Navtej Kohli talks about IPL

May 20th, 2008

If you are a cricket buff, Navtej Kohli blog is certainly a place for you. Navtej Kohli talks about IPL and all the fuss attached to it.

IPL Twenty 20 has grown form a mere concept to the catchphrase of 21st century. Featuring world-class players, dynamic franchisee owners, over-enthusiastic aficionados, beautiful cheerleaders, huge stakes and of course a lot of controversy, IPL has ventured into what was beyond the imagination of cricket moguls.
The game has evolved dramatically from the dillydallied test cricket to the fast-paced extravaganza, which takes spectators on a thrilling rollercoaster ride. The good news- Cricket fans are just loving it!
IPL ticket sales have evidently taken off in a big way. Twenty 20 merchandise fell short of supply…whew!
IPL has definitely set the whole world on fire.
Although, since its inception, IPL is under constant clouds of criticism but this has not let its mania plunge even a tad. The supporters of traditional cricket format maintain that IPL is nothing more than a money-spinning entertainment sport. However the supporting clan rejects the claims stating that IPL promoted local talents.
What I think is unique about IPL is its concept. Take the players’ apparels, new rules and needless to say, the Bollywood’s Midas touch, IPL has come of age at once.
And with all the glamour, all the razzmatazz, and all the quality players from all different countries in one spot, the whole IPL event looks like a sort of hybrid world cup.
But who will win? I take a chance on Kings XI

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Navtej Kohli gives a review of Sony Alpha 350 digital camera

May 13th, 2008

digital camera

Performance at a very competitive price

The good: Excellent specification for price, great image quality, Anti Dust system, Eye Start, D-Range Optimiser, ergonomics, sensor-shift image stabilization; useful Live View implementation with flip-up LCD.

The bad: LCD cannot be swivelled back into the body (for protection)

Verdict: Excellent performance and great image quality combine neatly within in an easy to use body and good price that make the Sony Alpha 350 worthy of serious consideration.

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Sausage Spinach Ravioli With Tomato Cream Sauce

May 7th, 2008

Navtej Kohli is an Italian gourmand.  Here is the recipe to one of his favorite Italian dish. So, call your near and dear ones over dinner and dine in style with ‘Sausage Spinach Ravioli’

You need:
2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
3 Eggs
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

For Filling:
8 Cups Fresh Spinach, Cleaned And Coarsely Chopped
4 Large Italian Sausage Links, Removed From Casings
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled And Minced
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Egg
Salt & Pepper

For Sauce:
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1/2 Tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 (28 ounce) Can Crushed Tomatoes
Salt & Pepper
1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley (Or Basil)

Additional:
1 Egg
Grated Parmesan Cheese To Serve

Method:
Combine the flour and salt on a flat work surface; shape into a mound and make a well in the center. Add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the well and lightly beat with a fork. Gradually draw in the flour from the inside wall of the well in a circular motion. Continue to incorporate all the flour until it forms a ball. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes.

While the pasta is resting, prepare the filling. Steam the spinach and drain well, pressing the spinach to remove all excess liquid. In a heavy frying pan heat the olive oil and saute the onion with the sausage meat until the onion is tender and the sausage meat lightly browned. Add the garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Place the sausage mixture, spinach, egg and cheese in a food processor and pulse just until the mixture is combined. You want to retain a coarse mixture so be careful not to over process the filling.

Cut the ball of dough in 1/2, cover and reserve the piece you are not immediately using to prevent it from drying out. Dust the counter and dough with a little flour. Press the dough into a rectangle and roll it through a pasta machine, 2 or 3 times, at widest setting. Pull and stretch the sheet of dough with the palm of your hand as it emerges from the rollers. Reduce the setting and crank the dough through again, 2 or 3 times. Continue tightening until the machine is at the second narrowest setting; the dough should be almost paper-thin.

Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Dust the counter and sheet of dough with flour, lay out the long sheet of pasta, and brush the top surface with the egg wash, which acts as a glue. Drop 1 tablespoon of the filling on 1/2 of the pasta sheet, about 2-inches apart. Fold the other 1/2 over the filling like a blanket. With your fingers, gently press out air pockets around each mound of filling. Use a sharp knife to cut each pillow into squares and crimp the 4 edges with the tins of a fork to make a tight seal. A fluted pastry wheel also works well to make an attractive edge around the pasta. Dust the ravioli and a sheet pan with cornmeal to prevent the pasta from sticking and lay them out to dry slightly while assembling the rest. If not using within an hour or two refrigerate until needed.

To prepare the sauce, heat the two tablespoons of oil in a heavy pot and cook the garlic for just a minute. Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes and cook over medium low heat for 10 minutes. Add the cream and fresh, chopped herbs and mix well. Cook over low heat an additional 10 minutes. Keep warm while you cook the pasta.

Cook the ravioli in plenty of boiling salted water until tender. They will float to the top when ready, so be careful not to overcrowd the pot. Drain the ravioli and return to the pot. Pour half of the sauce mixture into the pot and carefully stir until the ravioli is lightly coated. Serve the ravioli with a spoonful of additional sauce and a sprinkling of grated cheese. Serve hot.

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Navtej Kohli on Akhtar’s ban suspension

May 6th, 2008

Will Shoaib be able to make an impact, given the suspension of his ban to play at IPL. Navtej Kohli looks into the all the likelihoods.

Shoaib Akhtar may have been allowed to play in the Indian Premier League but former players say the maverick pacer will find it tough to make an impact in the twenty20 league as months of absence from the cricket field has robbed him of match fitness.
The beleaguered pacer, whose 5-year ban was suspended on Sunday for a month by the appellate tribunal of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has bowled just 18 overs and played one competitive match since mid-December last year.
He has not played since February 13 this year when he led the Federal Areas team against Punjab in the Pentangular Cup tournament in Lahore and didn’t get a wicket.
His last appearance for Pakistan was the third Test in Bangalore against India in early December last year.
Since then, he was dropped for the one-day series at home against Zimbabwe and was subsequently banned for indiscipline when Bangladesh toured last month for five one-day games.
In this background and given his fitness record, experts believe the fast bowler could be in for a real test when eventually he does play for the Kolkata Knight Riders team on May 8.
“I am happy he has had his ban suspended and this allows him to play in the IPL. But as a former Test pacer I know how difficult it is getting back into rhythm and match form if you haven’t played for six months,” former player Sarfraz Nawaz said.

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Spirituality books worth reading - Navtej Kohli

May 2nd, 2008

These are some of the Navtej Kohli’s favorite SPIRITUALITY BOOKS-

  • Freedom From the Known by Jiddu Krishnamurti
  • The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
  • The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes
  • Awareness by Anthony De Mello
  • Friendship With God by Neale Donald Walsch
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Navtej Kohli’s tips for Portrait Photographers

May 1st, 2008

Portrait Photography tips by Navtej Kohli

When the time comes to taking portrait digital images, it can be very different than taking images of still items or landscapes.
Portrait photography is lot different from still or landscape photography. With portrait photos you’re not in total power over the photo. Your model now is in group effort with you for the shot and your posing skills must make them look however you want.
Taking portrait shots is no less than an art, especially when it comes to handling subject a great deal of patience is required. Not all people being photographed cooperative. Some will get annoyed quickly and some will be annoying quick! But your ultimate goal is to make the model as comfortable as possible.
Portrait photos should give the viewer a glimpse of the person’s personality. Portrait photos not necessarily deal with smiling and happy looking people. Portrait photography is a serious business. Look out for intense and interesting faces. Make sure that background goes well with the expressions.
Do not limit yourself to taking portraits behind plain backgrounds. The wilderness can make for amazing backgrounds as well. Lots of great places out in the wild can make for amazing backdrops for portraits. There are also really dramatic locations you can take portraits at. Think of alleys, scary looking woods, etc.
Portrait photos should be lit as nice as possible. The better the lighting the better the person will look. You can use front or side lighting for portraits. Front lit subjects will look more flawless. The problem is that this can make details diminished too much.

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