Nikhil Kini's Blog

June 23rd, 2006 - My parents wanted to take some passport pictures  so that they can get my passport done. We went to the "Picture People" store in the mall. They specialize in taking portraits, special pictures etc. Since I still cannot sit upright, they had to place me on a bean bag.  The lady at the store made it really nice and comfortable for me. I was very co-operative during the photo-shoot (since this is Hollywood, lets call it a photo-shoot). The nice lady took about 7-8 pictures and gave us copies of the best picture. I liked the store and will be back soon for a real picture. We spent the rest of the evening in the mall before heading home. My parents had dinner from CPK.  Smelled nice, but I am not allowed to try all that stuff.

Next week, we will apply for my passport. That will be another fun trip.

June 22nd, 2006 - Seems like have the World Cup Soccer Fever accompanied by a slight cold and cough, but thats not dampening my spirits. The World Cup is in full swing with the last set of games of round one in Progress. All the big names like Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, the Netherlands, the United States (ooooppppssss, thats a typo) have made it round two. The United States got eliminated by a 2-1 loss to Ghana. Round Two begins on Saturday and my dad and I are really excited about it.

As you can see, I am totally into the event.  

June 20th 2006 -  Today was Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat. Dallas had a 2-0 lead and were down 3-2 going into game 6. This was a huge turaround for Miami being down 2 games. They played really well and won Game 6 and are now the "World Champions". This is something that I do not understand. How can the US call itself World Champions in all these sports which they never win.

They call the winning team the "World Champions" in Baseball, Hockey, NFL and Basketball. However at the international level, this is how the fared recently

• The US finished 6th in the recent FIBA World Championship
• The US did not even make it to the Finals of the World Baseball Classic
• The US did not make it to the Finals of the Ice Hockey Championships as well.
• No other country plays NFL Football at an international level

June 18th, 2006 - Its Father's Day today. This is my first Father's Day and I surprised my dad by getting him a card and a "Jock of All Trades" photo frame. I had put a picture of my dad and myself in the frame and its was a perfect gift or my father who loves sports. My father and I spent the day at home doing guy stuff.....Watch TV what else!!!. With the World Cup in progress, thats all my father does on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

In the evening we went out to the Strip mall behind our apartment. We went to Pier One, bought some flowers. We then went to Cold Stone Creamery for some ice-cream. It was really crowded. We finally got some Chinese Dinner from Chin Chin. All in All, it was a memorable first Father's Day.

June 17th, 2006 - World Cup Soccer 2006 action continues today and there is a big game on the TV as the US faced Italy. Everyone assumed that Italy would defeat the United States but the US managed to hang on to a draw and fight to stay alive in the touranment.  They now have to defeat Ghana to make it to the second round.

Also, today my grandma is leaving for visit my Aunt Hema's place in San Diego. My aunt, uncle and cousin are coming over to pick her up. They had a 2-hour drive, but the traffic was really terrible and it took them a bit longer than expected.  Once they came, I spent some time playing with my cousin Ayush. Once they left, I was a bit upset as the house was really empty. We are going to San Diego next weekend and I am excited about that trip. I really like to go out.