Gone to the Great Gig in the Sky

Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett (06/01/1946 - 07/07/2006)

Syd Barrett was one of the founding members of the progressive/psychedelic rock band, Pink Floyd, which is one of my trio of favourite bands. A innovative but troubled song-writer and guitarist, he provided most of the material for the acclaimed Pink Floyd debut album "Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and also experimented with several musical possibilities with his guitar. He was believed to have suffered from mental illness possibly brought on by drug use. This badly affected his guitar playing and his live performances, and he lasted just three years in Pink Floyd (1965-68), before the rest of the band decided to cut him loose. He did attempt a solo career but that too was short-lived and he finally bid the music industry adieu in 1972, after just 8 years in it. He has, however, been a big influence for several solo artists and bands who have covered several of his songs. As for me, just the fact that he was the driving force behind Pink Floyd is enough to make him a hero.

Rest in Peace.

Football Frenzy

It's interesting to note that out of every four years, for three years and eleven months, all of India will only talk about cricket. But for that one month, every four years, they will talk only about football. Yup, the World Cup has come and gone, and unfortunately, it will most likely be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The 20 cards handed out during the Portugal vs. Netherlands match, the rather strange refereeing, and most infamous of all, Zidane head-butting Materazzi and getting red-carded just nine minutes from retirement. All part of the drama that is the football World Cup, I suppose. And in the middle of all that, Italy quietly put in enough good performances to earn the trophy.

Now that that's over, it's time to move back to cricket; only there is no cricket right now to move back to. On the F1 front however, Schumacher and Ferrari are catching up to Alonso and Renault. Strong performances in the next eight races might just see them pip the Spaniard and the French team to the post.

On a personal front, well, there isn't much happening. Pretty much the usual, but there might be some interesting happenings in the days to come. I'll let you know as things develop.

Chow for now.

Arul.