July 16, 2013

The Incongrous Six Degrees of Separation

Can be Disturbing
An interesting theory that postulates that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away from another person. As such, a chain of statements such as an introduction can connect people in six steps.

This movie shows how the persona of Will Smith and his undoings could bring people who are strangers together for better or worse.

Though disturbing to some extent, it actually can be mind-blogging as the characters reflect on their lives.

Stars Donald Sutherland as the art wheeler-dealer, his wife Stockard Channing and the adorable Will Smith who made it all possible.







Stella Bridger's Italian Job

Suspenseful
This a is a good remake of the original movie of 1969.

Though Mark Wahlberg may not be as 'naughty' as that young Michael Caine persona in the earlier movie, he does pass muster.

Absolutely charming
Adding to the action is of course that vivacious attractive Southern African belle, Chalize Theron as Stella.

You will find also a younger Jason Statham, as usual showing off his driving skills.

Captivating
More up-to-date on technology but no cliff-hanger here.

Still watchable fare.

July 15, 2013

Charlie Crocker's Italian Job

Guns and Gold
This is one cool movie with its fun, witty dialogue and cliff-hanger suspense.

During a British Italian football season and amidst a massive Turin traffic jam, USD 4 million worth of bullion gold  deposited by the Chinese government was hijacked through three Mini-Coopers.

That the whole heist was supported from a British prison and by  inmate mob boss, Berger lends incredibility to the movie.

Lovely movie from way back(1969) and totally watchable.

Michael Caine hits the high notes playing Charlie in this superbly iconic British effort.

Hurray for the British!

July 13, 2013

The Iron Biopic of Margaret Thatcher

Real Steel
The director of this 104 minutes biopic of the longest serving PM of Great Britain could have taken liberties to overdramatise the real-life character of this woman leader who steered Britain out of recession as well as victory in the Falkland Islands.

You may get disoriented by the constant flashbacks but I believe it is pretty well-knitted to literally give you a surface reflection of the life of Margaret Robert Thatcher.

It is certainly difficult to helm a government of men and especially in making tough decisions; of which the poll tax did Thatcher in.

Poor Chairing and the Killer Poll tax Decision
From watching this movie, I have a clearer understanding of this steely woman and the challenges she faced without family support after the death of Denis.

Good movie and great acting as usual from Meryl Streep!

As usual, she deserves the Academy Award for Best Actress!


The Mountain Kings

They Dare to Conquer

Here they are.

Hillary and Tenzing.

They conquered Everest.

July 11, 2013

On the Wings of Prayers

Prayer of Hope
The Bible is the book of truth.

Read it and profit from it.


Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice"(Philippians 4:4NLT)


When the Apostle Paul says,"Always be full of joy in the lord," he doesn't say to only be joyful in good times. Even, when times are tough, the Bible teaches us to be joyful if we follow this simple strategy.


Don't worry about anything.Worrying doesn't change anything. It is stewing without doing.There is no  such thing as born-worriers. worry is a learned response. You learned it from your parents. You learned it from your peers. You learned it from experience. that's good news: the fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned.


How do you unlearn it?Jesus says in Matthews 6:34,"Ttherefore do not worry  about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry bout itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"(NIV). He's saying don't open your umbrella until it starts raining. Live one day at a time.


Pray about everything. Instead of worrying, use your time for praying. If you prayed as much as you worried, you’d have a lot less to worry about. Is God interested in car payments? Yes. He’s interested in every detail of your life. That means you can take any problem you face to God.

Thank God in all things. When you pray,pray with thanksgiving.Tthe healthiest emotion is not love but gratitude. It actually increases your immunity.It makes you more resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness.People who are grateful are happy.But people who are ungrateful are miserable because nothing makes them happy. They are never staisfied. It's never good enough. So if you cultivate the attitude of gratitude ,of being thnakful in ererything, it reduces stress in your life.


 Think about the right things. If you want to reduce the level of stress in your life,you must change the way you think, because the way you think determines how you feel. And the way you feel, determines how you act. The Bible teaches that, if you want to change your life,you need to change what you are thinking about.  


This involves a deliberate, conscious choice where you choose ot think about the right things.We need to choose to think  on the positive and on God's Word. It is the result of not worrying,praying sbout everything, giving thanks, and focusing on the right things. Paul says we will then "experience God's peace,which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus"(Philippians 4:7 NLT). 


Why do you worry about? Talk to God about your worries and honestly tell him why you worry.


If you prayed as much as you worried,how do you think your life will change? 


God says he has your best interest at heart.Thank him in all thigns, even if you cannot understand what God is up to in your life.  


What do you think about most? What do you think God wants you to think about? 


Are these two things out of alignment? If not, then why not?

July 09, 2013

Nay! AAX IPO Shareholders Can't Fly!

Will this Red Plane Fly?
The much touted listing and opening of AAX after the big hoo-ha since 2012 went flat on opening day.

After a IPO price review to RM 1.25 sen per share and with an over-subscribed scenario, AAX disappointed everyone, I am sure.

Opening flat at the IPO price of RM 1.25, it hovered unpleasantly long at RM 1.26 before stabilising at RM 1.27. Then it managed to find traction at RM 1.28.

Will it go further with better digestion in the next few hours to go on this trading day?

That we have yet to see.