Friday Reflections

Revisiting "The Last Lecture" in current times.

Points to Ponder:

The key question to keep asking is, Are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have. – Randy Pausch

Story line: It was summer of 1991. We were returning from vacation from Pacific Northwest. Traffic had come to a stand still on the Highway 505. After a while, traffic started moving very slowly and we reached the location of the traffic jam. Horrific accident, worst I have witnessed in my life; I still shiver thinking about it. Cars were slowing down or had completely stopped to witness the terrible human tragedy. After passing the scene, people seemed stunned silent in their cars and traffic was moving way below the speed limit. But after about 20 minutes cars gradually started picking up speed and very soon it was back to “let the old ways roll.”  Many cars started speeding way above the speed limit. Since that day, I have carefully witnessed the movement of the cars while crossing accidents on the road. Unfortunately the behavior I witnessed on that fateful day in 1991 continues to repeat.

During this Pandemic, I think often about this experience. In the beginning months of Covid, there was overwhelming load of information circulating amongst well-meaning friends and social networks about; human connections, respect for nature, environment, love for all living beings, “essential workers”, simpler life, prevention focus and more. I can go on and on about the reflections and realizations that made us think and act deeper. People seemed to recognize that “The things that matter most should not be put at the mercy of the things that matter least.” This event brought many people closer, made environment cleaner and raised prevention awareness.

Reflection: However as the Pandemic shows the sign of subsiding, my mind keeps drifting to that day in 1991. 

As the old saying goes, “Things that come to you come at a time when you need them the most to go to the next level”. Few days ago, I remembered a gift I had received a decade ago from a friend from Costa Rica. It was the book called: The Last Lecture by Professor Randy Pausch. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had few months to live. He delivered his “Last Lecture” titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” in September 2007. The Last Lecture talk series was based on the theme “What wisdom would you try to impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?”

The book is worth reading not only to reflect on what world went through in past 18 months but also to shape bright wonderful future for us. Next month happens to be the 13^th anniversary of Randy Pausch’s last day on earth. (July 25, 2008).

The shorter video on the top of this article covers some key messages from his book. For people interested in learning further, below is the link to his full lecture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo&feature=youtu.be

 “It’s not about how to achieve your dreams, it’s about how to lead your life…If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself, the dreams will come to you.”

 

Find the best person for the job, the second best is too expensive.*

"Good employees/workers are hard to find. So I did everything possible to keep them. Looking for new ones (unknowns) is like betting in Las Vegas.” Joe Z my former boss

Story Line: About two years ago, we needed some work done in our home. A good friend recommended a guy. Listening to his clear explanations about the things he was working on and observing how he conducted work, we were impressed. After work was completed with precision, he cleaned up not only work area but surrounding space too, rolled and tied loose items like nets and hoses that were scattered in the garden area and removed invasive plants; none of which were any part of the job he was asked to do. After that he asked us if there is anything else that he could do. That raised our curiosity about this person.

The next time he came to our place, we asked him to join us for breakfast before starting his work. During our chat, we discovered that in his 20s and 30s, he had spent many years in Saipan and learnt many skills. He had passion for technical (electrical, mechanical) subjects and loved to build and fix items. He also owned many pigeons and trained them for racing. We learnt how much care he took in preparing organic food for his flock. We appreciated clarity of his thought process in everything he described and thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.

Our dog, Zena Doolittle, also seemed to like him a lot. So when we were going to be out of town, he offered to take care of her. When Zena returned, she was well groomed and her water and food containers were shiny like brand new ones.

Over last two years, he has demonstrated his versatility and commitment to excellence in many projects; with each one executed flawlessly. But what about the value for dependability, reliability, integrity and trustworthiness?

Reflection:

Work was what we needed done in our home but what we got as bonus was learning about his values, high work ethics, attitude towards life and good family friendship. Every time he comes, first 15 minutes before start of work are spent on chismis (chit chat) and last 45 minutes of the day on shoot the breeze session about various aspects of life over mirianda (snack and drink)

 He was from a small town in Pampanga, Philippines. His father passed away early. He wanted to be an engineer and got admission in University. But he was sent off to Saipan to work. So he learnt different skills and gained experience by doing different jobs; with utility industry, airlines and others. Eventhough he could not get a degree he wanted, he demonstrates high level of education.

 

*My father used to tell me this quote that he believed was from Senior Rockefeller. Following that message had served them well. I too have been fortunate in my life to follow and benefit immensely from those words of wisdom.

Thanks to Prasadbhai Vepa for sharing: Your Work is Your Signature Quote.

Tough times do not last, but tough people do ...(My Lola-10 Years Later)

Point to Ponder: "Hope is a good thing, may be the best thing, and no good thing ever dies” - from the movie Shawshank Redemption

Storyline: Previously published on May 2011 under the title "Old Soldier never dies,he/she only fades away" - Repeat with an update on 10th Anniversary:

In these times of global health crisis, major political and regional conflicts, economic challenges and employment worries, I would like to share the remarkable life story of a "common" person that has been anything but common. Her friends and relatives affectionately call her “My Lola” (Grandma). I met her during my visit to Manila in 1978 and got to know her more during my expatriate assignment in the early '80s.  Here is her story:

She was born to a Chinese father and a Filipino mother. In her teenage years, she lost both parents and was left to take care of three younger siblings. In order to survive, she started a small business: she supported the family by selling fruits, vegetables & fish to locals in the market.

During the second world war, she learnt the language of the occupying enemy army, cut her hair short and dressed like a boy to survive. One day most of the people in her town were slaughtered by the occupying force before retreating. They didn't want to leave any trace for the American forces that were advancing towards her town to rescue the local people. She escaped death only because of the kindness of one enemy soldier. When Americans arrived, not knowing they were friends or enemies, she hide herself and came out only when one American soldier who had noticed her offered some chocolate.*

Seeing her struggles, a relative placed her in wealthy family as a housemaid. Her little earnings helped in taking care of her siblings. But her request to go to night school after day duties was denied. So she took it upon herself to study by listening to people, observing and inquiring whenever oportunities came up. In her early 20s, she got married and started another business that provided a comfortable, middle-class living for the next 30 years.

Sadly, in the mid '70s, a fire destroyed her home and her business. Before she could launch another venture, one of her teenage sons developed a rare disease and died, after long and very expensive medical treatment which drained the family savings. Most of the meals during that time were vegetables with soy sauce and rice. She would eat leftovers after everyone was done eating. A year later, another teenage son met with a vehicle accident and died, when returning from work to earn for the family. One would think that this is enough misery for one person in one lifetime.

Unfortunately, in the early '80s, her eldest son (23 years old) and her husband died. She was left to support the three remaining young children by herself.  She learned to read and speak English while taking care of a young boy; she would make the little one read a book, and while moving her finger on every word, listen carefully and pick up the pronunciation.

Eventually she went abroad and for the next 27 years her life turned for the better. In December 2008, on her 77th birthday, I asked her for a formal interview. After recapturing many of her experiences, and her creative approaches for surviving and eventually thriving in life, I asked her the final question. “What kept you going on in life with all that has happened?”

“Hope” she answered. “I never gave up thinking that tomorrow will be better than today and kept on going. Every day was precious and I gave my best efforts.”

Personally I have not met anyone who has been through so much in one life time. But what she said in her final answer is what I witnessed every time I saw her. On one Sunday in 2009, I chatted with her about the massive global problems going on at that time.  She told me, “Trust me. Things will get better.”

This story was originally published in November 2008.  Shortly after, “My Lola” (Mrs. Lim) developed some major health issues. In next two and a half years, she defied five calls by specialists for her demise and showed remarkable recoveries each time, to the surprise of all. Her willpower was inspirational to all who were fortunate to witness it. But on early afternoon of May 5th, 2011 her body gave way. During her life she fought every adversity/battle hard, never gave up and came through. And her last battle was no different. She demonstrated in all conversations and actions that she was going to give every ounce of energy she had and not give up on her own.

As her care taker put it: “They leave the way they live.” 

Reflection: Some people and their stories leave lifelong memories and learnings. Through the years, there have been many Friday Reflections about such people and thier remarkable stories. Today, May 5th, is the 10th anniversary of My Lola leaving this earth. She left a legacy; her life story, determination, drive, strong work ethics and good moral values are carried on by her daughter, her roommate of 21 years (her grand daughter) and her grandson. Also she never forgot that enemy soldier who saved her life and also "American"* soldier who rescued her with chocolate. Later in life she would tell that story to her granddaughter's husband who is "American". I am incredibly fortunate to have met her in this journey and learned from her practical wisdom that was  incorporated in my work and personal life.

Remembering the words of the artist and author Flavia Weedn:

"Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same."

Title Line 'Tough Times do not last, tough people do'  is a quote by Robert H. Schuller

 

 

Akshar(E): Thinking outside the box for Education, Environment and Empowerment.

   

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Point to Ponder: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

Story Line: For past month I was thinking of an appropriate story for this special week of Good Friday and Easter. As an old saying goes “Things come to you at a time when you need them the most to get to the next stage, but you must learn from those things first.”

Two weeks ago childhood friends shared information about Akshar, a foundation and the school in Assam, India that accepts plastics (bottles, bags..) as fees in exchange for practical education and also uses innovative approach to utilize child labor to eliminate child labor Child Labor. Many of these children would have otherwise been working as laborers to earn living for their families and they would have never gotten an opportunity to go to school. It was fascinating to see out of the box approach for three Rs’ (Reduce,Reuse,Recycle) in all aspects of their operations.

Last week I had a good fortune to attend a short talk by the founder of Akshar, Dr. Alaka Sharma who has dedicated her life in the service of poor people and indigenous tribes in North East India. At the age of 22, she left her home in Mumbai to help people in the faraway land. In 2014, together with her daughter and son in law they started this school that has created a paradigm shift in education. Vision: Teach them how to save the world.

Instead of writing details of their approach and results here, I would like to share comprehensive and inspiring information about this organization that is already presented well in the website.

I believe their story of service to people in need is timely and appropriate to review and reflect for this special week. 

Mission, Objectives and Key Results

https://www.aksharfoundation.org/

Accountability: Also please look at their annual reports in the following section:

https://www.aksharfoundation.org/media

Reflection: In the past 16 years of over 700 posts, there are just a few stories that have classified under all seven values of Friday Reflections. This is one of those rare stories that is true to FR motto: Things that are given away are never lost and all seven values; Passion, Assume Responsibility, Keep on Learning New Skills, People and Relationships, Flexibility and Performance and Results.

In the words of Mother Teresa “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.”  

Happy Easter to Friends around the World

Back to Basics-Lessons from Andy Grove

Point to Ponder:  "The new business environment dictates two rules: 1) Everything happens faster; and, 2) Anything that can be done will be done. If it's not done by you it will be by someone else."  Andrew Grove

 Story Line: Back to Basics: Lessons from Andy Grove

A day before Andy Grove retired, I had a rare fortune to meet the person who was Andy’s Technical Assistant in his early career and then a senior executive of our company. Our Boss Gidu Shroff had invited Sean Maloney for a dialogue about state of the business and implication on our group’s strategy. Knowing that Sean had been TA of Andy in his early career, my curiosity compelled me to drift from business related discussions to some questions about Andy.

“You were once the technical assistant to the man who is on his last day at work at Intel. a. How did that experience help you in your career and b. what are some great things about Andy that you learnt.?” Sean’s Answers: 

1. Question the obvious. When everybody says something is this way or great, better question hard.
2. Very analytical, could understand incredible amount of details and linkages
3. Always pushed you to do better. Always made you believe that there is still a way to go in realizing your potential.
4. Very committed to the development of the people who worked for him and He devoted a lot of time on this subject.

Reflection: After the meeting, my mind ventured into memories lane about a few past encounters with/about Andy that were so consistent with what I had learnt about him that day.

1. When I joined Intel first time in 1980s, Andy was one of the speakers at New Hire Orientation. Three things that influenced my career from that talk were: the importance of a sound culture for an organization, focus on employee training and development (Intel University) and If you see a problem you own it. Don’t bury the problems or they will become large. Bring them out and address them. (and if it is not in your area, find the right owner who can fix them.)
2. About 35 people from different sites from the company were in the phone bridge meeting to discuss a lingering problem “exposed glass lid” that had impacted product shipments. Andy showed up to one meeting and after a few minutes of listening, excused most of the people (note takers, facilitators, reporters, speculators,..) and gave actions and ownership to engineers in Asian factories. He had quickly understood the technical issue and realized that a lot of side actors were dominating the stage instead of the Doers.
3. In mid 1980s, one of our plants in Asia had done pilot implantation of Just in Time System. The plant manager was very excited with results and wanted to take the lead to proliferate the system across the company. One morning he got a call from none other than Andy Grove who asked him about JIT. After listening to very excited plant manager describing glorious benefits of JIT, Andy asked only one question: What could go wrong with the system? In the words of that manager” I was frozen. I had not thought about that part.” Andy told him to do the homework and then come back with new proposal.
4. Sometime after Andy had already retired, our boss also retired after a long service. Andy sent a video message expressing his appreciation and recounting memories of their association and some incidences that had taken place over 20 years ago. That was a class act.

Success does not discriminate: The Jewel in the Palace

Point to Ponder: "Champions (Winners) aren't made in gyms (conference rooms and class rooms). Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: A desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill." Muhammad Ali

Story Line (from 2006): The beauty of success is that it does not discriminate...and nor is it exclusively held for certain classes of people based on gender, race, social status, national origins or religions.

So during my last overseas visit, when I repeatedly heard about a Korean Mini Series "Jewel in the Palace", which has captivated 100s of millions of viewers of all kinds over South east Asia (From Manila to Malaysia, Seoul to Singapore and Taipei to Tokyo), my curiosity took over.

About 500 years ago, during the time of Chosun dynasty, Jang Geum, a poor eight year orphan girl from a lower class of society is brought to the King's palace to work as a court lady. "Jewel in the Palace" is a true story of Jan Geum's journey from the lowly court servant to the head of Royal Kitchen and ultimately she became the first woman to be the Royal Physician in charge of the king and awarded the title Dae (Great) Jang Geum.

What is even more fascinating are the characteristics of winners that she displays right from childhood as well as a demonstration of Out of the Box Thinking techniques (Focus, Challenge, Associate and Paradigm Shift) throughout her life in a highly beauracratic and hierarchical structure. She is not allowed in the school becuase of her low status but she peeks in the classrooms through windows and learns.

Winners in life have a definite purpose. There was never a winner who did not plan to win in advance and Jang Geum is no exception. In her first encounter with Palace Heads, the eight year old declares, “I want to be the head of the Royal Kitchen.” (Imagine a fresh graduate in his first meeting with VPs saying "I am here to become a COO or CFO". How would it go?). Winners are aware of the price they will have to pay and Jang Geum endures all kinds of (some very severe) punishments, hardships and discriminations throughout her life but stays on course.

She practices OBT ideas by closely observing things, recombining normal ingredients to create new dishes and medicines; which delights the royal family. But the ultimate is the example in Paradigm Shift where she uses acupuncture and surgery to heal a rabbit. It had never been done before and in the process she demonstrated the surgery was a viable option where traditional medicines were not effective.

And just like many Risk Takers, she goes in and falls out of grace with superiors and eventually becomes a prey of Palace politics and fired. She is sent to exile to a remote island. She makes the best out of the situation and learns about medicines and becomes a Physician. With fierce drive and determination, she finds a way back into the palace. Her resourcefulness, integrity and valued solutions are eventually noticed by the king himself and she becomes the first woman to be the Royal Physician of the king.

Reflection: I am sure it is clear to you by now why the story is titled “(The) Jewel in the Palace.” It is a powerful story from Korean history about the rise of a little girl from a meager background to the head Physician of the Palace. During my business trip in Asia I found out that Corporate Executives and  managers/engineers were hooked on this miniseries so upon return I spent 3 full weekends watching it. I realized that in the history of every culture there are stories like this that one can learn a lot from. Things that one can learn from such stories are normally taught in corporate leadership classes; one can just watch such movies and get real life lessons.

Theme song from the mini-series

 

 

One Person’s Trash Is Another’s Treasure. Resources vs Resourcefulness.

There Is No Such Thing As Rubbish

by the children playing in the street corner. Siem Reap, Cambodia. Photo by Luisa Go Shah

Point to Ponder: ‘If children grew up according to early indications, we should have nothing but geniuses.' Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Story Line: During our trip to Siem Reap in 2016, we saw these five little kids playing in a street corner. They had just released the model UC; convertible, all-wheel drive, thread controlled human pull car with the capability of carrying heavy load. Each one of them was taking turns in test driving this new model.

Reflection: The model UC (Unlimited Creativity) was the product of these kids’ imagination and the excellent team work. They had engaged in the creative use of resources (milk bottles, caps, wood sticks, pebbles themselves etc). All materials used in building this product were domestically produced and obtained at no cost from garbage can, trees and river bank.

And they seemed to be very happy enjoying their Made in Cambodia product.

Remembering the words of Great Teacher Tony Robbins: It's not resources but resourcefulness that ultimately makes the difference.

 

Republished with the comments of readers from the first publication dated July 14, 2016.

Comments

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce.

Posted by: Save our Planet | July 14, 2016 at 08:28 PM

Don't let this Benchmarks get to our management.
Soon they will replace us all, last of the survivors, with Cambodian kids.

Posted by: Wortied | July 14, 2016 at 10:05 PM

We experience it in Pulp industry in Indonesia (or anywhere else). Pulp production produces good and poor quality pulp (off grade). Our Norwagian Pulp mill manager announce there's no off grade in my Mill. Off grade has its uses like using for brown papers, Cartons, paper bags, etc. It has a price.

Posted by: Suresh Shah | July 15, 2016 at 02:41 AM

Make Cambodia Great Again initiative? 😂

Posted by: Rajan | July 15, 2016 at 07:14 AM

Imagination, Visualization and Creativity are skills that are all different and some children are allowed to learn them, some learn them on their own and some it is just part of their DNA.
Imagination is the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses. Imagination and dreaming can coincide to help people feel something they want to do. Visualization is the formation of mental visual images or actually sting pictures in your mind of what you are want to do, say or build. Some people have a hard time visualizing, some have a difficult time visualizing in color or more than two dimensionally but kids allowed, taught and encourage learn to take what they imagine and put it in mental pictures in three dimensions and /or put it on paper or express it through art. Many adults have lost that skill. Creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination. Many children and some adults are creative but many are taught to "stay within the lines" or "don't imagine things you can't, shouldn't or don't have the ability to do. Children in the right environments learn all three more easily than adults mostly because they have learned that they "can't."

Posted by: Lonnie Hurst | July 15, 2016 at 07:19 AM

For you every encounter is a learning experience.

Thanks for continuing to share your experiences.

Posted by: Jason | July 15, 2016 at 07:51 AM

Anand - I applaud your creativity along with that of these kids. I may have seen a similar scene several times on a trip to India- but I could never have "seen" it in the way you have, much less described it in this way.
Fun can be had without high tech fancy gadgets. Its great to see that these kids actually are outdoors- and looking around at the surroundings-( vs. a screen) and creating - without parental interference :)
I second the sentiments from @ Jason

Posted by: Madhuri | July 15, 2016 at 09:21 AM

This is such a great reminder/lesson… we spoil our kids when we don’t need to and we ruin their natural imaginative powers.

Take care

Posted by: BHSC | July 15, 2016 at 10:15 AM

I noticed this photo among a set that you shared among a group of friends. I was very impressed but didn't mention it to you. So how nice to see the photo given a spotlight in FridayReflections!

I am reminded of an adage I once heard about parenting, which is attributed to Dear Abby (Abigail van Buren, real name Pauline Phillips):
“If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them, and half as much money.”

Posted by: Levi's | July 15, 2016 at 04:01 PM

Pardon me but the model in above picture seems two wheel drive.
Still a great idea and superb reflection. Thanks

Posted by: Auto Fan since childhoodh | July 15, 2016 at 05:04 PM

Today, or so it appears to me, time for children is too structured (art, gymnastics, sports, dance, scouts, music, etc. ) and although some of this is needed, there needs to be time for kids to just learn how to entertain themselves doing things like: playing in the creek, climbing trees, breaking glass bottles in an illegal dump, knocking down bees' nests, building tunnels with hay bales in the barn, riding your bike to the fishing hole. As Levi posted above, all these things can be accomplished with little or no money. When I was a kid, when we went fishing, we each bought a can of soda and a big of chips for $.25 to take along with us for the 4+ mile ride.

Posted by: Mark Dennen | July 16, 2016 at 04:30 AM

 

The Lego Story: Creating the System of Endless Possibilities

The LEGO Story- How it all started 

Point to Ponder:  I remember when I first started working I’ve always said that I didn’t like sales. No sales job I would say. Simply because I felt I can’t do sales. That I’m not good at it. But as I ventured further into my job, I realised we are all saleperson, trying to sell something, to make an impression, to get something out of the work we are doing. -  A note from a former work associate from Malaysia-  And now an entrepreneur( in response to last week’s Friday Reflection)

Story Line: I came across this video ‘The Lego Story- How it all began’ eight months ago. Since then our grandsons and I have watched it many times; in fact we watch every-time we meet. It’s a fascinating, captivating and educational story that narrates how to build an entire system of endless possibilities for an idea. 

Ofcourse, like many stories of successful entrepreneurs, it is the story of personal tragedies, hardships, passion and persistence. But it also shows how Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the founder, used the systems approach In design (creation), product (making) and customer delight (sales).

Only the best is good enough as motto plus innovative solutions and promotion practices, Ole and his successors have created a world without limits for children around the world. 

Reflection: The Lego Story was in the backlog list for ‘Future Friday Reflections‘ for a while. The note from the young entrepreneur from Penang is the catalyst for bringing it on the top of the list. There  are many valuable tips in this story for every age group, every job function and for the people venturing into their own business. It can also help us in creating a system to build and enhance our own personal brand. Something to ponder...

 

 

 

Coming to think of it, Who is the most important sales person of it all?

Points to Ponder: “If you change the way you look at things, things you look at change.” Dr. Wayne Dryer

 

Story Line: 

Coming to think of it, who is the most important salesperson of it all? (This FR was originally published on June 23rd 2005. Good to refresh the basics once in a while)

One of the best salespersons I have known once told me, “In sales, getting inside the customer’s door is half the job.” Businesses spend sizable amount of money (hundreds of millions for large corporations) on marketing, advertising, promotion, events and travel to get inside the customer’s door. Only after that can they talk about the merits of their products or services, make a sale, and deliver performance that can eventually establish their brand image. (Good Will)

Now think about the situation where many (hundreds on some days) potential customers are knocking on and walking through your door every day, without you having to spend the money.  For a business, this sounds like a field of dreams. (“Wait, He is on to something.”)

That is exactly what happens when suppliers, job applicants and many other visitors come to your company’s door. Even though they come knocking on your door for an opportunity to get your business or get a job, you in turn have a golden opportunity to make the lasting impression about your brand. Negotiate hard, interview tough but how you treat them as people, how you carry yourself as the representative of your brand (company’s and personal) makes all the difference in winning the hearts and minds of hundreds of potential customers every day, and establishes long term relationships. 

Now a sales person would say, “This is what the dreams are made of. Is this heaven?”

In a nut shell:

Cup of Coffee and Doughnuts             $2.00
Common Courtesy                               A Smile and a warm hand shake
Good Will                                          Priceless
For Everything else??                         (Nope, I am not talking about the master card)  
                                                            See the next Line

You and Your Company’s Brand Image.

Those who never learn from history are.....

You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.- Abraham Lincoln

Point to Ponder: When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always. -Mahatma Gandhi

Story Line: Downfall- Hitler's Outrage (Original Subtitles)

Reflection: Those who never learn from history are forever condemned to repeat it.