Power of Belief - Roger Gracie

“What do you think it is that makes you better than the average top level Jiu-Jitsu guy?” 

“Everything in life from martial arts to business. Why so many people do something and very few achieve the best? Because they are the ones who really believe.” 

Above are extracts from an interview with Roger Gracie, an athlete at the very top of his game. He also mentioned in the interview that training aids in becoming the best. Train with the best and always beat them on the mat. But the key thing he emphasizes is total belief in the winner and not having an ounce of doubt as to who the victorious one will be. I really need to get this engrained in me! 

Politics of Fear

"We make money till the world burns, for that to we need people to remain ignorant of the problems until its too late. That's why there are triggers like 9-11 etc. A population in fear don't ask questions. Our desire for war becomes its desire. Fear is justification, fear is control, fear is money"

I have a notebook where I generally write quotes which I find of interest. I cant remember where I got the one above, it was a long time ago but recent events around the world made me want to share this. The psychology of fear is really interesting as it makes people want to survive by any means necessary. 

So the key thing to remember, keep everyone in fear and you can manipulate them in any shape or form you want!

We Take, We Never Give... The Extradition Travesty

Picture Courtesy of Beata Zalewska

So the news making the headlines was dominated by a picture of a man with a hook along with 4 other men. This didn't help the case of the Babar Ahmed and Syed Talha Ahsan. British Citizens, born and bred in the UK. Their case was lumped together with another and it has deflected the issue off key points in Babar Ahmed's case. Why can British citizens be extradited while the US will never allow a similar pact? And the crux of the matter, no evidence against the defendants has ever been seen. For 8 years they have been sitting in a UK prison without any trial. A record in the British legal system. Well, why don't they just go to the US and face the heat? If they're guilty then do the time, if they're innocent then they'll be free. 8 years have passed , a sentence in itself, and now there will be another long stretch in the US prison system until they reach a verdict. And that leads on to another issue, the US prison system. Described as a 'clean version of hell' by a prison officer, the 'supermax' prison in Florence is where they will be held. Condemned internationally because of its abusive regime, inmates are allowed only 1 hour a day outside their cell and on some days are locked up 24 hours a day. Suicide attempts soar when inmates are sent to the facility and those that are sane do not remain so for long. The only inmate to have left the facility said, "It breaks down the human spirit. It breaks down the human psyche. It breaks your mind". Its chilling reading but a reality where 2 British Citizens are likely to be held. Citizens just like you and me, born here, raised here, but sent elsewhere to face trial for an alleged crime committed in the UK. An Extradition Travesty.

From thoughts to destiny

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

Taken from the movie The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher surely was an iron lady. This quoteو taken from the movie, is something which her dad used to say to her at a young age. The sequence of ideas from thoughts to destiny is surely linked.

Keep it Seedy...

Call it a coincidence but I just read two separate articles (1, 2) about the degradation of society. The first depicts, in a rather graphic manner, how the so called 'elite' and those who are held in high esteem in our society occupy them selves in their spare time - sportsmen, celebrities and royals - entertaining themselves in seedy clubs. Leave them to entertain themselves privately or concern ourselves with the revered in our society? :-/

Out with the Dollar, in with the Dinar

 

A monetary system where the currency is only gold. Is it possible? Well it sure was an idea which the disposed leader Gaddafi entertained.  From flirting with the west to becoming its arch enemy, rumors were flying as to why the west was so quick to depose of the regime. I don't think this proposition went down too well with the west.

The Western Banking system and the global monetary system relies on the dollar and Gaddafi's proposition to change this system to a 'gold-blacked dinar' didn’t go down too well with the West. He pushed the Middle East and African continent towards the same direction and even oil was to be traded in this currency.

Nicholas Sarkozy was reported to have aptly said, Libya is a threat to the “financial security” of the world.

I’m starting to like Gold. I think I’ll stock up on it now in preparation for another leader who decides to carry out his plans!

Harmony and Peace

Living in harmony , living in peace

It is a dream which only the fortunate reach

Tranquil and rest

Happiness and comfort

How he wishes it was as such

Joys of family life

The smile of the child

The warmth of the wife

Routine that never breaks

Usual faces at the same place

How he wishes it was as such

Living in harmony, living in peace

It is a dream which only the fortunate reach

Merhaba

Cobbled paths
Narrow streets
Drenched coats
Staring glares

- First Impressions of Istanbul

Equestrianism....

It’s been a long time since I last penned something down. Apart from a bit of travel, I found a horse riding stable in my local area and I’ve somewhat become a familiar face with the horses. I still don’t think they recognise me though ;) 

Horses are strong creatures and standing too close to their rear legs is something I’ve always been wary of. You can understand the caution when you ride such a strong creature, the pace at which it gallops and the thud you receive only testifies to its power (or maybe I’m riding it incorrectly :). In any case, I’ve improved from my usual baby pace to like that of a thoroughbred at lightening pace! And I can tell you one thing, the feeling is like no other! I mean, I’ve driven a few fast cars but the feeling of controlling a living, breathing and raging horse is comparable to none!

It was only after a few months when the instructor noticed me coming every weekend and not progressing, he said in a rather stern voice, “You come here every week and the horse is still trotting gently”. He then advised, tighten the reigns and hold his hair simultaneously, stand up and lean forward slightly and give him a stab with your heals. The next thing you know, the horse is galloping at a good pace with me gearing him to go faster. The horse was responding to my command and it felt empowering! Amazing! It definitely gave me a huge smile! I felt stable and secure, something which I never thought was possible due to my previous unfateful experiences with horses.

I want to buy a horse now, I think someone needs to discourage me as I’m sure ill go bankrupt within a year... a starting price of £11,00, it’s not exactly a hobby for commonfolk like me! But who knows? Maybe I can find one in the wild and train it, but I’m sure those wild legs won’t be as merciful as the trained horses in the stables!