Kiran Manral is something like a twitterati. If you do not follow her, I suggest you to do the same. Very few people can make use of those 140 characters better than she can. Oh, ok! Back to the book. The Reluctant Detective is Ms. Manral’s first book. It is the story of Kanan ‘Kay’ Mehra, a thirty-something homemaker who lives with her husband and son in one of those huge apartment complexes in Mumbai. When two corpses pop up her in her neighborhood, Kay manages to get herself involved in the mess. She then teams up with her private investigator friend Runa to get to the bottom of the two murders. Resisting and complaining all the time, she pokes her nose into the murders, knowing all along that it would have been a better idea to leave it alone.

    The Reluctant Detective is definitely not a murder mystery novel. If you took it up hoping for a sinister plot, you would only be disappointed. However, read it without any expectations and let your imagination run all over the place and you will enjoy it a lot. At least, that’s what I did. The plot is a very simple one. Its only Ms. Manral’s writing style that makes it a good read. It’s simple, lucid and witty. A lot of writers think up a complicated plot, sacrificing on writing style, which keeps you thinking about what’s gonna happen next. The Reluctant Detective is unique and refreshing in that respect.

      If I noticed one thing about Ms. Manral’s writing style, it’s her attention to detail. Her characters are well described, especially those of Kay and Runa. I felt each of the characters in the book is based on someone Ms. Manral knows in real life. I might be wrong. It was just a thought. Now the question that a lot of people will ask. Is it a chick-lit? Maybe yes. However, that does not make it a bad read for men. It’s humorous and lighthearted. Something that anybody would enjoy irrespective of the gender. With a bit of imagination, you could feel the events in the story happening in your neighborhood. Give it a try people. On a Sunday afternoon or while traveling. I am sure you will enjoy it a lot. The Reluctant Detective is definitely a good read albeit simple.

You can buy the book on Flipkart.
Kiran Manral on Twitter.
Follow @kiranmanral

Castle Season 4 Cast

        Rise is arguably the best episode of this season so far. Keeping the mystery around Beckett’s mother’s murder alive was very important to the storyline of the show. Credit to the writers for the way that was handled. With the introduction of a mysterious character who keeps calling Castle, I am sure the viewers are more intrigued now than they were during season 3. However, the best part of Rise was the performance of the cast. If I had to put it in one word, Stunning is the one I would choose. I am sure all of you would agree with me on that.

            The thing I liked most about Season 4 was the evolution of the characters in the show. Especially that of Alexis Castle. Molly Quinn’s performances this season have been really matured and brilliant. The episode Cops and Robbers stands out in that respect. It is the same with Ryan’s performance in Kick the Ballistics and Beckett’s performance in Kill Shot. Coming to the new member of the show, Captain Victoria Gates, a.k.a. ‘Iron Gates’, Penny Johnson Jerald has been a good addition to the cast. I am not sure if she is a favorite among the fans but she definitely plays her part well. Is it just me or do any of you think the performances of all the cast this season has been better than the previous seasons? Let me know what you think about this thought in your comments.

           Coming to the other episodes of Season 4, we have a mixed bag of fun and serious episodes. If you look at the episodes that have aired to date from a neutral point of view, not all the episodes were awesome. That is predominantly because of the storyline. For a few episodes, the storyline was weak. Castle will miss Will Beall’s writing. After all, he wrote some of the best episodes of the previous seasons. However, from a fan’s point of view, I enjoyed every episode a lot. For all the Caskett shippers, plenty of Caskett moments this season. The best being the episodes Cuffed and Cops & Robbers. Till Death Do us Part, Ryan’s wedding, was a welcome episode this Season. This is another aspect I liked about this season. The episodes have been of a wide variety and with many interesting cases.

           Not much is known about the episodes to come. We do have something to look forward to on February 6 as we have the film noir episode, The Blue Butterfly. After that, we have the two-part episode. Pandora and Linchpin. With Heat Rises and the Derrick Storm animated series out in the real world, Richard Castle has become a real writer. I wonder who writes these books. I guess some mysteries are best left unsolved. Adds to the fun. Even after three years, Castle remains one of the best shows on TV with the best fan base. The two People’s Choice Awards that Castle won ascertained that.  Favorite Actor (Drama, TV) for Nathan Fillion and Favorite TV Crime Drama. Congrats to the cast and crew for this feat.

           As always, I have tried to remain objective while writing this. I hope I have not offended anybody by my comments. I have tried to keep my fan emotions out, but I guess it becomes obvious when you read it. On a final note, I would like to say, the entire Castle cast and crew are just brilliant! Stana Katic, Nathan Fillion, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Molly Quinn, Tamala Jones, Susan Sullivan, Penny Johnson Jerald & Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the writers and all the others who work behind the scene. A special mention to Andrew Marlowe, The Creator. You guys rock! Thank you for such an amazing show. This post is also dedicated to all my fellow Castle fans.

         Please find below a poll to pick the Best Episode of Castle Season 4 so far. Please note that you can pick up to two episodes! Because I know that picking one can be very difficult! Do let me know your opinion regarding the post and Castle as your comments.

For catching up with me, do check out my twitter page.  Follow @prashant_dracus

This story is a continuation of my previous one, A Loud Silence. Though not needed, it is recommended to read that first. Click Here to read that.

        Driving home after an uneventful day was something Detective Kurt Morgan disliked. Dull days at the Major Case Squad in New York City were rare. However, when they did come, the entire unit felt bored. It was almost nine when he reached his home in Chelsea. The house had belonged to his father, a not-so-well-known writer who did have a few published works. By ten, he was fast asleep on the couch with the television running. With the television’s volume turned down, his snoring and the water dripping from the kitchen faucet were the only noises in the house. Det. Morgan did not know that the next day would more than compensate for a dull today.

         The sunlight was shining through the window when he woke up. He let out an audible sigh. He knew it was going to be another boring day at work. Damn! I need some coffee. – Where’s my phone? – He wondered. – There on the coffee table. – Blinking lights. – That’s weird. This early? Must be from Sara, he thought. – 10:30 AM! – 3 missed calls. From his partner, Det. Albert Williams. – He called him back. Albert answered almost immediately. “Morning Bro”! Albert’s voice was tense with excitement, “Kurt! Listen! There’s been a 10-20 at TD Bank on West 26^th. Two guards are dead. But, get this…Nothing has been taken. The vault is lying open. However, the money and the bonds are intact.”

        Kurt was wide-awake now. A 10-20 at TD Bank? That was just 3 minutes from his place. A robbery and nothing was missing. Weird. If there were no robbery and just two dead guards, it would be assigned to homicide and not Major Case Squad. Why was Albert so tensed over a double homicide? “Kurt! You there? Bro! Where are you? Get yourself down here. There’s something that you need to see.” What could be so strange about a double homicide that Albert wanted me to see, wondered Kurt.

      Forgetting all about that coffee, Kurt rushed to his car and was outside the bank in five. Kurt knew there was something wrong the minute he walked onto the scene. Both the security guards had been shot in the head. Since when did bank robbers start taking headshots? Walking into the vault, he surveyed the damages, which was almost no damage at all. Albert was standing in the middle of the vault with a look on his face that Kurt had seen only once before. During his best friend and ex-partner, Wesley Thompson’s funeral, two years ago.

      Wesley and Albert had been partners at homicide before he joined the Major Case Squad. Wesley had staged a bank robbery and Albert had shot him during the confrontation. Albert blamed himself for Wesley’s death. He had shot him, albeit in self-defense. Albert showed me a piece of paper. It was a parking ticket and on it was scribbled the words, “Ask Gavin Thompson. Address: Five Points Correctional Facility, Romulus, NY.”

     “Who’s Gavin Thompson Bert?” asked Kurt. No reply. “Albert?” Silence. “ALBERT?” “Brother!” was the only word he uttered. Kurt understood immediately. Brother of his ex-partner Wesley. Albert had once told him that Wesley had a brother who was serving time for armed robbery and murder. Kurt made a decision immediately. “Let’s talk to Gavin Bert. The ticket says so.” Albert was in two minds. Talking to him was the next logical step. However, there was no evidence linking him to this and this was not their case. It was homicide.

      It was a five-hour drive to Romulus. It was way past lunchtime when they reached Five Points correctional. Kurt had never seen Albert so silent. Requesting to see Gavin had been a simple one. All Kurt had to do was make a few calls. The only problem was thinking up a reason to see him. Neither Kurt nor Albert was part of the homicide investigation. They had to put it as Personal. Seeing Gavin, Albert let out an audible gasp. “Twin!” he muttered.

        The minute we explained the situation to him and showed him the photographs of the vault, a faint smile crept across his lips. He knew something. “I will give you the people behind this provided I get a sentence commutation” was all he said. He had already served more than half of his sentence. Why ask for a commutation now? Kurt agreed to take his proposal to their seniors if his lead panned out. He gave them three names and an address in China Town.

        The drive back was just as quite as it had been to Five Points correctional. It was when they neared the address that Albert broke the ice between them, “I am sorry for clamming up like that bro. I was reminded of that night again and the fact that Gavin was Wesley’s twin was something I could not digest. Wesley had told me he had a brother. I had not expected a twin”. “It’s ok Bert! I understand,” said Kurt.

      The address was a run down building in China Town. Kurt took the front and Albert went in through the back. It was not exactly pitch-dark as there was a light on the first floor. Albert went up the stairs while Kurt checked out the ground floor. BAM! BAM! There were two gunshots. Kurt rushed up the stairs. Albert was hiding on the other side of the landing. He pointed two fingers downwards and raised one finger. Two Down! One to go. “Drop you weapon and walk out with your hands above your head” shouted Albert. A gun clattered to the floor. A swarthy, bald-headed guy came out the door.

        Albert slapped cuffs on him as Kurt went into the room. Two men were lying on the ground. Dead! There was not much in the room. Three sleeping bags rolled over in a corner. Guns, Ammunition, two backpacks and a cell phone were in obvious sight. As Kurt was leaving the room, the phone started to ring. Unknown number. “Hello………Hello?” Kurt asked. “Albert Williams?”, asked the voice at the other end. It was Gavin Thompson. How was he calling on this line? Albert came into the room and motioned Kurt to put the phone on speaker.

         “Ah Albert! Thank you for putting it on speaker for the benefit of Det. Morgan. Are my men alive? No matter. Even if they are, they won’t be so for long”. Albert was stunned for a while. “How the hell did you get this number?” he asked. “This is not a time for questions Albert. It is for revenge. You took from me. Now, I take from you. Det. Morgan. I am sorry you got involved in this. You are just collateral damage. There was a tone of mockery in his voice. Do not worry guys; I am not killing you… At least not yet. That’s why I am telling you this…”. “In exactly one minute the building you are in will blow up. I guess you can imagine what will happen after that! Ciao guys! Take care. RUN!!!”

         It took a couple of seconds for the thought to sink in. Kurt and Albert rushed out with their prisoner. Within seconds of exiting the door, BOOM!!! The blast took them of their feet and slammed them into the cars nearby. Kurt felt his knee rupture when it hit the pavement and Albert knew that at least a couple of ribs would be broken after hitting the car. The last thing he saw was the burning house.

         When Kurt came to, he was lying next to Albert who was still out cold. He looked around. The prisoner was nowhere to be seen. Had be been killed or had he escaped thought Kurt. Albert stirred. “Kurt.”, he called feebly. “Albert you ok?” Kurt could see Albert was hurt bad. Nevertheless, he was still talking. “Kurt. What happened to the third guy? Do we still have him?”. He looked around and knew immediately that they did not. He looked at their car. The paint had been scrapped away to make four words. It read, Dangerous Days Ahead Albert!

         The blinking radio inside their car caught Kurt’s eye. He got up and took it. “Det. Morgan here!” The report that came in sent a chill down their spine. Gavin Thompson had broken out of prison 3 hours ago. Then it hit him, like a sack of stones. This was a setup all along. Gavin Thompson had been in charge of this from the inside. It was to set Albert up.

          Kurt knew how this would look. A murder investigation where they had no authority. They took a piece of evidence and followed it to someone in prison. Visited him stating personal reasons and he escapes within hours of them meeting him. They follow up a lead he gives them. Lose the only witness they had in an explosion that would destroy any evidence at the scene. This was bad. He could hear Gavin Thompson’s words, “Do not worry guys, I am not killing you………the building will blow up………I guess you can imagine what will happen after that…” Both Albert and Kurt had been insubordinate.  An Internal Affairs investigation was a certainty. They could be discredited by the NYPD.

          He looked at Albert. He knew Albert was thinking the same things. They nodded at each other. This had been Gavin Thompson’s plan all along. Not to kill them. But, to humiliate them. They looked at the burning house, the people gathering on the street and heard the approaching sirens. They looked into the darkness beyond and knew the only way they could prove their innocence was by catching Gavin. They turned to look at each other and they could hear Gavin’s last laugh inside their heads. “I am sorry I dragged you into this Kurt”. Kurt helped Albert onto his feet and smiled, “Let’s nail this scumbag Bert!”

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      – To Be Continued

My other stories, Do read if you liked this one.

• A Loud Silence
  
• The Strangest of Tales
  
• Night Dawns on You
  

            When I hear the word Christmas, the first thing that comes to my mind is Santa Claus. I must confess that, it’s the gifts that I thought of first. Calling Christmas a religious holiday is highly inaccurate these days. It’s more like a cultural phenomenon, a civil holiday and a celebration when people have fun, a kind, forgiving and charitable time.

            The week from Christmas to New Year is perhaps one of the most joyous weeks in the entire year. A time when people put their problems on probation, throw their worries out the window, call a truce with those who bother them, make amends with their conscience and just have a wonderful time with family and friends at home. At this time, all roads lead home. The season when love is heavier than gold and when people open their hearts to love.

            On Christmas Eve, people are at their happiest. Music and laughter is in the air. A turkey and some mistletoe will make the season bright. Kids find it hard to sleep that night. They scan the starry skies for the flying sleigh. Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer. The night dawns on you, every second filled with happiness. Christmas arrives spreading joy among the people. Kids and adults unwrap their presents left to them by Santa. The carols are singing and celebration is everywhere.

            The advent of a new year is when people make a wish for a successful year ahead. January 1 is the time for New Year resolutions. Everybody makes resolutions. I always make a few and end up breaking them by the end of January. A new year is after all another chance offered to us to get things right. Just like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve is also a special evening. The whole world parties into the night to greet the New Year. New York to London, over to Japan, It’s the same. Dance, Music, Bottles, People, Celebration and happiness. The New Year whispers the same thing. It’s never too late to start over; because the world keeps spinning around.

For this holiday season I would like to paraphrase Carolyn Wells,

      “You will always like the gifts you get, but you will love the ones you give!” 

Wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Cheers!

      Albert Williams had been a detective with the New York City Police Department for two years now. Born and brought up in downtown Manhattan, he knew this part of the city better than any other cop in his precinct did. He loved this job and his accomplishments had built him an enviable reputation. Every day before going to the 5^th Precinct on Elizabeth Street, Chinatown, he used to drive along Park Row. On Park Row was his dream. 1PP or One Police Plaza. The headquarters of the NYPD. He had always wanted to make it to the Major Case Squad.

      Today was no different. After picking up his partner and good friend, Det. Wesley Thompson, they were on their way to the 5^th. They had just turned right from Worth Street onto Mulberry Street when they heard the bulletin. A robbery had taken place at the China Trust Bank on Canal Street. The hold-up gang had escaped in a black mini van with around a million dollars. They knew the van would take Baxter Street, as it was the one in the opposite direction to the 5^th precinct and would be the easiest to navigate when you are in a hurry.

       Soon, they saw the black mini van with three squad cars in pursuit. Albert knew their only chance was to intercept the van at the intersection of Worth and Baxter. Wesley was not ready to do this. He wanted to wait for backup. Hitting the siren, Albert reached the intersection even before the van had turned onto Worth Street. Seeing the squad car barricading the road ahead, the mini van came to a stop in the middle of road. Six masked men got out of the van. The other squad cars blocked off the street on the opposite side.

     Cornered criminals were perhaps the most dangerous. Both Albert and Wesley realized that the gang had enough firepower to take out four squad cars with ease. At least four of them had modified M16s to shoot special projectiles that could penetrate steel.  Squad cars are not equipped with many guns. A rifle and a few handguns were all they had. Wesley went for the rifle in the trunk while Albert radioed for SWAT backup…. “Dispatch, Come in. We need SWAT backup at Worth and Mulberry. Be advised, we have the hold-up gang of China Trust Bank cornered on Worth”. The radio cackled, “Affirmative. Backup ETA, 3 minutes. SWAT ETA, 20 minutes”. 3 minutes? Engaging them in the meantime was not the best of ideas. Nevertheless, they had no choice. The bank robbers had killed two people in the bank.

    Keeping the car between them and gunmen, Albert and Wesley waited. A few seconds of silence and then, it began! They were caught in a hail of bullets. One squad car exploded and another caught fire. Albert shot one of the robbers on the shoulder. Wesley went down having taken one to his leg. Another one hit the post next to Albert. He hit the ground and saw Wesley crawling away into an alley. Then they heard it. It was music to Albert’s ears. Sirens!

    The gunfire stopped. Albert stood up to see the van drive away. The road ahead had been cleared as the squad cars on that side had been destroyed by the gunfire. There was no way for Albert to pursue. His car had been damaged pretty badly. He turned around and there was no sign of Wesley. “Where was he?” Albert was confused and wounded when SWAT reached him. He passed out as he heard the words, “Officer Down…..”. The only thought that he had in his mind was, “What had happened to Wesley?”.

     It had been six hours. Still no news of Wesley. Albert was worried now. “Had the hold-up gang taken him?” He was in his bed thinking when an idea struck him. Wesley may have tried to leave him a message. Albert went to the alley he had seen Wesley crawl into. Nothing! Then, on the car next to the where the van had stood, a parking ticket. “Bingo!! There was no reason for the car to have a ticket. It was proper parking”. An address on Canal Street had been scribbled onto the ticket.

     The address was an abandoned Chinese Jewelry store on the Chinatown side of Canal Street. “What the?” thought Albert. “A rundown building?” He parked his car and entered the store through the rear exit with his gun ready. He knew he should have waited for back up. However, every second was important. “Good Evening Albert!”. It was Wesley’s voice. Albert rushed into the adjacent room. What he saw, stopped him dead in his tracks. The gun clattered to the floor.

     On the floor, six bodies were strewn about. At one end of room stood Wesley Thompson, dressed in a black suit with a pistol in his hand. “Wes!”, cried Albert. “It was You!”. A cruel laugh split the silence. He saw Wesley raise his gun. He realized the message had been a trap to lure him to the shop.  Albert tried to dive out of the way. Too Late! He felt his shoulder break as the bullet hit it. Everything went black.

     As he came to, he could hear Wesley’s voice, …. “You got everything!”, I was your partner all this time…..but, you got everything…..the reputation, the medals, the promotion…….I plan the heist of a lifetime and you try to ruin that as well…..NEVER…… After today, I will be the hero……..I will tell them all about how you planned the robbery and how I foiled it by killing you and the hold-up gang as well…… However, unfortunately the money was hidden before I could find it…… and then I get the medal and a million dollars……”.

     Albert looked into Wesley’s eyes. His voice quavered as he asked, “It was all about the reputation and medals Wes?…….You were like a brother to me?…….All these years you hated me?…… Albert hesitated and let out a sigh! “I had guessed you were in on the heist Wes. That’s why I…….”  Albert lifted his shirt and  a scream of rage left Wesley. He saw the wire fastened to Albert’s body. Everything had been taped.

      Ignoring the pain, Albert started to move even before Wesley had recovered from the shock. His hands closed around a metal rod. He swung it widely. It struck Wesley on the thigh. He stumbled. Albert took out the gun he had strapped to his leg and…… “BAM!BAM!”. The two guns went off at almost the same time. Wesley crumpled to the floor. As the light left his eyes, Albert thought he heard the words, “I am Sorry, Bert!!”. Tears came down Albert William’s eyes as he rolled over to the body. As he closed Wesley’s eyes, all he could hear was…. A Loud Silence! And that too was shattered by back up bursting through the front door.

My other stories, Do read if you liked this one.

• The Strangest of Tales
  
• Night Dawns on You
  

           July 12, 2010. To quote a lot of people I heard saying at that point of time, “I stepped into a new life”. One year later, I feel, nothing has changed except for the fact that I am being paid. Although I did not have much expectation from the job, I was delighted at the prospect of meeting new people in a new environment. After a year, I would say that I did meet a lot of people. Some who thought I was a strange person and some who I thought to be strange people. Nevertheless, I must admit that in course of this one year I did meet people from whom I learned a lot.

         If I met the most brilliant person I had ever seen, in college, I met the one of the dumbest here. I even met people who you talk to for a few months and you see the words “Stay Away” in Red, glowing above their heads! Having said that, some of the people I met here are just wonderful. People you take a liking to, the minute you talk to them. The bottom-line would be that I made a lot of acquaintances. However, only a handful of friends. For obvious reasons, I have not used any names through this post. That is not cowardice on my part. It’s just that, I didn’t want any hard feelings.

         My professional life has been a good one. I was put into the domain of SAP, which is damn interesting. Though it is a technology I know very little about, it’s always good to learn something new. By sheer happenstance, I now have a manager from the same town as me. More than anything, it reduced the time taken to connect. From whom I have learned a lot about things that otherwise I would have learned the hard way. When it comes to the team, I was in one of the best. A mix of different kinds of people. Hard Working (Maybe a bit too much, But I am hardly the one to judge), brilliant, very helpful and more importantly, they have put up with me, which is a challenge in itself owing to my adamant and talkative nature.

         When I look back at this one year, I do notice a lot of changes in myself. I do not think they are in anyway related to the new job or the new people. Except maybe a few that is. I have made some mistakes in the one year as well. Bad Judgment, my nature and circumstances are responsible. My only regret is that most of them could have been avoided if I had been a bit more careful.

        The best part of the year is that I found the answer to the “When?” that I have mentioned above. Coming to the post, it is a bit vague. It’s only because I wanted it to be so. It wouldn’t be complete without mentioning something I realized recently. It is addressed to Raghav Ravichandran. Raghav, we have had many discussions related to this industry. Dude, I know now that we were both right. Maybe you were right in a touch more instances than I was. I know you will understand what I am trying to say.

         Going into each episode in a whole season review is impossible. So, I will stick to giving my opinion on the entire feel of the season. As I had said before, Season 3 had been a serious one as there were many cases like 3XK, Setup & Countdown, Knockdown, Knockout, etc. that were presented on a more serious note than the usual fun filled episodes. I suppose that was needed as Castle otherwise had started to revolve around relationships. It is after all a police procedural. An example is Kate Beckett getting shot and the death of Roy Montgomery. This was a vital part of the season finale to make sure that the mystery around Kate’s mother’s murder stays alive. Otherwise, Season 4 would have become a dull experience and the viewers count would have dropped for the next season.

         As for the fans and people who love Castle for the Caskett moments, the season finale would have come as real shocker. I feel It was a necessary twist in the story. Perhaps the best twist yet. Knockout was perhaps the most anticipated episode due to the emotions involved and things that hung in the balance. It was also the episode where the cast gave their best performances. The plot had also been an excellent one. The ending of Knockout is the best the producers could have asked for. The way in which the real culprit behind Beckett’s mother’s case was never revealed is what will bring the audience back in Season 4.

          Mid-Season, the post I had made for Castle’s second anniversary, Castle is Two Years Old, was written when seven episodes remained in Season 3. It was just after Castle Season 4 had been announced. Since then, a lot of things have happened. The story moves quickly towards the end of Season 3 just like in Season 2. The difference between the two being that, in Season 3, a lot of unexpected things happened. In Season 2, the storylines of cases were weak except in a few episodes. It is good that, in Season 3 that is not the case.

          This time around, there was a definite maturity in the characters. Almost all the cases were pretty interesting. The unexpected element was handled really well by the writers. The ending was perhaps a heart-stopping moment and will keep every single Castle fan waiting for September 19. Am I right in assuming that guys? I myself am waiting for Season 4 with a lot of excitement.

          The critical reasons that have made Castle an all round entertainer include, the cases, the relationships involved, the case of Beckett’s mother, the real world publication of Richard Castle’s books Heat Wave, Naked Heat and the awaited ones Heat Rises and Derrick Storm Animated series. I am not sure if the Heat Wave movie is actually coming out! I think it is! Not sure when though! Coming back to Season 4, There are a lot of questions that need to be answered on September 19 and throughout the course of Season 4. However, I feel we have more season in Castle and they will leave some old and many new questions unanswered.

           As a final note, I would like to say this, Who would have known that a mid-season replacement show would become one of the biggest shows on ABC ever! Full credit to the cast and crew for this one! The Castle cast and crew Rock!!! Stana Katic, Nathan Fillion, Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Molly Quinn, Tamala Jones, Susan Sullivan and of course Ruben Santiago-Hudson and all the others who work behind the scene, you guys are Awesome with a capital ‘A’!

          I have tried to remain objective while writing this post! I have tried to keep my fan emotions out while writing this. But, I guess its obvious once you read this one and the previous one as well! Do let me know your views on the post and on Castle itself either here as comments or on my twitter page! I just love to meet new people, especially if they share the same interests like mine like Castle fans!
My twitter profile is prashant_dracus. This post is dedicated to all my fellow Castle fans and all who love this awesome show!

          Please find below a poll to pick the Best Episode of Castle Season 3. Please note that you can pick up to two episodes! Because I know that picking one can be very difficult! Do let me know your opinion regarding the post and Castle Season 3 and your views on how Castle Season 4 should be in the form of comments below! Thanks guys!

For catching up with me, do check out my twitter page. Just a click away! I just love to meet new people!
Follow @prashant_dracus

       The idea is to answer certain questions with titles of books. The content of the book has nothing to do with my references! Just what the titles mean. Here’s my life.

In School I was: Crazy

People Might be surprised I’m:  The Man In The Iron Mask

I will never be: Dracula

My Fantasy job is: Highway On My Plate (Yes, There is a book based on the show. Written by the hosts. Would love to do that Job!)

At the end of a long day I need: A Little Night Music

I Hate It When: Troubled Sleep

Wish I Had: The Time Machine

My Family Reunions Are: Never A Dull Moment

At A Party You’d Find Me: Having Fun

I’ve Never Been To: Journey To The Center of the Earth

A Happy Day Includes: The Good Book

Motto I Live By: Life Is What You Make It

On My Bucket List: Train to Pakistan

In My Next Life, I Want To Be: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Try it and let me know guys! Do let me know your comments on my choices of book references as well!

For catching up with me, do check out my twitter page. Just a click away! I just love to meet new people!
Follow @prashant_dracus

                 The IPL this year has been a bit boring! That is the opinion of many people i have met recently. It is perhaps because of the simple fact that we are now used to the big hitting, big stars, glitz & galmour and famous personalities. The people are looking for something new which is obviously not there. The only thing new about the tournament this year is the format of the semi-finals. The Eliminator and Qualifier matches. This is a much better way of organizing it as it differentiates between the most consistent teams (1 and 2) and the ones that have qualified riding on some good performances here and there (3 and 4).

                 The presence of two new teams had raised the expectations of the people. The fans expected more excitement. This has clearly not been the case. I wonder if it is just me and a few people i know who think the IPL is a bit boring this year or is it a common observation. Let me know your views as comments guys. Many of my friends wanted me to do a post on the IPL. I just cannot bring myself to write on something which i do not find interesting. The only new team in the list would be the Kolkata Knight Riders . They have performed well. KKR is now a team. Unlike in the last three editions. Mumbai Indians look favorites once again. However, we all know what happened last year. Chennai Super Kings look their usual self, Scraping their way through to the knockout games then performing like a dream. RCB have got a new lease of life in the form of Chris Gayle. One word here for him, DESTRUCTION. The Royals = The Ultimate Underdogs. Who is going to win it?? That is definitely more interesting than the tournament itself. I wish i could fast forward to the championship game!! (Sighs!!)

              Below is a poll to predict the team that will win this year’s IPL. Do take the poll. It should be simpler to pick a winner as we are almost through the group stage games. Thanks for taking the poll guys!! The only reason that i can think of as to why the IPL looks mundane this year is that the IPL is more business than cricket. At some point you feel, Hey!! This looks familiar. Yes! Of course! The same thing happened last year!!

          Bieber did mention in an interview that his inspiration to write this song was “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson. When you listen you are reminded of “Man in the Mirror“. That was a great song and so is this one! The first time I listened to Pray I was really moved by the both the music and the lyrics. This song marks the coming of age of the most promising artist of the decade. This song shows that Justin Bieber is no longer the boy who wanted to sing. It shows the awakening of the social awareness within him. Pray is one of the best songs of Bieber to date. I was so impressed by the lyrics that I have shared it below. As Justin Bieber says, “It’s a very motivational and uplifting song!”

         Please pardon me for any small errors in the details or the lyrics. Do listen to the song people! It is truly an awesome song. In today’s world not everyone can contribute to the problems existent. However, the one thing every single human being can do is….. Pray!!!

Dan Savoie of Rockstar Weekly said, “The song just moved Bieber from the category of pop child star to responsible young man.”

Lyrics

And I Pray……..
I just can’t sleep tonight,
knowing that things ain’t right.
It’s in the papers, it’s on the TV,
it’s everywhere that i go.
Children are crying, soldiers are dying, some people don’t have a home.

But i know there’s sunshine behind that rain,
I know there’s good times behind that pain.
Can you tell me how i can make a change?

Chorus

I close my eyes, and i can see a better day,
I close my eyes and Pray.                                            x 2

I lose my appetite, knowing kids starve tonight
Am I a sinner? Cause half my dinner,
Is still there on my plate.
Ooooh i got a vision, to make a difference,
and it’s starting today.

Cause i know there’s sunshine beyond that rain,
I know there’s good times beyond that pain.
Heaven tell me i can make a change.

Chorus

I close my eyes, and i can see a better day,
I close my eyes and Pray.
I close my eyes and i can see a better day,
I close my eyes and..

I Pray for the broken-hearted, I Pray for the life not started.
I Pray for all the ones not breathing, I Pray for all the souls that need a break,
Can you give em one today?

I just can’t sleep tonight,       Can someone tell me how to make a change?

Chorus

I close my eyes, and i can see a better day,
I close my eyes and Pray.                                            x 2
I Prayyyy, I Prayyyyy
I close my eyes and Pray.

Note: For Further details on the song and video,

• Pray -  Justin Bieber (Wikipedia Page)
• Pray – Justin Bieber (Video on Youtube)

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