TFTD - 02/02

Thought for the day

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan

Take home

 Kasparov's chess talent was apparent at an early age. In 1973 he attended the Botvinnik Chess School and Kasparov continued to make rapid progress. In 1975 at the age of 12 he became the youngest ever player to win the USSR Junior Championship. At 16 he won the World Junior Championship. He achieved the title of Grandmaster on his 17th birthday

In 1984 he challenged the current reigning World Champion, Anatoly Karpov for the title. This match was a hard fought battle and lasted 6 months, the longest in the history of chess. It was finally stopped by Florencio Campomanes, president of FIDE and a rematch ordered. In November 1985 Kasparov won the rematch against Karpov and  became the youngest World Champion at the age of 22 years. After long term friction with the international chess organisation, FIDE, Kasparov set up the rival organisation, the Professional Chess Association (PCA) and arranged a World Championship match in 1993 in which he beat British Grandmaster, Nigel Short. At the same time FIDE held their official Championship match between former World Champion, Anatoly Karpov and Jan Timman which Karpov won. Both Kasparov and Karpov claim the title of World Champion.

In 1996 Kasparov competed in a six game match against an IBM computer called Deep Blue. Kasparov won with a score of 4 games to 2 games.  The following year, he competed against an improved version called Deeper Blue and was defeated 3.5 games to 2.5 games. It was the first time a Grandmaster had lost a series of games to a computer. He is currently the highest rated player there has ever been in the history of chess.

He is the chief advisor for the book publisher Everyman Chess.

 

Kasparov works closely with Mig Greengard

 and his comments can often be found on Greengard's blog (apparently no longer active).

Kasparov is currently collaborating with Max Levchin and Peter Thiel on The Blueprint, a book calling for a revival of world innovation, due out in February 2012 from W. W. Norton & Company. http://kasparovagent.com/garry_kasparov_biography.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garry_Kasparov

Wisdom Message

Without practising truthful conduct, all pilgrimages, penances, and alms-giving bring little merit. It is the one who listens to - and believes in - God’s Name will be made holy and pure, for the place of pilgrimage is in our hearts. How simple - yet profound - this message is: Look within for your true self as everything is pre-programmed. Today’s leaders indulging in petty power politics and selfish gain need to heed this message. The world could be a happier place if we follow this basic creed. There is enormous emphasis on the idea of “common wealth,” or the spirit of sharing. Guru Nanak speaks of the importance of seva - serving the needy above self - combined with compassion.

Thus humanitarian service is not giving ‘alms to the needy’. It is much more, as the way to redemption and transcendent merger with the Divine.

In these perilous times we need to look around earnestly and find areas where we can help follow humans. Schools that educate children from impoverished families need our support - not only monetary but by giving of our time and making a difference in the lives of children. There are many organizations across the country and beyond, doing good work for our community. We need to identify them, encourage them and give them our support in every way we can.  Guru Nanak

Picture of the day

This is Gauri, exclusive fotos taken by my friend Ajay Menon