Hillsborough Disaster: Goof-ups, Cover-ups and a long wait!

In what was one of the biggest goof-ups by the English police, not only did they do little to rescue the choking and dying Liverpool supporters crushing (and vomiting to death) against each other and the fence at Hillsborough Football Stadium in Sheffield that fateful April afternoon of 1989, but strangely they didn’t even allow 43 of the 44 ambulances waiting outside from entering the stadium. As if that wasn’t enough, post the incident, they shifted the blame to the fans for the disaster accusing them of rioting and looting under the influence of alcohol. Indeed turning out to be one of the biggest and shameful cover-ups in British history, supported by an irresponsible editor of a leading tabloid, perhaps to sell a few extra copies.

For 23 years, the families of the 96 victims carried the burden of ridiculous false allegations that their "drunken and ill-mannered" sons/daughters/husbands/wives were responsible for their own crushing deaths that afternoon. Although they painfully fought for justice all these years, and even as the independent panel vindicated the fans from all blame, one wonders how much of that can make-up for all that the families went through for these two decades! The period between 1989 to 2012 was far from 'getting over and move on' for many of these folks. Some had to live through the burden. Some committed suicide. Some became mentally unstable. Some marriages collapsed. All of them had one less loved one in their families.

At 10, Jon-Paul Gilhooley was the youngest person to die at Hillsborough. His death and the tragedy inspired his cousin to lead his boyhood team and later, reach the highest level in club and world football- a certain Liverpool legend by the name Steven Gerrard! Stevie G though, undoubtedly, would have traded his entire career for a peaceful and eventless 15^th April 1989!

Adios Andy: Witty lines from Roddick!

After his loss to Juan Martin Del Potro yesterday in the fourth round of the US Open, Andy Roddick bid adieu to the world of professional Tennis! He was my personal favourite of the current lot. And in a generation that produced some legendary rivalries among future hall-of-famers, Roddick stood out as much for his funny quotes as his scud-like serves!

While the Djoker is an on-court buffoon, Roddick's witty statements to the Press made him one lovable guy. Well, at least for me, he was! I'll surely miss the character that was Andy on court, but would love to see him behind the microphone doing commentary. Hey may not have won many tournaments, and may only have one grand slam board etched with his name, but there's little denying that he was one of the news-makers in Tennis, and more often than not, for a right reason! Here are some of his classic verbal serves sourced from various websites:

 Whatever I said last year, just copy it. I'm sure it still fits.
Speaking to the press after losing the first round at the 2006 French Open

 It comes from playing like s**t. Why would I feel confident right now? If that was the case, I don't think we'd be sitting here having this funeral-like press conference. It's just weird because, I used to like hit for a half hour and then go eat Cheetos the rest of the day, come out and drill forehands. Now I'm really trying to make it happen, being professional, really going for it, and I miss my Cheetos.
Speaking with reporters on the source of his frustration and lack of confidence after his loss to Igor Andreev at Indian Wells. 

 "As good as anybody not named Roger."
On his chances at the US Open. 

"Roger Federer has a physical and mental advantage over everybody. He's doing to tennis what Tiger Woods did to golf a few years ago. He is making us all improve."

 "You said it, I didn't. I can't think of anything funny to say that would not get me in trouble. I'm going to leave that one alone."
Replying to a media question as to whether the new long pants worn this year by some of the Spaniards and other players are "too metrosexual." 

 "If I'd known it was going to be this cold, I wouldn't have done it."
On his new short haircut at the Masters Cup in Houston

 "Neither will you."
During an on-line ESPN-sponsored chat answering the accusation "...you suck and you will never win a major again so what do you have to say about that?" 

 "Baah?"
Andy Roddick's answer to the question "What letter in the English language sounds like a female sheep" on the British "Weakest Link". 

 "Hey you guys with the ladder. If you come here I'll buy you pizza." 
Calling out to firefighters in the process of rescuing Roddick and other hotel guests from a fire in Rome. 

 "You're on live TV, you know. You look like a real moron right now." 
Yelling at a chair umpire at Indianapolis

 "That's definitely my most improved shot from last year. I hit a backhand lob winner in the first game, and a backhand passing shot to break. And another one in the tiebreak. I couldn't hit a backhand into the ocean last year." 
On his improved weakness

 "No, if I wore a sleeveless shirt, people would try to feed me after the match. If you got the guns, go for it. I got two breadsticks sticking out of my sleeve. I'll stick with sleeves." 
When asked if he would be going with the sleeveless look

 I'm the most successful bad player ever.

 You guys are brutal. Absolutely brutal. The guy has only made two Grand Slam finals this year. I would love his bad year. I would love it. 
On Roger Federer's 'bad' year

 I threw the kitchen sink at him but he went to the bathroom and got his tub. 
After being being asked how he felt of his own play after losing the Wimbledon 2004 final against Federer

 I'm going to have to start winning some of them to call it a rivalry.
After being asked whether he and Roger Federer had a rivalry that would last for years

There were a few more, but won't be ideal for my blog. Which one of these did you like the most?

An open letter to whomsoever it may concern with cricket

Dear to whomsoever it may concern with Cricket,

I am a cricket fan like countless other Indians & I've been one even before I could get my vocabulory in order. My mom often recalls the time when I was just 1 and a half (Yes, 1&a half), with a small wooden bat in hand, and a left-handers stance, I used to call on to my brother, "aee aee! (bowl bowl!)"

Over the years, the fascination for the game headed north when I saw real 'men' playing in whites, and at times, in my favourite blue. Then along came a certain Sachin Tendulkar. He was just 18 at the time. It was 1991 (a couple of years after his debut). While he was a star in the making, he hadn't attained the demi-god status that he's been unfairly given now. But something about him made me seriously pick up the game, even though I could hardly pick up a 'season' bat.

No matter what, I was there to support you guys. Tigers at home and cats abroad, we were tagged. I didn't care. I was an eternal optimist. We were often embarassed and laid low by our opponents. For me though, they were just because of poor umpiring, or unfair treatment, or just pure bad luck. We lost because we lost the toss, I told myself, and others. Yes, I did criticize when we were sloppy, which was more often than not, but that was more often than not, just to join the popular voice.

I joined Venky in giving Aamir Sohail a farewell he deserved in that famous QF at Bangalore in 1996. I rejoiced when we thrashed the 'Pakis' yet again. I cried with Kambli when he walked out of Eden in the Semis. For I 'agreed' with him that we could somehow pull this one off. For the next couple of years, I looked at Sri Lanka and Clive Lloyd as ‘cheaters.’ I saw red when Bishop's no-ball went unnoticed and India eventually succumbed chasing 120 at Barbados.

I hated the Delhi Police when they supposedly caught Hansie Cronje on tape. I disbelieved their talks about involvement of Indian cricketers. Then Cronje opened up. Skeletons fells out in South Africa. I felt betrayed. Yet, when he walked out of the press conference crying, I was one of the rare folks who felt pity! I wondered why! If anyone, I was to feel pity on myself for watching game(s) that was/were supposedly pre-decided! Then they found evidences against some of our own. And I still refused to believe, so what if our Board agreed with the CBI!

Then came the turn around. I was down on my knees with Sameer Dighe after Bhajji hit the winning runs to kill the Aussie winning streak! I leaped in the air when skipper Saurav went parallel to the ground after his 100 at Brisbane. I pumped my fist with Dravid after that famous victory at Adelaide. And I sledged Steve Waugh with Parthiv Patel when he saved them the blushes at Sydney.

I almost did a bare-chested dance with Sourav at the Lords Pavilion. I knocked out Kaif with Sourav. The emergence of youth and re-emergence of Indian cricket gave me goose-bumps. The poster of ‘Brave New India’ adorned my bedroom wall. India was winning again. Abroad. We were shedding our cat spots abroad, and putting on the tiger’s attire! We were no longer lambs for slaughter.

Along came the World Cup. Sachin’s square cut over point of Shoaib brought out a “Take that loser!” We rolled over every team, barring those men in yellow. But a final after 20 years was not a bad bargain!

I stood by you when you went back down. I thought, against hope that Greg and Sourav can work together. They didn’t. India suffered. A first round exit in the Caribbean and he was kicked out for good. When all hopes were dashed, you guys got home the T20 World Cup! I was that fan who stayed to my seat unmoved till Sree held onto that catch.

I cried foul when Steve Bucknor got it all wrong at Sydney, when the Aussies ‘cheated’ their way to victory. I was there to support Bhajji as he defended some serious racism allegations. And when we slammed the Aussies in the CB series tri-series final, it was the revenge that I was looking for.

I supported when Lalit Modi brought out IPL. I felt the purists were being unreasonable. So what if every six and catch were sponsored? So what if they showed firangs dancing after every wicket or boundary? For me, it was all about cricket! I saluted the legend from the third tier at Wankhede when he hit his first T20 century last year. Talks of malpractices in funding, bidding etc didn’t bother me. I was enjoying the cricket.

When the world around bitched about BCCI, I supported you. I thought we deserved the high-handedness we showed. We gave ‘them’ (ICC) money.

Then came the moment we all waited for throughout our lifetime. The fact that I high-fived my dad for the first ever time in life says a lot about that victory at Wankhede. Thank you MSD and Co! You did it for Sachin? I didn’t care! You did it for me!

Farewells along the way for legends like Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, gave me a tear or two. Yes, we got humiliated in England and Australia. Like a typical Indian fan, I reacted too! The guy who coolly rotated his bat after slamming Kulasekara over long-on was now no longer of being the skipper. Yet, I loved MSD!

I was not entirely angry when Pakistani cricketers were caught red-handed while spot-fixing. As long as they were not Indians, I was fine with it. We were too clean. Well, till recently. Cricketers caught on tape. Indian cricketers! Talking about spot-fixing, under-the-table black money, using women for luring etc. Barely did the investigation begin, you guys gave us more. Manhandling, abusing, sexual assault, and what not.

I am disappointed. IPL V gave me some awesome cricket, close matches, heart-breaks on the field. But it’s slowly meandering towards a dangerous territory. A territory that has got everything, but cricket! And rest assured, I won’t be a citizen there. Can some sense prevail and parity be restored? Waiting.

Sincerely,

With Love,
An Indian Cricket Fan (Still)

The Wait...

There I waited for her with bated breath. Thought she'd come, for surely, she knew my time, and she knew where I stood. The wait seemed longer than usual. I was tired, what with a long hard day at work! But with that hope in me, the tired body seemed secondary.

Was I too late? I don't think so. I've seen her before at this hour too. Negativity begins to reign at an hour like this. Was she asked out before by someone else? Is she already taken? Has she become somebody else's already? Suddenly, hopes begin to fall off, one after the other- like a pack of cards. Slowly, I start my walk of failure, or at least that's what it felt to me! Slowly as I began to tread back home, the last of those cards seem to have fallen within me. I wished there was someone to hold me. Someone to comfort me. Someone to walk with me. No. Alone I always was in this walk, and alone I always will be.

Wait a minute. Is that her? And she ain't with anyone! Wohooo! Here was my chance, and I wasn't gonna let it slip. She stopped right beside me. Almost breathless with my little walk and nervousness combined, I finally popped the question, "Bhaaisaab, Patharli jaaoge?"

"Nahi boss. Aaj rickshaw strike hai!"

Random Thoughts: Funerals, Farewells and Marriages

Two places where you'd surely receive praises a-plenty: 1. Your Farewell & 2. Your Funeral. (“Bahut acha aadmi tha!”)

Two places were you’re sure you are the ‘Centre of everyone’s attention’: 1. Your Marriage & 2. Your Funeral. (Same Difference)

What’s the difference between a wedding and a funeral? In the former, you’re led to your death by someone holding your hand; in the latter, you’re led after your death by four people holding your casket.

People tell me that the time is now ripe for me to get married. My reply: Jesus was crucified when He was 33. Why crucify me much earlier?

At your funeral, they will all cry. After your wedding, you were the only one crying.

PS: May this post not discourage you from marrying! These are just random thoughts posted to put a smile on your face, and to be used if you want to be a marriage emcee, who’d never be called to host again. Talking from experience folks! 

Playing Fair v/s Spirit Of Cricket?

Just four months after India got its historic independence in 1947, India’s Vinoo Mankad created a history of a different sort when he ran out Aussie opener Bill Brown at the bowler’s end for backing up too far before the ball was delivered. The incident was the first of its kind in Cricket, and soon the type of dismissal was referred to as ‘Mankaded’. The ‘historicity’ of the incident could not be missed.



A newspaper report of where it all began
(Source: Wikipedia)



In 1992, South Africa was making a return to mainstream international cricket after the apartheid era led to the Proteas getting banned from cricket. India was playing South Africa in a series billed as the ‘Friendship Series’… till Kapil Dev removed the bails at the non-striker’s end after Peter Kirsten to spark off a round of debate on ‘Spirit of Cricket’. According to the Indian team (and judging by Kapil’s reaction in this video), Kirsten was already warned at least twice before Kapil decided to take what people call as an ‘extreme’ step to get somebody out. Friendship Series turned into an ugly spat when Kepler Wessels allegedly hit Kapil with his bat and Dave Callaghan using some choicest words. The irony of the incident could not be lost.

Yesterday, as yet another ‘mankading’ incident opened up this age old debate on Spirit of Cricket, couldn’t help but wondering who was actually following the ‘true spirit of cricket’? When Ashwin, rightfully, appealed against Sri Lanka’s Thirimanne after the latter ventured out for a stroll before the ball was delivered, surprisingly, umpires decided to enquire with the fielding skipper on whether he needs to withdraw the appeal. Sehwag obliged. Appeal was withdrawn. Batsman continued to bat, and also stroll out with no remorse or respect shown to a lawful appeal. If anyone, it was Thirimanne who was acting against the Spirit of Cricket.

As per the rule change (or re-change) implemented last year, a bowler is ‘permitted, before releasing the ball and provided he has not completed his usual delivery swing, to attempt to run out the non-striker.’ Going by that, I’m not convinced how ‘spirit of Cricket’ is applicable if a non-striker, purely because of his own carelessness decides to back-up too far before the bowler releases the ball. If at all, Indians were silly to have withdrawn the appeal for a wrong-doing of a batsman, and more so, the umpires in asking the Indians to re-consider. Legally, that was out, just like a caught-behind or LBW. Imagine an umpire asking the fielding team to re-consider an appeal for a caught-behind, because the batsman chased a delivery that was too wide. A bowler doesn’t warn the batsman then either to not do that again! According to me, what is ‘more unfair’ is when a non-striker gets run out after a batsman hits a beautiful straight drive, which clips the bowler’s finger and hits the stump with the non-striker out of his ground, or when a runner bumps into a fielder/bowler and is run out because of that.

I remember watching this year’s Celebrity Cricket League (yes, I was watching CCL!) and the finals between Chennai and Karnataka had its moments. Two runs were needed of one delivery when the bowler decided to run the non-striker out before completing his delivery action. The ball, of course, wasn’t counted, but the wicket given! And because he did that, the legal delivery that he bowled yielded no run resulting in his team’s victory. The new batsman at the non-striker end couldn’t back-up before the ball was released and hence, couldn’t reach the striker’s end before the wicket-keeper threw the bails down. Yes, it may seem like a trivial cricket tournament, but there was a lesson to be learnt here. Follow the rules. Win it fair-and-square.

I remember a game which a team lost because the non-striker was almost half-way down the pitch by the time the ball reached the batsman, that he could easily come back for the second beating a throw that came from long-on. Wasn’t that unfair? I’m sure countless other moments have happened in the cricket field where a batting side got undue advantage (and even won games) because of the earlier rule, which allowed the runner to take off as soon as the bowler was in his delivery stride.

If it’s in the rule-book, I don’t see any reason why that should cause any disturbance to this ‘Spirit of Cricket’ that people drum-beat about so much. It is not ‘win at any cost’, it’s ‘win within the rules.’ Ironic it is, as one would think ‘breaking the rule’ goes against the ‘spirit’ of anything, and not following it!

The Great Big GOD that loves the really small me!

People are quite often amused with my belief in GOD. The primary reason for my love for JESUS is the fact that without any effort of my own, I am heir to HIS Kingdom, bought with a high price of HIS blood through HIS crucifixion at Calvary. But if you ask me, why did He have to do that? Precisely. HE didn’t have to. But HE wanted to, so that the world that was heading towards eternal destruction and doom could have a reason for eternal hope and joy. And JESUS volunteered!

While that is ‘The’ reason for my belief, recently, I have been falling deeper in love with HIM after watching and going through some of HIS artistic ‘show-off’! While I knew he loved me, these videos woke me up to the magnitude of HIS love. Pastor Louie Giglio’s talks have largely been influential in letting me just be spell-bound by the awesomeness of this Big Huge GOD that I serve, who also chose to love big!

This Indescribable lecture by Pastor Giglio talks about the grace of GOD that is nothing less than astronomical! The pastor beautifully describes the vastness of the universe and where we stand in this wide expanse, and how despite our ‘smallness’, JESUS became ‘small’ for us!

The ‘How Great is our GOD’ lecture is not just about the beauty of creation, but about how GOD holds together His most precious creation - us!

In this video, he explains how GOD has programmed the creation to sing and give Him praise through a neat little mash-up of songs that the stars’ and whales’ sing.

While these videos have been doing the round, I got a link today which led me to a brilliantly-designed interactive flash site, where the size of a normal human being is compared to the universe around us. Keep moving the navigation bar to the right to 'reach' the 'human' figure. Keep moving it further to see the 'human' disappear into distance. This just left me as stunned as the videos themselves as I kept zooming out, and realised how small the mankind really is!

Apart from these, my constant visits to NASA’s hubblesite.org have left me speechless with the magnanimity of our universe. I am no expert in space. Neither am I good in science. But merely the smaller everyday world around me is enough to convince me that there's a larger power at play here. I am not opening yet another debate on 'Creation v/s Evolution', nor am I interested in one. I am no authority. But I am convinced about my great big GOD! And with the kind of love He has showered upon me, I don't have a choice but to fall deeper in love with Him.

As Pastor Giglio would say, “I am not making you feel small. I am telling you We ARE small!” And for these small people like you and me, did JESUS willingly volunteer to come and become like one of us, but die the death of a criminal on the cross, so that by HIS blood, each (yes, each) one of us would be redeemed and be saved. And the good news is that HE’s still alive and well. The tomb is empty. The stone is rolled away. Jesus has risen!

Blogger's Note: It seems the link to Scale of the Universe was getting redirected to a Home Page, from where navigation to the flash file was tougher. There, this Post was edited at 11:30 PM with a new link leading to the swf (which disappointingly, is smaller than what I'd seen first)