Mesdames et Messieurs...
Celebrating my 100th post!
Its been i would say a "short" journey here! :P
Looking forward to even more hundreds ahead. And after getting to my first "ton" i suppose i deserve some accolades. lol
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Celebrations Celebrations!!! 100th Post
Mesdames et Messieurs...
Celebrating my 100th post!
Its been i would say a "short" journey here! :P
Looking forward to even more hundreds ahead. And after getting to my first "ton" i suppose i deserve some accolades. lol
Monday, April 10, 2006
Visit to the dentist screwed up my shopping!
2:00 AM 4/11/2006
Bombay, India
Today i had to go to the dentist for a filling in my tooth. Well my mom had a tooth problem for days which was also fixed by the same doc. today.
Instead of the 1200 (600 per head) we had to give an additional 400 making the total Rs. 1600!!!
We had thought to buy some new shoes for ourselves, but as it happened the money was spent away.
None the less we had sandwiches and pineapple juice. On the way to the bus stop i bought 2 T-shirts for myself.
A cool grey one and an orange one. Although i wanted a white one which read "public service" i didnt cause i am stingy. Mom would have bought it straight away if she could read my mind.
lol But she cant. So you know where the advantage lies.
Folks at work admired mom's new haircut but if you ask me i think they must have been more than a shade jealous.
hmmm but i think she already knows that.
There was tragedy at Meerut today . A fire killed more than 50 people. :(
and Salman Khan has been given 5 yrs RI for his role in hunting of deer.
Oh dear, the deer did cost him dear!
He will offcourse appeal as his lawers said. Unfortunately his mom has fallen ill and was rushed to hospital.
Sometimes the bad times come on with such speed. :(
Hopefully he and his family will come out trumps through all this.
Bombay, India
Today i had to go to the dentist for a filling in my tooth. Well my mom had a tooth problem for days which was also fixed by the same doc. today.
Instead of the 1200 (600 per head) we had to give an additional 400 making the total Rs. 1600!!!
We had thought to buy some new shoes for ourselves, but as it happened the money was spent away.
None the less we had sandwiches and pineapple juice. On the way to the bus stop i bought 2 T-shirts for myself.
A cool grey one and an orange one. Although i wanted a white one which read "public service" i didnt cause i am stingy. Mom would have bought it straight away if she could read my mind.
lol But she cant. So you know where the advantage lies.
Folks at work admired mom's new haircut but if you ask me i think they must have been more than a shade jealous.
hmmm but i think she already knows that.
There was tragedy at Meerut today . A fire killed more than 50 people. :(
and Salman Khan has been given 5 yrs RI for his role in hunting of deer.
Oh dear, the deer did cost him dear!
He will offcourse appeal as his lawers said. Unfortunately his mom has fallen ill and was rushed to hospital.
Sometimes the bad times come on with such speed. :(
Hopefully he and his family will come out trumps through all this.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Hingis's Pacific Life(Nasdaq-100) Open 06 Interview
NASDAQ-100 OPEN MIAMI, FLORIDA
M. HINGIS/T. Sun 6-3, 6-2
MARTINA HINGIS
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. So, you're hitting the ball the way you want to hit it?
MARTINA HINGIS: Still early in the tournament to say, you know, where we're at.
But I think I've played plenty tennis recently, so I feel fairly good, yeah.
Q. You played a lot of tennis. In fact, you played more matches than anyone on the tour?
MARTINA HINGIS: I saw that, I read about it, yeah. The most wins (laughing). Most tournaments.
Q. Your enthusiasm is carrying you through, is it, you feel fit and strong and not tired?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, maybe definitely you have some ups and downs, especially in the beginning. But now that you find your fluency and routine again, yeah, I mean, this is the sixth week in the row. But on the other hand, there's four tournaments, the one in the Middle East. But, like I said, I was very happy to get seeded so you had a Friday start at least.
You know, since then, it was not like the tournaments -- feels like playing like almost Grand Slams. You play every other day. For that reason it doesn't feel like that hectic. I mean, for one month, six weeks, but only four tournaments. So I enjoy it.
Q. Did you come here in your off years? Did you come to the tournament?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yes, here. I drove. Actually, I was twice, definitely I was here.
Q.Commentating or...?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I just visited because I was here during the period of the time, in Tampa. So I drove from Tampa down here. I think it's a nice time, quiet time to come here. When you're in Europe, it's cold. Here you get the sun and enjoy it, watch the game, watch the tennis.
Q. When you left tennis, there was a lot of Russians coming through. Now there's a gaggle of Chinese coming through. Do you think they will be a tennis force in years to come?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, definitely until, you know, Beijing for sure. I mean, there is more and more of them. Before, you had one or two. Now, there's six of them coming into the top hundred, and we'll probably see a lot more. When you watch the news and you have the Beijing, the two academies, you see 200 girls hitting those balls, so I was quite impressed when I saw it.
So definitely they'll be driving 'til the Olympics, yeah. Maybe, hopefully, after that as well.
Q. What did she have tonight? What did you think she had that could be useful?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I think a lot of things. She has a great serve. She served well in the beginning especially. They all have physical abilities, and they still have a lot of discipline, you know. They're very driven, very hungry.
Q. Is your game where you expected it to be this many months back into your return, or where you hoped it would be?
MARTINA HINGIS: I didn't -- I can't really say. I didn't have any expectations. I didn't know how am I gonna be, where am I gonna be. So, it's hard to say yes or no because it's where it is.
Q. It's very good, but, I mean, what do you have to do to take it a little bit further? I know you're already back in the top 25?
MARTINA HINGIS: Just keep going, keep working on it, you know. It's not like it's gonna come down from heaven; you have to work on it (smiling). You have to help it.
Q. What surprised you most? I mean, you obviously had watched the game, saw what was happening in the game. Getting back on court against the top players, has anything surprised you?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, it's, I mean, I've been saying this over and over, the game's gotten more relentless. You can't ever let down otherwise the other people, the players, are going to jump right back at you.
You know, it's never won until the last point's played. Maybe that used to be sometimes a little different. I was up and leading 4-1 and still felt like I could give the opponent a chance, but still, you would win it. But now it can easily turn around with one, two points.
That's probably the biggest difference.
Q. Did you enjoy the fact that now you can challenge a bad call?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, yeah. I really enjoyed it. It was really nice. Especially the time when it happened, you know. It was a breakpoint, to come up. It would have been 30-All. It's a different story.
I think, you know, maybe she was a little afraid to also do it, so I kind of like helped her (smiling). But it was close. I mean, I wasn't really quite sure myself, but I think it's, yeah -- the crowd loved it. The people, they did.
Q. Was it exciting for you to watch the giant screen and then waiting for the call to come?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yes, it's very exciting, especially when you feel like you're right (laughing). I was in this case.
But, I mean, you feel it -- but I think everyone's more watching out, more aware of not making mistakes. Everybody's more focused. I felt it already when we played Team Tennis, we had it already back then. So three calls, five sets. Everyone's more like not to miss (sic) because no one wants to be blamed for it.
And you feel like some tension, yes. It's good. I was relieved when I was right. It was very difficult for the linesman because I was right in front of it so he probably couldn't see it. Sometimes it's hard. That's why it's nice to have it, yeah, couple calls (smiling).
Q. Can you relate to what Andre Agassi is going through? He was in here today, has terrible pain, he wants to keep playing but he's dealing with a difficult situation. How similar was that to your situation?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, this is kind of difficult for me to answer because I think he's, you know -- I'm 10 years younger on one hand and on the other hand, he's had couple years off, you know, when he was younger. So I don't know. He probably lived a lot of things or went through similarities that I've been through. Then he came back and became No. 1 again and won some more Grand Slams.
This time around, I think it's different because he's more or less at the end of the career as an athlete. I mean, I was 22 when I stopped, so I was still hoping maybe I had some chance, yep.
Q. Can you relate to the whole pain factor?
MARTINA HINGIS: I don't know exactly what he has. You tell me.
Q.It's a chronic back problem, he's frustrated. There's only so much he can do about it.
MARTINA HINGIS: It's really hard for me to answer. I don't know. I have feet, so that's also chronic. It was like, you know, ongoing. The more you were playing, especially hard courts.
But I think it's a little bit different, you know. I'm 25, he's 35. So different situation.
Q. What was your foot problem?
MARTINA HINGIS: Heel spur and I had couple surgeries on both feet.
Q. You still enjoying the game as much since you came back? Is your enthusiasm the same as it was before?
MARTINA HINGIS: You know, I always liked the game. But when you have certain difficulties with your body and you can't play the game you want to play, it's no fun. And I think I always was a player who would try to have fun and enjoy the game. It's, now I look at it differently because I'm a little older, but that's the other -- I don't take it for granted anymore. When you're 17, 18, you think it's ongoing, but it's not. Now I know it.
Q. What are you doing differently in the way that you don't take it for granted? Your training? Mentality?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I try to do everything possible to not get any injuries, you know. Be more disciplined. Go to bed early, what I was fighting with my mom about all the time (laughing). Just little, simple things which can make it easier for you just so you're fresh the next day, not waking up with headaches or anything like that. I think just be more serious and more disciplined about it.
Q. How involved is your mom?
MARTINA HINGIS: Very much. You know, she was very, you know -- always a helpful force, and she still is. I'm happy about, you know, that she can come and travel with me. She left me all alone in Australia, but now she's back. She came to Tokyo and that's when things started rolling with her again.
But she also -- we were practicing together before Australia. She just didn't want to make the trip (smiling).
End of FastScripts...
M. HINGIS/T. Sun 6-3, 6-2
MARTINA HINGIS
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. So, you're hitting the ball the way you want to hit it?
MARTINA HINGIS: Still early in the tournament to say, you know, where we're at.
But I think I've played plenty tennis recently, so I feel fairly good, yeah.
Q. You played a lot of tennis. In fact, you played more matches than anyone on the tour?
MARTINA HINGIS: I saw that, I read about it, yeah. The most wins (laughing). Most tournaments.
Q. Your enthusiasm is carrying you through, is it, you feel fit and strong and not tired?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, maybe definitely you have some ups and downs, especially in the beginning. But now that you find your fluency and routine again, yeah, I mean, this is the sixth week in the row. But on the other hand, there's four tournaments, the one in the Middle East. But, like I said, I was very happy to get seeded so you had a Friday start at least.
You know, since then, it was not like the tournaments -- feels like playing like almost Grand Slams. You play every other day. For that reason it doesn't feel like that hectic. I mean, for one month, six weeks, but only four tournaments. So I enjoy it.
Q. Did you come here in your off years? Did you come to the tournament?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yes, here. I drove. Actually, I was twice, definitely I was here.
Q.Commentating or...?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I just visited because I was here during the period of the time, in Tampa. So I drove from Tampa down here. I think it's a nice time, quiet time to come here. When you're in Europe, it's cold. Here you get the sun and enjoy it, watch the game, watch the tennis.
Q. When you left tennis, there was a lot of Russians coming through. Now there's a gaggle of Chinese coming through. Do you think they will be a tennis force in years to come?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, definitely until, you know, Beijing for sure. I mean, there is more and more of them. Before, you had one or two. Now, there's six of them coming into the top hundred, and we'll probably see a lot more. When you watch the news and you have the Beijing, the two academies, you see 200 girls hitting those balls, so I was quite impressed when I saw it.
So definitely they'll be driving 'til the Olympics, yeah. Maybe, hopefully, after that as well.
Q. What did she have tonight? What did you think she had that could be useful?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I think a lot of things. She has a great serve. She served well in the beginning especially. They all have physical abilities, and they still have a lot of discipline, you know. They're very driven, very hungry.
Q. Is your game where you expected it to be this many months back into your return, or where you hoped it would be?
MARTINA HINGIS: I didn't -- I can't really say. I didn't have any expectations. I didn't know how am I gonna be, where am I gonna be. So, it's hard to say yes or no because it's where it is.
Q. It's very good, but, I mean, what do you have to do to take it a little bit further? I know you're already back in the top 25?
MARTINA HINGIS: Just keep going, keep working on it, you know. It's not like it's gonna come down from heaven; you have to work on it (smiling). You have to help it.
Q. What surprised you most? I mean, you obviously had watched the game, saw what was happening in the game. Getting back on court against the top players, has anything surprised you?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, it's, I mean, I've been saying this over and over, the game's gotten more relentless. You can't ever let down otherwise the other people, the players, are going to jump right back at you.
You know, it's never won until the last point's played. Maybe that used to be sometimes a little different. I was up and leading 4-1 and still felt like I could give the opponent a chance, but still, you would win it. But now it can easily turn around with one, two points.
That's probably the biggest difference.
Q. Did you enjoy the fact that now you can challenge a bad call?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, yeah. I really enjoyed it. It was really nice. Especially the time when it happened, you know. It was a breakpoint, to come up. It would have been 30-All. It's a different story.
I think, you know, maybe she was a little afraid to also do it, so I kind of like helped her (smiling). But it was close. I mean, I wasn't really quite sure myself, but I think it's, yeah -- the crowd loved it. The people, they did.
Q. Was it exciting for you to watch the giant screen and then waiting for the call to come?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yes, it's very exciting, especially when you feel like you're right (laughing). I was in this case.
But, I mean, you feel it -- but I think everyone's more watching out, more aware of not making mistakes. Everybody's more focused. I felt it already when we played Team Tennis, we had it already back then. So three calls, five sets. Everyone's more like not to miss (sic) because no one wants to be blamed for it.
And you feel like some tension, yes. It's good. I was relieved when I was right. It was very difficult for the linesman because I was right in front of it so he probably couldn't see it. Sometimes it's hard. That's why it's nice to have it, yeah, couple calls (smiling).
Q. Can you relate to what Andre Agassi is going through? He was in here today, has terrible pain, he wants to keep playing but he's dealing with a difficult situation. How similar was that to your situation?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, this is kind of difficult for me to answer because I think he's, you know -- I'm 10 years younger on one hand and on the other hand, he's had couple years off, you know, when he was younger. So I don't know. He probably lived a lot of things or went through similarities that I've been through. Then he came back and became No. 1 again and won some more Grand Slams.
This time around, I think it's different because he's more or less at the end of the career as an athlete. I mean, I was 22 when I stopped, so I was still hoping maybe I had some chance, yep.
Q. Can you relate to the whole pain factor?
MARTINA HINGIS: I don't know exactly what he has. You tell me.
Q.It's a chronic back problem, he's frustrated. There's only so much he can do about it.
MARTINA HINGIS: It's really hard for me to answer. I don't know. I have feet, so that's also chronic. It was like, you know, ongoing. The more you were playing, especially hard courts.
But I think it's a little bit different, you know. I'm 25, he's 35. So different situation.
Q. What was your foot problem?
MARTINA HINGIS: Heel spur and I had couple surgeries on both feet.
Q. You still enjoying the game as much since you came back? Is your enthusiasm the same as it was before?
MARTINA HINGIS: You know, I always liked the game. But when you have certain difficulties with your body and you can't play the game you want to play, it's no fun. And I think I always was a player who would try to have fun and enjoy the game. It's, now I look at it differently because I'm a little older, but that's the other -- I don't take it for granted anymore. When you're 17, 18, you think it's ongoing, but it's not. Now I know it.
Q. What are you doing differently in the way that you don't take it for granted? Your training? Mentality?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I try to do everything possible to not get any injuries, you know. Be more disciplined. Go to bed early, what I was fighting with my mom about all the time (laughing). Just little, simple things which can make it easier for you just so you're fresh the next day, not waking up with headaches or anything like that. I think just be more serious and more disciplined about it.
Q. How involved is your mom?
MARTINA HINGIS: Very much. You know, she was very, you know -- always a helpful force, and she still is. I'm happy about, you know, that she can come and travel with me. She left me all alone in Australia, but now she's back. She came to Tokyo and that's when things started rolling with her again.
But she also -- we were practicing together before Australia. She just didn't want to make the trip (smiling).
End of FastScripts...
Martina Hingis in WTT 06!
Chuck Adams To Serve As Head Coach For NY Sportimes
Written by Westchester.com
Thursday, 06 April 2006
Mamaroneck, NY - The NY Sportimes announce Chuck Adams as their head coach for the 2006 World TeamTennis season. This season will be his coaching debut in the League.
Coach Adams played on the ATP tour for six years, turning pro in 1989 after being ranked #1 in the world as a junior. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of #33 in the world (1994), with notable wins over Ivan Lendl, Todd Martin, Carlos Moya and Michael Stich, when he was ranked #2 in the world. Coach Adam’s playing career was followed by almost ten years as a traveling coach for top men and women players including Marissa Irvin and Justin Gimelstob, both of whom made dramatic progress under Adams’ supervison.
“Chuck will have tremendous impact on our frachise. He knows the game and the players and he has a great personality. The fans will love him and he will get the most out of our team. I hope that will be enough to defend our title” commented Claude Okin, the Sportimes’ managing partner. He continued, “The unique format of WTT permits coaching at all times during the match. Chuck will be an active coach and he won’t be shy about using the format when it comes to subbing, challenging calls; Chuck will be out there.”
Adams, a resident of Pacific Palisades, California, was reached just after the WTT draft. “I am extremely excited about coaching WTT. I have known John (McEnroe) for a long time and love working with him. Martina (Hingis) is obviously one of the great women players”, said Coach Adams. He continued, “I look forward to helping New York defend its championship. We have drafted a good young team. And obviously it is great having Pete (Sampras) coming into the league. We are going to have a lot of fun and win a lot of matches”. Joining Hingis and McEnroe on the 2006 Sportimes squad are former teen sensation Ashley Harkleroad, currently #78 in the world, and her husband, Alex Bogomolov, Jr., now #168 on the men’s tour. Rounding out the squad are WTT veteran J.P. Fruttero (#210 in singles) and Vladka Uhlirova (#85 doubles).
The NY Sportimes match schedule will be published in April; tickets will go on sale May 2006 and are available through www.ticketweb.com as well as the team’s box office at Sportime on Harbor Island. Call 914-777-5050 to reserve season tickets now or for further information. Fans can visit www.nysportimes.com for complete details. The regular season runs July 6-26 and the two top teams from both the Western and Eastern Conferences will battle for the King Trophy at the WTT Finals, July 27-30, 2006.
source:
http://westchester.com/Westchester_News/Westchester_Sports/Chuck_Adams_To_Serve_As_Head_Coach_For_NY_Sportimes_200604066434.html
Written by Westchester.com
Thursday, 06 April 2006
Mamaroneck, NY - The NY Sportimes announce Chuck Adams as their head coach for the 2006 World TeamTennis season. This season will be his coaching debut in the League.
Coach Adams played on the ATP tour for six years, turning pro in 1989 after being ranked #1 in the world as a junior. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of #33 in the world (1994), with notable wins over Ivan Lendl, Todd Martin, Carlos Moya and Michael Stich, when he was ranked #2 in the world. Coach Adam’s playing career was followed by almost ten years as a traveling coach for top men and women players including Marissa Irvin and Justin Gimelstob, both of whom made dramatic progress under Adams’ supervison.
“Chuck will have tremendous impact on our frachise. He knows the game and the players and he has a great personality. The fans will love him and he will get the most out of our team. I hope that will be enough to defend our title” commented Claude Okin, the Sportimes’ managing partner. He continued, “The unique format of WTT permits coaching at all times during the match. Chuck will be an active coach and he won’t be shy about using the format when it comes to subbing, challenging calls; Chuck will be out there.”
Adams, a resident of Pacific Palisades, California, was reached just after the WTT draft. “I am extremely excited about coaching WTT. I have known John (McEnroe) for a long time and love working with him. Martina (Hingis) is obviously one of the great women players”, said Coach Adams. He continued, “I look forward to helping New York defend its championship. We have drafted a good young team. And obviously it is great having Pete (Sampras) coming into the league. We are going to have a lot of fun and win a lot of matches”. Joining Hingis and McEnroe on the 2006 Sportimes squad are former teen sensation Ashley Harkleroad, currently #78 in the world, and her husband, Alex Bogomolov, Jr., now #168 on the men’s tour. Rounding out the squad are WTT veteran J.P. Fruttero (#210 in singles) and Vladka Uhlirova (#85 doubles).
The NY Sportimes match schedule will be published in April; tickets will go on sale May 2006 and are available through www.ticketweb.com as well as the team’s box office at Sportime on Harbor Island. Call 914-777-5050 to reserve season tickets now or for further information. Fans can visit www.nysportimes.com for complete details. The regular season runs July 6-26 and the two top teams from both the Western and Eastern Conferences will battle for the King Trophy at the WTT Finals, July 27-30, 2006.
source:
http://westchester.com/Westchester_News/Westchester_Sports/Chuck_Adams_To_Serve_As_Head_Coach_For_NY_Sportimes_200604066434.html
Monica Seles vs. Martina Hingis: Canadian Open 1998 Semifinal Video
I found this video on wtaworld.com
parts 1 & 3 are not active anymore! :(
you can dwl part 2 only! :(
http://www.wtaworld.com/showthread.php?t=219300
parts 1 & 3 are not active anymore! :(
you can dwl part 2 only! :(
http://www.wtaworld.com/showthread.php?t=219300
Martina nominated for Laureus Sports Award
As reported by Sarfaty on hingis.org
Thanx for the latest news. ;)
Laureus World Comeback of the Year
Kajsa Bergqvist (Sweden) – won World Championship high jump gold after serious injury
Kim Clijsters (Belgium) – winner of US Open tennis after being injured for a year
Antoine Dénériaz (France) – winner of Olympic downhill gold after serious training accident
Martina Hingis (Switzerland) – won Australian Open mixed doubles after three year absence
Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – returned to rugby after serious kidney disorder
Colin Montgomerie (UK) – won record eighth golf European Order of Merit after slump in form
And here is an article giving the full list of nominees:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18739702-23218,00.html
the winners will be announed on May 22 in Barcelona.
The full list of nominees is:-
Sportsman of the year: Fernando Alonso, Lance Armstrong, Roger Federer, Ronaldinho, Valentino Rossi, Tiger Woods.
Sportswoman of the year: Kim Clijsters, Tirunesh Dibaba, Yelena Isinbayeva, Carolina Kluft, Janica Kostelic, Paula Radcliffe, Annika Sorenstam.
Team of the year: FC Barcelona, Croatia Davis Cup team (tennis), Liverpool, All Blacks, Renault (Formula One), San Antonio Spurs (basketball).
Newcomer of the year: Paula Creamer (golf), Lionel Messi (football), Andrew Murray (tennis), Rafael Nadal (tennis), Danica Patrick (motorsport), Ben Roethlisberger (American football).
Comeback of the year: Kajsa Bergqvist (Sweden, athletics), Kim Clijsters (Belgium, tennis), Antoine Deneriaz (France, skiing), Martina Hingis (Switzerland, tennis), Jonah Lomu (New Zealand, rugby), Colin Montgomerie (Scotland, golf).
Sportsperson of the year with a disability: Kirsten Bruhn (Germany, swimming), Zsuzsanna Krajnyak (Hungary, wheelchair fencing), Leo-Pekka Tahti (Finland, wheelchair racing), Ernst van Dyk (South Africa, wheelchair racing), Esther Vergeer (Netherlands, wheelchair tennis), Henry Wanyoike (Kenya, visually impaired running).
Winners are selected by the 42 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, a collection of sporting greats.
Thanx for the latest news. ;)
Laureus World Comeback of the Year
Kajsa Bergqvist (Sweden) – won World Championship high jump gold after serious injury
Kim Clijsters (Belgium) – winner of US Open tennis after being injured for a year
Antoine Dénériaz (France) – winner of Olympic downhill gold after serious training accident
Martina Hingis (Switzerland) – won Australian Open mixed doubles after three year absence
Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) – returned to rugby after serious kidney disorder
Colin Montgomerie (UK) – won record eighth golf European Order of Merit after slump in form
And here is an article giving the full list of nominees:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18739702-23218,00.html
the winners will be announed on May 22 in Barcelona.
The full list of nominees is:-
Sportsman of the year: Fernando Alonso, Lance Armstrong, Roger Federer, Ronaldinho, Valentino Rossi, Tiger Woods.
Sportswoman of the year: Kim Clijsters, Tirunesh Dibaba, Yelena Isinbayeva, Carolina Kluft, Janica Kostelic, Paula Radcliffe, Annika Sorenstam.
Team of the year: FC Barcelona, Croatia Davis Cup team (tennis), Liverpool, All Blacks, Renault (Formula One), San Antonio Spurs (basketball).
Newcomer of the year: Paula Creamer (golf), Lionel Messi (football), Andrew Murray (tennis), Rafael Nadal (tennis), Danica Patrick (motorsport), Ben Roethlisberger (American football).
Comeback of the year: Kajsa Bergqvist (Sweden, athletics), Kim Clijsters (Belgium, tennis), Antoine Deneriaz (France, skiing), Martina Hingis (Switzerland, tennis), Jonah Lomu (New Zealand, rugby), Colin Montgomerie (Scotland, golf).
Sportsperson of the year with a disability: Kirsten Bruhn (Germany, swimming), Zsuzsanna Krajnyak (Hungary, wheelchair fencing), Leo-Pekka Tahti (Finland, wheelchair racing), Ernst van Dyk (South Africa, wheelchair racing), Esther Vergeer (Netherlands, wheelchair tennis), Henry Wanyoike (Kenya, visually impaired running).
Winners are selected by the 42 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, a collection of sporting greats.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Bloging your personal details away!
9:26 PM 4/6/2006
I was chatting with my friend Steven earlier in the day and he recommended that i personalise my blogs like most typical blogs are.
That got me thinking is it wise indeed to give out your day to day dealings, issues and personal matters on a larger front like the internet wherein anyone around the globe could very well start extracting your personal details without realising who is gathering what kind of information from your writings on the blog.
What people dont realise is that like there are good people visiting your blog there could also be twisted people out there.
While one may be able to deal with a stranger face to face. A stranger on the internet could be much worse cause you cant really identify them. Indeed the growing phenomenon of bloggers out there especially teens and young people like myself included embrace the world with open arms; is alarming in one sense cause most people dont realise the enormity of trouble makers out there who could indulge in some serious crime.
The need of the hour is self regulation and keeping in mind what it is that we really desire popularity with rank strangers or a peaceful life wherein we could remain unaffected by negativity in life.
The "real" world is indeed where "we live" and not wherein we live "virtually". ;)
--- Vidhyut K
I was chatting with my friend Steven earlier in the day and he recommended that i personalise my blogs like most typical blogs are.
That got me thinking is it wise indeed to give out your day to day dealings, issues and personal matters on a larger front like the internet wherein anyone around the globe could very well start extracting your personal details without realising who is gathering what kind of information from your writings on the blog.
What people dont realise is that like there are good people visiting your blog there could also be twisted people out there.
While one may be able to deal with a stranger face to face. A stranger on the internet could be much worse cause you cant really identify them. Indeed the growing phenomenon of bloggers out there especially teens and young people like myself included embrace the world with open arms; is alarming in one sense cause most people dont realise the enormity of trouble makers out there who could indulge in some serious crime.
The need of the hour is self regulation and keeping in mind what it is that we really desire popularity with rank strangers or a peaceful life wherein we could remain unaffected by negativity in life.
The "real" world is indeed where "we live" and not wherein we live "virtually". ;)
--- Vidhyut K
Feng Shui and Weight Loss! ouch!!!
I was reading the Bombay Times dated 26th February 06. Topic "How should you use feng shui to lose weight?"
One of the tips given was "De-clutter: Dig into places you've been avoiding
forever. The mere act of cleaning out stuff of weight in the home can indeed affect the weight of the person doing the cleaning!"
lol now this is truely more of a "practical" tip than a "feng shui" tip.
Indeed this proves one must listen to these tips with a pinch of salt and for good measure also with a pinch of sweet!
One of the tips given was "De-clutter: Dig into places you've been avoiding
forever. The mere act of cleaning out stuff of weight in the home can indeed affect the weight of the person doing the cleaning!"
lol now this is truely more of a "practical" tip than a "feng shui" tip.
Indeed this proves one must listen to these tips with a pinch of salt and for good measure also with a pinch of sweet!
Talaq via SMS is cruel: Malaysian minister
Talaq via SMS is cruel: Malaysian minister
Source: PTI.
Kuala Lumpur, Apr 6 : Coming out strongly against Muslim men getting into the habit of divorcing their wives using new technologies like SMS, a Malaysiam minister has said that the practice was cruel and disrespectful of women.
"Muslim men who divorce their wives via SMS are cruel and disrespectful of women. A wife should never be treated in such a manner as if she has no dignity and can be divorced with impunity," the Women and Family Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil said.
Responding to a querry on a much publicised case in which a leading singer was divorced by her husband through SMS, the minister told 'The Star' newspaper that technologies such as SMS should not be misused to send out a divorce declaration.
"While a husband has the right to divorce his wife, this should be done in a courteous and dignified manner, befitting the manner they had got married," she said.
Jalil said if this practice was allowed to continue, it could "belittle the importance of marriage".
Noting that 'SMS' divorces did not conform to the provisions stipulated under Muslim family law, she said, "the law stipulates that the best way to declare a divorce is to do it in the Islamic court." The singer, Noraniza, had sought the court's ruling on whether she was divorced by virtue of the SMS by her husband Fareez in September last year.
On Tuesday, the Islamic court declared that Noraniza was still legally married to Fareez although he had sent the SMS, the report said.
I think Muslim personal laws are downright anti-women and highly discriminatory. That these kind of things can happen to even "so called educated" people is indeed shameful!
Forget what the uneducated people will do then.
In this age of instant everything, somewhere people are fast losing their sense of what is dignified and what isnt.
While this is for each individual to decide what it is they really want in life and how they want their life to move ahead, some kind of balance between the two ideas of freedom and regulation would be nice.
It is difficult but can always be worked out.
Source: PTI.
Kuala Lumpur, Apr 6 : Coming out strongly against Muslim men getting into the habit of divorcing their wives using new technologies like SMS, a Malaysiam minister has said that the practice was cruel and disrespectful of women.
"Muslim men who divorce their wives via SMS are cruel and disrespectful of women. A wife should never be treated in such a manner as if she has no dignity and can be divorced with impunity," the Women and Family Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil said.
Responding to a querry on a much publicised case in which a leading singer was divorced by her husband through SMS, the minister told 'The Star' newspaper that technologies such as SMS should not be misused to send out a divorce declaration.
"While a husband has the right to divorce his wife, this should be done in a courteous and dignified manner, befitting the manner they had got married," she said.
Jalil said if this practice was allowed to continue, it could "belittle the importance of marriage".
Noting that 'SMS' divorces did not conform to the provisions stipulated under Muslim family law, she said, "the law stipulates that the best way to declare a divorce is to do it in the Islamic court." The singer, Noraniza, had sought the court's ruling on whether she was divorced by virtue of the SMS by her husband Fareez in September last year.
On Tuesday, the Islamic court declared that Noraniza was still legally married to Fareez although he had sent the SMS, the report said.
I think Muslim personal laws are downright anti-women and highly discriminatory. That these kind of things can happen to even "so called educated" people is indeed shameful!
Forget what the uneducated people will do then.
In this age of instant everything, somewhere people are fast losing their sense of what is dignified and what isnt.
While this is for each individual to decide what it is they really want in life and how they want their life to move ahead, some kind of balance between the two ideas of freedom and regulation would be nice.
It is difficult but can always be worked out.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Martina Hingis not to play in Fed Cup
Still no Hingis in Swiss Fed Cup team
April 05 2006 at 08:57AM
Geneva - Switzerland's tennis federation on Tuesday named a youthful and largely untested squad to face Japan in the women's Fed Cup at the end of April.
Sixteen-year-old Timea Bacsinsky, who is ranked 341st in the world, has been picked as captain for the April 22-23 tie in Tokyo, Swiss Tennis said in a statement.
Bacsinsky, who has eight previous Fed Cup matches under her belt, will be joined by unranked Stefanie Voegele, 16, who has played for Switzerland on two occasions.
The two other squad members are both Fed Cup first-timers: 17-year-old Stefania Boffa, the world No 771, and Nicole Riner, 15.
'They are both young, have great potential for development'
"They are both young, have great potential for development and are determined to make their mark on the professional circuit," said head coach Ivo Werner.
Former world No 1 and current No 25 Martina Hingis, plus Patty Schnyder, who is currently ranked ninth, had both earlier turned down an invitation to join the squad.
Tennis said it would continue efforts to persuade them to take part in the Fed Cup playoffs in July. - Sapa-AFP
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&cl...44217161647S163
April 05 2006 at 08:57AM
Geneva - Switzerland's tennis federation on Tuesday named a youthful and largely untested squad to face Japan in the women's Fed Cup at the end of April.
Sixteen-year-old Timea Bacsinsky, who is ranked 341st in the world, has been picked as captain for the April 22-23 tie in Tokyo, Swiss Tennis said in a statement.
Bacsinsky, who has eight previous Fed Cup matches under her belt, will be joined by unranked Stefanie Voegele, 16, who has played for Switzerland on two occasions.
The two other squad members are both Fed Cup first-timers: 17-year-old Stefania Boffa, the world No 771, and Nicole Riner, 15.
'They are both young, have great potential for development'
"They are both young, have great potential for development and are determined to make their mark on the professional circuit," said head coach Ivo Werner.
Former world No 1 and current No 25 Martina Hingis, plus Patty Schnyder, who is currently ranked ninth, had both earlier turned down an invitation to join the squad.
Tennis said it would continue efforts to persuade them to take part in the Fed Cup playoffs in July. - Sapa-AFP
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=6&cl...44217161647S163
New Anna Kournikova Interview
Kickin' back: Kournikova's having a (tennis) ball
By KEITH NEIBUHR
Published April 2, 2006
Back problems halted Anna Kournikova's promising pro tennis career three years ago, but even today the 24-year-old Russian remains one of the sport's biggest names, largely because of her straight-out-of-Voguelooks and a well-publicized relationship with singer Enrique Iglesias. Kournikova, as many know, failed to win a singles title while on tour, but she was hardly a dud. She reached the Wimbledon semifinals at 16, claimed 16 doubles events and earned more than $3.5-million on the courts. Kournikova, who lives in Miami Beach, is scheduled to appear in Wednesday's Mercedes-Benz Classic at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa with Dade City native Jim Courier, John McEnroe and Chris Evert. She recently kicked back with Times staff writer Keith Niebuhr.
What do you miss most about being on tour?
Well, it's a feeling you can't really replace with anything else. It's so different being a pro athlete, feeling that adrenaline rush. You can't compare anything to just being on the court, having the crowds supporting you and the adrenaline rush. I miss everything about it, but at the same time I'm finding pleasure in other things.
Such as?
Well, I'm very proud to work with the Boys & Girls Club of America. It's giving kids the opportunity to go to the club instead of hanging out on the street. ... That's one of my main passions right now. I've always been very giggly around kids, so it's fun for me also. ... I'm also still playing a lot of charity matches, which is a great opportunity to give back some of my time to tennis and to the fans. And it makes me feel like I'm still playing and keeping that light alive.
Did Anna Kournikova fill out an NCAA Tournament bracket?
I didn't, but the girls in my office did that whole thing.
Why not?
(Laughing) Because I would probably just pick a team because of the names. I'm actually a (Miami) Heat fan. I love the Heat and go to a lot of the games.
Do you take any pride in the fact many, including current players, have credited you for starting the so-called tennis revolution in Russia?
Well, you know, the only thing I'm proud of is that I'm glad that they say they can do it and that there is an opportunity. Back in Russia, they've always had a huge sports community and demand for results, whether it's gymnastics or other sports. But before, there wasn't always the opportunity to get out and compete on the international level.
Are you still a fan of the sport and do you watch many events?
I watch all the majors and whatever else they're showing on TV. And I follow the results on the Internet, mainly to follow my friends. I was at the Anastasia Myskina match (against Maria Sharapova on Wednesday in Key Biscayne). I've known her since I was 5, so I really try to support my friends.
Anastasia obviously has done a lot of great things, but do you ever offer her any advice?
When we meet and talk, it's usually just about where we are and how we're doing. I really don't talk about the on-court stuff too much. As someone from the outside, I just tell her to enjoy it as much as you can. And I tell her, "Don't think if you lose it's the end of the world, there's always next Monday."
When you're on the Internet, what sites do you hit?
I really just read the news and interact with fans on my Web site (kournikova.com). I hang out there a lot. I'm not on computer 10 hours a day, but I spend a good 45 minutes just browsing for the news, especially when I'm not at home.
Do you have a myspace account?
No, I don't. But I've been hearing a lot about that. It's incredible what the Internet has done.
Are you ever amazed at how popular you became?
I just laugh about it. It was the right moment, the right place kind of thing. I get kind of embarrassed when people say that. But if I brought more fans to tennis, to women's sports, then I'm proud of it.
You said in an interview last year that if you're ever completely healthy, you'd consider playing pro tennis again. Still feel that way?
Well, I'm still young enough, so yes. If I'm 100 percent and can give my all, I'd definitely give it another shot. I would just have to be ready for it mentally first.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say the following things, starting with Serena Williams.
A friend and a great ambassador for the sport.
Double fault.
I've had those in my life (laughing). I had a lot of those, ever since I broke my thumb playing Steffi Graf in Eastbourne (Britain). I actually beat her that match.
Wimbledon.
Wow. It's the most amazing experience to be on center court.
Jim Courier.
He's a legend first of all. Next, he's the most humble person and he's very easy-going. And what he does off the court is inspiring.
Anna Kournikova.
There's what some people perceive and there's just me. I try to be myself every day with everybody. I'm not always going to be perfect and people aren't always going to like me. Sometimes, I don't. But I'm just me.
source: http://www.sptimes.com/2006/04/02/Sports/Kickin__back__Kournik.shtml
By KEITH NEIBUHR
Published April 2, 2006
Back problems halted Anna Kournikova's promising pro tennis career three years ago, but even today the 24-year-old Russian remains one of the sport's biggest names, largely because of her straight-out-of-Voguelooks and a well-publicized relationship with singer Enrique Iglesias. Kournikova, as many know, failed to win a singles title while on tour, but she was hardly a dud. She reached the Wimbledon semifinals at 16, claimed 16 doubles events and earned more than $3.5-million on the courts. Kournikova, who lives in Miami Beach, is scheduled to appear in Wednesday's Mercedes-Benz Classic at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa with Dade City native Jim Courier, John McEnroe and Chris Evert. She recently kicked back with Times staff writer Keith Niebuhr.
What do you miss most about being on tour?
Well, it's a feeling you can't really replace with anything else. It's so different being a pro athlete, feeling that adrenaline rush. You can't compare anything to just being on the court, having the crowds supporting you and the adrenaline rush. I miss everything about it, but at the same time I'm finding pleasure in other things.
Such as?
Well, I'm very proud to work with the Boys & Girls Club of America. It's giving kids the opportunity to go to the club instead of hanging out on the street. ... That's one of my main passions right now. I've always been very giggly around kids, so it's fun for me also. ... I'm also still playing a lot of charity matches, which is a great opportunity to give back some of my time to tennis and to the fans. And it makes me feel like I'm still playing and keeping that light alive.
Did Anna Kournikova fill out an NCAA Tournament bracket?
I didn't, but the girls in my office did that whole thing.
Why not?
(Laughing) Because I would probably just pick a team because of the names. I'm actually a (Miami) Heat fan. I love the Heat and go to a lot of the games.
Do you take any pride in the fact many, including current players, have credited you for starting the so-called tennis revolution in Russia?
Well, you know, the only thing I'm proud of is that I'm glad that they say they can do it and that there is an opportunity. Back in Russia, they've always had a huge sports community and demand for results, whether it's gymnastics or other sports. But before, there wasn't always the opportunity to get out and compete on the international level.
Are you still a fan of the sport and do you watch many events?
I watch all the majors and whatever else they're showing on TV. And I follow the results on the Internet, mainly to follow my friends. I was at the Anastasia Myskina match (against Maria Sharapova on Wednesday in Key Biscayne). I've known her since I was 5, so I really try to support my friends.
Anastasia obviously has done a lot of great things, but do you ever offer her any advice?
When we meet and talk, it's usually just about where we are and how we're doing. I really don't talk about the on-court stuff too much. As someone from the outside, I just tell her to enjoy it as much as you can. And I tell her, "Don't think if you lose it's the end of the world, there's always next Monday."
When you're on the Internet, what sites do you hit?
I really just read the news and interact with fans on my Web site (kournikova.com). I hang out there a lot. I'm not on computer 10 hours a day, but I spend a good 45 minutes just browsing for the news, especially when I'm not at home.
Do you have a myspace account?
No, I don't. But I've been hearing a lot about that. It's incredible what the Internet has done.
Are you ever amazed at how popular you became?
I just laugh about it. It was the right moment, the right place kind of thing. I get kind of embarrassed when people say that. But if I brought more fans to tennis, to women's sports, then I'm proud of it.
You said in an interview last year that if you're ever completely healthy, you'd consider playing pro tennis again. Still feel that way?
Well, I'm still young enough, so yes. If I'm 100 percent and can give my all, I'd definitely give it another shot. I would just have to be ready for it mentally first.
What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say the following things, starting with Serena Williams.
A friend and a great ambassador for the sport.
Double fault.
I've had those in my life (laughing). I had a lot of those, ever since I broke my thumb playing Steffi Graf in Eastbourne (Britain). I actually beat her that match.
Wimbledon.
Wow. It's the most amazing experience to be on center court.
Jim Courier.
He's a legend first of all. Next, he's the most humble person and he's very easy-going. And what he does off the court is inspiring.
Anna Kournikova.
There's what some people perceive and there's just me. I try to be myself every day with everybody. I'm not always going to be perfect and people aren't always going to like me. Sometimes, I don't. But I'm just me.
source: http://www.sptimes.com/2006/04/02/Sports/Kickin__back__Kournik.shtml
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Leander Paes becomes a father
Leander Paes becomes father
image: AP/PTI from TribuneIndia
image: Stephen and Lucy Dawson
http://www.luphen.org.uk/public/2004/2004wimbledon.htm
Rhea Pillai.
image: Tribune India
Mumbai, Apr 04: Wimbeldon Champion and Indian Davis Cup captain Leander Paes has become father as his partner Rhea Pillai delivered a baby girl at a city hospital here, sources said today.
The baby, born yesterday, has been named Anaihya. Both mother and child are healthy, the sources added.
Paes, leading the Indian Davis Cup team in the tie against Pakistan from April 7, was at the hospital during the birth, they said.
The tennis star has been seeing Pillai, former wife of actor Sanjay Dutt, for the past couple of years. The duo met at an art of living class where Pillai was the teacher.
Being Cyrus : Saif Ali Khan rocks!
Being Cyrus
Length: 85 minutes
Language: English
Directed byHomi Adajania
Writing credits Homi Adajania (screenplay)
Kersi Khambatta (story)
Genre: Comedy / Drama / Thriller
Certification: UK:12A / India:A
Credited cast:
Saif Ali Khan.... Cyrus Mistry
Naseeruddin Shah.... Dinshaw Sethna
Dimple Kapadia.... Katy Sethna
Boman Irani.... Farokh Sethna
Simone Singh.... Tina Sethna
Honey Chhaya.... Fardounjee Sethna
Manoj Pahwa.... Inspector Lovely
Official site : http://beingcyrus.indiatimes.com/
Today i saw the much acclaimed movie "Being Cyrus" . As reported in the newspapers and movie reviews on t.v. channels its a dark(ish) film, actually i would say the story could be called "dark" by Indian moviegoers as we people are more accustomed to song and dance and goodie goodie films.
It had its funny moments though which cleverly lighten the spirit of the movie goer. A quintessential depiction of Parsi life and the indulgence of the various characters has been effortlessly interwoven with the plot.
debutante director Homi Adajania has handled a complex subject well. Dwelling into the mind of the character Cyrus who has been affected by his childhood experiences and his consequent swings from being a criminal genius and his desire to be free from his decrepit past.
Cyrus played by Saif Ali Khan is brilliantly executed role in the movie, Boman Irani plays a Parsi guy to perfection, Simone Singh was quite a shocking revelation; a departure from her sweet t.v. image of characters in Kashish and the ever popular serial Heena. The other notable performance was that of Nasruddin Shah's potrayal of a potter artistic in his bend and mindlessly oblivious of his immediate surroundings (as Cyrus puts it).
Sadly Kattie played by Dimple was one of the disappointing performances in the movie because of some scenes wherein she was clearly over the top.
That said the movie is a great effort into showcasing the trappings of a brilliant mind twisted by criminal desires. Cyrus is both a victim and a criminal. A victim of his upbringing and surroundings and a dangerous criminal because of his inherent desires to gain a stronghold onto life by means of money. That he is exploited by his sister is one story; him letting her do that another.
He hopes to leave his past behind but sadly some part of his goodness is lost forever. His fate is to live with his two sides. As he says "at the end of the game the King and the Pawn have to go into the same box" .
I would recommend it to anyone.
read a review here:
http://newstodaynet.com/arts/2403fl2.htm
---Vidhyut K
Length: 85 minutes
Language: English
Directed byHomi Adajania
Writing credits Homi Adajania (screenplay)
Kersi Khambatta (story)
Genre: Comedy / Drama / Thriller
Certification: UK:12A / India:A
Credited cast:
Saif Ali Khan.... Cyrus Mistry
Naseeruddin Shah.... Dinshaw Sethna
Dimple Kapadia.... Katy Sethna
Boman Irani.... Farokh Sethna
Simone Singh.... Tina Sethna
Honey Chhaya.... Fardounjee Sethna
Manoj Pahwa.... Inspector Lovely
Official site : http://beingcyrus.indiatimes.com/
Today i saw the much acclaimed movie "Being Cyrus" . As reported in the newspapers and movie reviews on t.v. channels its a dark(ish) film, actually i would say the story could be called "dark" by Indian moviegoers as we people are more accustomed to song and dance and goodie goodie films.
It had its funny moments though which cleverly lighten the spirit of the movie goer. A quintessential depiction of Parsi life and the indulgence of the various characters has been effortlessly interwoven with the plot.
debutante director Homi Adajania has handled a complex subject well. Dwelling into the mind of the character Cyrus who has been affected by his childhood experiences and his consequent swings from being a criminal genius and his desire to be free from his decrepit past.
Cyrus played by Saif Ali Khan is brilliantly executed role in the movie, Boman Irani plays a Parsi guy to perfection, Simone Singh was quite a shocking revelation; a departure from her sweet t.v. image of characters in Kashish and the ever popular serial Heena. The other notable performance was that of Nasruddin Shah's potrayal of a potter artistic in his bend and mindlessly oblivious of his immediate surroundings (as Cyrus puts it).
Sadly Kattie played by Dimple was one of the disappointing performances in the movie because of some scenes wherein she was clearly over the top.
That said the movie is a great effort into showcasing the trappings of a brilliant mind twisted by criminal desires. Cyrus is both a victim and a criminal. A victim of his upbringing and surroundings and a dangerous criminal because of his inherent desires to gain a stronghold onto life by means of money. That he is exploited by his sister is one story; him letting her do that another.
He hopes to leave his past behind but sadly some part of his goodness is lost forever. His fate is to live with his two sides. As he says "at the end of the game the King and the Pawn have to go into the same box" .
I would recommend it to anyone.
read a review here:
http://newstodaynet.com/arts/2403fl2.htm
---Vidhyut K
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