Tag: View Point

Magic of Cubes, A Puzzle!

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Rubik's Cube

Age has never dampened the spirit of heart while playing games. Instead the child in us awakens to competitive spirit and winning. As I am writing this blog, I can see my husband thinking and working his hands on the Rubik’s cube. I should say, like the many others around the world, we have succumbed to the magic of cubes; and often find ourselves drawing patterns to solve the puzzle!

Indeed, it appears to be a simple colourful cube with coloured stickers of red, blue, yellow, green, orange and white that waits to be twisted, turned and configured into same-colour combination on each side.

The moment we lay our hands on it, our minds surrender to its puzzling mishmash. When least expecting, we are rewarded with the perfect cubic arrangement too. However, we have still not managed to find “how we got it correct”.

The story of Rubik’s cube began with Erno Rubik’s 1974 invention of “a working model to help explain three-dimensional geometry.” A work of art, the mobile sculpture was thought of as a symbol of ‘stark contrasts of human conditions such as simplicity, complexity, stability and dynamism’.

Eventually, this professor of architecture in Budapest (Hungary) managed to solve the Cube for himself in well over a month’s time. Amazingly, these magic cubes have become one of the world’s best selling toys.

Solving puzzles are the most addictive games and mental exercises that have remained stable in our life. From playing scrabble to chess, bubble-shooter to bridge games, there is an assortment of mind games. Little wonder then, to find a Rubik’s cube making its way not only to a child’s toy collection but also to the office recreation.

Way to Good Life

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Parched leaves had gathered the verandah. The house had been abandoned for reasons well known to the owners. Neighbours informed that vastu dosha (defects/deficiency in the house) was the reason for its abandonment. I could not believe my ears! A beautiful bungalow with no occupants; it’s unfortunate.

It is a conventional practice to consult a Vastu expert before laying down the foundation of the house, and going ahead with the laid-plan. Along with it, the desire to have a problem-free, safe and secure life with opportunity to wealth, success, and property, we human beings can never stop short of demands and means to fulfil the demands.

Vastu Shastra is considered a science of architecture and construction. An ancient practice said to have originated from India, Vastu Shastra unifies “science, art, astronomy, and astrology”. In simple terms, it is a science of “directions and elements of nature” in relation to man.

Unlike the step-by-step methodical popular books on ‘how to win friends’, ‘awakening the subconscious to gain success’, ‘positive thinking’, ‘social and emotional intelligence’, the alternative methods to good life takes a cue from age-old practices revived to the modern needs.

With a growing number of advertisements offering alternative means to good life, it becomes a matter of concern as to the authenticity of the approach. Of course, conventionally an alternative practitioner believes in word-of-mouth communication even today. The majority but prefer to brand building and latest media networks.

The beliefs are purely individualistic. And am sure we have referred to one of these means such as, astrology, numerology, Tarot Reading, at some point in life. Yet, when someone had recommended that I should add a few extra alphabets to my name for “growth and prosperity”, I declined.

The Cup That Cheers

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The first cup of tea should be perfect, to perfect the way through the day. Relished to refresh and drained to pleasure, tea has been a serious concern in many households. It is not simply a mix of tea, sugar or milk. But how much of tea, to what length of boiling time, in milk or water, with more spoons of sugar – yeah! Every detail matters.

“It should appeal to our eyes. Its aroma should woo our sense of smell, and bring a smile as the first sip plays with the taste buds. Every cell in our body should wake up with pleasure.” A senior member in the family described the tea as a “thing of beauty”.

The first time I was asked to make a cup of tea, my mother instructed me – “Boil water in a pan. Remove it from the gas stove. Add tea leaves/powder (a spoon for a cup) . Wait for 2-3 minutes to allow the tea to settle down. Strain the tea into the cup. Then add warm milk and sugar to taste. Ensure, the tea does not look very strong.” Those were my school days. The thought brings a smile.

Now, if someone asks me to make a cup of tea, I scan mentally to decide “which method to choose” – “hold the tea bag for just a minute” , “boil milk, water and double quantity of sugar, before adding tea leaves” or “boil water, add milk, sugar and continue boiling with the tea leaves.” There are many more ways to do it.

When it comes to the first cup of tea in the morning, we are willing to forgo health tips and advice, often. But if we stick to the rules of making tea, then we should brew the tea leaves without letting it stew. Also, we can take a check on the quantity of milk and sugar.

Of course, there is no dearth of information on “how to make perfect tea”. However, with time one realises the question of perfection is purely a sensuous bliss, which differs from individual to individual, and household to household. Be it any brand of tea, preference may be for an Indian masala chai or the English tea, the sheer need is to please the palate with a Good Morning!

Want to Write, But Don’t Know How

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Writing comes naturally. I agree. But when a student asked me, “How to write?”, I had to think differently. Reason, writing may come naturally but what makes a good writing requires serious preparations.

Learning to write well involves mastering the language, practicing daily and expressing well. Here are some tried and tested simple steps. For a quick read, I restrict them to FIVE points.

1. Reading improves language: Writing requires a good command over language and grammar. Whether you are planning to write in your mother tongue or English, it is through reading articles/ books regularly that, you can strengthen your language.

2. Begin slowly, but write daily: Forget what you have been doing all these years. If you are determined to write, make it a habit to write everyday. Always remember, practice makes a man perfect. In fact, it is by practicing that you develop your own style of writing.

3. Endless subjects and creative thinking: Without wondering “what should I write about”, select your subject/topic from things that inspire you. It can be a newspaper article on wrist watches, beautiful scenery on your way to a holiday destination, the baseball game you had viewed on the internet or your pet dog that keeps you company. Use words to the best and think creatively to make your subject interesting.

4. Re-writing, a practice tool: Sometimes, you may lack the confidence to deal with a subject on your own. However, you can make an attempt to rewrite an article from a newspaper or magazine, and realise your strengths and weaknesses.

5. Presentation and content matters: The aim behind writing is to convey your subject/topic very well. But it is a good presentation of the subject that draws attention of an audience. There is nothing to worry if you manage to write only a few sentences as a beginner. Gradually, you will master the art of expressing in pages.

Writing is a slow and steady process to a sure win. There are no short cuts to good writing. Hence, if you are a beginner, it is essential to remind yourself to be patient and keep working hard towards your goal.