The Burned Biscuits..

One of an interesting message I stumbled upon!!!...

When I was a kid, my mom would prepare special breakfast every now and then. And I remember one night in particular, after a long tiring, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!. Yet, all my dad did was reached for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and ate every bite.

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I will never forget what he said. Honey, I love burned biscuits.

Later that night, I went to kiss my daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your momma put in a hard day at work today and she is real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!. You know, life is full of imperfect things.. and imperfect people. I am not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversarys just like everyone else.

Whatever I have learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing and a lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burned biscuit isn't a deal-broker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!.

Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own!!!

God Bless everyone.. and always!!!

Just a matter of Rs 25/-

Recently I came across an inspiring story. I wanted to share this with all of you(I have added a couple of points).Very true in our lives! Please park a few minutes to read this!
A woman came home from work very late. Coming late is many a times tagged with tiredness, irritation, hunger. She saw her five year old son patiently waiting for her at the door. The conversation began between the tired mom and the calm son.

Son: "Mom, may I ask you a question?"

Mom: "Yeah, sure son!. What it is?"

Son: "Mom, How much money do you make in an hour?"

Mom got irritated (the added irritation) and said, "That is none of your business!, Why do you ask such a question?".

Son: "I just want to know Mom. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?"

Mom:"If you must know, I make Rs 50 per hour!"

Son(putting his head down):"Oh!.. Mom, may I please borrow Rs 25?"

The mother was furious and said, "If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense stuff, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish frivolities" The little boy extremely disappointed went quietly to his room and shut the door.

The woman sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he asks such questions just to get money?". The mother's ego was on a little high and we generally don't like being questioned on salary right!

After about an hour or so, the woman calmed down. She started to think. May be there was something he really needed to buy with that Rs 25 and she really did not ask for money very often. The woman went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door.

"Are you asleep, my son?" she asked.

"No mom!, Am awake" replied the boy.

Mom said, "I have been thinking, may be I was too hard on you earlier". "It has been a long day and I took my aggravation on you. Here is Rs 25 you had asked for!"

The little boy happily sat straight up smiling. "Mom, thank you so much". He said in very happy tone!. Then reaching under the pillow, he pulled out some crumpled up bills.

The woman on seeing that he already had some money got wild and angry again. The little boy not bothering about his mom's reaction, slowly counted all the money and then looked up to his mother.

The mother asked him, "Why do you want more money when you already have some?"

"Because, I did not have enough, I asked you Mom!" pat came his reply adding, "Mom, I now have Rs 50 with me. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home soon tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you!"

The mother was crushed. She put her arms around her little son and pleaded forgiveness!

How true it is!. We get engaged in to work so much that sometimes we fail to think about family. We work so hard in life. It is a good reminder to all of us that we should not let time slip through our fingers withing having spent some time with those who really matter to us and those who are close to our hearts.

If we die tomorrow, the company we work for will immediately find a replacement within hours/days. But the family/friends we leave behind will only feel the loss for the rest of their lives!!

Please remember to share that Rs 50 worth of your time with the someone you love and care.

PS: Not only for Moms, but all hard working people!

Signing off

SPH

Elections

Elections have always been a tension filled, fun and a fan-fare activity. Once in every 5 years, we get to listen to faces (unseen so far) campaigning for their parties and for themselves. Political campaigns have undergone a big change. Politicians have changed their strategies in approaching voters.

There used to be blaring loudspeakers, cut-outs, hit-songs, wall posters, and a relentless 9 - 6 campaign in the hot sun. It has become passe now. It used to look like a festival time. These days, may be because of less time to campaign, these have become very less or almost nil.

It is an interesting experience and a transformation in terms of elections being conducted. Migration from paper ballot to Electronic Voting Machine (if only, Sujatha had been alive, he would have been extremely happy witnessing the usage of EVMS; It was during his tenure @ BEL, EVM was designed!) Lot of changes..Even campaigns are run through the media - the individual party's television, radio. With the advent of technology and free money flow, campaigning perspectives have changed though the motive still remains and will ever remain the same - Hunger for Power.

Technology has helped the politicians give a personal touch to the voters - by way of social networking (some independent candidates), SMSes, calls, what not...I only wonder what if all these changes are bringing in the desired change in the government and minds of people? Sigh.. I doubt so.. Time and again, we have only seen the change of power seeming to be the change of person and not in ideologies, progressive approaches and design a growth path!!

Freebies have come an integral part of the campaigning strategy during this election. Voters are wooed with freebies, alchohol, cash or kind. I used to wonder this whenever I hear the statement - Your vote counts!!. Yeah, for money, for freebies, every vote counts.. But that should not refrain from voting. Voting is a right!. You can always use 49-O too if you don't like any party. But never forget to cast your opinion. I have exercised my franchise!!!

Election 2011 for TN is over. Let us hope the new government (whoever it may be) take TamilNadu in to a REAL growth path and not spend the term in PERSONAL family growth path!!!

Signing off,

SPH

3G - Guru Genius Gary

Here is a hero who is very silent, unassuming but a strong person.. Yes it is Proteas genius (here is another g).. Guru "Gazza" Gary Kirstein.

Cricket is in his genes. Hailing from a cricketing family where his father, brothers all played cricket, naturally the young Gary was no exception to it.. He is an excellent cricketer. Just when apartheid was lifted, Proteas's first visit was to India to play one dayers and test matches. Peter Kirsten went on to play the innings. But, there was a guy watching his brother Peter and growing up under his(Peter's) shadow.. The one and only Gary Kirsten.

A foreword by Jonty Rhodes in his book where in he quoted an incident. - When the Kirsten brothers opened the innings and were playing strong. Gary and Peter were peppered by some hostile bowling by the Aussies such that Glenn's ball hit Gary's brother had to leave the ground to hospital to have his cheekbone operated on. That is when Jonty had seen this man's strong character and doggedness of Gary - setting aside the scene of his brother falling and stretchered off the field behind him and concentrating on the work!.

Such was his determination and will power to play for the nation and succeed!! The determination must have been transfered from his dad. During the years, he earned a good reputation in both one dayers and test matches. He retired in 2004 after playing for 10 years. Perhaps, the only batsman who scored test century against all Test playing nations.

Kirsten is certainly a different coach! India has not seen a coach like that for a long time. He did not come out of any recommendation, nor did he had any experience. He was interviewed, and got selected as Indian team coach. When he signed the contract, every one would have thought him as yet another "foreign" coach. There is a fantasy adding the word "Foreign". He had little or no experience in being a coach. I read somewhere that Ravi Shastri called him for the position of Coach and he was offered post interview. For a long time, India lacked the hard-edge. It definitely was not a Midas' touch that as soon as Gary entered the scene, it was victory all over the place.

He took and gave time to settle down and establish a good rapport with all the team players. It is important at the first place for a coach to be treated as a respected and coach!!. He moved his coins very carefully. Perhaps his success mantra was in giving as much space as they desired to the top players. Surely not letting anyone's I factor on the rise. He instilled the confidence, so called "devil-may-care" attitude and most importantly, he removed the fear that was set in from the minds of Indian players.

In Bhagavad Gita, there is a saying where - "do your duty to the best of your ability". Perhaps it was also in Kirsten's mind. His philosophy was also to prepare hard for the game and forget about the result. That gave a good confidence to all the players.

Kirsten is an excellent motivator. He found out the strengths and weaknesses of each player and asked them to improve and helped them to do so!!. He won the hearts of many players. Seldom you could see such a coach!! It was only during his hugely successful and path-breaking tenure from 2008 to 2011, India rose to the summit of Test Cricket by claiming the number one ranking before embarking on their World cup journey!!

He is approachable, friendly yet a tough man. He has the uncanny knack of being quick enough to put an arm on your shoulder when you are in trouble times. The best part is - He speaks in a postive way and motivates the team!. He has never been tempted by Money, Power or Prestige. In fact, he treats them with disdain. Perhaps that is why he is well suited for the job of a COACH!

He has set clear expectations of how a coach should be. It would really be hard for his successor to sustain the expectations and take the team from there. One marked difference between GK and his predeccessors is that GK is shy to media. He always played his part behind the screens(ground). You could have hardly seen him giving interviews after every match. He spoke only when warranted. His predeccessor Chappell tried his level best to take India to good height.. In the process, he did not work on his fundamentals and missed the essentials!.Being first to media!

Even after the victory, he was calm and composed and duly credited the success to the team's effort. He said "It is humbling to hear that Indians want him to stay on".

He is a perfect family man. As a responsible father and a caring husband, he is leaving to his hometown to spend good quality time with his children and wife. Surely, it was due to their sacrifice, he was able to stay committed and focussed. He admits that humbly and says it is time for him to repay for the family's sacrifices.. Sure shot, the kids have the best dad! " There are lots of lessons for every one of us to be learnt from this silent bald 43 year old young man!

He has set a clear example and would be a role model for all future coaches..He is of the belief that sportsmen can improve only if they want to. Coaches can only facilitate the process. They can not thrust it. A profound truth!. This applies to our lives as well!

One of the best triumvirates the universe has produced till date is the Google team. Perhaps, the next example of a triumvirate would be Kirsten, Dhoni and Tendulkar!.Such a perfect understanding!!!. Gary, you are a real GURU!

From 1983 to 2011..

Yes. You got it right... This is about Cricket, world's most popular one of the most prefered and interesting game...After watching this World cup (2011) I got so excited that I decided to pen down my feelings on Cricket World cup comparing '83 and '11!!

1983..

A period when Indians were considered underdogs..Wait a minute!. Did I say underdogs? Even worse, no-one would have even in their wild dreams had dreamt of an Asian country winning a prestigious and coveted title. I vividly(yes, it is so green in my memory) remember 1983 Prudential World cup. Growing up along(and surrounded) with cricket lovers - parents, brothers(their friends as well).. There were a set of die-hard Kapil Dev fans, a set who loved Gavaskar, and a set who cheered our own Chikka aka Srikkanth's fans. I grew up listening to and watching their talk on the game. I, as a young girl, might not have tried to play/follow the game immediately, but nevertheless, the interest deeply stayed in me and is... (till now).. Recalling the victorious moments of 1983, I am sure my brothers would have enjoyed it much more than I.

We did not have television, there were no plethora of radio stations (unlike today) - only BBC and of course our AIR in Medium Wave, no Internet or FACEBOOK!. The radio station - BBC where in we could listen to commentary with aerial disturbances now and then.

We were in Coimbatore during that time and I remember my brothers, his friends going to UMS(somewhere in Avinashi Road) to watch the match in the evening (GMT + 530 as the match was being played at Lords). And the victory news created the same euphoria that the present generation and we are in now. Coming to what was different then than this time, there were many things...

1. India surely had had a learning experience in the first two world cups(either by playing or watching). From being a no hope team to emerging as a winner. Surely, 1983 was not a fluke or luck...

2. The penchant to success was there in everyone..

3. Because, they had not won a big title till then... May be a win against England.

4. The team was more than Indian. Not only Mumbaikars.. Had representatives from all states.

Would I stand right, if I say, it was a superlative effort by less (crowd) supported but with grit and determination?5. Kapil and his team went to the field without any expectations. More so, after losing the test match to Pakistan and a change in captaincy - Gavaskar to Kapil. Kapil held his chin up.

.. so on...

The match had lot of sensational moments. People who had watched it or even listened to commentary would definitely rate the victory as the BEST. I say this not because, it was the first big title but it was also an unexpected victory. And more so, beating an invincible West Indies team (I think they must have planned for a hat-trick). It brought in a paradigm shift in the way the one days are played. The test matches slowly started losing its prominence. I would rate test matches are the best.

Out of 1983 WC, specials that we would always love to watch - the amazing/astonishing/ impeccable (whatever you may call it) Kapil da's catch (one of the best catches till date). from going down to 17 for 5 to a winning 266 for 8 (175 n.o. - oh yeah, one of the best innings vs Zimbabwe, Amarnath's wobble, and the Sardar of Swing - Sandhu's banana ball, the deadly combo of Gavaskar, Srikkanth - where one is a stayer and other is a dasher. I bet, it was only after watching Chikka play dashing strokes in the initial overs, Jayasuriya followed it.

Kapil Dev Nikhanj drove the team in teh same fashion as Mahendra Singh Dhoni did!!

2011..

From 1983 to 2011.. 28 years, Cricket as a game has changed a lot.. Coaches, Media, Money, Records, Rules per se, so many factors settled in. Viewership had increased multifold. Cricketing expectations are set clearly!! Media attention. Fear of Critics!. And lastly, the fear of bookies.. This time, they had planned their victory.. And this victory did not come overnight. Preparation did not start one or 6 months back.. But soon after 2007 World cup exit!...

The current Indian team has full of young players who were not even born during 1983 World cup. May be, Tendulkar is an exception. He might have grown up watching it. Perhaps he would have been the only person who would have understood the significance of a World cup victory.

Should I say only he would have felt the zeitgeist?

I sincerly salute the team for their meticulous preparation and this time I saw a sea change in the final match. The Indians did their homework very well.. Excellent fielding, tight line and length bowling, giving room for opponent to bowl bad balls, staying in the ground for partnership so on. The team was well packed, calculated risks by Dhoni (using Sreesanth, Nehra) under the able guidance of Gary ( will write about him in my next).

Dhoni and his Men in Blue certainly did India a lot of proud. It was an elating and a happier moment for 1 billion Indians and all Indians across the world.

Certainly the World cup victory celebrations is not over .. Be it the way!. It will continue for many days, weeks and months or may be till we clinch 2015 title as well! Just before I sign off, Congratulations Team India!!!Chak De India!! . 1983 is a memorable one..

On a lighter vein: What is the similarity between KapilDev Ramlal Nikhanj and Mahendra Singh Dhoni - Both drink lot of Milk ;). I read somewhere that when Kapil's coach advised he should drink a lot of milk - it seems his father bought a Buffallo to solve the problem.. :) :)

Readers, welcome to share your experiences on 1983 and 2011 WC.