Superstitions and cricket go together

Despite cricket being a game of talent and mind, the players often need something 'extra' to sustain their self-belief. It might not make much sense, but the cricketers do not mind it. Not just the teams, but the countless fans watching the games on television also have their own superstitions. People have their lucky seats, lucky corners. And who can blame them if their idols and teams deliver. After all, they can not be denied of an opportunity to contribute to the success of their favourite team. Many cricketers refuse to shave in the midst of a good run. It is all in their beard, they believe. And some others wear the same trouser for several matches together. Their fear being washing them may end up washing their luck as well.

During a league encounter against Zimbabwe in 1983 World Cup, India were in the spectre of a humiliating defeat before Kapil Dev began the assault that brought a ray of hope in the dressing room. And that prompted the team manager Man Singh to instruct: "Nobody would move from his seat". Srikkanth was standing outside the dressing room on a cold, windy day, with a cup of coffee in his hand. And he had to bear it for the next two hours or so!

One more such incident happened in Sydney in 1985. During the semifinal against New Zealand in the World Championship of Cricket, India were in a spot with the asking-rate getting stiffer. As Dilip Vengsarkar and Kapil Dev pulled out strokes of extraordinary brilliance to fight it out, rest of the team did not budge from their seats in the dressing room, keeping alive the lucky charm. Vengsarkar and Kapil not only won the semifinal for India, but triumphed in the final also.

It was the final of the NatWest Trophy in Lord's in 2002. India, chasing a big total of 324, were in deep trouble with collapse of the top order. But the young duo of Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif had a different agenda. They staged one of the most remarkable recoveries as skipper Sourav Ganguly instructed his team members not to budge from their seats in the dressing room. Ganguly who had kept his leg on the fence of the room, was seen in the same position for hours till India finally ended the drought of a trophy in foreign soil for long.

Indo-Pak cricket in the '80s and '90s was full of superstition. Playing a final on Friday means Pakistan's victory and Saturday suits India. The Indians were supposed to be gentle souls, firmly vegetarian though there wasn't a formal veg/non-veg head-count. They generally ended losers if they had non-veg meals on eve of the matches. Pakistan, on the other hand, were boisterous, ate everything, had factions in their team and more captains than one could count. But they always won.

Many cricketers have their own superstitions. To begin with, K. Srikkanth says he used to look into the sun as he went in, wore his left pad first, and always walked to the right of his partner, while opening the innings. It made him feel comfortable. He had been following them from the beginning of his career and was successful. It stayed that way till the end of his career with only one exception. Gavaskar, before he played his final Test innings against Pakistan, desired a slight change! India were chasing a stiff target, considering the nature of the track. Gavaskar asked Srikkanth: "Chika, can I walk to your right this time?" How could he ever say no to the great batsman. Gavaskar produced a masterly innings on a square turner. By his own admission, one of his best knocks, considering the pressure, the situation, and the pitch.

Neil McKenzie, the 32-year-old South African opener is another example. McKenzie used to believe he could not score runs unless the sporting gods had been brought on-side through various rituals including him decreeing toilet seats be closed before he left the dressing room and taping his bat to the changing room ceiling before each innings. Before the bowler runs in, he likes to look to square leg, to fine leg, and then back at the bowler. But the South African says if he doesn't do that once, he doesn't think something bad is going to happen. He says it's just like a trigger movement.

Sri Lanka's veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya hits his pads with his bat before every ball.
Sourav Ganguly has used a number of lucky charms during his long career.
Sachin Tendulkar always wears the right pad first.
Mohinder Amarnath and Steve Waugh always carried a red handkerchief in their pockets.

Kites could provide electricity for 100,000 homes

High-flying kites tethered to generators could supply as much as 100 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 100,000 homes, according to researchers from the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands.

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The scientists have recently demonstrated that flying a single 10-square-meter kite could produce 10 kilowatts of power, which could supply electricity for about 10 homes.

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In their next experiment, the researchers plan to test a 50-kilowatt version, called Laddermill. Eventually, their goal is to build a multi-kite system that could generate a full 100 megawatts.

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Electricity produced by kites in the wind could be inexpensive, too. The researchers predict prices to be comparable with generating electricity using coal power, and half that of using wind turbines.

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kites generate power by pulling on their strings that are attached to generators on the ground. After reaching their maximum height, the kites are reeled back down to repeat the process.

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Several other scientists are investigating the use of kites to harness energy from the wind - which some researchers estimate provides more than 100 times the amount required to power the entire planet. In 2007, Google´s philanthropic arm invested about $10 million in a US kite company called Makani. An Italian company called Kitegen has a multi-kite scheme that could generate a gigawatt of power, as much as a standard coal plant.

Hyderabad: Metro Rail to wipe out city landmarks

HYDERABAD: Once operational, the metr Rail will benefit lakhs of people and facilitate easy movement of traffic in the city.

But all this will come at a huge cost and this will not be merely financial: thousands of people will get dislocated once the construction of the project takes off.

Busy market areas such as Ameerpet, Punjagutta, Sultan Bazar, Badi Chowdi, Khairatabad among others that fall in the metro rail route will not only lose their character but also get practically wiped out with stations with a minimum height of a three floor building standing tall and wide where markets bustle with hectic activity today.

The threat of huge demolitions also loom over roads such as those extending between Narayanguda crossroads to Kacheguda and the stretch leading to Gowliguda bus station. Shah Ali Banda to Falaknuma would be among many other stretches that would fall on the metro track. "Delhi's metro has been a success, but the route is mostly underground and partly overground. In Hyderabad it will be totally overground, which is why the dislocation and destruction will be higher," an analyst said.

But even as the ambitious project has been approved by the state cabinet, notices to structures on the roads that will be affected have not been served in many places. This means that many people are still not aware that they might be affected by the project.

Experts point out that the project work would start with the construction of stations, but curiously, the process of land acquisition for stations hasn’t started as yet, at least officially.

"The government does not wish to create panic among people by starting the massive acquisitions now," said an insider source. So, a hush-hush acquisition strategy has been adopted with several government properties being acquired silently in the name of road widening.

N V S Reddy, managing director, Hyderabad Metro Rail, says that of the 66 stations coming up, government property will be given (to the developer) in 34 places. He adds that an additional "one or two acre area" will be required for parking and circulation but properties for this are not being notified now.

The stations, that are estimated to be at least as tall as a three-floor building, would even touch the height of a five or seven-floor building measuring around 40 feet to 70 feet in some places. Add to this height the length of the platform and the additional essentials of a staircase, lift and escalator.

For this, land other than the road width would be needed to the tune of 100 square yards to 200 square yards, says N V S Reddy claiming that it is still too early to notify these properties since the design (of stations) would be ready only after six months.

But what activists can't fathom is how entire markets can be allowed to disappear once the project work starts. "Sultan Bazar, for instance, is a pedestrian shopping area and part of the history of the city. Such bazaars are protected in other cities," says C Ramachandraiah of Citizens for a Better Public Transport. In addition, he questions, why the designated spots of stations have not been revealed as yet. "If the station is in Ameerpet, where would it be? Where will it be located in Punjagutta," he asks, seeking better transparency of the metro rail track.

"Land acquisition is bound to hit a roadblock in the corridor stretching through the city's most congested stretch, where even land for road widening could not be acquired," the analyst said. The available right of way for the metro rail track on the three metro corridors is 90 per cent for Miyapur- LB Nagar corridor, 72 per cent for Nagole- Shilparamam corridor but only 41 per cent for JBS- Falaknuma corridor, claims N V S Reddy. He acknowledges - in what is a gross understatement - that acquiring land for corridor II (wherein many Old City areas fall) is a 'problem'.

Observers note that there are both temples and mosques falling on the metro alignment track and wonder how the authorities would steer clear of them. Besides, they pertinently note that no financial institution would extend a loan to the project developer until it provides documentation evidence that the land has actually been acquired.

Hottest new laptops!

For long, laptops have been touted as the companion of upmarket mobile execs. However, the notion seems to be fast changing, largely due to their falling prices.

The constant slide in laptop prices has made the niche laptops go mass.

The laptop market today is flooded with sleeky design, ultra-portable laptops at affordable prices. Here's looking into some of the recent hottest launches which follow the trend.

Asus Eee PC 1000H and Eee PC 904H
Taiwan-based computer manufacturer, Asus, launched its second-generation Eee PC series in India.

The company, which partners Intel and Microsoft, rolled out Eee PC 1000H and Eee PC 904H.

Powered by Intel Atom processor, Eee PC 1000H features 10 inch screen display. The notebook boasts of battery life of up to five hours, Dolby Sound Room and built-in Bluetooth.

Targeted at users with basic computing needs, the laptop has a 1.3 megapixel webcam with wireless Internet connection. Asus Eee PC 904H features an 8.9 inch screen, 1024X600 resolution display and hybrid engine that supports battery life of up to 4.5 hours.

Both the notebooks come pre-installed with Windows XP, ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Wi-Fi 802.11n and 80 GB SATA hard disk drive.

The ASUS Eee PC 904H and 1000H are available at a price of approximately Rs 26,990 and Rs 29,990 respectively.

Dell Studio range
Available in striking colour combinations, Dell Studio brand laptops come in 15-17 inch high-definition display models. There's also an mercury-free LED display option.

The sleek looking laptops come in six colour combinations -- plum purple, tangerine orange, flamingo pink, midnight blue, ruby red, spring green and standard jet black. A recent entry to the range is the high-gloss graphite grey colour that can be customised with contrasting black, blue, pink or red edge trim around the display back.

Other than their sleek looks, Dell Studio 15 and Studio 17 laptops feature built-in webcam, touch control buttons and slot load drives.

Other features include optional Blu-ray Disc drives, fingerprint reader and support for Dell video chat feature that enables four-way calling.

Studio 15 laptop is priced at Rs 46,800 and Studio 17 at Rs 52,800.

Intex series
Delhi-based Intex Technologies has rolled out a series of notebooks to woo audience across different segments.

The laptops models spanning across nine ranges -- Lifestyle Book, Gaming Book, Tablet Pad, Business book (three variants) and Education book (three variants) in the Indian market.

The notebooks support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled. Targeted at fashion lovers, Intex Lifestyle Book comes in several colours, including pink, black and white. Featuring a 12.1-inch TFT-LCD screen, the 1.8 Kg laptop has Intel Dual Core processor. It is priced at Rs 33,000.

For gaming enthusiasts there's Intex Gaming Book that promises high-end gaming experience. Powered by Intel Centrino, the notebook supports Nvidia Graphic power, SRS WOW speakers and in-built hybrid TV Tuner. It is priced at Rs 75,900.

For gizmo freaks, Intex Tablet Pad can be an option. With 12.1 inch TFT touch screen, it can rotate at 180 degrees. At 2.1 kg, the notebook retails at Rs 47,900.

For business users, Intex Business Book has high-end biz features. Available in screen sizes of 15.4 inch and 13.3 inch, the notebook comes with HDMI port for high-resolution output to HDTV.

Available in three variants, it also boasts of security features like finger print recognition and Kensington lock. The notebook is priced between Rs 32,900 and Rs 42,900.

Lastly to woo students, Intex has launched Education Book. Available in three variants, the notebook is priced between Rs 25,900 and Rs 29,900.

Lenovo IdeaPad Y710
Lenovo recently launched IdeaPad Y710, company's first notebook with a 17 inch monitor and a resolution of 1440 x 900. For graphic processor, Lenovo has used ATI Radeon Mobility HD 2600 with 512 MB memory.

Entertainment features include WLAN connectivity, Dolby Home Theatre system and an optional Blu-ray DVD reader.

The notebook comes with touch-sensitive controls and users can select between various multimedia options.

In addition, the notebook has a performance control switch with Turbo mode for maximum power, which includes CPU overclocking and Quiet mode for saving energy.

A few models of Lenovo IdeaPad Y710 comes with game zone functionality which includes enlarged directional buttons for game play, four user-customisable buttons and a secondary display showing system information such as CPU speed.

The notebook can support hard drive of up to 320GB with a speed of 5400rpm that also includes swap hard drive. The company for the first time has also introduced RAID function in the IdeaPad Y710.

Available in metallic finish, the notebook has a starting price of Rs 45,000.

BenQ S41 Joybook model
Taiwan-based BenQ launched S41 Joybook model in India. Featuring a 14.1 widescreen display, the laptop offers a quick response time of 16ms. Sporting Laminated Colour Metal (LCM) and POP art technologies, the laptop is equipped with Nvidia GeForce 8600M GS graphic chipset and up to 1GB of TurboCache support.

The notebook comes with built-in 1.3 megapixel QEye webcam, an internal microphone with noise suppression, echo cancellation functions and dual 1.5W speakers enhanced by SRS TruSurround XT technology.

The HDMI output allows transmission of HD digital video of up to 1080p resolution. For connectivity, it comes pre-equipped with integrated wireless WAN, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless LAN and built-in Bluetooth.

The Joybook retails at Rs 47,000.

Dell Inspiron 13
Dell refreshed its Inspiron series with the launch of Inspiron 13 laptop. Sporting a glossy pacific blue colour, the laptop has a 13-inch screen with a DVD drive and 8-in-1 media card reader.

Weighing 5 pounds, it has support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and built-in webcam in higher models.

Bhagat Singh In Jallianwala Bagh

On April 13, 1919, Bhagat Singh went to his school as usual unaware of the most tragic event that would trigger his fight for freedom.

When young Bhagat Singh, just 11 at the time heard about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he ran on his bare foot to witness the tragic event. The blood soaked maidan and the echo of cry was tight packed in his heart for years to come. Although the tragic scene was too much for the child to bear, he sat down on the ground and filled a bottle with the blood soaked mud. One of the historic reports state that the sight made him wail miserably.

Bhagat Singh, then carried the bottle to his house with misty eyes and placed it in the mid of the room. Then he sat down as if he was performing a ritualistic pooja. His younger sister watched his act with great surprise and asked, "What are you doing with that bottle filled with red mud." He answered with grief and anger, "This is the pure blood of great freedom fighters killed by the British. I am paying my last tribute to them who fought to make my India a free land".

After few years Bhagat Singh plunged into the battlefield to free his country. On 23rd March, 1931, he was hanged to death by the British, with his companions Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar for shooting a police officer in response to the killing of veteran freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai.

However, death didn't seem to scare him as history states that before giving his extraordinary life to the mere rope, he kissed it with great pride and with a curved smile he cried out for the last time Bharat Mata and breathed his last. His death made several youngsters in North India to fight for a free land with great vigor. He was not successful in winning the war but he did start one. A war of revolution.