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