkar Salvi</a>[2004, was dubbed as McGrath!] who were ridiculously hyped up when they took a couple of wickets against Bangladesh. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Reasons can be anything. Injuries, lack of temperament, arrogance, stardom, even fans. We pace starved Indians, rate a bowler pretty highly when ever we see him bowling at 140+. This adds the pressure on the bowler to straight away burst through a batsman with his pace. But when he cannot do that, he tries to change stuff. Then his coach tries to change stuff. Finally he loses the trick somewhere. I cant decide on one particular thing as I feel its different for every player. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">Finally, so is it lack of talent in India in the bowling department being a country of batting superstars or is it some other combination of things? </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks!</span></div>tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-48078336450133191932011-07-13T16:02:00.001+05:302011-07-13T16:02:48.786+05:30England vs India 2011 - The Best X1<div style="text-align: left;">Hello people, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fy1EJZ2aTxA/Th1wXzvVyyI/AAAAAAAAAKs/0jkpf2qRaC0/s1600/pt.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fy1EJZ2aTxA/Th1wXzvVyyI/AAAAAAAAAKs/0jkpf2qRaC0/s200/pt.png" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">India will play England in the first test of the<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvind/content/story/298563.html"> Pataudi trophy</a> at the historic venue of<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/current/series/474450.html"> Lord’s on July 21</a>, 2011. India is the <a href="http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/match_zone/team_ranking.php">top ranked</a> team in tests right now and England are <a href="http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/match_zone/team_ranking.php">ranked 3<sup>rd</sup></a>. But when I say, that this is the 2000<sup>th</sup> test ever and 100<sup>th</sup> between the two teams the interest really creeps in. Add to that, one <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2011/content/player/35320.html">Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar</a> is on <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2011/content/story/522860.html">99 test hundreds</a> [!]. Now, anyone would really be making sure that the date is set! </div><div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">No wonder why the media is hyping the issue already. Even before India played the West Indies or when England was playing Sri Lanka, who are number 4 in the world, the talk was about this upcoming series. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_H0x07vlB4/Th1p_9-OBXI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/PoPskRSSKSo/s1600/IanBotham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_H0x07vlB4/Th1p_9-OBXI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/PoPskRSSKSo/s200/IanBotham.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/9163.html">Ian Botham</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mlu0TZ1NaNo/Th1qQEYfABI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/kd-J0y-Lzxc/s1600/PF-gough_1406922c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mlu0TZ1NaNo/Th1qQEYfABI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/kd-J0y-Lzxc/s200/PF-gough_1406922c.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/13411.html">Darren Gough</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Some say it’s the most anticipated series in England <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/engvaus/content/series/139019.html">after 2005</a>. Others say the best touring side since 2005. 5 batsmen and 5 bowlers from either teams figure in the<a href="http://www.relianceiccrankings.com/"> top10</a>. India is looking on to continue their reign at the top. England is looking to topple them with all their planning and<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/flower-wants-top-spot-after-agreeing-new-england-contract-2278218.html"> vision for the future</a>. Many former English players including <a href="http://cricket.oneindia.in/news/2011/05/26/england-better-side-than-india-says-ian-botham-aid0120.html">Botham</a> and <a href="http://www.indianexpress.com/news/englands-best-team-can-beat-india-every-day/731198/">Gough </a>have said that England is unofficially the best team currently. No wonder it’s highly anticipated.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ_tKdlqqMw/Th1qncAeIKI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Kgb_voCbAK0/s1600/India%252Bv%252BEngland%252B2nd%252BTest%252BDay%252BFour%252BFuiEuYWQIrzl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ_tKdlqqMw/Th1qncAeIKI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Kgb_voCbAK0/s200/India%252Bv%252BEngland%252B2nd%252BTest%252BDay%252BFour%252BFuiEuYWQIrzl.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sachin Tendulkar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5T3e80KxLr0/Th1rA4bBz4I/AAAAAAAAAKE/s1yLCYSUTJ0/s1600/Graeme_Swann_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5T3e80KxLr0/Th1rA4bBz4I/AAAAAAAAAKE/s1yLCYSUTJ0/s200/Graeme_Swann_300.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graeme Swann</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I am getting goose bumps as early as now thinking about the battle between Anderson and Tremlett vs Tendulkar. Dravid has already said <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Swann will be the key</a> factor. I thought of selecting a Best XI among the players from both the teams. It is really straight forward when you see that there are 5 batsmen and 5 bowlers who are in the top 10 from both the teams! But a small analysis would be good.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b> Openers:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYDJgAstmeI/Th1rbn-CnkI/AAAAAAAAAKI/v5z5guqG7Cs/s1600/Ashes-Alistair-Cook608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYDJgAstmeI/Th1rbn-CnkI/AAAAAAAAAKI/v5z5guqG7Cs/s200/Ashes-Alistair-Cook608.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cook</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJCXu5U9nns/Th1sD6y7TtI/AAAAAAAAAKM/bxnRfbIdAzs/s1600/Virender-Sehwag_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zJCXu5U9nns/Th1sD6y7TtI/AAAAAAAAAKM/bxnRfbIdAzs/s200/Virender-Sehwag_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sehwag</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">All four are brilliant batsmen and except maybe Strauss, are in form at the moment. Cook is <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=13+Jul+2011;spanmin1=13+Jul+2009;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting">statistically</a> the best pick while Sehwag can be discounted at the oppositions peril! Gambhir hasn’t played a test in England, but his form has been superb for the last couple of years. Strauss had a very good world cup and he has led England very well. But Cook is in better form and Sehwag is a match winner. Given to me I would not pick both Cook and Strauss at the top. After a lot of thought, I am going with Cook and Sehwag for the opening slot. Two contrasting batsmen, but no doubt, mightily effective. I am going for Sehwag since he can change a game within minutes. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Middle Order:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoi6deuMPyc/Th1smvQZ_wI/AAAAAAAAAKU/4e20GQFsapo/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoi6deuMPyc/Th1smvQZ_wI/AAAAAAAAAKU/4e20GQFsapo/s200/images.jpeg" width="108" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trott</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rXigZlE9Hg/Th1s7ukzydI/AAAAAAAAAKY/5HbFbVZrHUY/s1600/laxman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rXigZlE9Hg/Th1s7ukzydI/AAAAAAAAAKY/5HbFbVZrHUY/s200/laxman.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laxman</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">There are 3 batsmen from either team in the top 10. But 5 out of them can be in top 10 anytime. This is really a tough pick. I think Tendulkar has to be an automatic choice. Now at number 3 and 5 it’s a choice between Laxman, Dravid, Peitersen, Trott and Bell. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">All are equipped to bat at both positions. Considering current form, I would go with Trott at number 3 and Peitersen at number 5. Laxman has <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/30750.html?class=1;home_or_away=2;opposition=1;template=results;type=allround">not scored a 100</a> in England. But he does average 44 and if you consider Laxman’s performance in England, <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/9062.html?class=1;opposition=6;template=results;type=allround">Bell against India</a> has been terrible in Tests. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmy3-VSkA40/Th1saEz-JvI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/kZC4lDSJCfE/s1600/index.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmy3-VSkA40/Th1saEz-JvI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/kZC4lDSJCfE/s200/index.jpeg" width="143" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin Pietersen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> Peitersens form has not been good. But he has the capability to turn a match and will score big in at least 1 test of a 4 match series. His aggressive style just gets him in. For the remaining spot, we have Dravid, Laxman, Bell, Morgan, Raina and Yuvraj. I wouldn’t even consider last 2. For me it’s a choice between Laxman and Bell. Dravid has been very tentative for me, these days. Considering his ability to bat with the tail, I would go with laxman at 6. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b> Wicket Keeper: </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFEWGw3Wpdc/Th1tXaagdwI/AAAAAAAAAKc/LstSvSNJa9o/s1600/image1s.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFEWGw3Wpdc/Th1tXaagdwI/AAAAAAAAAKc/LstSvSNJa9o/s200/image1s.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhoni</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It’s a straight choice between Dhoni and Prior. Considering all round capabilities I would make Mahendra Singh Dhoni captain. Prior has been in good form with the bat and Dhoni has not scored enough. But Dhoni has got some runs under his belt in the last test in the West Indies and his captaincy skills take him in. Especially when there is only Cook as contender for the captaincy slot. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bowlers:</b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSht-iN7sC0/Th1t6rn7M8I/AAAAAAAAAKk/NVNLa3oJ4sk/s1600/James+Anderson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSht-iN7sC0/Th1t6rn7M8I/AAAAAAAAAKk/NVNLa3oJ4sk/s200/James+Anderson.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anderson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xpgyEEuJck/Th1uPt-ReOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/fZ4acfBIi38/s1600/indesx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3xpgyEEuJck/Th1uPt-ReOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/fZ4acfBIi38/s200/indesx.jpeg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ishant Sharma</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Lack of genuine all-rounders in either side is the reason why I have gone for a 6<sup>th</sup> batsman. So the last 4 remaining spots will be bowlers and we have a big list for consideration. But I guess based on ability the venue and current form, Zaheer and Anderson go right in. Now Harbhajan vs Swann! Based on <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmax1=13+Jul+2011;spanmin1=13+Jul+2009;spanval1=span;template=results;type=bowling">current form</a>, Swann is the pick. Harbhajan has been too defensive and monotonous for at least last 2 years. At the same time, Swann has been as attacking as any spinner and also has contained batsmen. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsdm9hAP-j8/Th1tnoQ6RXI/AAAAAAAAAKg/96ZsBw8hr6w/s1600/zaheer.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsdm9hAP-j8/Th1tnoQ6RXI/AAAAAAAAAKg/96ZsBw8hr6w/s200/zaheer.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zaheer khan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Some dumb rightly said, that best form of stopping runs is to take wickets! But Harbhajan may be saying that <a href="http://www.mid-day.com/sports/2011/mar/120311-world-cup-Mahendra-Singh-Dhoni-Harbhajan-Singh-defend.htm">team tactics</a> are keeping him from attacking. But I am not buying that. Let this series decide who is better. For now I go with Swann. Last remaining spot goes to Tremlett for the form he showed <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/21650.html?class=1;spanmax1=13+Jul+2011;spanmin1=13+may+2011;spanval1=span;template=results;type=allround;view=match">against Sri Lanka</a>. Many may argue that <a href="http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/236779.html?class=1;spanmax1=13+Jul+2011;spanmin1=13+may+2011;spanval1=span;template=results;type=allround;view=match">Ishant is better</a>. But his lack of consistency is what causes concern. Sreesanth can be at times brilliant, but woefully erratic at times. Finn also lacks consistency and I have not seen much of Bresnan in tests except a one off in Australia. 12<sup>th</sup> man will be Ian Bell as he would be fielding.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>So this is my final team. </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span> 1. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/11728.html">Alistair Cook</a></div><div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span> 2. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/35263.html">VirenderSehwag</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span> 3. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/47623.html">Jonathan Trott </a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-england-2011/content/player/35320.html">Sachin Tendulkar</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 5 .<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/19296.html">Kevin Peitersen</a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 6. <span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1203460683"> </a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">VVS Laxman</a><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span> 7. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/28081.html">MS. Dhoni</a><span id="goog_1203460747"></span><span id="goog_1203460748"></span> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span> 8. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/20431.html">Graeme Swann</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span> 9. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/21650.html">Chris Tremlet </a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span>10. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/30102.html">Zaheer Khan</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span> 11. <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/8608.html">James Anderson</a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 12. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Ian Bell</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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Your own X1s are welcome.<br />
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Thanks!tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-25164792823961391832011-07-11T17:45:00.002+05:302011-07-12T10:15:18.059+05:30Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple - The wealthiest in the World!Hello people,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHWYfCYRVNk/ThrfV7IlPCI/AAAAAAAAAIg/yKfLQnWL6kA/s1600/07THTEMPLE_684277f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eHWYfCYRVNk/ThrfV7IlPCI/AAAAAAAAAIg/yKfLQnWL6kA/s200/07THTEMPLE_684277f.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple in 1940</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2201786.ece">In 1931, at least one vault was opened</a>. An auspicious time was chosen and that was 10 am, December 6<sup>th</sup>. This was done in presence of then Maharaja, Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Among the contents found were gold and silver coins stored in a "granary like thing," four brass chests of coins, over 300 gold pots, and a six-chambered wooden chest containing jewels decorated with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones. Four coffers were removed and taken to the palace treasury for counting and valuation. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IML537pNpQ/Thrfv-V0bCI/AAAAAAAAAIk/mJdRbUgYFlo/s1600/balvarma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7IML537pNpQ/Thrfv-V0bCI/AAAAAAAAAIk/mJdRbUgYFlo/s200/balvarma.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Chithira Thirunal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 2011, the Supreme Court of India directed the authorities from the fire services and archeology department to open vaults of the temple for inspection of the items kept inside. Assets consisting of gold, jewels, and other treasures were found in the vaults of the temple. Several 18th century Napoleonic era coins were found, as well as a three-and-a-half feet tall gold idol of Mahavishnu studded with rubies and emeralds, and ceremonial attire for adorning the deity in the form of 16-part ‘Thanka’ [gold] ‘Anki’ weighing almost 30 kilograms (66 lb) together with gold coconut shells, one studded with rubies and emeralds. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are vessels to distribute ‘Payasam’ [A sweet dish, of milk] and that too is made of gold. ‘Sarappoli Malas’ and another 16 foot golden ‘mala’ [necklace] was also found. There were 2500 golden pots and 100s of gold coins found. Golden coins were presented by the raja everyday on his visit to the temple. Hundred thousand of them were brought from Surat and are called ‘Surat nanayam’ [Surat coins].</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbXJIPaxfXk/ThrhtrBdNXI/AAAAAAAAAIo/nZuJ6oOdhh4/s1600/image008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lbXJIPaxfXk/ThrhtrBdNXI/AAAAAAAAAIo/nZuJ6oOdhh4/s200/image008.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supreme Court</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As of now, the value found is estimated around <a href="http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2011/07/06/an-indian-temples-hidden-22-billion-treasure-hoard-may-wake-political-dragons/">22 BillionDollars</a>! When the 6<sup>th</sup> vault the ‘Bharatakon Ara’ is opened, it is said to have a vault inside it as well, the total is estimated to cross 27-30 billion $ making Sri Padmanabhaswami temple the richest in the world. But as mentioned previously, its opening has <a href="http://in.news.yahoo.com/supreme-court-bars-opening-kerala-temples-sixth-vault-070810855.html">been stalled for now</a>, by the Supreme Court. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLI5GCtmN8k/Thrj-cG-_JI/AAAAAAAAAIs/sjGIlZ_gMCY/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLI5GCtmN8k/Thrj-cG-_JI/AAAAAAAAAIs/sjGIlZ_gMCY/s200/Untitled.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coins used in 16th century Thiruvithancore</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now the question is what to do with the assets. Many suggestions have come from various set of people and experts. Some say government should take over and use it for the development of the state or the country. [Total worth is more that the educational budget of the country]. Museum is another suggestion and the Trivandrum MP; <a href="http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-government-has-no-claim-on-padamanabhaswamy-treasure-tharoor/20110711.htm">Sri Shashi Tharoor alsostated</a> the same. Museum director has said ‘he is ready to take over’ the assets to the museum. Various banks have come forward to safe guard the assets. Some say that it should be kept in the temple itself and should be kept as symbols of our rich history. But some say that if kept in the temple it would be of no use and even more money should be spent to protect it. Someone rightly said <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Opinions are like</a> ‘nose’, everyone has one! Well, not exactly, but something instead of a ‘nose’. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think there are a 2 general ways that this wealth could be used and its absolutely not dead wealth.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One is of course to sell and convert it to cash. Second is to keep it as a rich historical symbol and generate wealth from displaying it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First one is rather ruthless and I am against it for sure. And, to trust our ‘great’ parliamentarians and ministers with all that cash would be like shutting the vaults again with no one guarding it! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2H72tXUA5o/ThrlD1zOiDI/AAAAAAAAAIw/owxm-FUvzFc/s1600/Koh-i-Noor_old_version_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t2H72tXUA5o/ThrlD1zOiDI/AAAAAAAAAIw/owxm-FUvzFc/s200/Koh-i-Noor_old_version_copy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kohinoor</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httptattusheb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312239335&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Really, it is a test for all those who say that Europeans looted all our wealth, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koh-i-Noor">Kohinoor</a> and our brains! But at least they are in some museum or the other and making us think about our history. Now, our wealth is in our hands. It’s depending on Indians on its future. The same who support <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKNyKkE-FPk">corruption, nepotism, bribery, scams, vandalisms</a>, writing names + love symbol on historical buildings and God knows what all! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>As my humble opinion, if I can have one on this matter, I prefer the second way. We should keep this for display and protect it. Now what should be done with that income? Now, I have missed the big word that is ‘Secularism’ altogether! But I would go with being ‘Fair’ rather than ‘Secular’. I think the wealth should be used for the poorer Temples and the poor ‘Thantri’s who leaves on 50Rs daily by performing the rituals in those temples. We can help the sweepers and other workers in various temples who struggle for their daily wages. We can set up ‘Vedic Pathshalas or Sanskrit Pathshalas’ as a tribute to a great language and culture. There is no harm in donating a fair part of the income to the government as well for the development of the state or the country. </b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>I also think we should not build a separate Museum. But instead it should be built inside the temple premises itself, or buy land near the temple and build it there as a part of the temple. It would be like a museum but part of the temple.</b></i></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #6aa84f; float: left; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1FeZL9ACBQ/ThrnBTabQLI/AAAAAAAAAI0/JZyQWEwWsWc/s1600/Pyramid-at-Louvre-Museum-Paris-France_1600x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1FeZL9ACBQ/ThrnBTabQLI/AAAAAAAAAI0/JZyQWEwWsWc/s200/Pyramid-at-Louvre-Museum-Paris-France_1600x1200.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Louvre</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Now the museum or whatever we build should be like a ‘<a href="http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en">Louvre</a>’ and not like any other museum. It should be protected with apt security and not like our other museum from where <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Raja Ravi Varma’s paintin</a>gs were <a href="http://www.museum-security.org/?p=2594">stolen</a> like they were being stolen from an abandoned building. </b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Now the question will be asked who will build the ‘museum’. If the government builds it, naturally the income also should go to the government. I think the Devasom Board which has a lot of money; together with the Palace and contributions from other ‘Bhaktas’ [I won’t say only Hindus, Bhaktas in the sense whoever wants to contribute] can cover the expenses of the same. </b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agrv6IBwX04/ThroQHwozeI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JNnoOLupqMo/s1600/kovalam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-agrv6IBwX04/ThroQHwozeI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JNnoOLupqMo/s200/kovalam.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Add caption</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVrxhQdApZ4/ThroeP-1EsI/AAAAAAAAAI8/oqEGpkTGurc/s1600/wpe6C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVrxhQdApZ4/ThroeP-1EsI/AAAAAAAAAI8/oqEGpkTGurc/s200/wpe6C.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Vivekananda Rock - Kanyakumari</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i style="color: #6aa84f;">It should be a thing which India can be proud of. Marketing can be great as <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Kovalam</a> is nearby and also <a href="http://www.kanyakumari.tn.nic.in/tourist.htm">Kanyakumari.</a> So both Pilgrims and Tourists will be attracted to the display. That’s why the display should be part of the temple itself. Lets hope something fair will materialize and India can be proud of the temple and the wealth.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">P.S: Opinions, as I said are like ‘bodyparts’, everyone has one! So please spare me of your abuses. But the ‘bodyparts are welcome! </div><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Update on 12th July</b></span> : The raja of Thiruvithancore, Sri Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma , has made his opinion clear that all the wealth belongs to the God. Heres the link to the <a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/padmanabhaswamy-temple-wealth-belongs-to-god/166754-3.html">interview</a> . He had already<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2210758.ece"> told the Supreme Court</a> that none of it belongs to him.<br />
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Thanks!tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-18796580646178378442011-07-09T20:15:00.002+05:302011-07-09T20:24:15.226+05:30Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple - The wealthiest in India cont.Hello people,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aovin2dMy8/ThhaRvFRwxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/kLuHrmZ71YM/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aovin2dMy8/ThhaRvFRwxI/AAAAAAAAAGg/kLuHrmZ71YM/s200/8.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uthradam Thirunal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the Supreme Court of India has <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2210758.ece">stalled the opening of the 6th vault for now</a>, and as the media personnel have breathing space, the current Raja of Thiruvithancore [no official power nor the Title remains]- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uthradom_Thirunal_Marthanda_Varma">Uthradam Thirunal</a>, who is 80 years old- has clarified to the Apex court that neither he nor anyone of his relatives wants any share of the wealth found and he is just a ‘Padmanabhadasa’ [Deity's servent] as were his predecessors. The fact that their clan knew of the whole thing and even after having full control of the temple [It is run through the trust from the Palace] have not even thought of taking any part of it and also were successful in keeping is safe and secure is creditable and that shows their character. That’s the<a href="http://tattushenoi.blogspot.com/2011/07/sri-padmanabhaswami-temple-welthiest-in.html"> ‘trust’ factor </a>that I mentioned at the beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwAxJniSw3k/ThhfS1c7jPI/AAAAAAAAAGk/zT7H2QOEMkA/s1600/South_India_in_AD_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwAxJniSw3k/ThhfS1c7jPI/AAAAAAAAAGk/zT7H2QOEMkA/s200/South_India_in_AD_300.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ay Kingdom - Southern tip</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEQTRs2HJM8/Thhfdtwj7tI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vU22WbZToG4/s1600/Map_of_Samoothiris_kingdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEQTRs2HJM8/Thhfdtwj7tI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vU22WbZToG4/s200/Map_of_Samoothiris_kingdom.jpg" width="160" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Venad- down south</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The temple is said, by the historians, to have been built by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ay_kingdom">Ay rajas</a>, who ruled at the end of the first millennium. Their reign coincided with the end of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chera_dynasty">Chera dynasty</a> and then a new Kingdom, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venad">Kingdom of Venad</a>, took over the temple and the south of Kerala. They added <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matha">Mutts</a> for visitors stay and also added to wealth of the temple. The wealth came through various means like gifts and also as present when some social issue was solved by the temple. Even elephants were received as gifts! An important contributor to the temple from the Venad kingdom was Bhootala Veera Marthanda Varma. He expanded the territory of Venad upto present day Tirunelveli in Tamilnadu. There is even a sculpture of him in Satya Vagisvarar temple in Tirunalveli. Venads history after Bhootala Veera was filled with tensions, internal tensions and clashes, and the temple was shut down for most of the time due to circumstantial inconvenience. It may have been possible that the wealth of man prominent Kings were kept in the temple for safety or donated to the temple during that time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y87rUL2erjM/ThhgXINpSNI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Alr_96bKh5M/s1600/Ettuveedan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y87rUL2erjM/ThhgXINpSNI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Alr_96bKh5M/s200/Ettuveedan.jpg" width="98" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ettuveedan - Ettuveettil Pilla</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The temple, then, was run by a group called ‘<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ettara_Yogam">Ettarayogam</a></i>’ [Eight and a half group]. It consisted of ‘Pottys’ from 7 prominent families, one ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nair">Nair</a> Tharavadu’ and King as the half. [Koovakkara Potti, Vanchiyur Attiyara Potty, Kollur Attiyara Potty, Muttavila Potty, Neythassheri Potty, Karuva Potty, Sri Karyattu Potty, Palliyadi Karanatta Kuruppu were the ones with the right to vote].The treasurers of sorts were ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ettuveetil_Pillai">Ettuveettil Pillamar</a>’. During the clashes the Pillas and the King were on the opposite sides. Using this to their advantage, the Dutch, who were in Cochin spread their roots across Venad. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCjwl5CAtMc/ThhhO96uazI/AAAAAAAAAGw/FZIJuKSUJAM/s1600/Marthandan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCjwl5CAtMc/ThhhO96uazI/AAAAAAAAAGw/FZIJuKSUJAM/s200/Marthandan.jpg" width="147" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anizham Thirunal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in 1729, a strong-willed and farsighted King- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anizham_Thirunal_Marthanda_Varma">Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma</a> [reignal years 1729 – 1758] - took over and successfully suppressed the uprisings and also reigned in the clashes. The Travancore Kings have their names preceded by their birth star. So ‘Anizham’ is the birth star of Marthanda Varma. He is said, again, by the historians, to have contributed most to the temple. He captured and recaptured provinces in the north up to Cochin and defeated the Dutch in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Colachel">battle of ‘Coletchal’ in 1741</a>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustachius_De_Lannoy">Admiral Eustatius De Lennoy</a> who led the Dutch made donations to the temple. <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article2211509.ece">Historians say</a>, that explains the finding of Dutch coins Belgian cut-glasses and diamonds and Portuguese coins in the vaults. <o:p></o:p></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y3HdgIBXd0/Thhhm-ZtgyI/AAAAAAAAAG0/yAmmgJFsylg/s1600/800px-De_Lannoy_Surrender.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y3HdgIBXd0/Thhhm-ZtgyI/AAAAAAAAAG0/yAmmgJFsylg/s200/800px-De_Lannoy_Surrender.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dutch Surrender</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Thiruvithancore Kings are called or self-confessed ‘Padmanabha Dasas’ or Gods servants. This was initiated by Anizham Thirunal, in 1749-50 as he gifted his Kingdom to the deity. The function was called ‘Thrippadi Danam’. He announced, after gifting his sword to the deity - that henceforth the Kings of Thiruvithancore will be just the representatives of Sri Padmanabha and the deity was the ruler of the Kingdom. Before this ceremony, he re built the temple somewhat taken-aback [I won’t say ruined] by the internal clashes of Venad. He took 10000 ‘Kazhanj’ gold from the Dutch in return to pepper in 1939. The Dutch artifacts clarify this was used for a ceremony called ‘Hiranyagarbham’ at the temple. Anizham Thirunal had decided that Sri Padmanabhaswami temple was going to be his center even though he had his sword undergo religious ‘pooja’ at <a href="http://incrediblekumari.blogspot.com/2011/03/thiruvattar-sri-adikesava-perumal.html">Thiruvattar Adikesha temple</a> in present day <a href="http://maps.google.co.in/maps?hl=en&q=thirvattar&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1440&bih=756&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl">Kanyakumari</a> before going to war with the Dutch. The present ‘Vigraha’ was built by a ‘shilpi’ called ‘Balaranyakoni Devan’. The ‘Vigraha’ is about 18 foot and can be seen only from 3 doors as stated before. The ‘Ottakkal Mandapam’ was built using a single rock procured from ‘Thirumala’ a place near present day Thiruvanathapuram. </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDNV6n1xwaE/ThhlWZpUOrI/AAAAAAAAAG4/GWly6GAOCco/s1600/Kodimaram_by_lalframes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDNV6n1xwaE/ThhlWZpUOrI/AAAAAAAAAG4/GWly6GAOCco/s1600/Kodimaram_by_lalframes.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kodimaram</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The teak wood for the ‘Kodimaram’[Flagstaff] was brought from ‘Kakkachal’ in present day Tamil nadu. Historical artifacts reveal that there were 4000 skilled workers, 6000 ‘koolis’ and 100 elephants for the construction. <o:p></o:p></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzdIGjAcNDM/Thhlxow32sI/AAAAAAAAAG8/f90zksykWDg/s1600/14VZVIJREG2TULABHAR_269001f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzdIGjAcNDM/Thhlxow32sI/AAAAAAAAAG8/f90zksykWDg/s200/14VZVIJREG2TULABHAR_269001f.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A tulabharam Ceremony</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The coronation ceremony was preceded by a ceremony called ‘Hiranyagarbham’. Before that in ‘Tulapurushadanam’ or tulabharam gold coins to match Kings Weight were distributed to Brahmans. Then King walked into a big 10 ft. x 8 ft. vessel in shape of ‘Tamara’ which is filled with ‘Panchagavya’. The vessel was then shut for around 10 minutes and Vedic chants were recited. This was called ‘Padmagarbham’. Then the King came out and the crown was placed on his head. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xl6hBgb_Ga8/Thhoy-p7n2I/AAAAAAAAAHA/y4jBFZOKTlE/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xl6hBgb_Ga8/Thhoy-p7n2I/AAAAAAAAAHA/y4jBFZOKTlE/s200/IMG_0106.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Painguni Festival</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He wore the crown only on that day as the King was Padmanabha dasa and the Kingdom was supposed to be of Padmanabha - the deity. The rituals that were there in Anizham Thirunal’s time are continued even today. Festivals like ‘Alppashi’ and ‘Painguni’ are examples were the King is involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HInC8fhUA9A/ThhpU8J9mcI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Mt-Rnb8KAF8/s1600/glb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HInC8fhUA9A/ThhpU8J9mcI/AAAAAAAAAHE/Mt-Rnb8KAF8/s200/glb.png" width="196" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rani Gowri Lakshmi Bai</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later, when we go into the British East India company time, Colonel Munro was appointed the Resident of Cochin and Thiruvithancore.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gowri_Lakshmi_Bayi"> Rani Gowri Lakshmi Bai</a>, the Thiruvithancore Queen then, appointed Munro as the ‘Divan’. Munro found the wide spread corruption in the temple run under the ‘Ettara Yogam’. He brought it under government control. Even though now the temple is run by a trust from the Palace, the ‘Ettara Yogam’ is asked for suggestions for rituals and festivals as a custom.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0xsmhPZsR0/ThhrCpIHgUI/AAAAAAAAAHI/FcJ4LbPRZGA/s1600/Chithira_Thirunal_Balarama_Varma%25252C_last_ruling_maharaja_of_Travancore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0xsmhPZsR0/ThhrCpIHgUI/AAAAAAAAAHI/FcJ4LbPRZGA/s200/Chithira_Thirunal_Balarama_Varma%25252C_last_ruling_maharaja_of_Travancore.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chithira Thirunal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chithira_Thirunal">Chithira Thirunal balarama Varma</a> at the helm when India became independent. It is said, that he opened the temple doors for the untouchables[who were not allowed to enter then] when Mahatma Gandhi requested him to do so. He also agreed to the joint state of Kerala, even though he was initially skeptical as Cochin, which he considered enemies of his predecessors, was also going to be a part of the same state. He was the last ruling King of Thiruvithancore as the official powers were stripped off after Independence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I will write about the things found next.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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Thanks!tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3374342214328820498.post-29370574802980483962011-07-08T14:11:00.011+05:302011-07-09T20:45:53.442+05:30Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple - The wealthiest in India.Hello people,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4C4jXDhKkw/ThhrwWX5g4I/AAAAAAAAAHM/TYV5m91b5S0/s1600/templey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4C4jXDhKkw/ThhrwWX5g4I/AAAAAAAAAHM/TYV5m91b5S0/s200/templey.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>For the last week, it has been going on like a movie script. Trust, treasure, devotion, debates, anxiety, curiousness, proudness, fear, happiness – every emotion and thoughts are going through the minds of the people from <a href="http://maps.google.co.in/maps?hl=en&q=Kerala&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1601l2193l0l6l4l0l2l2l0l301l497l0.1.0.1l2&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=911&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl">Kerala</a> a small state on the southernmost tip of India. The fact that I am one them makes me write about this! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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It has been a week since the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13994351">Supreme Court of India ordered</a> opening of the vaults in <a href="http://maps.google.co.in/maps?hl=en&q=Kerala&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1601l2193l0l6l4l0l2l2l0l301l497l0.1.0.1l2&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=911&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl">Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple, </a>citing a private petition, in which the petitioner said he wanted to make sure the temple authorities, - the temple is run by a trust consisting of the royal family of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travancore">Thiruvithancore</a>[present day Thiruanathapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and parts of Kottayam] – managing the accounts without any misappropriation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wybrtn27cIY/ThhvUEs1nDI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/hGElbwwbDOg/s1600/travancore_map1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wybrtn27cIY/ThhvUEs1nDI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/hGElbwwbDOg/s200/travancore_map1.jpg" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thiruvithancore map</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fECeyHeNASA/ThhvzEtOy4I/AAAAAAAAAHU/WUTuPV6uVN0/s1600/50000-crore-gold-treasure-sree-padmanabhaswamy-temple-thiruvananthapuram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fECeyHeNASA/ThhvzEtOy4I/AAAAAAAAAHU/WUTuPV6uVN0/s200/50000-crore-gold-treasure-sree-padmanabhaswamy-temple-thiruvananthapuram.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Vigraha of Sri Padmnabha</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>There were 6 vaults to be opened in all. 2 of them were not opened for more than 150 years! Surprise of some kind was expected to be found. But it really conjured up something much bigger. <span style="color: orange;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Latest assumptions are in the range of $22 billion</span></b></i>.</span> The least valuable metal found was silver. Everything else was gold, or diamonds or rubies or emeralds or pearls! There was golden ‘<i><a href="http://vedabase.net/v/vigraha">vigraha</a></i>’ [the word meaning embodiment] – the idol of the deity - studded with valuable stones. There were golden coconuts and even golden brooms [those were meant to dust the ‘<i>vigraha</i>’! ‘<i>Sharappolimala</i>’ which is a kind of a garland to be adorned on the deity was 18 feet and was fully gold studded with stones! The ‘<i>vigraha</i>’ itself is in a lying position symbolizing ‘<i>Anantasayanam</i>’ – meaning Maha Vishnu [the God] is posture in ‘Yognidra’ or eternal penance on the body of ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananta">Ananta’</a> the snake. The word ‘Ananta means ‘infinity’ or ‘Entirety’! It symbolizes that Vishnu is lying over infinity or that he is everywhere. The word ‘Vishnu’ itself means ‘Prevading over’ and ‘NU’ meaning over everything. Below the deity is supposed to be the Arabian sea, though it’s not verified.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple in 1931</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b49ta8UVdAU/ThhwQeC49tI/AAAAAAAAAHY/0-VscNqEuSM/s1600/krishnacarvedshankha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b49ta8UVdAU/ThhwQeC49tI/AAAAAAAAAHY/0-VscNqEuSM/s200/krishnacarvedshankha.jpg" width="124" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shankha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There is a underground path towards ‘<a href="http://maps.google.co.in/maps?hl=en&q=shankhumukham&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1174l3445l0l13l11l0l0l0l0l232l1682l1.6.4l11&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=911&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl">Shankumukham</a>’ a nearby beach which was very active during the 14<sup>th</sup> to 19<sup>th</sup> century. ‘<i>ShankhuMukham</i>’ means the mouth of the ‘<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shankha">Shankha</a>’</i> or seashell which is regarded in India as one of the ‘Panchavadyas ‘or five important musical instruments. When blown, it should emit a long, loud and sonorous sound like ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Om">OM</a>’. It is also considered to medicinally valuable. Shankha bhasma-bhasma meaning ash - is prepared by soaking the shell in lime juice and calcinating in covered crucibles, ten to twelve times, and finally reducing it to powder ash. Shankha bhasma contains calcium, iron and magnesium and is considered to possess antacid and digestive <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=httptattusheb-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002NHLAK2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>properties. ‘<i>Valampiri Shankhu</i>’ or Dextral Conch-shell, served as the state emblem of Thiruvithancore and it can still be seen on the emblem of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala"> Kerala state</a>. The deity can be vied through 3 doors. One for Lord Shiva one for Brahma and the other for Lord Vishnu. </div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQtIsXfRnV0/ThhwfBmvJtI/AAAAAAAAAHc/2MlcHiHTOrk/s1600/shankha.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQtIsXfRnV0/ThhwfBmvJtI/AAAAAAAAAHc/2MlcHiHTOrk/s1600/shankha.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden Shankha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Going into the history of the temple, the temple dates back to 8th century AD. Reference about the temple can be found in ancient scriptures like ‘Brahma Puranam’ , ‘Brahmanda Puranam’, ‘Skanda Puranam’, ‘Matsya Puranam’ and ‘Padma Puranam’. Historians say that the temple was constructed by Chera Dynasty. After the dynasty weakened, it was part of Kingdom of ‘Venad’ – present day – south central Kerala. The ‘Vigraha is said to be made of 12500 ‘Saligramas’ brought from the kingdom of Nepal. It took two and half years for 25000 Saligramas were presented by the King of Nepal and elephants were used as the mode of transport! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">to be continued</span>...,<br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;">P.S: Please add to the info if you have any regarding this post...<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>, </div></div><br />
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Thanks!tattushenoihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667361497246004427noreply@blogger.com0