Salt & Pepper has a delicious recipe to offer…

Again the review from Vinay:

S&P is a refreshing movie and a perfect recipe for a weekend matinee! The movie is a rare breed as the central character is no one but "FOOD". Yes, that’s right! And all actors revolve round the 'main character’ very interestingly.

The writer has cleverly used a different dimension of FOOD as not just as a medium of sustaining lives but one that changes lives. How it happens forms the crux of the plot and with some hilarious moments offers a very interesting watch.

On the acting front, Lal fits in perfectly into the character aptly supported by Swetha Menon. Although they do not come together in any shot (barring the climax), they develop an interesting Chemistry thru' their rather unusual conversations. Asif Ali also lives up to the character with his good sense of comic timing. Rest of the star cast is also good but among all it is Baburaj who steals the show with his impeccable comic timing and dialogue delivery. This character has the potential to change his acting career forever.

For a perfect dish it is important that all ingredients are mixed in right quantities at the right time, and that is exactly how other technicians have contributed. Music by Bijulal is good especially the opening song. Cinematography, art direction and BGM are top class.

It is heartening to see, lately Malayalam film has started experimenting successfully with unique themes. Be it daring "Cocktail" or the thrilling "Traffic" or be it an honest attempt like "Adminte Makan Abu", it seems the good times are back and hopefully this trend lives on.

Kudos to the makers, for coming out with a unique subject and giving it a fresh treatment.

What are you waiting for? The feast is ready... Go for it!!

We all friends (room mates) with Surajith, watched it on the Friend ship day and liked it...The Love story of Salt & Pepper and the way it is entangled!

The One Minute Manager

The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson is indeed a guide to increase productivity, profits and prosperity.

There are three secrets to one minute Management:

I.ONE MINUTE GOAL SETTING: It is simply:
1. Agree on your goals.
2. See what good behaviour looks like.
3. Write out each of your goals on a single sheet of paper using less than 250 words.
4. Read and reread each goal, which requires only a minute or so each time you do it.
5. Take a minute every once in a while out of your day to look at your performance, and
6. See whether or not your behaviour matches your goal.

'Take a Minute:
Look at your Goals
Look at your Performance
See if your Behaviour Matches Your Goals'

II.ONE MINUTE PRAISING: It works when you:
1. Tell people right from the start that you are going to let them know how they are doing.
2. Praise people immediately.
3. Tell people what they did right - be specific.
4. Tell people how good you feel about what they did right, and how it helps the organization and the other poeple who work there.
5. Stop for a moment of silence to let them 'feel' how good you feel.
6. Encourage them to do more of the same.
7. Shake hands or touch people in a way that makes it clear that you support their success in the organization.


It works because:
1. Praising is done as soon as you've done something right, and not wait for your performance review.
2. Since what is done right, is exactly specified, sincerety and familiarity is there.
3. There is consistency, even if things are not going well somewhere else.

The Key for training someone to do a new task is, in the beginning, to catch them doing something approximately right until they can eventually learn to do it exactly right.

III.ONE MINUTE REPRIMANDS: Just as one minute praising; but for the wrong, It works when, again the same 1-5 and 7. i.e 6 points, and then
7. Remind them how much you value them.
8. Reaffirm that you think well of them but not of their performance in this situation.
9. Realize that when the reprimand is over, it's over.

Behaviour and worth are not the same things. What is really worthwhile is the person managing their own behaviour. This is as true of each of us as managers as it is of each of the people we are managing.

We are bit just our Behaviour
We are the person Managing our Behaviour

Thus a one minute manager 'Let the people know right from the start what they are doing and why.'

Goals Begin Behaviours.
Consequences Maintain Behaviours.

Who would play football if there were no goals?

Remember: 'Feedback if the Breakfast of Champions.
Touch is very honest, 'When you touch, don't take, Touch the people you manage only when you are giving them something - reassurance, support, encouragement or whatever.


It is neither the autocratic or democratic managers, but effective managers, who manage themselves and the people they work with so that both the organisation and the people profit from their presence.


People who feel good about themselves Produce results.


Productivity is more than just the quantity of work done. It is also the quality.It is good for everyone to do well, and one need not go by the bell curve.



People are the most important resource.The best minute you spend is the one you invest in people.

Everyone is a Potential Winner
Some People are disguised as losers,
don't let their appearances fool you.

Thus this book give yourself & others 'the gift' of getting greater results in less time. Set goals, praise & reprimand behaviours; encourage people, speak the truth: Laugh, Work & Enjoy.

The Power of One: Bryce Courtenay

Super. A lovely, gift from Sharyn, one of her favourate books. Waiting to see a picture of 'Grandpa Chook' in her garden, honouring Peekay!!!


If 'The secret' contains instructions - theory, this is with example - practical; a motivating story to remember and learn from:

In each of us there is a flame that must never be allowed to go out. That as long as it burns within us, we cannot be destroyed.

One ting is certain in life, just when things are going well, soon after they are certain to go wrong. It's just the way things are meant to be.

Small can beat big, all it takes is brains and skill and heart and plan.First with your head, then with your heart,, without it even plans are useless!First the facts, then the trust.

The power of one is the courage to remain separate, to think through to the truth and not to be beguiled by convention or the plausible arguments of those who expect to maintain power, whatever the cost. The power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability previously demonstrated.

Pride is holding your head up when everyone around you has theirs bowed. Courage is what makes you do it.

Life is all beginnings and end. Nothing stays the same. Parting, losing the thing we love the most, that's the whole business of life, that's what it's mostly about.

'No matter what has happened bad, today I'm finished from being sad! Absoloodle!' (Say Today was a good day)

Nothing is unexplained. Nature is a chain reaction. One thing follows the other, everythin is dependent on something else. The smallest is as important as the largest. Dont be afraid of originality, Always listen to yourself, it is better to be wrong than simply to follow convention. If you are wrong, no matter, you have learned something and you will grow stronger. If you are right you have taken another step towards a fulfilling life. You cant always go by expert opinion. Always you should go to the source, to the beginning. The more you know, the more you can control your destiny. Always do the exercise, if you do the exercise, you have the foundation. In this world are very few things made from logic alone. It is illogical for a man to be too logical. Some things we must just let stand. The mystery is more important than any possible explanations. The searcher after truth must search with humanity. The truth can only add to the sum of what you know, while a harmless mystery left unexplored often adds to the meaning of life. Always ask questions, maybe the answers come slow, but always they are coming if you wait with your head and your eyes. No point in leaving things to chance.

Anticipate problems likely to occur in any situation and review the answers to them long before disaster strikes. Survival is a matter of actively making the system work for you rather than attempting merely to survive it. It is not what a man does, it's what a man is that counts! Love independence, take control of life.

Surprise your opponent in the first few seconds and so unsettle him. Anticipate the problems likely to occur in any situation and review the answers to them long before disaster strucks. Have emergency plans. Routine which, when practised a thousand times, becomes an automatic reaction to a crisis.

Knowledge, learning makes you a man, I am nothing without learning.

Nanny, Grandpa Chook, Hoppie Groenewald to Gideon, Rasputin and the Judge; all of them give us a lot, indeed a lot, you want to know more...

Yes, leaving with the legends, taking the best of them, Peekay, had become a companion to Doc, enchantment to Mrs. Boxall, champion to the people, fulfilment to Captain Smit, a foil to Hymie, a product to Singe 'n Burn, an idealised school boy, winner and great guy to Peers, and a role model to me!

And what is your say on this?

Full story from Wikepedia here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Power_of_One_(novel)

Achan API

API presents Venugopalan K,
with this certificate as a token of appreciation
for rendering 20 years of good, loyal and faithful
serivce to the company.

We look forward for many more years of such close association. (15.4.88)

And then he was with the company for another five years till it was locked out in 1993.
The year, when my sister was to start her 10th and me my 12th.

Where could we go, whom could we trust, what could we do...
With the support of our well wishers, friends and relatives, and by the grace of God,
we could spend another one year there to complete our important thresholds of education,
and then move to Kerala..

Well he was also looking forward for many more years of close association,
But destiny had something else instored for us.

And now when here, he has been in the present organisation for past 13+ years,
while I have moved 5+ organisations...He calls me Naranath Prandhan,
he adds to the chorus of people saying I will reach no where.
I know, it is because he wants to see me reach somewhere...

He keep telling me rolling stone gathers no moss...but am I rolling?

Natundeeamma dingi dingi....

FATHERS
F: Faithful
A: Always There
T: Trustworthy
H: Honoring
E: Ever-loving
R: Righteous
S: Supportive



Thank you father for being there always for me, and indeed the best gift any father can give to their children is to love their mother.

Ramayana: Cricket

The current Cricket World cup situation between INDIA vs SL as this.

INDIA(Ram) married World cup (Sita) in 1983 and in 1996 Sri Lanka (Raavan) took away Sita (Cup).
Now after 14 years of vanvaaas they meet again and you know the result J :D


The epic Ramayana is coming back….don’t dare to miss it.

INDIA …… BLEED BLUE ....They lifted the cup again, There were tears in many a eyes...but then were they fixes?

Memorable Gettogether: Short & Sweet

Finally she set her foot on Indian soil,on a lovely and bright saturday, fascinated to see a magnificiant elephant on the highway, on the 26th of March 2011; when we wanted to be in the airport. But we had to wait till the 27th., to have the first glimpse of her when we were going to Athirappilly.Ah! it was a dream come true! Was it real or just a dream? Did patiences really pay? Well, yes says the photographs, for I belive that the technology is yet to develop, such that we can capture pictures of our dreams.

The view from the Rainforest Hotel was lovely, we went both to the starting point till the falls below, and returned in the scrotching sun; which was indeed too hot, it turned her red, but she was the first to return and I was the last to make the uphill climb. The explantion was thought provoking, just get it done, and then you dont have to worry about it, it is over. After lunch, we went to Vazhachal, and there it started drizzling, and then rain. Wow! Both sun & rain on the same day. Father was happy that she visited our house, while returning. She was surprised to see the crowd in the oberon mall, at 8pm. She wanted to buy a ray ban glass, but settled for fasttrack. Well it is the fast track one which I liked. See I am not a brand freak.

Next day, when she came to office, she had brought for us, Milk chocolate delights; mini eggs; from a magical Carury world. It was yummy milk chocolate inside and crisp sugar shells outside; and then we had meetings for days, and lots of work.

Well then it was the cricket time, cricket cricket everywhere, biddings, guessings, practicals and theory. The India, Pakistan match reminded of the old fights, where kings from two different countries would come to watch it, and here was the primeministers of both the countries sitting and watching at Mohali. Our meetings and presentations had the crickinfo ie minimised, to keep us updated. But we could be home to watch the climax, and listen to Sachin say something like: Focus, give your best not worring about the result and the rest will follow.

She said lovely cards to both her mothers, it being Mothers day, on the comming sunday, and birthday cards to Gareth and Claire. Yes it was Claire's birthday, the next day; and she emailed me saying all great people were born in March!

It was great to have her here, with me to share my birthday (I had already celebrated by malayalam birthday/Piranal which I share with my grandmother), when she presented me with a beautiful Kashmiri shawl! Wishing me may Joy & Love be yours Always! Her presence was my best present!

We could begin yet another close with her, in her presence.

As we were getting ready to watch the war(match) between 'Ram Sena'(India) and 'Ravan Sena'(Sri lanka) in the land of 'Siv Sena'(Mumbai), Fss team won the practicals in the morning. She and me, went to Kodanad, and were lucky enough to find 5 elephants of differnt age group, both male and female; having their morning shower, in a river, surrounded by beautiful scenery.We had to return soon, as there was this appointment for this special body massage at Anjaneaya Ayurveda Vaidyasala; but that I believe was something not very positive about the trip, as the massage did not turn out to be as expected living some marks; the ones on hands were clearly visible and heartning. We then did some window shopping at kalyan silks and she helped me but some things for my nephew. We went around Fort Kochi and Marine Drive. As the 2011 calender is a replica of 1983; so where the Cricket results! India won the world cup again, bringing tears of joy, in the eyes of the millions. Sachin could finally kiss the cup; and so also many others!

Next day, was her lovely and memorable treat, at the house boat in Allapuzha; with typical kerala food. Then she invited us for the evening tea, at the Taj Malabar where she stayed. Even there there were two lovely big elephants. From there we could see Mattanchery, Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, marina. It was the whole team with family: AP family; my father; and our marketing solutions team in whole. It was mother's day in UK. She had her mother's and daughter in UK, and missed them.

Then began the long month end, with its ups and downs, whatever had to go wrong, went wrong, which was sad. But all days are not the same. The next day was again better, a good day! We felt blessed to be part of the call, where the results were discussed. It gave us an insight to what actually happened.

We had lovely Paw Baji, Fish Birayani and Kheer, made my Pravin's wife, Prachi. Chicken and Chapathi made my Cynthia. Team dinner at the Park.She even enjoyed the Pooram at the Kakkanad devi temple, where there was five elephants beautifully decorated like a bride. Shopping at kalyan silk, Bhima jewellery, and oberon malls. It was lovely to see her in the Salwar Kameez, Bindhi (Third eye) & Payal (Anklets). Then there was the semi finals and finals of the WL cricket team. Our FSS team won the semi finals, and she was there to watch both the matches and give the trophy to the winning team! (Our team was the runner up). After the finals, they had been to Cherai beach and had dinner today. But I had to be home, waiting anxiously to see my mother, sister and Neil! Next day she was going to Chennai, and had an adventure, when due to bad weather, the flight could not land in Kochi, and as it was running out of fuel, had to go for refilling to Banglore. We could even exchanged few books, in this short span of time.

She learned Anna & Kakka when she was here, and called my bag, Mary Poppins's!

She said, she wanted the team to remain the same, for atleast next one year! But the best of her advice as I take it is: There would be problems and failures, dont learn to just leave with it!

On her last day in office, she presented all of her team members with a lovely gift: Pen hand turned by a gentleman named Ian Darbyshire in East Yorkshire(ian@handturnedpens.co.uk)(www.handturnedpens.co.uk). The wood used to make the pen is Bog Oak, that are 1000 years old having been preserved in a local peat bog.

There was a piece for us to see.

Note said: I hope when you use them you remember our time together with fondness:

Santhi

Sharynx

She was.

Yes we would:


Guess what? As I had just finished typing this, there was a courier from Amazon: Yet another surprise: (Including the courier charges!)

All of us had yet another gift from her:

1. Penguins stopped play: Eleven Village Cricketers Take on the world:For Pravin,

2. The Power of One: By Bryce Courtenay for me:
And this is her favourate book. She has a statue of garndpa chook in her garden to honour Peekay!!! Is that not lovely! would love to see a pic. of it. (Who knows, one day may be in person too!!)

3. Not Dark Yet: A very funny book about a very serious game: For Jay.

Things come to an end: Bad and good; and this too had come to an end; for the time. With prayers; to see again in an years time. A lot can and will happen between now and then; with regard to house, relations and other things. Fingures crossed!

Awesome Foursome - Echoes/Mixed Blessings/The wedding/Mirror Image - Danielle Steel and Chetan Bhagat's - Five Point Someone, Three Mistakes in my life, Two states and One night at the call centre

Yes the family of four, which we were together after long, but with more joy and additions beging grandparents and grandchildren. But this is on some things other than this:

Just four months of 2011; and here I am having read four books each of Danielle Steel and Chetan Bhagat; barring the other ones!

Danielle Steel:

Thanks to Barkha could read Echoes and Mixed Blessings.

Thanks to Sharyn could read The wedding and Mirror Image.

Echoes:

For the Wittgenstein family, the summer of 1915 was a time of both prosperity and unease, as the guns of war sound in the distance. But for eldest daughter Beata, it was a time of awakening. By glimeering Lake Geneva, the quiet Jewish beauty met a young French officer and fell in love. Knowing that her parents would never accept her marriage to a Catholic, Beata followed her heart anyway. As the two built a new life together, Beata's past would stay with her, and when Europe faces war once again, Beata must watch in horror as Hitler's terror threatens her family-even her daughter Amadea, who has taken on the vows of a carmelite nun.

As family and friends are swept away without a trace, Amadea is forced into hiding. Thus begins a harrowing journey of survival, first in the Nazi death camps, and then as she escapes into the heart of the French Resistance and finds a renewed sense of purpose.She meets and extraordinary man, British secret agent Rupert Montgomery, who help her discover her place in an unbreakable chain between generations...and between her lost family and her future. (This took me to the sound of music.)

From the elegant rituals of Europe's prewar aristocracy to the brutal desperation of Germany's death camps, Danielle Steel draws us into a Vanished world, weaving an intricate tapestry of a mother's love, a daughter's courage...and the unwavering faith that sustained them- even in history's darkest hour.


The wedding:

Simon Steinberg and Blaire Scott are among the most respected couples in Hollywood. They have defied the Hollywood cliche and stayed together for decades. Their three children - the entertainment lawyer Allegra, teenage aspiring model Samantha, and medical student scott - are successful and happy. Allegra, as an attorney to the stars, has a career that consumes so much of her energy that she has little time for a private life - until a chance encounter with a New York writer turns her life upside down. Suddenly, she finds herself planning a wedding at her parents Bel Air home. After there earlier breakups, she finally meets her Mr. Perfect. Her wedding, is a bridge between the past and future, and an opportunity for reconciliation, forgiveness, and new hope - as weddings often are for us all.


And yes just like the names, there were similarites and continuity in the books as they were different!

Well, if 'The Wedding' is about The dreams and expectations of a cermony that unites us all...; 'Mixed Blessings' is about the desire, the difficulties, and the joy of having a child.

Mirror Image, is of identical Twin children, very similar in looks but different in dreams, which take one to the war in Europe - World war 1. Echoes, is again, in the back drops , which begin with world war 1 and ends in world war 2.


_________________

Chetan Bhagat:

All the books are a quick read, which even the beginners in reading can go through.

Five Point Someone
One Night @ The call center
Three mistakes in my life
Two states.

Five point someone:

I would say, the similarity between Five point someone(the book) and Three Idiots(Film from book) would be just 50% to 60%. The film is indeed an improvised version of the book.


Three mistakes in my life: Is about an youth named Govind, who dreamt of owning a business. To accommodate his friends Ish and Omi's passion, they open a cricket shop. However, nothing coes easy in a turbulent city. To realise their golas thtey will have to face it all - religion, politics, calamities, unacceptable love and above all their own mistakes. The book is based on real life incidents. With some insights like team work, passion and discipline, the need of them to be taught in school.

Two states: is about Krish and Ananya who are from two different states of India, deeply in love and want to get married. Of course, theri parents don't agree. To convert their love story into a love marriage, the couple have a tough battle in front of them. For it is easy to fight and rebel, but much harder to convince. Because in India, for marriges to succeed, it is not sufficient that boy and girl love each other, but their parents have to love them,and each others parents too!

Moreover the striking feature for me in this book, was about Krish's father, and the saint and psychatrists advice to 'forgive' and how the rest will follow.

I really wonder if Chetan Bhagat's father really did like that, and how is he and mother now?


One Night @ the call center; indeed had some thought provoking points

The most important call in the world is the inner call.
Follow your thoughts.
Four things needed for success: Intelligence, imagination, self-confidence, and Failure.

Be firm!

Life is uncertain, screwed up at times, but still fun.

Remember:
1. I can do whatever I really want.
2. God is always with me.
3. There is no such thing a loser after all.

______

Waiting to read more of them!

Bloodline

My first of the Sidney Sheldon, ‘Bloodline’, has it all; passion, suspense, Intrigue; powerful enough, to make me wake up from sleep to know who the killer was?

Sam Roffe had just died, and at his death his daughter Elizabeth Roffe, had to obey his behest and take command of his mighty global empire. She possessed beauty, intelligence, youth, and now riches too. Their help in office who knew the all and all was Rhys Williams.

Her mother had died at the time of her birth, and there was nothing interesting in her growing up days, though she visited places, and lived a luxrious life. She happen to read of her great grandfather Samuel.

Samuel and his broken-down horse, Lottie, had created a dynasty. Roffee and Sons, a little less than half a century after it had been founded, was a multi-national behemoth that circled the globe. It all happened because of Samuels’s passion for Terenia Roffe, and medicine. To him, medicine was for healing and not for profit!

They had five sons-Abraham, Joseph, Anton, Jan and Pitor. Samuel had send each of his five sons, to different places on their 21st birthday to grow his business.

Abraham had gone to America, married an American, had first grandchild, Woodrow, who sired a son named Sam.

Joseph had married a German girl, who bore him a son and a daughter. The son had a daughter Anna who married a German, Walther Gassner. (Twin children killed)

In France, Anton had married a French girl, by whom he had two sons. One son committed suicide. The other married and had a daughter, Helene. She married several times but had no children. (The bold and capable)

Jan, in London had married an English girl. Their only daughter had married a baronet named Nichols and had a son whom they christened Alec. (Vivians: Red ribbion)

In Rome, Pitor had married an Italian girl. They had a son and daughter. When the son, in his turn, married, his wife gave him a daughter Simonetta, who fell in love with and married a young architect, Ivo Palazzi. (Wife, and another lady)

Someone, somewhere was determined that she must die, ....This become evident, after the death of Kate Erling, their secretary, in The special express lift.

Max Hornung, help them solve the puzzle. He had a single-track mind, and it was a very narrow-gauge track at that. All he needed was one loose thread, one tiny piece that did not fit into the rest of the fabric, and once he had that he would begin to unravel it, until somebody's brilliant, foolproof scheme fell apart at the seams. He had a photographic memory, and was very economical too.

There were so many troubles which Roffee and Sons, had to face as the days go by, that they needed to change the presided, and therefore she decided to marry Rhys Williams.


Though Samuel had believed; that one should ‘Never let a friendly fox into your hen-house. One day he’s going to get hungry.’ It happened that, over a period of time, someone from your own house would be hungrier than a fox!!

Assessment!

At times life is so simple and beautiful, at other it is such a complex process. Life is a good teacher which alwayz teaches us better.

I often wonder whether the time spent in making something is more valuable than the results it produces. I often wonder if people have always enjoyed the process more than the end result and after? Isn’t end result indeed a mixed blessing? After, is the immense fear and anxiety of many things including, judgement. No one likes that. Whether it be in case of our work (job) or anything else. But that is what motivates us to the profession. I often wish if we could spend all our time on work and not have to face the wrath and unpredictability of result, what a wonderful life it would be.

There is such great joy in work, but also there is equally, such a great desire of distancing oneself from it when it is to be assessed. Assessment brings doubt and uncertainty. Would it not be wonderful if we were never to be assessed, and still share the benefit of its import. Ahhh … life asks and tempts one into taking always the easy way out. The brave keep going regardless, the weak succumb and sit by the shade of the tree, tired and prone to giving up! Am I getting tired? It is said that the best is to compete with self and not others, but then why comparisons? Indeed talents differ; all is well and wisely put. OK, first assessment, then why again counter assessments, and criticisms? Once done should be done!

Life goes on...you feel that happiest moment is your graduation, then getting a job, then it is your marriage, then the joy of having your child...when you feel, that tell then you had feeling, now it is that you have started facing reality. Then it is when you play with your grandchildren...Life goes on...until death, with assessments at everystage!!

Why be angry and lose the temper? How much of Self-control, control of the surroundings? Is it posible to be tolerant and fight for justice, both hand in hand? What is Just? Again an assessment!

For Hitler, it was just (right) to kill the Jews. The fall of Russia, Capture of Saddam Hussain and the fight in Iraq, The unrest of Libia and Gaddafi, Corruptions in the Politics, Politicians eating money?, Fight for different house/family/state/country. Rich and the powerful are they right to do anything? Spoil the love one has for sports, which needs to be played by way of sportsmanship, but which too is fixed these days? To add to the misunderstandings, riots, and nuclear disasters, there are natural calamities? Are they God's plan or ways to keep things intact or his wrath?

Why do each feel that they are right and the other is wrong. And then set out to garnish their own traits and tarnish that of others, when there is good and bad in everything?

Wonder if everybody is not entangled in the staccato painted on the broken walls?

Joy and woe are woven fine....as life goes by... You too your living, I too my death. Who alone is going through the right way is unknown to all except God! I pray: God give me the wisdom, to understand and do what is right; Keep my Control and set things right!

Love & Respect All Good! (Again an assessment! What is good?)

Change....Who Moved my Cheese - Dr. Spencer Johnson

When things change in our life, often we have resistance to the change. But if you understand the structure of the Universe, life, and creation, then you will understand that life is change, and nothing ever stands still. Everything is energy, and energy is in continual motion and change. If energy stood still you would be gone, and there would be no life.

Change is always happening for the good of you and for everyone. It is the evolution of life.

Those who survive are not the intelligent or educated but those not resistent to change...I wonder if, the Politicians are the only ones who understand it the best and apply it!!

Glad that, I caught hold of two books as these thoughts were crossing my mind:
1. The Future Shock; which I had read before; but have started reading again.
2. Who Moved My Cheese by Dr. Spencer Johnson:Thanks to the lovely Birthday present from Suji.

Written for all ages, by Dr. Spencer Johnson, Who moved my cheese? Is a simple parable that reveals profound truths. It is the story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish them and make them happy.

Cheese being a metaphor for what you want to have in life - good job, loving relationship, money or a possession, health or spiritual peace of mind.

Maze is where you look for what you want - the organisation you work in, family or community you live in.

We need to deal with change, so that we suffer less stress and enjoy more success in work and life. It can be done by:
~ Anticipating change.
~ Adapting to change quickly.
~ Enjoying change.
~ Being ready to change quickly, again and again.

As 'The Secret' Message always ends: May the joy be with you.

Books to read...

Books I am looking forward to read; so dears, you know what to gift me.

Dan Brown books are spine chilling. Are you into thrillers? Am NOT at all into it. But would want to read Da Vinci code. Havent read any of other books by Dan Brown.

Twilight Series are good read. Haven’t read it but have seen the movie series. I am not an avid lover of Twilight series as far as the story and its saga is concerned. But the movie takes you to a different world. The movie has a blue colour, whole through it. A different world – I must say. That’s what I like about it. And yea, the lead character – Bella & the actress who played the character – Kristenn Stewart! She’s soooo pretty J

Btw, don't know what made me to finally fall into this genre??!!
__

Dan Brown
Novels
• Digital Fortress,
• Angels & Demons,
• Deception Point,
• The Da Vinci Code,
• The Lost Symbol,

Stephenie Meyer novels: Twilight series.
Bernard Cornwell's books Sharp series.
Danielle Steels books: So many ha....
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As recommended by Ian:

Millennium Trilogy by the Swedish author Stieg Larsson.


If you enjoy Scandinavian crime novels, you may also the Harry Hole detective series by the Norwegian author Jo Nesbo.


Need to read and enjoy the following books (shown in chronological order):



Redbreast

Nemesis

The Devil’s Star

The Redeemer

The Snowman

The Leopard

----

And yes 1Q84 (Guess name is right) in two or three volumes by Haruki Now? These are very much talked about. But I am yet to read them too. It is difficult to remember the names in The Chinese & Japanese books; but they are quite interesting.

Generation Gap and Raising Children!

Ever since the East have started adapting to the west, what happened yesterday in west, is happening here today!

My grandparents lived in a closed society, where marriages were within a community, or locality. There was no much competition. It was more of a Joint family concept, and there was love within family, where family was not just father, mother and children but included their siblings and their family too.

My parents’ generation started moving out and the society was becoming open, there was a move towards nuclear family.

Both my parents and grandparents generation, often stayed married to people they shouldn’t have married in the first place, and were miserable for years, sometimes an entire lifetime. They didn’t want to get divorced, and staying married for 50 years to someone they didn’t love became some kind of honorable goal.

And in reaction to that, my generation, I think, have become global. They move international, get divorced too easily and sometimes too often. If they were unhappy, they bailed.

And subsequent generations will look around them, see all the wreckage, remember the bad stories we told about divorce, alimony, custody battles, and they are the generation that would suffere for our mistakes, and many don’t want to get married at all.

I liked the recent ad. of a parent taking their child to doctor, because he would not study.
Doctor, as part of check up: asked if he knew of any war?
Child: My parents, have told me not to discuss what happens at home with outsiders!

Children, are each different distinct people from one other and from their parents. Having had to live with various kind, I think one of the greatest challenges as a parent is adjusting to who they are as people, and not expecting them to be just like you, or do what you want them to.

Again I am reminded of another Joke:
Father: At your age Abraham Lincolon did not have a decent place to study.
Child: At your age, He was the President of America!

Dont underestimate a child, even if he does not study!

Their visions are different, their dreams, their needs. They may never be anything like you, or they may turn out to be more like you one day than you think, or would even believe when they’re young. It is really, really hard to just let them be, and not nag them about what you want. Sometimes you see them heading straight for a wall and want to stop them, but you can’t always. They have to find their own way, and be who they are. One of my biggest lessons has been learning to respect that and back off.

It’s a lesson I’m still learning and working on.

But I will still love them forever, no matter how old they are, committed to helping them, worried for them, and concerned about the dangers, disappointments and risks they may face.

They may not understand that, I know...But that is how I am.

I like to have the growing up, in the phase of transition with me! They teach me many things and keep me going...Some come back to me, some dont! But that does not matter! I remember them, though may not be in touch with them often!

Here & There

Ah spring! they say in the west,
Oh summer! we say in the east.

Daylight Savings, lesser clothes from this month,
We don’t need day light savings, it’s same all year.

Goodbye to snowdrifts, happy no more spine chilling winter,
Looking out for coolers, sweating, waiting for the monsoon shower,

On the same earth, who say everything is same everywhere?
When we are here, we want to be there & when we are there, we want to be here.

Here or there or wherever, there are something’s that we enjoy without fear,
Guess what? Yes, rising sun, changing moon, air, love, joy, laughter and cheer.

Mixed Blessings....

Life is filled with Mixed Blessings...There is no gurantee to anything.....


Expecting to have a peaceful weekends...these days all are beginning with sad news..
- Fight for democracy or what? In Egypt and Middle East states?
- Bandra fire periphery!!:-( Intentional or unintentional?
- Japan affected by a huge earthquake followed by tsunami. Oil flowing in water, causing fire....Nuclear reactor explosion....Death....Following other countries?
- Kidnaps, murders in Delhi..and other places...

It is all so strange, you expect one thing and you get another, you pay a price for everything in life.....I guess....the good, the bad, the dreams, the nightmares....it all comes rolled up together...Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart, that's the hard part. Life is full of surprises....


Mixed Blessings by Danielle Steel written in 1985, it was made a television film in 1995 directed by Bethany Rooney. .....

The plot follows three different couples, who have no correlation to each other trying to make ethical decisions about modern day lives and family life.

After the wedding of Diana Goode and Andrew Douglas, Diana comments that they will make a baby on their honeymoon. However, after the honeymoon period is over, she is still not pregnant. After repeated attempts, the couple both have to question their willingness to have a baby. Because Andy always wanted to have a child as well, she thinks she is only preventing him from his dream and files for divorce.

Eventually, Andy convinces Diana that he only wants to be with her and together, they decide to adopt a child. They find Jane, a student who thinks a baby will destroy her promosing future and after giving birth to a girl, Hilary, allows Diana who is filled with joy to finally become a mother. Meanwhile, Diana turns out to be pregnant after all and in the end, she ends up with two children.


The second couple consists of Charlie Winwood, an orphan who, like Diana, always wanted to have children. He is married to Barbie, an aspiring actress who isn't too enthusiastic to become a mother. While she is on a vacation to Las Vegas, Charlie brings a visit to the doctor and finds out he is sterile. However, five weeks later, Barbie announces she is pregnant, which means she cheated on him. Charlie immediately leaves her and later meets Beth, another orphan who is now enjoying her life as a single mother. They fall in love with each other and soon marry. Not only does Charlie become the father figure of her child, but they also decide to adopt another child like him having astama.

The third couple is Pillar Graham, a prominent Santa Barbara attorney, who marries Judge Brad Coleman, who is nineteen years her senior and father of two grown children. They are happy with their comfortable life together, untill Pillar begins to wonder is she will someday regret not having a baby with Brad. Are they crazy to begin now - with Brad about to become a grandfather and Pillar, in her early forties, possibly putting herself at risk? After consulting doctor she first have a miscarriage, then she delivers twins, a boy Christin and a gril Grace. But Grace die soon after she is born. And soon after she is expecting a baby again...

Through the lives of these couples, Danielle Steel shows us the mixed blessings we face as we build our families and live our modern lives. She touches us with the triumphant people who prevail, their victories, their defeats, their tragedies and joys, their compormises, their lives.


With life becoming easier, faster, and much more to do...there are so many invited worries too...

Ten Ways to Love Yourself...

In our everyday hectic and busy schedule, do we get time to love ourself? So just thought to share this small piece of information with you all.


Ten Ways to Love Yourself...

1. Act like you're wearing an invisible crown
According to Shana Kad, a Dubai-based NLP life coach, you project how you perceive yourself onto everyone around you - so you may as well be regal. "If you make a conscious effort to feel good about yourself, you will inevitably attract this same energy into your life from the people around you," she says.
"Simple acts - like waking a little earlier each morning and giving yourself the time to enjoy your breakfast while visualising the way you want your day to play out - work wonders," she explains. "Be conscious of your state at all times, as it determines your behaviour, which in turn determines your results."

2. Sleep well
Show yourself love by getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, including the two hours before midnight if possible as some research suggests these hours are particularly important. According to Patricia Hope, founder of the website Towards Happiness (www.towards-happiness.com), sleeping well is important for our sense of wellbeing. She explains, "When we haven't had enough sleep, we may get irritable and not be able to concentrate. This is unlikely to make us feel good about ourselves. However, when we are sufficiently rested we perform to our optimum potential. Now this is certainly a good way to show love and kindness to ourselves."

3. Get to know yourself
To know your ‘self' is to love yourself, explains Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist at The LightHouse Arabia (www.lighthousearabia.com). "It's important to know your ‘self' as ‘you' without the shell of your ego, fears and other defences you have developed over time," she says. To do this, she explains, you must separate the self from the ego, which entails being vulnerable, taking risks and loving others without reservation. This more often than not cannot be done without a psychologist, mentor or guide, who can point out your patterns and blind spots.

4. Meditate
Meditation is an act of self-love, as it trains you to be present with your own mind and your moment-to-moment experiences, explains Tom Von Deck, corporate meditation trainer and author of Oceanic Mind - The Deeper Meditation Training Course (Create Space). He advises taking some timeout every hour, even if it's just for30 seconds, to slip into an activity that accumulates a little bit of presence and peace. "This can be stretching, praying... deep breathing, gratitude and many other things," explains Von Deck. "It will really add up behind the scenes, especially when you add in regular meditation. Suddenly, everything will just click, and you'll be a lot calmer and present with yourself, your thoughts and your feelings," he says.

5. Write happy thoughts about your life
Daylle Deanna Schwartz, author of How Do I Love Me? (available from howdoiloveme.com/the-book) suggests writing happy thoughts about your life (things you love about yourself and things you've accomplished) on Post-its and sticking them up somewhere visible, such as your fridge, bathroom mirror or computer screen. "Change them around so you see different ones in different places every few days. Every time you read something positive you'll feel good, smile more, and be reminded that life is good," she says.

6. Forgive yourself
Before you can forgive others, you need to learn to forgive yourself, explains Rawan Albina, a certified life coach based in Dubai. She says that you should remember events that have happened in the past that have left you feeling less than good and check in with your emotions. "Are there any negative residues there? If there are, don't try to understand them; simply accept that they are there," says Albina. "Acknowledging these emotions is the first step towards dealing with them because you then become aware of them. The next step is to stand in front of a mirror and say the following from the heart, ‘I love everything about me. I forgive myself for all past mistakes and accept these as part of my learning and growth'," she says.

7. Do a five-minute recap every night
Each night, when you climb into bed, aim to write down one thing you did that day that was 100 per cent in alignment with what you love doing. If you have more than one, write them all down. "This is a great exercise for being in a state of gratitude," says John Strelecky, best-selling author of The Big Five for Life: Leadership's Greatest Secret (St Martin's Press). "Often we focus on the negative parts of the day. Ending your night with that focus sets you up for more negativity the next day." If you have nothing to write at the end of the day, Strelecky advises you pick up a book you've been meaning to read and read for five minutes. Then pick up your journal and write ‘read a book for five minutes.' He says, "Knowing that at the end of the day there is this little ‘accountability moment' helps you align more of your activities with who you know in your heart you are. What may start off as one item per night quickly grows into a lengthy list."

8. Schedule ‘me days'
You should regularly dedicate a whole day to doing what you truly enjoy, during which you do no chores or errands. "Plan your day ahead of time and think about what you'd like to do," says Daylle Deanna Schwartz. "Write it down and look forward to it, and remember this is your day to do what you please. Make plans with you as important as those you make with other people," she says.

9. Give back
Giving back to the community is a great way to boost your self-esteem. According to Dr .Afridi, due the cultural collapse, loss of communities and rise of social media websites such as Facebook, we have forgotten we exist in a world and have a responsibility to it. "Any act of giving or loving actually pays back manyfold," she says. "If you feel unloved, go show love to someone else, if you feel lonely, go be a friend to someone else, if you feel hurt, go be a part of someone else's healing," she suggests.

10. Simply smile
Research has found that smiling helps increase serotonin (also known as the happy hormone), and is a vital component in the regulation of sleep, appetite and mood. By smiling at other people, you're also doing them a favour; researchers at The British Dental Health Foundation found that after participants were shown pictures of smiling individuals, their heart and brain activity was equivalent to what it would have been had they eaten 2,000 chocolate bars.


Warm Regards,

:) happy "Keep Smiling..." :) happy

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

It was morning, and the new sun sparkled Gold across the ripples of a gentle sea...

Claimed to be the most inspirational fable of our time, by Richard Bach and beautiful pics (Most of the pages are on pics) by Russell Munson.

Indeed this is a story for people who follow their dreams and make their own rules.

For most seagulls, life consists simply of eating and surviving. Flying is just a means of finding food. However, Jonathan Livingston Seagull is no ordinary bird. For him, flying is life itself. Against the conventions of seagull society, he seeks to find a higher purpose and become the best at doing what he loves.

This is a fable about the importance of making the most of our lives, even if our goals run contrary to the norms of our flock, tribe or neighborhood. For not being like others he was outcast. But with inner control, he flew to another place, which at first he thought to be heaven, with others of similar taste. But then he wanted to come back and help others home.

As he continued learning we realise...

If we follow our dreams, we too can soar.

Speed was power, speed was joy, and the speed was pure beauty.

Boredom, and fear and anger are the reason, why life is short. With these gone, you can live a long life indeed.

Most of us live, forgetting right away where we had come from, not caring where we were headed, living for the moment.

We choose our next world, through what we learn in this one. Learn nothing, and the next world is the same as this one, all the limitations and the lead weights to overcome.

It always works, when you know, what you are doing, and keep working on love.

If our friendship depends on space and time, then when we finally overcome space and time, we've destroyed our own brotherhood! But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle is Here and Now, don't you think that we might see each other once or twice?

To fly high, you need to be firm, but smooth.

The flight of ideas could be as real as other flights. Each of us in truth is an idea. Everything that limits us, we must put aside. Practice.

Your whole body is nothing but your thought. Break the chains of your thoughts, and your break the chain of your body too.

We're free to go where we wish and to be what we are.

You know nothing till you prove it!!

Understand what you really are and practice it. The only true law is that leads you to freedom. Whatever stands against it must be set aside, may it be ritual, or superstition or limitation in any form.

The hardest thing in the world is to convince a person that he is free, and that he can prove it for himself if he'd spend a little time practising.

You don't love hatred and evil of course. See the good in everyone, and help them see it themselves. It's fun, when you get the knack of it.

You need to keep finding yourself, a little more each day.

No limits! Your race to learn has begun!!

Kyon? Why?

Nope, I am not talking about the song from Hrithik’s ‘KAHO NAA PYAAR HAI’

Kyon Chalti Hai Pavan
Kyon Jhume Hai Gagan
Kyon Machalta Hai Mann
.
.
.

Kyon Aati Hai Bahaar
Kyon Lutta Hai Karaar
Kyon Hota Hai Pyaar


But there are some Kyon’s lingering in my mind:

1. Why do we garnish our own traits while tarnish that of others?
2. Why do we eat junk food, even when we know it is not good for health?
3. Why do we sneeze frequently at times?
4. Why don’t we use facilities (I regret not using spell check facility) even if available?
5. Why don’t we have the same enthusiasm/energy always?
6. Why do we dream?
7. Why do we try to imitate others?
8. Why can we not keep resolutions, walk the talk?
9. Why do good people suffer?
10.Why people go from our life, die?



1. Is it because, all want to be running, and it’s in everyone’s mind, that only the person who can prove can survive? Even if so, garnish your traits, but why tarnish that of others? Even though we know that Smile and Silence is the best, why do we end up being angry and shout or speak too much? Is it to prove our point? When we know that there is so much of good in the worst of us and so much of bad in the best of us, then why do we try to figure only the good of some, and only the bad of others? Also on the same footing, I wonder why do people want to take credit, for all the good, and blame others and be irresponsible for all the negative things? We all know that Adjustment & Compromise are 2 crucial sides of the same coin called Relationship, havent we hear it many a times? Then why adjust and compromise only with some and not all? Oh! I see, the rest says 'Adjust....when someone wants to be with you & Compromise.....when you want to be with someone: YOU LOVE', is 'You Love' the main factor in there?

2. These days, I had been eating so much of noodles; food kept in fridge, from thattukada, non vegetarian…All the ‘Tamasic’ food. Though always think no…Is it because we like junk foods or lazy to make healthy food? After all how long it will take to make a Ganji?

3. It is not only when there is some irritation or allergy, mostly every day begins with sneezing, and especially and longer, when we have a good hair massage and bath?

4. I'm very bad at grammar, spelling well writing for that matter. I can never find the right proposition or punctuation. Though this does not make me take an effort in spell checking or proof reading, nor does it make me hesitate before writing.

5. I don't have the same enthusiasm for learning new languages any more. Why alone language, anything for that matter. Is it because I am growing old or should I blame information overload? Aren’t youngsters quick at learning?

6. I dream mostly every night. Well everyone does, but I remember them in the morning. I kind of know the insecurities and unexpressed thoughts, feelings and judgments that trigger my dreams and though sometimes it's really weird and depressing to face the facts dreams throw at me, I think it keeps me honest. To myself. It helps me face the insecurity. But why insecurities?

7. Isn’t the first and this thought contrary but true? Looking around don’t we find people trying to tarnish others traits, while trying to imitate them? Being an outsider for just two months helped me at least in one way to take an objective look. For instance, I really appreciate diversity and what it really means in the Indian context and how rare that is in this world and how fast disappearing. Yes, all the diversities, in language, dress, currency, are slowly disappearing.. I believe dresses in each place are based on the geography of the location. Then does it make sense wearing high collared suits and ties in a temperate region like ours? Wouldn’t life be boring if everything was same?

8. I don't like having "principles" - I like doing what is best for the situation, but it doesn’t mean I can tolerate people being late, or not keeping words. Often I wonder, why should we be loosing our time when others are late? Why am I not able to keep my timetables or resolutions at times? And why can we not practice what we preach or fight about? Especailly the oaths taken?

9. We can share others sorrow, but can we share the pain that they suffer because of ill health? Why do good people suffer? Well may be some of them whom we consider good, may be good in their behavior, but not really good, but what about others? All right, some of them are inefficient and some of them are lazy, but then what about others?

10. I have lost many friends/relatives always. Was it because of the distance or due to other preoccupations, priorities and lack of interest/accessibility? Is it true that the only real friends are the ones that stay? People keep coming together and moving away and that there is no pattern in this flow. Do birds of a feather flocking together be able to keep the flock? Why these days, I find people with dislike towards relatives, and more inclination towards friends? And then why death? More torturing when the news is like that of Arushi or Sowmya?

Offf!!! Confusions…Unnecessary thoughts??

Kyon? Why? These thoughts!! Is it because 'Idle mind is devils workshop'?

Finally why do I spend my time here? Shall I bid good bye?

Babumoshai: Will I ever get an answer to these Why’s?

My mind is singing the song from Dulari (One of my father's favourate):
Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki Na Jaane Tum Kab Aaoge
Jahan Ki Rut Badal Chuki Na Jaane Tum Kab Aaoge
Nazaare Apni Mastiyaan Dikha Dikha Ke Kho Gaye
Sitaare Apni Roshni Luta Luta Ke So Gaye

Why can I not follow the powerful women's motto?

Traffic

When we had been to watch No one Killed Jessica, there was this SMS to watch Traffic from Jomon, and then there was long discussions in office and this review from Vinay:

First things first.

Movie Traffic is a path breaking film that takes the viewer through a thrilling journey of human emotions with a narrative style that has never been attempted before in a Malayalam film. With a cleverly written script laced with right doses of sentiments, drama and thrills it gives the viewer a visual spectacle.

The plot is about a bunch of characters (portrayed by Anup Menon, Kunchako, Lena, Father Son duo Sreenivasan Vineeth etc) and strange coincidences that connects these characters. There are sub plots within the main plot that are cleverly interwoven into the main incident that unfolds in dramatic style. The twists and the turns keep the viewers guessing and the adrenalin pumping all the way till the end.

Technically the film is brilliant especially the cinematography, BGM and the stunt departments. Screenplay is another highlight of the film and easily qualifies to be one of the finest written screenplays ever in Mollywood history.

In the acting department all the actors are given meaningful roles and delivers quality performances. To mention a few, Saikumar as Vineet’s father, Anup Menon as the city police commissioner and Rahman as a helpless Superstar are top class!

When crass movies are ruling the roost these days, Traffic is a welcome relief for viewers who get to see a different storyline and its splendid execution on screen that is nothing short of spectacular. This is one movie for which you can go to the theatres without leaving your brains back home.

All actors, technicians and crew associated with this film can be proud of the fact that they are part of a product that is crafted with so much thought, intellect and care that it will remain carved in the minds of movie goers for a long long time.

Brilliant!

And then, there was another set of people who felt the move was very good, but not an exceptional. What was exceptional was something like Manichitrathazhu.

Was the opinion difference a matter of expectation? The first set of people had been for the move, expecting it to be just like any other malayalam movie. But their reviews created a hype, and others expectated something great! So are'nt the reviews biased, based on expecations?

Expecations are the root cause of most sorrows, you will be happy when you expect nothing but is able to expect as it comes, is'nt it?

The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own

2009 began with Ghajini with Sreeragh & Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi with Saroja(Though release in end of Dec 2008), 2010 with 3 Idiots, with Sujith and Anup, again release in the end of Dec 2009, 2011 was with No One Killed Jessica in Hindi; with Barkha, Gaurav, a week before she was to leave WLI.

A role model to every one around, Barkha, who my my colleague in office, is an enlightened personality and a thorough professional to the core. She is ambitious, independent, with good managerial ability, and communications skills, punctual, ambitious, honest in her opinions, Intelligent, Achiever. She is a wonderful colleague and a good person to be with. Though we will miss her.

While watching the move, we kept relating the roles to most of us in WLI, as it had similar names but different character and vice versa.

The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own. Case reopened to a wider public on 7th January 2011

New Delhi, 1999. The guns at Kargil were still blazing when another one goes off, this time in the nation's capital. Jessica, a young attractive model trying her hand at bartending, is shot dead at a celebrity party. Her crime - refusing to serve a drink after closing hours!

Based on the famous Jessica Lal murder case, No One Killed Jessica is a class apart in the sense that never ever a film, based on a true life incident, has turned out to be so thrilling and interesting. A film that surely deserves a watch by each and everyone!

Untill the movie released, I for that matter many, had expected Rani to play the role of Jessica, but Jessica (Myra Karn), is shot dead by Manish Bharadwaj (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), son of a powerful politician (Shireesh Sharma). Jessica’s sister Sabrina (Vidya Balan) and their parents are shattered with the news of Jessica’s death. The police arrests Manish and his accomplices and it seemed like an open and shut case. After all, there were 300 people in the party with few prime witnesses.

Although the film has few fictional add-ons, it has tried to give as true an account of the incident as possible. This was definitely not an easy task especially for a filmmaker who’s out there to make a feature commercial film and not a documentary or a docudrama like Black Friday. But director Raj Kumar Gupta manages to come up with a film on a true story with thrill, shock, tragedy and all other elements well in place! Kudos to him!

The first half has more of Vidya who plays Sabrina, the elder sister of the deceased Jessica. She has a quiet demeanour that hides a dogged, never-say-die spirit. She has made it her life’s mission to seek justice for her sister.

In the first half Rani is Feisty and fearless, Meera (taking you to Barkha for NDTV) a celebrated TV journalist who does whatever it takes to seek the truth. When the Jessica murder case catches her attention, at the interval, she is determined to teach the culprits a lesson. She drum up every resource at their disposal to outwit Manish at his own game, if the truth is to have any chance of prevailing over money and political clout.


How they go about doing it in order to get justice for Jessica is what the film is all about.

It also portrays relationships: Parent-children, siblings.

The move is with the heavy-metal background song, "Dilli Dilli"



More on the actual case and facts thereafter:
The court had relied on the evidence of four key witnesses namely Bina Ramani, her daughter Malani Ramani, George and Deepak Bhojwani who testified in the courts despite threats to their lives.
November 11, 2009 — In the midst of a gigantic controversy over his parole, the man who killed Jessica Lall, has returned to Tihar Jail, two weeks before his parole expires.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnSUiUJ3HEA Jan 19 2010
Jessicas photo and mothers face in the first instance, and Justice for Jesscia movement, by media gave strength to Sabrina Lal to fight the case..
http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/apr/19/jessica-lal-case-11-year-long-battle-for-justice.htm
• April 29-30 1999: Jessica shot at a party in Qutub Colonnade restaurant in south Delhi [ Images ].
• April 30, 1999: Doctors at Apollo Hospital declare Jessica brought dead.
• May 2, 1999: Delhi Police recovers Tata Safari [ Images ] car belonging to Manu Sharma, son of Haryana Congress leader Venod Sharma, from Noida, Uttar Pradesh [ Images ].
• May 6, 1999: Manu surrenders before a court in Chandigarh. Subsequently 10 other co-accused, including Vikas Yadav, son of UP politician D P Yadav, arrested.
• August 3, 1999: Chargesheet filed against accused for killing Jessica under various sections of IPC.
• January 31, 2000: Magistrate court commits the case to a Sessions court for trial.
• November 23, 2000: Sessions court frames charges for murder against nine persons and discharges one accused, Amit Jhingan, while declaring Ravinder Sudan alias Titu as proclaimed offender.
• May 2, 2001: Court starts recording of prosecution evidence. Deepak Bhojwani, an eye witness deposes before the trial court.
• May 3, 2001: Complainant and eye witness Shyan Munshi turns hostile and fails to identify Manu in court.
• May 5, 2001: Another eye witness Shiv Das, an electrician at Qutub Colonnade, turns hostile.
• May 16, 2001: Third key witness Karan Rajput turns hostile.
• July 6, 2001: Malini Ramani, eyewitness, identifies Manu.
• October 12, 2001: Socialite Bina Ramani, owner of the restaurant and bar, identifies Manu.
• October 17, 2001: George Mailhot, Ramani's Canadian husband, deposes and identifies Manu.
• July 20, 2004: Surinder Sharma, controversial investigating officer in the case, deposes after returning from UN assignment in Kosovo.
• February 21, 2006: Trial court acquits all nine accused due to lack of evidence against them.
• March 13, 2006: Delhi Police file appeal in the high court.
• October 3, 2006: High Court begins hearing on appeal on a day-to-day basis.
• November 29, 2006: High Court reserves its verdict.
• December 18, 2006: High Court convicts Manu, Vikas Yadav and Amardeep Singh Gill alias Tony and acquits Aloke Khanna, Vikas Gill, Harvinder Singh Chopra, Raja Chopra, Shyam Sunder Sharma and Yograj Singh.
• December 20, 2006: High Court awards life imprisonment term to main convict Manu Sharma with a fine of Rs 50,000 and also sentences co-convicts Amardeep Singh Gill and Vikas Yadav to four years' prison term with Rs 3,000 fine each.
• February 2, 2007: Manu Sharma appeals in the Supreme Court.
• March 8, 2007: Supreme Court admits Manu Sharma's appeal.
• November 27, 2007: Supreme Court rejects Manu Sharma's bail plea.
• May 12, 2008: Supreme Court again rejects Manu Sharma's bail plea.
• January 19, 2010: Supreme Court commences hearing on Manu Sharma's appeal.
• February 18, 2010: Supreme Court reserves verdict on the appeal of Manu Sharma.
• April 19, 2010: Supreme Court upholds conviction and life term of Manu.

Just a note, Movie Halla Bol : Could be more on Shayan Munshi, but not exactly Jessica.

This film explores how justice can be pursued even when denied at the first go. Also it drives the attention of the massed who did not know much of this case, and what next in similar situation.

Is'nt The Jessica Lal case - To Each Its Own?

Straight Through The Heart: By Lyn Stone

A Mills & Boon production, Straight Through The Heart: By Lyn Stone is about Special Agent Eric Vinland a Telepath and Clairvoyant who was in one hell of a fix. Because Dawn Moon had seen the killer who'd murdered her boss and stolen a valuable disk, she'd be masquerading as his wife on a Greek island where they hoped to outbid "other" terrorists for that disk.

And he couldn't deny that Dawn did something powerful to him. The attraction sparked between them like a high-voltage wire, and she caused him to lose his special, all-defining ability to read people's minds. Without that gift, he and Dawn might not survive Day One. And if they did? Well, this was going to be a long, long assignment....

Journey this far...

Yet the end of another year, 2010. It was just yesterday we celebrated the New year for 2010 after the Escape of 2009, and now we are here waiting to welcome 2011. Can I call that period as an era from escape to freedom?

2010, was Thankfully a good year, eventful year, in which there were so many things happening, so many dreams realised, so many new friends made..I wish I could enjoy and keep the new, but not leave the old...

The year had begun with Abhi and Srees wedding, my talking to Sharyn, OPI Farewell, and joining WLI.

Raghee got wedded in Jan, had a kid in Oct. who had an operation on the 5th day, and was hospitalised for more than a month. Manu too got wedded, Santhu got into a bank. There were so many kids born, and so many expecting.

Dance, Mime, Hawaii day, DJ Dandiya: Wow! Had been to places, in Kerala too...Trivandrum, Wayanad, Vagmon, bike trips to Malayatoor/Illithode on the Independence day, and to Athirapilli and Allapuzha on a rainy day and hottest day of the year, since years....From Karpagam to Barkha; Jay to Gaurav; Chennai to Calcutta. With both old an new...But am afraid, I am missing some....Ah! womens brains are entangled...while men have different boxes for everything....and they even do have a nothing box, Remember!!!

Me, Achan & Amma together visited chennai. Though they did not get through the Visa interview then, amma got it later and she flew to Chicago to be with my sis. The journey too, though a bit troublesome in the beginning went on well.

My Sis and BIL had been here for her SIL's wedding, which was yet another memorable and well organised splendour of the year.

And there is a new joy in our life, Neil!! Welcome dear!

Thank you Almighty, for everything, and I do pray....

5 years into blogging, which began on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, and five blogs: Arunoday, Consciousness, Erudition, Thottappilly,Karuveetil...And am still wondering, what next, and how? Kya Pata: Kal ho na ho…….

Prayer

Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.

Everybody today seems to be in such a terrible rush, anxious for greater development and greater riches and so on, so that children have very little time for their parents. Parents have very little time for each other, and at home begin the disruption of peace of the world.

Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in those little things is a great thing.

A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, and the fruit of service is peace.

Make us worthy lord to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Help me, help them come out of it and give them through our hands this day their daily bread and by our understanding love, give them peace and joy.

And as I type this, Neil is born...

The Shawshank Redemption

Here is yet another from the Vinay Series, and with this began the exchange. It was Rohith who wanted to see it, and asked for the Video.

Andy Dufresne is a young and successful banker whose life changes drastically when he is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife and her lover. Set in the 1940's, the film shows how Andy, with the help of his friend Red, the prison entrepreneur, turns out to be a most unconventional prisoner.

Andy faces many trials in prison (Shawshank), but forms an alliance with the wardens because he is able to use his banking experience to help the corrupt officials amass personal fortunes. The story unfolds....


Director: Frank Darabont
Writers: Stephen King (short story "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption"), Frank Darabont (screenplay)
Stars:Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman and Bob Gunton

Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. Not overnight, but after a decade (for one) and four decades (other)of patience, hope, hardwork and...?

Hope sees the invisible and achieves the impossible.

Annual day and other celebrations

Annual day celebration: with passion in red, on 26th November 2010 at PJ Princess Regency.

It was a day of Fun & Frolic...A day to celebrate oneness!!!There was Flaunt, Grove, Chant and....tons of fun...to experience the Passion and Pride of being a Williams Lea-ite.



Danced to the tunes of Vande Matram sung by Lataji, Mime of the police and thief!




Sports






Dandiya DJ Night Celebration!

Celebrating oneness. Augmenting prosperity * Rejoicing Harmony. Energizing the heritage.

Dandiya DJ Night celebration! at Park Residency on 22nd October 2010

Before Sunrise: P.S. I Love You :

A 1995 romantic drama film about a young man and woman who meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one romantic evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together. Director: Richard Linklater Writers: Richard Linklater, Kim Krizan Stars:Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy and Andrea Eckert Movie starts with Jesse meeting Céline on a train from Budapest and striking up a conversation with her. Jesse is going to Vienna to catch a flight back to the United States, whereas Céline is returning to university in Paris after visiting her grandmother. The plot is minimalist, since aside from walking and talking, not much happens. The two characters' ideas and perspectives on life and love are detailed. Jesse is a romantic disguised as a cynic, and Céline is seemingly a romantic, albeit with some doubts. A 2004 sequel, Before Sunset, picks up the story nine years after the events of the first film, and am yet to watch it. The film received high critical praise at the time of its release and has received a rare perfect 100% rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and a 77 metascore on Metacritic. Finally it also took me again to Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, which is one of my all time favourate. Again Thanks to Vinay for this, it was he who introduced me to it. ______________ P.S. I Love You A 2007 American drama film directed by Richard LaGravenese and screenplay by Steven Rogers is based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Cecelia Ahern. A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life. Holly and Gerry are a married couple who live on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They are deeply in love, but they fight occasionally. Gerry dies suddenly of a brain tumor and Holly realizes how much he means to her as well as how insignificant their arguments were. Holly eventually enrolls in a fashion course and discovers she has a flair for designing women's shoes. While on a walk with her mother, she learns that her mother was the one whom Gerry asked to deliver his letters after his death. Dont know why, the narration of the story by Mano brought tears to my eyes..The very thought of how the author thought of Gerry, giving letters, understanding Hollys tastes and situation. Thanks to Vinay, I could watch it, but the movie was not as touching! Finally with the gift voucher from WL, could read the book too...which indeed was more touching...right from the beginning to the end...With few changes in the story... Some people wait their whole lives to find their soul mates. But not Holly and Gerry. They were childhood sweethearts - no one could imagine Holly and Gerry without each other...and that is where, the story starts in the novel...just after the death of Gerry when Holly is alone...Gerrys notes, gently guides her into her new life without him, each signed 'PS, I Love You'. Each containing a task that will help Holly move on with her life. So Thoughtful.   With some help from her friends, and her noisy and loving family, Holly finds herself laughing, crying, singing, dancing - and being braver than ever before. Life is for living, she realises - but it always helps if there's an angel watching over you. ________________

Thank You All! ~Teamwork~

Team work! The fuel that allows common people achieve uncommon result, right?
Doubel joy, when in the team there are cultural exchange, not just gifts like, Lindt Advent Christmas Chocolate Calander, Quality street, roses, celebrations, Lindt Selection but also notes....How can we thank the team...


Lindt Chocolate Advent Calendar by Lindt & Sprungli.

A Christmas Advent Calendar from Lindt, filled with a selection of the delicious Swiss chocolates; Snowdrop Balls, the famous hollow figures and Lindor Mini Truffles, one behind each of the doors counting down to Christmas Day.
Milk Chocolate Gold Reindeer, Milk Chocolate Santa Claus, Milk Napolitains, Milk Chocolate snowdrops, Lindor Mini Truffles, A delightful selection of chocolates behind each advent calendar window.

And behind you have games:
Spot the ten difference in the quickest time possible.
WordSearch. Can you find all the Christmas words listed below?
Reindeer, Santa Claus, Present, Mistletoe, Tree, Stocking, Snowman, Turkey, Decorations, Toys, Holly, Candle, Bell, Sleigh, Carols, Chocolate, Snow, Nuts, Ivy, Star
Cadbury Roses



The brightly wrapped Cadbury Roses, in distinctive blue packs, is one of the leading brands in assortments and boxed chocolates.
First Introduced in 1938, Cadbury Bournville - where the chocolates were conceived and produced - was renowned as "a factory in a garden". Roses were one of the most popular flowers at the time - hence the name for this popular assortment.

And the Note for Pravin, Jay and Meera read:

We hope you enjoy these chocolates with your friends and family.

Sharyn: There is one box for each of you. My favourites are Roses (!) With Love & Best Wishes.

Claire: Enjoy the treats! Just a little Thank you for your hard work & Support. Thanks.

Vanessa: Hope you enjoy the choccies guys. Hopefully they will have made the journey successfully. Please dont think that we spend all of the christmas period eating this much chocolate:.) Lots of Love

Garteh:Hope the Chocolates arrives in one piece and they have not melted or Raghu has not eaten them!!! All the very best!!!

Jahan: Hope you enjoy the chocolates. Thank you for your hard work and support. All the best.

And for the team:

In England we mark off the days of the Calendar from the first of december until Christmas day. This is called advent. In recent years this has become secular and ....a chocolate each day.

For each of you there is an advent calendar with a chocolate per day for you to enjoy!

Thank you for all your hard work all year. I am really pleased with the team and how well we work together and I look forward to starting 2011 with you all.

Foot Prints in My Heart

Learn to detach...Don't cling to things, because everything is impermanent... But detachment doesn't mean you don't let the experience penetrate you. On the contrary, you let it penetrate fully. That's how you are able to leave it...

Take any emotion--love for a woman, or grief for a loved one, or fear and pain from a deadly illness. If you hold back on the emotions--if you don't allow yourself to go all the way through them--you can never get to being detached, you're too busy being afraid.

You're afraid of the pain, you're afraid of the grief. You're afraid of the vulnerability that love entails. But by throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience them fully and completely.

You know what pain is. You know what love is. You know what grief is. And only then can you say, 'All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognize that emotion. Now I need to detach from that emotion for a moment. - Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie


This is for the one who introduced me to Fireflies! Keeps me going on those long nights! :~)
Because everything is never as it seems…Owl city fire flies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4&feature=player_embedded

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If nature allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, It would cripple us.

We would not be as strong as we could have been And we could never fly.

Have a great day, great life, and struggle a little. Then fly!