blogger's note: this is basically like my thoughts on the Brazilian GP. Basically i wrote it for my dad. But its really late! sorry dad!
The Brazilian Grand Prix was a thrilling end to an action-packed, controversial season of Formula 1 racing. The much awaited season finale was a dream ending to a riotous season. For the first time since the 1980s, three drivers entered the last race fighting for the championship. Lewis Hamilton – rookie driver, aiming to be the youngest champion has been the hot favorite throughout the year, apparently in the Mclaren Team too! Two time world champion, Fernando Alonso has had quite a stormy season, with troubles within his own team and, in the last couple of races, with his performance. But he had his die-hard supporters egging him on. Kimi Raikkonen in his first season for Ferrari, after five years with Mclaren, had all of Ferrari’s supporters rooting for him. Until the Chinese GP, he did not even appear to be a serious contender for the title as he was far behind Hamilton.
Hamilton, Alonso and Raikkonen entered this week's race with 107, 103 and 100 points respectively. the stage was set, apparently for Lewid who started from the first row of the starting grid. After and excellent Q3 session for Massa, he took the pole with some stunning lap times at his home circuit.
Kimi and Alonso shared the second row. Alonso had a fairly poor qualifying session without his usual confidence and brilliance being projected. As the five green lights went out to signify the beginning of the end (as in, last race!), the Ferraris surged ahead of the Mclaren drivers. Both Lewis and Fernando were at a disadvantage as they both started from the fairly unused, dusty side of the grid.
Raikkonen on passing Hamilton seemed dangerously close to Massa for an instant, but immediately settled behind him into 2nd place realizing the danger in pushing any harder. Although Alonso got the upper hand over Hamilton, Lewis was not in the mood to throw the championship away just like that. An overly eager, or rather, slightly desperate Hamilton got rather too close to his teammate and was forced to go off the track onto the gravel. This caused him to fall down to 8th place, just out of reach of that title. Displaying some amazing driving, better than we’ve seen all season, he moved into 6th place, the perfect position to be for him. Let me explain, at this point what the outcome would have been like had things continued this way. Massa in first place would have gone on to win at his home circuit, earning even more support and ofcourse boundless pleasure. Kimi, coming in second would have gotten 8 points giving him a total of 108 points. Alonso, in 3rd place would have earned 6 points giving him a total of 109. Hamilton would have won the championship by earning 3 points for placing 6th giving him a total of 110. But in F1, nothing stays constant, nothing is a guarantee.
I missed a major part of the race where Kimi took the lead from Massa, (thanks mom and krupa) so I don’t know how that happened! (Please enlighten me if you know!) But before this, there was a major turn of events. In what seemed to be an irreversible tragedy for Hamilton, he began to slow down suddenly. He was moving, but hardly so. For a lap, it looked as though he was out of the running and then his car suddenly began to gain speed. As we learned later, he had some trouble with his gearbox. He dropped to 18th place. What a blow for his overenthusiastic fans!
In the meanwhile, Kimi pulled away into the lead and even Massa seemed to be unable to keep up with his pace. He even set the fastest lap of the race!
Alonso, behind the two Ferraris seemed to be painfully trudging along, all hope of Championship lost unless something went horribly wrong for one of the two Ferraris ahead of him.
As the chase in front was in progress, Hamilton, from the back, was creeping up his way into the top 10. With 8 laps to go, he was in 7th position. He needed to finish 6th, to equal Raikkonen’s points. With 8 laps to go, the gap between him and Nick Heidfeld was about 17 seconds. Although he was lapping a second faster than Heidfeld, it looked like he was going to run out of laps.
With 3 laps remaining and Kimi going faster than ever, Ferrari fans sat with their fingers, toes and whatever else possible, crossed, praying for nothing to go wrong. 1 lap to go and Kimi was nearly there. Chequered Flag! He’s won the race. Ecstasy. Celebration time has… but wait! What was just on screen, 5th and 6th place Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were way too close for comfort. My heart stopped for a nanosecond until they separated to a comfortable distance.
Breath holding continued for a few more seconds until they both safely crossed the line. Quick math was done to ensure that our calculations were right. Pregnant silence prevails, listening to the commentator in anticipation of a confirmation of our hopes. Team Radio of Ferrari, “Lewis has safely crossed the line in 7th, it’s all over. By our calculations, you’ve won it!” Pure ecstasy. Unthinkable happiness. What seemed impossible three races ago has happened! Even before the start of the race today it was possible but not probable.
Thoughts during the race (at various points): [1] Before the race, “To win, Kimi would have had to finish first with Alonso 3rd or below and Hamilton 7th or less. No way! Like that’s gonna happen” [2] During the race - “NO! Kimi’s second. Massa’s too good here. Kimi’ll never pass him, Oh no!” [3] 1 lap to go - “What if the 5th or 6th crash out? Lewis’ll win by default. Oh my gosh! What tension!” [4] After the race - “Yay! Yay! Yay!”
The well deserving champion rises out of his vehicle and we see jubilation, though not jubilation like we expected – more like shocked, stunned, dampened jubilation. The true joy is seen on the podium, rather, when he leaps onto the podium. The unexpected has happened. The impossible really IS possible. But hey that’s F1!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
The Festive Season
Festivals, supposed to be times of joy, fun, breaking out of the routine and bringing people together. In today's modern world, that doesn't seem to be happening. Look at Dussera. So many idols of various Gods on 1,3,5,7,9, or maybe even 11 steps... dolls, idols, breakable! And when and old, worn idol with rusted nails breaks it brings great sadness. Hmmm... wierd! sadness over a bit of clay. Doesn't that seem silly.
Fighting! thats what hurts the most. One person wants something done in one way, and another in some other way. One person works, one helps, one doesnt, one gives a critical analysis. The critical analysis isn't taken very well which is obvious because who likes criticism after two long days hard work? The lazy daughter is chided... the son is let off scott free since he's the boy, and only the girl has to learn to do all of this so that when she gets married she'll be prepared, in case she gets and orthodox mother-in-law! The good daughter, helpful ofcourse is made to do little work, but ofcourse the lady of the house does do all the work, and so at the end of the day its understandable that she's tired and frustrated cos the market didn't have any nice new dolls. The nose was chipped, or the nose and mouth were blurred or rather smushed together, or it looked like the goddess had lipstick on, or this was broken, or that was cracked, or the paint wasn't nice! Well, i guess quality isn't really what it used to be! And at the end of the day, its supposed to all be for fun! I'm sorry, but I dont see the fun in this at all...
If this is what fun used to be, well maybe... 20 years ago. But now, I'd much rather be finishing a bio project or getting ready for an SUPW presentation that is due immediately after the holidays than sit around talking to friends who come once a year, just for this sake about things that dont really matter to me anymore. And ofcourse there's the singing. Some person who hasnt seem you in five years, "Why don't you sing a song dear. Something about (insert God's name)". Then when you patiently explain that you dont learn classical music along with reasons for why you stopped (cos u know that if u dont give reasons, questions are sure to come!) the person says, "Oh! Thats a pity. But i'm sure you remember some simple piece. It doesnt matter which God its about. I just want to hear your voice." As much as one wud be flattered that one's voice is in demand, singing something that you haven't sung for about 5 years now is no mean feat. You politely decline saying you're sorry but you don't really remember anything. Words go back and forth and finally after a few minutes the conversation changes track and you are thankfully forgotten. You quietly slip out of the room and lock yourself in yours, and decide to come out only after everyone's left. But ofcourse, the "return gifts" or whatever they're called, must be given, so out come the girls of the house! And the worst part is, this sort of routine goes on for 10 days!!
Its even worse if a small kid comes along. In my house the children are 16 and 21, so the house isnt really kid-proof. In the sense that, there are sharp objects lying around, like scissors and stuff. Also, there are a thousand breakable things and small objects lying all over the house. Entertaining the kid while trying to keep him or her away from all the "dangers" and trying to get a bit or worn in, can be a bit of a pain!!
The festive season... I'm still looking for the festivity in it. Call me anti-social, call me non-traditional... unfortunately... this is how i feel! When i grow up... festive seasons will be different... very different!
Fighting! thats what hurts the most. One person wants something done in one way, and another in some other way. One person works, one helps, one doesnt, one gives a critical analysis. The critical analysis isn't taken very well which is obvious because who likes criticism after two long days hard work? The lazy daughter is chided... the son is let off scott free since he's the boy, and only the girl has to learn to do all of this so that when she gets married she'll be prepared, in case she gets and orthodox mother-in-law! The good daughter, helpful ofcourse is made to do little work, but ofcourse the lady of the house does do all the work, and so at the end of the day its understandable that she's tired and frustrated cos the market didn't have any nice new dolls. The nose was chipped, or the nose and mouth were blurred or rather smushed together, or it looked like the goddess had lipstick on, or this was broken, or that was cracked, or the paint wasn't nice! Well, i guess quality isn't really what it used to be! And at the end of the day, its supposed to all be for fun! I'm sorry, but I dont see the fun in this at all...
If this is what fun used to be, well maybe... 20 years ago. But now, I'd much rather be finishing a bio project or getting ready for an SUPW presentation that is due immediately after the holidays than sit around talking to friends who come once a year, just for this sake about things that dont really matter to me anymore. And ofcourse there's the singing. Some person who hasnt seem you in five years, "Why don't you sing a song dear. Something about (insert God's name)". Then when you patiently explain that you dont learn classical music along with reasons for why you stopped (cos u know that if u dont give reasons, questions are sure to come!) the person says, "Oh! Thats a pity. But i'm sure you remember some simple piece. It doesnt matter which God its about. I just want to hear your voice." As much as one wud be flattered that one's voice is in demand, singing something that you haven't sung for about 5 years now is no mean feat. You politely decline saying you're sorry but you don't really remember anything. Words go back and forth and finally after a few minutes the conversation changes track and you are thankfully forgotten. You quietly slip out of the room and lock yourself in yours, and decide to come out only after everyone's left. But ofcourse, the "return gifts" or whatever they're called, must be given, so out come the girls of the house! And the worst part is, this sort of routine goes on for 10 days!!
Its even worse if a small kid comes along. In my house the children are 16 and 21, so the house isnt really kid-proof. In the sense that, there are sharp objects lying around, like scissors and stuff. Also, there are a thousand breakable things and small objects lying all over the house. Entertaining the kid while trying to keep him or her away from all the "dangers" and trying to get a bit or worn in, can be a bit of a pain!!
The festive season... I'm still looking for the festivity in it. Call me anti-social, call me non-traditional... unfortunately... this is how i feel! When i grow up... festive seasons will be different... very different!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A World of Unreality
If you watch, or used to watch, Full House on Z Cafe then you'll know this particular episode that I'm gonna talk about.
Remember the episode where DJ, Steph and Michelle go to Camp Lakota along with DJ's boyfriend, Steve (I think!!). And when they get home, all they can talk about is camp, camp and CAMP. And Joey, Jesse and their dad, along with Becky are really upset that they cant stop talking about Camp. Michelle brings back a bunny rabbit that they had nursed to health at camp and Steve offers to drive her back there to set it free and DJ and Steph want to go along too. There they think they're being attacked by a mud-monster, which is actually Joey covered in mud, because it was a very stormy day. But the important part is that when they go there they realize that it wasnt the place that mattered so much because when all the kids weren't there the place just seemed a lifeless, lonely cabin! And so when they get back they realize that the elders had been upset and hurt and then everything becomes all better.
Well, I'm just trying to make a point. Sometimes people get caught up in something temporary, something thats takes place only for a few days or a maybe a couple of weeks. And when they have to get back to the real world, they have trouble letting go of what was so great, though they dont realize that anything can be made great, as long as you want it to be. Suppose you have to run a race, and you psych yourself completely, in the sense that you are totally into it and are confident of winning. Then, you're bound to do well, and even if you don't win, you still have a feeling of contentment. Cos you went in with a positive mindset. But the minute you think, "I'm SO going to come last" then 99% percent chances, you will come last. And then your just going to think, "Damn! I knew that was going to happen. I should just stop trying." But in the first case you'd think, "Okay, so I didn't get it this time, maybe I have better stamina, I'll try 800m". Do you see my point?
Okay, I'm sort of deviating from the point. I'm just saying, sometimes people live too much in the moment, they forget the things that matter most, like family, long-lasting friendship and doing well in life.
Think of this situation, you've just made a new friend, and you too get along amazingly, you have the same tastes in everything. It happened fast, a sudden friendship. No prelude. You spend all your time with that friend. Trying to get to know him better, trying to figure out more things that you have in common, because, you seem to be soul-mates. And after about a week after you've exhausted all the things in common, you start to explore the things that are different, and you realize that when it comes to things that matter, you guys are actually very different. Then you realize, that for a week you did nothing but spend time with this new friend, that in the process you've alienated the old, more constant ones. Friendships that were built over time, with arguments and disagreements and patch-ups and "Forgive me"s.
Thats what I'm talking about, getting too involved in one thing. Many people make that mistake. There's not much of a healthy balance when it comes to people. We take old friends for granted, thinking they'll be there for you no matter what. And good friends will definately always be there for you, but you've got to remember that you need to be a good friend and need to be there for him or her too. New friendships are very very important, but not at the cost of old ones. Give replationships time. It takes time to build trust and true happiness. Make a new friend an old friend. It can't be that hard... It just needs time.
And not just new friendships. Anything. If a camp is happening for a week, have fun with it. But when you get back to the real world or school, chores and life in general, it cant be good to pine for the week-long camp, cos ultimately thats definately not permanent in your life. Look at what you have and appreciate it before you forget all about what you have to get something that you see before. Remember, one bird in hand is better than two in a bush. Don't regret what has gone by, appreciate what is happening, but dont long for what is to come, cos there's no way you can tell what is to come.
I can hardly believe that people can centre their whole lives around something that has gotten over, or something that isn't real anymore. I guess thats why we have 'Devdas's in this world. Pining for what is lost. Living in a world of unreality.
Remember the episode where DJ, Steph and Michelle go to Camp Lakota along with DJ's boyfriend, Steve (I think!!). And when they get home, all they can talk about is camp, camp and CAMP. And Joey, Jesse and their dad, along with Becky are really upset that they cant stop talking about Camp. Michelle brings back a bunny rabbit that they had nursed to health at camp and Steve offers to drive her back there to set it free and DJ and Steph want to go along too. There they think they're being attacked by a mud-monster, which is actually Joey covered in mud, because it was a very stormy day. But the important part is that when they go there they realize that it wasnt the place that mattered so much because when all the kids weren't there the place just seemed a lifeless, lonely cabin! And so when they get back they realize that the elders had been upset and hurt and then everything becomes all better.
Well, I'm just trying to make a point. Sometimes people get caught up in something temporary, something thats takes place only for a few days or a maybe a couple of weeks. And when they have to get back to the real world, they have trouble letting go of what was so great, though they dont realize that anything can be made great, as long as you want it to be. Suppose you have to run a race, and you psych yourself completely, in the sense that you are totally into it and are confident of winning. Then, you're bound to do well, and even if you don't win, you still have a feeling of contentment. Cos you went in with a positive mindset. But the minute you think, "I'm SO going to come last" then 99% percent chances, you will come last. And then your just going to think, "Damn! I knew that was going to happen. I should just stop trying." But in the first case you'd think, "Okay, so I didn't get it this time, maybe I have better stamina, I'll try 800m". Do you see my point?
Okay, I'm sort of deviating from the point. I'm just saying, sometimes people live too much in the moment, they forget the things that matter most, like family, long-lasting friendship and doing well in life.
Think of this situation, you've just made a new friend, and you too get along amazingly, you have the same tastes in everything. It happened fast, a sudden friendship. No prelude. You spend all your time with that friend. Trying to get to know him better, trying to figure out more things that you have in common, because, you seem to be soul-mates. And after about a week after you've exhausted all the things in common, you start to explore the things that are different, and you realize that when it comes to things that matter, you guys are actually very different. Then you realize, that for a week you did nothing but spend time with this new friend, that in the process you've alienated the old, more constant ones. Friendships that were built over time, with arguments and disagreements and patch-ups and "Forgive me"s.
Thats what I'm talking about, getting too involved in one thing. Many people make that mistake. There's not much of a healthy balance when it comes to people. We take old friends for granted, thinking they'll be there for you no matter what. And good friends will definately always be there for you, but you've got to remember that you need to be a good friend and need to be there for him or her too. New friendships are very very important, but not at the cost of old ones. Give replationships time. It takes time to build trust and true happiness. Make a new friend an old friend. It can't be that hard... It just needs time.
And not just new friendships. Anything. If a camp is happening for a week, have fun with it. But when you get back to the real world or school, chores and life in general, it cant be good to pine for the week-long camp, cos ultimately thats definately not permanent in your life. Look at what you have and appreciate it before you forget all about what you have to get something that you see before. Remember, one bird in hand is better than two in a bush. Don't regret what has gone by, appreciate what is happening, but dont long for what is to come, cos there's no way you can tell what is to come.
I can hardly believe that people can centre their whole lives around something that has gotten over, or something that isn't real anymore. I guess thats why we have 'Devdas's in this world. Pining for what is lost. Living in a world of unreality.
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