Lethargy Theory

Lethargy is an amazing skill, adequately trained interns become master technicians in a very short time span. And so applies the Lethargy theory to JaxSpikers.

From the latest rumors floating around, it seems the jaxSpikers are unable to show themeselves up for regular practice because there is no one to coordinate the weekly sessions.

Then there is the other rumor that lot of the players have shifted to tennis, thereby realigning their priorities resulting in a lack of commitment towards volleyball.

In the world of software development, agile development methodologies that preach self-organizing teams are the norm of the day. When will the world of sports, more so the sport of volleyball in jacksonville be gifted with a methodology that helps the metamorphosis of the team into a self-organised team?

 

From the desk of Tharikida Thampuran a.k.a. TT

What happened to the spikers

What happened to the Spikers? There seems to be no announcements about the spikers returning to regular practice. Have they decided to retire as a team?

What are the reactions of the players?
Watch out for this space to get the latest on the drama....

TT

Victory celebration by the jaxSpikers

The jaxspikers gathered at Aby's house over the weekend for a victory celebration and amidst the lavish flow of drinks, spent time analysing the achievements that this amateur team made in this year 2007.

Sources confirmed that this time the gathering was much more mellow and lacked the uproar generated the last time over when they met at Regin's house.

Everyone missed "Joson's discourse on oil therapy" and "Suresh's excerpts from an autobiography - Encounters of the 'other kind' ".

Even so, everyone was all praise for the host, Aby, who for sure would have been an ace bartender, had he not chose this career in Volleyball.

The jaxSpikers also contemplated on the return to regular practice sessions , in preparation for the next year's competitions.

 Thats all from the newsdesk for this week,

 

Sujit

© 2007

JaxSpikers Sets new and higher aims for Volleyball

With 2 successive appearances in the finals of the Gandhi Memorial tournament held in Jacksonville in 2006 and 2007 and having won the 2007 Championship, the JaxSpikers team Think-Tank  has put forward ambitions, plans and aims for the team.

The JaxSpikers as a team hope to improve the level of their Volleyball game and lessen the gap between their regional teams and the top national teams in the country.

In the first phase of execution of this plan, the team is participating in the Miami National Volleyball Championship where they will be facing teams from New York, Texas, California and Florida.

”So though we have been steadily improving since the team was re-established in 2004-2005 and have achieved victories in the Gandhi memorial tournament and North-South championships, we are under great pressure and we must keep clear-headed, making a sober estimate of our rivals’ capabilities,” Mr. Aby , the skipper said. “No team can be certain of victory. The competition facing us will be very tough and hard.”

We Wish the team a Wonderful and Successful Tour!!

 

Go JaxSpikers!! Go!!

Interviews with JaxSpikers - Part 3

Face To face with the Retiring Jax Spikers
(Thomas, Madhu, Sujit and Raju)- October 7, 2007

Posted on October 8, 2007

Transcribed Interview - part 3 (Interview with Raju)

THE INTERVIEWER: Tharikida Thampuran (TT)

(For those who came in late, part 1 of the interview is available at Interview Part 1 - with Thomas

Interview Part 2 - with Madhu and Sujit )

 

Thampuran reached Raju's residence in St Augustine in exactly 30 mins. His wife opened the door, she had an empty saucepan in her hand..and the sweet fragrance of sauted' onions was enough to work up an appetite. It was obvious she was in the middle of preparing dinner. She hurriedly led thampuran through the laundry room into the garage where Raju was working out on a treadmill.

From a distance, when Thampuran saw raju, he was startled.Raju had some wires hanging down from his wrist and shoulder. He also had some wires running into his head..or..maybe behind his ears..He was running really fast and steady, as if running away from something scary. A quick flash of thoughts went through his mind...Looked like Raju was chained to the treadmill...and his wife with the saucepan...he stopped hs thoughts right there...He went closer and he saw that the wires to his hand and shoulder were sensors to monitor his pulse and heartbeat etc,,, the one that seemed to go behind his ear was the ipod headphone, and an audible sigh of relief escaped Thampuran's lips.

As he went closer, he could hear Raju humming a song as he was running on the treadmill..with the regular thumping of his feet on the treadmill providing a rhythmic beat to his song...Thampuran listened intently..."Murukki chuvannatho, maaran muthi chuvappichatho.." and so went the lyrics...on reaching closer, tharikida thampuran's eyes popped out of his head and he blushed when he heard the rest of the lyrics...The song Raju was singing was a parody that was penned by the genius of Raju himself, and although the poetic rhyme embedded in Raju's version of the song was next only to the original, the lyrics made Thampuran red in his face...dheem tharikida thom!!

Raju: ( With a pleasant smile.and taking the ipod headphones out of his ears)..hey there...how are you? You don mind my continuing to run do you? Its getting late too, so I hope you will keep the interview short.

TT: yes, definitely. I can see you are practicing hard for the marathon. So in your case the rumors were true, You are preparing for the marathon..where is the marathon being held?

Raju: In Orlando, in Disney. So far the practice is smooth, I am doing great...

TT: What about Volleyball?

Raju: What about it? I will be participating in the Miami National Open Volleyball tournament on Oct 13 and then concentrating completely on marathon

Here is a man sure about his plans, thampuran thought... As precise and consistent as his spikes, so seemed his thoughts and plans. Thampuran did not know what to ask him next. In the meanwhile, Raju's wife came with a glass of gatorade and some chips. Thampuran took the gatorade, took a sip and placed it on the small stand.

TT: What did you feel about your game in the last tournament?

Raju: I think I played well, although the pressure that I felt was intense, I did come through to deliver the goods, and help steer the team to the Championship.

Thampuran had really run out of questions to ask Raju now..Raju's curt answers were also an indication that he was ready to wind up the interview.

TT: Thank you very much. Good luck for your Miami games and for your marathon. Hope to See you in the next season.

Raju: Thank you too..

Thampuran proceeded to leave, then took a second look at the glass of gatorade that was placed on the side. He seemed to be trying to decide whether to take another sip or not..when raju interrupted his thoughts

Raju: Thank you too..by the way, you don have to force yourself to finish off that glass of gatorade...as far as I am concerned I have already wasted that gatorade mix and sugar that is put in that drink..(smiles with the smoothness of a pleasant host)

Thampuran quickly gulps down the rest of the drink and leaves the raju residence. He knows very well that Raju's amazing professional life as a legendary athlete and a global sports ambassador makes him a perfect role model, not only for youngsters but also for the professional and amateur athletes in our country and throughout the world.

At the end of a long day of interviews Thampuran had a lot of notes to compile and publish for the world. It was pretty hectic for him, going back and forth between Jacksonville and St. Augustine and chatting up these Volleyball stars. However, it was indeeed a unique experience that provided Thampuran a unique perspective about the Volleyball stars of Jacksonville. He came to the conclusion that none of these 4 players were really retiring. All they were seeking was a respite from the high BP.

And Thampuran aptly concluded the results of his hectic interviews with an interesting observation

"The world can retire a player, but not the game inside of him"

 

Sujit

 

Previous Interviews

Part 1: Interview with Thomas

Part 2: Interview with Sujit and Madhu

© www.sujitg.com All rights Reserved

JaxSpikers welcomes your views and encourages lively -- but civil -- discussions. Comments are moderated, and submissions reported as abusive may be removed.

Interviews with JaxSpikers - Part 2

 

Face To face with the Retiring Jax Spikers
(Thomas, Madhu, Sujit and Raju)- October 7, 2007

Posted on October 8, 2007

Transcribed Interview - part 2 (Interview with Madhu and Sujit)

THE INTERVIEWER: Tharikida Thampuran (TT)

(For those who came in late, part 1 of the interview is available at Interview Part 1 - with Thomas)

 

After interviewing Thomas, Thampuran then went on to meet with Madhu and Sujit at their lakeside condo in the heart of Jacksonville city. Being neighbors, they agreed to meet up with Thampuran at Sujit's place.

As Sujit opened the door he smiled and let Thampuran in, and just as if he remembered something, he started limping. Thampuran gently brushed aside Sujit's pot belly that was obstructing his way and walked inside and he was immediately greeted by Madhu. As he came across to shake hands with Thampuran, madhu winced as if in pain...

Madhu: My shoulder hurts, I just cannot play volleyball.
Sujit: Didn't you see me limping, I cannot walk, even I cannot play volleyball.
TT: Well, I thought I was the interviewer( Smiles). Anyways, I have seen you guys play even when you had bigger injuries, whats different now?

Madhu: Nothing man, you see, age catches up with some people earlier than others(running his fingers through the remaining stubs of hair on his head). And besides, I am losing interest in the game and so, thought it'd be better to take a break..mind you just a break..

Sujit: A man gotta live, right? Some play to live, others live to play..(and as if amused by a great joke, he lets out a low laugh.. madhu and TT look at each other, obviously not understanding what the context was. Sujit was known to make comments that made sense probably only to him. When he was a star, the media lapped it up like hungry hyenas, but now...)

TT: Sujit, I heard that you were very serious about retirement and that you have been injury-prone the whole of last season. So you are really going to retire, or just take a vacation?

Sujit: Yes, injuries have plagued me the whole of last season and the break will help me heal and then take a decision on whether I should come back into major league games next season. But let me tell you, (there was a hint of anger in his voice) I am not retiring.

TT: Madhu, what are your thoughts?

Madhu: Yes, I am also only taking a break, some time off will help me lose some weight and get fit.
(At this point thampuran looked completely perplexed, and he stole a glance at Sujit...who sat there oblivious to the hint thrown at him by thampuran)

TT: What is the real reason for your retirement? There has been lot of news lately that the pathetic way that both of you played last season was the reason you guys were forced to retire. Is that true?

Madhu: Of course not, if we played bad, can you tell us who played perfect? Of course, some people played better than us, this season was better for them, does not mean that we cannot play..
(Madhu seemed to lose his cool and just as he was about to pull out the few remaining strands of hair from his head... then stopped..)

TT: Sujit, I was given to understand that you also suffer from high BP. Is that a reason for your retirement? By BP I meant...

Sujit: (Cuts off thampuran in the middle of the sentence)....of course of course..that is also one reason...you know I am taking toporol XL 100mg Altace, diovan, ....( and after what seemed like a long 2 seconds of 100's of formulary descriptions...as soon as Sujit paused to catch a breath, thampuran quickly clarified his question)

TT: No no...by BP I meant "Bharya Pedi"...meaning fear of your wife ..we heard that your wife threatened to stop cooking for you if you continued playing volleyball after she watched you play so miserably in the recently concluded Gandhi memorial tournament..

Just then the cell phone rings...it was JaxSpikers team captain, Aby

Sujit: No Aby, no...I cannot come today..Madhu? No, I think he will also not able to make it....yes...yes...thats true too...no..I was thinking not to ..but...well..let me see....(holds his hand over the mouthpiece)...Madhu... they are playing at 7, and they are short of 2 players...do u wanna play today?

Madhu: No buddy..I will have to check with my wife..(mechanically, he just rubs his left cheek..wonder what he was thinking about...then as if making a quick decision after weighing in all worst case scenarios..)..ok...I will come..its already 6:55..make it fast...

Sujit: Ok..Aby...we'll be there...see you... Thampuran we appreciate your time..but we have to go out for a few mins....we will catch up later...close the dorr when you leave...will ya?

TT: Are you going for a volleyball practice???

They both had already left. Thampuran gathered his notes from the interview and left. He had a 7:30 meeting with Raju

 

Sujit

 

To be continued...

Part3: Interview with Raju and Thampuran's conclusion

 

© www.sujitg.com All rights Reserved

JaxSpikers welcomes your views and encourages lively -- but civil -- discussions. Comments are moderated, and submissions reported as abusive may be removed.

Interviews with JaxSpikers - Part 1

Face To face with the Retiring Jax Spikers
(Thomas, Madhu, Sujit and Raju)- October 7, 2007

Posted on October 8, 2007

Transcribed Interview - part 1 (Interview with Thomas)

THE INTERVIEWER: Tharikida Thampuran (TT)

In the midst of all the media focus on the "retirement announcemnt" by 4(latest news update, Raju Karappan has also joined the "retiree bandwagon).

Although all 4 of the players have been vehemently reiterating their claims that "they are not retiring", and that its just a vacation, a break.

All 4 of them have repeatedly refused to talk to the media after the announcement which was telecast live on Prime TV.

However, one of our special news correspondents, Mr Tharikida Thampuran, brought in especially from Vayanaad to provide news coverage on sensational stories, managed to meet up with all 4 of the "retiring" players on exclusive one-on-one interviews. Following are the excerpts from the interviews presented in a 3 part series

Thampuran managed to catch up with Thomas, at his ranch in St Augustine, where usually he spends most of his post season time. As always, Thomas was prompt for the meeting. Thomas was busy writing something in his notepad with a pencil that was sharpened recently( you could still see traces of lead dust on the notebook)

TT: What was the walk like as you left the court for the final time? Was it emotional?
(thampuran noticed a slight look of dismay, maybe anger on Thomas' face)
Thomas: Was it emotional?

TT: What emotions were going through you?
Thomas: I don't know. I couldn't make sense of any of my emotions, to be quite honest.

TT: What are your feelings now?
Thomas: Still not terribly sure. You know, it just felt amazing out there. It felt amazing. Nothing I've ever experienced before. I was just overwhelmed by the way the fans embraced me at the end. You know, they saw me through my career. They've seen me through this, as well.
(Thomas rubbed his eye in a deft movement as if dust had flown into his eyes, but what thampuran thought was a tiny droplet of tear let loose by the surge of emotions that ran through him)

Let me clarify, I am not retiring, as the media wants to make it sound like. I am just taking a break, just a simple break, some call it vacation. They do this when they want to get out of all the chaos and spend some quality time with family.

Thampuran noticed the extreme irritation in Thomas' voice, but persisted with his questions..

TT: I imagine you heard the comments your coach had shared about wishing that you had announced your retirement after the North-south match itself. I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind talking about why that wasn't the choice you made and if you've had a chance to talk with him about it.
Thomas: Well, because if I wanted to quit, I would have done that a long time ago. I didn't come here to quit. I am going to come back next season, a different player, a better player, maybe the best player...

TT: What were the first things that your wife said after the match and what did you say to her?
Thomas: Oh, I'll just take a pass on that one, sorry.
(that one question did seem to make Thomas a lil uncomfortable, and for a second his thoughts seemed to wander away, and his hands went up as if by accident to close his ears liek he didn't want to hear anything, was it thampuran's questions??)

TT: If I may ask, how do you plan to spend your retirement, i mean vacation?
Thomas: For one thing, I am really going to keep away from all things volleyball. ( He cast a fleeting glance on his notebook). I am going to spend all the time with my family. We are planning a vacation to India in February, I am looking forward to that.
(Thomas' eyes became cloudy, even though his words stressed on his determination to get away from volleyball, his eyes betrayed his longing to be on court.)

TT: Well, good luck on your retirement and the next phase of your life, I mean good luck on your vacation, we hope to see you around next season
Thomas: yeah, you can be sure of that..especially when I am going to totally keep away from volleyball for the next 6 months.

As Thampuran walked away, he peeked into the notebook that Thomas was scribbling on; Thomas was writing something on a sketch of a volleyball court with player positions marked, and he seemed to be experimenting with strategies for the next season. hats off to true dedication..

 

Sujit

 

To be continued...

Part 2: Interview with Sujit and Madhu

Part 3: Interview with Raju and Thampuran's conclusion

 

© www.sujitg.com All rights Reserved

JaxSpikers welcomes your views and encourages lively -- but civil -- discussions. Comments are moderated, and submissions reported as abusive may be removed.