(Kobe Friends) you will recall that at the start of this year we sponsored 3 thai schoolchildren living in the poor border towns (through the duration of their high school) Recently I received a letter from the 3 students and I wanted to give you a summary of what they said:
Nattiwa Lalu - senior high school 1
"I want you and my parents to be proud of me"
Siraya Ganpetch - 1st year of Vocational college 16 years old
"In the future I want to become a doctor because I want to cure sick people and I want to help poor people"
(Siraya lives with her two elder brothers as her mother has died and her Dad has remarried)
Wachila Wonggaew -senior high school 1
" I promise that I will study hard and I will be a good person"
What I found very enlightening was that some past students had graduated from university after going through this program and they now sponsor the next generation of students.....
Friends ...what we have done to sponsor them through High School is indeed a great thing !
http://www.jeannievogt.org/OurSchool.htm
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
7 weeks = 49 days
During the last moment of one's life we will all think of something. This last thought, (good or evil) will influence your next rebirth. When I learnt of this I wondered what Dad contemplated but it was easy he would have thought about his family.
At the time of dying all our worldly possessions such as wealth, position or money can't help us nor can relatives and friends can neither prevent death or go with us. We leave behind our body which is a mere shell. Our state of mind is focused into "energy". That energy has been known to manifest (that should be another blog entry in itself)
In Buddhism Karma explains the differences between living beings. Karma means action, means "to do". It is intentional, conscious and deliberate action. In the Law of Karma, if we do a wholesome action then eventually we will get a wholesome fruit.
During the process of life and death, we should look as this as our personal account of profits and losses. With each of us collecting Karma credits for good acts.
Dad if you are reading this let me add that you have done a incredible job to make us all strong. In your life you have collected many many Karma credits....you must now let go and move on with your next challenge.
(Instructions below are for you Dad)
In Buddhist belief the funeral ceremony lasts 49 days - "As soon as the death of the body has taken place, the personality goes into a state of trance for four days, during which time the person does not know they are dead . (First Bardo ) During this time Lamas (monks) saying special verses can reach the dead person.
At the time of dying all our worldly possessions such as wealth, position or money can't help us nor can relatives and friends can neither prevent death or go with us. We leave behind our body which is a mere shell. Our state of mind is focused into "energy". That energy has been known to manifest (that should be another blog entry in itself)
In Buddhism Karma explains the differences between living beings. Karma means action, means "to do". It is intentional, conscious and deliberate action. In the Law of Karma, if we do a wholesome action then eventually we will get a wholesome fruit.
During the process of life and death, we should look as this as our personal account of profits and losses. With each of us collecting Karma credits for good acts.
Dad if you are reading this let me add that you have done a incredible job to make us all strong. In your life you have collected many many Karma credits....you must now let go and move on with your next challenge.
(Instructions below are for you Dad)
In Buddhist belief the funeral ceremony lasts 49 days - "As soon as the death of the body has taken place, the personality goes into a state of trance for four days, during which time the person does not know they are dead . (First Bardo ) During this time Lamas (monks) saying special verses can reach the dead person.
Then near the end of this time you will see a brilliant light. If the radiance of the Clear Light does not terrify you and you welcome it, then the person will not be reborn. Many flee from the Light, which then fades.
You can then become conscious that your death has occurred and (Second Bardo) begins.
At this point you will sees all that they have ever done or thought passing in front of them. It might feel as if you have a body but will realise this is not to be so and you may long to possess one again.
Finally the (Third Bardo) the state of seeking another birth. All previous thoughts and actions direct the person to choose new parents, who will give them their next body.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Eulogy for my Dad
David’s Eulogy
I am going to tell you about what I know of the man, David Gee. He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a husband, a father and grandfather, an uncle, a boss, a neighbour or friend who in some way touched the lives of literally thousands of people. I am sure some of you know stories about David – both good and bad – that I do not know. But if you really knew him then you would also know what I know to be true essence of David: that he was a man who cared deeply about other people. Some people are indifferent to others, some people even go out of their way to cause trouble. But David was always a man who wanted to help, and did not just talk about helping either. He did it. Just see how often this characteristic reoccurs in his story.
David was born in Wyndham, Western Australia in 1924
His parents Gee Hong Yet & Gee Li Kim managed a shop in Wyndham and Dad talked about him and Ernest going to buy eggs - walking a few hours on a blazingly hot, dusty road to collect these each day.
He talked about going to college in New Norcia outside of Perth and how hard life was in those days....that he played some Aussie Rules but liked Hockey. (Rugby, wrestling and kung fu movies: He always had a secret liking for violence despite his kind nature.)
Dad told me about his days as publican for the Darwin Hotel – and how he managed to keep the peace – in his words ‘using bluff’
David also talked about having some motorbike accident and as a result suffering chronic sore shoulders...I soon learnt that he liked me – or anyone else - to massage his back – anytime, endlessly - and that was David's favorite pastime.
David always talked about his days in the Australian Airforce ....and how Ernie his beloved brother suffered from cancer after returning from New Guinea with the Australian Infantry.
David adopted me officially when I was about 8 years old but he adored and treated my brothers Robert and Warren as though they were his own. He always looked after May and made sure that she was managing.
David cared for his family (brothers and sisters) and although not without occasional family squabbles, David managed Gee's Food Center in Parap, Darwin. He really enjoyed the tropical lifestyle centred around his dream beachfront house at Nightcliff, Darwin. Some of you will remember enjoying regular weekend BBQs in the manicured garden there. These were times of too much food, too much drink and a lot of laughter. They were truly the good times when David reveled in the company of his young family and also before the big chain supermarkets made it up to the Far North.
I know David deeply cared for his family Doris, Lena, Winky), Glenda and Maurice....Although they were spread out all over Australia, once a Gee, always a Gee it seems.
I can still see the caravan that was in our downstairs area that Bruce, Margaret and kids used to stay with us before going to HK. David and Cindy really loved the Sham family and of all his friends these were the closest.
He loved travel and took the family for holidays as often as possible - he took us to Japan, HK, and thru Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. And to New Zealand USA and Fiji as well.
He was a avid supporter of the local Chinese community and gave his time willingly to the Darwin Chung Wah society...for which he served as President. David was also (Honourary) President for Darwin Red Cross.
He loved his wife Cindy and did everything he could to spoil her ....his daughter Kerry was the apple of his eye. There were many many speeches I heard him give at the Chung Wah Dragon balls and at other events .....I really admired his leadership.
He never smoked and never drank but at the same time never denied others who liked those vices....
He loved to read and always had magazines everywhere in the house. He loved his afternoon naps.
David loved to entertain and so many a stranger or distant friend became a guest at our house. I recall a number of times that he entertained a navy destroyer crew and another time a submarine crew at home. He made friends so easily.
David was quiet yet gregarious. He could talk with anyone and often did.
He never asked for favours from them just loved to have their company.
I never wanted for anything in return David made sure that all his friends were comfortable.
He had a sweet tooth one of his favorite desserts was Cindy's famous apple pie with a big helping of cream and ice cream.
David loved card games with his many friends in Darwin and later with his Sydney crowd.
He sent Robert, Warren and myself to Newington in Sydney to get an education I know he always wanted the best for us boys. Later he also supported Robert and Warren through their university days and with their weddings....David took his responsibility to his brother very seriously.
After Cyclone Tracy in Darwin he stayed on for the reconstruction effort and was in charge of Darwin Relief - serving food and giving out aid to the cyclone victims.
David himself suffered financially as a result of the cyclone but he was proud and "suffered in silence".
He went through a lot during that time and after he moved to Sydney...his businesses were not that good......but he was always was cheerful and kept this hidden.
He was proud to be godfather to Cheryl Berryman and also to Justin Leong When Kerry and I had grand children Nathan Amber Jeremy Ethan and Heather he loved them greatly and although he had little to give, was always generous. As a man, David was generous to fault. Nothing was too much for his kids or grandchildren. He was also always generous to himself. When it came to the seconds or thirds at his beloved all-you-can-eat buffets or six-course, formal dinners on a cruise, he was overly-indulgent. “Well, just a little more roast beef perhaps” he’d say.
I got no doubt that these little indulgences didn’t help him with his later medical challenges (diabetes, heart bypasses, muscle pain)
Another fault of his was a love of making jokes, sticking to a routine of the same old lines, recycled again and again. And again. Others would groan, Cindy would say “Oh David!”and roll her eyes but he would laugh merrily at his own jokes anyway. He never tired of these jokes and told them just as enthusiastically for the hundredth time. This was a David that you could not help but to love. I would give anything to hear him laugh like that again.
As a Father he always had the time for a chat. He was kind in nature and loved us unconditionally. He was always proud of any little accomplishments of his children and grand children, telling everyone and anyone even when we cringed with embarrassment. He inspired and encouraged us to be the best that we could be.
I'm proud of my Dad - he was a great man: always generous and always giving. He was a man quick to smile, eager to greet family or friends with a ready handshake or hug. Please remember him this way. I and the others closest to him certainly will remember David with great fondness for as long as we live. He is already sorely missed.
I am going to tell you about what I know of the man, David Gee. He was a son, a brother, a cousin, a husband, a father and grandfather, an uncle, a boss, a neighbour or friend who in some way touched the lives of literally thousands of people. I am sure some of you know stories about David – both good and bad – that I do not know. But if you really knew him then you would also know what I know to be true essence of David: that he was a man who cared deeply about other people. Some people are indifferent to others, some people even go out of their way to cause trouble. But David was always a man who wanted to help, and did not just talk about helping either. He did it. Just see how often this characteristic reoccurs in his story.
David was born in Wyndham, Western Australia in 1924
His parents Gee Hong Yet & Gee Li Kim managed a shop in Wyndham and Dad talked about him and Ernest going to buy eggs - walking a few hours on a blazingly hot, dusty road to collect these each day.
He talked about going to college in New Norcia outside of Perth and how hard life was in those days....that he played some Aussie Rules but liked Hockey. (Rugby, wrestling and kung fu movies: He always had a secret liking for violence despite his kind nature.)
Dad told me about his days as publican for the Darwin Hotel – and how he managed to keep the peace – in his words ‘using bluff’
David also talked about having some motorbike accident and as a result suffering chronic sore shoulders...I soon learnt that he liked me – or anyone else - to massage his back – anytime, endlessly - and that was David's favorite pastime.
David always talked about his days in the Australian Airforce ....and how Ernie his beloved brother suffered from cancer after returning from New Guinea with the Australian Infantry.
David adopted me officially when I was about 8 years old but he adored and treated my brothers Robert and Warren as though they were his own. He always looked after May and made sure that she was managing.
David cared for his family (brothers and sisters) and although not without occasional family squabbles, David managed Gee's Food Center in Parap, Darwin. He really enjoyed the tropical lifestyle centred around his dream beachfront house at Nightcliff, Darwin. Some of you will remember enjoying regular weekend BBQs in the manicured garden there. These were times of too much food, too much drink and a lot of laughter. They were truly the good times when David reveled in the company of his young family and also before the big chain supermarkets made it up to the Far North.
I know David deeply cared for his family Doris, Lena, Winky), Glenda and Maurice....Although they were spread out all over Australia, once a Gee, always a Gee it seems.
I can still see the caravan that was in our downstairs area that Bruce, Margaret and kids used to stay with us before going to HK. David and Cindy really loved the Sham family and of all his friends these were the closest.
He loved travel and took the family for holidays as often as possible - he took us to Japan, HK, and thru Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. And to New Zealand USA and Fiji as well.
He was a avid supporter of the local Chinese community and gave his time willingly to the Darwin Chung Wah society...for which he served as President. David was also (Honourary) President for Darwin Red Cross.
He loved his wife Cindy and did everything he could to spoil her ....his daughter Kerry was the apple of his eye. There were many many speeches I heard him give at the Chung Wah Dragon balls and at other events .....I really admired his leadership.
He never smoked and never drank but at the same time never denied others who liked those vices....
He loved to read and always had magazines everywhere in the house. He loved his afternoon naps.
David loved to entertain and so many a stranger or distant friend became a guest at our house. I recall a number of times that he entertained a navy destroyer crew and another time a submarine crew at home. He made friends so easily.
David was quiet yet gregarious. He could talk with anyone and often did.
He never asked for favours from them just loved to have their company.
I never wanted for anything in return David made sure that all his friends were comfortable.
He had a sweet tooth one of his favorite desserts was Cindy's famous apple pie with a big helping of cream and ice cream.
David loved card games with his many friends in Darwin and later with his Sydney crowd.
He sent Robert, Warren and myself to Newington in Sydney to get an education I know he always wanted the best for us boys. Later he also supported Robert and Warren through their university days and with their weddings....David took his responsibility to his brother very seriously.
After Cyclone Tracy in Darwin he stayed on for the reconstruction effort and was in charge of Darwin Relief - serving food and giving out aid to the cyclone victims.
David himself suffered financially as a result of the cyclone but he was proud and "suffered in silence".
He went through a lot during that time and after he moved to Sydney...his businesses were not that good......but he was always was cheerful and kept this hidden.
He was proud to be godfather to Cheryl Berryman and also to Justin Leong When Kerry and I had grand children Nathan Amber Jeremy Ethan and Heather he loved them greatly and although he had little to give, was always generous. As a man, David was generous to fault. Nothing was too much for his kids or grandchildren. He was also always generous to himself. When it came to the seconds or thirds at his beloved all-you-can-eat buffets or six-course, formal dinners on a cruise, he was overly-indulgent. “Well, just a little more roast beef perhaps” he’d say.
I got no doubt that these little indulgences didn’t help him with his later medical challenges (diabetes, heart bypasses, muscle pain)
Another fault of his was a love of making jokes, sticking to a routine of the same old lines, recycled again and again. And again. Others would groan, Cindy would say “Oh David!”and roll her eyes but he would laugh merrily at his own jokes anyway. He never tired of these jokes and told them just as enthusiastically for the hundredth time. This was a David that you could not help but to love. I would give anything to hear him laugh like that again.
As a Father he always had the time for a chat. He was kind in nature and loved us unconditionally. He was always proud of any little accomplishments of his children and grand children, telling everyone and anyone even when we cringed with embarrassment. He inspired and encouraged us to be the best that we could be.
I'm proud of my Dad - he was a great man: always generous and always giving. He was a man quick to smile, eager to greet family or friends with a ready handshake or hug. Please remember him this way. I and the others closest to him certainly will remember David with great fondness for as long as we live. He is already sorely missed.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Viva Las Vegas
Arriving in Vegas is always surreal would Bugsy Siegel have known how this would take off when he setup his money laundering casino? The strip with the light shows, smoke-filled casinos with $1 Margaritas and high rollers is never short of a heartbeat
As for HIGHlights Bette Midler - the Showgirl must go on was just simply amazing - she danced, skipped, told dirty jokes and entertained! After watching her the Phantom at the Venetian and Cirque de Soleil - Mystere were all second class in comparison.
Good news is that we did not gamble ....not so good news is that we found the shops and there are many many of those institutions...
We saw lots of Elvis impersonators - Viva Las Vegas but we saw Kobe Bryant who was dining in the Wynns Casino !
As for HIGHlights Bette Midler - the Showgirl must go on was just simply amazing - she danced, skipped, told dirty jokes and entertained! After watching her the Phantom at the Venetian and Cirque de Soleil - Mystere were all second class in comparison.
Good news is that we did not gamble ....not so good news is that we found the shops and there are many many of those institutions...
We saw lots of Elvis impersonators - Viva Las Vegas but we saw Kobe Bryant who was dining in the Wynns Casino !
Thursday, July 3, 2008
4th of July
What does the 4th of July mean ? In the USA this is a holiday with Cookouts (BBQ) and fireworks aplenty. But what is real meaning of this day?
Did James Taylor capture the essence of this date with his song:
"Who fell into you at a quarter to two
With a tear in your eye for the fourth of july
For the patriots and the minutemen
And the things you believe they believed in then"
We could also interview Thomas Jefferson's who was responsible for penning a Declaration of Independence which was adopted on the said 4th of July, 1776.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
These are inspiring words ...... some 332 years later.......I wonder if Thomas would realize it would take so long
Happy July 4th!
Did James Taylor capture the essence of this date with his song:
"Who fell into you at a quarter to two
With a tear in your eye for the fourth of july
For the patriots and the minutemen
And the things you believe they believed in then"
We could also interview Thomas Jefferson's who was responsible for penning a Declaration of Independence which was adopted on the said 4th of July, 1776.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
These are inspiring words ...... some 332 years later.......I wonder if Thomas would realize it would take so long
Happy July 4th!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Dancing Queen
Recently we attended ABBA hits show at the prairie. First time on a prairie and like highlighted by the author Bill Bryson - american's have created new words where perfectly good ones existed.
So here we were on the plain (prairie) watching a fake ABBA show. Now 'fake' has that undertone of poor quality so let me reflect on that. First Frida (the brunette) was not as tall and somewhat over weight, Agnetha (the blonde) was cute and actually had a good voice, Benny (bearded keyboard player) was a non-entity and Bjorn (seemed to have a blonde beatles wig) but otherwise lively.
What was really civilised about the event was that you could bring anything and have a picnic - wine, cheese, roast chicken etc. As the music started we soon realised that most of our fellow spectators were not moving their feet nor were they waving their hands - we immediately felt just like in Japan (no way)
It took nearly half the concert before there seemed to be permission given to let your hair down - we of course ended up front (where we could make these observations about the fake ABBA). A great night on the prairie !
So here we were on the plain (prairie) watching a fake ABBA show. Now 'fake' has that undertone of poor quality so let me reflect on that. First Frida (the brunette) was not as tall and somewhat over weight, Agnetha (the blonde) was cute and actually had a good voice, Benny (bearded keyboard player) was a non-entity and Bjorn (seemed to have a blonde beatles wig) but otherwise lively.
What was really civilised about the event was that you could bring anything and have a picnic - wine, cheese, roast chicken etc. As the music started we soon realised that most of our fellow spectators were not moving their feet nor were they waving their hands - we immediately felt just like in Japan (no way)
It took nearly half the concert before there seemed to be permission given to let your hair down - we of course ended up front (where we could make these observations about the fake ABBA). A great night on the prairie !
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Washington Post
Just back this week from a few days in Washington. My first time since 1994 when we took the kids for a USA holiday. I took the opportunity to meet with with Professor Frank Vella my old mate from Sydney University who now teaches at Georgetown University. A blast from the past as we had last spoken in 1981 and I 'googled' and found his email address online in about 5 minutes (really incredible search) at 6:30am one sunday morning.
The timing of this visit could not be more perfect as Barrack Obama had been named the Democrats presumptive candidate. Our briefings with numerous congressmen, senators, lobbyists and Ex CNN & current Washington Post journalists revealed their thoughts on Obama, Hillary and McCain. The speculation about the platforms and VP debate were particularly interesting.....it seems the USA is at a turning point does it choose the promise of radical change and reform or experience????
The timing of this visit could not be more perfect as Barrack Obama had been named the Democrats presumptive candidate. Our briefings with numerous congressmen, senators, lobbyists and Ex CNN & current Washington Post journalists revealed their thoughts on Obama, Hillary and McCain. The speculation about the platforms and VP debate were particularly interesting.....it seems the USA is at a turning point does it choose the promise of radical change and reform or experience????
Monday, May 26, 2008
Eric Clapton - Watching fingers move and Lightning strike
Eric Clapton is considered to be a legend.....well not being a guitar enthusiast I quickly understood why he is rated as one of the best (some say 4th best ever) We watched him and the big screen invariably focused on his strumming fingers; the soulful strings and sounds that emanated were amazing. The concert was a complete musical treat and you kept feeling that this guy is on just simply on top of his game !
As we watched in the open (Verizon Theatre) Eric moved from his acoustic guitar back to electric mode and the tempo was intensified. This seemed to somehow mysteriously effect 'nature' and the bolts of Lightning that struck all around us increased to a uncomfortable level. Unknown to us this was the beginning of a really really bad storm - lightning, tornado's and torrential rain meant we had 2 metre visibility driving home (that was fun !)
As we watched in the open (Verizon Theatre) Eric moved from his acoustic guitar back to electric mode and the tempo was intensified. This seemed to somehow mysteriously effect 'nature' and the bolts of Lightning that struck all around us increased to a uncomfortable level. Unknown to us this was the beginning of a really really bad storm - lightning, tornado's and torrential rain meant we had 2 metre visibility driving home (that was fun !)
How to avoid the Indy 500
A few weeks ago I asked my wife: how does going to the Indy 500 sound ? The in the conversation gave me the answer and the Indy 500 parade appeared to be acceptable but to watch cars go around a circuit for 500 miles at 200 miles an hour - not that attractive!
So we watched the Indy 500 parade and mostly wondered who these people were (clearly we are not avid race goers) We did manage to spot our two (future) neighbours and also some celebs. Well does Jim Nabors (Gomer Pye qualify?)
Next day - race day I'd planned to play golf as it happened our course was in direct beeline with 30,000 other race enthusiasts. After a few detours we played golf with the sounds of sirens of police...and the watchful eye of the 30,000 in the traffic jam (with nothing else to better to do)
So let's go to our favorite Vietnamese cafe I say....to which we (again) encounter the race crowd who have decided that the free park and walk strategy is the best one. We struggle to find a car spot and end up triple parking. Once safely inside the cafe of course the TV has the race preludes on 'live'.
Can't beat em' - I think next year I will join the throngs and watch the winner drink the bottle of milk (yes it is Sunday and even Costco won't sell you a bottle of wine)
So we watched the Indy 500 parade and mostly wondered who these people were (clearly we are not avid race goers) We did manage to spot our two (future) neighbours and also some celebs. Well does Jim Nabors (Gomer Pye qualify?)
Next day - race day I'd planned to play golf as it happened our course was in direct beeline with 30,000 other race enthusiasts. After a few detours we played golf with the sounds of sirens of police...and the watchful eye of the 30,000 in the traffic jam (with nothing else to better to do)
So let's go to our favorite Vietnamese cafe I say....to which we (again) encounter the race crowd who have decided that the free park and walk strategy is the best one. We struggle to find a car spot and end up triple parking. Once safely inside the cafe of course the TV has the race preludes on 'live'.
Can't beat em' - I think next year I will join the throngs and watch the winner drink the bottle of milk (yes it is Sunday and even Costco won't sell you a bottle of wine)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Day of Service
During this week I participated in Lilly Day of Service. In my case with members of my team we cleaned the parkland area near a river,. This involved weeding, cutting branches and removing items dumped in these areas.
From my recollection this was the first time in nearly ten years (really) since I last did any gardening. It was clearly 'physical' work but in the simplicity was a great day to work as a 'team' as there are no hierarchy or management levels in these exercises. Indeed you can observe the team members with natural leadership skills as well as see the drive & energy of individual's.
But was what the intention of Lilly Day of Service? I'm sure there are multiple reasons....but I found a great quote that sums up my feelings:
“Hands that give also receive”
From my recollection this was the first time in nearly ten years (really) since I last did any gardening. It was clearly 'physical' work but in the simplicity was a great day to work as a 'team' as there are no hierarchy or management levels in these exercises. Indeed you can observe the team members with natural leadership skills as well as see the drive & energy of individual's.
But was what the intention of Lilly Day of Service? I'm sure there are multiple reasons....but I found a great quote that sums up my feelings:
“Hands that give also receive”
Saturday, May 10, 2008
HP PSG Advisory Board - Boston
Wow - Boston is great city really so beautiful at this time of the year, it able to balance so elegantly being vibrant and historical at the same time. (Oh yeah) why I was in Boston was that I attended HP PSG Advisory Board at MIT - we spent an afternoon with phD students in the MIT Media Lab - way......cool technology. These young students and their projects provided glimpses into the future. I would not even attempt to describe the breadth of their research, it felt like drinking from the fountain.
HP shared some of their latest products in their Labs for feedback. As I'm under NDA I can't reveal specifics.....but was very impressed much more than I expected with some new offerings.
HP shared some of their latest products in their Labs for feedback. As I'm under NDA I can't reveal specifics.....but was very impressed much more than I expected with some new offerings.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Oracle Siebel Pharma Biotech Conference
Last week I was in New Jersey to attend this Oracle Siebel event. This was a classical networking opportunity with other Pharma companies. The personal highlight for me was presenting a presentation on the Onelilly project. What these kinds of events also provide is a to assess completion of work and part of your recent life history.
The reflection from this week is that the Onelilly project is indeed (currently) unique and it appears that every global competitor is now at the planning or initial implementation stages of similar efforts. Makes it all worthwhile.......
The reflection from this week is that the Onelilly project is indeed (currently) unique and it appears that every global competitor is now at the planning or initial implementation stages of similar efforts. Makes it all worthwhile.......
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sayonara
Last week we packed our 360 boxes over a period of four days. It was hard physical work during the day and by night there barely a pause in the celebration of laughter and tears as we bid many friends goodbye.
On reflections of leaving Kobe, Japan we quote: Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees once said“Leaving Australia was the hardest thing I have ever done”
Anna and myself shamelessly have plagiarized him and say:“Leaving Kobe will be one of the hardest things we have ever done “
This is due 100% to the great friends we have made over the last four years. We have indeed been blessed with making some really good friends that we want to keep.
As Aristotle said:
“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit”
On reflections of leaving Kobe, Japan we quote: Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees once said“Leaving Australia was the hardest thing I have ever done”
Anna and myself shamelessly have plagiarized him and say:“Leaving Kobe will be one of the hardest things we have ever done “
This is due 100% to the great friends we have made over the last four years. We have indeed been blessed with making some really good friends that we want to keep.
As Aristotle said:
“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit”
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Parabolic Painting
Brian Williams a talented artist based in Lake Biwa area in Japan has developed a new concept of parabolic painting. Our eyes see dimension and his new style of painting has a 3d dimension as the canvas (he makes custom) is curved. Earlier last year we discussed with Brian about getting a famous ZEN garden in Kyoto (Ryoanji) to be commisioned in these discussions ...we agreed to be guinea pigs for this new concept. He had no yet developed the technology or approach to paint on a curved surface.......We took delivery of this painting late 2007. We are stunned it is really amazing !
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
New Promotion
I've been promoted to Information Officer Lilly USA - this is a $10B organisation - This is a great role that I've been wanting - sometimes you get want you wish for !
Actually the 'funny' story is that I had written in diary some 5 years ago that in 2008 I wanted to move to this role as Information Officer. So once again I've been able to predict or make the future happen - it actually made me think again as I reflected on how this transpired.
Actually the 'funny' story is that I had written in diary some 5 years ago that in 2008 I wanted to move to this role as Information Officer. So once again I've been able to predict or make the future happen - it actually made me think again as I reflected on how this transpired.
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