A trip to Mars? - One ticket for somewhere...

I realized the topic "One ticket for somewhere" would make a decent blog post. What if you had one mega ticket that could take you anywhere in the present universe or the past/future? Where would you go?

Here's my iteration:

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Only one ticket? In that case, I would let loose my imagination...

...Here I am on a space shuttle to Mars, with Elon Musk and a dozen lucky others. The experience on the shuttle itself would be a long one. Seven months of nothingness… Well, at least I can see more stars, than from Earth’s cities. Sun, shrinking smaller and smaller in the distance, reminding me how far away from my home I am going. Reaching into the depths of this solar system’s mysteries, I do not know what to expect.

Seven months seem long but in reality, when you are constantly amused, it really isn’t that long. After all, what is a day when all you are doing is, moving further into space, always facing away from the Sun. Playing around in zero-gravity is a lot of fun. Potentially, you could make everything you do into play up here - eating, drinking, reading and other chores. Virtually, you have a table everywhere - place something out there and it will stay there as though a magic spell has been cast on it. This fun life turns to a few hours of agony once you land on soil… No, no, not regular soil… It’s Martian soil.

Seven months of zero-gravity life is suddenly exposed to red barren land and gravity about one-thirds as strong as Earth’s. My muscles are agonizing under the new felt force. I work against the sudden change of forces and it seems to help a bit. So, what next? Of course, head out for nothing… Musk’s crew’s objective is to turn that nothing into something. We are here to check the vitality of this spherical rock. We put on our heavy (according to Earthlings) suits - suits that provide us heat, oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, protect us from hazards and basically everything. We leave our space shuttle for a walk - the first Martian walk.

What do I expect? Ice cream stands and a theme park? Of course, not. Walking through the Martian sand dunes just feels like being in a red desert. Did I mention sand?

We had brought with us all necessary equipment to accomplish what we were there for. We set up the robots, machines on the new land, one that we had come to conquer. The work began. We started looking for resources that are vital for human life in such an hazardous environment - most importantly water. We are nowhere close to the polar caps, and that’s what I know, so where do we go?

Below our shoes. Of course we brought with us a machine to do this for us. Digging right through, we expect to find water after days of work. About 37 days on Earth would equal 36 on Mars, so I can omit the effort of referring to “Martian days” every once in a while. But, speaking of effort, I could probably defeat every Martian (if they exist) out there, considering I am now about three times stronger than on Earth!

“We found water!”. That’s what I hear one fine morning. Now, that is very very close to setting up a civilization on Mars… or is it? We rejoice, forgetting how much of our resourceful body energy will drain in the freezing cold temperatures a few inches from our skin. The mission was a success! So am I done with this adventurous trip? Probably...

...The only catch is that I am left to wonder how am I coming back to Earth, considering I had only one ticket in the first place… Simple. I just have to wake up.

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-Suhas

27/11/16

Imaginary death letter from Beowulf to Wiglaf

Beowulf is one of the oldest surviving English epic whose author is unknown. Written in England and set in Scandinavia, this epic is dated between the 8th century and 11th century. Today, it has been translated from the old Anglo-Saxon script into several languages including English. In school, I have studied the Burton Raffael version of Beowulf. Beowulf is the king of Geatland and I have written the following letter as if Beowulf is giving it to Wiglaf (his loyal soldier) just before he dies. This writing although not there in the epic was part of our English assignment...

From Beowulf

To Lieutenant Wiglaf

Date 30.08.0747

Dragon house, Geats,

Scandinavia

Dear Wiglaf,

          There is always difference between a good king and a good warrior. This, you need to know. A good warrior like you just needs to be brave, strong and smart but a good king needs to show more qualities like a good leader, loyalty etc. You may be thinking – ‘Is that all?’ But Wiglaf, that’s not all. You need to practice these, to fill up the little difference and become a good king. As you know I am on the verge of death but I am still the king and can still give orders. I can see the qualities in you which is why I order you to become the king after I die. Take care of my subjects well. “You are the last of all our far-flung family. Fate has swept our race away, taken warriors in their strength and led them to the death that was waiting. And now I follow them” (Raffael Lines 835-838).

          Lead the Geats well – they are chickens who will follow only the king's orders. Train them well for any battle ahead. We are the great and most powerful Geats. You are the best of us all who has learnt true loyalty. I know the thoughts racing through your mind. This loyalty is what you need to bring into all the warriors; next is strength. Train them so hard that strength and loyalty fills them and encompasses their mind and heart.

          Always be confident but never be overconfident. What is happening to me now is nothing but the punishment for being overconfident. I always thought that no one can win against me but the dragon proved it wrong. No confidence will get you no power while confidence will get you required power. Always keep this in mind.

          I always had a habit of boasting which although gives you confidence may lead to some opposition against you from your subjects. I always thought “I've never known fear” (Raffael Line 624), due to which I had this problem of opposition from Unferth; but I always dealt with it accordingly. Only after I fought over Grendel did Unferth get trust over me. “No Dane doubted over the victory” (Raffael Lines 407-408). We know that only the best of us Geats will survive the blows to their lives. Train them well as I told you before because only the strongest and bravest will win the hearts of theirs subjects as I told you about Unferth. You should never lose your confidence when opposed. I want the next Beowulf, the next Wiglaf who are capable enough to handle our kingdom.

          Always take the help of your fellow warriors if they volunteer. I never did; and I missed the opportunity of killing a beast with a companion until you helped me kill the dragon. I owe you the little life left in me. I would always say “Wait for me close by” (Raffael Line 641), and shake off all the loyal warriors who did wish to help me. What is happening to me now is just the punishment for what I did not do.

          Wiglaf, not only strength is important but you need some capabilities in you, which can win the heart of our subjects. It is not possible by mere strength but by good use of strength. Never use the strength for evil purposes but only to free the kingdom of evil monsters and for defence from other kingdoms. I helped the Danes just because they were very helpless! I “had killed Grendel, ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering forced on Hrothgar's helpless people by a bloodthirsty fiend.” (Raffael Lines 404-407). I have always followed this to become a prosperous king and lead a happy life among my subjects.

          Always be fair whether it is to rage a war or it is to settle peace. I was always fair and hence fate would always be with me. Do you remember what I said before fighting with the dragon “I'd use no sword, no weapon, if this beast could be killed without it, crushed to death like Grendel, gripped in my hands and torn limb from limb. But his breath will be burning hot, poison will pour from his tongue. I feel no shame, with shield and sword and armour, against this monster” (Raffael Lines 630-636). Believe in fate, there is no God but at the same time never lose your confidence.

          I am a king and I knew the difficulties I had to handle – the problems of subjects and personal matters too. Don't think your subjects as unknown and don't let them down but take care of each and every problem of theirs. Never take advantage that you hold the great throne of the Geats, instead help your subjects and give them an equally prosperous life as yours. This is a value of our culture which you should never forget. At the same time, always be optimistic and don't just go around trying to kill monsters which I did. It is very dumb to do that because we would never know how strong our opponent is. They may look as thin as a stick but may have the power of a dinosaur! But still, good will always win over evil.

          Never help others for either fame or money. When you help your subjects and other kingdoms, you will get trust and love and automatically fame. What is important for a good king is the love and trust of their subjects, which is why I helped the Danes to become free from the two murderous beasts – Grendel and his awful mother. Keep reading this point until it gets into your brain. Grendel, his mother and the dragon were all menaces to some or the other kingdom which is why they had to be finished.

          Bye Wiglaf! I am going leaving this wonderful kingdom of mine in your hands. It needs a good leader like you. I have one last wish “Have the brave Geats build me a tomb, When the funeral flames have burned me, and build it here at the water's edge, high on this spit of land, so sailors can see this tower, and remember my name, and call it Beowulf's tower, and boats in the darkness and mist, crossing the sea, will know it.” (Raffael Lines 823-830). Never forget me and my advice. Take care of the kingdom well, I will always guide you...

Your Dear King,

Beowulf

-Suhas

20/3/14

Media studies imaginary product

WOMF - your key to spacious life!!

Advantages of WOMF:

120-litre fridge.

3kg Washing machine.

Multi-Purpose Microwave.

Bee-star rating is 4½ out of 5 stars.

Affordable price for a combination of three electronic items- Rs.28125.

9 years guarantee and 4 years warranty.

Already in markets with 15% discount.

Occupies very less space

"Force to buy" importances:

As earlier mentioned to you in slides 3, 4, 5 WOMF is one of the very cheap and affordable products which is specially designed. WOMF has a cheaper price than the prices of a fridge, microwave, washing machine combined! This may get this product in to the budgets of different audiences. WOMF also occupies very less space as they are stacked instead of having 3 or 4 electrical appliances separately. WOMF allows you to move around freely in the kitchen.

Now WOMF has already been approved by big brands such as
LG
Koreo
IFB
Samsung
Sansui
Whirlpool
Godrej
Haier

Profit line:

Suhas

January 2012

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Deporvillean Revolution (Imagination-based)

Boom! Boom! Crackers are bursted in 1632, a new country- Deporville was formed. It was ruled by a greedy, selfish and rich king Zôietüer-I as it broke apart from Bensique and got its own king. Deporville was a poor and hard-working country. Deporvilleins wanted to get rid of the people who troubled them and broke apart. Zôietüer-I by outwitting all people, made himself the king and only then that people could realize that he was not as innocent as he looked. Those were the days of Monarchy and so the people could'nt protest the king. The king used to buy new chariots and robes everyday and finally...

On 23^rd June 1635, Stallan the royal treasurer said that there were only a few Ursies (their lower currency) left in the royal treasury. The king was furious. He at once summoned all the people of his kingdom. He said “Zumo kotte to iasi tipe pistre yon zustiny gany dusp ahor” (“You will have to pay double the tax from next week”).

People were outraged by this senseless order. They felt it unjust as they used to always fill the treasury and the king used to waste the money! Riots broke out in all places, and people shouted “Tany zustinyon fo Zôietüer-I hacruis” (“No taxing from selfish Zôietüer-I”). Zôietüer-I was upset and also angry with the people of his kingdom. The nearest and their helping neighbouring country was Artonia at that time. It was ruled by a just and contented king named Swanhopre-IX. Zôietüer-I was a clever king but could never outwit Swanhopre-IX as he used to calmly use his brains. Zôietüer-I thought of a cunning plan. He pacified the people of his kingdom. He then convinced Swanhopre-IX and managed to loan money-120000 Gurgies (their higher currency). There was no problem as currency was same for both the countries during that time. Meanwhile, as Bensique was a rival of Deporville, Demois-XVI, the king of Bensique, sent a spy to Deporville. He got news that Zôietüer-I was traiting the people of his kingdom. He immediately sent for his messenger. The messenger conveyed the message to Swanhopre-IX. He was furious. He sent his troops to Deporville to trash the king as he traited his people. They also took back their money. The king was badly injured. The court medic gave him some herbs. He recovered in a month's time. This occassion was known as the “Bensiquen Revenge”. Great philosophers like Swinc Harold (1589-1662) and McAdolsy Tree (1566-1641) wrote on this incident.

There were many causes for this revolution...

• From 1608, people from West Bensique wanted freedom from the creulty of the people of East Bensique. Even though they got their own country they could not conquer their anger for Bensique. This made people angry.
• Zôietüer-I was a greedy and selfish king. He wasted the hard-earned money of his people on unimporant luxuries such as chariots etc. This made the people even more angry. They wanted to take their revenge on him.
• Bensique also wanted to take revenge, so they encouraged the people of Deporville to revolt against Zôietüer-I and his army. The Bensiquens had made the people of Deporville angry and so the people of Deporville seeked revenge on them. They also were encouraged by the Artonians to wage a war against Bensique. Bensiquens sent troops of army to Deporville and the people were treated very badly.
• Deporvilleins seeked revenge on the Bensiquen army. However, as they were peace-lovers, they opted the peace path first.

Deporville was a very small country. Zôietüer-I treated the people very badly. Whoever protested would get 500 lashes or until he/she is dead. In retaliation, on 24^th November 1638, the people of Deporville made groups of 200 and went to the city wall. They surrounded the city wall and kept on shouting “Tany zustinyon fo Zôietüer-I hacruis”. Zôietüer-I fainted at the sight he saw. He was taken to his chamber while the people were pushed away with difficulty. They all went to the scientist whose name was Zuper. He provided them with his latest invention- the cannon! He too was against Zôietüer-I because he never used to receive the recognition for his invention. Ten people from each of the groups of 200 placed the cannons at 200 feet distance to the city walls. Zuper had earlier provided them with bombs to be used. People of Deporville blasted the city walls that night as part of the riots. Zôietüer-I was irritated with this mean act of his people. He decided that he should escape as he could not tolerate the riots and also could not control the people of Deporville. The guards at the gate had slept leaving the palace doors unsafe. The people, seeing the opportuninty, broke the palace gates and rushed in. The king was just about to escape the palace through the back door when the people of Deporville had just arrived there. They captured the king and kept him in a cage as if he was a wild animal.

On 25^th November 1638, as people wanted the first parliament of the country was created- five people would take care of the country affairs. People were happy that this had taken place. The night before was restless and people were thinking of what to do as the king was captured for their good until Gusburt Haffair, a well known clever person shouted out “Government!” and told the people what it was. People were content with the description and seeing Gusburt's ideas, made him the leader.

The 26^th November 1638, as chosen by the people, Gusburt Haffair announced the good news to all the people of Deporville- “The parliament has decided that Zôietüer-I will be released from the cage and will be thrown down from the fourth floor. It is he who troubled all of you, so you can thrash him how muchever you want” (He said all this in the language- Deporvillese). Zôietüer-I was thrown down and was thrashed until he was badly injured. He was then thrown into the Sumanese Sea. The court ministers, medic etc. were also captured and imprisoned for life. People shouted “Fistro yon perliemin” (“hail the parliament”). This event was known as “Zuper's revenge and the statement rebound”. Swinc Harold wrote on this incident as McAdolsy Tree was already on the death bed.

Deporvilleins sought their revenge on Bensiquen people as they were treated cruelly. But Gusburt Haffiar stopped them. They first sent a petition to the king of Bensique requesting for their human rights. The king of Bensique in the split of a moment said, “what is all this rubbish?” The people of Deporville were expecting this reaction from Demois-XVI. They were all ready at the battle field. Demois-XVI shouted “ATTACK!”. The people of Deporville fought back in all bravery and finally the king of Bensique was killed after a 2-year long war. This was known as “The Deporvillein revenge war”.

The result was that a just king ruled Bensique then onwards and Deporville became a part of Artonia. Everyone was ruled equally and no one had any problems afterwards.

Suhas

14 August 2011

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