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STOCK TRADING

2008-08-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

DAY TRADING
Real day trading means not holding on to your stock positions beyond the current trading day; In other words, not holding any position overnight. This is really the safest way to do day trading because you are not exposed to the potential losses that can occur when the stock market is closed due to news that can affect the prices of you stocks.

DAY TRADING RULES

Day trading requires proper training and practice.Day trading is like running any other business; it requires hard work and dedication on your partThe time it takes to learn day trading varies.Some people will never learn to day trade correctly. This can be because of a series of different factors, like lack of discipline, an uncontrollable fear of losing money, etc, etcA direct-access to market is required for day trading stocks. You cannot day trade stock effectively without an online or full-service broker.You must limit your losses in day trading. One of the main reasons people lose money in day trading is because they do not limit their losses.Day trading is only for part of your investment money. This rule means that you will only use SOME of your investment money for day trading.Daily money goals are useless in day trading. Your goal is to take from the market whatever is available on a particular day. Each trading day will be different.

SHORT TERM TRADING
Short-term trading, also known as “swing trading” involves the opening and closing of a financial position throughout a period of time that can last a day or more. This is different than day trading where a position is closed before the day is over. Short-term traders usually hold a position for a few days, but it is not uncommon for trades to last a few weeks or months. Short-term trading strategies and day trading strategies can be similar.

STOP LOSS
A stop loss is the short name given to a stop loss order that is used to limit the potential loss in a trader’s existing position using stop losses while trading is ESSENTIAL. It is the only way that a day trader can limit his losses in the market and avoid potentially higher losses.A stop loss acts like an insurance policy when the UNEXPECTED occurs. Even though some traders claim important that beginning traders get used to placing a physical stop loss order every time a new position is initiated.“Where a stop loss should be placed?” is a commonly asked question in day trading, and its answer depends on the type of trading strategy used and the volatility of the market being traded.

PAPER TRADING STOCKS

Paper trading is trading without putting any money at risk; When paper trading stocks for intra or swing trading, a trader should try to simulate real life trading as much as possible. This is what will determine if you will be successful when you start trading with real money.For this reason, you do not want to take any unnecessary risk in paper trading that you would not take in real life. Unfortunately, this is where many people fail. They become over confident while they paper trade stocks and become overly speculative rather than careful and disciplined.As a result, if they were lucky and did really well while paper trading without following the principles that they learned earlier, when they start the actual day trading they run the risk of destroying their capital by not following the proper rules.

FUTURE
HOW TO BENEFIT FROM STOCK FUTURES

You are bullish on a stock say satyam, which is currently quoting at Rs.280 per share. You believe that in one month it will touch Rs. 330. Question: What do you do ? Answer: You buy satyam. Effect: It touches Rs.330 as you predicted you made a profit of Rs. 50 on an investment of Rs.280 i.e. a return of 18% in one month – Fantastic Wait: Can it get any better! Yes!! Question: What should you do ? Answer: Buy satyam Futures instead. Effect: on buying satyam futures, you get the same position as satyam in the cash market, but you pay a margin and not the entire amount. For example, if the margin is 20%, you would pay only Rs.56. If satyam goes up to Rs.330, you will still earn Rs.50 as profit. Now that translates into a fabulous return of 89% in one month. Future How to benefit from stock futures You are bearish on a stock say satyam, which is currently quoting at Rs.280 per share. You believe that in one month it will touch Rs.230 and below Question: What do you do? Answer: You sale satyam. Effect: It touches Rs.230 as you predicted – You made a profit of Rs.50 on an investment or Rs.280 i.e. a return of 18% in one month – Fantastic!! Wait: you can do intraday only in cash or You need to have delivery with you or Do it in future Question: What are the risks ? Answer: The risks are that losses will be get leveraged or multiplied in the same manner as profits do.

HOW LONG DO FUTURES LAST AND WHEN DO THEY EXPIRE ?

Answer: Futures expire on the last Thursday of every month. For example, January Futures will expire on 31st January (last Thursday).

Question: What is the implication of expiry ?

Answer: Suppose you have bought July Futures on satyam and have not squared up till the end. If you predict an upturn, you should buy Futures and if you predict a downturn, you can always sell Futures – thus you can make money in a falling market as well as in a rising one – an opportunity that till recently was available only to brokers/operators and not easily to retail investors.

STRATEGY
You should look for opportunities where futures prices are higher than cash prices. For example, if satyam is quoting at Rs.250 in the cash market and one month satyam futures are quoting at Rs.253 in the futures market, you can earn Rs.3 as difference. You will then buy satyam in the cash market and at the same time, sell satyam one month futures. On or around the expiry day (last Thursday of each month), you will square up both the positions, i.e. you will sell satyam in the cash market and buy futures. The two prices will be the same (or very nearly the same) as cash and futures prices will converge on expiry. It does not matter to you what the price is. You will make your profit of Rs.3 any way. For example, if the price is Rs.270, you will make a profit of Rs.20 on selling you cash market satyam and a loss of Rs.17 on buying back satyam futures. The net profit is Rs.3. on the other hand, if the price is Rs.225, you make a loss of Rs.25 on selling cash market satyam and a profit of Rs.28 on satyam futures. The net profit remains Rs.3. Your investment in this transaction will be Rs.250 on cash market satyam plus a margin of say 20% on satyam futures (say Rs.50 approx), Thus an investment of Rs.300 has generated a return of Rs.3 i.e. 1% per month or 12% per annum. Now take a situation where only 15 days are left for expiry and you spot the same opportunity as above. You will still generate Rs.3 which will translate into a return of 2% per month or 24% per annum.

Question: What precautions should I take in such transactions and what risks am I exposed to? Brokerage costs/execution risk

Question: Do I need to wait till the last day ?

Call Option give you a right to buy a share (at a certain specific price), while Put Options give you a right to sell (again at a predefined price). For example, if you buy a satyam 240 Call Option, you are entitled to buy Satyam shares at a price of Rs.240 per share. This specific price is called as the strike price or the exercise price. Satyam share price may have been Rs.242 when you bought the call option. You expect the satyam price to rise, You accordingly bought the Call (instead of satyam itself). Now if satyam rises to Rs.270 (in 10 days time), you wi8ll find that that the call would also have risen in price from Rs20 to Rs35. In that case, you would simply sell the Call for Rs35. You would have made a profit of Rs.15 on the Call itself without getting into satyam shares themselves

Why should I not buy the share itself ?

Answer: Well, you can. But in Options you will earn more. Take the above case. If you buy satyam shares at Rs.242 and sell satyam at Rs.270, you will make a profit of Rs.28, a 12% return. Now if you buy the option at Rs.20 and sell at Rs.35, you have earned 75% return. Your view is on satyam in both cases, for the same period of time and you earn far more in options.

WHAT IF MY VIEW IS NOT CORRECT ?

Here again, Options are very useful. If your view is wrong, you will find that your Option value will decrease as satyam share price decreases. For example, you will find that the Option value is only Rs.10 if satyam drops to Rs.225. In that case, you will sell off the Option at Rs.10 and bear the loss. If you had bought satyam, you would have lost Rs.17 per share, while here you lose only Rs.10. It is however higher in percentage terms. If satyam drops all the way to Rs.200 you will find that your Option carries virtually no value. Here again, you would have lost Rs.42 per share in satyam. But in Options, your maximum loss will be Rs.20, i.e. the amount you paid for buying the Option. The biggest advantage of Options is that your maximum loss is limited to the Option Price you paid. Hence you have limited losses but unlimited profits as a buyer of Options.

Question: When will the Option expire and what happens on expiry ?

Answer: Options will (like Futures) expire on the last Thursday of every month. On expiry, your call Option will be settled based on the closing price of satyam. For example, if satyam share price was Rs.281 on the last Thursday, you will be paid Rs.41, i.e. the difference between Rs.281 and your strike price of Rs.240. Your net profit will be Rs.21, i.e. Rs.41 that you receive on expiry less the Rs.20 premium that you paid for purchasing the Option.

Question: Who will pay this difference of Rs.41 ?

Answer: The Option seller/writer will pay this difference of Rs.41 to the exchange which will pay your broker who will pay you. This settlement is called automatic exercise of the Option. Question: What if the price of satyam on the last Thursday is below Rs.240 ? Answer: If satyam closes at say Rs.237, you will receive nothing. In that case your loss will be Rs.20 (your premium) which the option seller would have earned as his income.

PUT OPTIONS

Question: How do I use Put Options ?

Answers: You would, in most circumstances, think of buying Put Options when you are bearish about scrip. For example, if satyam is currently quoting at Rs.262 and you are bearish about satyam, you would buy a Put. You would first decide a certain strike price, say Rs.260. It would carry a premium as quoted in the market, say Rs.11. When you buy this Put, it gives you a right to sell satyam at the strike price of Rs.260. Thus, if satyam were to go down to Rs.235 at expiry time, you can still sell satyam at Rs.260 (your strike price). Question: Do I need to have satyam with me in the first place ? Answer: At the moment, transactions in Options are cash settled. Hence, you do not need to possess satyam to buy satyam Puts.

VALUATION
The value of an Option is made up of two components.viz, Intrinsic Value and Time value.What is Intrinsic Value?For example, when the satyam share itself is quoting at Rs.291 the Intrinsic Value of a satyam 280 call is Rs.11. You will realize Rs.11 if you exercise today.OPEN INTERESTPRICE VOLUME OPEN INTEREST MARKETRising Up Up StrongRising Down Down WeakDeclining Up UP WeakDeclining Down Down Strong

What is Time Value?
Time is the Total Option Value minus Intrinsic Value. For example, if the satyam 280 call above is quoting at Rs.25, Time Value will be Rs.25 minus Rs.11 i.e. Rs.14.

Indecent behavior in Gentlemen’s Game !

2008-08-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

Yes I am talking about Cricket and yes I am talking about ‘Sledging’. The ICC hates it but most of the players love it. Wiki refers to sledging as ‘exchanging words with opposition player(s) which can put him(them) off their usual game; it is an attempt to "psyche out" an opponent’. Cricket is a very interesting game, and sledging adds the extra spice that makes it much more than just game.

Here is a compilation of the best sledging related incidents, witnessed in the history of cricket…

Statuatory Warning : The contents that follow may be unsuitable for children. It may be sensitive for some communities/Gender.

Sledging has always been a part of cricket.Even the great WG Grace did it. Once in an exhitbition match given out leg-before, he refused to walk and told the umpire: "They came to watch me bat, not you bowl". And the innings continued.

Grace’s ability to stand his ground would have done Sunil Gavaskar proud. Once, when the ball knocked off a bail, he replaced it and told the umpire: "Twas the wind which took thy bail orf, good sir."The umpire replied: "Indeed, doctor, and let us hope thy wind helps the good doctor on thy journey back to the pavilion."

The best WG Grace sledge was on him, though, not from him. Charles Kortright had dismissed him four or five times in a county game - only for the umpires to keep turning down his appeals. Finally, he uprooted two of Grace’s three stumps. Grace stalled, as though waiting for a no-ball call or something, before reluctantly walking off with Kortright’s words in his ears: "Surely you’re not going, doctor? There’s still one stump standing."

The Prasad Vs Sohail Incident : Hero to Zero in 3 easy steps

Chasing India’s score of 287-8, pakistan got off to a flyer of a start, Amir Sohail and Saeed Anwar went about tearing the Indian bowling attack. Pakistan looked all set to win as they reached 110 odd for the loss of just 1 wicket within the 15 overs.

1. Play a Great Shot: Amir Sohail was completely bent on demolishing the Indian bowling to pieces, charging down the track to the faster bowlers (if u can call Prasad that) in this particular case he came down the ground (a good 4-5 steps, anymore and he would have hit Prasad too) and slashed the bowl over vacant off side area… the ball disappeared into the fence in a flash … what followed has since been etched in the memories of every cricket fan in the subcontinent.

2. Act Oversmart: Amir Sohail is no Miandad. But he tries to be,and fails miserably. Sohail after hitting the shot pointed his bat the area where the bowl had disappeared and then towards Prasad apparently gesturing where he will send the next one.Its not everyday that you see a batsman sledging the bowler, and Sohail was about to learn just why.

3. Get what you called for: Sohail attempting to repeat the shot (albeit with his feet stuck to the ground this time) made room and exposed his stumps, and his weakness, and in return lost his wicket and his face.As the wicket lay uprooted, Prasad returned the favour to Sohail, pointing to the pavilion this time.

The comeback was truly remarkable, almost a miracle …. Prasad has bowled thousands of deliveries and taken hundereds of wickets in his career but, it was this one granted him a place in the History of Indian Cricket .. for ever… the ghost of Miandad’s last ball six was exorcised, once and for all.

Steve Waugh Vs Curtly Ambrose Episode.

It really does not get any bigger than this, the two legends of cricket came face to face, literally and engrossed in a verbal duel in a test match in Trinidad. All the juicy details were not to be known until Steve Waugh came out with his autobiography.
Ambrose repeatedly stared Waugh down during a searing spell, and Waugh, who sized up the towering Ambrose, said: "What the f*ck are you looking at? "
Ambrose was stunned because, as Waugh says (in his Autobiography), "no one had ever been stupid enough" to speak to him like that.
Ambrose replied, "Don’t cuss me, man", before Waugh’s response, which had nothing to do with bowling.
"Unfortunately, nothing inventive or witty came to mind, rather another piece of personal abuse: ‘Why don’t you go and get f*cked.’
"The Windies skipper Richie Richardson had a hard time keeping Ambrose from hurting the Aussie.

McGrath Vs Brandes
In a showdown of best pacers of two countries, Brandes made up for his complete absence of batting skills by some displaying some great sense of humor and presence of mind.
Aussie paceman Glenn McGrath was bowling to Zimbabwe number 11 Eddo Brandes - who was unable to get his bat anywhere near the ball. McGrath, frustrated that Brandes was still at the crease, wandered up during one particular over and inquired: "Why are you so fat?"
Quick as a flash, Brandes replied: "Because every time I make love to your wife, she gives me a biscuit."
Even the Aussie slip fielders were in hysterics.

Viv Richards v Greg Thomas
This incident took place during a county championship match between Glamorgan and Somerset.
Glamorgan quickie Greg Thomas had beaten Viv Richards’ bat a couple of times and informed the legendary West Indian ace: "It’s red, round and weighs about five ounces, in case you were wondering."
The very next ball was given the King Viv treament and smashed out of the ground, into a river - at which point Richards piped up: "Greg, you know what it looks like. Now go and find it."

Merv Hughes and Viv Richards:
Merv Hughes usually never short of a word while on the field, rarely keeps quite. During a test match in the West Indies Hughes didn’t say a word to Viv, but continued to stare at him after deliveries. "This is my island, my culture. Don’t you be staring at me. In my culture we just bowl." Merv didn’t reply, but after he dismissed him he announced to the batsman: "In my culture we just say f*ck off."

Sachin Tendulkar Vs Abdul Qadir
The year was 1989, the little master had recently made his debut in Pakistan.Sachin not even old enough to get a driving licence Sachin Tendulkar was facing the best bowlers in the business. As the Pakistani crows jeered and mocked Sachin holding out the placards saying ""Dudh Pita Bhachcha ..ghar jaake dhoodh pee", (hey kid, go home and drink milk), Sachin sent the then young leg spinner Mustaq Ahmed hiding for cover (he had hit two sixes in one over. The frustaded mentor of Mustaq Ahmed the legendary Abdul Qadir challenges Sachin saying "Bachchon ko kyon mar rahe ho? Hamein bhi maar dikhao` (`Why are you hitting kids? Try and hit me.`).
Sachin was silent, since then we all have come to know that he lets his bat do the talking. Abdul Quadir had made a simple request and Sachin obliged, and how. Sachin hit 4 sixes in the over, making the spinner look the kid in the contest. The over read 6, 0, 4, 6 6 6, David had felled Goliath … and a legend was born.

Ian Healy Vs RANatunga

Ian Healy’s made a legendary comment which was picked up by the Channel 9 microphones when Arjuna Ranatunga called for a runner on a particularly hot night during a one dayer in Sydney… "You don’t get a runner for being an overweight, unfit, fat c*nt!"

McGrath to Ramnaresh Sarwan:

Sarwan, the West Indies vice-captain, and McGrath went toe-to-toe in an ugly shouting match in Antigua in May 2003, The incident was sparked after Sarwan, on his way to a match-winning second-innings century, reportedly reacted to lurid taunts from McGrath by telling him he should get the answers from his wife, who was recovering from radiation therapy for secondary cancer.
The details :
McGrath: "So what does Brian Lara’s d*ck taste like?"
Sarwan: "I don’t know. Ask your wife."
McGrath (losing it): "If you ever F*&king mention my wife again, I’ll F*cking rip your F*fing throat out."

Mark Waugh Vs Adam Parore
Mark Waugh was standing at second slip, Adam Parore relatively new to cricket came to the crease played & missed the first ball.
Mark Waugh- "Ohh, I remember you from a couple years ago in Australia. You were sh*t then, you’re fu*king useless now".
Parore- (Turning around) "Yeah, that’s me & when I was there you were going out with that old, ugly sl*t & now I hear you’ve married her. You dumb c*nt".

Ravi shastri v/s Mike Whitney:
Its common knowledge that Indian’s usually don’t resort to sledging, and the Aussies swear by it. In this rare ocassion the tables had turned and it was the Aussies who were at the receiving end.
Shastri hits the ball towards Mike Whitney (the 12th man in the game) and looks for a single, this guy gets the ball in and says
Whitney: "If you leave the crease i’ll break your f***ing head"
Shastri didn’t bat an eyelid before replying : "If you could bat as well as you can talk you wouldn’t be the f***ing 12th man"

Merv Hughes Vs Cronje
Merv Hughes was one of the greatest exponents of the fine "art" of sledging. Once during a tour game in South Africa Hughes was bowling to Hansie Cronje . It was an especially flat wicket and Cronje was hitting Hughes for fours and sixes all over the place.After the umpteenth boundary, Hughes headed down the pitch, stood near Cronje, let out a fart and said: "Try hitting that for six." It was five minutes before the guffawing stopped and play could resume.

Robin Smith and Merv Hughes
During 1989 Lords Test, Merv Hughes said to Robin Smith after he played and missed: "You can’t f*cking bat".
Simth replied, both with the bat and with words, he smashed Hughes to the boundry and said "Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can’t f*cking bat and you can’t f*cking bowl."

Team mates Sledging :
England were playing Pakistan and, at what turned out to be a crucial moment later on, Frank Tyson managed to get an outside edge off a Pakistani batsman after the batsman had been frustrating them on a hot sweaty day. The ball went right through the hands of Raman Subba Rao who was standing in first slip and through his legs. After the over Raman heads over to the bowler and says, "Sorry Frank, I should’ve closed my legs." Frank Tyson, who didn’t find any of this amusing, quipped back, "No, you bastard, your mother should have."

Ian Healy Vs a Short chubby batsman:
In one of the tour matches in South Africa, Australia played Hansie Cronje’s province. Cronje was at the non strikers end, there was a short chubby batsman on strike.Ian Healy yelled to Warne, "Bowl a Mars Bar half way down…We’ll get him stumped"The Aussies and Cronje were all in hysterics, all this was before a classic reply from the batsman.
The exact words: "Nah, Boonie (David Boon) fielding at short leg will be onto it before I can move."

Miandad Vs Lillee: The ‘brats’ clash:

Miandad played Lillee to square leg and completed an easy run, with a collision taking place in the center. According to Miandad, Lillee had tried to block him in the path. After a verbal exchange, Lillee went ahead and kicked Miandad on his pads. Miandad, started charging towards Lillee with his bat lifted high above the head, as if to hit him. The umpire’s intervention prevented what could have turned out to be a real assault had Miandad gone head with his plans. However, the picture of Miandad hurling his bat at Lillee made the whole incident look even worse, and was promptly declared as the most indignified incident in the history of Cricket.
Lillee’s version, to this day, had Miandad first hitting him with the bat, and then swearing at him. He maintained that there was no contact from his side throughout the incident.
Note: The author is awsare if the fact that this incident has nothing to do with sledging, but found the temptation of mentioning the episode was too hard to resist.

The Frog Jumping incident, 1992 India Vs Pakistan:
India vs Pakistan matches are always a treat to watch, and if its the World Cup its stakes are even greater. Javed Miandad, the Bad boy of cricket, at the receiving end for once. Miffed by the verbals from Kiran More, he complains “Insaan khel rahe hain janwaar nahin” (Human beings are playing not animals). And after a sharp run out chance, where Miandad closely survives Miandad starts jumping up and down, face distorted imitating Kiran More’s appealing. A sight to behold. Pure comedy. Pakistan loses the match but go on to win the cup.
‘I did it instinctively’, Miandad later told. He added, ‘Hey, is this the way you appeal for everything? Don’t appeal like that’.

Dropped the Cup?
Perhaps the most famous sledge in a World Cup match took place the epic Super Six clash between Australia and South Africa (in 2003). South Africa looked on course to a routine victory with Australian captain Steve Waugh at the crease and on 56. At that stage, Waugh clipped the ball in the air straight to South African fielder Herschelle Gibbs. In his haste, Gibbs dropped the ball when attempting to throw it in the air in celebration as he had not fully controlled it. As he passed him, Waugh is said to have asked Gibbs: "How does it feel to have dropped the World Cup?". Waugh carried on to make an unbeaten 120 and Australia posted an unlikely win and won the World Cup a few days later.
Waugh has however denied that quote, instead claiming that he said "looks like you’ve dropped the match".

Hughes Vs Miandad
The inimitable Merv Hughes has forgotten more about sledging than most people will ever know, so he was more than a little miffed to be on the receiving end in the 1991 Adelaide Test against Pakistan. Hughes and Javed Miandad almost came to blows after the Pakistani batsman dared to call big Merv a "fat bus conductor". But revenge was sweet for Hughes. A few balls later he finally got his man and as Miandad walked past, he could not resist shouting "Tickets, please!"

Dennis Lillee Vs Sunil Gavaskar
Dennis Lillee and Sunil Gavaskar, were involved in a war of words in the 3rd Test, MCG, February 1981. A historic win for India in that Test would definitely not have taken place had Sunil Gavaskar not calmed down. He clashed with Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who Gavaskar claims abused him after claiming his wicket and the Indian captain asked non-striker Chetan Chauhan to walk off the field, forfeiting the match. Gavaskar was batting on 70 when Lillee appealed for a leg before decision. Gavaskar showed his bat to the umpire, indicating he had ‘nicked’ the ball before it hit his pads. Angry words were exchanged between the batsman and the bowler, and Lillee even went to the extent of pointing to the batsman the spot where the ball had his pads. The decision went in favour of the bowler and as Gavaskar started his long, dejected walk back to the pavilion, Lillee turned around and abused him. That was it. Gavaskar snapped, and decided to forfeit the match.
Later, Gavaskar was to write in his book ‘Idols’: “That (the walkout) was the most regrettable incidents of my life. Whatever may be the provocation and whatever the reason, there was no justification for my action and I realize now that I did not behave the way a captain and sportsman should.”

Flintoff Vs Tino
BestBest, never short of a word or two when he is bowling, was done up like a kipper by the England all-rounder as West Indies slumped to defeat in the first Test. Flintoff saw his opponent preparing to face Giles’ off-spin and shouted: "Watch the windows, Tino!" The wind-up had the desired effect, causing Best to come charging out of his crease like a man possessed. He took a wild swing at the ball, missed and was promptly stumped by Geraint Jones. Not a broken window in sight. Flintoff could not contain himself and spent the next five minutes giggling like a teenager, as Best sat on the balcony rueing his stupidity.

Viv Richards to Gavaskar:
Gavaskar had decided to relinquish his opening position and come in at no 4 for that test. But, Malcolm Marshall fired out Anshuman Gaekwad and Dilip Vengsarkar for ducks, setting the stage for Gavaskar to walk in at 0/2.And he thought there would be less pressure! Viv Richards says "Man, it don’t matter where you come in to bat, the score is still zero."

Steve Waugh and Parthiv Patel
Amidst all the hype surrounding his farewell match, Steve Waugh had to contend with an unexpected dose of his own medicine from a player half his age.
As Waugh fought a grim battle to stave off defeat in the series-deciding fourth Test in Sydney, 19 year-old Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel tried to unsettle the veteran batsman through some banter.
The baby-faced Patel egged on the 38 year-old stalwart to play one of his sweep shots one last time.
The India ‘keeper was saying, ‘Come on, just one more of the famous slog-sweeps before you finish’
Waugh replied: ‘Look, show a bit of respect. You were in nappies when I debuted 18 years ago’.

Rod Marsh and Ian Botham:
When Botham took guard in a Ashes match, Marsh welcomed him to the wicket with the immortal words: "So how’s your wife and my kids?"

Trueman and Aussie batsman
In an England v Australia Test during early 1960’s Trueman was fielding close to the gate from the pavilion. As a new batsman came out he turned to shut the gate, Trueman said "Don’t bother son, you won’t be out there long enough."

Daryll Cullinan and Shane Warne.
As Cullinan was on his way to the wicket, Warne told him he had been waiting 2 years for another chance to humiliate him. "Looks like you spent it eating," Cullinan retorted.
Adam Parore and Daryll CullinanBecause Cullinan is well known for being Warne’s bunny, New Zealand keeper Parore greeted the South African, carefully playing the first ball from kiwi Chris Harris, with a cry of: "Bowled Warnie!"

Malcolm Marshall and David Boon
Malcolm Marshall was bowling to David Boon who had played and missed a couple of times. Marshall: "Now David, Are you going to get out now or am I going to have to bowl around the wicket and kill you?"

James Ormond and Mark Waugh
James Ormond had just come out to bat on an ashes tour and was greeted by MarkWaugh……..Mark : “F*ck me, look who it is. Mate, what are you doing out here, there’s no way you’re good enough to play for England”James: “Maybe not, but at least i’m the best player in my family”

Waugh Vs Jamie Siddons
In a Sheffield Shield game between NSW and SA, a Waugh twin (not sure which) was taking an enternity to take guard, asking the umpire for centre, middle and leg, two legs - the whole lot. Then he steps away towards leg side and has another look around the field, before re checking centre.Jamie Siddons is at slip, and decided enough is enough. He yells out."For christ sake, it’s not a ‘f*cken test match."
Waugh replies: "Of course it isn’t … You’re here."

Mother (in law) of all sledges:

In the 1980’s Ian Botham returned early from a tour of Pakistan, and on radio joked "Pakistan is the sort of country to send your mother in-law to." Needless to say the Pakistanis did not find this amusing, and when Pakistan defeated England in the 1992 World Cup Final, Aamer Sohail told Ian Botham "Why don’t you send your mother-in-law out to play, she cannot do much worse."

Barmy Army Vs Shane Warne
England’s "Barmy Army" recently decided to sledge leg spinner Shane Warne musically, and it has been described as boorishly personal, but effective.
The sledge was based on Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep - the "Where’s your poppa gone?" Song. It has been converted to "Where’s your missus gone?" (Warne had recently been divorced ith ife)

Special Mention:
Inzamam-ul-Haq once told Brett Lee to "stop bowling off spinners".In the recent Karachi Test when Irfan Pathan came to bat in 2nd Innings Afridi shouted two times " O mera Shehzada aaya ! " (Oh! my prince has come)

Thats All Folks !

Kamal Hassan's Dasavatharam

2008-07-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

Kamal Haasan is an Indian film actor and director, considered among the leading method actors of an Indian cinema. In his recent movie 'Dasavatharam' he donned 10 roles!!!

Below are some of the important details about the movie 'Dasavatharam'.
Name of the movie: Dasavatharam
Language: Tamil
Directed by: K. S. Ravikumar
Produced by: Venu Ravichandran
Written by: Kamal Haasan, K. S. Ravikumar, Sujatha, Crazy Mohan
Starring: Kamal Haasan, Asin Thottumkal, Mallika Sherawat, Jayaprada, Napolean
Makeup: Michael Westmore
Music by: Himesh Reshammiya, Devi Sri Prasad
Cinematography: Ravi Varman
Editing by: Ashmith Kunder
Country: India
Budget: 140 Crores

Here are the close up photos / images of kamal hassan's characters.

50 Very Simple Ways to Be Romantic

2008-01-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

Ok, so maybe Valentine's Day isn't for another month, but that doesn't mean you can't show your partner some special attention now. In fact, I invite you to join me in this experiment. The plan is to show your love for your partner in a small and different way each day for a whole month and see what magic happens.

Here are a list of 50 things you can do to express your love. If things aren't good between you and your partner right now, this might be just the thing to slowly melt the ice between you both. If things are already good, this will strengthen your relationship further. By the way, there is nothing expensive on this list so there is no excuse not to give this a shot.

1.Write "I love you" in the steam on the bathroom mirror after he takes a shower.

2.Offer a back massage with some good smelling lotion.

3.Write a poem. Then use Google Translator to translate a poem into either French or Italian. Then handwrite it out with the translation on the back side. Or better yet, greet your partner at night and read it to them with passion and then hand them the translation.

4.While in public, declare "I love you, Matilda!" (not Matilda, but your partner's name.)

5.Make a CD with a few songs that are meaningful to your relationship.

6.Invite him to take a bath complete with bubbles, champagne, candles, and maybe a little Barry White. (the music, not actually Barry White in your tub.)

7.Surprise her at work and take her out to lunch, maybe take-out food in the park or maybe to a little diner, for a midday romantic interlude.

8.Put together a little gift on his pillow: chocolate and a note that says "Your love is like chocolate: sweet and delicious."

9.If your partner has a work presentation at an off site location, have flowers and a note of support delivered there.

10.Dedicate a song to him on the radio and send him an email telling him when to listen.

11.Cook a special love meal of your partner's favorite foods. Play his favorite music and turn the lights low for a romantic dinner.

12.Give your partner a pedicure and foot rub.

13.Send a text message or email that says "I love you!"

14.Mail a card and inside write down the top 10 things you love about your partner.

15.Give him a picture of you for his wallet that says "I love you."

16.Leave a love note in her car telling her to have a great day.

17.Carve your initials in a tree.

18.When your partner least expects it, give him a great big kiss, even if it's in public!

19.Go see a romantic movie, sit in the back row, hold hands, and cuddle.

20.King for a Day/ Queen for a Day. Declare that you will dedicate a particular day just to your partner to do whatever they want. Maybe start with breakfast in bed.

21.Buy a tree and invite your partner to plant it with you explaining that this tree represents the love between you both that will grow over the years.

22.In the midst of talking about how your days went, the chores that need to be done, etc. interrupt and say "I have something important to tell you. I love you and here's why." Then list 5 things (or more) that you really appreciate about your partner. Finish with a kiss and say, "Ok, so you were talking about the water heater."

23.Write an old fashioned love letter and mail it. Be romantic and lavish. Have some fun with it.

24.Before going to a party together come up with some secret code words you can use during conversation. You can be telling each other "I can't wait to get you alone tonight!" without anyone knowing!

25.Find a hotel that has a jacuzzi and book it for a one night getaway somewhere close but fun.

26.Place an ad in the classifieds declaring your love. Then take the newspaper, wrap it in a bow, and put a little note on it saying what page to look on.

27.Blindfold surprise. Blindfold your partner and drive them to the place where you had your first date, and have that date all over again!

28.Write a love poem for her.

29.Make an early valentine. Cut out some paper in the shape of a heart. Write something sweet on it in red and put it in her purse or his briefcase.

30.If your partner is going on a business trip secretly hide a love note inside their luggage.

31.Offer to help them with some dreaded chore they must complete and make it into a fun time maybe with some music. (cleaning out the basement, raking the leaves, shoveling after a big snow storm, giving the dog a bath, washing the car, etc.)

32.Do something romantic and spontaneous, like picking a flower and giving it to her right on the spot.

33.Invent a meal and name it after him or her.

34.Buy some body paint and write your love message on your body.

35.Record yourself reading a romantic love poem for your honey. Then give your partner a CD and tell them to play it in the car on their way to work.

36.Make a small postcard sized love collage. Then cover it with clear packing tape. Write a love message on the other side and mail it!

37.Keep a box with mementos of fun things you've done together. Later when the box is filled, arrange them on a board and have it framed.

38.Buy some underwear with special messages on it. Or buy your own and paint a special picture or message with fabric paints.

39.Make a donation to charity in the name of your love for your partner. Give your sweetheart a card that tells how grateful you are to share your life with her.

40.Keep a box with special cards, letters, photographs, and other mementos. On your anniversary or on Valentine's day take a little time to share fond memories together as you review the contents.

41.Create a mindmap of all the things you love about your partner and make it into a card.

42.Take a walk on the beach together. Run up ahead and write a message in the sand, and then call your partner to see what you "found."

43.Say "I love you" often, slowly, and with feeling.

44.Play hooky together. You work hard. Now today take a day to work easy at just sharing some fun time together. Call it an "I love you day."

45.Send an e-card to your sweetie to brighten his day. Here are free e-card resources: Apple iCards, BlueMountain, Hallmark.

46.Make little "I love you" posters with either crayons, markers, collage, paint, whatever. Post them in surprising places: the bathroom, the closet, the car, under her pillow, on her pillow.

47.Create a small website or blog dedicated to your partner. Write a short love message each day for a month...or forever.

48.Complete that chore or favor that your partner has wanted you to do for a long time.

49.Be super kind for a whole day. Act like you would with a new love, a child, or a frail person. Show lots of kindness, generosity, and love no matter what for a whole day.

50.Take an interest in your partner's interests. For a woman it might be watching a football game with your guy. And for men it might be going to see a chick-flick. Do it with a spirit of enthusiasm and love. Have fun.

Print this out and do one each day. Make up your own. You don't have to tell your partner that this is something you are doing. Just do it. Who knows, maybe you'll establish a positive habit of expressing your love on a daily basis.

The Math Clock for Geeks

2008-01-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

Try telling the time on this wall clock!

When I was young, I always had a hard time figuring out the time based on the positioning of the clock’s hands. I remember my Mom trying to teach me in so many different ways, but I just was not able to get a hold of it. With that, math was not my strongest subject either, so I am happy this clock was not around then, or I would have NEVER learned to tell the time.

This clock presents the hours by different mathematical equations, so it would have made my life simply horrible. The equations seem fairly easy for me now, but there is one that appears to be a little more complicated than the rest of them: the 5th hour, for it adds the “factorial” into the mess. Without knowing that 5 o’clock belonged there, I may have never figured it out…would you?

How To Generate Valid Credit Card Numbers

2007-12-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

What do the credit card numbers mean and how are they generated? I need to start with a disclaimer: Do not use any credit card numbers, except your own, to buy things off internet. It’s wrong and it’s illegal. The purpose of this post is *not* to create fraudulent workable card numbers. It is to explain the math and the science behind those numbers that most of us see day in and day out; and hence this post should be viewed from a purely academic perspective.

Typical credit card anatomy

Before we understand how credit card numbers are generated, here is a brief explanation of what a typical credit card number means.

* Out of the 16 numbers on a typical credit card, the set of first 6 digits is known as the issuer identifier number (read this for details), and the last digit is known as the “check digit” which is generated in such a way as to satisfy a certain condition (the Luhn or Mod 10 check). “Luhn check” is explained later in this post. The term sounds intimidating, but it’s really a very simple (and elegant) concept.
* Taking away the 6 identifier digits and 1 check digit leaves us with 9 digits in the middle that form the “account number”.
* Now, there are 10 possible numbers (from 0 to 9) that can be arranged in these 9 places. This gives rise to 109 combinations, that is, 1 billion possible account numbers (per issuer identifier).
* With each account number, there is always an unique check digit associated (for a given issuer identifier and an account number, there cannot be more than one correct check digit)
* Amex issues credit cards with15 digits. The account numbers in this case are 8 digit long.

What is the “Luhn” or “Mod 10″ check?

In 1954, Hans Luhn of IBM proposed an algorithm to be used as a validity criterion for a given set of numbers. Almost all credit card numbers are generated following this validity criterion…also called as the Luhn check or the Mod 10 check. It goes without saying that the Luhn check is also used to verify a given existing card number. If a credit card number does not satisfy this check, it is not a valid number. For a 16 digit credit card number, the Luhn check can be described as follows:

1. Starting with the check digit, double the value of every second digit (never double the check digit). For example, in a 16 digit credit card number, double the 15th, 13th, 11th, 9th…digits (digits in odd places). In all, you will need to double eight digits.
2. If doubling of a number results in a two digit number, add up the digits to get a single digit number. This will result in eight single digit numbers.
3. Now, replace the digits in the odd places (in the original credit card number) with these new single digit numbers to get a new 16 digit number.
4. Add up all the digits in this new number. If the final total is perfectly divisible by 10, then the credit card number is valid (Luhn check is satisfied), else it is invalid.

When credit card numbers are generated, the same steps are followed with one minor change. First, the issuer identifier and account numbers are assigned (issuer numbers are fixed for a given financial institution, whereas the account numbers are randomly allocated - I think). Then, the check digit is assumed to be some variable, say X. After this, the above steps are followed, and during the last step, X is chosen in such a way that it satisfies the Luhn check.

This part is a bit confusing and takes some time to understand. However, don’t get stuck here…continue reading through the examples below and you will figure out what this is all about.

Credit card numbers valid or invalid?

Have you ever wondered if those numbers on the fake plastic or cardboard credit cards that come with the “preapproved” offers are real or imaginary? If they are not valid, how do you know it?…Just apply the Luhn check and all the those fake credit cards will invariably fail.Here is an example of a VISA credit card (look at the expiry date - 01/09 ..it’s still valid ! ;) )

Note that the credit card number starts with “4″…so it is indeed a VISA issued credit card (VISA cards start with “4″ and MasterCard/Maestro cards start with “5″). Now, let us apply the Luhn algorithm to this card. To make it easier on you guys, I have created a schematic of the steps towards the Luhn check (below) for this card number 4552 7204 1234 5678:

* In this case, when we sum up the total, it comes to 61 which is not perfectly divisible by 10, and hence this credit card number is invalid.
* If such a credit card number is ever generated, the value of the check digit would be adjusted in such a way as to satisfy the Luhn condition. In this case, the only value of the check digit, that will create a valid credit card number, is 7. Choosing 7 as the check digit will bring the total to 60 (which is perfectly divisible by 10) and the Luhn condition will be satisfied. So the valid credit card number will be 4552 7204 1234 5677.

Let’s try another example, this time with a MasterCard.

Again, performing the Luhn check on this credit card number, we have:

* The total comes to 65 which is not perfectly divisible by 10. Hence this credit card number is invalid.
* In this case, a valid credit card number will result only if the check digit is 8. This will bring the total to 70 which is perfectly divisible by 10. So the valid credit card number will be 5490 1234 5678 9128.

Closing remarks

If I still have your attention, here are some additional thoughts. In the context of this post, by the term “valid”, I mean “mathematically valid”. A mathematically valid credit card does not mean a “working” credit card. The Luhn formula validates only the credit card number; it does not validate the expiry date and/or card security code (CVV, CVC). Plus, as discussed before, the 9 digit account number will yield 1 billion combinations; so the chances of getting a working credit card number are very remote. It should also be noted that, this validation is usually employed at the transaction end; which means that numbers that do not satisfy the Luhn check are not forwarded to the card issuer and the transaction is terminated. If you have a fake credit card which satisfies the Luhn check, it will go through at the transaction end, but the card issuer will most likely catch the mischief. So don’t go about trying to use these numbers to buy stuff.

So you think you can separate out valid and invalid account numbers now? Here are a couple of trial numbers for you:

* 5491 9469 1544 4923 - Valid or invalid? If invalid, what should have been the correct check digit to make it valid?
* 4539 9920 4349 1562 - Valid or invalid? If invalid, what should have been the correct check digit to make it valid?

Sudoku fans will quickly figure out multiple valid combinations of the above numbers. If you don’t want to do the math, here are some ready made valid (”test”) credit card numbers from Paypal.By the way, the Luhn check is also valid for debit card numbers.I am still in the learning phase with this topic and trying to further understand how people use (or misuse (?)) such information. If you have some insight in this matter, please feel free to share it with me.

There is a vast amount of literature on the Luhn algorithm and a quick Google search will enlighten you on how popular this topic is. If you don’t want to read all that, here are links to some interesting reading.

* Card Identification Features (pdf file) - extremely useful, must read.
* Credit Card Numbers and Credit Card Generator @ Graham King.
* Anatomy of Credit Card Numbers.
* Credit Card Number - Wikipedia.

VISA card image source: http://www.hkuaa.org.hk, MasterCard image source: http://www.nscs.org

Keerthi Chawla

2007-12-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

Keerthi Chawla, the heroine of 'Uliyin Osai', based on Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi’s story, is on cloud nine. She has received complements from the Chief Minister for her performance in the film.

The first schedule of the movie – 15 days of shooting – is over and the scenes shot in the schedule were screened to the CM. It is said that the CM is quite impressed with the way the project is shaping up.

Kalaignar praised Keerthi Chawla’s performance when the actress met him to get his blessings for her birthday (on Dec 9). He also asked her whether she could speak his dialogues without much problem. The lass replied that the dialogues were not like the usual stuff and hence challenging. However, the actress added, she was putting in extra efforts to render them perfectly.

CM was kind enough to enquire about her background. After knowing that the girl had come from Punjab, he recalled his experience with Punjab during his visit to the state.

Keerthi could not control her happiness over the complements by the Chief Minister. She is confident of coming out with a special performance in the film.

Bheema Trailor...

2007-12-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

Banner : Sri Surya Movies
Cast : Vikram, Trisha, Prakash Raj, Sherin
Direction : N Linguswamy
Production : A M Rathnam
Music : Harris Jayaraj
Website : http://www.srisuryamovies.in/

Enjoy watching Bheema trailor just by clicking here

Aayirathil Oruvan: Hot n Cold

2007-12-10T06:43:00.001-08:00

Director Selvaraghavan is making the whole team of 'Aayirathil Oruvan' shivering. No, they don’t fear the captain of the ship. They are shivering in cold.

The first schedule of the shooting was held in the jungles of Moonaru. Everyone including Paruthi Veeran Karthi, Reema Sen, and Andrea were shivering under the cold and awaiting the day to return home.

Now Selvarasghavan is planning to put them under the scorching sun in Rajastan Deserts. He has planned to shoot a song and a few scenes in the deserts.

'Aayirathil Oruvan' is Karthi’s second film following his successful maiden venture Paruthi Veeran. 45 days of shooting is completed and the next schedule is expected to begin soon.

Shreya Photos...

2007-12-10T06:40:00.001-08:00

Bheema

2007-12-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Bheema Preview
Versatile Vikram is all set to stage a cinematic comeback, after about one year, with ‘Bheema’. Everything about ‘Bheema’ is big. Vikram plays a biggie who is brainy as well. The film comes almost one year after Vikram’s last film Majja the light of the day.‘Maja’ was a letdown of sorts for the fans of Vikram, who were euphoric over the super success of his earlier movie, Anniyan .That way, Vicky is pinning big hopes on ‘Bheema’ as he badly needs to shake off the flop that ‘Majaa’ was.Director of ‘Bheema’, Lingusamy seems confident of ‘Bheema’ hitting the jackpot. Lingusamy’s directorial credentials are impeccable as his last film Deepavali was a big hit.Lingusamy himself has written the story of ‘Bheema’, which is an out-and-out action thriller.The song sequences of the film have been shot in Switzerland, New Zealand and the Thirumalai Naicker Mahal in Madurai.‘Bheema’ also marks the coming together of Vikram and heroine Trisha after a big gap. The last film they did together was ‘Saamy’, another superhit.The film, which has been produced by A M Rathnam, will have music by noted composer Harris Jayaraj

Bheema Music Review

The successful pair of the hit film Samy, Vikram and Trisha,comes together once again in lead roles in Bheema. Directed by Lingusamy, Bheema sees Prakashraj in an important role.
Harris Jayaraj has created an enjoyable fare deploying an assortment of youthful vocals and a slew of instruments including sarangi, santoor and dilruba predominantly used in Hindustani music. Pa Vijay-Muthukumar-Yugabharathi-Thamarai team's evocative wordscape heightens the lilting quality of the numbers.
The album kickstarts with Oru mugamo, sung by Karthik and this year's National Award winner, Naresh Iyer. It paints a picture of the contradictory facets of the hero's personality.
It is a lively track with mild hip-hop, extra sounds and minimum percussion with predominant drum beats. The enjoyable rhythmic pattern, which incidentally is common with most of the numbers in this album, and ebullient rendition are the core of its appeal.
Following this, we have Mudhal mazhai, which was reportedly shot in Switzerland and has pithy lyrics. The abiding rhythm and easy flowing rendition by Prasanna, Hariharan Mahathi give this romantic melody an alluring simplicity. The lyrics give vent to soft sentiments, fantasies and longings of the lovelorn hearts. Mahathi's dulcet voice has a lisping quality. Minimal percussion as in the earlier track, guitar interlude and good chorus are other highlights of this number. However, there is a reworked feel in certain places.

Rangu rangamma rendered by Vijay Jesudas, Kailash Kher and Swarnalatha is a weighty and vibrant track. The number shot onboard a ship in mid-sea has extended drumbeats relentlessly unleashed in the prelude as well as in the interlude. The accompanying soft anklet sounds give it a mystic feel. Swarnalatha's pliant voice is a perfect foil to Kailash Kher's deep tone and timbre. The number with a raw earthy feel once again gives Vijay Jesudas a chance to break free from the shackles of his usual soulful and doleful repertoire.
Then comes Ragasiya kanavukal, rendered by Hariharan and Madhushree, in a casual leisurely style creating a poetry recital feel. The beginning of this number reportedly shot at Thirumala Naicker Mahal in Madurai, has a mild Hindustani flavour. Excellent rhythmic helpings, inspiring instrumentation and the very brief parallel track in between give this love duet a boost.The number has an appreciable simplicity and serenity.
Siru parvayalae by Karthik and Harini, another love duet, has a folksy whiff with a contemporary style to it. Karthik in full-throated fashion sails through the melodious passages with perfect harmony. Harini gives adequate support with her lilting rendition in her silken yet deep voice. The instrumental interludes are absorbing.

The composer has saved the best for the last with Enathuyirae. Along with Chinmayi, Sadhana Sargam and Soumya Rao, the song introduces a new voice, Nikhil Mathew, the winner of Vijay TV's Airtel super singer contest. Nikhil's voice has tonal depth and he sings excellently. He holds his own creditably well with the other experienced singers. Enathuyirae is a caressingly soothing mood defining number.
All in all Harris Jayaraj offers a good fare despite adopting an orthodox style.

The audio Bheema was released recently at a function in Chennai. The cast and crew of the movie Vikram, Trisha, Harris Jeyraj, Cinematographer R.D. Rajasekar, Editor Antony, Dialogue writer S. Ramakrishnan, lyricists Na. Muthukumar, Yugabharathi and Thamarai, Producer A.M.Rathnam and director N.Lingusamy were present at the event. Director Lingusamy assured the audience that ‘Bheema’ would be an important film for both Vikram and Trisha. Actor Vikram also reiterated this by pointing out the 2 years of hard preparation he has done for the film. The songs have come out well in the ever-exciting style of Harris Jeyaraj.
With Harris in the music director’s seat and Vikram and Trisha in the cast, Bheema is surely going to rock.
For download Bheema mp3 click here

Linux Administrators Guide

2007-12-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

A good book for Linux administration can be found here. U can download it many formats for which links are available at the bottom of the link page.

Free ebooks

2007-12-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

U can get a lot of free ebooks related to all topics here.

www.freepdfebooks.com

www.click-now.net

Just enjoy..

Oracle related books...

2007-12-08T05:38:00.001-08:00

For any oracle related .pdf books just click here.

Make Money Online

2007-12-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

Earn money from relevant ads on your website.
Google AdSense matches ads to your site's content, and you earn money whenever your visitors click on them.
Click here to start your journey of making money online...