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Sporting legends : Rivaldo - the breathtaking Brazilian football genius , his career & video

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  Rivaldo was born on April 19, 1972. He is a Brazilian former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders of his generation. Known for his exceptional skill, creativity, and versatility on the field, Rivaldo mesmerized fans with his dribbling ability, precise passing, and lethal finishing. **Career Highlights:** 1. **Club Career:**    - Palmeiras: Rivaldo began his professional career with Brazilian club Palmeiras, where he showcased his talent as a dynamic attacking midfielder.    - FC Barcelona: Rivaldo's most iconic spell came at Barcelona, where he played from 1997 to 2002. He won numerous titles with the club, including two La Liga titles and the UEFA Super Cup.    - Individual Accolades: During his time at Barcelona, Rivaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1999, cementing his status as one of the best players in the world.    - Other Clubs: Rivaldo also had successful stints at cl...

Sporting icons : Jason Gillespie - career highlights & video of this brilliant Aussie fast bowler

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  Jason Gillespie was born on April 19, 1975. He's an Australian former cricketer known for his prowess as a fast bowler. Gillespie was an integral part of the Australian cricket team during the late 1990s and early 2000s, forming a formidable bowling partnership with Glenn McGrath. One of his notable achievements was scoring a double century as a nightwatchman against Bangladesh in 2006, becoming the first nightwatchman in Test cricket history to do so. After retiring from professional cricket, Gillespie pursued a career in coaching, contributing his expertise to various teams around the world. Jason Gillespie was renowned for his exceptional bowling skills, particularly his ability to swing the ball both ways at a lively pace. He possessed a smooth and rhythmic bowling action, generating significant pace and bounce off the pitch. Gillespie's accuracy and control were exemplary, allowing him to consistently trouble batsmen with his probing deliveries. He was adept at exploitin...

Sporting legends : Sydney Barnes - the iconic english seam bowler across eras, career highlights

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  Sydney Francis Barnes, born on 19th April 1873 was  often regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in cricket history, particularly in the early 20th century, was known for his remarkable accuracy and ability to generate prodigious seam movement from the pitch. Representing England, Barnes set numerous records, including the fastest to 100 Test wickets, a feat achieved in just 17 matches. His unorthodox bowling style, which combined exceptional control with subtle variations in pace and spin, made him a formidable opponent. Despite a relatively short international career, Barnes' impact on the game is enduring, with his legacy as one of cricket's finest bowlers firmly cemented in history. Sydney Barnes had a stellar cricket career marked by numerous achievements. Here's a detailed overview: 1. **Test Cricket Records**: Barnes played 27 Test matches for England between 1901 and 1914, taking 189 wickets at an astonishing average of 16.43 runs per wicket. His bowling average ...

Cuisine : Tom Yum Goong - how to prepare this popular Thai soup

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  Tom Yum Goong is a flavorful and aromatic Thai soup known for its spicy and sour taste, typically made with shrimp (goong). Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare it: Ingredients : - 10-12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (with heads and tails intact for flavor) - 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth - 2 stalks of lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and lightly smashed - 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces - 3-4 slices of galangal (Thai ginger) - 3-4 Thai bird's eye chilies, bruised (adjust to taste) - 1 small onion, thinly sliced - 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (typically straw mushrooms or any mushrooms of your choice) - 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges - 2 tablespoons of fish sauce - 2 tablespoons of lime juice - 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional) - Handful of cilantro leaves for garnish Instructions : 1. **Prepare the broth**: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. 2. **Add aromatics**: Add ...

Cuisine : Pad Thai - How to prepare this popular Thai food

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  Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish known for its combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Here's a detailed overview of how it's prepared: Ingredients : - Rice noodles - Protein of choice (usually shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a combination) - Eggs - Bean sprouts - Green onions - Garlic - Tamarind paste - Fish sauce - Palm sugar - Crushed peanuts - Vegetable oil - Lime wedges - Chili flakes (optional) Instructions : 1. **Soak the rice noodles**: Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes or until they are soft but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside. 2. **Prepare the sauce**: In a small bowl, mix together tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the ratios to achieve the desired balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. 3. **Prepare the protein**: If using shrimp, chicken, or tofu, cook it in a pan with a bit of oil until fully cooked. Set aside. 4. **Cook the eggs**: I...

IPL24: MI scrape through after Ashutosh heroics nearly snatched a win against all odds for Punjab

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  Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings matches in IPL never dissappoints . The teams have a history of playing thrillers and their head to head contests was as close as  16 -15 in Mumbai's favour before this game .  Punjab Kings were set a target of 193 runs to win.  The way runs are scored in the IPL, anythimg is possible , unless the opposing bowler's name is Jaspreet Bumrah.  Suryakumar Yadav was dominant with the bat for Mumbai Indians.  Bumrah did that with the ball.  And five times IPL winner Mumbai won by 9 runs.  Ashutosh Sharma's sensational fight nearly did the impossible but he could not win Punjab the game which at one stage looked dead and buried for the hosts .   Sam Curran won the toss and sent Mumbai into bat at Mullanpur .  Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan is still not fully fit.  Curran is leading the team in his place.  Mumbai captain Hardik Pandya however said that he would have batted first if he had won the to...

Travel : Thailand - Best places to visit & other details

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  Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. It's known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Some of the best places to visit include: 1. Bangkok: The capital city, famous for its bustling street life, ornate temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, and vibrant markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market. 2. Chiang Mai: Located in northern Thailand, known for its beautiful temples, rich history, and proximity to lush jungles and elephant sanctuaries. 3. Phuket: Thailand's largest island, renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water sports activities like snorkeling and diving. 4. Ayutthaya: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient ruins and temples, offering a glimpse into Thailand's historical past. 5. Krabi: A province on the Andaman coast, famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and picturesque islands like Railay Beach and Phi Phi Islands. 6. Pai: ...

Sporting icons : Malcolm Marshall - career highlights & video of this Windies fast bowling legend

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  Malcolm Marshall was born on April 18, 1958. He was a legendary West Indian cricketer known for his incredible speed, accuracy, and ability to generate movement off the pitch. Marshall was a classic right-arm fast bowler who could swing the ball both ways and was renowned for his aggressive and intimidating bowling style. Malcolm Marshall had a remarkable cricket career filled with numerous highlights. Here are some of the key moments and achievements: 1. **Test Debut**: Marshall made his Test debut for the West Indies against India in December 1978 in Bangalore. He took five wickets in the match, signaling the beginning of a stellar career. 2. **Pace and Accuracy**: Marshall was known for his exceptional pace, often exceeding 90 mph, combined with pinpoint accuracy. His ability to swing the ball both ways at high speed made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era. 3. **West Indies Dominance**: Marshall was a key member of the dominant West Indies cricket team during the 19...

Heavy rains causes havoc in Dubai , Roads & airport flooded

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  Heavy rains in Dubai, United Arab Emirates have submerged the entire city. Due to heavy rains on Tuesday, Dubai International Airport also got flooded. In view of the flood situation, 15 flights going to Dubai and 13 coming to India (total 28 flights) were cancelled. Passengers have been warned not to come to Dubai Airport. Dubai International Airport is known as the world's busiest air hub. Passengers have been warned not to come to Dubai Airport unless it is very important. A Dubai Airport spokesperson said that flight services continue to be diverted. We are trying to get the airport operating properly again as soon as possible. However, the situation is very challenging. Heavy rains have delayed or cancelled flight operations. Dubai Airport usually receives around 100 planes on a normal evening, but due to the conditions there due to climate change, the flights were diverted. Heavy rains have completely halted the activities related to normal life in this bustling city. ...

IPL24: Gujarat Titans suffer major batting debacle & big loss to Delhi Capitals

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  Gujarat Titans suffered a big loss at home in front of their fans as they lost to Delhi Capitals with many overs to spare .  Shubman Gill's team could not use the advantage of batting first.  The innings of the last two year's  finalists ended on 89 runs, losing wickets at regular intervals from the start.  Gujarat's innings ended with 16 balls remaining under the control of Mukesh Kumar.  Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals had to gain some momentum to score 90 runs for victory.  Delhi won by 4 wickets in 8.5 overs.  Not even a single batter could score a run.  On Wednesday, Gujarat Titans looked like a bunch of novices .  Shubman was dismissed first by Ishant Sharma (8 runs from 6 balls).  The other opener Wriddhiman Saha scored 2 runs in 10 balls and was bowled .  Sai Sudarshan, who batted  at number three, made 12 off 9 balls before he was runout .  David Miller's contribution is 2 runs from 6 balls.  8 runs off ...

Sporting Icons : M Muralitharan - ace Sri Lankan off spinner career highlights & video

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  Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, was born on April 17, 1972. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time, known for his unique bowling action and mastery of various spin deliveries, including the off-spin and the doosra. Muralitharan holds numerous records in international cricket, including being the highest wicket-taker in both Test and One Day International cricket. His ability to spin the ball sharply and deceive batsmen made him a formidable force in the cricketing world. Muttiah Muralitharan's career achievements are extensive and remarkable. Here's a detailed summary: 1. **Test Cricket:**    - Holds the record for the most wickets taken in Test cricket, with 800 wickets.    - Became the first bowler to take 800 Test wickets.    - Holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, with 67.    - He is also the only bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test match on more than on...

IPL24: Rajasthan edges past KKR in a last ball thriller after Buttler brilliance upstages Narine ton

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  Kolkata Knight Riders had to lose despite coming close to winning at home.  Batting first, KKR scored 223 runs under the influence of Sunil Narine brilliance . However Jos Buttler's magnificent century won the match for Rajasthan Royals.  Sunil Narine's hundred failed to get a victory .  KKR could not win despite scoring 223 runs in Eden.  Jos Buttler eventually survived and left the field with a win over Rajasthan Royals.  He scored another outstanding century.  The batsmen looked strong but the KKR bowlers disappointed.  As a result of this loss, KKR remained second in the points table.  Rajasthan further strengthened their position at the top of the points list.  Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson won the toss and decided to bowl first.  Phil Salt, the hero of the previous match, did not get a run in this match.  Abesh Khan's brilliant  caught and bowled cut short Salt who returned for 10 runs after he was dropped on the ...

ISL 23-24 ; Mohunbagan SG beats Mumbai FC 2-1 to win league - Shield - summary & video highlights

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  Mohun Bagan made history in ISL.  They won the league-shield for the first time in the ten-year history of the competition.  Mohun Bagan  beat Mumbai City FC 2-1 in a life-or-death match at the Yuva Bharati Stadium on Monday.  Liston Colasso and Jason Cummings scored for Mohun Bagan.  Lalianjuala Changte scored the only goal for Mumbai.  They won the ISL trophy last year but never won the league-shield.  That dream also came true for the team of Antonio Habas.  They finished the league-shield with 48 points in 22 matches.  They still have a chance to 'double' by getting the ISL trophy.  Not only that, winning the League-Shield also gave Mohun Bagan a chance to play directly in the group stage of the AFC Champions League II next season.  Mohun Bagan defeated Mumbai by showing dominance from the beginning to the end of the match.  They had no choice but to win this match.  That attitude was seen throughout the Mohun B...

Sporting Icons : Derek Underwood - Career & video of England 's greatest left arm spinner

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  Derek Underwood, born on June  8, 1945, etched his name in cricketing history as one of England's most iconic spin bowlers. Making his Test debut in 1966 against West Indies, Underwood showcased unparalleled skill and precision with his left-arm spin, earning 297 wickets in 86 Test matches at a remarkable average of 25.83. His illustrious county career with Kent spanned over three decades, where he claimed a staggering 2,818 wickets in 797 first-class matches, playing a pivotal role in Kent's triumphs, including two County Championship titles. Underwood's influence extended to limited-overs cricket, representing England in 26 ODIs and clinching 32 wickets. His induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009 solidified his legacy as one of the greatest spin bowlers ever to grace the sport, celebrated for his accuracy, guile, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Derek Underwood was renowned for his exceptional left-arm spin bowling. He primarily utilized orthodox fi...

IPL24 : Head ton powers SRH to record score & a win over a fighting RCB

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  Royal Challengers Bangalore lost again in IPL.  RCB lost by 25 runs  in Bangalore on Monday.  In reply to Sunrisers Hyderabad's record 287, Bengaluru's innings ended at 262 for 7.  Hyderabad won by 25 runs.  With this, Bengaluru lost all six of the seven matches of the IPL.  Even Dinesh Karthik's fightback could not save Bengaluru's loss.  On the other hand, Hyderabad won four out of six matches.  On this day Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis decided to field after winning the toss.  Sunrisers Hyderabad batters used the opportunity to bat first.  Hyderabad scored 287 runs for 3 wickets thanks to the batting of Travis Head, Henrich Klaassen.  This is the highest team innings in IPL history.  After 19 days, Hyderabad broke their own record.  On March 27, Pat Cummins' team scored 277 for 3 against Mumbai Indians.  Hyderabad's two openers started in an aggressive mood at Bengaluru's 22 yards. They ...

IPL24: Dhoni cameo upstages Rohit ton as CSK beat MI in clash of the Titans

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  The much awaited  battle of the titans  Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings , both 5 times champions was played out at the Wankhede stadium on 14th April 2024 . After a grim battle in a high scoring game  the visitors  CSK beat the home side Mumbai Indians by 20 runs . Losing the toss and batting , CSK started sluggishly losing Rahane (5) and Ravindra (21) cheaply but Ruturaj Gaikwad  batted fluently along with the belligerent  Shivam Dube as but got into an exciting 90 run stand in 8 overs . Ruturaj was playing his wide range of shots on delightful fashion as he smacked 69 off 40 balls with 5 sixes . On the other hand Shivam Dube was mostly dished out pace by the opposition but he came out with flying colours striking superbly  to race to 66 in just 38 balls with 2 sixes .  After Ruturaj was dismissed by Pandya , Mitchell came out but struggled to get momentum and was out for 17 in the final over to Hardik .  Dhoni then stepped out...

IPL24: KKR rub salt to Lucknow wounds with massive win on Bengali New years day

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  History changes in the Bengali New Year for KKR .  Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Lucknow Super Giants in IPL by a massive margin of 8 wickets with more than 3 overs to spare .  Batting first at Eden, Lucknow scored 161 runs.  Kolkata won by 8 wickets with ease .  Phil Salt's bat made it easy for KKR to win.  However, before that, Sunil Narine's bowling helped keep Lucknow to a low number of runs.  Kolkata beat  Lucknow for the first time.  Knights changed history on the field of Eden  Eden's pitch batting is helpful.  Kolkata captain Shreyas Iyer decided to bowl first after winning the toss on that pitch.  Lucknow captain Lokesh Rahul also said that he would have bowled if he had won the toss.  How correct that decision was was understood in Lucknow's power play.  Lucknow scored only 49 runs.  KKR's bowlers were keeping the runs at bay.  Sunil Narine did that job best.  He gave only 17 runs in 4 over...

Poila Boishakh - its significance & types of celebrations

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  Poila Boishakh marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year and holds great cultural significance in Bengal and among Bengali communities worldwide. The term "Poila Boishakh" literally means "first day of Boishakh," the first month in the Bengali calendar. Significance: 1. Cultural Renewal: It symbolizes a fresh start, renewal, and rejuvenation of cultural and social ties. 2. Harvest Celebration: It's tied to agrarian roots, celebrating the harvest season and offering gratitude for the previous year's harvest. 3. Traditional Rituals: People engage in various traditional rituals, prayers, and ceremonies to welcome the New Year with positivity and blessings. 4. Social Gathering: Families and friends come together to celebrate with food, music, dance, and cultural programs, fostering community bonds. 5. Business Prosperity: Many businesses start their financial year on this day, praying for prosperity and success in the coming year. Types of Celebrations: 1. *...

IPL24: Heytmer slams big hits to carry Rajasthan to nervy win over Punjab in a thriller

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  Rajasthan Royals returned to winning ways .  Sanju Samson's team defeated Punjab Kings at their home ground.  Rajasthan restricted Punjab to 147 runs due to the efficiency of the bowlers.  Shimron Hetmyer left the field winning the game despite being under pressure to chase runs.  As a result of this win, Rajasthan remained at the top of the points table with 10 points .   In the absence of Shikhar Dhawan due to injury, Sam Curran led Punjab in this match.  Batting first after losing the toss, Jonny Bairstow and Atharva Taide did not make a bright start.  But Abesh Khan gave Punjab the first shock in the power play.  He dismissed Atharva for 15 runs.  Rajasthan bowlers took wickets at regular intervals even in the middle overs.  Bairstow (15) , Pravsimran Singh (10) , skipper Curran  (6) went cheaply .  Punjab was hoping that Shashank Singh would pull the team's reins in this match as well.  But he got out for ...

Sporting icons - Garry Kasparov - Achievements & records of Russian chess legend

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  Garry Kasparov was born on April 13, 1963. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Kasparov became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion in 1985 at the age of 22, defeating Anatoly Karpov. He held the title until 2000. Throughout his career, Kasparov dominated the chess world, breaking numerous records and setting new standards for excellence in the game. He is known for his aggressive playing style and strategic brilliance. Additionally, Kasparov played a pivotal role in the development of computer chess, famously competing against IBM's Deep Blue in 1996 and 1997. Though he lost the second match, his encounters with Deep Blue marked a significant milestone in the history of artificial intelligence and its applications in gaming and problem-solving. After retiring from professional chess, Kasparov remained active in promoting the game and advocating for democracy and human rights. Garry Kasparov's records in chess are numerous and ...