http://thestar.com.my/columnists/ Update: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 MYT 7:49:12 AM http://thestar.com.my/common/images/thestar_140x45.gif http://thestar.com.my/ 88 31 http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/10/columnists/midweek/5644753&sec=midweek In substance, Teheran’s critics continue to pressure yet embolden its ruling elite. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/thestarsays/5631620&sec=thestarsays THERE is no shortage of arresting events in the country, which makes for disappointing rather than heartening reading. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/onthebeat/5630873&sec=onthebeat The recent announcement of the 20 high performing schools has got everyone questioning why some of the old elite schools are not on the list. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/10/columnists/joceline/5644879&sec=joceline Zambry has crossed a critical hurdle with the Federal Court decision, but the politics will not subside because http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/behindtheheadlines/5631492&sec=behindtheheadlines Despite Beijing’s loud protests against more US arms for Taiwan, quieter times could return soon. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/6/columnists/stateside/5606480&sec=stateside After weeks of anxiety, New Yorkers are relieved that the high-profile trial will no longer be held in the city. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/eurofile/5623531&sec=eurofile Work has reached a feverish pace at the Lotus F1 racing factory in Hingham, Norfolk, in eastern England, to roll out the racing car. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/30/columnists/thaitakes/5577061&sec=thaitakes Military coups have been part and parcel of Thai politics – friendly coup, judicial coup, TV coup, silent coup – and the nation may yet see a coup to get rid of the Opposition http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/6/columnists/insightdownsouth/5616558&sec=insightdownsouth In the face of widespread public resentment, the island republic will cap the number of foreign workers as well as cut down on subsidies extended to permanent residents. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/3/columnists/musings/5592000&sec=musings The suggestion that young ladies forgo wearing underpants to celebrate Valentine’s Day have got religious authorities hot under the collar, while much more important events go unremarked on. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/columnists/wheelpower/5591534&sec=wheelpower SO you like to travel ... and you have epilepsy. That is no excuse for anyone to stay at home and avoid going to new places and meeting new people. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/9/columnists/articlesoflaw/5614045&sec=articlesoflaw An elderly parent needs to consider various issues before transferring his only house to his child. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/vasthusastra/5615907&sec=vasthusastra A Turkish bead is gaining popularity among Indians looking to protect themselves from the ill effects of an envious look. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/columnists/butthenagain/5614060&sec=butthenagain Many people are loathe to clear out their closets as it would mean possibly discarding items of sentimental value. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/10/columnists/mindmatters/5441370&sec=mindmatters Compared to the people of war-torn countries, we have a lot to be thankful for. But perhaps it is because we are at peace that we bicker with each other, seeing shadows where there are none. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/5/columnists/whynot/5614829&sec=whynot Flying long distance can be a chore, especially if seated in Economy Class, and the formalities on landing can be a put-off – particularly in one country. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/28/columnists/alongthewatchtower/5558225&sec=alongthewatchtower Malaysians don’t want to be the butt of jokes because of situations created by our leaders, who really should know better. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/columnists/globaltrends/5634779&sec=globaltrends The Copenhagen Accord has yielded very poor results as the developed countries have given very low emission reduction pledges that are in line with disastrous global temperature rise. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/columnists/indiadiary/5624431&sec=indiadiary The leader and his fixer Amar Singh part ways in a trail of bitter invective – a backlash against the ‘culture of money and Bollywood stars’ injected into the rural-based Samajwadi Party. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/9/columnists/ikimviews/5637755&sec=ikimviews From the family unit to community and the government, reliance on Quran-based theories provides many advantages. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/10/columnists/reflectingonthelaw/5644886&sec=reflectingonthelaw The learned judge made a number of rulings that would warm the heart of any constitutional lawyer. Despite that, the restoration of fundamental rights requires continuous judicial vigilance. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/columnists/bravenewworld/5600463&sec=bravenewworld Fumbles and trips as one learns the ropes can be forgiven, but there is a difference between ineptitude and downright sabotage. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/6/columnists/madeinchina/5622606&sec=madeinchina It’s a clash of cultures that brings the pain of separation to some, albeit temporarily, and presents an opportunity for others to kills two birds with one stone. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/31/columnists/contradictheory/5550745&sec=contradictheory He didn’t mince words, but he was never unkind. For him, integrity counted more than financial security. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/31/columnists/cultureculdesac/5544123&sec=cultureculdesac People say, think out of the box. But in the next breath, they peg those who are different with tags. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/senseofstyle/5608883&sec=senseofstyle I’M not feeling this column,” I say to my deputy editor after having written some 800-words to fill this space. One of the things about being a writer is that you get to be a drama queen and say nonsense like this. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/31/columnists/architectureinsideout/5572017&sec=architectureinsideout By describing the genesis of his latest book, our columnist hopes to convince Malaysians that we need to move towards a true understanding of our differences. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2009/12/30/columnists/ziyingbrush/5375331&sec=ziyingbrush Humen stands as a reminder of the ruthless mercantilism of the East India Company in the 19th century heyday of British imperialism. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/10/columnists/childwise/5636947&sec=childwise It is a fun time for three-year-olds as they discover the world around them. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/columnists/londonlog/5596828&sec=londonlog Constant exposure to violence, horror and pornographic films, can have a disturbing influence on young impressionable minds. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/5/columnists/nottoday/5592224&sec=nottoday What’s in a name, you ask? Well, sometimes, a lot rides on one! http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/3/columnists/thedoctorsays/5557733&sec=thedoctorsays Pregnancy can cause all kinds of minor maladies. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/sharingthenation/5623064&sec=sharingthenation Malaysians are tired of ideologues and demagogues who turn every difference of opinion into a threat to the survival of race and religion. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2009/3/22/columnists/wideangle/3526166&sec=wideangle Our columnist makes his maiden parliamentary speech – in his living room. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/24/columnists/straythoughts/5515875&sec=straythoughts A scientist has suggested that video games are even more damaging than previously thought http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/2/columnists/navelgazer/5381300&sec=navelgazer Entrepreneurship has little to do with education or pedigree. Tam, our navel gazer’s favourite char kuay teow man, shows how a truckload of determination can take you very far. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/2/columnists/sambalontheside/5377813&sec=sambalontheside While several parts of Germany celebrate a White Christmas this year, our columnist prefers admiring this natural wonder from indoors , snug next to her radiator http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/5/columnists/questiontime/5616115&sec=questiontime If too many people are apathetic about voting, the government will represent people even less than it already does. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/6/columnists/aquestionofbusiness/5625688&sec=aquestionofbusiness It’s hard to see the benefits to Sime Darby which provides both the land and the hinterland for the joint venture http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/8/columnists/mondaystarters/5576030&sec=mondaystarters FORMER national badminton player and coach Datuk James Selvaraj is very passionate about life after sports. He is especially concerned about what our athletes will do after they are no longer in the limelight. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/columnists/diplomaticallyspeaking/5597237&sec=diplomaticallyspeaking Over the years, scandal corruption and mismanagement, as well as misguided policies have tarnished our country's name. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/1/30/columnists/atyourservice/5541908&sec=atyourservice The civil service is less than ideal in its racial composition. But the greater challenge is how http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/4/columnists/putiklada/5605980&sec=putiklada Sitting down and talking with the right attitude is important so that we can explore all possibilities before we say ‘see you in court’. http://thestar.com.my/columnists/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/columnists/yumcha/5624996&sec=yumcha Over the last 10 years, having the reunion dinner in hotels or restaurants instead of at home has become a norm for many families. Other new trends have also sprung up in the past few years.