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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f35xSui8msU

What an amazing experience we had in the coming together of a bunch of friends, and fielding the Kesri Dragons team, in a sport in which we were largely clueless, and coming out pretty well!!!

The level of enthusiasm shown by our group members in the formation of the team, and the commitment level displayed in going through the training, and then giving our hearts into the races were all exemplary. We have done other activities as a group before, but nothing compares to moving a dragon boat, with a single purpose. The remarkable memories from this experience will be our ever-lasting reward.

What a journey?
We decided to attempt testing the water on May 3rd. Dhanya, who is willing to jump into all unknown waters was the first one to come on board. Anu and Manish jumped in within seconds of that. And soon we were closing in on the required team roster in record time. Before I got confirmation of a spot, I had a full roster. As soon as I put everybody on the roster, the waivers were done, and the money collected, and deposited. All in record time.

Practice 1 – Getting our toes wet
Our first practice was on 6th of June. Several of us had to make elaborate baby-sitting arrangements to arrive at the Rideau Canoe Club. Once there, people were calm, yet anxious about the unknown. Some of us were anxious about the practice, others had other problems.  You see, JJ Clarke of CTV was there, and doing weather reporting from the canoe club.  This was great, but there was a problem.  Atleast as per Mudita, who had totally forgotten to put on extra make-up for the occasion, and now her face was going to get seen all over the eastern part of central Canada. 

Anyways, once our coach “Marianka” arrived, she took a quick stock of the situation, and determined our level of rookiness as being super high.  The she took a deep breadth, and started to go over the training process from the very basics. This very first practice did bring a sudden change in everybody’s demeanor towards the race, and during the practice, we all felt quite good about ourselves. We even managed to book ourselves an extra practice.  All the details of the race practice, and the strategy required to do well became central points of our discussions.  Our discussions revolved around the same points over and over and over, interspersed with repeated iterations that this is not competitive.   But we had found ourselves a clump of hair, and their wasn’t going to be any end to splitting them. 

Practice 2
Our second practice was on 13th of June. We actually had a full boat for the first, and only time for this practice. We had several fresh faces on the boat. Including Kurien, Aditya, Chandan and Sue. We even managed to time ourselves for the first time, and discovered that we were covering the 500m distance in around 2:53. Not great, but at least we knew were we stood. This BTW was also the Birthday of Alpa. Who inspite of several other commitments, had figured out a way to only show up for the practice, but to also bring some booze along. Non alcoholic of course. But the other teams did not know that as we toasted the happy occasion.

Practice 3
Our third and last practice took place on 18th of June. What a day it was? The forecast was for rain. We were prepared for rain. We got an immense down pour. Sustained over a long period of time. It rained, and we practiced. We practiced, and it rained. Several of us, who are speckoes, and several others of us, who are not, all had trouble seeing. But then, it did make it easier to keep our eyes in our own boat. Arvind, our excellent coxman, as in the guy who makes sure that our boat goes straight, did manage somehow. How? That is a mystery to me. The entire team was so tuned into the practice, that no one complained. I don’t think that we have ever been so drenched in our entire lives as we were in that boat. But no one complained. That gave me significant amount of hope for the future of our team. We finished the practice sessions, as we had started them. In the rain.

Race Day
The Ottawa Dragon Boat festival held at the beautiful Mooney’s Bay Park, is the biggest in North America. There is a race happening every 10 minutes from early morning to the evening. The festival as such is that – a festival. There are a lot of stalls of food and other stuff. There is massive live musical and dance show tent. With over 5000 participants, no wonder, it is quite a happening place. Over 50,000 visitors come to take in the festivities. Our group, and several friends and families were out there in large numbers to provide encouragement to us.

Race 1
Our first race was in the morning at 9:40. This was the first time the team would be leaving the dock without a coach on board. This had the effect of several opinions on how to best utilize the time as we move the boat to the start line. While some tried to focus on technique, others felt that it was time to rest their muscles, so that they could give it their all at the race line. Although how do you arrive at a start line after a 1.4km journey while thoroughly resting is a mystery to me. Anyways, arrive we did at the start line, with pretty much 0 seconds to spare. While at the start line, we were all awaiting instructions as our coach had taught to us. The race officials had some different ideas. They simply got the boats lined up, and off went the starter. All the Kesri’s were caught napping. A mad scramble ensued, and some sembelence of power strokes were attempted to get the boat moving. The gear change to sprint was totally missed. However, we did arrive at a race rhythm in a short while, and managed to keep on driving the boat with strength, all the way to the end line. In a line-up of 8, we were 4th. Not great, but not bad considering a totally botched up start.

Race 2
Our second race was scheduled for 2:50PM. This gave us ample rest time, and analysis time. Several parents used this time to bring their kids to the race venue. Arvind took this time to shuttle home to Mudita, who was preparing to depart for India. Hat’s off to the guy, who did not for a moment mention about any issues with this whole timing thing. I personally would find it immensely difficult to pull this off. Anyways, back to the race venue. There was a fair bit of anxiety once again as we awaited the arrival of all team members for a reporting time of 2:20. We managed to get our team together in the nick of time. During this entire period of anxiety, another bigger challenge had been hurled at the Kesri’s. The loos were being cleared off their collections from the morning, and had resulted in lengthy line ups for all who wished to relieve themselves off their double bulls or grande’s. As soon as we were done reporting in the staging area, our team suddenly vanished into the port-a-potties in the blink of an eye. Important tasks handled, we all arrived to board our boat. As we got in the boat, last minute race strategy session ensued. We were determined to have a good start. Minor details were discussed, and a major collision with another boat avoided.

This time around, we knew what we were doing as we approached the start line. When that starter canon went off, we launched that boat like there was no tomorrow. What a start we took? As the power stroke count of 6 ended, we smoothly made the most beautiful transition to our sprint strokes. As soon as the 15 strokes ended, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and off we went. We were on our way, leading the pack. We kept on growing the lead. In the previous race, I had given the timing reminder with a reach directive. This time around, our entire boat was chanting “reach” in synch. And reach we did. That boat was flying. The level of energy in that boat was amazing. 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m, and then…… brakes…. What the….? Yep, a few people in our boat thought that the race was over when we hit the 400m buoy mark, and the boat was checked by a few in the ensuing confusion. By the time the confusion cleared, we had dropped in a big hurry all the way from leading to 4th, once again. Anyways, we scrambled as hard as one can in the last 50m or so. But…… Oh well.

When you are leading, that is the only time when you can mistake the wrong line for the finish line I suppose. In all other instances, you would see boats still going strong.

Anyways, mistakes aside, the Kesri’s had given every ounce of their energy, and then some, to the last race effort. Inspite of our big stop in the race, we managed to improve our time by about 6 seconds over our first race.

This year, all the races ran pretty fast. The cut-off time for Sunday qualification was around 2:23. Without our mistake, we might have come very close to this, as we lost about 20m of distance in a single shot or so. That is around 6 seconds or so. We might have even made it. But, there is hope. As I said previously. We have a lot to learn. And we are quick learners.

Next Steps
People are already resolving to go stronger into the next years race. I already heard a target time of 2:15. And with the level of enthusiasm that we have for this event, I am confident that we will meet or exceed our goal.

Several people have commented about the difficulty in putting our team together. While the challenges have been mine towards this purpose, the satisfaction, and the pride of working with such a remarkable set of people is also mine. And for this reason, I will do it all over again.

In Closing
Dragon boat race is unlike anything else that I or other people of our team had done. It is quite an amazing indicator of our general level of fitness. While going to gym to stay healthy,and loose some required pounds may be the goal of several, to prove your fitness in something tangible such as a 10K, 1/2 or full marathon, or a dragon boat race shows the reality of your fitness.

To all the “Kesri’s” – Chak De.

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on… If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, “Who’s on First?” might have turned out something like this: Costello calls to buy a computer from Abbott Abbott: Super Duper Computer store. Can I help you? Costello: Thanks. I’m setting up an office in my den and I’m thinking about buying a computer. Abbott: Mac? Costello: No, the name’s Lou. Abbott: Your computer? Costello: I don’t own a computer. I want to buy one. Abbott: Mac? Costello: I told you, my name’s Lou. Abbott: What about Windows? Costello: Why? Will it get stuffy in here? Abbott: Do you want a computer with Windows? Costello: I don’t know. What will I see when I look at the windows? Abbott: Wallpaper. Costello: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software. Abbott: Software for Windows? Costello: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals and track expenses and run my business. What do you have? Abbott: Office. Costello: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything? Abbott: I just did. Costello: You just did what? Abbott: Recommend something. Costello: You recommended something? Abbott: Yes. Costello: For my office? Abbott: Yes. Costello: OK, what did you recommend for my office? Abbott: Office. Costello: Yes, for my office! Abbott: I recommend Office with Windows. Costello: I already have an office with windows! OK, let’s just say I’m sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need? Abbott: Word. Costello: What word? Abbott: Word in Office. Costello: The only word in office is office. Abbott: The Word in Office for Windows. Costello: Which word in office for windows? Abbott: The Word you get when you click the blue “W”. Costello: I’m going to click your blue “w” if you don’t start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with? Abbott: Money. Costello: That’s right. What do you have? Abbott: Money. Costello: I need money to track my money? Abbott: It comes bundled with your computer. Costello: What’s bundled with my computer? Abbott: Money. Costello: Money comes with my computer? Abbott: Yes. No extra charge. Costello: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much? Abbott: One copy. Costello: Isn’t it illegal to copy money? Abbott: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money. Costello: They gave you a license to copy money? Abbott: Why not? THEY OWN IT! (A few days later) Abbott: Super Duper Computer store. Can I help you? Costello: How do I turn my computer off? Abbott: Click on “Start”

 

There are quite a few songs related to “Basanti” or “Kesri” colour. Here is one of my favourites sung by
Harpreet Deol in SRGMP 2007

Go to this site

http://www.tatuagemdaboa.com.br/
2. Type in First Name without caps

3. Type in Family Name without caps

No need to write your e.mail(it is optional)
4 Click on VISUALIZAR……………..

 SIXTEEN THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN

By Dave Barry

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be “meetings’.

3. There is a very fine line between ‘hobby’ and ‘mental llness’.

4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

5. You should not confuse your career with your life…

6. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.

7. Never lick a steak knife.

8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.

12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.

13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)

14. Your friends love you anyway.

15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

FINAL Thought for the day:

16. Men are like a fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it’s up to women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Another year of a hard fought cricket match, and an awesome picnic.

Check out the pictures:

Fathers Day 2008 – Cricket	Fathers Day 2008 – Picnic

My series on India experience continues and this time it is about IPL. IPL for those who don’t know is the Indian Premier League of Cricket. The IPL finals got over last night and it has been a huge success in India and overseas. I have been to small Ranji level (state level) cricket matches, but I have never had a chance to go see an international level cricket matche. So when I got the opportunity to see Bangalore – Mumbai, league match in Bangalore I got really excited. As a cricket fan, getting a chance to watch the great cricketing stars one has followed and watched over the years is a once in a lifetime chance. For the women,  I can compare my excitement to their excitement if, let’s say, Shaan was performing in your backyard.

 

I was looking forward to seeing the big stars like Tendulkar, Jayasurya, Pollock, Steryn etc. The match was in Bangalore and even though the stadium was 15 min walking distance from office, we decided to take the car. After an hour in the traffic, we finally managed to get there and we still had to walk 10 minutes to get to the gate. It was raining in the afternoon so we were all worried that match might get cancelled, but the rain gods were with us and we were told that match will start but an hour late. We had great seats and since the match got delayed by an hour, we got a chance to eat Samosa’s and have some booze before the match (I wasn’t brave enough to try Pani Puri or Bhel from the stalls in the stadium). In the practice session before the match, I had goose bumps when I saw Tendulkar and Pollock came into the stadium. IPL is so much different then cricket we remember. The grounds are lush green even in India, there is loud music, live performances and of course the cheerleaders. Bangalore has a pathetic team, but the Kingfisher owner Vijay Mallya who owns the team dished out a lot of money to get cheerleaders from Washington Redskins team. The atmosphere was lively and the practice before the match was lot of fun to watch. In the practice session, they were using regular tennis balls like we do when we play. Unlike us, Pollock and Steryn were bowling the ball so fast even on grass that the wicket keeper was collecting balls 20 yards behind the stumps. On top of that, Pollock put three small markers on the grass and with every ball he was hitting different markers. It was friggin’ unbelievable. 

The match was one sided and Mumbai won easily, but Mumbai had an amazing bowling display. The regular cricket ball on the pitch comes so fast that even though our seats were side ways, if you are leaning forward in the seats you lean back as the ball is pitched. It is great to be armchair cricketers and coach the pro’s on how to play, but when you watch the match live you realize there is no time to react. I am amazed at how the batsmen pick up the balls they do. Mumbai batted very well and we got to see Jayasurya’s 4 bottom handed sixes and Tendulkar’s fine touch with batting. I was sad when Prakash pointed out over the phone that I might have seen Tendulkar for the last time. It was a great evening and I enjoyed every minute of it.

My trip to India is coming to an end and even though I am here almost every three months I observe many interesting things happening around me and sometimes happening to me. I thought I would share some of these experiences to the group. Let me start off with my first experience related to street dogs and running in Bangalore. 

As some of you know I recently got injured from running in Ottawa. The injury is not a big deal and I am (or shall we say – I was) slowly recovering. I have always been fond of running in Bangalore and since I  am up in the morning early due to mild jet lag, I find morning jog in a nearby park as a best way to start my day. Those of us who have grown up in India know that dogs are usually in a bad mood early in the morning . Usually they love to bark and gang up on you if you end up waking them up from their sleep. I would like to think that I am used to the street dogs, but every time I go for a run the heart rate monitor strapped to me tells a different story. The heart rate shoots up rapidly and then goes down to normal as I pass by the dogs. Still there hasn’t been a need to be overly worried. This time the story took a different turn. I started rather late one day for my run and I know that there is a group of three dogs who are near the park who like to bark at me every time I pass them. Since it was late in the morning with a bit of traffic around I wasn’t worried a bit. I was wearing my new Nike running shirt which is bright yellow and on it says in big words – Run Easy. I was feeling good since my feet was feeling better. I also thought I was looking rather cool and as I passed these dogs I gave them a casual glance. The dogs had a different agenda this time. I am not sure whether it was the bright yellow or they didn’t like the “Run Easy” motto or maybe they didn’t like the fact that I wasn’t threatened this time, but anyways all three decide to bark and run at me with full speed as I passed them. I know that some of you would say that you should have stopped and the dogs would have stopped, but I could tell that I had pissed off these three for some reason. In three seconds flat, my easy run turned into a full force sprint on the streets of Bangalore. The people and traffic around me had quite a showing as I sprinted through traffic lights without waiting for oncoming traffic. I think I must have come close to breaking national 50 m speed record for sure. The three dogs followed me like I have never seen any dogs do, but believe it not, I managed to gain ground on them after two lights. By the time I was clear I thought I was going to die of heart attack. After I caught my breath, I slowly crawled to the park and  jogged around for couple of loops. I was dead tired, but also furious that these dogs got the better of me. If you think I would have learned my lesson from this experience you don’t know me. I am guy who cut his finger trying to open a drain with finger and got three stitches. A year later I thought how could I cut my finger and tried to open the same drain with same finger and got the same nasty cut. So as crazy as it may sound, I thought I am going to run back the same way. Now I must say I did get a little smarter from experience and decided to carry two big rocks in my hand. I was sure the rocks would do the trick. As I am coming back to the point where the three maniacs dog were situated before, I was almost walking. As I came close, I saw only one dog and he was sleeping. I carefully went past him and kept a close eye on him. He didn’t even move – I thought I got the stupid dog tired. He should have known that he was challenging with a Marathoner wanna be. After I went past a few meters I thought I was in clear and I had won the mental battle as well. Oh, how wrong was I. Suddenly from nowhere the two missing dogs come in front of me and one that was sleeping started the attack on me from back. It is almost like they had some military knowledge and they setup a trap for me. I froze first and forgot the fact that I had rocks in my hand. I ran  like crazy again and I am pretty sure I broke the 50m record once again in a span of one hour. Anyways, my foot is busted again so I can’t run, but be assured that I will be training hard and challenge the mighty dogs again in my next trip.

Congratulations and Kudos to all the Participants of the MDS NOrdion Race Weekend.

You Guys did awesome.

The Nature cooperated by providing an amazing weekend.

The kids great Job. All of you have the makings of beating your moms and dads hollow!!!

Vatsan

Priya

Nazuk

Muskaan

Jureena

Munreena

Rohan

Dhruva

Ananya

Vishwa

GREAT JOB!!!

THE TROOPERS
VENNILLA
SARMILA
RAJ
MANISH
SATWINDER
AFSHAN
ANU
DHANYA
SATWINDER”s PARENTS and his Sister and her kids

It is so heartening to see all this spirit amongst us. Its inspiring.

I know this is coming from the chicken who didnt do anything, but somebody’s got to be on the sidelines to admire.

So guys, if you feel stiff, crampy and sore , remember that you are our Champions and its sure to bring a smile thru the pain.

CHEERS

MUdita

 

Take a look at the article.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Crime/2008/05/15/5572661-sun.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0t_OGh2hNE - Dard-E-Disco in Gujarati
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7L9IWt9HbA - Spiderman in Gujarati
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQevviKuKKY - Spiderman in Gujarati
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoRJ7NdECF4&feature=related - Shakira in Gujarati

Pictures have been uploaded. THANKS A LOT TO EVERYONE and special thanks to moms for being the greatest moms in the world. You all are the big (um, I mean **hot**) mama’s.

http://picasaweb.google.com/afshanthakkar/