Pausch talks mostly about childhood dreams. But Pausch's talk really emphasizes his simple keys to success:
- Make the right connections.
- Be Persistent.
- Be Patient.
- Work Hard.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Prof. Randy Pausch
Prof. Randy Pausch, CS prof at CMU, has passed away last friday. He received lots of messages. Well that made me inquisitive about whats so special in being Prof. Randy Pausch. A simple query on google lead me to his famous last lecture video. You should really take the time to watch it if you haven't already.
Pausch talks mostly about childhood dreams. But Pausch's talk really emphasizes his simple keys to success:
Pausch talks mostly about childhood dreams. But Pausch's talk really emphasizes his simple keys to success:
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Futball Round up
After the intense mid-week of Champions League Semi's, the spotlight was later on the UEFA cup semi's between Bayern-Zenit and Florentina-Rangers. The first leg of the both the matches ended in stalemates. Hence, the second legs were expected to intriguing. The first one produced a stunner in which Bayern, to the surprize of everyone, were knocked out 4-0. This was a astonishing result given the buying spree taken up by Bayern during summers of 2007. It was actually a shame for the Germans to go down so meekly. The Second semi was like: Rangers have come to Itlay, parked their bus in front of the goal and put all the bodies behind the ball. It was a dull encounter. In spite of being down to 10 men, they made it through on penalties. Final will be played on 14th may City of Manchester Stadium.
Over the weekend there have been quite a few mouth-watering clashes. Milan vs Inter, Barcelona vs Valencia were the best of the lot. Barcelona hammered Valencia 6-0 while kaka single handeldly made light work of Inter handing them a 2-1 defeat(their first defeat in Serie A ?). This along along with positive results elsewhere for Roma and Florentina losing leads to an interesting situation in Serie A. Milan took an important step towards UCL qualification for next season, while race for Scudetto gets interesting.
Its business as usual for ManU, an encounter which saw Nani seeing Red! Torres was at his flair and was a match winner for the reds. Fulham, Bolton took huge steps to retain Barclays Premier league status! I think Royals (Reading) and Birmingham will go down.
As it turns out, IPL seems to be losing its sheen, many a matches turning out to be one sided and as Dada rightly points it out "Shorter the game, shorter the difference between players!". The most uninteresting aspect of T20 is the fact the a single player can make all the difference in the world, for instance, if Sehwag fires any target is seemingly chasable! Anyways, its good that finally RC and MI have own a game at their homes! Especially impressed by the young players in the Rajasthan team.
Clash of the week: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals on 7th (Sachin vs Warne hopefully)
[Esc] :wq
Over the weekend there have been quite a few mouth-watering clashes. Milan vs Inter, Barcelona vs Valencia were the best of the lot. Barcelona hammered Valencia 6-0 while kaka single handeldly made light work of Inter handing them a 2-1 defeat(their first defeat in Serie A ?). This along along with positive results elsewhere for Roma and Florentina losing leads to an interesting situation in Serie A. Milan took an important step towards UCL qualification for next season, while race for Scudetto gets interesting.
Its business as usual for ManU, an encounter which saw Nani seeing Red! Torres was at his flair and was a match winner for the reds. Fulham, Bolton took huge steps to retain Barclays Premier league status! I think Royals (Reading) and Birmingham will go down.
As it turns out, IPL seems to be losing its sheen, many a matches turning out to be one sided and as Dada rightly points it out "Shorter the game, shorter the difference between players!". The most uninteresting aspect of T20 is the fact the a single player can make all the difference in the world, for instance, if Sehwag fires any target is seemingly chasable! Anyways, its good that finally RC and MI have own a game at their homes! Especially impressed by the young players in the Rajasthan team.
Clash of the week: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals on 7th (Sachin vs Warne hopefully)
[Esc] :wq
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Times of Champions League
Over the last one week there have been numerous posts on whether the champions league was not what it used to be and the lack of attacking football on offer from various football plaudits which also includes the likes of Barca coach Rijkaard suggesting its a "pity" that english teams do not playing the kind of attacking football they should given the stardom they possess. I rubbish all these claims. For me, this case clearly resembles the case of "Grapes being sour"! Barca have nothing short of a disaster all season long. Clearly, their form in all competitions have been awful and its only because of their relatively easier draw they have made it this far, at least this season. And especially given the fact that they did not have even one legitimate effort on goal over both the legs (no matter how defensive minded ManU can be) is nothing short of a catastrophe for them given they pretend as though they are the sole representatives of the beautiful game of football adhering to its true principles! Come on Barca, Don't be sore losers. Give due credit to the opponents, especially when you are outplayed both on and off the pitch. By referring to off the pitch I meant the tactics, the ploy to employ Nani and Park behind the full backs of Barca yielded wonders for Sir Alex's side. And of course, on the pitch too they were outplayed by a classy Man United side.
Coming to the second match between chelski and the other Reds. Let me hit it straight on the nail. Benitez(coach of Reds) got the tactics completely wrong! Firstly, when you are dealing with someone like Drogba you have to more than careful! Never assault any great player before the crunch games(remember Carrick firing up Sachin before the 2003 WC clash with england!)
As the opposing manager would you anger and rile the guy so much that he no longer is playing to get into a CL final but to prove you wrong and to rub your nose in it? It is moronic management by Benitez I'm afraid as Grant didn't have to do his job at all with his star striker here other than put a casette into a tape player!! Come on Rafa!
This does not end over here, he picks up two defensive mid-fielders, Alonso and Mash, to start the clash is fine by me, however, even when the side is 2-1 down, you still having both of them is far from understandable.
However, Avram seemed like he could do no wrong! His decisions were spot on. Right from team selection to tactics. Lampard produced a trademark defensive splitting pass to find Kalou and he brought a save from Reina and then collecting the rebound Drogba produced a stunner from a tight angle. Reds equalized through Torres(not a surprize!).
All through the night(if you have watched the match!), StevieG was anonymous, this I think requires a special mention and Makelele, I should say made him invisible! In extra time, Blues turned it on. Ballack forcing a foul from Hypia and lampard for all that he had been through the last week, slotted home the penalty. The blues finally ended up as deserved winners. Nevertheless, kudos to both the teams given the fact that previous 6 CL encounters produced a meager 3 goals. This tie was without any doubt the best so far and a fitting encounter as a Semi-final. Hope to see a special CL final on 21st. ManU start favorites!
ps: RR vs KKR about to start :)
[Esc] :wq
Coming to the second match between chelski and the other Reds. Let me hit it straight on the nail. Benitez(coach of Reds) got the tactics completely wrong! Firstly, when you are dealing with someone like Drogba you have to more than careful! Never assault any great player before the crunch games(remember Carrick firing up Sachin before the 2003 WC clash with england!)
As the opposing manager would you anger and rile the guy so much that he no longer is playing to get into a CL final but to prove you wrong and to rub your nose in it? It is moronic management by Benitez I'm afraid as Grant didn't have to do his job at all with his star striker here other than put a casette into a tape player!! Come on Rafa!
This does not end over here, he picks up two defensive mid-fielders, Alonso and Mash, to start the clash is fine by me, however, even when the side is 2-1 down, you still having both of them is far from understandable.
However, Avram seemed like he could do no wrong! His decisions were spot on. Right from team selection to tactics. Lampard produced a trademark defensive splitting pass to find Kalou and he brought a save from Reina and then collecting the rebound Drogba produced a stunner from a tight angle. Reds equalized through Torres(not a surprize!).
All through the night(if you have watched the match!), StevieG was anonymous, this I think requires a special mention and Makelele, I should say made him invisible! In extra time, Blues turned it on. Ballack forcing a foul from Hypia and lampard for all that he had been through the last week, slotted home the penalty. The blues finally ended up as deserved winners. Nevertheless, kudos to both the teams given the fact that previous 6 CL encounters produced a meager 3 goals. This tie was without any doubt the best so far and a fitting encounter as a Semi-final. Hope to see a special CL final on 21st. ManU start favorites!
ps: RR vs KKR about to start :)
[Esc] :wq
Monday, April 28, 2008
Dhoni is Alien!
I have been an ardent follower of cricket since my childhood(to be precise I was watching cricket since 1992 B&H WC.), which of course many of us would have also done! As a true Indian, I always wanted India to do well. There have been our moments(Hero cup '94, Titan cup '96, Sharjah '98, Natwest '02, T20 WC, CB series '08 and the test victories over-seas) but never did I find a player who was always willing to take up a challenge, stay calm throughout the course of it devoid of any emotions. For me, he has been an ideal skipper, never looses his cool nor puts any pressure on any of the young lads.
The issue that takes the center-stage at this moment is not whether Dhoni can deliver the goods and sustain this form(luck ?) for longer time and help us catch Aussies; matching their consistency, commitment and competency. That is a different issue altogether! The mere fact that he is doing things which have been alien to our inherent mentality is applaudable and needs to commended. People say " Cometh the hour, cometh the man" ! Dhoni is certainly one them.
We may feel that he has gone lucky with some of his decisions, say asking Jogi to frequently bowl the last (and often the decider) more than once and he coming out successfully till now etc. are debatable. However, one can only admire the heart with which he has taken so many brave and telling decisions(, for instance, seeking an young fielding side for CB series) only indicate he is
certainly a cut above the rest.
His batting has been under the scanner more than once, people felt he was a mere slogger and hence cannot do much in the longest form of the game, but on the contrary has already played more than a couple of telling innings in his short career. There are few other indications as well to this fact, indeed in recent times he seldom slogs in both the ODI's and T2o games. I would say he is certainly playing according to what the situation demands! The only time he has let me down is in the Sydney test whether he was given lbw Symonds not offering a shot! He, however has to sharpen his keeping skills, i can only see them improving in the long run. Let us all hope he makes us proud throughout all his career and has many more glorious years in the making.
Before, I sign off
J.A.G.S, Daka, Sleeper, Maroo, Namrata, Rahul, skp, anks, Sultan, satty, Badri (i guess he is also following IPL :P).
Ctrl-xs
The issue that takes the center-stage at this moment is not whether Dhoni can deliver the goods and sustain this form(luck ?) for longer time and help us catch Aussies; matching their consistency, commitment and competency. That is a different issue altogether! The mere fact that he is doing things which have been alien to our inherent mentality is applaudable and needs to commended. People say " Cometh the hour, cometh the man" ! Dhoni is certainly one them.
We may feel that he has gone lucky with some of his decisions, say asking Jogi to frequently bowl the last (and often the decider) more than once and he coming out successfully till now etc. are debatable. However, one can only admire the heart with which he has taken so many brave and telling decisions(, for instance, seeking an young fielding side for CB series) only indicate he is
certainly a cut above the rest.
His batting has been under the scanner more than once, people felt he was a mere slogger and hence cannot do much in the longest form of the game, but on the contrary has already played more than a couple of telling innings in his short career. There are few other indications as well to this fact, indeed in recent times he seldom slogs in both the ODI's and T2o games. I would say he is certainly playing according to what the situation demands! The only time he has let me down is in the Sydney test whether he was given lbw Symonds not offering a shot! He, however has to sharpen his keeping skills, i can only see them improving in the long run. Let us all hope he makes us proud throughout all his career and has many more glorious years in the making.
Before, I sign off
[Five things about IPL that caught my attention]
1. IPL is turning out to be serial-killer. All the (daily/weekly) serials in various local channels should taking a hit :P
2.After reading this blog, you would have certainly realized that I would put my money on CSK's to win the inaugural IPL.(what say you?)
3.Bhajji-Sreesanth are my hit-pair at IPL,for, Bhajji apparently lost 2.67 coz of that slap, probably the costliest slap ever!, atleast in cricket surely .
4.The funniest moments of IPL so far: Laxman's fielding! Incident 1: Ball was in laxman's hands (fielding at cover) and batsmen attempt a second run! =)) (2). Laxman was so slow to bend down that the ball passed him to the boundary (3). Laxman again at covers and ball stops just outside 30 yard circle and batmen collect 2 as laxman stands ball-watching waiting for the sweeper leaving Afridi bewildered at laxman!
5.Heights of stupidity: Dravid and Vijay Mallaya putting test team at a T20 competition!
Now it's my turn to tag!J.A.G.S, Daka, Sleeper, Maroo, Namrata, Rahul, skp, anks, Sultan, satty, Badri (i guess he is also following IPL :P).
Ctrl-xs
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Fortress Stamford Bridge
81 Games Unbeaten in top flight football! 60 wins recorded! Its been 4 years and 3 months since Chelsea last lost a game at their home ground, Stamford Bridge. United just another name added to the list.
A 'pulsating' display of football was on offer this weekend as Man-Utd locked horns with Chelsea yesterday and it provided a game of tremendous quality from two of England's best sides, which is quiet unusual as generally when two good sides meet they generally cancel out each other in every department and hence more often than not resulting a boring draw.
The game, however, had its own share of controversies, but nevertheless, the football that was on offer was exhilarating.
Man Utd were intending to nick the title by defeating Chelsea in their own backyard. However, SAF did rest some of his 'key' players which ultimately resulted in crashing to another defeat at the hands of Chelsea.
The winning goal, which was a very controversial penalty, was cooly hit by the brilliant Michael Ballack who quite simply was the best player on the pitch. But one should not forget that the Old Trafford outfit had had its share of luck when the Blues were at Manchester(Mikel sent off and Saha getting a dubious penalty :-)).
I am sure many of you wouldn't have been able to either. This win, which many might argue was lucky for us and undeserved, is sure to give the players a lift ahead of the crucial 2nd leg semi-final tie against Liverpool. Its not yet clear whether Lampard will play or not, but if Ballack gives the kind of performance he gave today, then Chelsea should be through to their first ever UCL final.
Hope to see a thrilling mid-week of UCL semi's.
Esc :[wq]
A 'pulsating' display of football was on offer this weekend as Man-Utd locked horns with Chelsea yesterday and it provided a game of tremendous quality from two of England's best sides, which is quiet unusual as generally when two good sides meet they generally cancel out each other in every department and hence more often than not resulting a boring draw.
The game, however, had its own share of controversies, but nevertheless, the football that was on offer was exhilarating.
Man Utd were intending to nick the title by defeating Chelsea in their own backyard. However, SAF did rest some of his 'key' players which ultimately resulted in crashing to another defeat at the hands of Chelsea.
The winning goal, which was a very controversial penalty, was cooly hit by the brilliant Michael Ballack who quite simply was the best player on the pitch. But one should not forget that the Old Trafford outfit had had its share of luck when the Blues were at Manchester(Mikel sent off and Saha getting a dubious penalty :-)).
I am sure many of you wouldn't have been able to either. This win, which many might argue was lucky for us and undeserved, is sure to give the players a lift ahead of the crucial 2nd leg semi-final tie against Liverpool. Its not yet clear whether Lampard will play or not, but if Ballack gives the kind of performance he gave today, then Chelsea should be through to their first ever UCL final.
Hope to see a thrilling mid-week of UCL semi's.
Esc :[wq]
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