My Musings on Life, Poetry and Short Stories

Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 22:55:00 +0000

Flowers start blooming
in to a pretty blossom
in the fluffy grass!

-Samhita

M S D THE ALMIGHTY

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 20:25:00 +0000

To say MS Dhoni is a very resourceful player to have in your team is like "Carrying Coal to Newcastle". Nine out of Ten times he succeeds in pulling his Team out of trouble. (You need Rajni to do better). Having said this, let us look at what happened in the match between RCB and CSK on 13th April 2013. RCB had virtually eclipsed CSK with an Iron like grip and were coasting towards their victory when MS Dhoni joined the Act. As per the New Saying, "When the going gets tough, Dhoni gets Going". Having already taken 3 catches and 1 stumping out of 6 Wickets that fell in RCB innings Dhoni was thirsting for a well deserved win. He puts on 49 Runs in 4.5 overs with Jadeja and that leaves CSK with 29 runs to get off 2 overs. Any ordinary fan of cricket would have expected CSK to lose as this was a tall order for the "not so well recognized batsmen" at the crease. No, not in case of Dhoni inspired team mates. Jadeja takes the challenge with both the arms and starts smacking whatever is hurled at him. The target reduces to 2 of the very last ball and the crowd is perspiring with bated breath. Normally any bowler will be doubly cautious during the death overs because any error could make you lose the Game. Last of all bowl a "No Ball" which is unpardonable. Not when Dhoni's Magic Spell is working. The incredible thing happens and RP Singh gifts the match on a plate to CSK!! Now isn't He the Almighty!

I P L - Where it takes the Game?

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:56:00 +0000

After the initial euphoria of the dare devil exploits of players like Gayle, Pollard, Rayudu, Sehwag, Peiterson, Usuf Pathan, Virat Kohli etc., which made the viewers sit glued to the TV during the first 4 versions and the current IPL 5, one begins to wonder where this takes the Game of Cricket per se ! A mighty heave or a swashbuckling reverse sweep may be pleasing to the eye once a while but repeated attempts to hit the ball without worrying about the nuances or the principles of stroke play, which makes the Game of Cricket a connoisseur's delight, makes the game a comedy of errors. The players tend to throw caution to winds in their attempts to score the maximum runs and it robs the game of its finesse! No doubt you see the Great Tendulkar not being able to do the heroics of the other players because he still adheres to some technique and style the game is known for. I am not saying the T-20 Version is a sham but only request that the players do not try to make it a wild game of chance. There is nothing wrong in trying to excel but make sure you do it in style. Happy Viewing!!

A Lesson, Perhaps, for M S Dhoni

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:02:00 +0000

In the recent Tri Series match between Sri Lanka and Australia there was a lesson or two for our tottering cricket team, who seem to have lost their appetite for wins! Despite the decent score of 280 aided by Peter Forrest and Michael Clarke the Sri Lankans had their Game Plan neatly chalked out before beginning their reply. Mahela Jayawardane got his side off to a flying start which ensured that there was no undue pressure on the other batsmen. Such was his dominating display that Dilshan, who fell for a meekly compiled 3 and Kumar sangakara with a breezy 22 were made to look below par. His batting display even enthused his less known colleagues to rise to the occasion!

After losing Chandimal and Maharoof Sri Lankans were needing 31 runs from 4 overs. I could not help thinking what India would have done under similar situation and the thought wasn't a happy one. Sri Lanka had different plans. Despite Angelo Mathews falling for a catch in the deep, Perara and Nuwan Kulasekara rose like a Phoenix from the pyre to finish off the chase with four balls to spare! Boy! This is what is called defiant performance. I am sure our team was watching this game and would have got inspired. We need such defiant innings from our not-in-form Seniors as well as the promising young brigade.

With over half the matches completed and finding ourselves at the bottom of the Points Table is not a pleasant situation. But as Churchil said "In Defeat Lies Defiance" ! It is how we play that matters and not the Wins or Defeats. Let us go and give a truly delightful display of cricket which our players like Sachin, Dhoni and Lakshman are well known for instead of brooding over what went wrong or blaming each other. Victory will surely follow.

Sachin!! - Take it Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:21:00 +0000

There is no doubt in anyone's mind about who is the greatest Batsman in the world, both in One Day Format as well as a Test Match. Sachin has sculpted his name in the Altar of Indian Cricket. Well having said that, it is time to think whether the Legend should push himself so hard for achieving that one milestone, Hundredth Ton, with his failing form time and again. He is human and this milestone is no big deal when compared to the innumerable tons hs has scored against all the cricketing countries in the world. As an ardent fan of his, I really feel bad to see him struggle to achieve this. Perhaps he would have done it very easily if we hadn't kept the count of his hundreds and the 'Magic Number' was not pressurising him! He should gracefully retire with his guns blazing and we remember him as the Master Blaster. Like the Great Gavaskar once said, you should leave when people ask "Why?" rather than when they begin to say, "Why Not?". Again this is not a criticism on Sachin's Capabilities as a Great Batsman but only a sincere appeal from an ardent fan who wants to remember him as the "Master Blaster" who sent the best of the bowlers to the fence with his Magic Willow. Wish him all the luck for achieving this elusive hundred.

Covert Act of God

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Nature's disasters
God's Covert act to control
The errant Humans

She is a Puzzle

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Demure look on face
Your eyes a bottomless sea;
You are mystery

For Haiku Heights

Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:32:00 +0000

Myriad stars shine
Billion miles of vast space
Everlasting mystery

For Haiku-heights

Magic Squares - A Brain Teaser!

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:05:00 +0000

In continuation of my earlier post on SU-DO-KU I am writing this one on Magic Squares. It is said that the Great Genius in Mathematics, Sreenivasa Ramanujam began his exploits with Magic Squares and went on to become the greatest Mathematician from India to be compared with the likes of Newton, Archimedes etc. Let us delve into it and see what it holds for us.

Magic Squares of Odd Numbers

Magic Squares can be made either for Odd number of Squares or for Even number of Squares. First let us study the Odd Number squares. For Eg: let us construct a Magic Square of 5 x 5. We will be making amazing arrangement of numbers in a way that they all add up to same total either upon each row or each column or the diagonals.The squares can be of odd number like 3,5,7,9 et all. The method creating these squares are fairly simple and follows a pattern. They can be summarised as follows:

Begin at the Top row middle square always.
When at the top, drop down to the bottom row in next column.
Where vacant keep ascending the diagonal to the right.
When blocked at the side, go to upper row extreme left column.
when blocked while ascending the diagonal. drop down to immediate lower square.

That is all folks! Keep filling those numbers following these rules and you will be amazed how easy it is to fill even the squares of 11,13,15 etc .

Magic Squares of Even Numbers

The construction of even number Magic Squares is more exciting. We can make squares of 4,8,12 etc and for now let us make 4x4 model. To begin you start from left to right and filling the numbers in natural order from 1 to 16 BUT only in the DIAGONALS. See Pic A. Then start filling again from 15 to 1 from Left to Right in the vacant squares to complete the Puzzle. Wasn't it easy! Have fun. I used to give this Puzzle to my children for creating an interest and familiarity with numbers in them. It worked and they are comfortable with Mathematics! Well even in old age this can provide the much needed exercise to the brain to keep it in shape, no kidding. it is true!

Games of Puzzle and Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:55:00 +0000

In continuation of my earlier post on SU-DO-KU I am writing this one on Magic Squares. It is said that the Great Genius in Mathematics, Sreenivasa Ramanujam began his exploits with Magic Squares and went on to become the greatest Mathematician from India to be compared with the likes of Newton, Archimedes etc. Let us delve into it and see what it holds for us.

SU-DO-KU Challenge - Preamble

When I first came across this puzzle 2 years ago I casually started solving them and slowly it began to attract me more and more with challenges to solve higher difficulty level puzzles. The solution does not require any technical expertise or any mathematical knowledge. With concentration. Logic and some quick reflexes one can solve almost all the puzzles unless of course the Author deliberately gives lesser numbers than required to make it more challenging etc. Now let us get on with the Game:

The Game

Sample

Have a look at the picture above. You can see an empty Grid with 81 squares and a Solved Sample SU-DO-KU. The Author of the puzzle fills certain squares of the grid himself and you have to complete filling the rest of the empty squares adhering to some rules of the Game. The rules are as follows:

Each Row should contain 1 to 9 with no repeats
Each column should contain 1 to 9 with no repeats
There are 9 Mini Squares within the Main Square with 3 Rows&3 Colums each. They should get filled up with numbers 1 to 9 with no repeats.

Looks simple right! The challenge is the third requirement of mini squares. Ready, Go!

Our Puzzle

For starters let us take an easy one. See the Puzzle on the left. We have to solve this. You can see some squares are filled already. To identify them they are in RED. I am sure it looks difficult and has more than 1 choice for each square. Relax, let us use our logic and the facts we know. Sice no rows or columns can have duplicate numbers let us look for common numbers in rows or colums. Number 6 appears in top 2 rows and 8th row column 5. Now the top middle mini square (Row 1,2,3 Col 4,5,6) cannot have 6 in the first row, second row or 5th col in 3rd row because these rows and column already have 6 in them which leaves only 3rd row 6th column for 6.("A") Presto you got 1.

Do a similar exercise with columns 4,5,6 for number 5 and you will get row 5,col 5 as the place for number 5.("B") Another trick is take rows 4,5,6 and check for 1. 5th row col 2 has 1 so you cannot have 1 in the cols 1 and 3 above. Similarly there is 1 in Row 6,col 8 and hence you cannot have 1 in col 7,8,9 of Row 4. So 1 can fit in Row 4,Col 4 only.("C")

Just by checking for missing numbers in a Row or column with available numbers you can find the numbers you need. If you are too tired to complete or just curious see the completed Puzzle below.

Solution

For the Die-Hard SU-DO-KU fans plenty of puzzles, with solutions (lol!), are available at online websites. To see them clik HERE. We shall look at "Magic Squares" in my next article. See you Guys!!

My AllTime Favourite Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:49:00 +0000

My All-time favourites

1. Gandhi - English Version

Even as a school boy I was deeply attracted towards the Great Mahatma and read a lot about him. I was impressed by his unique brand of fight against the Mighty British, his enchanting charisma and his witty remarks. When the movie Gandhi, with Ben Kingsley doing the lead, was released I was very eager to watch the movie. The role of Gandhi was played so well by Ben Kingsley and his striking resemblance to the Mahatma added more fervor. The scene when Gandhi tells Om Puri to adopt a child, especially a Muslim one, and raise him as a Muslim takes the Cake!

2. Step Mom

Julia Roberts has always been my favourite actress for a long time. Her performances in "Erin Brokovic" and "Pretty Woman" were of very high standard and fetched her the coveted Oscar! In Step Mom she did the role of a professional photographer in love with a divorcee with two children and the stress of endearing herself to the kids. She carried the burden with aplomb and I still remember the scene in which she tells the mother of the kids, Susan Sarandon, about her fears that the girl might still be thinking about her mother on her wedding day to which Susan replies that she is afraid that she may not be thinking that way! An emotional and sentimental scene not usually seen in an English Movie.

3. Erin Brokovic

Playing the role of a mundane activist would deter the strongest of actors from accepting the role. Not Julia Roberts. She not only accepts the challenge but goes on to win an Oscar for her role in that movie.It was made as close to the original events as possible that it had the credibility and ready acceptance of the viewers. Alfred Finney as the Lawyer who employs Julia was brilliant too in his role. His humour and affection for her was beautifully picturised throughout. One scene, towards the end, when he goes to her office to handover her cheque for handling the case, was the icing on the cake. He remarks after surprising her with a generous bonus amount. "Do they teach the Beauty Queens how to apologise?, because you suck at it!". A movie I wouldn't mind seeing again.

Written for Reel-life Bloggers contest Wogma

Adolescence - The Age of Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:18:00 +0000

Falling in Love!

Adolescence plays such an important role in the life of a person that it could make a difference between a well planned life and a frustrated one. The ability of the person to handle this delicate period decides how successful he / she will be in the adult life. This period relates to the span of time between the time of Puberty and the Maturity. With the changes that take place in the body and the brain due to hormonal effects can really influence a person’s behaviour. Examples of such behaviour can be that of youngsters who get infatuated with their favourite Film Hero / Heroine and keep carrying their pictures with stars in their eyes! They are too immature to know the difference between “Infatuation” and “Love”. The momentary crush due to physical attraction is often misinterpreted as Love.

The Role of Parent

The parents have a very important role to play in this regard. When their children attain puberty and are in their adolescence, it is vital for them to discuss about sex, relationships etc with the children in a free and frank manner. This would provide the much needed opportunity for the children to open up with their doubts and feelings without any inhibition. Unless your child feels free to discus with you about anything that is bothering him / her you are failing in your duty of creating the much needed trust.

A parent has to explain detail about the feeling of Love, what it entails and how it builds mutual bond of friendship, affection and respect. They should be advised about letting it mature into a deep bond of relationship before resorting to any physical form of committing to each other. They have to be counseled on the need for compatibility on many things besides just emotion, like education, financial stability, social and economical issues etc. Hasty decisions based on perceived Love often result in unsatisfactory marriages and lead to separation eventually.

Practical Situation

I know of a friend whose daughter fell in love with a boy and wanted to marry him. When she told her parents about the same the parents were taken aback. The girl had just completed her graduation and was looking for a job and she had met this boy at the “Employment Registration” office. The parents acted in a very structured manner. They called her for a detailed discussion. They asked her whether she knows all the details about him and if he is in a position to support her and maintain an independent Family. She said that he was an Engineering Graduate looking for a job and has passed with distinction. His parents are school teachers. They asked her to invite the boy to their house for Tea. When the Boy came home they were happy to see a well mannered, handsome young man . The boy spoke of his ambitions to become a scientist in Rocket Propulsion and help the country in exploring the space. He also said that he loved the girl very much and would like to get engaged to her for eventual marriage to be done after he settles into a permanent Job of his dreams. He had also spoken to his own parents about his decision and they were keen to meet the girl’s family. Hearing this, the girl’s parents knew that the boy is very matured and well balanced man and a suitable match for their child. This is the way an adolescent should approach this issue, in my opinion.

Promised Land

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:25:00 +0000

Miles to Go!

Miles and miles of road
Have I crossed along for sure
Searching promised Land

For Haiku-Heights

Vertical Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:07:00 +0000

6 Year old on Vertical Challenge - Dallas

Fear is no big deal

If you set your heart to win

Her vertical climb

For Haiku-Heights

Rhythm

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:20:00 +0000

Savage Tsunami ?
Be in Rhythm with nature
Learn the Eco way

For Haiku-Heights

I Love Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:21:00 +0000

Beaux lacs et jolis jardins
La tour eiffel puissante
Paris je vous aime

J'adore écrire en français
Translation ...
nice lakes and pretty gardens
The mighty Eiffel Tower
Paris I love you

I love writing in French!

Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:04:00 +0000

No one can resist

The charm of Eiffel Tower

Heart throb of Europe

For Haiku-Heights

CHARM

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:16:00 +0000

At times she is coy
There is no end to her charms
My little daughter

For Haiku-Heights

Art of Great Poise

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Gentle maneuvers
Captivating sequences
Ballet has great poise

For Haiku-Heights

PHOENIX

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 04:45:00 +0000

Image coutesy: Link

Legendary Bird
After perishing on pyre
Sure to rise again
For Haiku-Heights

DEER

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 03:53:00 +0000

Deer

Picture Courtesy:Pixdaus.Uploaded by Kev

Living with nature
Mesmerising look in eyes
Spots add to beauty
For Haiku-Heights

BETRAYAL

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:02:00 +0000

Softly spoken lies
Causing pains however small
Acts of Betrayal

For One Single Impression

LOST

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:44:00 +0000

Gentle dreams were lost
Victim of blatant abuse
Help that little child

For HAIKU-HEIGHTS

Nature Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:32:00 +0000

Water the pristine
Form of food that god gave us
Drink more stay healthy

Transparency

noreply@blogger.com (Saras) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:15:00 +0000

Get Transparency
Free your soul from desires
Water finds level

For Haiku-Heights