Tuesday Travel Tips ... Long weekend is here ...

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

Bayarea is the best place in USA to be. Awesome weather combined by number of tourist places. What else you need in life. If some one says to me, what I can do on weekend ? There is nothing much to do here ... then here comes a small trip to add to your traveling list but do not give excuses for not exploring true beauty of nature in California.

Bayarea has so many place to visit - right from driving couple of miles to couple of hours of drive, which includes a Camping,Hiking trails, Sports activity,Water sports, Dense forest, True nature, Beaches and what not.

Aaj Ka Menu ...

Trip to Lassen National Park and Burney Falls.

2 day trip

Few week before, for a change ;) (other than Cricket) I had decided to go for a trip.

The trip was out of mind and really something different which I have never seen before. If you are fan of Camping,Hiking, Waterfall, Lakes, and Mountains then this is an ideal place to be.

I had thrilling experience and thought of sharing, moreover I did not plan this trip well in advance. Start planning now for coming Long Weekend.

Suhana Safar ...

Drive from Sunnyvale to Lassen National Park

Drive is of around 5 hrs from 237E-880N-680N-505N-5N-CA36/99 roughly around 300 miles. Drive is smooth, to avoid traffic start early as possible.

Important to note : Fill your gas tank roughly 50-60 miles before reaching Lassen National park, because from Lassen nearest gas station is about 40-50 miles. I ran out of gas and had to drop my friends in mid way and unload my car to have best mileage utilization. :) it helped me out to just reach the Gas station, but no regrets this was one of my best memorable drive in my lifetime. Thanks to Shell Gas Station :)

Locate : http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa/products_services /on_the_road/shell_station_locator/station_locator_index.html

Before entering Lassen there are couple of Cafe and Lodge. If you are hungry kindly have something here because inside the Park its difficult to get anything.

Lassen Mineral lodge : http://www.minerallodge.com/

The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.

Lassen National Park

Once you reach Lassen National Park just visit Information centre and they will give you road map of the park and all required information about trails and things to do in the park. If you reach Park well in time, then you can stop at various marked attractions.

Attractions mainly consists of Sulphur gas outlet, Yes there is active volcano beneath the land, new and clam lakes, Mountains all around and Lot of hiking trails.

Do not miss Bumpass Hell (moderate trail, 3 miles round trip) which takes to Sulphur works

and Mirror lake where view in the evening is out of your mind.

For more info : http://www.nps.gov/lavo/

Burney Falls

This is place for waterfall lovers and hikers. Truly amazing no words to describe the beauty of the fall. Its so beautiful that even bad photographer can take some awesome pics.

The hike to waterfall is easy and comfortable. I would recommended to go for 3.5 miles round trip and explore the place.

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=25166

There is small town between Lassen Park and Burney Falls which has restaurants and Gas stations, so fill your and car tank here.

Half time Pizza : http://www.getfave.com/locations/9583952-halftime-pizza

Place to Stay

There are lot of camping grounds in Lassen National park and few hotels near by. Usually these places gets filled up fast. So best place to stay is Redding which is around 50 miles from Lassen National Park and Burney Falls.

I would recommended to saty somewhere near by Lassen National Park because Burney is right next to the Park.

We got last minute reservation at 8 motel thanks to them for wonderful place near downtown and other attractions of Redding.

Redding

Redding has lot many hotels, which are quite cheap and affordable. In fact the we had wonderful tasty dinner at one of the famous Mexican restaurant.

Puerto Vallarta : http://menucentral.com/restaurant?restaurantUid=206

Another attraction in Redding is Sundial bridge, what a modern piece of architecture one can see here.

http://www.visitredding.org/sundial/sundial101.cfm

Dil Mange more ...

If you are crazy person like me and like to cover as many places during the trip here are few other places which you can cover during your trip. But need to time it properly and ready

Other places :

If you have enough time these are the other places to can cover within the trip.

1. Shasta Lake / Dam

2. Lava Beds

3. Crater Lake

This trip will be of three days.

Bhool na mat ...

1. Fill your gas before reaching Lassen

2. Distance between places seems to be less in the park and between Lasen and Burney but speed limit is 30-35 mph and roads are curve and valley on one side.

3. Book place to stay to avoid higher cost.

4. Keep lot of water and Food items.

5. I never trust GPS ;) So take print out maps and directions if required.

Keep Smiling Always

Have fun-full Long Weekend

Dharme

Life is full of choices ;)

Friday French Fries ...

The bowler balls to the batsman's face

With spin fast or medium pace

But bravely does the batsman face

Because he has a helmet on his face

He hits the ball and the fielders race

And throw it back at the wicketkeepers face

For the next ball the baller goes to his place

"One minute" says the batsman, "Let me tie my lace!"

Lage Raho Munna Bhai ...

Time for poems and stories are over. Its a time for battle between team of equal strengths. So no more excuses or reasons for any wins or looses. From the Round 1 table points it was very clear no teams are far away form each other. Its just matter of time and right combination of player on a given day. Each team knows their strength and their weakness but point to note is you need to work as a team. It does not matter how big individual players to have in the team any more because everyone will be key player for their team success.

Round 2 has begun and no mercies ;) for the opponents. As matches are going to be nail biting, lets play these game in right spirit of the game and help neutral umpire job easy and respect his decision.

I know there were pretty much confusion regarding grouping, matches schedule etc but who cares let move our focus on the upcoming games and let respective committee take care of it. I think they are doing great job in making our life easy and smooth. If you have any queries do not hesitate to drop mail to them, they will be happy to help you out.

Wild ducks make a lot of noise, but they also have the sense to benefit from occasionally flying in formation.

Tol Mol Ke Bol ...

People how like some calculation here is something you can do ...

These points system gives overall how well your team has done. I know people have various criteria of judging the team but here is something different, which will help you go back to your scorecards and review some stats. You can consider this as last minute preparation before big battle coming ahead and plan your strategies because there is very less error of margin.

Every run scored = +1 point

Every wicket taken = +10 points

60+ runs in a match = +5 points

5+ wickets in a match = +5 points

100+ runs in a match = +10 points

9+ wickets taken in a match = +10 points

every boundary hit = +2 points

every six hit = +3 points

wining points = same as our tca points i.e. 16 to 20

loosing points = same as our tca points i.e. 0 to 4

bonus against wining top team = +6 points

5 wicket in match by bowler = +5 points

50's by batsman in match = +5 points

brief score entry on time = +2 points

detail score entry = +5 points

umpiring duty = +5 points

toss win = +5 points

Gossips

1. Hit the cap - new feature on our website. Try it out

http://www.tennisballcricket.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=127

2. Cheenai 94086 were only unbeaten team while Acers, Cheenai, SE11, Bhola XI , Spanglers, Catalysters top their group.

3. Yorkers defeated Acers is one of the biggest upset for TCA Open 2009.

4. Cheenai veerans scored highest (184) 1st innings score in TCA history beating Champion cc(170) record. While Lokesh (74) MOM reached to top 5 highest score by an individual.

Free SMS

http://www.160by2.com/international/

Friday French Fries ...

Ganpati Bapa Moriya

Aarti - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCyKAbz56gc

shree ganeshay namah

Kisme Kithna Hai Dum ...

With Round 2 starting next week, this week is going to be crucial for all the teams.

Teams who have already qualified will try to sharpen their blades for coming up slaughter within top guns of Elite, while teams who know they are already in Royal group will try to combine and reunite for Royal cup.

There are couple of teams on the edge, it will be do or die thing for them. So its time for them to give their very best and start new beginning from here.

Kaun Kidhar Hai ...

Moreover this week we have matches between top teams as per their initial ranking before the tournament started. Believe me these matches will be equally interesting to prove themselves. You can say it may be battle for ego ;) to be on top.

(The stats given below are as per my calculation, I may be wrong. )

Teams who are already qualified for Elite group(10).

Outcome of this weekend match will only keep them somewhere between 1 to 18. So wining or loosing doesn't matter to them.

Acers, Strikers, Bhola XI, Chennai 94086, Warriors, Catalyster, Champion cc, Centurions, Packers, Yorkers

Teams who have almost made it, but yet wining is must (6)

Beamers, Cheenai veerans, SE11, Rnagers, Spanglers, Star cc

Teams who have to win and wait for other team results(4)

MCC, 99ers, Sharks, Kasturi Pade

While other teams have almost settled down for Royal Cup, but a win during this weekend will give them lot of confidence and momentum for upcoming Round 2.

Mukabala ...

Interesting match to be watch down are :

Bhoal XI vs Beamers (3-1)

TopMost vs Top

These team have played with each other before also, so they know each other really well.

Last time they meet in KO, Bhola XI defeated Beamers by 6 wickets. So its time for Beamers to prove their point.

Chargers vs Rangers

Inconsistence vs Consistent

They will be playing for first time against each other. Chargers are always unpredictable from their past history. While Rangers are looking rock solid after defeating Bhola XI last week but its must win for them to make it to top 18. Bijoy will be man to be watched out for the match. Let see who wins in this battle.

Spanglers vs Panthers (2-1)

Pressure vs Experience

Panthers are overall dangerous team, with lot of TCA matches each one under their belt, everyone is game winner and can turn tables at any given time. Spanglers with 2 wins over Panthers and looking at their current form will try to block their spot in top 18 in Open 2009, its must win game for them. So pressure is on them. Lets see experience wins over pressure or not ...

Kasturi Pade vs Sharks

Old vs New

This match is going to be really intresting one as its must win for both of them. Kasturi Pade being one of the oldest team have faced such pressure before but you never know Sharks are pulling out their matches by matches from opponents at the last moment. They have won last of their two matches and are in momentum of wining. Old is Gold but these days people are going behind what is New in the Market. So lets see who wins the race here.

Star cc vs Thunderbolt (1-2)

Inform vs Outof form

Star cc has started Open 2009 in style but lost their momentum in closes matches. While currently Thunderbolt are out of form but you never know seeing their past record they have won two times against Star cc. So let see can Star cc continue their form or get Thuderbolt back into the form. Its a must win game for Star cc.

99ers vs BABA

Go vs NoGo

BABA new to the tournament has already experienced the competition, but I think they had already decided to go for more competitive cricket thats the reason why they have chosen TCA one of the most competitive cricket tournament in Bayarea, head off to you guys. On the other hand 99ers are looking for another win here and waiting to Go for Elite group. Its must win for them. Lets se can 99ers Go to Elite group or BABA restricts them.

Gossip :

1. Scorpions have pulled out from competition due to lack of players

2. Manish Joshi from Rangers have volunteered himself for umpiring on behalf of Scorpions for SE11 vs Chak De match.

Manish is Man of the Match for this week :)

3. Registration for FLT filling up.

India Calling FREE:

http://www.vonage.com/residential_ calling_plans/vonage_world/?refer_id= WEBHB090201001W1

Keep Smiling Always

Dharme

Tuesday Tit-bits ....

Chalti Ka Nam Gadi ...

Days are moving really quick, this week will be last week for Round 1. Every team will be trying their best to win the match and register themselves for Elite or Royal cup accordingly. To be frank it does not matter which group you belong to, you need to win from here onwards should be once target.

Battle has begun ...

"In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."

So its time to focus on your strength and basics. Then focusing on opponents strength or weakness.

This Open 2009 has been really challenging and competitive, points table itself is proof of how close each teams are to each other. Believe me if similar trend continues Round 2 will be much more fun and challenge to be watched out.

So get ready for all the action in coming weekend and get yourself prepared for big battle coming up in Round 2.

Thol Mol ke Bol ...

1. Which team scored max consecutive 100+ runs in TCA ?

2. Which team is not being defeated from last couple of matches ?

3. Which team has bowled opposition out max no.of times ?

4. Which will be undefeated in Open 2009 ?

5. Most MOM in Open 2009 ?

6. Highest team score and lowest team score in Open 2009 ?

Kya Apko Pata Hai ...

1. More upsets continues :

Spanglers defeated Catalyster, Rangers defeated Bhola XI, SE11 defeated Centurions, Nexus defeated Thunderbolts, Sharks defeated Star cc, Champion cc defeated Yorkers

Who are the next victims :) It could be your next turn. ;)

2. FLT 2009 registration has started, talk about it to friends, teams, block your spot before it gets filled up.

http://www.tennisballcricket.org/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=3rd-annual-tca-flood-light-tournament-flt-.html&Itemid=165

3. What does missing umpiring can cost you ? Ask Beamers, Chargers and Scorpions.

4. Do we have similar penalties for missing scorecard ?

Mangaye Guru ...

I know it hurts when you get penalties for missing umpiring, scorecard or dress code. But don't you think In way it help us to be in discipline and justice for the other teams who follow these rules. Thanks to the teams who have accepted this penalties positively.

"No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined."

This year summer has been really hot and temperature has been usually high. I know it becomes difficult for one and all to travel from end to other end for playing cricket on reserved grounds by TCA and that to sometimes on afternoon. Heads up to all enthusiastic people who made this look so simple and effortless. Believe me, volunteers are working to reserve grounds near by, but change in county polices things are taking longer. So request you to hold on to your forts things will be different.

Hasna Mana Hai ...

The secretary was frantically phoning the doctor.

'Can you come quickly; doctor? the scorer has just swallowed his pen.'
'I'll be right over. What are you doing in the mean time? '
'Using a pencil.'

So lets the keep our good work of updating the scorecard.

Wife: 'Who's Bill Robinson?'

George: 'He saved us from losing last week.'

Wife: 'Really? Is he a batsman or a bowler?'

George: 'Neither. He's the umpire.'

Lets Respect Umpire decision and play in spirit of the game.

Last but not the least ...

The teacher had asked the class to write an essay on cricket. With only a few minutes left, one boy had written nothing. Suddenly, he looked up at the clock, grabbed his pen and scribbled something on the paper.

The teacher read out his essay: 'No play today. Rain.'

Mere Jawab :

1. Bhola 120,130,109 and 145

2. Strikers 10 in a row

3. Acer last 4 matches

4. As of Now Acers, Strikers and Cheenai 94086

5. Ankur Jain 3 out of 3 :)

6. Acers 159/4 vs Mustang , Cheenai Veerans 24/10 vs SE11

Sit and Enjoy ...

Seven Runs in 1 ball, no six, no noballS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUMaC91_1Nc&feature=related

Catches win Matches

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILmSAL7WTKA&feature=related

Kindly Narrate if possible if you see best shots, best ball or best catches taken during the matches.

Lets keep motivating our players and overall cricket in Bay-Area.

Movie Time

Free Popcorn :) at AMC

KeepSmilingAlways

Keep Smiling Always

Dharme

Friday French Fries ...

Yeh Meri Life Hai

I know its always tough to be away from family and country. Thanks to cricket and TCA who keeps me busy whole time during weekdays in writing blogs and planning for weekend games. Really speaking it has become part of our daily life in-fact a new family with more responsibilities and role to be played.

So what to write this week ... hummmm. Blog written by Chirag in this week regarding scorecard helped me out.

" Develop the winning edge; small differences in your performance can lead to large differences in your results."

Yadeein

Do you think team wining matches are the really Champions. I don't think so, because everyone is putting equal effort to play and win, no one likes loosing, I do not like it. The point I am trying to make is at the end of the day what you get from weekend matches and may be Championship tittle.

Just Imagine 34 teams - 11 player each playing every weekend, Amount of time people spent on weekend, don't you think this time and effort is worth not noting down. Yes, I am talking about Scorecard entry. At the end of the day tell me how many really feel you would like to see the scorecard. I feel so.

Scorecard is not only media to see your stats or opponents stats, It saves lot of treasurable memories which you are spending on every weekend. As per me its a valuable gift which one can get in return from TCA career in years to come. Once you stop playing cricket for any of the reasons but these memories via scorecard are going to keep you attached to the cricket and give some joy and smiles. This was my personal feeling towards scorecard.

Scorecard not only helps individual to follow their own stats but stats of opponents, creates healthy competitive environment. More people gets involved and more is the excitement. I do not want to say much ... its your own call. I think it all about being discipline one team should follow.

" One discipline always leads to another discipline. "

Tol Mol Ke Bol

1. Do you Which team has highest no.of registered players ?

2. Which Team has highest no.of pending score cards ?

3. Total how many registered players are present for playing 34 teams in Open 2009 ?

Gossip

1. Cheenai Veerans defeated Warriors last week. They are in most dangerous form ;) can produce more upsets in the tournament.

2. Do you know Cheenai Veerans have 14 registered player and all of them have Club admin rights :)

3. On Tweets ... I think is cool feature ... Good Job Website committee.

Beamers

Monday, 03 August 2009 17:42

Rangers will be a tough nut to crack

Seems to be it going to be really cool match.

4. Acers leading the table this week.

5. In Batting Hari krishna and Debashis looking rock solid while Rajagopalan is well ahead in bowling department.

6. Milestones - Jimmy boundary short of his 1k while Himesh reached century of wickets. Raj Tanneru, Rajgolpalan and Srini not behind the race.

Congrats to Tamji for completing 500 runs.

Rulz are Rulz

Reminder to playing teams

1) please show up 30 mins before match schedule time to start the match on time else umpires should impose penalties to enusre match ends on time

2) make sure players do not come in shorts

3) make sure you help umpires setup the field as quickly as possible

4) make sure you enter all details in the detailed scoresheet while scoring during the match. Fielder names, bowler names, runs scored in each over, runs scored by each batsman are all essential items.

5) At the end of the innings the scorer should ensure that the final total tallies in all 3 areas - Batsmen plus extras total = Bowlers runs given total = Final score marked off on the right

Reminder to umpires

1) please show up at least 15 mins prior to match time to ensure match starts on time and impose any penalties related to late arrivals by playing teams (one or both) so that matches end on time.

2) please keep a running total of runs scored and tally that with the scorer at the end of each over so that there is no mismatch

3) during the break please make sure that the scorer has entered all details and the scoresheet is tallying

Songs for the week

Love Aaj Kal - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xok5qNIQ8IE

Chak de India - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcKqMkYXzYU

Tol Mol Ke Bol - Answers

http://picasaweb.google.com/djwithpj/FridayFrenchFries#5367277621467170754

From Friday French Fries

1. Do you Which team has highest no.of registered players ?

Champion cc, Spanglers, 99ers

2. Which Team has highest no.of pending score cards ?

Acers

3. Total how many registered players are present for playing 34 teams in Open 2009 ?

818

Wait for other blogs like ...

Monday Mrich Masala, Tuesday Tasty Tidbits, Wednesday Weekend Masti, Thursday Tadka, Friday French Fries, Saturday Sit and Smile, Sunday Starter

KeepSmilingAlways

Dharme