Every team arrived in Australia without knowing what to expect but determined to give their very best in the season opener. This, afterall, could lay the foundation on which the teams will progress throughout the rest of the season. This season is a big one in itself and with 17 races to go after this, everyone was sure of wiping out the incompetencies, if any. This one was set to break many illusions developed during the winter testing but a failure here in no way means the end of the world.

I’ve recently bought a new Wide-Screen LCD monitor for myself. After consultation with my friends and reading a few reviews online, I finally settled for the Dell E198WFP monitor. It being a TN panel, I never had any high expectations from it but switching from an old 15″ Samsung Samtron CRT monitor to a 19″ WS LCD monitor is an achievement in itself. It cost me Rs. 13500.oo including shipping/handling and a cool 5-year warranty. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed with it from the very first day itself and I’m still loving every bit of it after 5 months. Given below are the excerpts from the review that I’ve posted long back at TechEnclave. You’ll still need to visit the TechEnclave Forums to read the complete review.

A new year and a new season of championship is all set to begin this weekend. The expectations are at an all time high and a high dose of excitement is guaranteed. There are many changes from last year both in terms of technicalities and personalities. We’ve witnessed quite a few rule changes announced by the FIA as well as a number of drivers switching teams. To add to it, there are also a few new drivers and a newly acquired team, Force India.

I’ve recently made a trip to Bishnupur with a friend of mine. The journey both ways was by train and we had an adventurous yet exciting time throughout the tour. Bishnupur (or Vishnupur) in the Bankura district is like a breath of fresh air after Kolkata’s heat and dust. The verdant fields you traverse to get to this town, just 151 km away, serve as a harbinger of the surprise that is Bishnupur. This town of terracotta temples and man-made lakes echoes with the history of the Malla rulers who made it their 16th century capital.

I’ve recently changed the look and the underlying architecture for this website. The transformation went seamlessly without any issues. I’m sure you all will like the new look and the improved content that will be posted here from now on. I’ve also changed the old Photo Gallery and replaced it with my Flickr Gallery.

The Photo Gallery has been divided into three distinct Albums namely Formula 1 & Technology, Festivals and Traveling. The Album names are self explanatory and I don’t believe that it needs to be emphasized any more. I’ll be keeping the Photo Gallery section updated with new photos every now and then. Please make sure you visit the Gallery every time you visit my website.

First of all I apologize for not posting here since a long time. That was due to some personal problems plus my terminal exams. Now that my exams are over, I’ll try to make more posts this year than I did last year. Believe it or not, its part of my new year resolution. May this new year bring lots of joy and peace to our lives and may we all live happily for this entire year and beyond…

So, here’s wishing you all and your family – A very very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2008!

The Brazilian Grand Prix was always going to be exciting as all three title contenders were still in hunt for the ultimate prize this season. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton of McLaren & Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari were all set to go for one final time this season in an attempt to snatch the coveted driver’s championship title. Kimi had the most difficult of jobs, still 7 points behind the leader going into the last race while Lewis seemed only a few points away from becoming the first ever rookie world champion.

When we reached the Chinese Grand Prix 2007, the 16th race of a 17-race calendar, only three drivers were fighting for the championship. Fernando Alonso was struggling with his team-mate and most importantly, his team. Kimi Raikkonen lead all practice sessions and was clearly looking the fastest driver of the three. During the Qualifying, however, it was Lewis Hamilton who took the pole much to McLaren‘s delight. Kimi had to settle for P2 on the grid with Massa on P3 and Alonso on P4.

Nobody in their wildest dreams could have imagined the excitement, the fun and the thrill this competition provided. ICC World Twenty20 2007 revitalized cricket in the hearts and minds of many cricket fans including yours truly. This has been a tournament to cherish and enjoy in its entirety. In the end, its the young Indian cricket team lead by Mahendra Singh Dhoni that triumphed all other legendary cricketing teams. Its been a long wait of almost 24 years since India last won such a major cricketing tournament.

Another delayed review and my second review for the day. This time its for the Japanese Grand Prix 2007. This year, the race was not held at the usual Suzuka circuit. Instead, it took place at Fuji Speedway in the midst of lovely mountains. The weather was always going to play a crucial part in this race and so it did, in a big way. In the process, it left the F1 fans with non-stop entertainment in what could easily be described as the best race so far this season.