Brazilian Legend Socrates- Football's Cool Maestro dies

Socrates, one of the true masters of the beautiful game died Sunday, aged 57.

Socrates, captained the 1982 Brazilian national team that included Zico,Falcao and Eder and have often been lauded as "the best team never to win a World Cup."

Paying a tribute to the King of Cool, Henry Winter writes in The Telegraph: Brazil’s captain struck twice in Spain, the first coming against the USSR in Seville. It was a classic, Socrates sidestepping two opponents sliding in despairingly, knowing the venom lurking in that famous right foot. The pain duly came, Socrates rifling a shot past Rinat Dasaev, the highly respected Soviet keeper.

The majesty of many of Socrates’ goals lay in their technical brilliance, the stellar significance of the occasion and often the quality of the goalkeeper condemned to fetch the ball out of the net.

After Dasaev, Socrates also caught out Dino Zoff. It came in one of the most epic contests in World Cup history, a match with Italy played out in the heat of Barcelona. Countless millions tuning in around the world watched transfixed as Socrates strolled through the middle, playing a firm pass to Zico before striding on. Zico stroked a superb return pass for Socrates, who glided into the box before beating Zoff. Sublime.

The ball entered the goal at the near post, a surprising mistake from a keeper of Zoff’s class yet Socrates had advanced radiating such confidence, almost toying with Zoff’s mind with his eyes, that a goal was inevitable. Paolo Rossi’s hat-trick saved Italy, leaving Brazil heading home early, grasping only plaudits.

“To win is not the most important thing,” reflected Socrates. “Football is an art and should be showing creativity. If Vincent van Gogh and Edgar Degas had known when they were doing their work the level of recognition they were going to have, they would not have done them the same. You have to enjoy doing the art and not think, 'will I win?’ ”.

Socrates leaves behind a cherished principle that football should be about artistry. His goals stand as a vivid reminder of that cultured credo.


Socrates has not won the World Cup, but his performances on the world stage make him an all-time great of the game, and he will be remembered as a true gifted footballing icon of the 1980s.

India's Last Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Patudi Passes Away

He was the Nawab of Pataudi, an inspirational cricket captain, especially considering that he overcame the loss of an eye to forge a successful career- an illustrious life came to an end Thursday marking end of an era for Indian cricket.

He was born into royalty, educated in England, transformed the Indian cricket and became it's youngest caption at the age of 21. He was India's first cricket superstar.

He is survived by his wife Sharmila Tagore, his actor son Saif Ali Khan and his two daughters Soha and Saba Ali Khan. His entire family was at his bedside when the end came at 5.55pm this evening. "He passed away around 5.55pm. His condition had deteriorated since yesterday. He was suffering from interstitial lung disease (interstitial pneumonitis) which worsens rapidly inspite of the best treatment available," Dr S. P. Byotra, Department of medicine in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where Pataudi was admitted, said. (Link)

"He was unable to maintain his oxygen level in spite of maximal treatment. He continued to remain in the ICU for nearly a month. He had this disease, which had been static since the last three months and worsened very acutely over the last four weeks,” the doctor said.


Tributes to Patudi on ESPN cricinfo

Bill Clinton goes Vegan

Bill Clinton's love for hamburgers, steaks, and french fries has become legendary.

Former President Clinton now considers himself a vegan. He's dropped more than 20 pounds, and he says he's healthier than ever. His dramatic dietary transformation took almost two decades and came about only after he underwent two separate heart procedures and with some advice from a trusted doctor.

Clinton then decided to make profound changes in the way he eats.

"I essentially concluded that I had played Russian roulette," Clinton said, "because even though I had changed my diet some and cut down on the caloric total of my ingestion and cut back on much of the cholesterol in the food I was eating, I still -- without any scientific basis to support what I did -- was taking in a lot of extra cholesterol without knowing if my body would produce enough of the enzyme to support it, and clearly it didn't or I wouldn't have had that blockage. So that's when I made a decision to really change."

The former president now says he consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs, almost no oil.

"I like the vegetables, the fruits, the beans, the stuff I eat now," Clinton told CNN's Dr.Gupta.

The former president's goal is to avoid any food that could damage his blood vessels. His dietary guides are Ornish and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr., who directs the cardiovascular prevention and reversal program at The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Both doctors have concluded that a plant-based diet can prevent and, in some cases, actually reverse heart disease.

The full report from CNN

A Great Lesson in Grit and a Record for Endurance

Nanyang Technological University(NTU) Singapore went the extra mile to raise funds for their students. NTU's 218 km ultramarathon was run round Singapore Sunday to celebrate its 55th anniversary. The total distance equal to 5 marathons is Singapore’s longest run and it raised $218,000 for the school’s bursary fund.

Physics teacher Yong Yuen Cheng, 38, was the fastest finisher in a time of 31 hours, 28 minutes and 51 seconds. Five out of the nine core runners finished the awesome distance within the cut off time of 36 hours.

This is a classic case of no-pain, no-gain moment. It's the mind over matter. It's the remarkable ability of the human spirit to transcend the limitations set by the mind- pain and suffering in this case. Toenail problems, blistered feet, a hurt knee, strained left quadriceps and diarrhoea were just some of the challenges that Yong Yuen Cheng overcame to complete the 218km gruelling feat without any sleep.

Despite the risk of injury, what drives relentless runners to do these ultra-distances and challenge their physical limits?

One of the nine core runners representing the NTU alma mater is MediaCorp Chinese news editor 56-year-old Lim Nghee Huat. Lim is no stranger to the marathon scene and has conquered miles in Brazil and Jordan. During the the three month period of training for this event, Lim said, "As daunting as it may seem to some, Mr Lim has these words of encouragement to those who are keen to take up the challenge.

He said: "I think from time to time, we should redefine the boundaries of our limits. If we don't try, we won't know what our limits are."

A fitting reply to the above question also comes from Yong Yuen Cheng when he said, "I do endurance races to let people know that no matter how ordinary you are, you can do something extraordinary."

While the NTU can immortalise the unwavering determination and perseverance of the core runners and the support group who helped runners endure the arduous ultramarathon, this feat also holds loads of positives and inspiration for everyone else, especially for those wishing to excel in their chosen path of life, be it sports, education or any other field.

"Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up." American ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazez.

Nov 13 - World Kindness Day

According to the World Kindness Movement, "The purpose of World Kindness Day is to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion; and realise we are citizens of the world. As world citizens we have a commonality, and must realise that if progress is to be made in human relations and endeavours, if we are to achieve the goal of peaceful coexistence, we must focus on what we have in common. "

Countries that celebrate the World Kindness Day this year include Canada, Japan, Australia, India, Scotland, Nigeria ,United Arab Emirates and Singapore. The Singapore Kindness Movement celebrating the World Kindness Day for the first time is distributing 45,000 yellow daisies meant to motivate the public to show appreciation for acts of kindness.

People like to feel recognised and appreciated. Saying 'thank you' has become a competitive advantage in business these days in the fast-paced world we live in. Those who practise personal gratitude in life- to parents, friends and others will find it easier to do so in the business world- from the sales person to the executives who close deals worth millions of dollars.

A thank you note expressing gratitude creates a strong incentive for the recpient to stay connected.

It has also become good business for business owners and managers to thank their employees for a job well done.

Obama praises Gandhi's nonviolent social action

As the world celebrates International Day of non-violence, US President Barack Obama on Thursday said America has its "roots in the India of Mahatma Gandhi."

"His teachings and ideals, shared with Martin Luther King Jr. on his 1959 pilgrimage to India, transformed American society through our civil rights movement," Obama said on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Americans owe enormous gratitude to Gandhi, he said.

"The America of today has its roots in the India of Mahatma Gandhi and the nonviolent social action movement for Indian independence which he led," Obama said in a statement.

On behalf of the American people, Obama said he wants to express appreciation for the life and lessons of Mahatma Gandhi on the anniversary of his birth. "This is an important moment to reflect on his message of non-violence, which continues to inspire people and political movements across the globe," he said.

"We join the people of India in celebrating this great soul who lived a life dedicated to the cause of advancing justice, showing tolerance to all, and creating change through non-violent resistance," Obama said.

As the world remembers the Mahatma on his birthday, Obama said: "We must renew our commitment to live his ideals and to celebrate the dignity of all human beings.

Last month Obama had said that if given a chance he would love to have dinner with Mahatma Gandhi.

Obama expressed his desire in response to a question from a student Lilly during his discussion with 9th graders at Wakefield High School in Arlington Virginia where he, accompanied with the Education Secretary, gave a national speech welcoming students back to school.

Link: The Times of India

Stars honour Mandela on 91st birthday

Hordes of stars including Hollywood heavyweight actors Forest Whitaker, Whoopi Goldberg, Morgan Freemon, Susan Sarandon and Matt Damon gathered at the Radio City Music Hall concert in New York late on Saturday to pay tribute to legendary anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela on his 91st birthday.

Among the mega celebrities who sang at the concert was the former model and French president's wife Carla Bruni, who is performing for the first time after marrying President Sarkozy in January 2008.

All proceeds from the major charity concert will go to Mandela's 46664 campaign, 46664 being Mandela's prison number during the 27 years he spent in the African jail.

This year's birthday marks the inaugural Mandela Day, initiated by his charitable Mandela foundation in honour of the much-loved icon.

Mr. Mandela, who became South Africa's first black president in 1994 and served only one term did not attend the celebration in New York due to his frail health. The Nobel Peace Laureate celebrated his 91st birthday at home in Johannesburg with a visit from President Jacob Zuma and the whole executive of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress.

Mr. Mandela has become a powerful global brand that symbolises forgiveness, inclusiveness and reconciliation. He still campaigns extensively for children and AIDS awareness and is seen as one of the world's most respected elder statesmen, despite having officially retired from public duty in 2004.

Listen to this New York Post where some stars have given their views about the popular leader.

Replace hatred with compassion

Amid the tragedy of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, April 4, 1968, an extraordinary moment in U.S. political history occurred as Robert F. Kennedy, younger brother of slain President John F. Kennedy, broke the news of King's death to a large gathering of African Americans in Indianapolis, Indiana. He appealed for compassion and love toward one another. Listen to his speech below.



Some of RFK's quotes.

1)“Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.”

2)“I believe that, as long as there is plenty, poverty is evil.”

3)“It is not enough to understand, or to see clearly. The future will be shaped in the arena of human activity, by those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to the task.”

4)“Gross National Product measures neither the health of our children, the quality of their education, nor the joy of their play. It measures neither the beauty of our poetry, nor the strength of our marriages. It is indifferent to the decency of our factories and the safety of our streets alike. It measures neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our wit nor our courage, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything in short, except that which makes life worth living. It can tell us everything about our country, except those things that make us proud to be a part of it.”

5)My favorite poet was Aeschylus. He once wrote: "Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."

The text of RFK speech.

President John F Kennedy warns of secret government in America

A remarkable transformation: Cat Stevens to Yusuf Islam

More on Yusuf Islam and his charitable works. http://www.yusufislam.com/

Drawing inspiration from 'Room to Read'

Room to Read is a non-profit charitable organization founded by former Microsoft employee John Woodand based in San Francisco. It is dedicated to building education infrastructure in developing countries to end the cycle of poverty.

It all statrted in 1998, when John Wood, Microsoft’s director of business development for China, went on an eighteen-day trek through the Himalayas. He stopped for tea and met a headmaster from Bahundanda, Nepal, who invited him to visit his school. John found eighty kids crammed into classrooms for fifteen to twenty, and 450 children studying from cast-off Danielle Steele–type adult novels.

“Perhaps, sir, you could help us get more books?” the headmaster requested.

After returning from the trek, Wood managed to collect over 3,000 books from friends, acquaintances, and donors. He then returned with eight donkeys and delivered the books. In 2000, after a rough transition out of Microsoft, he founded Room to Read and is operating it to this day.

John Woods left a all-consuming lucrative job at Microsoft to follow the passion of his heart to donate books and build education infrastructure and he couldn't be happier to see the smiles on the children's faces.

Room to Read has created more than 2,000 schools and libraries for children across Asia. From his first trip to Nepal, where he was struck by the country's 70% illiteracy rate, through his courageous decision to leave Microsoft, to the logistics of growing and expanding the Room to Read initiative, Wood comes out as an honest and caring person.


The Room to Read's unique "adopt a project" form of donating, in which you are told how much money is needed to build a school/library/computer lab or award a scholarship and therefore know exactly what your money goes to, has met with considerable success. They have operations in many South and Southeast Asian countries, including Nepal, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Sri Lanka. They are currently expanding to Africa, with South Africa being their first country in that region.

Gandhi's triumph of non-violence changed the world

Mahathma Gandhi was the pioneer of a civil disobedience movement that brought the British empire down to its knees and gained independence for India.

This was a defining moment in the history of the 20th century that inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Gandhi is the man Albert Einstein, the famous scientist is quoted to have said, "Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this, ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."

Helen Keller is a shining star

The story of Helen Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) is one that would rank as one of the most inspiring in America and perhaps the world has ever known.

At nineteen months of age, she became deaf and blind due to an illness.

In 1886 her mother, Kate Keller, was inspired by the account in Charles Dickens' "American Notes" of the successful education of another deaf-blind child.

Soon after, the Perkins Institute for the Blind delegated one of its teachers and a former student, Annie Sullivan, herself visually impaired, to become Helen's teacher. Thus began a 49-year-long relationship, up to Annie's death in 1936.

First, Sullivan got permission from Helen's father to isolate the girl from the rest of the family in a little house in their garden. The next and most daunting task was to instill discipline in the spoiled little girl, for she was driven into rages by her indescribable handicap and completely out of control.

Though fate was unkind to Keller, she had a teacher who was determined not to give up on the deaf-blind child. Eventually, it paid off when Keller learned to fingerspell the alphabet and read Braille.

Even as a little girl, Helen expressed a desire to go to college, and in 1900 she entered Radcliffe College and graduated cum laude in 1904 – the first deaf-blind person to graduate from college.

Even though her life was a constant struggle, she wrote twelve books and authored numerous articles. She is an outstanding example of the triumph of the human spirit over a physical handicap.

Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International (HKI) is among the oldest international nonprofit organizations devoted to fighting and treating preventable blindness and malnutrition. HKI is headquartered in New York City, and has programs in 22 countries around the world.

Decades after her death, Helen Keller continues to inspire people all around the world with legacy of her work.

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure."
-Helen Keller

Kalam leaves Palace with two small suitcases

The 75-year-old Indian Scientist-President A P J Abdul Kalam in an emotional address at the India Islamic Cultural Centre said that he will depart the presidential palace Rashtrapati Bhavan with two small suitcases. The much loved president completes his term of office on the 25th July 2007.

The President went on to add that besides the two suitcases, he had a big reserve of books that he would be taking with him.

"I will take the books with me. They are my own books," said Kalam, who plans to teach at Anna University, Tamil Nadu, after his tenure is over.

"There are many economically developed nations that are not happy. Since we have a big value system and are blessed with a rich heritage, we can make our country a combination of economic development and moral values that are derived from our civilisation," he said.

"This is how we can build a happy, prosperous and safe India," Kalam said.

Kalam is an excellent example of the power of frugal living in an age when greed has become an accepted form of behaviour for the rich and powerful.

Indians of all races are expressing their profound gratitude and genuine satisfaction to the outstanding service of a great citizen. He is known as the people's president and has left an indelible mark on the Indian society.