FIFAgate

The winter chill has done nothing to freeze any thoughts of the monumental embarrassment that the England bid went through last week. Between now and then, every person who writes or speaks anything abut football has had his or her opinions spread around the popular media. And after being blasted with so much information myself, I thought about putting my thoughts in words as well.
First off, I am deeply disappointed that England haven't won the World Cup bid. My plans of watching England play (yes they would have because they would qualify automatically) at Wembley are now thwarted. But then, that was expected, although it did give me a shock to see that England received only one vote apart from their own. After being told that their technical bid and the presentation were apparently the best, the bid was won by Russia. Something similar happened with the other bid and the boiling desert of Qatar received the 2022 staging opportunity. So it is basically understood that I may not watch a World Cup match from a stadium till at least 2026. I'll be 42 then.
The English media now blast FIFA for the debacle, as the media normally does. Just as something goes amiss, the media pounces on the opportunity to crucify someone. Be it a manager or a team or the football governing body. They seem to have a beef with almost everyone in the world. But I believe they should have accepted that outcome. After allegations and even a show pointing out the corruption in the FIFA ExCom, they should hardly expect to be handed the bid. It's true that the corruption allegations are massive and should be dealt with, but honestly, do you expect me to be criticized and then expect my sincere thanks and then an award from me? That is just ridiculous. Of course, Sepp Blatt(bb)er did take some kind of action but never thanks the press. Bottom line, the English media did cost the World Cup for England, but that is not the main concern here.
What is important is FIFA's acceptance of multiple bids even when they follow a (unsaid) policy of handing out bids to new areas of the world. If that is what you are set out to do, then why not say only new teams should bid? Why make a country, for example England, spend 15 million pounds on a worthless cause? Another area of concern is the fact that promises were not kept. That proves that football has now become political. We all new it was, but here we have seen that with our own eyes. Blatter's audacity to say that football originated in China and then calling England the motherland of football seems a sarcastic jib at England's bid. We have 24 (22 now because of the suspensions) people in the ExCom unfairly representating 208 football associations. These men are like a dictatorship and Blatter as the dictator. "Sepp Blatter gets what Sepp Blatter wants" was a phrase I heard in many pods and that seems to be true. FIFA's ExCom, filled with crooked and corrupt people (although not proven), has too strong a hold on this game. Tim Vickery, in his blog, said that the idea of hosting the World Cup in new places is both great and problematic and that is very true.
The issues do not stop there. My main concerns was the hosting nations. Fist, Russia. A country with nine timezones. Nine. They sold FIFA on the idea that Eastern Europe never hosted a World Cup. That's what Russia has to offer. But what about infrastructure and stadiums and the lot. Russia has promised free transportation and no visas for match goers. That's really going to work. If reports are to be held true, the the UEFA Champions League final in 2008 was a failure in terms of organizations. Apart from the hospitality of FIFA and UEFA officials, they rest of the lot were faced with problems like packed buses and private jets leaving before commercial airlines. In addition, the rampant racism that exists in the country. How are fans from Africa, or even black fans from so many other countries supposed to travel. One of Russia's minister said in an interview that on every matchday during league season, black residents are advised to stay home and not venture out in fear of hooliganism mixed with racism.
Qatar next. I believe Gatorade should be the official sponsors of the World Cup in Qatar. But dehydration and extreme heat is only one issue. Qatar is so small, how are they going to manage the task of accommodating the hundreds of thousands of fans who are going to travel? Will they build new hotels, putting more stress on the economy? Qatar has promised 12 new stadiums with AC features, which will then be dismantled after the World Cup and moved to someplace else. That sounds like a grand idea. Spend money on so many stadiums just to move them somewhere else? Apart from that, small issues like Qatar not recognizing the State of Israel. What if Israel qualifies for the World Cup? What of by then we have women referees? How are European fans going to sit in that hot stadium and not be allowed to enjoy a beer because it is banned? Has FIFA considered the ramifications of the social restrictions of Qatar? Or were they blinded by the massive amount of green they were piling up in the meantime?
Last, but certainly not the least point. Russia and Qatar, oil rich countries. Rich, the important word here. Allegations are surfacing that a few ExCom members did receive kickbacks for these countries. Far-fetched? I don't think so. It is clear that the best bids haven't won, namely England, the US or Australia. Under the seemingly false pretense of taking the World Cup to places it has never been before, money may have talked. South Africa were loaned a huge amount of money just to get ready for the World Cup. Brazil are still way behind in their preparations and it is now going to cost the locals and then the spectators. Why put financial stress on a developing country that has more pressing matters to spend on. Russia and Qatar may have money, but will people travel that far?
It was a particularly long rant, but from so much I have heard in the past few days, there is still so much more on my mind. I shall watch the World Cup come 2018 and 2022, that I am sure of. But I shall be in the comfort of my own home, on a couch, with a beer in hand.

Marathi Manoos jaaga kadhi honaar!

Remember the popular dialogue by Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri when he gets pissed off and fires the gun blindly. Well, that's just it. We need that to happen in real life.
First off, let me clarify a few things. I am a Marathi Manoos. Proud to be a Maharashtrian and an India, at the same time. How hard is it really? Secondly, Thackereys and Shiv Sena and MaNaSe do not represent me as a Marathi Manoos and I did not give them the authority to represent me and fight on behalf of me. The fight they are fighting is actually nothing to do with me, as with almost all other Maharashtrians out there. Take a poll in Maharashtra and see how many people actually believe in most things Raj Thackerey has said. I definitely agree with some of the points he makes, many of us do. But the extremities that he and his MaNaSe go knows no bounds.
And now Shiv Sena have a new goal in sight. Drive Bollywood out of Mumbai, then all the businesses and finally see Mumbai become the hapless city it would be without all this. With political might on the line, Shiv Sena seems to stir up any issue that might get them the national coverage they so desperately seek. And so they target the icons of India. What did Shahrukh Khan say wrong when he wanted Pakistani players in IPL teams. And he owns Kolkata Knight Rider, not the Mumbai Indians. So, the Pak players will go there. What has this got to do with Mumbai and hence Shiv Sena's stupid ideals. By the way, how have Thackereys remained quiet while Ambanis named the team Mumbai INDIANS??????
SRK is allowed his own opinion, as I think India is a democracy and we have freedom of speech? I remember reading that somewhere in school. Sachin is proud to be an India, and this infuriated the Sena. WHY? These are such lame battles, that no one should have even noticed them. But the media added fuel to the fire and made it into a national issue. You know, on one hand the media belittles Sena for picking these fights and on the other hand, add to the controversy by making it Hot and Breaking news. No wonder Thakereys are smiling now.
But the most mind-boggling question that I have is this. Why are these lunatics shouting and making issues out of nothing. To gain political ground, right? What does a strong political ground give them? Support, right? And support means power, right? So all they are doing is fighting for power. Well, I have a brilliant alternative to all this. Let's go retro and do what was originally done. Win the hearts and minds of the people by doing something constructive. There are many wide-range issues in the state, let alone the country. Get those straightened out. And you'll find support even when you weren't looking for it. Just repair a road, organize traffic, something tangible, and you'll see hundreds of fans lining to greet you. Why do you think SRK and Aamir and Sachin have so many followers? Because they make them happy and entertain them.
How does stopping the screening of a SRK film win you brownie points with the very public you want to win over who crave to see an SRK film. Fight the battles that need fighting. You have even me blogging to voice my opinion. And please decide what you want first too. You want to oppose Islam by keeping Pak players out of India, or you want to oppose non-Marathis to save Maharashtra? Both these don't make sense, but still, with your limited outlook, choose.

Time for some answers

One fine night in May last year, at approximately 12am I was dreading the wait for the return of a beloved series. LOST finally returns in a few hours and countless souls are waiting, holding their breath as 2 extraordinary hours of the sixth (and yes, final) season are broadcast today. While I write this, listening to the LOST soundtrack, I am actually feeling a rush like none other. 

After Juliet hit that stupid Jughead with a rock and the white flash was shown, I was hell-bent on finding out what-why-when-how happened. Reading every word I could get my hands on, peeking at every sneak peek with disapproval for my actions and scratching my head over the thousands of mysteries I find myself baffled with, I am happy to say that the wait is over. The writers seemed to have kept a tight wrap on things but that hasn't stopped people from snooping around and feeding sorry souls like us with tidbits that kept us hanging and asking for a little more every time 

I cannot remember a time when I waiting with such anticipation for anything. Thanks to the almighty DVR I pay for, I did not scythe off the people who made plans for tonight. It is going to be a hurried dinner and then 3 hours of numbness while I get even more numb as the drama unfolds. I really think I need a bottle of scotch ready to drain so that I can fall asleep tonight without being bothered by the cliff-hanger tonight's episode will surely have. 

I want to say it has been a fruitful wait, but I'll hang on to those words till I see off tonight. And then the next 4 odd months till the series finally closes.

I am actually fantasizing that the series will end in a manner in which it started, "with the closing of Jack's eyes" and the end of the journey.

The beginning of the end is here and I cannot wait for it ...

World Cup almost ...

I was so hoping for something spectacular from the draw today.But there was some disappointment. First off, no video. Come on! And that too when Charlize Theron was looking amazing. Second, no serious group of death. That was sad. But there was some respite, Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal. That's a brutal combination and if Drogba has anything to say, that will just make it more interesting. My only hope is Portugal does to Brazil what it always does to England.
Speaking of England, US and they in the smae group. Sounds interesting but is actually very banal. US coach Bradley wants 1950 spirit whe US last beat England. You gotta be kidding. He wasn't born then. Why has he got to create a rivalry where there isn't one?
The dummy draw actually had a funny moment. When Charlize pulled out France, she actually called out Ireland. Yikes, that must have hurt in Dublin. Anyways, at least now this nonsense can come to an end and we can get down to serious business. June cannot come sooner.

Draw ...

France v Germany in the league stage? That's a possibility. The draw id on Friday and FIFA did something nasty. They placed France in the unseeded pot, apparently because of Henry's cheating tactics against Ireland. Speaking of which, clever Henry knows FIFA cannot allow all the bull that Ireland FA are throwing at FIFA and so he accepts hat he cheated and tries to pull the woll over our eyes. Not so fast!
Ireland went to FIFA and asked them to add a 33rd team to the draw, namely them. Are they serious? 33 teams? Can you imagine the statistical nightmare that may follow and every team in the history of football wanting to be treated fairly. Hell, even England might come out and protest against the "Hand of God" again and book a place in the final.
That reminds me, Maradona is apparently warned that if he comes to the draw, he will be kicked out. That's a nice way to talk to a legend, but he did it first. Nasty fellow. No wonder Argentina sucks and Tevez wants out.
Berbatov got a haircut, no more hairband and long streaks slowing his pace. And who knew he was balding. Fatherhood seems to have brought hm down to earth. Hope that form he showed at Spurs returns to aid United.

Man uddhaN Vaaryache (marathi lyrics) - मन उद्धाण वार्याचे

FYI ... please use this and edit it as needed ....

मायेच्या हळव्या स्पर्शाने खुलते, नात्यांच्या बंधात धुंध मोहरते
मायेच्या हळव्या स्पर्शाने खुलते, नात्यांच्या बंधात धुंध मोहरते
मन उद्धाण वार्याचे, गूज पावसाचे
का होते बेभान कसे गहिवरते
मन उद्धाण वार्याचे, गूज पावसाचे
का होते बेभान कसे गहिवरते
मन उद्धाण वार्याचे

तनाना...

आकाशी स्वप्नांच्या हरपून भान शिरते
हुरहुरत्या सांजेला कधी एकटेच झुलते
सावरते बावरते धडते अडखळते का पडते
कधी आशेच्या हिंदोळ्यावर मन हे वेडे झुलते
मन तरंग होऊन पाण्यावरती फिरते
अन क्षणात फिरुनी आभाळाला भिडते

मन उद्धाण वार्याचे, गूज पावसाचे
का होते बेभान कसे गहिवरते
मन उद्धाण वार्याचे, गूज पावसाचे
का होते बेभान कसे गहिवरते
मन उद्धाण वार्याचे

रुणझुणते गुणगुणते कधी गुंतते हरवते
कधी गहिऱ्या डोळ्यांच्या डोहात पार बुडते
तळमळते सारखे बापडे नकळत का भरकटते
कधी मोहाच्या चार क्षणांना मन हे वेडे भुलते
जाणते जरी जे पुन्हा पुन्हा का चुकते
भापडे जरी भासांच्या मागून पळते

मन उद्धाण वार्याचे, गूज पावसाचे
का होते बेभान कसे गहिवरते
मन उद्धाण वार्याचे, गूज पावसाचे
का होते बेभान कसे गहिवरते
मन उद्धाण वार्याचे

It’s a secret, that’s why!

After reading "The da Vinci Code" I was certainly intrigued about the whole, Jesus is married and has a blood-line, theory. Not knowing much about Christianity, it makes for a neutral like me to enjoy the occasional jab at someone else's mysterious religion. And being an agnostic makes it even more fun. Mind you, an atheist would have loaded his gun and gone berserk, and they have. But for me it was entertainment and reading about what people on both sides felt was amusing.

Then last night I watched the National Geographic and the History Channel takes on "decoding" the theories in the book. What they presented was proof that it was all lies, blasphemy and so on. Not that they actually said those words, but anyone would guess that's what they meant. Now who in the world would want to say that I wonder?

Now to be concise, the book states that there was a "secret" society. It was proved that the society as created by some Frenchman just to get his hands on royalty. And it was said that there is no proof that a secret society existed. Now isn't this a contradictory statement in itself? It is secret, hence no proof.

And even if Jesus was married, how would his message change? How would people think, "Oh he was married, then he is not a Messaih!" Just because he did not happen to throw a lavish party calling everyone to his wedding or having his reception at The Plaza, doesn't mean he may not have been married. It might be a stretch to agree that the Priory of Sion existed, but who says it can't. In the world, everyone has the right to question everything, so why have people taken to resentment when such questions are asked?

Like I said before, I am an agnostic and I seem to enjoy conspiracies and so this book was a wonderful read for me. The documentaries providing proof against it were entertaining too. But let's just keep it at that. What people did in India was just another way to get your 15 minutes of fame. In a democratic country like India, the largest I may add, if someone wants to say something against a religion, then he is cursed and burned.

My point is, if something didn't exist, but you cannot prove that it didn't, it may have existed. It's like being innocent until proven guilty.

Two nights to remember!

In North London the world witnessed a master class performance by Manchester United to shove away Arsenal and book a place in a consecutive final, a feat never achieved since 1997. It was a game that was over in the first 11 minutes when a mistake and a brilliant free kick did it for United and Arsenal needing 4 goals to go through.

Now, I won't say that this tie had the same electric feel as past United-Arsenal ties, when they were hustling for the Premiership. It seems that the days are past when Arsenal played with the likes of Henry, Pires, Viera and company against a feisty United team led by Keane. Arséne Wenger is a great coach, but he might have taken it too literally when someone said that he needs a youthful team. His team is nowhere the team Sir Alex played at the emirates. van Persie was back, but he is as fragile as a delicate flower. A small hit and he is out. Fabregas was nowhere and Adebayor, well he is like having nothing.

Ronaldo gave a superb performance, reiterating why he is the best in the world, and send United to the final to be the fist team since 1990 to defend their title. But who would they play?

 

The answer lies with Barcelona. A team who failed to score at home since, ironically, Manchester United visited them last season in the semis. A away goal would do the trick, and it did. And at the expense of Chelsea.

I never liked Chelsea, well, since the day Roman splashed a large wad of cash and they were picking up players like fallen apples. And even with a billion-dollar team, they have not achieved the success many have assumed they would. Ballack, a man who seems to have followed the trail of Sterlings to Stamford Bridge, Drogba, a man no one knew and wish still don't know, Essien, a player not wanting to return to his country to play in the national side, Mikel, who thwarted United's call to go to the cash filled Chelsea and so many others. But last night's game brought out the devils in the Blues. The match started as a football game, but surely ended like a wrestling match. With his call for a handball falling on deaf ears, Ballack decided to crowd the referee into giving a decision he was sure wasn't there to be given because it happened right in front of him. Drogba even got a yellow card for almost attacking the referee and then swearing at the camera.

Drogba my friend, there have been some astonishing acts from you with a little dive here and a little one there, but this trumps it all. And Anelka, who must have learned something from his compatriot Viera got entangled in his own feet and fell and then saw Abidal get a red card for doing nothing. And even then, Chelsea cry foul and say that decisions didn't go their way. Fifteen minutes to add another goal against 10 men with a firing attack was all they needed. Yet when the game ended dashing their hopes for another chance at glory, all they could do was blame someone from UEFA who did not want another all-English final.

I love conspiracies and this is one of them, but really, do you really want to blame someone else, when you know you had every opportunity to get the result and you didn't. Mop it up and look into your own selves and come up with an answer.

Anyways, conspiracies might be a topic for another post. Right now, I look to Rome and United take on Barcelona (a match sure to be dubbed as Ronaldo v Messi, we'll see).

FIA makes new changes for 2010 … now what!

It's a round of new changes for Formula 1 in 2010. This season has seen the cars change their look like a hot babe turning to an old hag. Maybe that is a little extreme. But maybe that has turned the sport upside down, for a good reason. Ferrari and McLaren and BMW were the only names synonymous with the word Championship. But with the latest changes, a new order has some into play; the Illuminati of Formula 1 will certainly be rejoicing.
Now for a further change, FIA has banned refueling of cars while racing. My first reaction, "What the hell man!" But then after a little pondering and reading I have come to realize the decision as a real nice one. First, FIA's decision to do this to make the cars more efficient is a good way to go. Secondly, a qualifying now will mean an actual qualifying. I always have to think about the fuel loads the cars carry. I always think that one driver should have got pole but someone else just put him in second. But then I hear the commentator say that someone might have a heavier fuel load and that is why he is second. Well, I never accepted that kind of a thing. It was never a pure qualifying session. It's too many strategies to think of. It's now a technical race for the shrewd minds and not what racing is ultimately about. Driver skills and car technologies.

And so this rule will make the qualifying session be what it should be, let's see who is the fastest. And that my friends will make that hour wonderful. I always skipped to the final session of qualifying. As Coulthard said, it may be better to come in 11^th rather than 10^th for qualifying. Then the fuel load is not a concern. Now with the new rule, one less thing to worry about

Another change is "no tire warmers". Now there is something that will affect performance. It's going to be very interesting to see what happens with all these new changes. But one thing is sure, this season may just setup a grand finale and will make the next season that much more awesome.

Last week in Manchester ...

A week to remember. Legendary. On Saturday, United hosted Spurs and it was an encore. Remember back to September 2001 when United came back with3 goals down. But this one was bigger and better. As the title hung in the balance of this result.
Then came another big test with Arsenal visiting for the Champions League semis and United won that too. An upper hand there and traveling to London to make it to a consecutive final appearance.
Carlos Tevez still wants to leave. And he has good reason to. No starting place, no consistent games even when he can orchestrate something like what he did during the comeback against Tottenham. Sir Alex says he is important, but will he actually act on his words is something to wait for.
With United traveling north this weekend and Liverpool abut to win easily at Anfield, it's a tough week ahead again.
Wait for it ...