Thank you Sachin–from a fan!

23/12/2012 will be one of the unforgettable day for most of the cricket lovers, it is the day the 'God of Cricket', 'Little Master', 'Master Blaster', ‘The Great’, One and Only Sachin Tendulkar retired from ODI, that's it? it may be for few, but not for most!

I know this day will come, but it came bit soon.

I can't thank Sachin enough (as a humble fan) for his contribution to the great sport called 'Cricket' and the great memories he has given us to cherish through out our lives. I am sure there is going to be plenty of blog posts regarding Sachin's retirement, numbers, achievements and so on. In this post I don't want to go into numbers or his achievement, I wanted to share what Sachin mean to me as a fan and shed my feelings.

 

I can’t remember the day I started watching cricket, the only thing I can remember is, I started watching cricket with my cousin brother Harry Nihal and I started watching cricket Sachin playing and I am still watching cricket for Sachin. I cant forget the days I celebrated Sachin's each runs with my cousin brother, school, college friends and family.

I can’t forget the day that people ask “what is Sachin’s score”, and no interest in knowing team score.

I can’t forget the days people switch off television once Sachin got out!

I can’t forget the days people celebrate Sachin century as their personal achievement.

Well, I am one among those people I mentioned above! I am sure you also belong to that group!

Everyone know how great he is and the great things he has done, the most interesting thing I have learned from Sachin is, his strong attitude to fight critics, his mental strength to overcome obstacles. He is my role model, as for most of us. The lessons I have learnt from him helps me in my day today activities, at work and wherever it is applicable.

When situation demand more from me in life, at work, when I am under severe pressure, I take a silent moment, deep breath and think about this great man. When I think about the pressure Sachin experienced for many years, the criticism he has been facing many years, mine looks like a lost pebble in the beach sand. He also taught me, us. how to answer to the critics and how to react under pressure.  

The above is just one of the examples from a million. He is thoroughly motivating and exciting.

As we have heard so many times, he did hold the nation in his shoulders for the past 23 years, in recent times few percentage of the people didn't give him the respect he deserves, which is really disappointing and disheartening. If I feel this disappointed, just image how much the great man would have been disappointed? cant find a word to describe that.

But now he has retired from ODI career, we wont be able to see him in Indian blue jersey any more, no aggressive pull, no square cure, no classic straight drive, no outstanding cover drive, no upper cut, no paddle sweep, no reverse sweep, no helicopter shot etc, etc and etc!

No more Sachin… Sachin.. Sachin…Sachin.. in cricket grounds..very disappointing..

To be extremely honest with deep sadness, I am happy that Sachin retired from ODI, it is not because more youngsters will be playing, it is truly because he wont be under any more criticism and wont be blamed for the teams defeat.

The only happy news is, he will be still playing Test Cricket, I am sure he is working hard as he was doing for the past 23 years for the challenges ahead.

We, I am, really blessed to watch Sachin batting with the Indian blue jersey. It is a big shame that the next generation wont be able to witness the magic he does with his heavy willow.

One of Ravi Shastri’s famous commentary "today he used his bat like a surgeons blade, precision" 

I am really blessed, because I had the greatest gift of meeting him, taking photos with him and got his autograph! read about my exciting experience in my previous blog, Hallelujah I Saw Sachin!

My all time Sachin's favorite innings was his back 2 back centuries in Sharjah against the might Aus!(I still watch that at least once a week) how can I forget the 2 CB series finals, 2003 world cup against Pakistan, the great superman innings of 200 runs vs SA, and the greatest achievement of his life, 2011 World Cup, I can do this for many hours, but I would stop here.  

One of the best videos regarding Sachin have a look and enjoy his achievments.

Some fast facts about Sachin- Facts

I am not sure how I can watch India playing ODI matches without Sachin? well, I am also retiring from watching ODI matches. Yes, It is a pure selfish act, but I would happily accept the blame.

Thanks again Sachin!

Calvin Christopher

My Unforgettable Travel

Its everyone’s dream to visit United States of America once in a life time, its my dream too and that came true with my new Job! I never expected this would happen, but it did, Praise the Lord!

^Source

My trip to US gave me new exposure about life, people, culture and how the world is functioning day in and day out. It’s a different part of the world, where people have the liberty & support to excel in their field of interest & excellence!

I am a young Process Engineer working in a manufacturing industry, an industry which has new challenges everyday, keeps me busy and hunting! 3rd month in my new Job, I was given the golden opportunity to travel to US to attend DOE-Design of Experiments training, I was extremely excited and so keen to fly to the country, which I often call as “Country of Dreams” My company booked my flights and hotel for my training through Expedia, the best way to travel!

Finally the day came, I was sitting in the training room in Highlands, Illinois, US! I reached there very early, I got lot of time to taste an American sandwich, which tastes the same as all over the world! setup my laptop, with my universal adapter! checked my mails, dropped a line to my boss and parents, that I reached here safe and good.

After a hour later all the trainees started to turn up and soon the hall was full and ready to go! I am the only who travelled a long way for this training!

I observed a Gentlemen sitting in the same row as I am, few seats away from me. He was young, sharp minded, speaking to everyone, like he met them before and he was carrying a great attitude. The trainer entered the room, we were asked to introduce our self, name, division, role, interests & on!

Hearing from few trainees I realized, I am the youngest trainee in that room, until the gentlemen sitting in my same room introduced himself.

He introduced himself as Stephen Jimenez from Texas, he is working as a 6 sigma black belt expert, his introduction was extremely impressive and stood out from the rest! he was so frank and mentioned he is not from an Engineering background, he does things that his heart feels correct and it is working well for him. He takes ideas from experienced shop-floor workers and implements those to increase the productivity, reduce scrap, etc., he wont take any credits for their ideas! he gives all the credit to the shop-floor workers, that makes them happy and makes them to work even harder!

                         

^{From left - Stephen Jimenez & I}

He said “ I am a normal guy, who works on pure common sense”

To be honest, his introduction broke my mind set, to achieve in life, degree is not essential! The important thing is to perform! be passionate & determined in what you do and that will take you to heights!

He mentioned his achievements and that was very impressive, he is straight forward, bold voiced, determined, great attitude! he was only 25 years old, the same age group as I am! I was thinking, to get an attitude like this, at at young age, is something special!

He offered me a lift to and fro to the training, as both of us, along with few trainees stayed in the same hotel. That gave me good opportunity to know more about him.

Just a few lines about me, I am so passionate and determined to change things, if that is not correct, Stephen also has the same character, but his methods are different to mine, this is the main reason that attracted me to his character! 

That evening after training, few of us decided to go a Popular Steak house, for our dinner, known as Popeye's chop house! I ordered the famous New york Strip, and started to talk! I asked to Stephen to tell us about him! I wanted to know how he got his great attitude, his past life.

The truth is he was an Ex-Navy Seal! one of the toughest, challenging positions in any Navy around the world!

He volunteered himself to the Navy after the 9-11 attack, when he was only 19 years old!

He said “ I just wanted to go there and take revenge for those who lost their life in 9-11 incident, we are not afraid! we have to show the enemies what we are capable of! if you are killing my fellow country men, I will destroy you!”   I had Goosebumps in my hands, and tears in my eyes! I never met anyone like his in my entire life till date!

During his 5 years service he travelled to 25 countries all over the world. Gunned down many militants in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, saved many innocent civilians! he also took few bullets in the war from the enemies, in his legs, plates in his both legs and slip disk in his back! oh God! and still he wanted to go back and fight for his country!  

I asked him how does he feel every night after killing someone! He said “ that is not a pleasant experience, my job is to keep my fellow soldiers alive, bring them safely back to their family! I do whatever I can do in my powers to make that happen! I never worried about dying, I wanted to live a worthy life before dying!”

What can I say after that? my blood was boiling, I truly felt ashamed, that I am working in another country for a MNC, and not working for my India!

He is so Patriotic! he is always ready to sacrifice his life for his country! as you can imagine, I was not able to sleep that night!

He taught me many things about life over my training period! During our training, we as a team performed exceptionally well in many group events!

                      

DOE Trainees

The one thing he shared will be always stored deep into my heart! “A good leader is one who makes his team work toward his goal, without the team members realizing that they are working towards the leaders goal!” He mentioned this is what he is doing at work! Using shop floor workers ideas to complete his goals and corporate goals without them realizing they are working for him! that is impressive, according to me!

Before my trip to US I tried to implement many ideas, but I always felt resistance from shop floor workers,but his thought is really helping me now!  I am sure it would help the reader also in a some occasion.

This trip changed me a lot! Now, I am eagerly looking to pursue my long time goal, I.P.S officer, and even more than that! I am still in touch with Stephen, who is really an exceptional character I met in my life! 

I wrote this article to share my experience with everyone out there and also an entry article to Indi Blogger contest, Around the world with Expedia!

Many Thanks for reading and voting

Calvin Christopher

Hallelujah I Saw Sachin!

My Dream came true! Yes, my 20 years, Golden Dream came true!

16/07/2011, Unforgettable day in my life!

As my blog heading says, I saw the “God of Cricket!” Yes, I met Sachin Tendulkar!

I stood near him, touched him, got his autograph, took pictures of him and I Took pictures with him!!!! I didn’t sleep that night! not able to sleep because of excitement! Also, I saw Sachin playing! Oh my God! it all happened in a same day! what else i can ask for a day?

Truly exciting! amazing!

I saw Sachin and Team India during their first practice match again Somerset @Taunton, UK. 
Its not only my dream its the dream of Million people!

I used the opportunity and grabbed a ticket for the 3 days friendly match, not only me, there were 100’s of Indian there, all came to see the one and only Sachin. The truly amazing thing, is most of the British people came there to see Sachin and his Game!

British kids, waiting outside to see Sachin, 60 years old waiting outside to see Sachin! We really need to be proud!

The match was Scheduled to start at 11:00am, second day, I went there approximately 9:40am to see the players! It was raining, the ground was wet! I was so upset, I just entered into the ground, opened my bag to take my Cam and there came a car!

All started shouting Sachin! Sachin! I was excited and I was not aware what I was doing, didn’t turn the cam on!  but started clicking! Missed to capture Sachin! So upset!


Then, everyone was waiting outside the dressing room building more than 2 hours to get a glimpse of Sachin and get his Autograph! No Joy!

I heard someone saying, if we go to nets we can see the players! I thought where was that? I started following few people and they entered in to building and there, I saw few people taking photos! I was excited and ran towards the nets!

There Dravid was batting, Murali Karthick bowling to him in one nets, Raina batting and Srisanth bowling to him in anther one, took few pictures. I asked people there did Sachin came there, all said NO
I along with few others were standing there, suddenly the Master Came out! He was literally 6 feet away from me! He came out from the Gym, sweating! 38 years old working hard in the Gym, where as Dhoni, Yuvraj, Laxman, Munaf, Praveen, Gambir came to the ground only 30 min before the game started!



I didn't believe my eyes! He went to have a chat with Dravid and few other players everyone started shouting Sachin, he promised he will come back for Autograph! I found a Autograph book in my backpack picked out, found a pen and was ready to get his autograph!

As promised he came back! I watched him very close! He is so simple, no attitude, very good person. He is Fit, Strong, and no one can say that he is 38! he is so good! Broad Shoulders and chest! amazing athlete!  I was waiting with my note book. waiting for my turn for the autograph! finally I got that! It was a great moment Guys! I felt that!

Here is his Autograph! That autograph book worth Millions of Pounds for me now!


After autograph I desperately wanted to take a picture with him! I followed him and tried to take a pic using the Live view feature, thanks to Nikon D5100, it comes with the flip display screen, I tried to take a picture as the lens was at 55mm I was not successful, please see my attempt below! out of focus also! as you can expect I am extremely sad! I wanted to take another one!




I followed him and few people stopped him to get his autograph! A guy ran towards me and asked me to take a picture of him with Sachin! I perfectly did that, I asked him to take a picture of me with Sachin! He tried, but quiet late in clicking the button! Sachin turned! look at this pic below!



As you can expect I wanted to slap that guy who took the pic!
mm.. though I am extremely Happy to see Sachin that close! Wished him, Thanked him for the World cup! what else I can ask?

I felt satisfied! This is the second time in my life I get this feeling, first time I got satisfied after doing our first service at Thirupathur Blind School!

I was a happy bunny!!!! laughing and running!!

Finally, the rain stopped and the umpires decided to started the match by 2:30pm, Somerset continued batting and our bowlers struggled! A Tamil Guy named Arul Suppiah played for Somerset and he scored 156 at an avg of 66, good batting!



Somerset declared for 425 and we started batting, first to go back to pavilion is Gambir after a short quick innings, then Dravid came.

The interesting thing is Indian Opening batsman Mukund was batting and Somerset appealed for an LBW and all the Indians in the crowd started shouting OUT!!! OUT!! OUT!! Give IT! OUT! even I did! Its all because to see Sachin’s batting! How crazy right? yes!

When Sachin came in to Bat all gave him Standing ovation! he is really the master!

Now Sachin came in….



He didn’t score a lot, he scored 26 runs, 5 glorious, classic boundaries! He soon got out and started walking back, the entire crowd stood up clapped and appreciated him!Glorious scene for an Indian to watch that!
After he got out, almost 75% of the crowd started moving! Yes, even most of the British people called the day off and started moving out!

I was really gifted to see Sachin that close! He is amazing, its really impressive to see how people all over the world is respecting the Master! Its true is Cricket is Religion then Sachin is GOD!

And my Dream Came true! I have one more dream!

I wanted to live witness Sachin scoring a Century!

Calvin Christopher

Change is Easy?

Source: Rimarkable

Gadgets a Guy thing? that was the case years back! Guys own the latest, high technological gadgets.

Things never the same now! Everything is changed! 

If we walk back into old history, it says, change is not easy but, recent history says change easy! Girls also started buying more advanced gadgets as Guys does, but still long way to go for them!

Let me come into the topic

Months back my friend and I wanted to buy a new smartphone. We were arguing about the best phone in the market, pros, cons, reviews, opinion from friends and all sort of things.

I was not worried about the design, it doesn’t matter for me, if its thick or thin, the important criteria for me is performance, I wanted a phone with  minimum 1Ghz processor, 5m pixel cam, touchscreen, good earphones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, latest OS and so on.

My friend was in her own world! her specification is extremely conflicting to mine! she wanted a stylish phone, didn’t worried about processor, cam features, all she wanted is an attractive phone that grabs everyone’s attraction!

Finally we decided and bought our phone of choice, we are happy with what we have opted for!             

                                                                                                                                                            

I got an HTC Desire and she went for the all time favourite iphone -3GS!

It clearly explains, selecting and owning gadgets has lot to do with our personality, character and more than that. I am an Hardware Engineer by profession that triggers my gadgets selection. Most of my friends know the kind of gadgets I am interested on, and all my gifts are handpicked, according to what I will expect from that gadget.

My dad gifted me a Dell Inspiron 1525 in 2008, while I decided to do my Masters in abroad, I am still using it and loving it! I received a free, Windows 7 ultimate OS from Microsoft for part of Windows 7 beta testing! I really love to spend most of my time with my laptop, browsing, blogging, watching movies, playing games.  Windows 7 + IE 9 +office 2010 really rocks! You should try it guys. For more Dell laptops please visit Dell page. I am looking to upgrade to another Dell i3 processor laptop.

I also received a Microsoft, wireless,  blue track technology mouse as my birthday gift. It's amazing and it is exactly doing as said in the description. 

As mentioned above, whenever I wanted to buy a gadget I look for latest technical advancements in the market, that is me, I have closely observed lot of other people buying gadgets, everyone's option is completely different, everyone has their own choice and options.

During my college days, I used to advice desktop configuration for my friends, apart from budget, the way I recommend depends on the person itself, not only me, if we visit to any PC shops, the way the sales guy recommends a product will be based on who we are, its mainly on what we ask for and that will dictate who we are!

I am so picky in selecting my gadgets, spends lot of time, reads lot of reviews, visit shops to get a hands on feeling before buying one.

My friend is gifting me a Nikon D5100 very soon! its a gift! I came to know to know about my gift recently! I am so excited! It is a very good cam, enriched with features. Its the proof how my gadgets represent me and how I express myself with the gadget choice!

The final words before I finish! Always, Live as who you are! it makes make the world moving!

Guys, please pour your valuable comments, it is highly appreciated!

Thanks

Calvin

PC Pro Magazine, Issue 200, 201 & 202

Hey Friends

I am reading PC PRO magazine for the past 3 months and I am loving its contents. Lot of topics covered, good reviews, more over very, very interesting articles and a full DVD of latest good software’s, very useful. The articles I read in last 2 issues were really shocking and we all need to be very much aware of those stuffs. So I am sharing those things with you all guys! Please read and pass on.

To be honest with you all its a very good magazine,if you are thinking of subscribing any new technological magazine, I would say go, for PC PRO, the subscription starts with good initial offer, so that you can smell the magazine and feel the taste, if interested you can carry on, else, just kick it out! (cancel your subscription anytime)

3 magazines for £3 good deal right?

June – Issue 200

Few bits about Windows 8, ipad 2, Latest Processors,  Wi-Fi, Future of Kinect, IP v6, very good ultra value laptop reviews.

I am looking to buy a laptop for my Sister and this review gave me a very good idea about the market out there. They have picked up the best value laptops and they have spotted the best place to buy those laptops.

Lab Winner – Toshiba Satellite C660 – £395 (Including VAT) – www.laptopsdirect.co.uk

PC PRO Recommended – HP G62 - £448 (Including VAT) – www.saveonlaptops.co.uk

If we spend some time browsing, definitely we can pick up some good deals online!

The shocking thing in this article “CONFESSION OF A COMPUTER REPAIR MAN” click the link and read the full article.

Words of a Computer Repair Man: “The trick is to give the computer a good tune-up clear any adware or malware that might be sling down the machine. There’s no real need to actually install the strips of RAM that the client has paid for” source : PC PRO

While reading the article I started thinking about the days when I used to give my PC for service and get shocked on seeing the bill! Its all part of the game right? Its not only happening in India, it is happening all over the world!  

July – Issue 201

Windows 8 Expectation, Evolution and progress of Libre Office

10 Tech Firms That Blew It – Very good information about Nokia, Real Networks, Quark Express, Iomega, Palm, AOL, Yahoo, Friends United, Dec Alpha and Sun Microsystems.

All the above companies didn’t blew up completely, but missed ample of opportunities to grow.

My favourite on is Yahoo, once the search giant, now searching itself in Google!

The very interesting part about Yahoo is, in 2002 Yahoo tried to acquire Google, but Terry, the CEO was not happy to pay $3 billion for Google! now Google worth $184 billion!!!!

The same happened again in 2006, now its Facebook, Yahoo was not happy to pay extra $1billions, now Facebook value is $50 billion. Very interesting right?

Another Interesting article is

 “MOBILE DATA RIP-OFF” – It was a daring article, I have to say! All the hidden stories about all the UK mobile networks, is Ripped off!

Among 3, Vodafone, O2, Orange, Virgin, BT- 3 gives a good offer for Data Roaming.

The unlimited is just for advertisement! purely! they claim unlimited data, but in small letters it will be written “Fair usage”!

I am using Vodafone, before few months while waiting for broadband connection I used to connect my mobile to my Laptop and use the mobile internet on my laptop, it has a acceptable speed! after 2 days I received a call from customer care saying that

Sir, You will be charged for any more data usage!!

what?, I was told I have unlimited data usage??

The guy said! Sir, Its should be under fair usage!!

What is Fair usage?

500mb!!!!

Oh.. oh…here comes the moment to truth! The same with all network except 3, which truly gives unlimited data service and the speed was very very good, because the network was build with data in mind!

There is an interesting comparison about roaming price in that article. After checking the comparison I understood why my friend was charge £100 as roaming charge for checking few email abroad! It was the great O2 network, few of my colleagues have even paid "£1500 – £2000 as roaming charge for checking mails abroad! what a shame! this is how they make money!

DVD - It comes with Free Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2011 – in PC PRO labs it achieved 100% performance and in my Lab (my laptop) also it does the same!

August - Issue 202

I received this issue few days back, haven’t started yet reading, allocated for this weekend journey!

I will just run through the menu, there is few interesting articles, as always!

100 Technologies that changes the world, Super zoom cameras,CSI smartphone,more news about Windows 8 and a full DVD of free software’s

Calvin

Our Charity Website

“We belong to the fortunate class of people who are thankful to God for a lot many things”

Yes, the above statement is true, its a part of the welcome message for our Charity website, written by Ramesh Kumar, he also designed our Charity logo.



I need to share an very important news to every one out there, honestly I can say its a very big achievement for all of “US”.

So, who is “US”? 
 

We are the Students of Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, EEE Department 2004-2008, we are called as “Fuseblowers”!!!

What have we done? 
 

The answer is, we have successfully launched our Charity website! Yes, we did it, its part of our dream! dream of 66 students, and its Alive now!! Its a moment to cherish!

A brief intro about the evolution of our charity. 

First, our charity is named as “Anbudan” it means “With Love” yes with love, we are ready to help everyone out there with lots and lots of Love. Its a beautiful name came up during one of our Charity meetings! Hats off to the one who gave this name to the Charity!

We are so passionate in helping people, the seed for our Charity was sown in our hearts during our 2nd year college life, during our visit to Thirupathur Blind School. I will post an article about the great work we did there.

Please check our Charity website its Anbudan, www.anbudan.org. Check our Vision – Mission and lot of posts to follow.

We are eagerly and whole heartily working towards our Charity registration. Please Check our Facebook page and like our page and please show your support. We are in Twitter too.

We will update our on-going projects and anyone willing to Volunteer, help us is most welcome!!!          
Please post your Comments/Suggestions/ideas its very important for us.

“Working happily for a happier environment” Please join your hand with us and we will happily works together!

Calvin

My Clicks 1, Photography

 

One of my recent clicks, I felt like sharing with all you guys. Please check and post u r comments.

I am so eager to be a part of photographers world! Any suggestions, ideas is appreciated.

The below picture was taken using Sony DSCW380, which has Song G lens.

 

 

Calvin Christopher

My Friends Oil Painting!

 Painting is a good opportunity to exhibit ones creativity and talent! Its an Art! not all people can make wonderful paintings!

Here is some amazing work by one of my Best Friend! Here are some sample explaining what is called as “Raw Talent”


Small introduction about the Artist
Name: Ramesh Kumar R
Mail: ramesh.patriotic@gmail.com

I don’t know any big artist,  but i would definitely say he is a great artist!
The oil paintings you are about to see, will blow you out! It a  great combination of Colours. I would say its like, ‘Making a Chocolate Cake’, get the mixture correct, it will be WOW! else, u know!

Here “Imagination worked very closely with Talent!” I am admiring a lot. Only some people can present there imagination exactly as it is!  its a example for that. If you ask me to paining something like this i will take years and i cant make the magic like this!

Here we go..

Farwell Video B.E- 2004-2008 Part 1

Hi friends……
“College life most colourful pages in… Book life” – the main tag line for our farewell presentation, it was  written by one of my class mate, Imran khan.

I along with my friends Ramesh, Imran, Venkat, Dinesh, Jaffar, Santosh and many more spend 5-6 hours in making this 10 min video. We never felt the time, it was a great feel. It’s not only a video for formality, it is a replica of feelings!
My friends and i wanted to screen the sweet memories of our 4 years journey, our fun, our work, our love, our friendship, everything and everything. Please feel free to post comment about the videos.

I cant forget that last day in my life, neither my friends. College life is the best periods in everyone’s life. We had fun, we enjoyed every moment, i cant express that in words, it’s simply, above all!!.....

Our college is very strict, everyone in our state knows that, we struggled a lot to arrange  this in-house farewell party, we have planned to screen a video and make our friends to share their experiences. After a long struggle we managed to get half an hour permission only to screen our presentation with ‘High Surveillance’,  as you are thinking now, its pity,yes, very pity.
We are so energetic, our presentation was in a memory stick, we connected 2:1 creative speaker to make it more lively, we like to hear everything hi-tech, the arrangements was quick, only 15 min. Its time, everyone, so eager to watch the presentation. We know its our last day in college life.

What to be expected in 2011???

Hello Friends…..

“Happy New Year” to all out there… hope u are having a great start already….
Its been a long time since i blogged… feeling very bad…i wanted to write and write but i am not doing as i want.. 
one of my new year resolution is, to write at least 4 post in a month… that is not enough for me.. i should  post at least 30 a month…
i wanted to share things that happened in 2010.. By God’s grace last year was a good one to me.. “ First Job”, and lot more..i will list down now and will work towards that…My list is as follows...