"Let Go Your Ego"

There was once a learned scientist after a lot of practice and efforts developed a formula and learned the art of reproducing himself. He did it so perfectly that it was impossible to tell the reproduction from the original. Thus was successful in his formula. One day while doing his research realized that the Angel of Death was searching for him. In order to remain immortal he reproduced a dozen copies of himself. The reproduction was so meticulous that all of them looked exactly like him.

Now when this Angel of death came down, he was at a loss to know which of the thirteen before him was the original scientist, and confused, he left them all alone and returned back to heaven.

But, not for long, for being an expert in human nature, the Angel came up with a clever idea. He said to the scientist addressing all thirteen of them, "Sir, you must be a genius to have succeeded in making such perfect reproduction formula of yourself. However, I have discovered a flaw in your work, just one tiny little flaw."

The scientist immediately jumped out and shouted, "Impossible! Where is the flaw?" "Right here" said the Angel, as he picked up the scientist from among the reproductions and carried him off.

The whole purpose of the scientist and his formula of reproduction failed as he could not control his pride and lost his life.

While your knowledge and skills takes you to the top of the ladder and make you successful, but the three letter word "EGO" will pull you down immediately…so let go your Ego.

"Peace of Mind"...This is a story from Buddha's life….

Once Buddha was walking from one town to another town with a few of his followers. This was in the initial days. While they were travelling, they happened to pass a lake. They stopped there and Buddha told one of his disciples, "I am thirsty. Do get me some water from that lake there."

The disciple walked up to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that some people were washing clothes in the water, and right at that moment, a bullock cart started crossing through the lake. As a result, the water became very muddy, very turbid. The disciple thought, "How can I give this muddy water to Buddha to drink!" So he came back and told Buddha, "The water in there is very muddy. I don't think it is fit to drink." After about half an hour, again Buddha asked the same disciple to go back to the lake and get him some water to drink. The disciple obediently went back to the lake. This time he found that the lake had absolutely clear water in it. The mud had settled down and the water above it looked fit to be had. So he collected some water in a pot and brought it to Buddha. Buddha looked at the water, and then he looked up at the disciple and said,

"See what you did to make the water clean. You let it be…. and the mud settled down on its own – and you got clear water. Your mind is also like that! When it is disturbed, just let it be. Give it a little time. It will settle down on its own. You don't have to put in any effort to calm it down. It will happen. It is effortless."

What did Buddha emphasize here?

He said, "It is effortless." Having 'Peace of Mind' is not a strenuous job; it is an effortless process!

When there is peace inside you, that peace permeates to the outside. It spreads around you and in the environment, such that people around start feeling that peace and grace.

Also remember that you could be in very peaceful surroundings, where everything is wonderfully beautiful, but if your inside is disturbed, then that beauty is of no use to you. It does not mean anything to you. For you to be peaceful, peace has to be generated from deep within you - from your being to the mind, and from the mind to the environment.

Thank God It's Monday "Excellence"

A gentleman once visited a temple under construction where he saw a sculptor making an idol of God. Suddenly he noticed a similar idol lying nearby.

Surprised, he asked the sculptor, "Do you need two statues of the same idol?" "No," said the sculptor without looking up, "We need only one, but the first one got damaged at the last stage."

The gentleman examined the idol and found no apparent damage. "Where is the damage?" he asked."There is a scratch on the nose of the idol." said the sculptor, still busy with his work.

"Where are you going to install the idol?" The sculptor replied that it would be installed on a pillar twenty feet high. "If the idol is that far, who is going to know that there is a scratch on the nose?" the gentleman asked.

The sculptor stopped his work, looked up at the gentleman, smiled and said, "I know it and God knows it!"

The desire to excel should be exclusive of the fact whether someone appreciates it or not. "Excellence" is a drive from inside, not outside. Excel at a task today - not necessarily for someone else to notice but for your own satisfaction.

I Am Not Able To Answer This Questions! Can U???

1. When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tests it?
(to be given a thought)

2. If the "black box" flight recorder is never damaged during a
plane crash, why isn't the whole airplane made out of that stuff?
(very good thinking)

3. Who copyrighted the copyright symbol?
(who knows)

4. Can you cry under water?
(let me try)

5. Why do people say, "you've been working like a dog" when dogs
just sit around all day?
(I think they meant something else)

6. Why are the numbers on a calculator and a phone reversed?
(God knows)

7. Do fish ever get thirsty?
(let me ask and tell)

8. Can you get cornered in a round room?
(by ones eyes)

9. Why do birds not fall out of trees when they sleep?
(tonight I will stay and watch)

10. If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oils made from
vegetables, then what is baby oil made from?
(No comments)

11. What should one call a male ladybird?
(No comments)

12. If a person suffered from amnesia and then was cured would they
remember that they forgot?
(can somebody help)

13.Can you blow a balloon up under water?
(yes u can)

14. Why is it called a "building" when it is already built?
(strange isn't it)

15. If you were traveling at the speed of sound and you turned on
your radio would you be ! Able to hear it?
(got to think scientifically)

16. If you're traveling at the speed of light and you turn your
headlights on, what happens?

17. Why is it called a TV set when there is only one?
(very nice)

18. Why do most cars have speedometers that go up to at least 130
when you legally can't go that fast on any road?

19. If drink & drive is not allowed why the hell they have parking
in Bars?

COULD BE USEFUL FOR US TO QUOTE..Be aware while "sms"ing!!!...

Be careful when you SMS...

A True Story:

This lady has changed her habit on the hand phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag which contained her mobile, credit card, purse etc. was stolen.
Twenty minutes later when she called her hubby, telling him what had happened, her hubby says 'I've just received your SMS asking about our Pin number and

I've replied a little while ago.'

When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The pickpocket had actually used the stolen hand

Phone to sms 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from the bank account.

Moral of the lesson:

Do not disclose the relationship between you and the person in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart,
Dad, Mum etc...... and very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked thru SMS, CONFIRM by calling back.

Attitude...Valuable Story...

Once there was an old and very wise man. Every day he would sit outside a gas station in his rocking chair and wait to greet motorists as they passed through his small town. On this day, his granddaughter knelt down at the foot of his chair and slowly passed the time with him.

As they sat and watched the people come and go, a tall man who surely had to be a tourist -- since they knew everyone in the town -- began looking around as if he were checking out the area for a place to live.

The stranger walked up and asked,"So what kind of town is this that we're in?"

The older gentleman slowly turned to the man and replied," Well, what kind of town are you from?"

The tourist said,"In the town I'm from everyone is very critical of each other. The neighbours all gossip about everyone, and it's a real negative place to live. I'm sure glad to be leaving. It is not a very cheerful place. "

The man in the chair looked at the stranger and said," You know, that's just how this town is."

An hour or so later a family that was also passing through stopped for gas. The car slowly turned in and rolled to a stop in front of where the older gentleman and his granddaughter were sitting. The mother jumped out with two small children and asked where the restrooms were. The man in the chair pointed to a small, bent-up sign that was barely hanging by one nail on the side of the door.

The father stepped out of the car and also asked the man,"Is this town a pretty good place to live?"

The man in the chair replied," What about the town you are from? How is it?"

The father looked at him and said,"Well, in the town I'm from everyone is very close and always willing to lend their neighbour a helping hand. There's always a hello and thank you everywhere you go. I really hate to leave. I feel almost like we are leaving family. "

The older gentlemen turned to the father and gave him a warm smile. "You know, that's a lot like this small town."

Then the family returned to the car, said their thank yous, waved goodbye and drove away.

After the family was in the distance, the granddaughter looked up at her grandfather and asked,"Grandpa, how come when the first man came into our town you told him it was a terrible place to live and when the family came in to town you told them it was a wonderful place to live? "

The grandfather lovingly looked down at this granddaughter' s wondering blue eyes and said,"No matter where you move, you take your own attitude with you and that's what makes it terrible or wonderful. "

( It's your attitude, not your aptitude that determines your altitude. Happiness is not something you find, it's something you create. )

It's Really True..Love Story...

Once, there was this guy, who was in love with a gal.

She wasn't the most beautiful and gorgeous but for him, she was everything.

He used to dream about her, about spending the rest of life with her. His friends told him, "why do you dream so much about her, when you don't even know if she loves you or not? First tell her your feelings, and get to know if she likes you or not".

He felt that was the right way. The girl knew from the beginning, that this guy loves her. One day when he proposed, she rejected him.

His friends thought he would take to alcohol; drugs etc. and ruin his life.

To their surprise, he was not depressed. When they asked him how was it that he is not sad, he replied, "why should I feel bad? I lost one who never loved me & she lost the one who really loved and cared for her."

Inspiring..."What is the most important part of the body?"

My mother used to ask me: "What is the most important part of the body?"

Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy."

Mother said, "No Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."

Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer. So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes." Mother looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind."

Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge. Over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No, but you are getting smarter every year, my child."

Then last year, my grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to Grandpa.

Mother asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?"

I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me. Mother saw the confusion on my face and told me, "This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life. For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you was wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."

Mother looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. Mother said, "My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder."

I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?"

Mother replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life, my dear. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it."

Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one.. It is sympathetic to the pain of others. People will forget what you said.... People will forget what you did.... But people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.

True or not, the story makes you stop and think. Be blessed. Be a blessing. Get your shoulder ready.

Interview Qs

Questions....

So next time when u go for an interview be prepared for this question....

Story I
E: Do u have a boyfriend?
C: I have.
E: Is he working locally?
C: No. He is working Overseas.
E: Sorry, my company cannot employ u!
C: Why?
E: U will not be able to settle down here permanently. And my Company don't want to pay extra expenses on the Overseas calls just because of u.

Story II
E: Any girl friends?
C: No.
E: So far chased any before?
C: Have, but not successful.
E: Ever think of getting a job first then start looking for a girlfriend?
C: Career is first priority. Currently didn't want to consider this personal issue.
E: Sorry, my company cannot employ u.
C: Why?
E: You are lacking of P.R skills and confidence!!

Story III
E: Any girlfriends?
C: Yes.
E: Is she pretty?
C: Not quite.
E: Sorry, my company cannot employ you.
C: Why? Will this affect your company's reputation?
E: No, it does not affect the company's reputation but because My company is dealing with arts, our company requested an artist.

Story IV
E: Any girlfriends?
C: Yes.
E: Is she pretty?
C: Yes.
E: Is she your first lover?
C: Yes.
E: Sorry, we can't employ you because you lack of fighting spirit.

Story V
E: Any girlfriends?
C: Yes.
E: Is she your first lover?
C: No. Have a few already.
E: Sorry, my company cannot employ you because you are a "grasshoper" ! (Job hoper lah!)

Story VI
E: Any boyfriends?
C: Yes.
E: Is he rich?
C: No.
E: Then sorry, my company cannot employ you because our Company is dealing with money and you will seduce.

Story VII
E: Any boyfriends?
C: Yes.
E: Is he rich ?
C: Yes, very rich. He owns a company.
E: Sorry, we cannot employ you because your boyfriend don't Even want to employ you, neither do we!
C: But,...... there is no position in his company.
E: Then,..... what is your qualification?
C: Secretary!
E: Sorry, we still cannot employ you because your prettiness Will affect our managers' working spirits.
C: But,...... I am not pretty at all.
E: It is even worse because my managers will not be interested In you!!!

Challenge to BILL GATES

Bill gates Challenged by an Indian!!!

Just one INDIAN is challenging against Bill gates...... This is not only
ground breaking news; it's space-breaking news indeed. Fwd it to as many
Indians as possible.

Gokulakrishnan, a XII std. student from Erode, Tamil Nadu, has developed
a 32-bit operating system demonstrated to be far superior to any of the
desktop operating systems in the market today.

The program has been named "O-Yes" . O-Yes provides operating system
services on any Pentium-based Personal computer (PC) and does not require
MS- DOS as a base operating system. The operating system's capabilities
were demonstrated in a student convention at the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), New Delhi. HCL Ltd. conducted benchmarks on the system
and published results, which are partly reported here: O -Yes is 34%
faster than Microsoft's Windows 95 on similar hardware.

It is 29% faster than IBM's OS/2. O-Yes loads 54% quicker than Windows 95
or OS/2. O-Yes has a customizable, user-friendly graphical User Interface
(GUI), in which every
program can be accessed with a maximum of two button clicks. The
operating system provides plug n play
capability with numerous hardware devices. It has a superior memory
management function. The operating system is compatible with Windows 95 &
WindowsNT4.0.
HCL, Ltd. has offered an unknown amount to Ramlal Bhagat for purchasing
the rights to the software.

Gokulakrishnan, described as" quiet and philosophical" by is
peers, was not available for comment. Suresh Reddy, spokesman for HCL
Ltd., said, "This is the operating system that the world has been waiting
for". On HCL's move to purchase the rights to the software, he said,

"We are here to ensure that Mr.Gokul gets fair recognition and
compensation for his innovation. HCL Ltd. Can provide him a firm
launch-pad to market software globally".

Is this the beginning of the end of the Bill Gates' monopoly?

Let's see...

'A leader should know how to manage failure'-APJ Kalam

(Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam at Wharton India Economic forum , Philadelphia, March 22,2008)

Question: Could you give an example, from your own experience, of how leaders should manage failure?

Kalam: Let me tell you about my experience. In 1973 I became the project director of India's satellite launch vehicle program, commonly called the SLV-3. Our goal was to put India's "Rohini" satellite into orbit by 1980. I was given funds and human resources -- but was told clearly that by 1980 we had to launch the satellite into space. Thousands of people worked together in scientific and technical teams towards that goal.

By 1979 -- I think the month was August -- we thought we were ready. As the project director, I went to the control center for the launch. At four minutes before the satellite launch, the computer began to go through the checklist of items that needed to be checked. One minute later, the computer program put the launch on hold; the display showed that some control components were not in order. My experts -- I had four or five of them with me -- told me not to worry; they had done their calculations and there was enough reserve fuel. So I bypassed the computer, switched to manual mode, and launched the rocket. In the first stage, everything worked fine. In the second stage, a problem developed. Instead of the satellite going into orbit, the whole rocket system plunged into the Bay of Bengal. It was a big failure.

That day, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, Prof. Satish Dhawan, had called a press conference. The launch was at 7:00 am, and the press conference -- where journalists from around the world were present -- was at 7:45 am at ISRO's satellite launch range in Sriharikota [in Andhra Pradesh in southern India]. Prof. Dhawan, the leader of the organization, conducted the press conference himself. He took responsibility for the failure -- he said that the team had worked very hard, but that it needed more technological support. He assured the media that in another year, the team would definitely succeed. Now, I was the project director, and it was my failure, but instead, he took responsibility for the failure as chairman of the organization.

The next year, in July 1980, we tried again to launch the satellite -- and this time we succeeded. The whole nation was jubilant. Again, there was a press conference. Prof. Dhawan called me aside and told me, "You conduct the press conference today."
I learned a very important lesson that day. When failure occurred, the leader of the organization owned that failure. When success came, he gave it to his team. The best management lesson I have learned did not come to me from reading a book; it came from that experience.

Best Friendship Poem...Who's ur Last Leaf???...

I Was thinking of old friends today

And how many of them have slipped away.

Moved, got married, or stopped calling so much,

Found new friends, got busy, and just lost touch.

It reminded me of falling leaves.

Every autumn the leaves fall from the trees.

Some stay longer than others, but eventually -

Each leaf must fall, I'm told,

Leaving the tree alone to face the cold.

Why is it that in the time of utmost need

The leaves would seek to leave the tree?

And when we need our friends around

We look and they can not be found?

Of course these friendships come and go

And in the spring new leaves will grow.

But I prefer autumn friends of old

With crackling laughter and colors bold.

It saddens me now I must admit

How somehow, someway, I did forget

Laughing with old friends of mine

During summers when the sun would shine.

And then I thought of you.

That one stubborn leaf that won't let go.

That clings despite the winds that blow.

Fighting ice, and snow, and winter's stings

Hanging on right through till spring.

So I guess that's what you are to me -

The very last leaf to leave the tree.

I know it seems silly, but it's true.

When I see that last leaf...I think of you.

Go Back In Life...Really Interesting

Gone are the days
When the school reopened in June, And we settled in our new desks and benches .

Gone are the days
When we queued up in book depot, And got our new books and notes.

Gone are the days
When we wanted two Sundays and no Mondays, yet Managed to line up daily for the morning prayers.

Gone are the days
We learnt writing with slates and pencils, andProgressed To fountain pens and ball pens and then Micro tips.

Gone are the days
We began drawing with crayons and evolved to Co lour pencils and finally sketch pens.

Gone are the days
We started calculating first with tables and then with Clarke's tables and advanced to calculators and computers.

Gone are the days
When we chased one another in the corridors in Intervals, and returned to the classrooms
Drenched in sweat.

Gone are the days
When we had lunch in classrooms, corridors, Playgrounds, under the trees and even in cycle sheds.

Gone are the days
When all the colors in the world, Decorated the campus on the Second Saturdays.

Gone are the days
When a single P.T. period in the week's Time Table, Was awaited more eagerly than the monsoons.

Gone are the days
When cricket was played with writing pads as bats, And Neckties and socks rolled into balls.

Gone are the days
When few played "kabadi" and "Kho-Kho" in scorching sun, While others simply played "book cricket" in the Confines of classroom.

Gone are the days
Of fights but no conspiracies, Of Competitions but seldom jealousy.

Gone are the days
When we used to watch Live Cricket telecast, In the opposite house in Intervals and Lunch breaks.

Gone are the days
When few rushed at 3:45 to "Conquer" window seats in our School bus.

Gone are the days
While few others had "Big Fun", "pulippu muttai", "gulfi ice", "seeval ice !" and "pepsi !" at 4o Clock.

Gone are the days
Of Sports Day, and the annual School Day , And the one-month long preparations for them.

Gone are the days
Of the stressful Quarterly, Half Yearly and Annual Exams, And the most enjoyed holidays after them.

Gone are the days
Of tenth and twelfth standards, when we Spent almost the whole year writing revision tests.

Gone are the days
We learnt, we enjoyed, we played, we won, we lost, We laughed, we cried, we fought, we thought.

Gone are the days
With so much fun in them, so many friends, So much experience, all this and more.

Gone are the days when we used to talk for hours with our friends. Now we don't have time to say a HI.

Gone are the days
when we played games on the road. Now we code on the road with laptop.

Gone are the days
when we saw stars shining at night. Now we see stars when our code doesn't work.

Gone are the days
when we sat to chat with friends on grounds. Now we chat in chat rooms.....

Gone are the days
where we studied just to pass. Now we study to save our job

Gone are the days
Where we had no money in our pockets and fun filled on our hearts Now we have the atm as well as credit card but with an empty heart

Gone are the days
where we shouted on the road. Now we dont shout even at home

Gone are the days
where we got lectures from all. Now we give lectures to all... like the one I'm doing now....

Gone are the days
But not the memories, which will be Lingering in our hearts for ever and ever and Ever and ever and Ever .

NO MATTER HOW BUSY YOU ARE ,

DONT FORGET TO LIVE THE LIFE THAT STILL EXISTS.

IT WONT BE THERE FOR EVER.

Why Students Fail???

It's not the fault of the student if he/she fails, Because the
year has an 'ONLY 365' days.

Typical academic year for a student.

1. Sundays-52,Sundays in a year, which are rest days. Balance 313 days.
2. Summer holidays-50 where weather is very hot and difficult to study.Balance 263 days.
3. 8 hours daily sleep-means 122 days. Balance 141 days.
4. 1 hour for daily playing-(good for health) means 15 days. Balance 126 days.
5. Two hours daily for food & other delicacies (chew properly & eat)-means 30days.
Balance 96 days.
6. 1 hour for talking (man is a social animal)-means 15 days . Balance 81 days.
7. Exam days per year at least 35 days. Balance 46 days.
8. Quarterly, Half yearly and festival holidays)-40 days. Balance 6 days.
9. For sickness at least 3 days. Balance 3 days.
10. Movies and functions at least 2 days. Balance 1 day.
11. That 1 day is your birthday.

"How can a student pass??"

TIPS: Recover Scratched CDs

Don't you feel like crying every time you add another disc to your pile of scratched discs. Trashing that disc which contained your favorite songs, pics, files, games or videos is not easy. Read-on, if you find yourself wishing for a miracle every time
your fav CD is scratched:

Home Remedy :
Here's an easy home remedy, which might give you the desired results. Rub a small amount of toothpaste on the scratch and polish the CD with a soft cloth and any petroleum-based polishing solution (like clear shoe polish). Squirt a drop of
Brasso and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Technology to the rescue:
There are many softwares available on the net, which enable the recovery of the CD data. BadCopy Pro is one such software, which can be used to recover destroyed data and
files from a range of media.



Just a few clicks is all it requires to recover the disc from almost all kind of damage situation; be it corrupted, lost data, unreadable or defective.

DiskDoctors is another popular company, which offers both software and solutions to recover data from a scratched CDs and DVDs

General Tips:
* Always wipe the CD from the center outward with straight spoke-like strokes. Wiping CDs in circles will create more scratches.
* Do not scratch the graphics layer as you cannot repair the disc.
HINT: Hold the disc up to a light with the graphics layer facing the light source. If you can see light thru the scratches at any point then the disc may be irreparable and or exhibit loading or playing errors.
* Clean your Disc players lens regularly with a suitable product to ensure optimal viewing pleasure.
* Make sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean both sides of the disc. Wipe in a straight line from the centre of the disc to the outer edge.
* If wiping with a cloth does not remove a fingerprint or smudge, use a specialized DVD disc polishing spray to clean the disc.
* Only handle the disc by its outer edge and the empty hole in the middle. This will help prevent fingerprints, smudges or scratches.

Statistics:
* Finger marks/ prints cause 43% of disc problems.
* General wear & tear causes 25% of disc problems.
* Player-related issues cause 15% of disc problems.
* User-related issues cause 12% of disc problems.
* PlayStation 2 machine scratches cause 3% of disc problems.
* Laser rot (a manufacturer error) causes 2% of disc problems.

Value of Everyone and Everything

To realize
The value of a sister
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a still born.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one hour:
Ask the lovers who are waiting to Meet.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident...

To realize
The value of one millisecond:
Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend:
Lose one.

20 Things U Didn't Know About Windows XP

You've read the reviews and digested the key feature enhancements and operational changes. Now it's time to delve a bit deeper and uncover some of Windows XP's
secrets.

1.It boasts how long it can stay up. Whereas previous versions of Windows were coy about how long they went between boots, XP is positively proud of its stamina.
Go to the Command Prompt in the Accessories menu from the All Programs start button option, and then type 'systeminfo'. The computer will produce a lot of
useful info, including the uptime. If you want to keep these, type 'systeminfo > info.txt'. This creates a file called info.txt you can look at later with
Notepad. (Professional Edition only).

2.You can delete files immediately, without having them move to the Recycle Bin first. Go to the Start menu, select Run... and type 'gpedit.msc'; then select
User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Explorer and find the Do not move deleted files to the Recycle Bin setting. Set it.
Poking around in gpedit will reveal a great many interface and system options, but take care -- some may stop your computer behaving as you wish.
(Professional Edition only).

3.You can lock your XP workstation with two clicks of the mouse. Create a new shortcut on your desktop using a right mouse click, and enter 'rundll32.exe
user32.dll,LockWorkStation' in the location field.Give the shortcut a name you like. That's it -- just double click on it and your computer will be locked. And if that's not easy enough, Windows key + L will do the same.

4.XP hides some system software you might want to remove, such as Windows Messenger, but you can tickle it and make it disgorge everything. Using Notepad or Edit, edit the text file /windows/inf/sysoc.inf, search for the word 'hide' and remove it. You can then
go to the Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel, select Add/Remove Windows Components and there will be your prey, exposed and vulnerable.

5.For those skilled in the art of DOS batch files, XP has a number of interesting new commands. These include 'eventcreate' and 'eventtriggers' for creating and watching system events, 'typeperf' for monitoring performance of various subsystems, and 'schtasks' for handling scheduled tasks. As usual, typing the command name followed by /? will give a list of options -- they're all far too baroque to go into here.

6.XP has IP version 6 support -- the next generation of IP. Unfortunately this is more than your ISP has, so you can only experiment with this on your LAN. Type
'ipv6 install' into Run... (it's OK, it won't ruin your existing network setup) and then 'ipv6 /?' at the command line to find out more. If you don't know what
IPv6 is, don't worry and don't bother.

7.You can at last get rid of tasks on the computer from the command line by using 'taskkill /pid' and the task number, or just 'tskill' and the process number. Find that out by typing 'tasklist', which will also tell you a lot about what's going on in your system.

8.XP will treat Zip files like folders, which is nice if you've got a fast machine. On slower machines, you can make XP leave zip files well alone by typing 'regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll' at the command line. If you change your mind later, you can put things back as they were by typing 'regsvr32 zipfldr.dll'.

9.XP has ClearType -- Microsoft's anti-aliasing font display technology -- but doesn't have it enabled by default. It's well worth trying, especially if you were there for DOS and all those years of staring at a screen have given you the eyes of an astigmatic bat. To enable ClearType, right click on the desktop, select Properties, Appearance, Effects, select ClearType from the second drop-down menu and enable the selection. Expect best results on laptop displays.If you want to use ClearType on the Welcome login
screen as well, set the registry entry HKEY_USERS/.DEFAULT/ControlPanel/Desktop/FontSmoothingType to 2.

10.You can use Remote Assistance to help a friend who's using network address translation (NAT) on a home network, but not automatically. Get your pal to email you a Remote Assistance invitation and edit the file. Under the RCTICKET attribute will be a NAT IP address, like 192.168.1.10. Replace this with your chum's real IP address -- they can find this out by going to www.whatismyip.com -- and get them to make
sure that they've got port 3389 open on their firewall and forwarded to the errant computer.

11.You can run a program as a different user without logging out and back in again. Right click the icon, select Run As... and enter the user name and password you want to use. This only applies for that run. The trick is particularly useful if you need to have administrative permissions to install a program, which many require. Note that you can have some fun by running programs multiple times on the same system as different users, but this can have unforeseen effects.

12.Windows XP can be very insistent about you checking for auto updates, registering a Passport, using Windows Messenger and so on. After a while, the nagging goes away, but if you feel you might slip the bonds of sanity before that point, run Regedit, go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/Advanced and create a DWORD value called EnableBalloonTips with a value of 0.

13.You can start up without needing to enter a user name or password. Select Run... from the start menu and type 'control userpasswords2', which will open the user accounts application. On the Users tab, clear the box for Users Must Enter A User Name And Password To Use This Computer, and click on OK. An Automatically Log On dialog box will appear; enter the user name and password for the account you want to use.

14.Internet Explorer 6 will automatically delete temporary files, but only if you tell it to. Start the browser, select Tools / Internet Options... and Advanced, go down to the Security area and check the box to Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when
browser is closed.

15.XP comes with a free Network Activity Light, just in case you can't see the LEDs twinkle on your network card. Right click on My Network Places on the desktop,
then select Properties. Right click on the description for your LAN or dial-up connection, select Properties, then check the Show icon in notification area when
connected box. You'll now see a tiny network icon on the right of your task bar that glimmers nicely during network traffic.

16.The Start Menu can be leisurely when it decides to appear, but you can speed things along by changing the registry entry HKEY_CURRENT_USER/ControlPanel/Desktop/MenuShowDelay from the default 400 to something a little snappier. Like 0.

17.You can rename loads of files at once in Windows Explorer. Highlight a set of files in a window, then right click on one and rename it. All the other files will be renamed to that name, with individual numbers in brackets to distinguish them. Also, in a folder you can arrange icons in alphabetised groups by View, Arrange Icon By... Show In Groups.

18.Windows Media Player will display the cover art for albums as it plays the tracks -- if it found the picture on the Internet when you copied the tracks from the CD. If it didn't, or if you have lots of pre-WMP music files, you can put your own copy of the
cover art in the same directory as the tracks. Just call it folder.jpg and Windows Media Player will pick it up and display it.

19.Windows key + Break brings up the System Properties dialogue box; Windows key + D brings up the desktop; Windows key + Tab moves through the taskbar buttons.

20.The next release of Windows XP, codenamed Longhorn, is due out late next year or early 2003 and won't be much to write home about. The next big release is codenamed Blackcomb and will be out in 2003/2004.

A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY

"I have known that there are various ways for proposing love. The Tamil films show the N number of ways for proposing love. Through SMS, through phone, through letters, and in "Anniyan" film Vikram, proposes through application form sort of letter, and in some other film, an actor proposes love through mike in the library. I forgot who he is" – She went on speaking.

"Its Karthick"- I said.

She then continued, "I never had ever thought, that some one could propose through a story. I was just stunned to read the story. I really don't know what to say." The story I had written and given to her was still in her hands.

We were sitting opposite to each other in the electric train that travels from Chengalpattu to Chennai Beach. It was 6'0 clock in the evening, and outside was quite cool thanks to the slight drizzle. The scenic beauty outside was simply amazing in such a climate, and normally I would have been looking outside thinking poetically about the Nature's creations. Today however I was not looking outside as another beauty of nature's creation had my full attention now.

The train has just started moving from Vandalur station, and a young chap selling groundnuts got in the moving train quite dangerously. Her eyes which were following that chap, now turned towards me. I tried to find whether her magnetic eyes would reveal anything going inside her mind, but my mind reading skills had abandoned me in this crucial time. She didn't let me worry about her response for a long time.

"You have conveyed your feelings in such a fascinating way. I wish even I could do the same. But then I don't have such a talent. So this is all I could do" – saying she wrote "I too love you" in her beautiful handwriting below the story. I couldn't believe it. I never expected that she would accept it. If some one had said that I would get a girl friend one hour before, I would have probably laughed at them. In fact I met her just forty five minutes ago.

Forty Five Minutes Ago:

I was standing alone in the Paranur railway station. There would be big crowd normally during this time if it had been a week day. Today was a Saturday, and hence I had to travel with out my usual friends. I felt very bored and irritated. I didn't know what to do. I didn't have any book also in my hand. My watch revealed that it would take ten more minutes before the train would finally arrive, i.e. if the train came on time. I know standing alone in Paranur; it could be a very long ten more minutes.

"You are Subramani, right" – a sweet voice disturbed my thought.

"Ya I am" – I don't think my voice stumbled so much even when I attended the infy interview.

"I have read your stories in the bulletin board. They are too good" – her sweet voice continued.

I had received so many positive comments for my writings in the bulletin board itself. I had even received some mails praising my stories. And the friends I had got during the training in Mysore, but now in different IBUs have praised me, when ever they came across me in the food courts. A stranger praising me in the railway station is some thing I never expected would happen. I would have loved to talk to any person given my loneliness, and if that person is going to be a beautiful girl like her, I have no reason to complain. Life is so good.

"The last story where you wrote about the ……………." She went on speaking about my stories. I don't want to lie that my attention was only in her speech. If I am going to explain her beauty you may think of it has an exaggeration. The way she combed her hair with her beautiful fingers, whenever the gentle breeze disturbed her hair, the way she adjusted her 'Dhupatta', and the way in which she logically analyzed my stories, some thing within me said that "Subramani, She should be yours".

I never believed in Love at first sight. I had made fun of all those Tamil films where the hero falls for the heroine, just after seeing her. Now I know I am doing exactly the same. Some thing in her made me fall for her. Don't ask me the reasons. I won't be able to explain.

The train sound disturbed my thought. "Why the hell did the train come so soon"- I wondered. The ten long minutes I was talking about earlier flew like ten seconds. I was worried that she might get into the Ladies compartment. Nevertheless I said "You got to walk little back for the ladies compartment". "No probs. I would get in the general compartment with you. I need to talk a lot with you" – I don't know how I controlled myself from jumping up and down in the station.

Inside the train, I wanted to talk so much to her, but words failed me. All I could ask her was her name, which college she studied, and some other stupid questions, and some third persons looking at us might have thought I am conducting some interview. I felt so bad; I didn't know how to impress a girl. For some guys, it comes naturally, but then not for me.

"How long you take to write a story"- she saved me as when it comes to talking about the story, I can talk to any one.

"It depends" I said, "Sometimes it takes even 3 days, but some times I even finish it off in half an hour".

"Can you write a story for me now?"

"Sure" – I replied as though I am expecting such a request.

"Sorry for asking an Instant story, like an instant coffee. If you have some other work, please feel free to say it. I don't mind" she said.

"I don't have any other work" – I had already started writing the story in few A4 sheets I had.

She did not disturb me. She seems to have understood that the only thing the person wants while writing a story is loneliness. I don't like people peeping into my stories before I finish it, and thank God she didn't. When I was about to finish the story, She asked "What sort of story it is?"

"Love story" – I replied.

"You had never written a love story before- at least you had never written it in the bulletin board before"

"Ya, this is my first love story. I just wanted to try something different"

I finished off the story and gave it to her. She arranged the papers in her hand and started reading the story.

PS: Are you wondering, what story I wrote and gave, that made her accept my love. Are you wondering how did I propose my love in that story? Do you want to read that story? If your answer is Yes, if you badly want to read that story which made me propose my love indirectly, if you want to read that story that made her accept my love, then READ THIS STORY AGAIN.

25 Hidden Applications in Windows XP...Useful Applications

I have compiled a list of all the hidden applications available in Windows XP. Many of them are quite common and are known by many.
Remember, to ruu these applications, all you need to do is go to Start > Run and type any of the following commands:

1) Character Map = charmap.exe (very useful for finding unusual characters)

2) Disk Cleanup = cleanmgr.exe

3) Clipboard Viewer = clipbrd.exe (views contents of Windows clipboard)

4) Dr Watson = drwtsn32.exe (Troubleshooting tool)

5) DirectX diagnosis = dxdiag.exe (Diagnose & test DirectX, video & sound cards)

6) Private character editor = eudcedit.exe (allows creation or modification of characters)

7) IExpress Wizard = iexpress.exe (Create self-extracting / self-installing package)

8) Microsoft Synchronization Manager = mobsync.exe (appears to allow synchronization of files on the network for when working offline. Apparently undocumented).

9) Windows Media Player 5.1 = mplay32.exe (Retro version of Media Player, very basic).

10) ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32.exe (something to do with databases)

11) Object Packager = packager.exe (to do with packaging objects for insertion in files, appears to have comprehensive help files).

12) System Monitor = perfmon.exe (very useful, highly configurable tool, tells you everything you ever wanted to know about any aspect of PC performance, for uber-geeks only )

13) Program Manager = progman.exe (Legacy Windows 3.x desktop shell).

14) Remote Access phone book = rasphone.exe (documentation is virtually non-existant).

15) Registry Editor = regedt32.exe [also regedit.exe] (for hacking the Windows Registry).

16) Network shared folder wizard = shrpubw.exe (creates shared folders on network).

17) File siganture verification tool = sigverif.exe

18) Volume Contro = sndvol32.exe (I've included this for those people that lose it from the System Notification area).

19) System Configuration Editor = sysedit.exe (modify System.ini & Win.ini just like in Win98! ).

20) Syskey = syskey.exe (Secures XP Account database - use with care, it's virtually undocumented but it appears to encrypt all passwords, I'm not sure of the full implications).

21) Microsoft Telnet Client = telnet.exe

22) Driver Verifier Manager = verifier.exe (seems to be a utility for monitoring the actions of drivers, might be useful for people having driver problems. Undocumented).

23) Windows for Workgroups Chat = winchat.exe (appears to be an old NT utility to allow chat sessions over a LAN, help files available).

24) System configuration = msconfig.exe (can use to control starup programs)

25) gpedit.msc used to manage group policies, and permissions

LINUX VS WINDOWS--LINUX ROCKS

1.Reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome
When linux is properly installed, there no longer a need to use the mouse. Chances of you using a mouse is close to zero.

2.Use the extra cash for rewards
Linux is 100% free while Windows Vista Ultimate costs $398.99 at the time of writing. Companies that pay a licensing annually could have used the money for other things like buying an additional server to reduce the load or even give a bigger bonus to its loyal employees.

3.Formats are free, freedom is preserved
Linux file formats can be accessed in a variety of ways because they are free. Windows on the other hand makes you lock your own data in secret formats that can only be accessed with tools leased to you at the vendor's price. "What we will get with Microsoft is a three-year lease on a health record we need to keep for 100 years"

4.Zero risk in violating license agreements
Linux is open source so you are unlikely to violate any license agreement. All the software is happily yours. With MS Windows you likely already violate all kinds of licenses and you could be pronounced a computer pirate if only a smart lawyer was after you. The worldwide PC software piracy rate for 2004 is at 35%. Which means that 3 out of 10 people are likely to get into real trouble.

5.Transparent vs Proprietary
MS Windows is based on DOS, Linux is based on UNIX. MS Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) is based on Microsoft-own marketing-driven specifications. Linux GUI is based on industry-standard network-transparent X-Windows.

6.Better network, processing capabilities
Linux beats Windows hands down on network features, as a development platform, in data processing capabilities, and as a scientific workstation. MS Windows desktop has a more polished appearance, simple general business applications, and many more games for kids (less intellectual games compared to linux's).

7.Customizable
Linux is customizable in a way that Windows is not. For example, NASlite is a version of Linux that runs off a single floppy disk and converts an old computer into a file server. This ultra small edition of Linux is capable of networking, file sharing and being a web server.

8.Flexibility
Windows must boot from a primary partition. Linux can boot from either a primary partition or a logical partition inside an extended partition. Windows must boot from the first hard disk. Linux can boot from any hard disk in the computer.

9.Mobility
Windows allows programs to store user information (files and settings) anywhere. This makes it impossibly hard to backup user data files and settings and to switch to a new computer. In contrast, Linux stores all user data in the home directory making it much easier to migrate from an old computer to a new one. If home directories are segregated in their own partition, you can even upgrade from one version of Linux to another without having to migrate user data and settings.

10.Proven Security
Why isn't Linux affected by viruses? Simply because its code has been open source for more than a decade, tested by people all around the world, and not by a single development team like in the case of Windows. This leads to a lightning fast finding and fixing for exploitable holes in Linux. So that my friends, proves Linux as having an extremely enhanced security and lesser chances of exploits compared to Windows.

Ten best performances by Indian cricketers in 2008

Tendulkar crossing Lara and getting to 12,000:
It was another special year for Sachin Tendulkar. Crossing some notable landmarks made it a significant period for him even as he entered his 20th year in international cricket. He is still hungry for success, still retains his boyish enthusiasm for the game as symbolized by a joyous leap in the air as he completed his hundred and was there at the finish when India chased an unlikely target of 387 to beat England at Chennai. That hundred was among four that he hit – most by an Indian - as he crossed the 1000-run mark in a calendar year for the fifth time. The other three hundreds were all against Australia. Statistically though his biggest achievement was passing Brian Lara as the highest run-getter in Tests and then becoming the first to cross the 12,000-run mark. He stretched his record number of centuries to 41, his career average hovered around the 55 mark and he became the second most capped player (along with Allan Border) with 156 Tests. 2009 should see him overhaul Steve Waugh’s record of 168 Tests – just another feather in Tendulkar’s much decorated cap.

Virender Sehwag, 319 India vs South Africa, Chennai:
A feat that put Virender Sehwag alongside Don Bradman and Brian Lara has to be the batting performance of the year. A triple century in a Test is an outstanding feat underlined by the fact that it has been done only 22 times in 1900 matches spread over 131 years. Going into the Chennai Test against South Africa in March Sehwag was India’s only triple centurion. Now against all expectations the Nawab of Najafgarh not only got a second 300-plus score but bettered his old mark of 309 by hammering 319 off just 304 balls with 42 fours and five sixes. He dominated a first wicket partnership of 213 runs with Wasim Jaffer and then put Rahul Dravid in the shade during their second wicket association of 268. It mattered least to Sehwag that South Africa had led off with a first innings total of 527. By the time he was second out at 481 he had made sure that this score would be passed with ease. The bowling line-up wasn’t a bad one – Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini and Jacques Kallis – but Sehwag treated all of them with disdain in running up the highest score of the year in his inimitable swashbuckling style.

Virender Sehwag 201 not out vs Sri Lanka:
Anything is possible when Virender Sehwag is around. Even a strike rate of almost 86 during a year when he scored 1462 runs – next only to Graeme Smith - at an average of 56 with 22 sixes the most hit by any batsmen during the year. But carrying his bat? Now that was the one feat clearly beyond even Sehwag. His buccaneering batting style meant it was Mission Impossible. It certainly was beyond such pioneers in the swashbuckling approach like Mushtaq Ali and Kris Srikkanth. But Sehwag who has carried the art and science of breezy batting and big hits to a new realm broke new ground against Sri Lanka at Galle. He and Gautam Gambhir were associated in an opening partnership of 167 runs only for wickets to fall in a heap. From the uncertainty of 178 for four Sehwag and VVS Laxman took the score to a healthier 278 when the latter fell. Again wickets fell in a heap as Murali and Mendis chipped away at the batting. Nothing however could disturb Sehwag's equanimity or run production. Finally last man Ishant Sharma was out and the innings terminated at 329. But out of that modest total Sehwag had hit 201 and what’s more remained unbeaten after having negotiated 231 balls and hitting 22 fours and four sixes. Oh, and by the way India won by 170 runs.

India successfully chasing 387 vs England at Chennai:
The fact that the highest winning total in the fourth innings in India before this was 256 for eight illustrates the greatness of the feat. Few gave India any chance of successfully chasing such an imposing target when they commenced their task after Kevin Pietersen declared on the fourth evening. But Virender Sehwag’s buccaneering batting that saw him get 83 off just 68 balls with 11 fours and four sixes was just the tonic the Indians required. Still, to get 256 runs with nine wickets in hand on the last day wasn’t going to be an easy task and it was still anybody’s match. Dravid’s early fall tilted the balance in England’s favour but Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman made valuable contributions in partnership with Sachin Tendulkar. The match was evenly poised when Yuvraj Singh joined Tendulkar at 224 for four. But the master’s calm presence inspired Yuvraj to display his brilliance and ere long India were coasting along towards victory which
came without the fall of any more wickets, the two batsmen sharing an unbroken partnership of 163 in 42 overs. Tendulkar capped a memorable finish by hitting the winning boundary which took him to his 41st Test century while Yuvraj remained not out with 85. It was the fourth highest run chase in Test history which was pushed to fifth place a week later by South Africa’s memorable 414 for four against Australia at Melbourne.

Yuvraj Singh’s two successive hundreds against England:
By the end of the year Yuvraj Singh had at last made sure of his place in the Test side but in ODIs his record as a match winner remained second to none. Symbolizing this was his back-to-back hundreds against England at Rajkot and Indore. Little wonder then that Kevin Pietersen when asked on the eve of the next match as to what he thought would be a safe score for England replied tongue in cheek "the way Yuvraj is batting, 450!" The England attack manned by Anderson, Harmison, Flintoff, Broad and Collingwood was by no means ordinary but they were made to look ordinary by Yuvraj’s brilliance. The left- hander tore into the bowling hitting an unbeaten 138 off just 78 balls with 16 fours and six sixes at Rajkot to help his team reach an unconquerable total of 387 for five. Not unexpectedly India romped to victory by 158 runs. Yuvraj had not finished `Operation Demolition’ yet. At Indore three days later came another master class – 118 off 122 balls with 15 fours and two sixes. In a way this was the more valuable knock for while he came in at 153 for two at Rajkot this time the score was 29 for three when he walked in. After a sedate start he did pretty much what he liked with the bowling. This time England went down by 54 runs with Yuvraj the bowler doing most damage with four for 28.

The graduation of Gautam Gambhir:
At the start of the year Gautam Gambhir was not a regular in the Indian ODI side. By the end of the year he had established himself in the team and was no longer the small boy among the big men. From being in and out of the team he was now a permanent fixture – as permanent as the superstars. It was the 27-year-old left handed opening batsman who most unexpectedly was the highest run getter in ODIs. His remarkable consistency saw him finish as the year’s leading run-getter with 1119 runs at an average of 46.62 from 27 innings at an impressive strike rate of 90.5 with three hundreds and seven half centuries. He may not be a big hitter in the league of Virender Sehwag or Shahid Afridi but as many as 124 fours hit during the year underscored his timing and the ability to find the gaps. Gambhir’s success story started during the CB series 'Down Under' when he finished as the leading run-getter and with two classy hundreds played a leading role in India’s maiden triumph in the competition. Thereafter he was a key player being particularly effective in the Asia Cup and remained a model of consistency against England towards the end of the year. Of course for good measure he made remarkable progress in Tests too.

Virender Sehwag’s amazing strike rate:
Virender Sehwag bats the same way be it Tests or ODIs or Twenty20. He enjoys a fearsome reputation in all forms of the game and during the year he enhanced it further as the figures will readily confirm. In 18 ODIs he scored 893 runs at an average approaching 50 with a hundred and eight half centuries. Not unexpectedly he hit 22 sixes (more than anyone else) and 121 fours. But perhaps most astonishingly the runs were hammered at a strike rate of 120 which was the highest among those who scored more than 300 runs. Starting off with a modest record in the CB Series `Down Under’ he struck form in the Asia Cup and wound up the year getting four half centuries in five matches against England. His 119 off 95 balls with 12 fours and five sixes against Pakistan in the Asia Cup match at Karachi was one of the most sparkling knocks seen during the year. His pyrotechnics saw India successfully chase a target of 300 with 7.5 overs to spare.

Dhoni's excellent run with the bat:
For Mahendra Singh Dhoni 2008 was another triumphant year as captain, batsmen and wicket keeper. The charismatic cricketer could do no wrong particularly in ODIs where besides leading the Indians to notable triumphs in the CB Series, in Sri Lanka and a sweep against England he also struck good form with the bat. In 26 innings he scored 1097 runs at a highly impressive average of 57.73 and a par strike rate of 82.29 with one hundred and eight half centuries. As many as 74 fours and 14 sixes indicated that he was adept at timing the ball and finding the gaps even as his reputation as a big hitter did not suffer any damage. Captaincy was hardly a burden for Dhoni who batted with the same fluency that has been his trademark for some years now. But he was more consistent as the scores indicate as also the fact that he was second to Gautam Gambhir among the run- getters. This was possible because he remained among the runs throughout the year – the CB Series, in Sri Lanka, in the Asia Cup and against England.

Tendulkar's back to back knocks vs Australia in CB series:
Even as Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly followed VVS Laxman out of the one day squad there was considerable speculation whether Sachin Tendulkar deserved a place particularly in the wake of the Twenty20 World Cup triumph having been achieved without the presence of the senior players. The accent as 2008 dawned was on youth but it was difficult to omit Tendulkar on his class, skill, experience – and results. The CB Series triumph 'Down Under' was one of the significant achievements of the year and Tendulkar played a notable part in it particularly with his sterling back-to-back knocks in the two finals against Australia. In the first match at Sydney he played the anchor role to perfection as the Indians successfully chased down a target of 240 with six wickets and 4.1 overs to spare.Tendulkar was there at the finish unbeaten with 117 in 120 balls with ten hits to the fence. Two days later at Brisbane against tighter bowling Tendulkar again played the anchor role admirably hitting 91 off 121 balls with seven fours before being fourth out at 205 in the 40th over. His knock enabled the Indians to set the Aussies a target of 259. The home side could only get 249 before being all out in the last over. The closeness of the result underscored the importance of Tendulkar’s contribution.

CB Series triumph:
In five previous attempts while participating in this prestigious competition the Indians had made an early exit twice and had lost in the final of the triangular tournament three times. Not unexpectedly oft crowned champions Australia were again the favourites and it only remained to be seen which team among India and Sri Lanka would be their opponents in the final. The Indian campaign got off to a rather rocky start with two no results and then three of the next five games being lost. But with Sri Lanka not faring much better India remained in the hunt and clinched a place in the final with a seven-wicket win over the island nation. And in the best of three finals India raised the level of their game to surprise the hosts by six wickets and nine runs to win the trophy for the first time. It was a significant triumph made possible by the batting of Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar and the captain MS Dhoni with useful contributions from Rohit Sharma. Gambhir with 440 runs was the top run-getter in the tournament hitting two hundreds while Tendulkar with 399 runs with a century and two half centuries was not far behind. The bowlers, notably the experienced Harbhajan Singh, the fast rising Ishant Sharma and the unheralded Praveen Kumar too performed admirably.