The Insider

It was a movie I came across while browsing for the latest news on the satellite channels. It was based on a true story with addition for dramatic effect. It is basically a story of a Head of Research unit of a Big Corporation in the US who was sacked for standing up. He did not want to compromise his belief and principle which he thought was crucial to human health and life. He went through hell! Even his wife left him for not being able to cope and support him.

Of course he found a person who also shared the same principle on life. The principle on integrity, accountability and responsibility. These people were prepared to go against the tide and gave away everything. Indeed they finally triumphed in their life although it was not easy. I am sure they were satisfied with the outcome of their battle for the cause that they believed in in spite of the sacrifices they had to make.

It was almost a prophetic coincidence for the show to be aired today, in the light of the most recent events in this country. The extent of challenges and tribulations people who hold onto noble principles are being unravelled for all to see. To most people it may be hard to swallow but to these selected few, it is their destiny to serve the humanity no matter the price they have to pay. I wonder what is in their heart and soul that sets them apart from the ordinary and mere mortal.

BTW, I thought Russell Crowe and Al Pacino did very well in the film version of the real Insider!

100 Days of Ding Dong

When the sun rose on 9th March 2008, it was like a new dawn with rays of hope. Indeed some hopes are higher than others but still many were hoping for better life. This kind of hope is still there, nevertheless. However the earlier optimism is slowly diminishing withthe kind of ding dong and flip flop being shown. I am talking about the 4 PR governed states. Yes it was not easy to come and occupies the vacant sits with the little experience in governing. It was a very steep learning curve if success were to be gained over nights... This is quite understandable. However the basic element of being together among the PR components that is communicating with each other is obviously not resolved. You still get an excited member easily pronounced about certain things without proper communication internally. Then the oethers had to back pedalled. Then you also have a top guy happily says things on top of his head giving an impression that every action/decision he makes should be told to the Rakyat. He is then seen like another flip flop legend. The question is why can a proper mechanism be put in place to avoid opening your backside to be whacked. This is knowing that there are so many out there who want to see the backside whacked left, right and centre.

Unless the lessons are learned, and learned fast, weakenesses identified and strengthened, gaps closed and rectified, life will be tougher for the next whatever remaining of the 363 x 5 days term to the next election! It is sad that with all the hopes, some PR government seems to fall in the same trap befallen the previous BN governments. While the intention may be good or all done in good faith, the art of governing is far from satisfactory. But then again that is the challenge that we ought to face and overcome. Here hoping that things will only get better!

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Part 1

'[A] masterful follow-up to....The Kite Runner. Not to be missed. A Thousand Splendid Suns will tear at your heart' - Chicago Sun-Times

'A stirring read....almost impossible to resist.' - Entertainment Weekly

'Uplifting, Enlightening, Universal.' - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

'Once again the setting is Afghanistan, but this time [Hosseini] has taken the last thirty-three years of that country's tumultuous history of war and oppression and told it on an intimate scale, through the lives of two women.' - The New York Times

'A brave, honorable, big-hearted book.' - The Washington Post

'This engaging, heartbreaking novel soars.' - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

''When the journey continues, the search will go on until the sun sets" - White Eagle

Double Jeopardy - Part 1

'When mobster Al Moroconi is charged with orchestrating a heinous crime against a young woman, the first defense attorney on the case mysteriously disappears. TravisByre - a smart Dallas cop who recently traded his badge for a law degree - is appointed by a federal judge to speak for the defense.

Then Moroconi vanishes into the Dallas underworld - taking Travis's reputation with him. Running for his life, Travis comes to a horrifying realization: the charge against Moroconi is just a cover for something much bigger and more foul.....'

William Bernhardt
www.ballantinebooks.com

Personal v Professional

It was rather sad these days to see many people in the 'professional' line could not differentiate between personal interest and professional interest. Most think that since they work in certain professions, they thought they are professionals realising very little the true meaning of professionalism. How often these days one hears about top management of an organisation or a corporate body making decision based on other than professionalism. In trying to justify their personal actions they would resort to all sorts of dirty tricks at their disposal without really feeling any remorse. These people become an arrogant lot. They thought the trust and responsibility given to them is a licence to do anything they like and they wish without being accountable. As a result those unfortunate people who were at the wrong place at the wrong time would suffer.

Why can't people be honest and do the right thing professionally? Is it because of incompetence, lack of knowledge or fear of own weaknesses? Or is it the fear of own shadow? But then again, if one is above board and beyond reproach what is there to be fear of the shadow? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between. Go and figure it out!

Parental Visit

The previous weekend was a return trip home with the kids. It was a family occasion celebrating one of the third generation getting hitched. I managed to take time off to go back home although the occasion was somewhere else. It was a time to renew family ties with relatives who have not crossed our paths for some time. After a good rest, it was time to return to the city. The trip was generally exciting although rather tiring driving over 600km in a day. It was worth it, nonetheless to see mum and dad....

Good Bye, My Friend!

It was a normal day until I received a shocking news about my friend R who has passed on to meet with his Creator. I was stunned and shocked. I have not seen him for a while since he came a calling months back. However, just a few days ago I just thought about him. Wondering what he was doing, remembering those days when we could meet up with a phone call. However since he became immobile, these moments were no longer there. I ended up the thot with a prayer that he gets well and telling myself that I would see him soon. Alas! It was not to be. Apparently he left for a minor priligrimage a week ago and would be back next week. It was a journey he was thinking for quite a while and he was very determined to go on that journey. It seemed to be his final journey on this earth. A journey that would leave only memories behind. He was well liked by everbody I know for he was kind hearted who never failed a friend. I knew for a fact that he put his friends even before his family at times. But the main thing is he was also loved by his creator for his kindness. I guess it was this kindness that brought him to his Creator in the Holy Land. He could not be closer to the good before he was called on. My friend, you will be remembered in more ways than one. May your soul be blessed and showered with the best as what you showered those around you. May you rest in the company of the best people. Amen!

The Innocent Man - Part 1

In the town of Ada, Oklahoma, Ron Williamson was going to be the next Mickey Mantle. But on his way to the Big Leagues, Ron stumbled, his dreams broken by drinking, drugs, and women. Then, on a winter night on 1982, not far from Ron's home, a young cocktail waitress named Debra Sue Carter was savagely murdered. The investigation led nowhere. Until, on the filmsiest evidence, it led to Ron Williamson. The washed up small-town hero was charged, tried and sentenced to death - in a trial littered with lying witnesses and tainted evidence that would shatter a man's already broken life ... and let a true killer go free.

.......It is a book that will terrify anyone who believes in the presumption of innocence - a book no American can afford to miss.

'A Gritty, Harrowing True-Crime Story' - Time

'A Triumph' - Seattle Times

'Grisham has crafted a legal thriller every bit as suspenseful and fast-paced as his best selling Fiction' - Boston Globe

Boston Legal

If you are keen on legal drama but on the lighter side, this tv series is a good one to consider. It has all the ingredients of American Way of life. I mean we all know how litigatious the Americans are. They just find anything to start a litigation or civil suits. So a legal firm becomes the focus, in this case, it is Crane, Poole and Smitch. The pratagonist is Denny Crane, one of the partners. Poole is rather quite while Shirley Smitch is the moderator bringing the feminine influence. Denny's close friend is Alan Shore, a real character. In most of the series Alan Shore is considered the brain behind the cases especially those in the court room drama. The original supporting cast included Brad who ended up marrying Denise, Clarence who becomes Clarice after hours, Jimmy the eccentric and a few others from time to time.

Then you have a group of judges who can be unique in each own way. Throw in a few baddies to be defended by the team from CPS together with a few arrogant DAs then you really have some entertaining shows.

What I like most about the show is that issues raised in each episode are very relevant to day to day life of an ordinary american citizen. As a result the legal arguments put forth by each side are almost surreal. For me it is almost like a revision of chapters from legal text. It is always inspiring and a good way to motivate and get refreshed especially when you see how these lawyers work in a professional way most of the time but struggle to escape from emotional attachment when the subject matter is closed to their hearts. Of course there were a few episodes which were rather memorable made possible by the good acting overall.

The chemistry between Denny Crane an Alan Shore could not have been better. For good measure each episodes ends with these two main characters sitting on Denny Crane's office balcony with a glass of champagne in one hand while a good cigar in another reflecting on the day gone by! It is indeed a very good series which has run for four seasosns. One really has to keep track to follow the case since it is not readily available on local channels....

The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Epilogue

I am not sure how the critics considered this book as 'more exciting than any thriller' (Philip Pullman) or 'admirably spare and amazingly exciting' (Rachel Cooke, New Statesman). I may be bias but the story was rather ordinary except for the way it was presented, in a flashback technic. Just like when one's mother would relate a family story, except in this case it was related to a stranger - with no name. The experience Changez went through was not dissimilar than many who took the same journey. A journey undertaken at a relatively young age when one is bound to discover many new things in life. In this case, it was a discovery of Princeton, Underwood Samson & Company and Erica. The disenchantment experienced by Changez with Erica and Americain general was nothing new regardless of 9/11. A person who grew up in one culture then moved to another culture would definitely feel the conflict. It is the challenge in managing this conflict will make one becomes either a steel or a plasticine!

Indeed, to me the true reason for the meeting between Changez and that American did not become abundantly clear at all............

Friendship

Every now and then one may ask what friendship is all about. Some may see this as being once companion in time of need. Companion in the sense of a shoulder to cry, an ear to listen and probably a source for a piece of advice. More often than not one may face a situation when many friends will be there when the weather is fair. When the times are rough, not many people will stand the test of friendship. This is quite common in terms of political interest. A powerful politician will have so many friends that he or she can float in the air from the firends aura. The moment he or she loses the political power then most of the friends will disappear if not all. Worst still nobody want to be associated with him or her regardless of the good deeds they had benefited from him or her.

So, the point is one has to be careful in having a friend. A person will be very lucky to have friends who can and will be there when they are needed. Alternatively it will be a nightmare to have friends who can backstab like 'trusting the fence, the fence eats rice'. A wise man says that a good friend is the one who will defend you in your absence!

The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Part 1

Having read The Kite Runner, I just could not resist picking up this book by MOHSIN HAMID while browsing the shelves at my regular bookstore the other day. Perhaps the caption 'Shortlisted for the Man Brooker Prize 2007' was the real eye catcher for me.

' Excuse me, sir, but may I be of assistance? Ah, I see I have alarmed you. Do not be frightened by my beard. I am a lover of America...'

So speaks the mysterious stranger at Lahore cafe' as dusk settles. Invited to join him for tea, you learn his name and what led this immaculate speaker of English to seek you out. For he is more wworldly than you might expect; better travelled and better educated. He knows the West better than you do. And as he tells you his story, of how he embraced the Western dream - and a Western woman - and how both betrayed him. so the night darkens. Then the true reason for your meeting becomes abundantly clear.....

A Day Not Like Others

Dear Mother

I hope you are doing really fine in spite of your health. Forgive me for not coming up to visit you as often as you and I wish. I hope Dad is also doing ok.

I supposed I have to tell you a few things which cross my mind since our last coversation.

Tomorrow is the second Sunday in the month of May. Around here where I live and work, most people would celebrate Mother's Day. I am not sure you are aware of this or even care about this, although I know you have discharged your motherly duties to your kids excellently. Indeed I sometime wonder how some women who call themselves mothers by just simply giving births to babies and yet celebrate this Mother's Day. Some of them, I am sure, do not even know what being mother is all about. I mean, pardon me, I have to compare them with you. You started motherhood during the Japanese Occupation of our country. I remeber you telling me that Dad was detained by the Japanes just before my eldest sister was born. Those were the dark days which are now parts of our history when you had to survive with tapioca. I also remember quite well how you would work non-stop morning as a teacher to your students and afternoon going to the paddy field helping Dad taking care of those paddy. These were a few examples of sacrifices that you did for us. I wonder whether anymore paddy field left in this country with the shortage of rice people are talking about now. I remember how you care about all eight of us including your eldest two daughters who were already married by then. You have not stopped caring and worrying in that way until now even though all of us now have our own family and may be nearly quailified as you and dad to be called parents. That is simply you, Mother!

Mother

I was just thinking this Mother's Day thing is actually about making money by some people. The advertisement for gifts are almost everywhere. The value of these gifts are questionable. Of course the recepients would gladly accept that. Its almost nothing to do with the appreciation of the sacrifices by all mothers. I mean the hype is actually creating a lot of dirts under the carpet. For instance, almost every mother in this part of the world would be bombarded by messages ofMother's Day. For those who have children who can afford, the mothers would probably be given lots of gifts by their children. Mothers will be treated to sumptious breakfast or lunch. They will also be taken to places of happiness. There will surely be a lot of happy faces. I, however, can't stop to wonder how would other mothers i.e. mothers whose children are not in a position to give anything but silent love, feel about this hype and all. Would they be hurt and suffer in silent thinking about how unlucky they were? Would they feel sidelined and ignored for the simple fact that their life was fated? I dont really know cause I dont think I could afford hurting them more by asking.

Mother

Pardon me for rumbling this way. Its just that I want to assure you, although I have never given you any gift as advertised extensively on Mother's day, I hope my give of love which is always there would be more significant than those money can buy. I just could not know what else I could give, knowing you will not be happy for any of my sacrifices but only for my happiness with my own family. People say, its the thought that counts but every now and then the presence does also count.

I am sure, Mother, you are also shaking your head looking at the qualities of mothers today. Of course the difference between mothers of today and mothers of your time are like the sky and the earth. To some people they say this is just because of the evolution of human life. We are now in the IT era when everything has to be fast and the world is becoming borderless to the extent that you have a lot of fast tracked mothers and mothers who seem clueless to the border of being a mother, a wife and a career woman. Some will abdicate the responsibility of being a mother to their maids. It is fine if it is limited to the household chores but most often it goes beyond that. There were cases when young kids were left with the maids, growing up in the care of the maids and even speaking in the language of the maids'. These mothers would have very little time with their kids yet these are the same people who celebrate Mother's Day perhaps more than any other mothers.

When I said the fast track mothers, I mean those who choose not to get pregnant and giving birth as a naturl process of marriage but rather prefer adoption. Of course it is a noble cause but how on earth that can be considered noble when single women do these? They will then use this as a reason not to get married because they have worldly needs including a child they call their baby. Can you imagine, Mother, what would happen to the institution of marriage which really forms the fabric of the society?

Mother

Forgive me for asking a lot of questions - not that I want you to worry about. Its more for me to self examine our situation here and I hope I could find answers which I would use as guidance to be shared with your lovely grandchildren. By the way, thank you for all your love and care for my kids and my other half. I know how happy you are everytime you see them or even hear their voices over the phone. My only regret is that they are now growing up and speak to you even less. I will try to get them to improve on this, Mother. As you are also aware, I am really thankful to God that with all the parental tips I learned from you and dad I have managed to raise them to be good and filial sons and daughters although not as good as what you two did for me. This also I promise to improve.

Last but not least, Mother, just be known that, you are remembered everyday and the prayers for your well beings as my gifts will never cease. My wish is that you and Dad will always feel the warmth of love and tender care from my other half, my kids and myself. Have a very Happy and Peaceful Mother's Day, everyday!

With Lots of Love

Yours truly,

Sweat Weekend!

Arghhh! What a fun weekend it was. The days passed really quickly. Yes, it was just like any other weekend but it wasn't. Not when I had extra time to spare with my youngest son going around in the old beaten up car looking for a place to do a make over. The old M is now close to 30 years old. I thought a treatment of sort is in order. But alas! The guy at the workshop wanted to con me. Huhh....its tough. We walked away shaking our heads considering the deal. Never mind we will continue looking for the right deal. We picked out our badminton rackets and gave a few hits for a sweat...

It was indeed a nice catching up game. It was one of those days when a little quality time is all that you need to brighten things up and to feel close to your loved ones!

The DNA of Leadership

Leverage Your Instincts to COMMUNICATE, DIFFERENTIATE, INNOVATE

Just as your DNA may determine your destiny, a company's organizational DNA may determine its destiny. The DNA of Leadership helps you understand how to shape your company's genetic code for success. The author identifies the 7 vital leadership practices that can reshape an organisation into a WE-centric culture-a culture that will enable people to effectively work together during times organizational change. Learn how to 'graft' these 7 practices onto meetings, conversations, and strategic initiatives, and you'll leverage talent, maximize results, and boost profits in amazing ways!

Alter a Company's DNA, and Accelerate Its Profits!

Testosterone Inc. - Tales of CEOs Gone Wild

'Combines an understanding of balance sheets with an ear for gossip and an eye for human failings' - Daily Telegraph (UK)

'Irresistable, wonderfully well written, superbly documented..This book is a fabulous read' - The Globe and Mail (Toronto)

'Unearths tantalizing stories of bad behavior' - USA Today

'Cheeky, mesmerizing, and sometimes out-of-bounds...Byron will have you shaking your head in amazement by the time you finish Testosterone Inc.' - Business Week

'Entertaining and eye-opening...rarely do we get such a well documented and readable account of such unacceptable behavior among those at the top of American business' - Barron's

Play Dirty

'Accused of murder, convicted of throwing a game for the mob, former Dallas Cowboys superstar Griff Burkett spent five years in federal prison. Now a free man, the fallen quarterback has no prospects - and worse, no forgiveness - in football-crazy Texas. But there is someone willing to pay - millions - for Griff's services. Airline CEO Foster Speakman and his lovely wife, Laura, want the one thing fate has denied them: a child. It's an offer Griff can't refuse, a job that demands total secrecy. But in this high-stakes game, Griff finds himself falling in love with Laura Speakman - and racing to protect them both from a ruthless nemesis from his past. Now, plunged into the spotlight of suspicion as the clock winds down, Griff's future - and his life - hinge on one last perfect play'

It took me about half way through before I got 'drawn' into the thriller. After 2/3 of the book, it was really a page turner to the end. Good read.

Love (2)

Time is Gold, Diamond is forever; Forever also refers to time. So, Time is also Diamond? Anyway, it just goes to show how precious time is. It is indeed undescribable. I mean if one loses a piece of gold the person can always get another piece as a replacement so long as he or she can afford it. Ofcourse the sentimental value is not the same. But can one do the same thing with regards to time? No way, Jose! Even the richest man in the world or even universe could not possibly buy time to replace the lost one, not even a second. This is because time is equivalent to one's age. One cannot replace childhood time with any other time. Time, being one's age is part of one's life, like it or not. Its very precious.

So, it seems, the manifestation of love really is to give one's most precious valuable to the one who feels in love with. What is more valuable other than time? Indeed, a person could shower a loved one with gifts and everything but it is less significant if one never spend own time as part of it. I mean those gifts can be ordered through a third party and arranged for the delivery. Of course it could make one's happy but it is far from being a manifestation of love.

Take an example, a rich father may give almost everything his son wants except time. Studies have shown how this would influence the child later in his life. It is even worst if the father is never there when he is needed, be it for a birthday party, a school activity or even a game on the field. Similarly, a rich mother in her twilight years may not need any material thing from her kids but a few minutes to spare; to talk, to reminisce, to feel the presence and most of all to be loved. One can always profess how much he or she loves a person but without giving the most precious part of his or her life i.e. time, the love will almost mean nothing. Indeed themanifestation of love is really by giving time to the loved ones when it is needed most!

Love is many splendid things but the main reason for a person who believes in a particular faith and practices his or her belief is called a devotee is because of his or her devotion in giving away his or her time through the various deeds and even sacrifices! That would be d ultimate manifestation................

Fun Filled Weeks

Indeed, it has been quite fun to watch the drama unfolding. On the one hand you have a group of people or loyalist trying to pull together. On the other hand you have an old horse full of vengeance. What a shame really when you have a kettle calling a pot black. This old man was so powerful in his time that no one dared to challenge him. He would surely find ways and means to not only put that person(s) in the cold. He would destroy them. Now he is saying that his predecessor is doing what he did and he did not like it! Talking about tasting one's own medicine. There could not have been a better example.

He was just ranting this and that, like no end. Poor soul! He is now so desparate he creates problems for others. What a pity but then again you can only plan and do certain things while the ultimate planner is watching and only intervenes as necessary. I guess it is now payback time!

On the issues unfolding, there are so many people want to give their two sen worth! Some of them are now trying to be too clever by saying things they should have said earlier, not now. Its too shallow these people. But then again the world is full of actors and opportunists.

Some of them are still in denial mood and would not learn whatever lessons thrown at them. They are just waiting to be swallowed by the earth..

Keep watching..I guess there will be many more interesting things coming up!

Back Spin

The boy was last seen in a seedy, down-town hotel - and then he disappeared. Just another runaway, or is there more to it than that?

When Myron Bolitar is asked to unravel the mystery of the boy's disappearnce, he crashes through a crowd of undesirables, blue bloods and liars on both sides of the social divide. And when family skeletons begin to emerge, Myron is about to find out just how deadly a game he's got himself caught up in.....

The story of Jack, Linda and Chad Coldrens together with Win, Esperanza, Norm Zuckerman, Lloyd Rennart, Esme Fong, Tad Crispin, Tito Marshall.....

Its from Back Spin by Harlan Coben!