Happy Holidays: X'mas lunches

Subhas Anandan

The name Subhas Anandan should not be new to most Singaporeans, especially those who read the newspapers especially Wanbao and Shinmin. If you have not heard of his name, you will definitely recognise his face, thick beard and hair, looking almost fierce.

He is a well known criminal lawyer taking on the most infamous cases, of murders, rapes etc.

I used to have an unfavourable impression of him, that he is out for publicity.

But after reading his book and completing it over 2 nights, I only have admiration and respect for the man.

He was framed by some policemen in his younger days and it probably became a personal crusade for him that every accused person deserved a fair and proper trial. The first half of the book relates his life and what a life it was, of mischief, firm friendships, standing up to bullies, authority, personal defeat and standing up. It makes for engaging reading!

In the second part, he shares some personal thoughts on some of the sensational cases he has represented. He is very candid and forthright, offering comments where legal practices can be improved in Singapore.

Let me know if you wish to borrow the book. Better still, buy it!

Terrorists

While news on the Mumbai attacks flood the tv channels and newspapers, I can't help but think how on earth can one human being engage in such terroristic activity with such strong faith and determination? To achieve their own idealistic state, they threaten, hurt and kill the same kind, many of whom are defenceless and helpless. Total disregard of the law and humans, they bring blood and sorrows to the world. Frankly, I don't know how they (the terrorists) can sleep in peace. Maybe they don't, maybe they are not looking for that in their lives? But what do they really want? If taking Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to justify their inhumane acts, probably many of them don't have enough to eat and to live? Being a terrorist, they have the "power" to strike fear, the "authority" over the people and the sense they belong somewhere? Or is it purely for some psychotic reason which they get their pleasure from inflicting fear to the world.

In this Mumbai attack, if not for the loss of our people, I think many of us are still quite ignorant about the impact of terrorism. And somehow, it makes me more aware that this can really happen to anyone of us anywhere. As much as I do not wish to see this in Singapore, we cannot be complacent cos' we never will know when and will never know what they are thinking. The least we can do is to be more alert and observant.

Bodhi Tree at Nanyang House

Nanyang House is a three storey building with a rooftop terrace on a small hill in the NTU grounds. It houses the club rooms (now reduced to cabinets) of the various CCAs. Being an active member of the NTUBS, Nanyang House was a place I spent many happy and meaningful hours making friends, organising activities and simply having a lot of fun.

One little known fact is that amongst the many trees planted around Nanyang House, there is a Bodhi Tree that is a 'descendent' from the one in India under which the Buddha gained enlightenment.

Today the Alumni held its annual gathering and also took the opportunity to unveil a new plaque for the tree. Owing to the occasion, I was able to meet up with some of my very old comrades from NTUBS. Like the tree, we have also grown up!

Year End Function @ Night Safari

Was in the committee organising the annual office get together. The theme was Safari Night and the location was, of course, at Night Safari. Staff was encouraged to dress up according to the theme. One of the divisions decided to arrive with an add-on tail, which I understand was self-made! Their boss led the way with a leopard print shirt and a extra long tail. Admirably leading by example!
Being in the organising committee, I was warned not to go just in my typical office shirt and pants. So I rummaged through my army stuff at home and used a few items, namely the brown t-shirt, the camou-scarf and the GoreTexx boots. Found the farmer's hat in one of the cabinets at home. The Chairman of the commitee gamely dressed as a zebra! Here we are participating in a game during the dinner.

The spread was sumptuous. I had to stop myself from eating too much.

Arrogrant sportsman

Sunday Times two days ago featured an article by one of the columnists who admitted to being called an arrogant sportsman. Apparently, before he agrees to play badminton with anyone, he will check whether that person is "any good".

As far as badminton is concerned, I agree with the writer. Having played badminton for the past 8 years, the most enjoyable play is when players of around the same standard are pitted against each other.

But having said this, the story should not end there. When I started playing 8 years ago at my present company, I was a bad player. The uncles, some patiently, showed me the basics and which are the important areas to look out for. For example, the proper grip, getting the basic clearing stroke right, not jumping.

So I tried to do the same when I play with my collegues. Those who bother to listen and can understand have progressed. Some have bad habits too ingrained and their progress is slow.

To share the most important lessons in badminton for me;

1) Footwork is critical
2) Get the basic clearing stroke right (shuttle should reach baseline everytime)
3) Don't jump (unless you are advanced)
4) In doubles, there is an optimal way to position. Square (left-right) in defense and front-back in attack.
5) Don't hit to the player. Find space.

Office sports event at HortPark

Organised with my "ECA" committee of colleagues this annual fitness event. Staff can choose to run or participate in taiji. One of our directors sportingly led the warm up session. Very thankful to him and happy that there are still some normal beings amongst the higher echelon in our society. Turnout was not too bad and hopefully this will lead to even better participation in future events. Because ultimately, the point of organising events is for people to participate.

Major official event

Sending Keong off - More photos

Keong haggling (successfully) to get his excess baggage charge waived...classic keong at work.

Keong with niece.
Keong with KC at Ya Kun. He won't be eating Kaya and lo-ti for a long time.

The Pek-Kio lunch kakis

Sending Keong off

Like M said, it was almost unreal that we actually said our goodbyes to Keong, as he embarks on another highlight of his career on a sought after overseas posting.

His family was also seeing him off, so we stayed in the background until he had completed his gooodbyes with his parents and siblings.

Ko and Angela (below) had to leave early so they took individual shots with Keong.

KC also rushed down from his place at Loyang. We had a final group photo before Keong cleared customs.
送君千里，终须一别！