The Kiss After The Cup

The storyline cannot get better than this.

You have a pretty girl friend.

She accompanies you as go about doing your job.

She is not "just another WAG", but a professional doing her duties.

You are the captain of the national football team.

She is considered to be the sexiest television presenter.

Your team is considered as one of the the favorites to win the Cup. And you lose the first game.

She criticizes you in front of the entire nation when you do badly.

You are the man in charge of stopping the goals.

And when you miss stopping one, she is accused of distracting you.

As you take giant steps towards that greatest milestone, she beams with pride.

And when you are crowned the World Champion, she is right there interviewing you as the television show is broadcast right across your victorious nation.

She asks you about your victory.

You beam with pride as you speak about your country's champion status.

You are the nation's hero.

And you are her hero.

She is your love.

You express your love and affection for her by giving her a sweet kiss - right there on live television.

Well, this is the story of the victorious Spanish Football captain Iker Casillas and his beautiful girlfriend Sara Carbonero.

Catch Iker express his love for his lady right below

What Got Me Started?

Every thing that one does is driven by a single spark that gets it started.

Blogging is an activity which I try to pursue regularly. 

Way back in 2005, it was this blog - titled Filter Coffee - which got me hooked onto the world of blogging.

It all started with following this blogger's post on the Company's intra-net. 

These were the initial days of blogging and everyone was new to the concept of blogging. Later the blogger stopped posting his posts on the intra-net and limited himself to the internet only.

I followed him there. 

What made me attracted to his posts?

First of all, the blog was generously spiced up with pictures. The pictures were simple. Each of the pictures had a superb quote with it. This quote gave words and superb meaning to those static images.

The pictures were elegant. The words with it were thoughtful. The blog made for a good read everyday.

Maybe thats when I decided to start with my own blog. But the lack of regular access to internet, and generous time for self to pursue this passion held me back.

But finally I got an opportunity to start my own blog in October 2007. I got a URL of my choice and I was happy. 

I had been thinking about the name of my blog for sometime before registering it on the internet. In my busy work schedule back then, all I got was a moment to surf up the internet and read a story of my choice. That's how my blog was christened "A Moment Please".

Lack of a personal computer and limited access to the internet made me  passive blogger for a year and a half. However, with every opportunity, I attempted to write about a story which made me say - A Moment Please - on that day.

It was not until May 2009 that I started being a regular blogger. And today as I write this line, I look up at the heavens and say a small Thank You - for providing me this opportunity.

Blogging has given me an opportunity to improve my writing skills - something that I was poor at while in school. My essays, back in the school examinations, were miserable to say the least. The score did not go beyond a measly 3 or 4 on a scale of 10.

I have been trying to improve the content of my blogs. The writing is still in the evolving phase and I think there is a tremendous room for improvement.

Hoping to get good ideas, strong support and good learning opportunities in this wonderful world of blogging!!

Football World Cup Finals 2010

The Football [Soccer] World Cup is drawing to a close in South Africa tomorrow.

It has been a month and 62 matches since the start of the mega event.

Just two teams remain in the battle!

The time has come for a new champion to be crowned!!

Spain and the Netherlands will be seeking glory as they will fight it out tomorrow in the World Cup Finals. 

It will be one of the most widely watched event across the world.

Lets have a look at a few things which made news in this World Cup.

Starting with the game itself.

Spain - the reigning European champions made it to the finals for the first time on the world stage, shedding their tag as the glorious under performers. A superb team effort was the driving point. 

The Netherlands also made it to the final - a significant achievement for a team which underperformed in the last two editions. Never to have won the Cup, a lot of expectation is riding on the Dutch team.

Germany - a nation which didn't have any hope from its novice team - saw its team play the semi finals - only to lose to Spain. Today itself they are regarded as the best bets for the next Cup.

Uruguay also made it to the semi finals, albeit for a shameless hand ball by Luis Suarez in the dying minutes of the quarter finals against Ghana.

The teams which carried a a lot of expectations - Brazil and Argentina - were knocked out in the quarter finals.

Portugal and England were eliminated in the Round of 16 itself. The big daddies of European Club football  were clueless on the world stage.

And the finalists from the last edition - Italy and France - were knocked out in the group stages itself.

But today, with the World Cup final just a day away, I have one thought - does it matter if you are knocked out in the first round or in the semi finals? 

I think it doesn't!!

Everyone is here to win the Cup. The gravity of the loss is the same everywhere.

Coming to individual stars, the World Cup has put many players on the pedestal where they will be worshiped like demi-gods.

First is David Villa. The man has been the single most differentiating factor in the Spanish line up, scoring five goals till date.

Next come W. Sneijder. He is the man who has put the Dutch in the finals.

Mirosalav Klose has continued with his superb form in the World Cup matches. He has 14 goals under his belts, and is just two goals away from a World Cup record.

The German team has given birth to several stars of the future - Thomas Mueller, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski et all.

And this Cup was considered as the swan song of the golden generation from England - Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Frank Lampard.

What else made news at the Cup?

First it was Shakira for her Waka Waka. Shakira is set to close the cup with this song.

Then you had K'naan for his glorious Song - Wavin Flag.

Paul, the octopus from Germany, made his mark for being an accurate forecaster. Till date, he predicted the winners of six matches in the Cup - all of them turned out to be correct. 

The Spanish people hope that he is correct - after all he has predicted that Spain will win the Cup. The Germans hate him. And the bookies want to capture him. 

Diego Maradona promised to run naked if Argentina won the Cup. Thankfully they didn't.

Larissa Riquelme, a Paraguayan model, promised to imitate Maradona if Paraguay reached the semi finals. They didn't and the people were disappointed. Not wanting to let them down, she let her clothes down to celebrate her country's great run at the Cup.

The referees made blunders. Sepp Blatter lost his face, and promised more technological support the next time on.

The Vevezulas made themselves heard. 

The Jabulani - with or without its flaws - made the goals look beautiful.

South Africa and Africa made its mark. People will not forget the country and the continent in near future. Finally it is - This time for Africa!!

This is the month when every other sports event took a back seat. I did not care about the Formula 1 championships. I did not care about the Wimbledon. I did not care about cricket. Only one thing mattered - the Football World Cup.

My team for the finals is Spain. 

Hope that the Spanish Armada rolls through successfully in one more match, to be crowned as the Champions.

Whats In A Name?

A popular facebook application gives the meaning of your Name. It is  specifically designed for Hindu Names.

Where does that people like me whose meaning does not have a meaning, if Facebook is to be believed?

:-( :-( :-(

That answer left me so sad.

Shakespeare said - What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

But then, can you feel something unknown? I doubt. 

But then should I be really sad about something which has given me my identity - even though it doesn't have a supposed meaning? 

As an after thought, the answer would be a resounding No!!

This was the label which gives an identity to my face.

This was the label which made me stand out from the rows of babies in the hospital - just a few days after my birth.

This was the label which called out by my teacher everyday - for registering my attendance at school.

This was the label which was tagged to my shirt  (with my address) - to ensure that I reach home safely in case I get lost.

This was the label which my friends called on for a game of cricket.

This is the label which identifies me on all my academic qualifications. 

This is the label which identifies me in the professional world.

When called out aloud, this label makes me feel that someone still remembers me.

This is the label for all my online identities (now is that really important?)

And finally this is the label which will identify me forever (hopefully!!) 

Do these thoughts make me a bit happy??

Certainly they do :-) :-)

And I Thank God and my parents for my name!!

Smart Career Advice

All of us strive for just one thing.

Making Things Better, in all spheres of our life!!

Trust you would agree.

And if you do, check out this interesting article which gives you good career advice on these very lines.

The ideas put forth in this short article is excellent, precise, concise and up to the point.

And this book - Innovate: 90 days to transform your business - by Dr. Rekha Shetty proposes to be an worthwhile read.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

This is what I thought when I saw a few pictures of some beautiful children, girls and ladies.

The pictures are taken by one Denis Moore. Not sure who he is. Tried to find it out on the internet - but was unsuccessful. 

These things apart, one part was certain - the subject of the pictures conveyed a lot of thoughts.

Here are my views on the emotion, the thought, the feeling, the spirit put forth by these beautiful pictures.

Starting with the babies fist.

Will it break if I push it a bit more? Let me try.

This is a picture of a young baby girl sitting in a garden, oblivious to her surroundings, playing with a single thread of grass. 

The picture reflects the innocence of little children - how a single piece of simple grass can capture her attention in a world laced with complex things. And their attempt to discover unknown things.

Am I flying? Will I take off? 

This is what the little baby girl seems to be thinking as a strong gush of wind sets her wonderful little hair in motion and lifts her spirit.

Moving on to the girls and the ladies.

Stone cold.

Supreme coldness and iciness seems to reflect on the face of this lady. Her face seems to echo concentration and sometimes anger. The eyes are piercing, to say the least.

What is he up to?

This seems to be on the minds of this pretty girl as she hides behind a pillar, with her sight firmly set on the thing she is observing. She doesn't want to give herself away. But at the same time, she doesn't want her to lose her sight.

This makes her a tigress observing her prey, getting ready for her next assault.

I'm angry!! Why did you leave me when I wanted you the most? Next time, I will not be letting you anywhere near me. That's your punishment.

This is what this gal in her rumpled hair, with minimal clothing. just managing to cover her assets, seems to be telling her man - seething with anger.

Am I alluring? Does my curly hair with this green skirt with air blowing right through it make me look tempting?

It does, Miss Green.

Oh God, Thank You so much for what all You have done for me.

Looking up to the heaven, this lady seems to reflect upon her inner self beneath the infinite sky, praying to God for all the good things He has done for her.

Lying down on what looks to be fresh land, she is making the best out of a rare moment of bliss.

What will be my next line? 

This is what seems to be on the mind of this pretty girl as she contemplates penning down her thoughts.

Is there any better place to lie down, dressed casually, think and write down your memoirs than the comfort of your bed? 

She say - "There isn't". I agree.

It's been long since I walked with my bare feet on the earth. Does it feel the same it used to when I was a child? 

My ascent in the world of fashion has given "leather" multiple opportunities to kiss my lovely feet. But I crave for that wonderful soft, moist earth.

This has made the lady take her little sandals in her hands as she prepares to walk.

All alone, sitting on a ridge, staring at the skyline stretching unto infinity - this girl is reflecting her inquisitiveness.

What is it down there? Is it a rock or a small plant or a minute animal or something else? It's not known. But the desire to find out is urging her to check out that thing.

You are never alone. And when you are, such small things hold your attention.

I'm tired and need to relax. Let me have a power nap.

And what better way to relax than by catching a quick short nap. When the head needs a rest and a pillow is not in sight, you need to rely on your own soft knees. The refreshing nap is just priceless!! 

Work keeps you busy. God keeps you going. 

And to pray to Him, all you need is a personal moment of solitude. The location does not matter. The only things that count are your thoughts for Him.

Is someone following me? 

This looks to be on the mind of this pretty girl with alluring red lip color, as she walks on an empty street. The turn of the head is momentary as her eyes scan the horizon for someone threatening.

And the weight of the secret she is carrying is evident in her eyes. 

Dreams!! You need not be on your bed, about to sleep, to dream about something. 

The peaceful environs of a lush green garden, in the cool comforts of a tree's shadow, can set your mind on some wonderful thoughts. 

Her thoughts are however privy to only herself.

Am I pretty? Will he find me attractive? 

This is what the girl seems to be thinking in an enticing black dress, with a short skirt, with matching heels and an elegant matching hat as she waits for her beau in a garden. 

She doesn't mind throwing caution to the wind - as she sits on a simple staircase ignoring the fact that the dust can spoil her dress. Her own beauty has captured her imagination.

Freshness!!

She is an epitome of freshness - with her "just out of the bath" looks. The hair is disheveled but it does not hide her beauty. On the other hand, it makes her look more attractive.

The thoughts of the coming day seem to hold her attention. And her sight is set on that long drawn goal - thinking about steps to be taken to bring it closer.

What's that on the horizon?

Just out of the water, the lady absorbs what she has just seen. She doesnt want to give her away - with less than half her head out of the water.

Her eyes are absolutely magical. And she reflects amazing confidence. and poise. The small drops of water on her forehead makes her simply charismatic.

All in all, the thoughts conveyed by these pictures was simply amazing. Catch up with the complete list here.

Hats off to the photographer who captured these moments. And to the models who essayed the moods perfectly.

The pictures were simply divine. 

Sore Losers

Reading a news article about the ICC Presidential Elections made me contemplate writing a blog post with this topic.

However, later I changed my mind. Why should I be spreading "mild" hatred through my personal blog.

But it was not to be. Another article that I read yesterday made me confirm one fact.

Aussie cricket players, administrators et all are sore losers.

What makes me say this?

First of all - the Aussie cricketers. They are widely attributed of introducing the big bad concept of sledging into the cricketing world. 

This has spoiled many a moods during several cricket games. And has led to unsavory incidents which could better have been avoided. 

The focus shifts from the cricketing skills to the verbal duels. And to my opinion, you should let your game do the talking - rather that your silly mouth.

If this was not enough, John Howard, the ex Aussie PM has managed to gain this crown.

At the recently concluded ICC elections for the top posts, Indian politician Sharad Pawar was elected as the President.

Howard was the nominee for the Vice-President's post. Needing seven votes to secure a victory, he was founding wanting when only three nations - Australia, New Zealand and England supported his candidature. This was backed by several reasons - his lack of cricket administration experience, his criticism for the world record holder Muralitharan, plus criticism against Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe.

The ICC wanted to give him a graceful exit and requested the Australia and NZ cricket board to nominate another acceptable candidate. However, Howard refused to withdraw his nomination.

He could have accpted graceful defeat. But he didn't. Maybe he likes going down fighting. No one would have minded it.

But then you had the ex ICC CEO - Malcolm Speed - offering his own rubbish advice on Howard's loss.

He questioned Mr. Pawar's competence on being a cricket administrator. This is what he had to say.

“The man who is to be the next ICC president, Sharad Pawar, is the minister for agriculture in the Indian government – a serious full-time job, feeding 1.2 billion people. He is a good and fair man but he will be working part-time as ICC president and, take it from me, he knows little about cricket administration,” he said. 

Well, with all due respects, was Mr. Speed an efficient cricket administrator? Did he have a management degree in cricket administration? Did he play cricket ever? At best he is a business man who has run some sports administration in his country.

But so has Mr. Pawar. Plus he has the added advantage of being a politician with a mass people connect. Another plus points include being a noteworthy minister, to say the least, in several Governments.

And if Speed has so many doubts, why didn't he complain when Mr. Pawar was the ICC Vice-President for the last two years.

Howard crossed the limits when he made the following statement - reported in yesterday's online news article.

Howard told Australian television station Channel Nine that Indians should be applauded for their love of cricket but they should be careful not to be seen to dominate the administration of the sport. 

Now, this is absolutely ridiculous.

Has anyone ever told the Aussies that they should not dominate the game of cricket? 

Or has anyone told Brazil that they should be stop dominating Football ? 

Or has anyone told America that they should stop dominating World Politics?

Well, but Mr. Howard does do that and ends up confirming one single fact - that he is a sore loser.