Castle of Indolence

One of the most repeated phrases regarding stock market prediction is that "nobody knows nothing".And as the World Cup widely predicted to be the 'most open ever' turned into the most lopsided one ever, the quote clearly applies to crystal-gazing in cricket as well. I'm placing the blame for these mismathces squarely on the shoulders of the Kiwis and England. The only way the rest of the world had a chance of beating the Aussies was through a combination of Aussie complacency and that wonderful concept "the law of averages". By beating the Kangaroos five times in a row in inconsequential tournaments, they were virtually handing the WC to the Aussies. If there's one thing more formidable than an Aussie team, it'a an Aussie team with a point to prove.

I think it's staggering that in 4 world Cups (nearly 40 matches), McGrath has needed to face only 5 balls. That's some serious domination we are talking about.

Btw, did the dark stripe along the sides of Australian uniform remind anyone else of Uma Thurman's Kill Bill outfit?

For me, the highlight of the world Cup was Ranjit Fernando's by-now-legendary commentary during the Eng-SL match. The situation: 4 runs to win, 1 ball to go. Dilhara bowling to Ravi Bopara. And dear Ranjit comes up with this "and he's in...oh it's gone for four! Bopara! (long pause) Oh he's bowled, he's bowled. (sound of Hussain laughing in background) I thought it got the bat and went for four. What a finish this has been. "

I only subject you to this post as Adi, in a fit of ignorance, tagged me to write about 5 restaurants I like. Firstly, let me say that gastronomically, I ceased growing at the age of 5. I still prefer Bournvita to coffee ( the new 5-star Bournvita is revolting). And while George Orwell may expound on the joys of bitter,black tea, I prefer my chai to have large helpings of both milk and sugar. Sugar, in fact, makes up a large part of my diet. Idlis with sugar? Bring it on, I say. If I haven't fallen far enough in your estimation, let me add that I'm also an annoying holier-than-thou reformed vegetarian.

Having conclusively denied any claims to being the next Curnonsky, I shall now hold forth on the restaurant I despise the most. Despite Delhi offering an incomprehensible array of cuisines, ranging from the Antarctic to the sub-Saharan (seemingly), my parents favourite eat-out in Delhi remains that bastion of Tamil pride: Saravana Bhavan. Usually getting into an SB in Delhi would mean an interminable wait. Once in, this is a typical conversation between me and my parents:

Me (after perfunctory perusal of menu): I think I'll have (Item A)
Mom directs a reproachful glare at me.
Me (befuddled): What?
Mom: I can make far better (Item A) at home than is available here.
Me (rolling my eyes): Ok fine, I'll have (Item B) then.
Mom , who has never uttered any rebuke regarding my lengthy spell of unemployment, repeats reproachful glare. And goes on to wonder how, despite her excellent parenting, I've turned out like this. I then start frantically looking for an item of the menu which would appease my mom. The cycle usually continues till both my patience and appetite have vanished.