That Exceptional Feeling of Victory (Cricket)

The day - Tuesday 5th July, 2011

The time - approximately 11:00 a.m.

So, there I was, left to my own devices for an entire day by myself in the capital of England, London. 

What did I choose to do?

Go see a cricket match in Lord's cricket ground. (The Home of Cricket)

Out of the million and one things that a boy, alone for the day would've chosen to do. 

A boy from Trinidad and Tobago on vacation in London, England.

Why did I do it?

Cause I love cricket that much and it was uppermost in my mind. 

Intriguingly the match that was on, was the 5th match of the NatWest Women's Quadrangular Series Australia vs England.

Ultimately England went on to win the final of the series against Australia (I was heartbroken for this)

Nevertheless the story of today is about the time I went to see the Australian women play England on a fairly overcast day as you can see from the pictures below.

The story begins upon my hurrying into the ground, clearly not knowing where I should go to sit because of there not being assigned seats as women's cricket matches are extremely rarely sold out. I was in a slight bit of panic as the match had already started at 10:30 a.m. and I had already missed a few overs of play. Since this was the second time I had been to this ground, the previous time was in 2010, I in no way knew my way around. Also, since it was a women's match there was less that the normal amount of helpful guides/ ushers to point you in the correct direction. 

So I darted up the first set of steps I saw and I found myself in an entirely empty stand and I settled in to watch the play. As you can see from the picture below I had a gorgeous view.
Nearly an hour later I was "unfortunately" kicked out by security because the stand I was in was actually closed for this game. 

Honestly, I swear that there was no signs indicating that the stand was closed, so I picked up by backpack and slung it over my shoulder and trudged off in search of another stand I could view the match in. I ended up in a stand almost in line with the wicket and I settled in again. I enjoyed the match thoroughly, but I hardly took pictures as I can tell from my photo album of the match. 

Typically, the women cricket's don't hit as many sixes as the men, so when Shelley Nitschke launched a six over square leg it landed the row in front of me, I so was not expecting this to happen, that I jumped a little and my only sincere regret from that match is that I didn't dive forward to catch the ball. And I also regret to a lesser extent that I also didn't run to get the ball to throw it back as I was still slightly traumatized from the shock a few seconds earlier.

Now, typically, at the point where Australia hit the winning runs I would've gotten up to leave the ground after clapping them of the field, it was quite overcast at this point, and it started to drizzle slightly (unfortunately I did not have an umbrella). As I was turning to leave I saw the green jacketed stewards opening the gates to field from the stands and spectators started to walk onto the field. 

I had the unexpected feeling of privilege of walking onto the field to witness the presentation ceremony as you can see below. Now if it was a men's match, they would've never allowed that to happen. But with only about 1000 people in attendance for this day's match it was more than doable.

This experience made this day one to remember for the exceptional feeling I had being up close and personal to the players.

From the match itself I took 5 pictures, from the presentation ceremony and after I took 43, I just had to capture the moment, and I think I did a pretty good job, seeing how well I remember the experience from almost six years ago.

A couple other things I regret is that I didn't go with anyone so that I could've shared the experience with them and also there are no actual pictures of me from that day. Because I have rarely ever taken selfies of myself, I should get into that habit for situations like this. But I swear all these pictures were taken by me. (except the last one below of the Australian flag, I found that on Pixabay)

For further curious people here is the scorecard and the match report from ESPN Cricinfo.
Australia vs England 5th Match Scorecard
Australia vs England - Match Report

My Favorite Photographer (Review)

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

Meet Brianna Rannels, readily known to everyone as Bri.

Link to picture
Normally, the picture above would lead one to think that this is a model making a living doing hundreds of poses as required for her job. Doing any and everything, to modelling with props, with animals and in any kind of weather and situation. 

A spectacular individual showing not only class in posing for impressively unbelievable pictures, she also takes them. Yes, dear readers, she's a photographer who makes a living taking beautiful gorgeous pictures as well.

A rare quality to be as camera friendly both in-front and behind the camera.

Over the years I've known her through her personal Facebook and through various incarnations (just like Doctor Who, coming back better, stronger and more unique as a result of past experiences), her Facebook business pages have been Shutter Disgrace Photography, and now her newest page Copper & Coal Photography.

I originally came across her pictures by some mind-bending snaps of the Australian Rock Band Sick Puppies's bassist Emma Anzai. This was all the way back in year 2009. Nine whole years I've been vicariously living through Brianna's lens and every moment is one to remember.

For a photographer to display their best work, can be frustratingly difficult when all the pictures are as great as these.

A testament to the quality of her work and her individual care in taking thousands of photos over the years, she was able to close her original page Shutter Disgrace Photography and open a new one on Facebook, originally known as Brianna Rannels Photography and now known as Copper & Coal Photography. At this point, I should admit I was a bit sad with the move of the name, as I totally enjoyed Shutter Disgrace Photography Facebook page and pictures. She was able to move from (as at 23rd April, 2017) 4,614 likes on the original page to 4,865 on the new page. Literally boasting a 4.9 star rating for her reviews with 166 5 star ratings out of 179 (it should've been 167 5 star ratings but one review was rated 1 star by accident).

The reviews also obtained from the drummer of Halestorm 
“I Love Brianna’s pictures. She’s an artist with a unique and individual style to match her great eye. I always look forward to checking out her new pictures. ”
-Joe Hottinger Halestorm

and from one of her customers Mike Street

Bri is one of those people that you dream of working with. Her talent, passion for what she does, and personality make her the perfect person for any event. In all the time that we worked with Bri, from the very early planning stages of our wedding to the day of and beyond, she had a smile on her face. Even exchanging quick emails with Bri is pleasant - her warm, kind, and bubbly personality come through with every word she types. Her talent with a camera is unbeatable - I can guarantee you won't find anyone who can even compare to Bri. Her eye for detail and knack for capturing even the smallest of moments really help to tell the story of your day. Our wedding photos turned out better than we ever could have imagined. And working with Bri was cake - she made sure we were comfortable even in the weirdest poses or situations by cracking a quick joke or hopping with joy at the photos she was getting. She might actually be a ninja, too - I have no idea how she got some of the shots she did - I don't even remember seeing her at many points of the day. But she was there and she got every shot we wanted and more. Bri, we can never thank you enough for what you've done. The photos you created for us will be treasured forever. Hopefully you aren't sick of us yet, because we can't go to another photographer now that we've met you!

These reviews just goes to show what an amazing photographer she is, managing to originally impress in the music industry and now blending that success in becoming a stunning Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer. 

Currently based in 714 Broadway Ave North Rochester, Minnesota, North America, Brianna has made such an impression on me over the years, that I might just use her for my wedding, whenever I get married. But being from Trinidad and Tobago would just be a small issue to overcome when the pictures are as timeless as these. 

Choosing just four pictures from her amazing portfolio on both her Facebook pages and her website and her Instagram is a huge task for one to undertake, and I hope at the very least the pictures convey the extraordinary photographer she is.

I hope everyone shows some love to her Facebook page - Copper & Coal Photography
Her instagram - Copper & Coal and her website - Copper and Coal

And I hope everyone shows some love to my Facebook page for my blog posts - Tripping On Broken Wings and also follow me here as well.

Have a great day! 😊

Inside Out (Movie Review)

Meet the Little Voices Inside your Head - Tagline for Inside Out

Some spoilers follow.

Someone said, Pixar thought, what if feelings had feelings? 
(apologies to the actual person, I can't remember who actually said it)

As the Honest Trailer for Inside Out so aptly put it, it makes you wonder how emotions can have emotions on top of emotions they literally are? Honest Trailer - Inside Out

I first saw this movie on Wednesday 22nd July, 2015 and nearly two years later I still cannot believe how much I truly enjoyed this film not having known anything about it as I was totally out of touch at the time with trailers and any synopsis of who was in the movie etc.

I think I should mention at this point, that the Pixar short - Lava before the start of Inside Out was strangely weird. I had forgotten when I went into the cinema Pixar's policy of having a short film before their actual movie. But it should be known that while Lava was alright, Inside Out was literally the shining light of Pixar, and being nominated for 110 awards and winning 51, rightly indicates that Pixar is great again! Yay! 

After three merely alright movies - Cars 2, Brave and Monsters University, in 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively, the time taken over Inside Out (having released in 2015) showed in a great story-line and eye-pleasing animation, with the obvious opening for a sequel at the end of the film. It's sad but true that very few studios make great stand-alone movies anymore, everyone's looking to make great franchises to make more money. 

Irregardless of this, Inside Out was a might I dare say it? A masterpiece of modern animation. Inside Out (2015) topped Rotten Tomatoes' Top 100 Animation Movies list with a 98% score based on 319 reviews. It has also slotted in at # 41 on BBC's 21st Century 100 Greatest Films. This coupled with the nominations and awards won, makes it into a film that's truly head and shoulders above the rest. 

Now, mind you, I absolutely adore all of Disney Films released from their ever expanding studio portfolio - Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios, but this film I can safely say it's in my top ten movies of all time. 

One final plug for the movie before I actually get into the movie itself, against a budget of $175M, Inside Out made $857.6M, under-performed yes against the monster of Finding Dory (which was alright), but interestingly it's in the same position of Finding Nemo. 
Finding Nemo all the way back in 2003, made $867.9M. Let's hope Pixar takes their time with a sequel and make the right movie about 2025 so. 😃
Fingers crossed that the untitled films in 2020 are not sequels for Inside Out. 

Riley Anderson is born in Minnesota (I don't think anyone knows the year or it didn't really matter) and in her mind, five basic emotions Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger, come to life and influence her actions via a console in her mind. I totally love Sadness! 
As Riley grows up, her experiences become memories, stored in colored orbs, which are sent into long-term memory each night. Her five most important "core memories" are housed in a hub that each power an aspect of her personality which take the form of floating islands.

We are then rapidly introduced to the main story-line device, as due to Riley and her parents moving to San Francisco for her father's new business, she rebels and literally spirals out of control in Sadness. What follows was a mad and insanely wonderful adventure through Riley's mind - (note at age 11, she hasn't hit puberty as yet, so this is definitely a film for kids). We meet Bing Bong Riley's childhood friend on Joy and Sadness's adventures and the sacrifice that Bing Bong made, I am man enough to admit, I got all choked up and teary eyed at this part. Bing Bong (voiced by Richard Kind) did an amazing job with voice acting and made that into a memorable part of the film. 

Joy is voiced by Amy Poehler and she does an annoyingly happy take on her character. 
Sadness is voiced by Phyllis Smith and she does a critically acclaimed voice role of this character. Have I mentioned I lovvee Sadness?
Anger, Fear and Disgust were all secondary characters to the plot and were vital at various points to the storyline. 

I think one of the best parts of this film was the editing to be honest, because it made sense the cut-scenes to the real world of Riley while the main story-line was inside Riley's head. There was not any part of it that felt forced, abrupt, or a story filler. 

The road from development to finally releasing on screen was a long one (from 2009 - 2015) and it was worth every minute invested. Michael Giacchino, composed the soundtrack and he made a work of art! Just have a listen to the very first track played in the opening movie sequence, which set the tone for the entire movie - Bundle of Joy

Highly recommended movie to watch!

Kings XI Punjab - the team which breaks my heart - (Cricket)

Heartbreaks, tears, tribulations...


Where is the joy?


Cricket, lovely cricket.


A short history lesson, the Indian Premier League is a T20 league in India played during April and May every year by 8 different franchises representing Indian cities. IPL was founded by BCCI in 2007 and first started in April 2008.


In April 2008, first start the baby of T20 Leagues which as of today is now 10 years old, an entire decade, surviving corruption, match-fixing and other scandals of varying sizes and proportions.


As a mad cricket fan watching this first league, the very first year which the ambitious tournament first set out to achieve something, no one quite knew what. As a result, attempting to pick a team to support was inevitably challenging as stars and legends were abounded throughout all the teams and squads and commentators.


How does one go about trying to support an unknown team? Who do I support? For better or for worse I chose Kings XI Punjab, primarily because I gravitated towards a known quantity - Preity Zinta.


Might I say at this point congratulations to Ms Zinta on her marriage last year, now known as Mrs Goodenough (heart shatters 💔)


Preity, ever since she became a star, has been known as the Dimple Queen, and believe it or not, (like Ripley's) (and like millions of her fans) had a crush on her since I saw her in Kal Ho Naa Ho (Tomorrow May Never Come). An impressive romantic drama from 2003, well worth checking out.


But I digress, I came here today to talk about Kings XI Punjab and I got carried away.
Depressingly inconsistent, after having a stellar performance in the 2008, they had middling years until an incredible 2014 and then fell back into mediocrity again for 2015 and 2016.


An inconsistent auction selection strategy has caused the team to have flashes of brilliance and then let downs through poor performance, injuries and call-ups to various national teams.


As you can see from the table below, it's been a tough journey for the last ten years. Two great seasons out of nine is surely not good enough.


Supporting them over the years has been rough, the sadness of every one of their 71 losses, their at times inexplicable bowling decisions and weird batting choices, their confusing strategy of not having a fixed home ground, Mohali, Indore, Dharamasala.


Fun fact - most pictureresque cricket ground in the world - Dharamasala


I wonder who can make my wish come true, actually seeing them live? Slightly tall order that, considering I'm from Trinidad and Tobago. Yes, only slightly 😏


Matches that they have played with no spirit and not fighting to the bitter end, most times you know immediately that, yes, this is another loss. Somehow, someway I've stayed with them, coming back year after year, is it torture? Is it some form of punishment? Or is it that, I love cricket so much, that I know I'll be rewarded at some point?


Why do I support them again? Ah, yes, me=hopeless romantic=boy crush=Preity Zinta.

Year	Matches	Wins	Losses		Win %
2008	15	10	5		66.66%
2009	14	7	7		50.00%
2010	14	4	10		28.57%
2011	14	7	7		50.00%
2012	16	8	8		50.00%
2013	16	8	8		50.00%
2014	17	12	5		70.58%
2015	14	3	11		21.43%
2016	14	4	10		28.57%

Looking forward to IPL 10 - 2017, they've just completed their first win yesterday against Rising Pune Supergiant, under their new captain - Glenn Maxwell. A selection completely out of the norm. It's just so crazy it might work.


Here's to a great campaign, and fingers and toes and arms and legs crossed for Kings XI Punjab lifting the trophy (finally) on Sunday 21 May, 2017!

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - Millennium Series (Book Reviews)

Minor Spoilers Follow

Murder.

Rape.

Betrayal.

Hacker.

Conspiracy.

Corruption.

Violence.

These words taken separately do not make for an international bestselling novel series but somehow Stieg Larsson makes it work and boy he makes it work so well.

Karl Stig-Erland "Stieg" Larsson born 15 August 1954 and died 9 November 2004, was a Swedish journalist and writer. I wouldn't have thought a novel series originally written in Swedish and translated to English would've read so easily, though it's possible that the Swedish to English translator took some liberties to make the ease in translation as painless as possible.

All his novels were published posthumously (which means after his death) as a result he didn't get to reap the rewards of his hard work. Had a flashback there to Netflix's series A Series Of Unfortunate Events with their penchant for explaining big words.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - August 2005 - English version - January 2008 - 672 pages
The Girl Who Played With Fire - June 2006 - English version - January 2009 - 752 pages
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest - May 2007 - English Version - October 2009 - 832 pages

For novels to have been translated to English to become international bestsellers, it's very very impressive, and the books while long and descriptive, makes for hours upon hours of reading. 

The biggest recommendation I can make for this series is that you have to stick to it, and keep turning those pages, every chapter has something new to be discovered. The series was amazingly well-written and a joy to wade through.

I was first brought onto the Millennium world via The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo film starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara in 2011 and I downloaded the books to read. 
Admittedly, I struggled at first to get used to the author's writing style and at times some ponderous prose where he had to build the visual scene or give history on the character or place. To be honest, I don't think that Stieg Larsson would've written a great history book (it would've been a snooze fest), but as a crime writer, he's awesome. 

This series, immediately jumped into my top ten all time favorite book series. It's difficult to review one book in isolation as each story is indelibly linked to each other and you have to read all three to be fully satisfied. 
Book one - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo ended off with everything resolving to a certain extent, but it was cut abruptly and made you feel that you have to see what's next for the two central characters.
Book two - The Girl Who Played With Fire ended off on a tremendous cliffhanger and made it necessary for you to wade through Book three - The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest.

The main characters of the series are Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. 
Blomkvist is an investigative journalist and co-owner of the monthly magazine Millennium based in Stockholm, Sweden.
Lisbeth Salander is an introverted, asocial, yet gifted, researcher and computer hacker working for Milton Security. 

Intriguingly, as a hero, Mikael Blomkvist, isn't the typical hero of Hollywood productions, while Lisbeth Salander is an breath taking version of an anti-hero but still manages to be the perfect troubled hero and main protagonist of the series. She is the survivor of a traumatic childhood which rears it's ugly head in Book 2 & 3.

Blurbs from Amazon - 
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue combine into one satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel, the first in Stieg Larsson's thrilling Millenium series featuring Lisbeth Salander.
Harriet Vanger, a scion of one of Sweden's wealthiest families disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption.

The Girl Who Played With Fire
Part blistering espionage thriller, part riveting police procedural, and part piercing exposé on social injustice, this second book in the Millennium series is a masterful, endlessly satisfying novel. 
 Mikael Blomkvist, crusading publisher of the magazine Millennium, has decided to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation. On the eve of its publication, the two reporters responsible for the article are murdered, and the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to his friend, the troubled genius hacker Lisbeth Salander. Blomkvist, convinced of Salander’s innocence, plunges into an investigation. Meanwhile, Salander herself is drawn into a murderous game of cat and mouse, which forces her to face her dark past.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
In the third volume of the Millennium series, Lisbeth Salander lies in critical condition in a Swedish hospital, a bullet in her head.
But she's fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she'll stand trial for three murders. With the help of Mikael Blomkvist, she'll need to identify those in authority who have allowed the vulnerable, like herself, to suffer abuse and violence. And, on her own, she'll seek revenge--against the man who tried to killer her and against the corrupt government institutions that nearly destroyed her life.


A couple things I should point out to the reader - one I have not yet finished the fourth book - The Girl in the Spider's Web written by David Lagercrantz, I'm not that impressed to be honest, it makes for a good book, but it's bit of a slog, as the writing style is not as good as Stieg Larsson's trilogy. It is enjoyable though to read another entry into the Millennium series. The other thing to point out, is that I have not yet watched the trilogy of Swedish Films made from the first three books, (yes there are English subtitles) I cannot read or write Swedish.

The original trilogy is highly worth the read, no matter how long it takes.

Have a good week everyone!