The recent trial and eventual conviction of Michael Jackson’s physician Dr Conrad Murray has recently brought the American judicial system under a microscope before the whole world. The world saw a slew of evidence and very convincing arguments that led most of us to be fairly sure of the guilt of the not so good doctor.

The evolution of caterpillar to butterfly is the transformation of a creature from ugly to beautiful; from obscure to outstanding and it is a process quite a few of us humans can relate to.

Shrinking describes the action or reaction of diminishing in size in response to a stimulus. A shrinking violet is a term that describes a person who recoils or withdraws from people or situations as a direct response to an action or a series of actions over time just like the flower from which the term originated.

Artistic expression is the display of a passion expressed in a way that elicits a response by its audience. It’s not the pursuit of admiration or even validation of the artist’s talent or lack thereof. It’s a known fact that the greatest of artists never gained acclaim till they were declining in age or even dead.

Every battle leaves scars; some physical, others emotional. When anyone survives a battle; they come out different than they were before; they are forced to develop coping mechanisms to protect and better defend themselves for what next may come. The truth we all have to face is that life is one battle after the next; we survive one and pretty much get ready for the next one.

The world is a global village; its size and distance less of a hindrance to communication and interaction. The conquering of the air for flight and sea for voyages began the downsizing of the vast geographical entity that is the earth.

Most animals shed skin at regular intervals and we regenerate new ones. In humans the process is rather unceremonious and happens all the time but not so in reptiles. When I was younger I had seen a lizard in the process of shedding skin and had been riveted.

Sir Isaac Newton is easily regarded as one of the greatest minds in mathematics/physics. To him is credited the 3 laws of motion; the 1st one, also known as the law of Inertia is attributed to an equally great mind Galileo. Coincidentally Isaac Newton was born the same year Galileo died; a good argument that both men demonstrated the beauty of motion by passing the baton, one to the other in their exemplary existence.

John Steinbeck is the award-winning author of the book that is the title of today’s column. To lovers of deep prose; he is a master craftsman whose words come to life in the twisted tale he tells so beautifully! To those not in the know; it is the tale of George and Lennie; two friends with a dream and a passion to work towards achieving that dream.

Not too long ago, I had been on my way home from a land so very far away. My journey each way included two long haul flights, two three-hour stop- overs and then a four-hour drive before I would eventually be at my destination.