Pages

Apr 26, 2010

IPL: A Well Scripted Soap Opera

A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on television or radio. The third IPL season was not much different to the other soaps. With tons of money involved in the whole operation, the chances of IPL being scripted could not be denied. All the media spoke about was how much the players are being paid by the franchises. However, they missed on a point that there still could be other possibilities. The first one being the players are paid such a high fees just to act in a manner the owners would like them to, or the players are making some extra pocket money via the bookies. In either of the case, the spirit of the game is tainted.

The final match between MI & CSK, was no less than a thriller episode which left everyone thinking. Until the very last moment before the match, it was not announced that Sachin would participate in the game or not. Was it a strategic (bookie’s) move or the incapability of team’s physicians to ascertain the players’ condition?

Also the numerous dramas at the field could not be more unnoticed. Though Sachin’s integrity could not be questioned, but how often does he express himself so extravagantly. At the run-out of Nayar, Tendulkar hits the ground with his bat in disgust. That’s not the Sahin I knew. Another question mark would be the batting order for MIs. At the fall of Tiwari, MI was 100/5 in 14.5 overs. Although the situation demanded Pollard to get into the action, Duminy was the one who stepped in the ground. Rationale unexplained! Another instance was at 14th over when it appeared that Raina almost got Sachin caught behind and it was alright for the umpire to give a not-out signal, if he felt it that ways. Usually the commentators would dig into these cases.. But at this one or for that sake many other occasions, they kept their mum.

I myself got an opportunity to witness some betting. In the first innings there was a call that, will CSK be able to make 168 (a yes or no call). Though it seemed unachievable, the four of a wide ball made it possible. And to my amusement the team total stood exactly at 168. Speechless!

Normally we would like to have the true story from the horse’s mouth. But, I suppose these horses are way too busy feeding themselves with money hay.

Apr 11, 2010

Inflation: A Mystery

The annual inflation based on the ‘WPI’ stands out at around 10% as on Feb 2010. This number includes variation in prices of food and non-food items, and is estimated to be highest in the last 16 months. On the other hand the annual food inflation stood daunting at around 17%. Pulses became dearer by 32.6 per cent, milk by 21.12 per cent, fruits 14.95 and wheat by 13.34 per cent.

Our government is not surprised at all. Mr. Mukherjee the esteemed FM said, “When I took over as finance minister the inflation was at 17 percent. When our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had taken over as finance minister during 1993, the inflation had touched 16 percent and when Indira Gandhi had taken over as prime minister the inflation had crossed 21 percent". Also the PM is holding meetings with the CMs to rein in inflation, most of who are unqualified and have a glorified criminal background.

It’s very painful to see the political correctness of our leaders. These ‘Manipulative Bitches” keeps on publishing historical data & future agendas to create an impression that all they care about is common man. On a contrary they are far beyond of the perception they have created.

As far as I remember, I’m paying almost double the prices for all the necessities as compared to the prices five to six years back. Let alone the impact of inflation on the investment earnings, the disposal purchasing power of the so called common man is on a negative growth. Neither do I understand fiscal policies, nor the economic growth. All I understand is the high prices are drilling a hole in everyone’s savings and the disposable income is not able to keep up with it.