Neobux PTC - The Pioneer and Leader

Nowadays, there are hundreds or even thousands of PTC (Paid-To-Click) sites mushroomed all over. Some of them even promise to pay up to $100 per mail or click and showing their payment proofs and blah, blah, blah which is absolutely illogical and hoax at the same time consuming your precious time and leaving you empty handed at the end. However, some of them are genuine and pay promptly, of course not those in the $100 category.

If you just happen to put any of these PTC sites on google to verify their authenticity on a forum, many of them will share negative experiences and some of them will have mixed reactions. Some PTC sites will ask you to wait for 2 months for payments after you have reached the set amount which is, I believe, too long to be patient. Many veterans of this field believe, as per industry standards the average payment per click is 1 cent or at the most 2 cents and anything more than is just rubbish.

As earlier mentioned, there are some sites which really do pay and that too instantly, literally within seconds. One such site is neobux which is a pioneer in this industry and now a leader. If you just go through the forum for neobux in google, you will not find a single place where you will find that they have not paid. negative remarks. They pay 0.01 cent per click and 0.005 for a referral click and you will get anywhere between 4 to 6 clicks daily and you have to reach $2 for payout............. thinking too less................. not at all. Just check this out.

You will click 4 ads daily and make 4 cents. Once you reach 75 cents you can rent 3 referrals for 1 month (25 cents per referral) where you can earn from them. This means if you invest 75 cents for 3 rent referrals you can make 30*0.005*4*3= 180 cents. However, if you are able to make direct referrals you can earn from their clicks without paying them rent. Once your account is upgraded by paying $90, you will be payed the full 1 cent per click. Moreover, neobux pays you instantly within seconds unlike other PTC sites where you have to wait for quite some time. So, what are you waiting for just register and start earning.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Hanuman To Ravan - Jaswant Singh

Perhaps Jaswant Singh might not have thought in his wildest imaginations at any point of time while writing his book that he has to pay his expulsion from the party as the price. After serving the party for more than 3 decades and holding coveted positions in the cabinet, just making a call and telling him that you are expelled from the party is too harsh and unethical.

As a citizen of Republic of India, each and every one has the right of freedom of expression and Jaswant Singh is not an exception. Why when Taslima Nasreen had made some comments in her book hurting sentiments of particular community BJP supported her and not in this case. Why L.K. Advani was not expelled from the party for making almost similar statements by praising the long-dead Jinnah?. Is it because he is a stalwart of the party. There clearly appears to be double standards while taking decisions in the party and it depends on the stature of that particular person in the party.

I don't think the expulsion of Jaswant Singh is a decision solely taken by the party. It is because not too long ago, Sangh Parivar was trying to maintain distance from the so called "saffron party" because the Sangh Parivar feels that BJP is forgetting their basic ideology of hindutva and just utilizing it to gain power out of it . I think Jaswant Singh is being made a scapegoat out of this entire issue to avoid further backlash from the Sangh Parivar and nothing else.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Rich PTC - Optimism Vs Pessimism

Recently, Rich PTC, a paid-to-click site has created a storm amongst Internet users by creating an innovative concept where you can earn handsomely just by clicking on ads. You click one ad you will be paid $1; if you have a down line member earn half of what he earns, i.e., $0.5 per click, and the total payout is $1000. Usually daily you get around 20 valid clicks, and if you have a couple of active down lines who click regularly then you can very easily reach $1000 within 2 months. Moreover, they have a sign up concept where you have to sign up to other sites where you will be paid $10 after authentication.

However, there is a certain degree of ambiguity and perplexity regarding their process of payment where you have to wait 60 business days after you have requested your payout; 60 business days means it is more than 2 months. However, the brighter side of this is that the data they have produced as payment proofs of around 150 members who have claimed their prize seem to be authentic, as well as their steadily increasing members.

Rightly said, "It doesn't hurt to be optimistic. You can always cry later." Since I am an active member of Rich PTC and have reached $807 and will be reaching the payout probably in a fortnight, I am very optimistic and keeping my fingers crossed. All-in-all, I believe this is not a scam and is a genuine site which pays. I just want the members of Rich PTC who have already received the payment to reply to this post to boost my morale, so that I don't have anymore sleepless nights and at the same time it will help me to carry on it aggressively on a war-game basis by making more down lines thereby earning more.

Certainly, I will submit my payment proof once I receive it.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

WADA Vs BCCI

Nowadays, there is much hype and debate going around regarding the Indian cricket players rejecting the controversial "Whereabouts Clause" instituted by WADA and kind of stuff. What is WADA, what exactly is Whereabouts Clause, and why Indian cricket players along with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) have reservations about this?

WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) was established in 1999 in an effort to fight against doping in international sports. It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Whereabouts Clause requires the players/athletes to furnish information about their location three months in advance and sparing 1 hour between 6 and 11 p.m. every day for WADA officials to conduct out-of-competition random tests. It is because one of the key elements for the efficacy of doping control is to check a players/athletes out-of-competition and without prior notice. Indian cricket players have reservations about this clause citing a couple of reasons including invasion of their privacy and security concerns.

One fails to understand why when all the other cricketing nations have agreed to WADA guidelines, only Indian cricket team is having problems with accepting it. This shows the obnoxious and stubborn attitude of the Indian cricket team, and the most weird thing is that the immaturity shown by the BCCI by going hand in glove with their players. While it is understandable that it will cause some inconvenience to players, at the same time one has to be responsible towards the game and committed in all spheres and cope up with these sort of things in an effort to weed out the doping mania completely from the sporting world before it spreads its tentacles further. Hopefully, the Indian players will heed to the WADA's call and accept the same.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Schumi Part 2 - Return Of The Legend

Perhaps I lost interest in Formula One race and not following anymore, and I believe probably many others, especially Schumi's die-hard fans are of the same opinion after Michael Schumacher hung his helmet from action in 2006.

Schumi:synonymous to speed................... Michael Schumacher, German, a seven-time champion and winner of 91 Grand Prix entirely dominated the Formula One racing arena enthralling millions around the globe until he retired 2006 in Brazil, although his last title triumph was in 2004.

Many of us would not have thought in our wildest of imaginations of seeing Schumi once again back in action on the race track. This will soon turn into reality when Schumi replaces the severely injured former Ferrari team-mate Massa for the rest of the season. Boy 0' boy.................. just imagine the race, media coverage, and expectations, probably more butterflies are flying in my stomach than Schumi's.................................

I feel Schumi will be under a bit of pressure. The reason being is his iconic status of 7-time champion he will be carrying into the race with high expectations all over, but at the same time since he was in a hiatus for 33 months and off the track it will be a task cut out to regain his rhythm. However, I believe that Schumi will remain calm and will have a lucid mindset while putting back his helmet and will give something to cheer about for his die-hard fans. Apropos, whatever may be the result, I will relish and rejoice the return of the legend. Good Luck Schumi.........................

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Arihant - Destroyer Of Enemies

India, on Sunday, on 10th anniversary of Kargil War, joined the elite club of countries having nuclear submarines. At present, only United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain have nuclear submarines. A nuclear submarine is one of the most potent weapons operating within sea which has ability to retaliate in case of a potential nuclear attack.

A 30,000 crore, 6000-ton, 110-meter long, 11-meter wide Indigenously built, INS Arihant, will be armed with 12-15 missiles, each capable of carrying a 5-ton nuclear warhead to a target of 750 km. It will be carrying a 95-member crew armed with torpedoes and missiles including 12 ballistic missiles. This will be put into active duty of Indian Navy in a couple o years from now.

Certainly, this is a great achievement for India and a feather in the cap of Indian Navy and will bolster its defense arsenal where it can retaliate to any misadventures from any rival country. However, Prime Minister Dr. Manomohan re-affirmed of no-first-use Singh stating that "We don't have any aggressive designs nor do we seek to threaten to any one." By including this submarine into its arsenal by India, one has to think twice before attempting any misadventures......................................

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Kambli-Sachin - Friends Turn Foes

How many of us consider cricket is still a gentleman's game?.................... probably many of us will tell a big NOPE, barring some few cricket fanatics. Recent years have witnessed a host of controversies involving cricket on the field as well as off the field marring the image of so called "gentleman's game."

The most recent one is related to rift between Vinod Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar, once close buddies since their childhood. In a yet-to-be-aired show named "Sach Ka Saamna" on Star Plus, Kambli has said to revealed that Tendulkar did not lend his hand at the brink of his career and did not help him. That's not all, Kambli even went on to say that BCCI was biased based on color and caste which worked against his favor. Interestingly, all these revelations came during a polygraphic (lie detector) test which each and every contestant has to undergo.

I think this entire episode is a cheap marketing gimmick to promote their show by some selfish individuals and nothing else and making Kambli a scapegoat. Whatever may be the case, at the end cricket is no more a gentleman's game, but a big business; its just money, honey!

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Nandan Nilekani - Entrepreneur to Bureaucrat

IT bellwether Infosys' co-chairman and co-founder Nandan M. Nilekani finally bid adieu to Infosys after being part of the company for more than 25 years. He was roped in for a new assignment to head the central government's unique identification card project, handpicked by Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, which is the rank equivalent to cabinet minister. Around 2500 emotionally charged infoscians witnessed the farewell event where nostalgic-appearing Nilekani gave his final speech.

Apropos, there is not an aorta of doubt about the capabilities of a man of Mr. Nandan Nilekani's stature, however, this will pose a potential challenge to him, not because it is a huge project or involves a billion and odd people; it is because the hurdles he has to face. To name a few, first he should understand the administrative hierarchy and the functioning of departments within his jurisdiction, dealing with some gray-haired, lackluster bureaucrats with "care a damn" attitude as well as some ever-greedy and selfish politicians who can go to unimaginable low level for their personal gains. Also, in government organisations, there are many different departments which is interdependent or interlinked to each other and usually they do not work in tandem causing the work to go in snail's pace due to a variety of obligations.

Nonetheless, we hope that Mr. Nandan Nilekani will overcome all the hurdles and complete the task assigned to him and his future endeavors without losing his sanctity and succumbing to any political or other obligations. Good Luck...........................

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

FedEx Chase Down Pistol Pete

Swiss master Roger Federer created history on Sunday by claiming his 15th Grand Slam title when he defeated gutsy American Andy Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6(7-5), 3-6, 16-14 in an gruelling encounter which spanned for about 4 hours and 16 minutes and the last set alone lasting for 95 minutes. He surpassed Pete Sampras who has 14 Grand Slam titles in his kitty. Pete Sampras himself made a surprise visit to the Wimbledon which was the first in the last 7 years watching the proceedings from Royal Box.

Honestly speaking, there was no clear winner in this particular match because both displayed exceptional tennis in a professional manner and showed lot of exuberance until Roddick mishit a forehand and Federer edged past Roddick to claim the title, might be a bit of luck played a part ............. even Federer agrees it........... doesn't he? This is what he said after the match.

"Today, I was on the lucky side, it feels funny to have the trophy back. It feels great. It was a crazy match, my head's still spinning. It's an unbelievable movement in my career."

Apropos, whatever may be the case either luck or hard work, Federer is a legend and an undisputed champion of tennis.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Side Effects of Botox

No pain no gain seems to be the mantra for Botox (botolinium toxin type A) injections. While many of us know its efficacy in treating various types of facial anomalies including cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, TMJ pain disorders, etc., there are certainly some risks or side effects involved with this.

These risks include headaches, dysphagia, flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions, balance problems etc. Also, persons with less immunity, taking medications for chronic ailments like heart disease, Alzhemier's disease, and ALS will have more side effect than rest of of them and hence Botox is not recommended to them.

However, when you decide you want to get Botox injection, do let know the physician who is giving the Botox injection about your medical history and related issues promptly to avoid serious repercussions and jeopardize your health further.

Botox injection given in a good environment and by a professional doctor is a safe option, and certainly the benefits outweigh the risks involved in Botox injections.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

EPIC Cards

Government authenticated EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) is nothing but similar to our old Voters' ID. It identifies you as a citizen of India and so allows you to exercise your right to vote. The BBMP has come out with a 100-day schedule and VFC (voter facilitation centers) in all 7 assembly constituencies in Bangalore to register themselves in voters' list from July 1 to October 10. The list of VFC centers is available at their website at www.bmpon-line.org. The EPIC card will be given to a person 21 days after registering his/her name in the list of concerned VFC Center.

To register as a new voter ask for Form 6.

To remove a voter from the list (in case of death) ask for Form 7.

To rectify mistakes with name and address ask for Form 8.

To notify change of address from one constituency to another ask for Form 8A.

Hopefully, by introduction of these cards malpractices such as bogus votes can be eliminated.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Sarkozy's Statement - Pseudo-secular

Recent statement from French President Nicholas Sarkozy condemning wearing of burqa in French society and regarding it as symbol of subservience is quite paradoxical. The reason being is that burqa or hijab is a religious obligation in Islam and holds great relevance for them.

Let us for a second forget that burqa is a religious obligation. France, being a democratic, pluralistic and far more liberal country compared to other European counterparts and boasting of freedom of religion and freedom of speech, every citizen should be allowed to wear whatever they like, and there should be no exception for burqa.

Since France is not ruled by Taliban nor Afghan warlords and people live in a modern society with equal rights for both genders, where comes the question of imposing burqa on women and problem of dignity comes from............ although there might be some who are forced to do, but I think majority of them wear on their own without any obligation. By making such contradictory statements by a president of certain country, it seems it has lost the credentials of being secular and is in the realm of pseudo-secularism.

Sarkozy speaking of banning burqa ....................Carla Bruni's nude photographs going on auction at Christies next month.......................... what an irony.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Michael Jackson Passes Away - End Of An Era

Micheal Jackson aka King of Pop who once ruled the music world with his scintillating performances passed away at the age of 50 here in Los Angeles. The exact cause of his death is unknown, although it is believed that it might be due to cardiac arrest at his rented house in Holmby Hills from where he was taken to ULCA and ultimately passed away.

MJ was an undisputed Pop king throughout his career. His famous albums include Thriller (world's best selling record of all time, Off the Wall, Bad, Dangerous, HIStory etc. However, at the same he was entangled in a host of controversies including altering his face through plastic surgery, reported pedophilia, and financial crisis. Reportedly, at the time of his death he was in about $400 million debt. However, he was preparing himself to make a serious comeback.

Although its end of an era, MJ has perched his legendary image through his music in millions of music lovers' hearts all over the world and he will remain eternal for them..........

R.I.P.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Blog Advertising - Helping Your Business Grow

Now a days, creating a product or concept is not a big deal, but reaching the mass certainly is. Today, blog marketing is an effective tool used by most of the companies either directly or indirectly to communicate their existing customers and probable customers effectively regarding their products, services, and of course the feed backs. The major advantage in this particular concept is that your product is not confined just to one particular country or continent, but you can reach the customers globally. There are many advertising companies who are actively involved in this concept like, Blogsvertise, Payingpost, PayPerPost, and so on. These companies mediate and reciprocate between the bloggers and companies. To advertise on blogs, first of all the companies will find out quality advertising companies, and in turn the advertising company look out for quality bloggers who can write good blogs and at the same time put the link of that company so that it will reach out a maximum number of people.

In sum, it is not how big your company is or how your team mangers are, it is how you market the product effectively and reach the mass.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Obesity and Related Risks

Obesity is now a global phenomenon which has spread its tentacles all over the globe, especially the developed countries and the developing countries irrespective of the caste, creed, or gender. Much has been emphasized about obesity-related risks, but unfortunately many of us turn a blind eye up until something serious happens. However, in contrary to men, women are more conscious about shedding their pounds and counting calories; it is not because of the risks involved in it but because to maintain a slim figure........ The implications of overweight are severe which involve mainly diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, and heart disease to mention a few which will ultimately culminate into life-threatening diseases. At the same time, it will have active and passive emotional effects which will be a great hindrance to academic progress and future endeavours.

Rightly said, "prevention is better than cure." It is my gut feeling that considering the above repercussions of obesity, it is absolutely necessary that we indulge ourselves in activities such daily exercise, walking, hiking, aerobic exercises, and yoga etc. which will help us maintain adequate BMI and avoid host of life-threatening diseases and increase longevity of our lives.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

The Flying Car - Travelling Redefined

Let it be Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, BMW, or Ferrari, nothing will avoid you from jamming into traffic on the road. Things will not be the same a couple few years from now, at least for them who have $ to burn.

A Boston-based company Terragugia Transition is planning to unveil the dual-purpose car-cum-plane vehicle called The Flying Car in 2011. This is a 2-seater vehicle which can let you fly if you wish, and if you want to travel on the road it will fold its wings in 30 seconds after touching the road. The Flying Car can travel up to 725 km in the air at a speed of more than 115 km per hour, fuelled by gasoline. Moreover, it can accommodate in your conventional car garage.

Its initial cost is expected to be around $200,000 (1 crore Rupees). Think its too costly?, not at all for guys who can afford Rolls Royces and Ferraris. Moreover, the company claims to have an order for 60 cars and more in the pipeline. So, guys get one and ready to rule the sky.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Battle of Emotions

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will almost share the same feeling before the final at Lords. Cricket in Pakistan has taken a back seat amidst bullets and bombs gripping the entire nation, whereas Sri Lanka is still in the aftermath of 3-decade long internal strife which has taken thousands of lives. A win here for their respective countries will give a soothing effect to their distraught countrymen.

Certainly, it is very difficult to say who has upper hand in this tie because both have abundant talent and have been playing exceptional cricket at the moment. Bowling is the main strength of both the teams because the top 5 bowlers in the tournament are from both teams. Sri Lanka with M3 Factor (Mendis-Murali-Malinga) along with their batsman Dilshan probably in his best form ever make a formidable side. The only weak link is that their middle order batsmen are not delivering and moreover the "Matara Butcher" and "Grandfather" of T20 Jayasuriya is not playing up to his potential. Pakistan on the other other hand too have their batting woes with their middle order not striking. However, with pacer Umar Gul the leading wicket taker along with new sensation Saeed Ajmal, and with the unpredictable Shahid Afridi rising to the occasion with both bat and ball, Pakistan will be a tough nut to crack.

However, at the end I feel that Sri Lank might be favorites and break the jinx because of their consistent performance as oppose to an ever unpredictable Pakistani outfit.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Shiney Shining For Wrong Reasons

Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja was detained by Mumbai Police after a complaint filed against him by his housemaid for alleged rape. As per Mumbai Police, Shiney Ahuja has accepted that he had consensual sex with his housemaid with her and not rape. It is not clear whether he has accepted the same, and if, under what circumstances, but the medical reports of the maid indicate that there was a sexual encounter, but unsure if forcibly or consensual. However, his wife Anupam seems to have contacted Shiney Ahuja and he has asserted his innocence and they feel that there is a conspiracy going on to frame Shiney but don't know who and why. The truth will come out once Shiney will go undergo DNA test; however, the DNA test will only tell whether Shiney was involved in or not, but not whether it is a rape or consensual act.

Apropos, whether it is a rape or consensual sex, or for just a second if we believe it has all been framed against him, Shiney will have a black mark in his Bollywood carrer which will take long long time to fade.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

England sends Team India Packing

Resurgent England outplayed defending T20 champions India by handing over them a 3-run defeat. A billion hearts thrashed! Thanks to Dhoni and his men for their lackadaisical and sluggish approach in the past couple of games. Even minnows, Bangladesh would have defeated them if Yuvraj Singh had not bailed them out. The main reason here for Team India's downfall is of course absence of dashing Virender Sehwag and controversies revolving between him and Dhoni due to which the entire team had to suffer (there is no smoke without fire) and of course the buttery hands on the field.

In a T20 game, the opening partnership plays a vital role wherein you need to score around 50 odd runs in the first 6 overs following which they can capitalize on it and post a competitive score. Certainly, this Indian outfit lacked a good opening pair or rather good opening partner. One cannot understand why Indian openers were subdued in their approach and playing as if they are playing a test match, whereas other teams are thrashing all round the park with no-mercy approach. Except for Yuvraj Singh, the entire batsmen faltered and could not come up to the expectations with some inept batting display.

Hopefully, they will regroup themselves for the Champions' Trophy and become a strong contender for the same.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Cristiano Ronaldo's worthiness

Manchester United have accepted a whopping world record bid of 80 million pounds (damn with recession) from Real Madrid for 24-year-old Portuguese fleet-footed winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier this week, the Spanish giant roped in Brazilian playmaker Kaka from Milan for 60 million euros to bolster their club.

The question here is are the players really worth of what being tagged by their respective clubs or is it necessary to involve so much money for just a game and that too for one particular individual considering the precarious situation of world economy. Apropos, there is no doubt that Ronaldo is an exceptional player with exquisite talent and has established his supremacy as a footballer by scoring 118 goals in 292 appearances for Manchester United, but I feel paying such a huge amount to him or any other player and expecting him to bail his side out single-handedly is unwarranted for.

In essence, let players be players and not marketable commodity and not indulge in unethical practices of selling their talent for monetary gains.

There is a poll put out on whether Ronaldo is worth 80 million pounds or not, pleaes vote and let me know.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Now Swine Flu is Pandemic

Alarming cases of swine flu across United States, Europe, Australia, South America, and to some extent in Asia has forced the World Health Organization to declared it as pandemic - first global flu epidemic in many years, precisely 41. Also, WHO has raised the warning level from 5 to 6 (moderate severity). By doing so, the drug makers will show urgency in producing more swine flu vaccines to combat this deadly infection, and also respective countries will allocate sufficient funds to combat the swine flu.

Many health experts feel that this decision could have taken much earlier, but unfortunately due to some political pressure around the globe this decision was delayed. Many countries had urged WHO not declare it as pandemic fearing the overall social and economic conditions will further deteriorate.

The last pandemic, the Honk Kong flu in 1968, had killed nearly 1 million people. Normally, flu viruses disappear in summer, but the swine flu is proving to be much more resilient. Hopefully, the swine flu will disappear once for all to prevent further damage.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Overcome Depression

If you are feeling sad, crying frequently, having diminished interest or pleasure with what you are doing, then these might be early signs of depression. Do not take depression lightly or allow it to sneak into your life, coz it may ruin your life at the same time having passive effects people around you. There are 5 tips which will help you to overcome depression.

1. Socialize: Try to meet more people and talk to friends as much as you can and share your feelings to avoid loneliness because an idle mind is devil's workshop.
2. Activities: Keep indulge yourself doing household chores or other things such as walking or exercise to divert your mind and keep you agile.
3. Yoga: Try to start yoga and pranayama to calm your mind which will help in controlling your emotions well.
4. Entertainment: Watch movies, listen to songs, news, and play games to keep you entertained.
5. Prayer. Last but not least, have belief in almighty and pray to him. This will help overcome your hopelessness and worthlessness.

By doing so, hopefully you will overcome depression or at least control it effectively.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

India Overwhelm Bangladesh

Apropos, Bangladesh thought Netherlands' upset win over the hosts England will be infectious, and considering their warm up matches' performance they have very great chance to upset Indian team.

Defending champions India started their campaign on a winning note against Bangladesh with a comprehensive 25-run victory. Initially, batting Indian openers Gautham Gambhir and Rohit Sharma made a good solid start displaying exquisite stroke play and added 59 runs among them before Rohit Sharma got out. Surprisingly, skipper Dhoni came instead of Raina; however, Dhoni and Gambhir could not capitalize on the spinners in middle part of the innings and instead took 1s and 2s. Thankfully, sluggish Dhoni departed (blessing in disguise) trying an ambitious shot. Then, came in Yuvi, the Punjab southpaw who blasted a quick 41 of just 18 balls and change the course of the game and propelled the total to 180.

Bangladesh started their innings with great intensity and they were going great guns, however, bowling change from Dhoni by introducing Yusuf Pathan did the trick and Bangladesh lost their first wicket. Unperturbed by loss of wicket Bangladesh carried further with great spirit. However, due to lack of experience and a superb spell by left-arm spinner Ojha claiming 4 wickets for 21 runs Bangladesh lost their way and eventually could manage only 155 for 8, thereby lost by 25 runs.

Hopefully, India carries the same intensity and unity for future games to come.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Gayle and Fletcher Maul Australia

West Indian Captian Christopher Henry Gayles' no-holds barred approach and unadulterated innings of 88 of just 50 deliveries comprising of 6 boundaries and 6 sixes, one of them troubling pedestrians on the Harleyford Road along with Andre Fletcher's cracking innings of 33-baller 52 helped West Indies romp home an easy seven-wicket victory with 25 balls to spare. Gayles launched a violent attack on hapless Bret Lee bowling in excess of 145 kms where he was taken 27 runs of an over.

Earlier, Jerome Taylor started the proceedings where he sent Shane Watson and skipper Ponting to pavilion without troubling the scorers. However, David Warner anchored Australian innings with 63 of 53 balls along with some useful contributions from Brad Haddin and Hussey brothers and posted respectable score of 169.

This defeat has left Australians in a do-or-die situation where they will take on spirited Sri Lanka on Monday in Trent Bridge. Hopefully, they will come out with vengeance and stick to their repute of a professional team.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Team India Trounce Pakistan

A sell-out crowd for a warm up game and that too in a neutral venue! Yeh, this is the intensity when arch rivals India and Pakistan face each other, although at the end it was an one-sided affair where India comprehensively defeated Pakistan by 9 wickets and 17 balls to spare, orchestrated by makeshift opener Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss Pakistan lost their opener Shahbaz Hassan with just 2 runs on the board; however, it had seldom effect to their scoring rate. Ahmed Shehazad and Kamran Akmal hammered the Indian bowling attack dispatching the ball to all parts of the ground and amassed 45 runs in just 4.3 overs. However, sharp piece of fielding by Raina to get rid of dangerous-looking Kamran Akmal, Dhoni taking a diving catch to dismiss Ahmed Shehzad, and of course golden duck for Shahid Afrid helped putting brakes on Pakistan scoring rate. However, skipper Younis Khan and Misbah played sensibly and posted a total of 158.

Certainly, 158 was not enough for Team India considering their batting might and the form they are in. Although Gambhir kickstarted the innings with 3 boundaries in the first 3 overs, it was Rohit Sharma, the makeshift opener who pulverised the Pakistan's bowling attack with a 53-baller 80 knock and took the match away from their opponents which included 9 boundaries and 2 maximums before getting out to Mohammed Aamer, the lone wicket for the indisciplined bowling attack of Pakistan. When most of them are betting on South Africa, Australia, and even Pakistan to seal the trophy even though India had won the inaugural edition in 2007, the performance in this particular match will force them think otherwise.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Air France Catostrophe

Ill-fated Air France flight AF 447 disappeared early Monday 4 hours into its 11-hour journey from Rio de Janerio to Paris carrying 228 people on board after the flight encountered technical difficulties over the Atlantic, probably the biggest aviation tragedy ever. The search continued throughout the night but proved to be futile and it seems there is very grim hope that any of the passengers would survive as said by the grim-faced French president Nicolas Sarkozy. A day-time search by Brazilian aircraft within a zone of 1100 kilometers of its northeastern coast did not yield anything. The exact cause of the disaster in unclear, however, Air France chief executive said that the aircraft had sent a series of messages shortly after crossing the area of major turbulence. However, the search is still on and we will keep our fingers crossed and pray for them.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Obama On Burger Spree

Ray's Hell Burger, Five Guys Burgers,..................who's next?

It looks as though Barack Obama has kept aside his calorie count aside for the time being and going on a burger spree.

Obama made a surprise lunchtime stop at Five Guys Burgers and Fries, a fast-food restaurant in Washington D.C. on Friday to give treat to his taste buds. The president ordered cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, jalapeno peppers, and mustard along with several other cheeseburgers to his staff. It wasn't a public stunt but just pure appetite of the commander-in-chief, as claimed by White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. Earlier, in the month Obama along with Vice-President Joe Biden took a short motorcade ride from White House to Virginia and ordered lunch at Ray's Hell Burger.

Well, Mr. President, while we appreciate your down-to-earth attitude towards fellow countrymen, at the same time we want you to remain a well-developed, well-nourished gentleman rather than well-developed, morbidly obese gentleman, so get back to your routine diet before its too late.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Transformed Deccan Chargers Overpowered Determined Royal Challangers

JOHANNESBURG: After all, catches win matches! Rahul Dravid put down Andrew Symonds' catch when he was batting at 5 and then he went onto add another 28 valuable runs for their total of 143. This, in combination with Andrew Symonds dismissing Ross Taylor and Virat Kohli in successive deliveries was decisive for Deccan Chargers clinching the coveted IPL trophy.

After Kumble won the toss he put Deccan Chargers to bat. They began their innings miserably by losing their in-inform skipper Adam Gilchrist in the first over for a golden duck, bowled by Anil Kumble when attempting an ambitious shot. However, a determined and sensible innings from Herschelle Gibbs and of course Symonds and Rohit Sharma chipping in they managed to post a modest total of 143.

Kumble's men thought that they had restricted Deccan Chargers to a modest total and it is very well within their reach. Royal Challengers started their innings well with Jacques Kallis playing some wonderful shots but soon fell to the purple cap holder for 16. Their new batting sensation Manish Pandey, little subdued and uncharacteristic, may be overcautious on this occasion got himself out on 4. However, RD Merwe and Ross Taylor showed some stability. Once Ross Taylor fell, the innings began to collapse; however they had some sort of hope with Robin Uthappa who could not do much either and eventually they were 6 runs short of Deccan Chargers game who clinched the Indian Premier League 2009.

Rightly said, cricket is a great leveller and game of uncertainty. Who would have thought that last season's number 7 and 8 would play this season's final and ultimately the number 8 would win.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Gilly Sends Dilli Packing

No prizes for guessing who is the most devestating opener in modern cricket in all forms. Obviously, Gilly. A blistering knock from skipper Adam Gilchrist propelled Deccan Chargers cruise to the finals of the Indian Premier League, rather (South) Indian Premire League since now it is a South Indian affair.

After Deccan Chargers won the toss and put Delhi Daredevils into bat they had miserable start by losing Gautham Gambhir and Warner in the very first over. However, later on Virender Sehwag and Dilshan build the innings with the help of a cameo from AB de Villiers and posted a total of 153, which one might think is not enough considering the batting venom Deccan Chargers have.

Deccan Chargers started their innings in a blistering way where Gilly hammered hapless Dirk Nannes 5 consecutive boundaries in the very first over who was an otherwise good bowler so far. At the other end, Gibbs was dismissed by Nehra for a duck. Undeterred with what is happening at the other side, Gilly carried on his onslaught and pulverised the Delhi attack with a brilliant 35-baller 85 which included 10 boundaries and 5 maximums. Finally, Gilly fell when the score was 102, but it was too late for Delhi to resurrect as enough damage had been done. At the end, Deccan Chargers won the match quite comfortably with 6 wickets remaining and 14 balls to spare and thronged into final of Indian Premier League where they will play either Chennai Superkings or Royal Challengers on Sunday.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

The show will go on

Days are gone when a cosmopolitan city like Bangalore would wear a deserted look after 10:00 p.m. Now Bangloreans can extend their nightlife a little longer after the government eased the closing time of restaurants to midnight and the movie halls can run the last show until 11:30 instead of 10:00 p.m. However, the closing time for pubs and liquor shops which is 11:00 p.m. is unchanged. This move would certainly be applauded by a large section of people particularly the socialites. Then what are you waiting for guys? be prepared to party hard.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Resurgent KKR bemused RR

Defending champions Rajasthan Royals were knocked out of the tournament by resurgent Knight Riders in a low-scoring game with a nail-biting finish.

Initially, KKR paceman Charl Langeveldt wrecked the RR batting line up by taking quick wickets with economical bowling putting RR into backseat which was well supplemented by his fellow counterparts, thereby restricting them to 101.

One would believe the score was easily gettable given the fact that Brendon McCullum had regained his form and of course with gutsy Brad Hodge.

The Knight Riders began their chase miserably by losing 5 wickets for just 37 runs on the board after 10 overs with some brilliant bowling effort spearheaded by Munaf Patel. However, all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla came to the rescue of his team with an unbeaten 48 of 46 balls to ensure that his team finishes the tournament on a high note.

Hopefully, King Khan will have a reason to smile considering his team's performance at least in the last couple of matches.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Voters' Victory

Recently concluded general election results have indicated that this time around voters are more sensible, mature and responsible while choosing the government unlike the last time where small parties had held the whole country into ransom where the government could not take decisions on their own on certain policies and reforms (nuclear deal, etc.) and jeopardize the whole nation. It is not because they have chosen congress-led UPA; it is because they have given mandate to a single party. By doing so, there is no room for petty politics and horsetrading while forming the government and one can expect a stable government where the government alone can take decisions without any hindrances and succumbing to pressure from some selfish individuals.

This indeed is voters' victory and not any political party's victory. Hopefully, one can expect a stable government now which could last for full term and put the nation into right track.

© 2009 Zafarulla Khan

Fakeiplplayer Truth - Marketing Gimmick

Many of us are wondering who the fakeiplplayer might be, and the so called Fakeiplplayer is making us guess who he is and in the meantime amassing fast bucks. I don't think this can be done by any individual alone. What I feel is that IPL boss Mr. Lalit Modi himself and his team has created this blog. One might think why Mr. Lalit Modi has to do this because he has already made millions of bucks. Since there are general elections in India and IPL has been shifted out of India, not much attention is being given by general public in India to IPL around this time. For the same reason, he wants to divert the attention of general public and media to IPL . At the same time, it might be because he wants to make up the flight charges deficit which he has incurred due to shifting of the venue to South Africa.

Mobile Number Portability

Are you not happy with your current mobile services provider and want to switch to alternative provider, but without changing the mobile number? Then wait until September 20. Department of Telecommunications is planning to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) where you can retain your LUCKY or old number, whatever it may be by if you want to change the mobile services provider. This will be implemented in a zone-wise fashion in which zone 1 will include Delhi, Gujrat and Maharasthra, and zone 2 will include Kolkata, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. However, it is learnt that there will be transaction fee charged from customers which might be within 300 INR and will require 2 days to change the provider.

Hopefully, by doing so, one can expect better services from all the providers due to the fear of losing customers and competitiveness. So, say goodbye to your present mobile service provider with irritating "not reachable message," irresponsible and inept customer care, and hefty bills.

Nightmare for Knight Riders

Royal Challengers defeated Knight Riders in what seemed to be a nail-biting finish up until the 16th over, but won comfortably by 6 wickets in an effort to sneak into the last 4s. Finally, Ross Taylor, came into form putting back his abysmal performance so far with a brutal 32-baller 81 which included 7 fours and 5 sixes. Initially, Ajanta Mendis did trouble him a bit, but once he completed his spell, there was no looking back and he mercilessly pounded all the bowlers, especially Ajit Agarkar and Angelo Mathews.

Earlier, Royal Challengers won the toss and put Knight Riders into bat where they did a fair job batting and captain Brendon McCullum himself regaining his form scoring a blistering 82 and David Hussey playing a pivoting role in achieving a modest total of 173. This time around, Brendon McCullum did whatever he could by scoring 64-baller 82, taking catch of the tournament to dismiss dangerous-looking Jacques Kallis, and using his bowlers wisely. This time around the bowlers let him down by bowling erratically with full tosses and that too on leg side.

Hopefully, their boss, Sharukh Khan will come to South Africa to boost the team's morale and support his team for their remaining matches.