Saturday, April 3, 2010

Chepauk - MCC

Stepped inside Chepauk (Madras Cricket Club) after 10 years. Today was the IPL T20 match between CSK and RR. What a performance from the CSK team, individual credit and applause goes to M. Vijay for his awesome knock and classy bowling from Bolinger.

It was indeed a treat for me, as I happen to experience a live match with many records set and previous records broken; I was told that the total scored by CSK was the highest in IPL history and aggregate score was again the highest IPL tournament. Most number of sixes, individual scores, the list keeps on going. . . .

Nothing like watching a live match with million of people around you with their high decibels. Each and everyone calling aloud for their favorite sport stars, whenever they are in action on the ground. Topping it all was my guruji Sivamani with his touches on the drums making the entire stadium roar. . . .

The renovation work needs applause; chepauk already had its beauty and especially after the work it looks even more elegant and awesome. The entire civil team needs a pat in their back for the meticulous work. To sum it up the whole stadium was like an island standing bold amidst the busiest place of Chennai and proving the level of the second best ground in the world.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Nostalgic

It was the time for reunion of the school and college friends at Bangalore. The occasion was my good friend Appu’s (Arvind) marriage (he was the last one to tie the knot) in our gang.

It all started off with a good drive from Chennai to Bangalore with another friend Subbu. Enjoyed the 4.5 hours drive and after checking in couple of chilled bottles of barley water (what more you expect after a good drive) was served. By late evening almost al the friends checked in from other parts of the globe and we were gearing up for the wedding reception. Had a great time at the reception and followed by the lengthy daru session kicking off at one of the rooms.

The session had lots of emotions shared upon. Happiness, sorrow, difference of opinions, minor quarrels, neglects and sentiments. End of the day we were all the same old little school kids or college dudes painted us as corporate honchos/managers/businessmen sitting under one roof happily tasting the same drink we had 10-15 years back. We covered almost all the topics ranging a span of 15 years and shrinking it to 5 hours.

Apart from pulling each other’s child hood stuffs, we thanked all our teachers/lecturers/principals and mentors for what we are today and without their support we wouldn’t have reached this milestone. Finally the time came to depart with lots of hugs and little of tears, exchanged/updated mail ids & mobile no’s. . . I am sure this trip would remain fresh in everyone’s mind and heart, not forgetting to thank Appu for bringing us together. :)

Happy married life – Arvind and Shwetha!!!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Creamest of all..................

My recent hogging was at “Cream Center”; this restaurant serves good Indian and continental cuisines. In addition they also serve some lip smacking tangy desi chats . . . out of the world taste; for sometime I went back to my childhood days I spent at Mumbai. The ambience is simple and good and so are their service; very good customer service and the baristas as friendly and warm.

I started off with their signature starter “American corn balls” followed by thick vegetable soup (unlike the usual soups we get). The briyani was very different and so were their lunch combos. I opted for pasta from their wide choices available. Well I was not disappointed at all; the preparation was authentic and delicious.

Finally, it was the time for the deserts . . . they did not disappoint me here as well. My craving for the Mumbai “Golla” was accomplished at Cream Center, though the look was not the same as amchi Mumbai but the taste indeed was; especially the “khalakatta” flavor.

My best wishes to the owner and the team of CREAM CENTER. I would rate 7 in a scale of 10 and CC is a must visit place.

Improvement: Air-conditioning is poor; they really need to work on that.

Friday, February 26, 2010

SACHIN - LORD of the GAME

Very recently people were talking about his retirement, fitness levels and paving way to youngsters and all sorts of criticism actively going on. . . . here comes the master blaster with yet another world record of 200 runs by an individual in an One day International Cricket match, , , February 24th 2010 has been recorded as yet another great day for this little LORD of the GAME.

He speaks from his bat unlike others doing the chit chatting all over. Criticism coming from BALL to BAL, Pitches to People, Seamers to Senseless; his reply has always been from his WOOD which really weighs heavy. The latest found synonym for the word MODEST is SACHIN I must say.

Way to go Sachin, I pray to the almighty to give you the full support to achieve more milestones in the coming years.

Memorable day in CRICKET: February 24th 2010.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

1411 . . . . declining!!!

We all are lost and feel handicapped knowing the numbers of our nation’s treasure, national animal, part of our prestigious national emblem – our TIGERS. . .

From 40,000 they have come down to a meager 1411 across India. The statistics are very disturbing and alarming. It’s the highest alert to us and we need to act ASAP!!!

I wish we invent and find out ways to protect the species which is fast fading off from existence; generation to come would put the TIGERS on the same slot of where we have placed DINOSAURS.

Articles and news claim that hunting is still going on at some parts of our country which is ruthless and a barbaric act done my the six-sense living thing. I sincerely wish the law has to be really strict with this sect and put an end to the menace caused.

My heartiest appreciation to the WWF and Aircel for this initiative which is never late and we all could still do a bit to make a huge difference. I have joined this move and wish to have a lengthy list enrolled to the cause.

Have a strong mind and soul to browse around http://saveourtigers.com/

Monday, January 11, 2010

FIRST LOOK


One more reason to be a happy Chennaite. I was privileged to watch a tennis match LIVE; have been watching in TV for so many years. Not even in my wildest dreams I thought of watching it LIVE.

I was thrilled to get a call Thursday, Jan 8th, 2010 from my friend for the match. I was on cloud 9 entering the stadium, my spirits and enthusiasm was to the highest levels. The stadium was 60-70% occupied and the excitement was building on and on and on. . .

The stadium was sparkling under the flood-lights and I wish I had an over view, it would have been like a shining diamond amidst a dark forest. My expectation and excitement was rising till the first serve came from Wawrinka (SUI), he has become one of my favorite players. 4.5 hours of non-stop action on and off the court. I meant the food stalls at the venue, right from H2O to aerated drinks, from wraps to burgers, you name it and you have it served fresh and hot. Both my hungers were well take care off.

This would be one of my best memories I would cherish. End of the day, one of my childhood desires have come true (the list is slowing shrinking).

SDAT (Sports Development Authority of India) have done a remarkable job, the construction of the stadium is truly mind blowing. The entire team deserves an appreciation from every ardent tennis fan of Chennai. I would like to mention to the team, it would be great if they could throw some light to the maintenance of the same, by then the look would ever remain new and classy.

Happy playing and watching!!