Johanna Sigurdardottir becomes first woman PM of Iceland

Iceland selects its former Social Affairs Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir as its new Prime Minister. So what you might wonder. The 66-year-old Johanna Sigurdardottir is also the first woman Prime Minister of the country and also probably first lesbian PM in the modern times at least in Europe.

Johanna Sigurdardottir's sexual orientation is truly a surprise to the so-called conservative European and Asian nations because homosexuals are looked at as demons in few countries and killed in some Arab nations. In fact, the fact doesn't quite stirr so much of excitement in her home country Iceland, like it is doing here in Asia.

I appreciate the liberal thinking of the Iceland voters, they didn't attach too much of an importance to her sexual orientation. It will take hell of a time for countries of Asia and even some parts of Europe to reach to that level of tolerance.

It was about a week back the French parliamentary relations minister came out of his closet and made public about his sexual orientation. He admitted himself to be gay. A political veteran Johanna Sigurdardottir started her life as a flight attendant with the then Icelandair. She; while serving the airlines as stewardess, became an active union organizer and that's where she got her political roots.

She divorced her husband but had 2 sons with him. Johanna Sigurdardottir is having an openly admitted civic relationship with another divorced mother, a playwright, journalist and author Jonina Leosdottir for the past 6 years, from 2002.

Soon after taking in the realms of the Government Johanna Sigurdardottir she promised to try for debt relief for deserving Icelanders and promises to alleviate the housing and the unemployment problems. The country's leading banks nationalized following almost a collapse after million dollar debts and , the country's currency value dipping in with increase in unemployment problem and fall in housing prices drew lot of global attention. Thanks to IMF that stepped in with a $10 billion to salvage every inhabitant of Iceland.

For the 320,000 Icelanders there are many serious problems, and their new PM, Johanna Sigurdardottir's sexual orientation is not worth thinking at all at this point in time.

Australian Open 2009 Men's Singles Winner is Rafael Nadal

It’s always a treat to watch the great tennis warriors Swiss Roger Federer and Spaniard Rafael Nadal fight for supremacy. It was no less than a great Finals match today when the two top seeds sweated out at the Rod Laver Arena to win the Australian Open Men’s Singles trophy. I see that Rafa grew far from any one’s imagination to dethrone Roger Federer from the No.1 position. He is deservedly the numero uno player in Men's Tennis circuit today.

Although beginning of the tournament I had great expectations on some fresh talent including Andy Murray, Tsonga none of them lived to my expectations. I, in fact, had hopes of seeing Monfils somewhere in the top 4 (don’t take me mad, but I believe that this boy will go a long way in Men’s tennis).

While I watched Rafa play fellow Spaniard Verdasco, I almost thought he lost the match to Verdasco. It was mere luck on part of Nadal that he went on to Australian Open finals. Roger Federer entered finals with a hope to win 14th grand slam title and it is their seventh encounter in a final and I was glued to the television saw the 2 tennis rivalries fight out, it was worth every second. The first set was Nadal's (7-5) followed by Federer even out with one set (6-3). Third set was a real feast to my eyes and it was an outstanding play by both fighters never willing to give up. It went to Nadal in a tie breaker (7-6) and the fourth set was a cake walk for Nadal with (6-3) and fifth set saw Federer fight up again, but it was cool nerves of Nadal that help him win the set (6-2)and title. Rafa also becomes first Spaniard ever to win Australian Open.

PS:
To see Roger break down saying 'God! It's killing me' made me cry along for this tennis hero. The fantastic sportsman settled down fast and took mic saying speaking last words in the tournament deservedly belongs to Rafa and he thanked all of those who've been there supporting him. Roger is a true ambassador of tennis and love to see him come to #1 again!

Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza win the Australian Open Mixed Doubles Finals 2009

One more reason for Indian tennis fans to cheer as the Indian duo, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza becomes first Indian duo to become Australian Open 2009 mixed doubles winners.

An hour back the Rod Laver Arena cheered the two Indians lift the Australian Open 2009 Mixed Doubles Trophy. The unseeded duo drubbed the Israeli-French pair Andy Ram and Nathalie Dechy in straight sets 6-3 and 6-1 to lift the coveted title. Bhupathi and Mirza pair entered the tournament through a wild card and never shown signs of fumble throughout the turnament and this match in particular. They Indian duo have dominated the Israeli-French duo from the beginning and displayed an enviously fiery form. I especially loved the way Sania played in the net almost checking on every ball. No wonder the match did not even last for an hour and the duo clinched the title.

For Mahesh Bhupathi, who missed Australian doubles finals yesterday with partner Mark Knowles, this win must be great relief as it will make him one Indian to have won all four Grand Slams, a record in rarity and will pump up confidence into both of them, especially Sania Mirza who had come to mainstream tennis after string of injuries. This win indeed is the first doubles Grand Slam win for Sania Mirza.

Year 2009 started off very well and Indians have all reasons to cheer. While the Indian cricket team is dominating lankans in Sri Lanka, the Australian Open 2009 sees Yuki Bhambri and Sania-Mahesh pair clinch respective titles. Chak de India

Yuki Bhambri First Indian To Win Australian Open Boys Title

Born on 4th July 1992, into a family that is obsessed by tennis, Yuki Bhambri, the 16-year-old lad from Delhi wins the Australian Open 2009 Boys' title beating German Alexandros-Ferdinandos Georgoudas in straight sets of 6-3 and 6-1. By winning the Junior Grand Slam title, Yuki Bhambri joins the band of Indian Tennis heroes Ramanathan Krishnan, Ramesh Krishnan and also Leander Paes. Top seed Yuki Bhambri won the final match in less than an hour against the unseeded German.

However, Yuki is very fortunate to have it won at 16 years of age, and hopefully if he can continue the form he is in now, he can win for himself one or a couple of more Grand Slam titles this year. He his honing his playing skills at the Nick Bolletieri Tennis Academy, Florida, US. Thanks to his ever encouraging family and the accomplished tennis players Anita Bhambri and Sanaa Bhambri and also his coach Aditya Sachdeva, Yuki got his basics from home from the two sisters and coach. And, to be born into a family that loves and knows about Tennis is a great blessing, acknowledges Yuki.

The right handed player started playing Tennis as young as 6 years of age and he admits he is a big fan of Rafael Nadal. The best part is that Yuki plays much better when he is playing singles. It is also evident from his doubles result at the Australian Open. He, with Taipei partner lost in their Semi Finals match.

After the win, Yuki Bhambri is envisioning to see himself in the men's tennis circuit, but guess he needs to exercise caution as to the matches he will choose to play. He needs to slowly transition to the men's tennis and does need to improve his physique besides honing his tennis skills and will be another Tennis great from India. For now, Yuki Bhambri definitely done us all proud by creating history.